Dependent Development explaination on how Third World countries can still develop in an arrangement of dependency to developed countries resources.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss dependent development theory that emerges from dependency theory of development. The paper starts with the brief revision of dependency theory of development that enables to apprehend the new emerging theory of dependent development which is the center of discussion in this paper. The paper then reviews how third world countries can still develop in an arrangement of dependency to developed countries resources by using dependent development theory. Finally, the paper will point out the emerging relevance of the dependent development theory in developing economies today.

Conception of development under dependence analysis

In 1950s and 1960s the concept of development was dominated by dependency theory explanation because of global changes in demand resulted from a new international division of labor whereas peripheral countries namely; Africa, Asia and Latin America specialized in primary production and dominated by importation of consumer goods from western countries. Production and consumption benefited a few populations in periphery countries especially ruling class who cooperated with developed countries leading to a peripheral capitalism and dependent transformation from outside countries (Wayne, 2006). Andre Gunder Frank was one of the classical dependency theorist that regarded state as weak to control internal affairs, thus emerging of the new strand based on dependent development come to challenge the notion of weak state by developing the concept of strong state in controlling internal affairs and moderating the relationships between core and developed countries.

Dependent development analysis

Then dependent development theory emerged as a response to changes existed in in the nature of international economic exchange in 1970s which was regarded as core to periphery relations since 1960s (Wayne, 2006). Cardoso, Faletto, Gereffi and Evans are among of pioneers of the dependent development theory whereby they emphasize that the recent tendency for transnational firms to invest in industrial production in non-core countries makes it necessary to draw a distinction between classical dependency and newly emergent form of dependent industrialization in relationships between developed and third world countries (Bradshaw, Kim& Bruce, 1993). According to Evans (1979), Dependent Development simply means “a condition where dependency, economic growth and economic diversification exist at the same time”. He says however “dependent development is not, it should be stressed, the negation of dependence. It is rather dependence combined with development.” again he went further on emphasize that, only semi-periphery countries can achieve the status of true dependent development. In regards, the applicability of dependent development to third world countries should relies on combination of economic dependency and economic growth rather than triple alliance that may lead to uneven growth that can happen in selective sector of the economy (modern sectors). Thus, dependent development should not negate dependence but dependence combined with development.The need of strong state to manage internal and external affairs in the concept of dependent development was imperative to manage the relations. To extend the discussion on dependent development theory, Gereffi (1989) compliment to the theory by focusing on transnational economic linkages namely; foreign trade, foreign aid, direct foreign investment and foreign loans and the role of the state in dependency management. Thus, it makes a critical evaluation in the distinction between rapid economic growths experienced in new industrialized countries in 1960s and 1970s and the difficulties existed in Latin America nations to maintain their previous economic growth by 1970s as a result of adopting different path to development. In regards to this concept, dependent development in third world countries should enshrine and focus on national development strategies(Bradshaw, Kim and Bruce, 1993). To sum up, the interaction between international and international forces, polity and economy and between state and various international linkages will be the basis on attaining dependent development to third world countries and fulfillment of human capabilities and capacities that produce human society that can nature human flourishing.

The major strand of dependent development is the existence of the so–called “triple alliance’’ which comprises foreign capital, local capital and the domestic state. Briefly, Foreign capital involve; external investment, trade, capital and technology. Next are local capitals which include local people who have local channels, connections and knowledge of the local market. Then lastly is the state, where by dependent development theorists argued that state must be relative strong visionary, negotiating with foreign investors by creating rules to ensure investment is being protected and creating local investors. All these issues third world countries not only demanded but required to embrace so much so that to enhance modern sector especially industrial development.

On the other hand since third world countries characterized with low level of science and technology, low production, low gross domestic product (GDP) and less industrialized compared to the developed countries, the dependent development theorists call upon for transnational economic linkages so much that third world countries can develop in an arrangement of dependency to developed countries resources. These transnational economic linkages according to Gereffi (1989), include; foreign aid, foreign direct investment, foreign trade, foreign loans and the role of the state in dependency management. Now to clarify further with reference to dependent development the following are the argument which shows how third world countries can still develop in an arrangement of dependence to developed countries resource as follows.

First, the role of the state since most of the states in third world countries are considered to be weak in term of governance and inability to set effective government policies which shape domestic sphere and country’s relationship with external countries. Dependent development theorists call upon states in third world countries to be relative strong. This implies ability of the state to negotiate with foreign investors and setting micro economic strategies or measures based on laws to govern investment which is protected and also states must create the local investors by providing them with better environment which will attract them. According to Gereffi and Wyman (1990), states must focus on “nation’s development strategies which links policies and production structures in a such way as to shed light on a country’s relationship to international markets and resources and on its decisions about economic growth and equity’’. This is to say that, weak states cannot formulate efficient and effective strategies of state-led industrialization. So, the third world countries can still develop in an arrangement of dependency to developed countries resources if only their states are strong and not weak simply because to Evans (1979), weak states do not possess the resources or strength to follow a path of dependent development.

