Self Improvement international - April 2021

Self Improvement International April 2021 Issue Are you a Social Media Addict?

What is Botany?

Habits of Introverts and many more !!!

Wealth of the Wise

Self Improvement International Wealth of the Wise April 2021 Issue

Copyright © Thejendra Sreenivas. All Rights Reserved

Self Improvement International April 2021 Issue Editor and Publisher - Thejendra Sreenivas Bangalore, India.

Website - www.thejendra.com Email - thejendra@yahoo.com & thejendrabs@gmail.com

Self Improvement International is a monthly electronic magazine edited and published by Thejendra Sreenivas on behalf of his private Seven Sages Consultancy, Bangalore, India.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval systems, or in any language without the written permission of the editor.

Image Sources - All Images used in this magazine for the articles are from sites like Pexels, Unsplash, Pixabay, etc., that are free for both personal and

commercial

use,

and

used

as

per

the

recommendations of fair use. My full thanks and credits to the respective artists.

Licensing - This digital magazine is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be re-sold or gifted to other people. If you would like to share this with others, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with.

If you are reading this and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the publisher’s work.

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In this issue From the Editor’s Desk

01

What my Lawyer makes me say

04

What Else?

07

Creativity in the Workplace Workplace Leadership

How to Discipline your Kids?

Children Psychology

Are you a Social Media Addict?

Stress Management

10

21

32

In this issue (cont’d) Habits of Introverts Personal Development

What is Botany?

Personal Knowledge

Sports – It’s time to Retire if Humor

WRITING & PUBLISHING

Types of Non-Fiction Books Writing and Publishing

44

55

65

70

72

In this issue (cont’d) CHILDREN SECTION

Comics – The Lost Priceless Treasures Nostalgia

I am a Pretty Pomegranate Children Health

A Few Questions FAQs

About the Editor

80

81

88

92

98

From the Editor’s Desk

H

ey, thanks for subscribing to my unique and

delightful

Self

Improvement

International magazine. This is a magazine to be read, retained, remembered, and re-read from your electronic bookshelf. Each magazine carries a bunch of sparkling articles on Personal 1

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

Development, Stress Management, Humor, Frugality, Leadership, Resiliency, Workplace Issues, Spirituality, Life Skills, Satire, Writing, Publishing, and an occasional Harsh Advice.

Simplicity is the hallmark of this treasure chest. Unlike the hordes of dazzling magazines that you see in the newsstands the contents here are eye and eReader friendly, and not crowded with

complex

cosmetics,

awesome

advertisements, and gorgeous graphics that can distract or irritate your eyes. The text font is also optimized to be easily read on all smartphones, tablets, and computer browsers so that you don’t have to pinch and zoom to read the contents.

Like a basket of delicious fruits, each issue can dramatically transform your personal and professional life. Think of this magazine as your 2

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

electronic personal coach who can make you superior to the rest of the crowd. Give it a try.

You may be pleasantly surprised.

Back to Contents

3

What my Lawyer makes me say

D

isclaimer: Although this magazine has been prepared with utmost care, neither

the author, publisher, seller, editor, or any other party associated with this magazine can accept any liability for any direct or indirect damages caused by following the advice given here.

4

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

All opinions, ideas, and advice expressed here are largely my personal or the contributor opinions and don’t necessarily represent the opinion of any other organization or person, including my employer, my clients or their agents. Any reference to any persons or businesses, whether living or dead, existing or defunct, is purely unintentional.

Self Improvement International cannot vouch for or certify the claims made by advertisers and is not liable for any cause of action arising out of such claims. All disputes are subject to the courts and competent forums in Bangalore, India only.

Images used in this magazine are from open image sources like Pexels, Unsplash, Pixabay, etc., that are free for personal and commercial use.

5

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

My full thanks and credits to the respective artists.

Back to Contents

6

What Else?

W

ise men say that one should never have any desire for wealth and must always be

prepared to lead a life of virtuous poverty. Also, writing articles is viewed by many as a hobby that doesn’t deserve any compensation for the writer as they must write purely for the passion and not for money. But writing involves 7

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

enormous effort and we don’t live on such magnanimous money-free planets. By becoming a customer of this magazine and sharing information about this with all your friends you help me create valuable content for writers and executives. Thank you for being so generous.

Also, if you are a generously giving kind of person, then I am a happily accepting kind of person. So, if you have any unused excess wealth stashed away in Swiss Banks, Spare Jewels, Precious Gems, Spanish Gold Bars, Priceless Paintings, Rare Dinosaur Bones, Asteroid Pieces, Unused Rolls-Royce, Private Jets, Luxury Ships, or even an Exotic Island or Kingdom somewhere, please feel free to donate them to me along with all applicable taxes. Such humble gifts can nudge me to scribble more articles that could be of use 8

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

to someone, somewhere on our lonely planet 

Back to Contents

9

Creativity in the Workplace Workplace Leadership

S

omebody once joked – Do companies that produce foolproof products actually have

a bunch of foolish employees to test them?