Second, integration between economic dependency and economic growth, the widespread of third word counties namely; Africa, Asia, Latin America, Middle East and the Caribbean constitutes of low per capita income countries that focus on economic development or economic growth. These terms are simultaneously dependent to each other but they are not identical, thus economic growth focus on increase in a county’s production or income per capita while economic development focus on economic growth accompanied by change in output distribution and economic structure (Wayne, 2006:15). Indeed, these concepts have captured the debate of development and dependency since 1960’s. Economic dependency connotes an explanation of economic development of a state in term of external influence (Sunkel, 1969).To explain the integration between economic dependency and economic growth in third world countries development is context sensitive in the new strand of dependency theory namely dependent development theory focusing on the change of international economic exchange that challenge the classical dependency strand that regard state as epiphenomenal that there is nothing to explain in term of state while dependent development theorist place state (strong state) at the center for moderating relationship between the core and third world countries (Bradshaw, Kim and Bruce, 1993).

The relationship between the center and third world countries in the concept of dependent development theory is non-zero sum game (Cohen, 1973:217). And the integration between economic dependency and economic growth in a global economy will be rooted in the relationships between foreign economic linkages, local elites and the state, thus this model of integration will focus on dependency combined with development through different path like reliance on foreign aid and trade as experienced in Latin America countries such as Mexico, Brazil and Argentina and involvement in transnational corporations a model of East Asia Countries such as South Korea, Taiwan Hong Kong and Singapore and in Africa, Kenya increased manufacturing sector in 1989 through foreign investment and remained dependent on raw material exports (Bradshaw, Kim and Bruce, 1993). For instance, Evans (1979) point out the difficult of foreign companies to establish a market in third world countries whereas, require a close collaboration between foreign companies and local firms because they are capable of understanding the market and commercial network within their countries. The applicability of this relation is evident when local elites coordinate and integrate the activities of multinational companies within their locality.In arrangement of dependent development theory, the integration between economic dependency and economic growth in third world countries will require a strong state to manage dependency through domestic institutions to use external economic resources optimal, productively and selectively to enhance national advantage and focus on nation development strategies which will link policies and production structure of a country relationships in international market and resources as well as shaping the decision on domestic economic growth (Gereffi, 1989).

Third, the use of comparative advantage as a path to development, whereas the concept of this model is developed from the theory of comparative advantage developed by David Ricardo. Comparative advantage is based on trade exchange concept that connote the ability of a party (a firm or a country) to produce particular goods or services efficiently at a lower opportunity cost than another party (Ricardo, 1817). The model of Comparative advantage explains how trade can benefit both side namely developed and third world countries in term of gains from trade. Trade exchange between developed and third world countries may benefit both parties in the context of state-led dependency management. Third world countries such as the entire area of Africa mostly possess factors of production such as land and labor while developed countries they have power of resources and technology that can be used as means to trade for a comparative advantage. Thus for comparative advantage to correspond with dependent development theory, gain from trade should focus on nation development strategies(Bradshaw, Kim and Bruce, 1993). For instance the prosperity of Mexico has been contributed by North American Free Trade Area (NAFTA) in which the United States of America (USA) and Mexico agreed to trade on the basis of comparative advantage (Villarreal, 2017). Using comparative advantage, third world countries in arrangement of dependency to developed countries resources can develop through specializing in export of raw material so as to increase manufacturing sector through foreign investment and trade.

Relevance of dependent development

In regards of the above discussion, dependent development theory has some sort of relevance to the contemporary dependency developing economies simply because the idea of having a strong state as a means to facilitate and forming strategies for development thus, the state was regarded not insulted or autonomous but a place whereby different actors such civil social groups come together and generate strategies for change. This is relevant in the contemporary globalization of capital by global civil society that exists to compliment the state in development strategies such as building private schools and university like African Institute for Development Policy in Kenya and hospitals. For instance across Africa there is Africa Fair Trade Network Operating (Fairtrade) in Kenya, African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD) in Zimbabwe, Center for Development Support Initiatives (CEDSI) in Nigeria and Word Action Fund in Uganda, all of these they forms civils society on trade and development for Africa.

Generally, it is interesting for Third World countries to develop in an arrangement with dependency to developed countries resources on the basis of dependent development theory by working on developmental perspective and embracing interventionist state perspective that correspond to state-led management of transnational economic linkages in attaining dependent development.