While this may seem like a joke, there is a lot of truth behind this statement. Companies today have to distinguish their products and services to 10

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

be competitive in the market. Customers today demand innovative and easy-to-use products and services. If your company is unable or unwilling to make them, then customers will make their purchases elsewhere and also downgrade your company through nasty comments on social media or other places. Hence, it is very important to constantly improve your products and services through innovation and creativity.

Innovation as described by a dictionary is the introduction of something new, a new idea, method, or device. Innovation is the backbone of any company and is crucial to strive and compete with others in the business world. But how do you become innovative and creative to attract customers? This article will show you how. For this, assume you are the manager or a decision11

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

maker in a company with some products and services. Pick one product and invite employees from various departments to do the following.

You will be amazed at the kind of suggestions you will receive from people that can greatly enhance your product or service.

Fault Finding – Ask employees to document all the faults that the product has in their view.

Don’t judge or dismiss any suggestions no matter how trivial the fault may be. For example, an employee may say the product is too slippery for elderly people to hold like we see many shiny smartphones today. Or the product may be too heavy, too light, buttons may be flimsy, etc. All these issues matter to customers though the engineering department may not think they are serious enough for a redesign.

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Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

Usability – Ask employees to document how easy the product is to use. Does it require a thick user manual or is the product intuitive enough for ordinary people to use? For example, if you are developing a software and have tiny fonts, awkward color shading, or too many settings on the features, then a lot of people will have difficulties using it. Now think of ways to make the necessary modifications to suit a lot of people.

Age Group – Ask employees of different age groups to use your products. You will notice that people

of

different

ages

have

different

difficulties in using a product. Then ask for their suggestions to incorporate in your products. A product designed to suit all ages will have more sales than something designed only for a 13

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

particular age group.

Cost – Run campaigns, market research, and polls to see if your product is affordably priced for the features it provides. If the price is too low then customers will think it is a cheap lowquality product. If the price is too high, then a lot of customers won’t be able to afford it. Now with this information balance the price and discounts of your product to ensure a large number of sales. It’s better to have a reasonable profit and attract a large number of customers than have large profits and a small number of customers who may vaporize soon. Also, commissions for online and offline sales must be attractive for retailers to promote your product.

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Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

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Research Competitive Products – Look at competitive products and services in the market.

See what features they have provided and what is lacking in yours. Then, incorporate those features to make your product competitive.

Customers today compare products feature by feature. Now if your product lacks features provided in most competitive products then you will have to kiss your sales goodbye.

Don’t hurry – Don’t be in a hurry to release a shoddy low quality product due to marketing demands. Once the product hits the market you will be hit with bad reviews and nasty comments by customers and sales and reputation will nosedive.

Use your own products – Ask if your top management will use the products your company 16

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

manufactures. For example, there was a case of a CEO and top management of a car manufacturer using brands other than what they were manufacturing. Now with what face will the company explain to the public that their product is good if their staff doesn’t use them? This can be a PR nightmare if customers start pointing this out.

Stop silly advertisements – Nowadays, it has become a habit for marketing departments to make silly and meaningless advertisements for their products and services. This is just a waste of time and money. Customers don’t want gimmicks or fancy graphics. They only want to know the features and price of any product. And if your ads don’t provide that then there is no use for such ads.

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Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

Service and Upgrades – You must make it easy for customers to get support for repairs or other issues. If getting service is difficult then you will soon go out of business like many obsolete brands. Also, offer good discounts and buyback options for older products to make customers upgrade to newer models. This can keep your cash register ringing.

Similarly, evaluate all your products and services. Also, get rid of products and services that add no value to the company or the customer. This will result in fewer spares and support issues.

Some Famous Quotes Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower - Steve Jobs 18

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

For good ideas and true innovation, you need human interaction, conflict, argument, debate Margaret Heffernan Exploration is the engine that drives innovation.

Innovation drives economic growth - Edith Widder There’s no good idea that cannot be improved on - Michael Eisner If you look at history, innovation doesn't come just from giving people incentives; it comes from creating environments where their ideas can connect - Steven Johnson What is now proved was once only imagined William Blake If you want something new, you have to stop doing something old - Peter F. Drucker

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Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

Back to Contents

Patient – This hospital is no good. You are treating us like dogs.

Nurse – That’s not true. We don’t do that. Now roll over so that I can give you an injection.

20

How to Discipline your Child Personal Development

D

ecades ago parents, teachers, and others believed that the only way to discipline a

child and make it obey them was through thrashing, yelling, and terrorizing the child. Many parents feel that the fastest and most effective way to change a child's behavior is by spanking 21

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

and it often works in the short-term. But, studies show

such

punishment

has

long-term

consequences for kids. The phrase – spare the rod, spoil the child was believed to be the best method to raise children. Fortunately, with the advancement of child psychology and laws against child abuse, such miseries have gradually come down though it is still prevalent in many countries. However, it’s not necessary to thrash any child to teach it discipline. There are plenty of other efficient and more powerful ways to raise an excellent child.

Disciplining a child has to start from a very young age. Basically, what is discipline? It is simple wisdom and knowledge suitable for a child. Every child can be taught what to do and not do with some benevolent methods without 22

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

yelling or thrashing. This article will show you how.

Knowledge – Just like adults need various knowledge of the world, a child also needs knowledge at a level that it can understand. For example, you need to consciously teach about dangers and precautions regarding fire, water, electricity, roads, strangers, etc., from a young age. Some videos and books can be shown to kids to make them aware of such issues.

Reward Good Behavior – Start rewarding them for good behaviors. Show them that good behaviors are advantageous to them. This can be as simple as giving them extra pocket money or buying them some toys, gadgets, or taking them to a movie or vacation. Children need to know 23

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

when they do something bad and also when they do something good. Teach children right from wrong using calm words and actions. Have clear and consistent rules that your children can follow. Explain these rules in age-appropriate terms they can understand.

Teach Truth Telling – Teach them to tell the truth even if it is bad news. The child must learn to confide in you without fear. If you yell or punish them for doing something inappropriate, then they will start telling lies and covering up issues. That can blow up on your face later.

Hear Them Out - Listening to them is important. Let your child finish his or her side of the story before helping solve the problem.

Stop Comparing – Don’t compare your child 24

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

with its siblings or friends. Each child is special with its strengths and weaknesses. Comparison creates jealousy and hatred that can have longterm consequences.

Selective Ignoring - Know when not to respond. As long as your child isn't doing something dangerous, ignoring some bad behavior can be an effective way of stopping it.

Ignoring bad behavior can also teach children the natural consequences of their actions. For example, if your child keeps breaking toys let it realize that you may not get it a new toy.

Bedtime Stories – Select stories or incidents that teach knowledge and wisdom. Such stories get embedded in the brain and will help them through life. Don’t we all remember some 25

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

awesome life lessons told as stories to us by our grandparents?

What Not to Discuss – Know what should not be spoken in front of kids. They should not be around when elders are gossiping or talking about money. You never know when they will ask an awkward question or blurt out some family or office secret in front of others if they are around when you talk.

Article continued after next page

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Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

ture, Traditions, and27Values – Every family in

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

every country will have some age old customs, traditions, and values. Start teaching them from a young age. They should know their cultural identity.

Safety Issues – Teach all safety issues depending on its age. For example, you should teach a child how to operate door locks and household equipment, memorize addresses and phone numbers, whom to call for help during emergencies, etc. Also involve the child in some household work. Such involvement will make the child feel important, builds trust, and may even help parents to confidently leave the child alone at home for a short time.

Money and Charity – Teach children the value of money and saving it. Also, teach them the value and power of charity. These are valuable 28

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

lessons that will go a long way in their life journey.

Some Famous Quotes Children are not things to be molded, but are people to be unfolded - Jess Lair.

Children do learn what they live. Then they grow up to live what they've learned - Dorothy Nolte Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire - William Butler Yeats It is paradoxical that many educators and parents still differentiate between a time for learning and a time for play without seeing the vital connection between them - Leo Buscaglia Children must be taught how to think, not what to think - Margaret Mead 29

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men- Frederick Douglass While we try to teach our children all about life, Our children teach us what life is all about Angela Schwindt Children seldom misquote. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said – Anonymous The best inheritance a parent can give his children is a few minutes of his time each day Orlando Aloysius Battista

Back to Contents

Judge – What possible reason can you give for acquitting 30

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

this hardened criminal?

Jury – Insanity, your honor.

Judge – Are all six of you insane?

31

Are you a Social Media Addict?

Stress Management

S

ocial media addiction is a term used to refer to an individual who spends too

much time using various sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Checking and scrolling through social media has become an obsession to countless people over the last decade.

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Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

Although the majority of peoples’ use of social media is not problematic, a small percentage of users have become excessively addicted to social networking

sites,

especially

children.

Psychologists estimate that as many as 20% to 30% of kids have become addicted to social media today.