REFERENCES
Bradshaw, Y, Kim, Y. and London, B. (1993). Transnational Economic Linkages, the State, and Dependent Development in South Korea, 1966-1988: A Time-Series Analysis. Social Force, Vol. 72, No. 2. Pp 315-345
Cohen, B. (1973). The Question of Imperialism: The Political Economy of Dominance and Dependence. New York: Basic Books.
Evans, P. (1979). Dependent Development: The Alliance of Multinational, State and Local Capital in Brazil. Princeton University Press
Gereffi, G. (1989). Rethinking Development Theory: Insights from East Asia and Latin America. Sociological Forum, Vol. 4, pp 505-533
Gereffi, G. & Donald, W. (eds.). (1990). Manufacturing Miracles: Paths of Industrialization in Latin America and East Asia. Princeton University Press
Ricardo, D. (1817). The Principle of Political Economy and Taxation. Canada: Batoche Books
Sunkel, D. (1969). National Development Policy and External Dependence in Latin America.The Journal of Development Studies. Vol. 6, No. 1, pp 23
Villarreal, A. (2017). U.S-Mexico Economic Relations: Trends, Issues and Implications. Congressional Research Service
Wayne, E. (2006). Economic Development. USA: Cambridge University Press

MFAHAMU HASTINGS KAMUZU BANDA RAIS ALIYETUHUMIWA KUWAUA MAWAZIRI WAKE WANNE KWA KUWAPIGA MISUMARI VICHWANI.

Kamuzu Banda alizaliwa karibu na Kasungu, Malawi iliyokuwa wakati ule sehemu ya eneo lindwa la Afrika ya Kati ya Kiingereza (baadaye Nyasaland).

Wazazi walikuwa Mphonongo Banda na Akupingamnyama Phiri. Tarehe ya kuzaliwa haijulikani ilhali wakati ule hakukuwa na utaratibu wa kuandikisha watu. Alikubali baadaye matokeo ya utafiti wa rafiki kutoka Marekani aliyekadiria ya kwamba alizaliwa mnamo Machi au Aprili 1898.

Jina lake Kamuzu lamaanisha "mzizi mdogo" kwa sababu alizaliwa baada ya mama yake kutumia dawa ya mitishamba kwa kusudi la kupata mimba.

Banda lilikuwa jina la baba yake, na jina la Hastings alijiongezea baada ya kubatizwa kwa heshima ya mmisionari mmoja kutoka Uskoti aliyependwa naye.

Mnamo 1915–1916 Banda aliondoka kwao akisafiri kwanza Rhodesia ya Kusini (sasa Zimbabwe) na mwaka 1917 aliendelea hadi Johannesburg katika Afrika Kusini alipopata kazi kwenye migodi ya Witwatersrand. Wakati ule alijiunga na kanisa la African Methodist Episcopal Church na hapo askofu wa kanisa lile aliona kipaji chake akamkubali kwa masomo. Mwaka 1925 Banda aliondoka kwenda Marekani.

Alisoma kwa miaka 3 kwenye Wilberforce Institute iliyokuwa chuo cha Kanisa la A.M.E. akaendelea kwa miaka 2 Bloomington, Indiana, kwa maandalizi ya masomo ya tiba.

Kutoka huko alikaribishwa kuhamia Chuo Kikuu cha Chicago alipokuwa msaidizi wa profesa wa lugha aliyetunga kamusi na sarufi ya lugha ya Chichewa, akajisomea historia akamaliza bachelor. Kwa msaada wa wafadhili aliweza kuendelea kusoma elimu ya tiba kwenye Meharry Medical College huko Tennessee alipomaliza mwaka 1937.

Kwa kurudi kwao kama tabibu alihitaji mtihani kufuatana na mfumo wa Uingereza, hivyo alihamia Chuo Kikuu cha Edinburgh alipopokea vyeti vya tiba na upasuaji mwaka 1941. Alianza kufanya kazi ya tabibu huko Uingereza katika miaka 1941-1951.

Mwaka 1946 Banda aliombwa kuhudhuria mkutano wa Pan-African Congress mjini Manchester (15-19 Oktoba 1945) kama mwakilishi wa Nyasaland. Tangu mkutano huu alishiriki katika siasa. Alijulikana kwake Nyasaland kama Mwafrika mwenye elimu ya juu zaidi kutoka nchi yake.