Social media first started as a way to connect with friends and family but has soon become an uncontrollable hobby for most people.

How to Recognize Addiction?

The questions you need to ask for this are, I enjoy social media and use it daily, but am I “addicted” to it?

Do I spend a lot of time like several hours on social media?

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Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

Do I feel the urge to use social media more and more?

Is there any financial benefit or improvement in my business by using social media?

Do I become restless if I don’t use social media?

Is social media impacting my work at the office or relationships at home?

Honest answers of yes to most of the above questions mean you are now facing serious mental and physical health issues, which you are unable or unwilling to recognize. Like other types of behavioral addictions, social media can also influence your brain in a harmful way if used excessively. You can become so accustomed to scrolling through posts, images, jokes, news, and 34

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

videos that it interferes with other areas of your life.

While social media can seem like a relaxing fun, it actually has a significant effect on your brain. Whenever you log on to your favorite apps, dopamine chemicals in your brain start increasing. This is associated with pleasure and your brain identifies this activity as a rewarding one that you ought to repeat, especially when you start to get feedback and likes on what you post. This will result in you being online continuously to check what others say about you.

Article continued after next page

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Downsides of Social Media Addiction Engaging in social media once in a while or a few times a day is okay. But if you are eternally online ready to read or post something, then you are in trouble with the following negative effects.

Low self-esteem and constantly seeking likes and online recognition from other online users.

The feeling that you will miss out on something important if you are not online.

Increased isolation and loneliness. Anxiety or depression.

Disrupted sleep patterns, especially if you use social media before bedtime or wake up to see notifications.

Decreased physical activity, which may affect 37

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

your overall health Poor productivity and inability to concentrate on office work. Ignoring the relationships in your “real” life. Sometimes, even reduced ability to empathize with others.

How to Decrease Social Media Use? Social media is omnipresent today, but this doesn’t mean you develop an addiction to it. You can help prevent an overreliance on social media before it destroys you. Consider the following tips to help you achieve a healthier balance with social media Some people advise complete deletion of social media apps. But this is not a practical solution considering social media is now needed for effective and instant communication with 38

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

family, friends, and colleagues. You cannot just disappear from the online world just to get rid of an addiction. The solution is to consciously reduce its usage for essential communication only. I will give an example below.

I was added as a member in a few WhatsApp groups of my school and college friends. Initially, it was fun meeting them online after decades.

But a few members have now started abusing the group by relentlessly posting messages, images, videos, news, jokes, etc. There is a beep every few minutes. Now, this is intolerable as one cannot read or view every message every few minutes. Now the administrator has blocked those users and allowed only a few users to post messages. This has reduced the irritation to all.

Secondly, I have muted the group and look at it 39

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

only once in a while. Similarly, you can also mute certain users to prevent information overload.

Turn off notifications for social media apps on your smartphone. This way there won’t be a beep every few minutes distracting you from your productive work. You can check for messages once an hour or when you can rather than instantly for every message. Or, set aside a certain amount of time dedicated to social media per day. Leave your phone, tablet, and computer out of your bedroom.

Social media need not engulf your life. So, take up a new hobby that’s not technology-related like sports, exercises, cooking, reading books, walking, gardening, etc.

Not all communication needs to happen 40

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

online. Make it a point to see your friends and family in person whenever possible. It’s also important to take regular breaks of a few hours from social media every day altogether to rejuvenate yourself. It does not matter if you have missed out on some news or posts from your friends.

Some Famous Quotes Don’t say anything online that you wouldn’t want plastered on a billboard with your face on it - Erin Buryy The internet is a dangerous place. If you are not careful it will consume you and rob you of your happiness. It can make you angry, jealous, hostile, bitter and lead to the eventual loss of enthusiasm for living your best life. Be wary and avoid 41

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

overconsumption - Germany Kent If you feel the need to constantly post on social media documenting your every move, chances are you're either addicted to social networking or there is a void somewhere in your personal life.

One day you will look back and recall all the time you spent on social media and wonder why you didn't invest that time someplace else.

The digital innovation that set out to connect people, has slowly started to tear those people apart both from within and without - Abhijit Naskar In the digital age, people spend countless hours throughout the day on social media and at the end of the day have absolutely nothing to show for it.

Stop looking for others to validate or verify you.

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Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

You were already somebody before your social media account was created.

Make sure you’re also HAPPY in Real Life and NOT just on Social Media - PK Kasirim

Back to Contents

Teacher - Take a pencil and paper and write an essay with the title – If I were a millionaire.

All the students started scribbling immediately except David, the son of a rich businessman. What’s the matter, the teacher asked.

David replied that he was waiting for his secretary to come and start typing.

43

Habits of Introverts Personal Development

A

dictionary

defines

an

introvert

as

someone who is reserved or a shy person

who enjoys spending time alone. People who are introverts tend to be inward turning, or focus more on internal thoughts, feelings, and moods rather than seek external stimulation. Introverts 44

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

tend to be quiet and reserved. Unlike extroverts (opposite of introverts) who gain energy from social interaction, introverts feel exhausted and have to spend energy in social gatherings or groups. For example, after attending a party or spending time with a large group of people, introverts will feel a need to "recharge" by spending a period of time alone.

They would rather prefer to stay home and read a book rather than go to a big party. In short, they don’t like crowds and like to be alone.

Millions of people on our planet are introverts and there is nothing wrong with it. Not everyone can be the talkative bright light of the party. It’s just that nature has designed them that way.

Here are a few signs that you or someone you know might be an introvert.

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Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

Signs of Introverts They hate crowds – They feel exhausted after spending time with a lot of people. After such interactions, they will need to retreat to a quiet place and have time all to themselves. Introverts prefer the company of a few close friends. While an extrovert might go to parties or crowds to meet new people, an introvert intends to spend quality time talking to few good friends. In short, being around people drains their energy, unlike extroverts who gain energy by being around people.

They enjoy solitude – An introvert’s idea of a good time is a quiet afternoon to themselves to enjoy their hobbies and interests. They feel that a few hours alone with a good book, or a nature 46

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

walk, or a favorite television program are great ways to feel recharged and energized. But this does not mean introverts want to be alone all the time. They prefer people who are less noisy and compatible with their way of thinking.

They have fewer friends - One common misconception about introverts is that they don't like people. But this is a wrong assumption. They just don’t like crowds, parties, and large gatherings as it drains their energy out. But they enjoy the company of a small group of friends who think and act alike. Instead of interacting with a large social circle of people where people exhibit noisy and superficial behaviors, introverts prefer deep and long-lasting relationships with closeness and intimacy. Introverts also choose their friends much more carefully.

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Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

They are quiet - Introverts are often quiet, reserved, mellow, and are sometimes mistaken for being shy. People find it difficult to know about them. While some introverts are shy, it should not be mistaken for timidity. In many cases, introverts prefer to choose their words carefully and not waste time or energy on idle chit-chat.

They hate hectic environments - When introverts

spend

time

in

activities

or

environments that are hectic, they become unfocused and overwhelmed. But extroverts thrive in situations where there is a lot of activity and few chances of becoming bored. This is why introverts prefer a quiet and less hassled setting.

They are self-aware – Since introverts are inward-turning, they spend a lot of time 48

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

examining their own internal experiences. They will have a good knowledge and insight into themselves, what motivates them, and their own feelings. Introverts enjoy thinking about and examining things in their own minds. Selfawareness and self-understanding are important to introverts. This is why they explore hobbies they enjoy, thinking about their lives, and reading books that explore topics that are important to them.

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They learn by watching – Introverts prefer to learn by observation but extroverts prefer to jump and learn through hands-on experience.

Extroverts often learn through trial and error, but introverts learn best by watching and careful observation. Introverts watch others perform a task until they are confident that they can also do it. Also, introverts prefer to practice things in private where they can build their skills and abilities without having to perform in front of an audience.

They prefer independence – They don’t like jobs that require a great deal of social interaction. They prefer careers that involve working independently. For example, introverts enjoy working as a writer, accountant, computer programmer, graphic designer, pharmacist, or 51

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

artists.

Some Famous Quotes I am rarely bored alone; I am often bored in groups and crowds - Laurie Helgoer I think a lot, but I don’t say much - Anne Frank People empty me. I have to get away to refill C. Bukowski Quiet people have the loudest minds - Stephen Hawking Don’t underestimate me because I’m quiet. I know more than I say, think more than I speak, and observe more than you know - Michaela Chung I want to be alone… with someone else who wants to be alone – Dimitri Zaik 52

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

After an hour or two of being socially on, we introverts need to turn off and recharge. This isn’t antisocial. It isn’t a sign of depression - Jonathan Rauch As a child I suppose I was not quite normal. My happiest times were when I was left alone in the house on a Saturday - Charles Bukowski I owe everything that I have done to the fact that I am very much at ease being alone Marilynne Robinson

Back to Contents

Teacher – Why wasn’t Rome built in a day?

Student – It was a government job and nothing happens 53

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

in a day in the government.

54

What is Botany?