Baada ya miaka kadhaa huko Gold Coast (Ghana) aliombwa na wanasiasa Waafrika arudi Nyasaland akafika mwaka 1958. Kwenye mkutano wa chama cha Nyasaland African Congress (NAC) alichaguliwa mara moja kuwa kiongozi. Alikuta nchi yake Nyasaland kuwa sehemu ya Shirikisho la Afrika ya Kati ambako walowezi wa Rhodesia ya Kusini walikuwa na hasira kubwa na kuendeleza ubaguzi wa rangi. Banda alipinga kuwepo kwa shirikisho hili.

Alizunguka nchini akiwahutubia watu na kudai uhuru wa Unyasa, Kutokana na muda mrefu wa kukaa mbali na nyumbani alihitaji wafasiri maana alishindwa mwanzoni kutumia Lugha mama yake.

Wananchi wengi walimfuata na hadi mwaka 1959 harakati ya uhuru iliongezeka kiasi kwamba serikali ilitangaza hali ya dharura. Banda alikamatwa na kuwekwa jela kwa miezi 11. Chama cha NAC kilipigwa marufuku lakini wanachama nje ya gereza waliunda badala yake chama cha "Malawi Congress Party" (MCP) na kumtangaza Banda kuwa mwenyekiti ingawa bado alikaa jela.

Wakati huo wanasiasa katika Uingereza walianza kukazia uhuru kwa makoloni yake. Kwa hiyo Banda aliachishwa gerezani kwenye Aprili 1960 akapelekwa London kwa majadiliano kuhusu uhuru wa nchi.

Baada ya uchaguzi wa Agosti 1961 ulioleta kura nyingi kwa chama chake Banda alikuwa waziri wa ardhi na serikali za mitaa. Tarehe 1 Februari 1963 alikuwa waziri mkuu wa Nyasaland.

Mwaka 1964 aliongoza nchi kwenye uhuru kamili. Banda aliamua kubadilisha jina kutoka Nyasaland kuwa "Malawi".

Wakati wa Agosti na Septemba 1964 Banda alijikuta mara ya kwanza mbele ya upinzani wa mawaziri wengi. Walilalamika juu ya Banda kutoshauriana nao akifanya maazimio, kuendelea kwa uhusiano wa kidiplomasia na Afrika Kusini (iliyofuata siasa ya apartheid) na Ureno iliyotawala makoloni ya Msumbiji n.k.

Banda aliachisha mawaziri watatu tarehe 7 Septemba. Mawaziri wengine waliwafuata wakijiuzulu. Maandamano nchini yalifuata na wafuasi wa Banda walipigana na hao wa mawaziri. Mawaziri wengi waliondoka nchini. Wawili walijaribu kuingia pamoja na wanamgambo wenye silaha kutoka Msumbiji lakini walishindwa.

Mwaka 1966 Malawi ikawa jamhuri na Hastings Banda rais wake wa kwanza na chama cha MCP kilikuwa chama pekee cha kisiasa.

Mwaka 1970 alitangazwa kuwa mwenyekiti kwa maisha yote wa chama cha MCP. Hatua hii ilifuatwa na Banda KUWA RAIS WA TAIFA KWA MAISHA YAKE YOTE. Umoja wa vijana wa chama cha MCP ulihakikisha kukomeshwa kwa kila upinzani nchini pamoja na vyombo vya dola.

Wote walipaswa kumtaja kwa jina la "His Excellency the Life President Ngwazi Dr. H. Kamuzu Banda" kwa kuongeza "Ngwazi" ambalo ni neno la Chichewa lenye maana ya "shujaa". Kutamka maneno ya ukosoaji dhidi ya rais ilikuwa hatari.

Alitangaza mambo mengi kuwa marufuku Malawi, kwa mfano wanawake kuvaa suruali, kuonyesha magoti, wanaume kuwa na nywele ndefu au suruali fupi. Makanisa yalipaswa kutafuta kibali cha serikali, Mashahidi wa Yehova walipigwa marufuku. Wamalawi wenye asili ya Uhindi walipaswa kuachana na nyumba zao na kuhamia maeneo ya pekee katika miji. Magazeti, vitabu na filamu vilichunguliwa na wakaguzi wa serikali.

Banda alifaulu kutunza amani nchini wakati wa utawala wake lakini aliongoza kama dikteta. Mwaka 1983 mawaziri watatu wa serikali yake waliuawa. Banda mwenyewe alianzisha majadiliano kuhusu kukubali vyama vingi nchini. Mawaziri watatu waliunga mkono hoja hii na mara moja rais aliachisha baraza lote la mawaziri akaita mkutano wa bunge na kuachisha wabunge wote. Mawaziri watatu walifungwa katika chumba bungeni na kupigwa. Mbunge mmoja aliingia katika chumba hiki na kuwaona wakiteswa alikamatwa pamoja nao. Wote wanne walipatikana wamekufa katika gari la Peugeot lililopinduka. Serikali ilizuia kufunguliwa kwa majeneza wakati na mazishi yaliyotokea usiku. Walitangazwa kuwa wahanga wa ajali lakini baadaye ilijulikana waliuawa kwa kupiga misumari katika vichwa vyao kabla ya kuweka maiti katika gari na kulisukuma katika korongo.