Personal Knowledge

B

otany is the branch of biology that deals with the study of plants and is considered

one of the most colorful subjects of science. The term ‘botany’ is derived from the Greek word ‘botane’. One who studies ‘botany’ is known as a ‘botanist’. Botany is one of the world’s oldest 55

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natural sciences and includes the study and classification of all plants we see on earth.

History of Botany – People from the ages have always been interested in the plant life around them, not only because they are fascinating but also because they are the primary sources of food and medicine. An ancient Greek scholar Theophrastus, who lived in the 4th Century B.C., was one of the earliest botanists. He wrote two major sets of books on plants and his writings made him known as the “Father of Botany”. The first set of books was called Enquiry into Plants, that classified plants into various categories like geographic ranges, sizes, ways of growing, and uses.

It

covered

aspects

like

anatomy,

reproduction, methods of growing. The set included separate books for trees, herbs, shrubs, 56

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

and plants that produced food, resins, or juices.

The second set of books was called On the Causes of Plants. This was an in-depth guide on the correct ways to grow plants, and details about the physical properties of plants, their tastes, and smells. This second set was more about the economics of growing plants rather than their medicinal uses.

Theophrastus was also the first to discover and document the process of germination in plants, and how such as climate and soil type were important to the proper growth of plants.

Another important ancient Greek physician who studied botany was Dioscorides, who lived from 90-40 A.D. He wrote an encyclopedia about herbal medicines called De Materia Medica (On Medical Substances). It was a scientific work that 57

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

grouped

plants

by

their

medicinal

uses.

Dioscorides did extensive research on each plant by traveling to different towns to get a sense of the medicinal properties of each plant according to their local usage. De Materia Medica served as an important medicinal guidebook for over 1500 years.

Article continued after next page.

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Importance of Botany – Plants are an extremely important part of human and animal life. Without plants and its study both will cease to exist. Botany tells us which plant is useful for what purpose like food, medicine, cosmetics, or environmental protection. Botany is also needed for the development of biofuels like biomass and methane gas used as alternatives to fossil fuels.

Botany is critical in the economic productivity of every nation because it’s involved in the study of crops and techniques farmers must use to maximize production.

Branches of Botany Botany is divided into a number of branches like, Agronomy and Crop Science - This branch 60

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

deals with field crop production and soil management.

Algology and Phycology - This is the study of algae.

Bacteriology - This is the study of bacteria (also considered part of microbiology).

Bryology - This is the study of mosses and liverworts.

Mycology - This is the study of fungi.

Paleobotany - This branch deals with the recovery and identification of plant fossils and studies the evolutionary history of plants.

Plant Anatomy and Physiology - This is the study of the structure and function of plants.

Plant Cell Biology - This is the study of the 61

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structure and function of cells.

Plant Genetics - This is the study of genetic inheritance in plants.

Plant Pathology - This is the study of diseases in plants. This studies the environmental conditions that cause diseases in plants, the methods which the disease occurs, and the ways of controlling plant diseases.

Pteridology - This is the study of ferns and their relatives.

Careers in Botany Botany provides a wide variety of careers for students. An individual who wants to become a botanist can get a bachelor’s degree in botany, plant science, or plant biology, depending on the college. Botanists can work at a variety of jobs 62

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

depending on specific interests. Some botanists work in academic or government laboratories.

Some work in museums, offices, parks, and botanical

gardens.

Still

others

work

for

pharmaceutical companies or biotechnology firms. Entry level botanist positions include lab technicians and technical assistants. Botanists who work in agriculture spend their time outdoors, while those who do research spend their time indoors in the lab. Botanists can also get master’s degrees and PhDs that can give them senior teaching jobs in colleges and universities.

Some Famous Quotes Botany is the eldest daughter of medicine Johann Hermann Baas 63

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

Botany, the science of the vegetable kingdom, is one of the most attractive, most useful, and most

extensive

departments

of

human

knowledge. It is, above every other, the science of beauty - Joseph Paxton Those who wish to remain ignorant of the Latin language have no business with the study of Botany - John Berkenhout

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Sign in a store window – Any faulty item will be cheerfully replaced with an item of equal quality.

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Sports – It’s time to Retire if Humor

Doctors

who

treat

your

injuries

start

whispering something to your selectors, who then start staring at you with a worried look from then on.

The cricket board wants your suggestion for buying wheelchairs, crutches and other sports 65

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

injury equipment.

The media and book publishers want to know when you will start writing your autobiography.

The media cameras seem to focus more and more on your grey hair and the bald patch on your head.

Motorbike and sports car manufacturers suddenly start shunning you, while hair dye manufacturers, contact lens, and baldness cure clinics start pestering you for advertisements.

Your chauffeur not only opens the door for you but also insists on helping you get in and get out.

Your signature bat starts looking like a walking stick.

Your hard core fans start applauding and 66

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

appreciating even when you score the lowest possible runs, while your former fans start burning your effigy.

Your fans start sending calcium and vitamin tablets as gifts for your birthday.

Your team members start calling you uncle and make you sit in the shade whenever possible.

Your coach insists you wear a sweater and a woolen scarf during early morning practice.

Your fastest run seems like slow motion on TV. The cricket board's official painter seeks an appointment for painting a portrait of yours for the cricket museum.

Your sports psychologist suddenly starts discussing strange things like midlife crisis, arthritis, Generation-X, etc., with you.

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Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

You need your selector's permission to say you are under no pressure to retire.

Statements like an old goat, despite his age, imagine-at his age, etc., start appearing in newspapers and TV with startling regularity.

Your confidential fitness report is the talk of the town.

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Writing and Publishing

T

his section is dedicated to the wonderful world of Writing & Publishing and covers

topics on self and traditional publishing, art of writing, formatting your print and eBooks, how and where to publish, marketing your book, and so on. Learn how the publishing industry works 70

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

and how to get your books published in Paperback and all eBook formats on all international sites.

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Types of Non-Fiction Books Writing and Publishing

N

onfiction is a broad variety of writing that covers all books that are based on factual

and reports on true events. If a book is not a made-up story, then it is nonfiction. Nonfiction writing can be based on history and biography, instructional,

commentary, 72

true

stories,

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

philosophy, etc. This article will show the various types of non-fiction that are generally available in the market.

Religion and Spirituality – These books can take many forms. Some are theory-based, some are written from personal experiences, and some are organized like a self-help book to help readers find hope and courage in spirituality. Religion and Spirituality books can be dedicated to specific belief systems like Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, etc.

Self-Help – Among all the non-fiction genres out there self-help is the most popular one. The name itself is explanatory. These books provide you with guidance and actions to solve personal problems. Self-help books can be research-based 73

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

or they can be reflective.

Business and Economics - These books tend to be guides to entrepreneurship and management.

Such books are written by those who have had experience in the workplace or the market to share their tips and tricks. In a way, such books are like self-help books, but specifically for entrepreneurs and business managers.

Health and Wellness - These books cover many different topics like diets, stress management, mental health, weight reduction, mind-bodyspirit improvement, sleep disorders, etc. Such books are usually written by practicing doctors and wellness specialists who have the know-how to offer sound insight and advice.

Cookbooks – These are also very popular non74

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

fiction books covering an extremely wide range of food preparation. Such books will have detailed recipes with colorful photos written by experts in such cooking.

Language Books - Language books are usually basic or advanced guides on how to learn any language. Some of them aren’t about learning to use and communicate in a language, but dive into the origins and inner workings of these complex systems. Because of the complexity of the subject, these types of books require expert knowledge from the part of the author.

Memoirs and Autobiographies – These are books about the writer’s life. Memoirs usually cover a shorter time period focusing on some noteworthy moment, a specific experience in a 75

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

certain industry, or some childhood experiences.

It’s

often

written

by

younger

authors.

Autobiographies follow a longer timeline like a whole life or a personal history. Though anyone, with or without a public presence, can write a memoir, autobiographies are usually written by well-known figures like Presidents and Prime ministers. Autobiographies are also written by politicians to share their journey and views.

Biographies - Biographies are different from autobiographies, even though both are life stories. While autobiographies are written by authors about themselves, biographies are written by an author about somebody else. If the person is alive, then their consent should be acquired for ethical and legal purposes. A biography could also be written long after a 76

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

person’s death and presented as a history book focused

solely

on

his

or

her

life

and

circumstances. Many such biographies have even been made into famous movies.

History – These cover local and international history of individuals and nations ranging from several hundred years ago to the present time.

They provide readers with the social and political contexts of events to better understand their causes and their legacies.

Other non-fiction books are Politics and Social Sciences, Science and Technology, Textbooks, Philosophy, Craft and Hobbies, Educational Guides, Art Books, Travel Literature, Journalism, Children Education, etc.

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Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

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79

Children Section

T

his section is dedicated to articles for children and also their own contributions.

You can submit articles, drawings, and paintings done by your kids for consideration. This is to encourage them to cultivate the awesome habit of writing and reading books and magazines, instead of thinking that their computers, smartphones, and tablets are only for playing games and chatting.

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Comics – The Lost Priceless Treasures Nostalgia

T

his section is dedicated to remembering the golden era of comics that lasted from the

1930s till the late 1980s. When we were kids we didn’t have dozens of TV channels, Smartphones, Apps, Internet, Social Media, etc.

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Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

Our main sources of entertainment were movies in theaters, a radio set, books, magazines, playgrounds, and the wonderful world of comics.