Hadi mnamo 1990 nchi za magharibi zilisaidia au angalau kuvumilia serikali ya Banda kwa sababu alikuwa mpinzani wa ukomunisti, pia kati ya nchi chache za Afrika zilizoendelea kuwa na uhusiano na Afrika Kusini. Lakini kuporomoka kwa ukomunisti kulisababisha badiliko. Wafadhili wa miradi ya maendeleo walidai mabadiliko ya kuheshimu haki za binadamu. Serikali ya Uingereza ilisimamisha usaidizi wote kwa Malawi.

Katika Machi 1992 maaskofu Wakatoliki wa Malawi walitunga waraka kwa Wakristo walipotamka ukosoaji wa Banda na serikali. Wanafunzi wa vyuo walichukua upande wa maaskofu na kuandamana. Vyuo vikafungwa.

Hadi Oktoba 1992 Banda alipaswa kukubali kura ya wananchi kuhusu swali la kukubali vyama vingi. Kura hii ilileta asilimia 64 kwa ajili ya demokrasia ya vyama vingi. Mwaka huohuo halmashauri mpya ilitangaza katiba mpya na kuondoa "urais wa maisha". Jeshi la Malawi lilivamia vituo vya Umoja wa Vijana wa MCP na kukamata silaha zote zilizowahi kupewa kama mkono wa utawala wa chama.

Katika uchaguzi wa mwaka 1994 Banda aligombea tena urais lakini alishindwa na Bakili Muluzi. Chama kipya cha Muluzi kilipata wabunge wengi.

Mwaka 1995 Banda alikamatwa na kupelekwa mahakamani kwa mashtaka ya kuhusika katika mauaji ya mawaziri ya mwaka 1983.

Aliachishwa kutokana na upungufu wa ushahidi.

Banda aliendelea kuwaangalia Wamalawi kama "watoto wa siasa" akatabiri ya kwamba wanahitaji "mkono wa chuma".

Mwaka 1997 alingonjeka akapelekwa kwa matibabu Afrika Kusini alipofariki tarehe 25 Novemba 1997 akiwa na umri wa miaka 99 hivi.

Secrets of Success - ep 6

51. Aromas have been proven to be an effective means of entering a state of relaxation. Scents have a very noticeable effect on your mindset and moods. Purchase the essential oils of orange and clove bud from your local health food shop. Put a few drops of either oil within a cup of boiling water and inhale the sweet smelling steam for a few minutes. Then let the mixture sit in the room where you are resting. You will gain a sense of peace and serenity. A little apple spice in the air has recently been shown to induce a far more restful sleep. 

52. Cultivate the art of walking half an hour after you have finished eating your evening meal. Walks in natural settings are the very best. Walking is, perhaps, nature's ideal exercise. And when you walk, do not think about work or about the bills or about the challenges you might be facing - this will neutralize many of the benefits. Simply enjoy the walk. Notice the richness of your surroundings. Let your senses drink in the beauty of nature and the crispness of the air for a change. So many people who have mastered the art of growing younger have also mastered the habit of a daily walk. 

53. Start a program of weight lifting at the gym. Strong people are mentally tough people. As you age, you need not lose your physical nor your mental strength. 75 year-old men are running marathons, 80 year-old women have scaled mountains and 90 year-old grandparents are living rich, productive lives. Whether you are 19 or 93, stay fit, stay motivated and stay passionate about life. 

54. Never argue with the person you work for - you will lose more than just the argument. 

55. In terms of business attire, dark suits (navy blue and charcoal grey) reflect power, sophistication and authority. Have you ever seen a prime minister or president in a tan suit? 

56. Regularly send handwritten notes to your business clients and your other relations to strengthen the bond. Develop a system which reminds you to send something valuable to this network at least once every four months. Send them postcards when you are away on vacation. If you have to buy a few hundred postcards and spend an hour writing, don't worry. This is an exceptionally good investment of your time. Another idea is to send a recent article of interest to your contacts with a handwritten note saying that you thought this would interest them and that you continue to value their friendship. Relationship building should always be a central focus whether you are a CEO, a student, a salesperson or a parent. 

57. Two of the fundamentals for a happy, joyful life are balance and moderation. One must maintain a balance of all activities and do nothing to extremes. 

58. Drink Jasmine tea which can be obtained from any Chinese herbal shop. It is excellent for your general health and is very relaxing. Also try placing a few slices of fresh ginger in a cup of hot water for a superb tea that will restore vitality and keep you in a peak physical condition. 

59. Remember that effective time management makes you more rather than less flexible. It allows you to do the things that you really want to do rather than the things you really have to do. 

60. Do not take personal development books as gospel. Read them and take whatever useful ideas you need. Some people feel they must do everything suggested and take the techniques to extremes. Every book has at least one tool or strategy of benefit. Take what you need and what works for you and discard what doesn't suit you. 

Secrets of Success - ep 5

41. When you stand and meet someone, stand firm and steadfast. A telling sign of an unfocused, weak mind is constant fidgeting, shifting of the eyes and shallow breathing. 

42. Act tough and you will be tough. Have courage and inspire others with your actions. But always be considerate. 

43. Ask not what this world can do for you but, rather, what you can do for this world. Make service an important goal in your life. It is a most fulfilling investment of time. Remember, in the twilight of your life, when all is said and done, the quality of your life boils down to the quality of your contribution to others. Leave a rich legacy for those around you to savour. 

44. Once a week, arise at dawn. It is a magical time of day. Be still, go for a walk or simply listen to an old Ella Fitzgerald recording. Take a long, hot shower and do 100 pushups. Read one of the classics. You will feel alive and invigorated. 

45. Remain slightly aloof. Do not let everyone know everything about you. Cultivate a mystique. 

46. Master the art of public speaking. There are few natural speakers. One great trial lawyer stammered dreadfully but through courage and strength of conviction, he developed into a brilliant orator. Role model anyone you think is a highly effective, influential communicator. Visualize a picture of this person. Stand like him, smile like him, and talk like him. The results will startle you. 

47. Seek out motivational speakers committed to character training and lifelong success. Make it a point to attend inspirational lectures each month to consistently renew the importance of personal growth in your mind. In a two hour seminar, you can learn powerful techniques and strategies that others have spent many years learning and refining. Never feel that you have no time for gathering new ideas, you are investing in yourself. 

48. Read the wonderful book "Discovering Happiness" by Dennis Wholey. It will certainly open up new horizons for you in your quest for an optimal state of health and happiness. 

49. To enhance your concentration, read a passage in a book you have never explored. Then try to recite it verbatim. Practice this for only 5 minutes a day and enjoy the results which follow after a few months of effort. 

50. Try entering a 5 km running race and then a 10 km event. The adrenaline that flows from the experience of racing with several hundred other fitness-minded people is exhilarating. By constantly pushing the envelope of your capacity, your potential will quickly unfold. Remember, the body will give you only what you ask of it. 

Secrets of Success -ep 4

31. Stress is simply a response which you create in the interpretation of an event. Two people might find that a given event results in quite different responses. For example, an after dinner speech might strike fear into the heart of an inexperienced speaker while a strong orator views it as a wonderful opportunity to share his thoughts. Understanding that the perceived negative effects of an event or task may be mentally manipulated and conditioned towards the positive, will allow you to be a peak performer in all instances. 

32. Read "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey. It contains a wealth of wisdom and powerful insights into further developing your character and enhancing your personal relationships. 

33. Become a committed audio-tape user. Most personal-mastery programs and books are now offered in this format. Listen to these inspirational materials on your way to work, whilst waiting in the line at a bank or while you wash dishes in the evening. Make your car a college on wheels and use the drive time to make knowledge your best friend. All down time can be very effectively used in this productive fashion. Use such opportunities to learn and continually expand your mind and its vast potential. 

34. Try fasting one day every two weeks. During these fast days, drink fruit juice and eat fresh fruits only. You will feel more energetic, cleansed and alert. Fasting also has a salutary effect on your will-power as you are subverting the otherwise pressing impulses in your mind calling on you to eat more. 

35. Keep a radio-cassette player at your office and listen to soft, soothing music throughout the day. Place pleasant scents and inspirational pictures in your workplace. By the magic of association, your work will become something you enjoy even more and arouse a very pleasant feeling within you. Budget your time on trips such that you can spend half an hour in the airport bookstore. They always contain the latest and best self-mastery books and tapes given that those who travel by air are of a group that finds value in these materials. 

36. Read "As a Man Thinketh" by James Allen. And don't just read this little book once, read it over and over again. It contains an abundance of timeless wisdom on living a fuller and happier life. 

37. Remember that forgiveness is a virtue that few develop, but one that is most important to maintaining peace of mind. Mark Twain wrote that forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it. Practice forgiveness especially in those situations where it is seemingly difficult. By using your emotional forgiveness muscles more regularly, petty wrongs, remarks and slights will not touch you and nothing will penetrate your concentrated, serene mindset. 