Dozens and dozens of brilliant graphic comics would hit our magazine newsstands every month ranging from as low as 10 cents to 50 cents. The arrival of our favorite comic every month was always a gala affair that would send a thrilling chill down our spine. We even had awesome libraries that would lend us comics for a small fee.

Practically, every child on our planet grew up as diehard fans of various comic book heroes, heroines, and villains. Collecting and protecting our comics was a thrilling exercise, and we had to guard our precious comics from our mischievous friends, cousins, relatives, etc., who would vanish 82

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

with our priceless treasures.

Each comic book’s hero, heroine, and villain would take us deep into their imaginary wonderland and make us laugh, cry, giggle, angry, and even get furious. The stories used to so great that countless comics could have been easily been made in super movies. Did you know that each comic were meticulously hand drawn and colored by those great comic artists as there were no graphic softwares like today?

Want to know how those golden comics looked? See the next few pages for some awesome covers. Some lucky grown up child will be having these lovely treasures stored in their attics or cupboards somewhere on our planet (sigh!).

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87

I am a Pretty Pomegranate Children Knowledge

I

am a superb red colored fruit with a tough outer layer. But if you break me open you will

find hundreds of fantastic red pearls inside. And they all taste crunchy, gorgeous, and burst into drops of tasty juice when you bite into them. I grow on small thorny trees to protect myself. But I can’t protect myself from those naughty 88

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

nibbling squirrels. I don’t like to boast about myself, but I am a powerhouse of health and can prevent nasty things like heart troubles, cancer, strokes, brain problems, etc. I can also make your skin very smooth and glowing. I can also make you very intelligent. My juice is also very sweet.

All my fruit friends are jealous of me. But I don’t know why. I suspect it is because I have a cute pointy crown on my head. But my crown is not tasty. So why are they jealous of me? Wait, maybe it is because I have plenty of red jewels inside me.

By the way, I also have plenty of other delicious friends who can help you in many ways.

Together we control the world of health. We are the jewels of your dining table. We come in all shapes, sizes and colors. We exist to make you 89

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

humans happy. We help you avoid doctors and their expensive treatments like painful injections and bitter medicines. We can also make you run faster, jump higher and help you do great things in your school and college.

Do you want to know how we do all that magic? I will tell you how. We can do such wonderful things because some of us are good for your brain, some for your heart, some for your skin, and some for your bones, and so on.

We are like warriors and can easily fight with all those nasty troublemakers hiding in your body.

Aren’t we fellows’ great? But if you don’t eat us then those horrible troublemakers will always make you sick, tired, and weak. Then you will not be able to play sports or climb a hill. Now I am sure you don’t want to be such a weakling, do 90

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

you?

Okay, next month I will introduce another mighty friend of mine. Don’t run away!

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91

A Few Questions FAQs

How do we contact you?

Via

email

on

thejendra@yahoo.com

or

thejendrabs@gmail.com.

I am a writer and want to submit articles to your magazine. Will you accept it?

Yes, as long as the article is related to personal development topics. It would also be good if you have your own website, blog, etc., for readers to contact you. If you want to contribute regularly, then I would prefer you become my magazine subscriber. This link contains the submission 92

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

details and template.

Do you pay for articles?

Not yet. This is still a new magazine and to pay you my circulation must improve. But I will provide a PDF copy of the magazine if I include your article in this magazine.

What kind of articles do you accept?

Your articles must be related to selfimprovement, stress management, leadership, management, writing, publishing, and so on. It must help the reader learn something useful for their life skills. Also, your article must be your own and not copied from anywhere. All images used must cite sources and must be free for 93

Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

personal and commercial usage. I can also consider publishing articles, drawings, and paintings done by your kids to push them towards the habit of reading books and magazines.

Do you accept advertisements in your magazine?

Yes, you can have a half-page or a full-page advertisement. Half page is US$10 and full-page is US$20 (see samples next page). Authors can also advertise their books and its short summary for just US$5/-. For half page send a JPG or PNG file of size 5 inch x 3.75 inch and for full-page send a 5 inch x 7.5 inch size file.

I have some other questions.

Just send me an email.

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Self Improvement International – April 2021 Issue

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About the Editor

Thejendra Sreenivas is an Author and Life Skills Coach and offers personalized coaching in Book Publishing and Personal Development. He has also written 20+ mild & wild books on a number of subjects. His inspiration for writing unique books comes from Toni Morrison who said, “If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”

Please visit his web cave - www.thejendra.com for details of his books, magazine, and coaching information.

Check out his other unique books.

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Past Issues of this Magazine

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Wealth of the Wise