38. Empty your cup. A full cup cannot accept anything more. Similarly, a person who believes that he cannot learn anything else will stagnate quickly and not move to higher levels. A true sign of a secure, mature individual is someone who sees every opportunity as a chance to learn. Even the teachers have teachers. 

39. The Two Minute Mind is an excellent exercise for developing concentration. Simply stare at the second hand on your wristwatch for two minutes and think about nothing else for that time. At first your mind will wander but after 21 days of practice, your attention will not waver during the routine. One of the greatest qualities a person can develop to ensure his success is the ability to focus for extended periods of time. Learn to build up your concentration muscles and no task will be too difficult for you. 

40. Drink a cup of warm water before a speech. Ronald Reagan employed this strategy to ensure that he maintained his honey-smooth voice. Mastery of the art of public speaking is a noble goal. So dedicate yourself to it. You will be judged by the calibre of your communication skills. 

Secrets of Success -ep 3

21. No one can insult or hurt you without your permission. One of the golden keys to happiness and great success is the way you interpret events which unfold before you. Highly successful people are master interpreters. People who have attained greatness have an ability which they have developed to interpret negative or disempowering events as positive challenges which will assist them in growing and moving even farther up the ladder of success. There are no negative experiences only experiences which aid in your development and toughen your character so that you may soar to new heights. There are no failures, only lessons. 

22. Take a speed reading course. Reading is a powerful way to gain many years of experience from a few hours of study. For example, most biographies reflect the strategies and philosophies of great leaders or courageous individuals. Read them and model them. Speed reading will allow you to digest large quantities of material in relatively small periods of time. 

23. Remember people's names and treat everyone well. This habit, along with enthusiasm, is one of the great success secrets. Everyone in this world wears an imaginary button that screams out "I WANT TO FEEL IMPORTANT AND APPRECIATED!". 

24. Be soft as a flower when it comes to kindness but tough as thunder when it comes to principle. Be courteous and polite at all times but never be pushed around. Ensure that you are always treated with respect. 

25. Never discuss your health, wealth and other personal matters with anyone outside of your immediate family. Be very disciplined in this regard. 

26. Be truthful, patient, persevering, modest and generous. 

27. Soak in a warm bath at the end of a long, productive day. Reward yourself for even the smallest of achievement. Take time out for renewal of your mind, body and spirit. Soon all your more important goals will be met and you will move to the next level of peak performance.

28. Learn the power of breathing and its relationship with your energy source. The mind is intimately connected with your breathing. For example, when the mind is agitated, your breathing becomes quick and shallow. When you are relaxed and focused, your breathing is deep and calm. By practising deep, abdominal breathing, you will develop a calm, serene demeanor that will remain cool in the hottest of circumstances. Remember the rule of the Eastern mountain men: "to breathe properly is to live properly." 

29. Recognize and cultivate the power of autosuggestion. It works and is an essential tool in maintaining peak performance. We are all performers in one way or another and it is particularly valuable to use such techniques of athletes and public figures for our own enhancement. If you want to become more enthusiastic, repeat "I am more enthusiastic today and am improving this trait daily". Repeat it over and over. Purchase a legal notepad and write out this mantra 500 times. Do it for three weeks with regular practice and feel that this quality is developing. Very soon it will come. This is a strategy that Indian sages have employed for thousands of years to aid their spiritual and mental development. Do not be discouraged if the results are not immediate, they will certainly develop. The spoken word is a powerful influencer of the mind. 

30. Maintain a diary to measure your progress and to express your thoughts. Writing out not only your successes but your troubles is one of the world's most effective methods of erasing the worry habit, staying in optimum state and developing precision of thought.

Secrets of Success ep 2

11. Light a candle beside you when you are reading in the evening. It is most relaxing and creates a wonderful, soothing atmosphere. Make your home an oasis from the frenzied world outside. Fill it with great music, great books and great friends. 

12. To enhance your concentration and powers of focus, count your steps when you walk. This is a particularly strong technique. Take six steps while taking a long inhale, hold your breath for another six steps, and then exhale for six steps. If six steps is too long for the breaths, do whatever you feel comfortable with. You will feel very alert, refreshed, internally quiet and centered after this exercise. So many people allow their minds to be filled with mental chatter. All peak performers appreciate the power of a quiet, clear mind which will concentrate steadily on all important tasks. 

13. Learn to meditate effectively. The mind is naturally a very noisy machine which wants to move from one subject to another like an unchained monkey. One must learn to restrain and discipline it if one is to achieve anything of substance and to be peaceful. Meditation for twenty minutes in the morning and twenty minutes in the evening will certainly provide you with exceptional results if regularly practiced for six months. Learned sages of the East have been advancing the many benefits of meditation for over 5000 years. 

14. Learn to be still. The average person doesn't spend even 30 minutes a month in total silence and tranquility. Develop the skill of sitting quietly, enjoying the powerful silence for at least ten minutes a day. Simply think about what is important to you in your life. Reflect on your mission. Silence indeed is golden. As the Zen master once said, it is the space between the bars that holds the cage. 

15. Enhance your will-power; it is likely one of the best training programs you can invest in. Here are some ideas to strengthen your will and become a stronger person: 

a. Do not let your mind float like a piece of paper in the wind. Work hard to keep it focused at all times. When doing a task, think of nothing else. When walking to work, count the steps that it takes to get all the way to the office. This is not easy but your mind will soon understand that you hold its reins and not vice versa. Your mind must eventually become as still as a candle flame in a corner where there is no draft.

b. Your will is like a muscle. You must first exercise it and then push before it gets stronger. This necessarily involves short term pain but be assured that the improvements will come and will touch your character in a most positive way. When you are hungry, wait another hour before your meal. When you are labouring over a difficult task and your mind is prompting you to pick up the latest magazine for a break or to get up and go talk to a friend, curb the impulse. Soon you will be able to sit for hours in a precisely concentrated state. Sir Issac Newton, one of the greatest classical physicists the world has produced, once said: "if I have done the public any service, it is due to patient thought." Newton had a remarkable ability to sit quietly and think without interruption for very long periods of time. If he can develop this so can you. 

c. You can also build your will-power by restraint in your conduct with others. Speak less (use the 60/40 Rule = listen 60% of the time and speak a mere 40%, if that). This will not only make you more popular but you will learn much wisdom as everyone we meet, every day has something to teach us. Also restrain the urge to gossip or to condemn someone who you feel has made a mistake. Stop complaining and develop a cheerful, vital and strong personality. You will greatly influence others. 

d. When a negative thought comes to your mind, immediately replace it with one that is positive. Positive always dominates over the negative and your mind has to be conditioned to think only the best thoughts. Negative thinking is a conditioned process whereby the negative patterns are established over and over. Rid yourself of any limitations and become a powerful positive thinker. 

16. Make an effort to be humorous throughout the day. Not only is it beneficial from a physical viewpoint but it diffuses tension in difficult circumstances and creates an excellent atmosphere wherever you are. It was recently reported that members of the Tauripan tribe of South America have a ritual where they awake in the middle of the night to tell each other jokes. Even tribesmen in the deepest sleep wake to enjoy the laugh and then return to their state of slumber in seconds. 

17. Become a highly disciplined time manager. There are roughly 168 hours in a week. This surely allows plenty of time for achievement of the many goals we desire to accomplish. Be ruthless with your time. Set aside a few minutes each morning to plan your day. Plan around your priorities and focus on not only those tasks which are immediate but not important (i.e., many telephone calls) but especially on those which are important but not urgent, for these allow for the greatest personal and professional development. Important but not immediate activities are those which produce long-term, sustainable benefits and include exercise, strategic planning, the development of relationships and professional education. Never let the things which matter most be placed in the backseat as compared to those that matter least. 

18. Associate only with positive, focused people who you can learn from and who will not drain your valuable energy with complaining and uninspiring attitudes. By developing relationships with those committed to constant improvement and the pursuit of the best that life has to offer, you will have plenty of company on your path to the top of whatever mountain you seek to climb. 

19. Stephen Hawking, one of the great modern physicists of the world, is reported to have said that we are on a minor planet of a very average star located within the outer limits of one of a hundred thousand million galaxies. Are your problems really significant in light of this? You walk this Earth for but a short time. Why not become devoted to having only a wonderful experience. Why not dedicate yourself to leaving a powerful legacy to the world? Sit down now and write out a list of all that you have in your life. Start first with your health or your family - the things we often take for granted. Put down the country we live in and the food we eat. Do not stop until you have written down fifty items. Once every few days, go through this list - you will be uplifted and recognize the richness of your existence. 

20. You must have a mission statement in life. This is simply a set of guiding principles which clearly state where you are going and where you want to be at the end of your life. A mission statement embodies your values. It is your personal lighthouse keeping you steadily on the course of your dreams. Over a period of one month, set a few hours aside to write down five or ten principles which will govern your life and which will keep you focused at all times. Examples might be to consistently serve others, to be a considerate citizen, to become highly wealthy or to serve as a powerful leader. Whatever the mission statement of your life, refine it and review it regularly. Then when something adverse happens or someone tries to pull you off course, you quickly and precisely return to your chosen path with the full knowledge that you are moving in the direction that you have selected.