BUILD A REAL LIFETHIS IS YOUR LIFE ARE YOU

WHO YOU WANT TO BE?

DUA

Yal-Allah, I seek refuge in you from Satan the accursed and the helpers, supporters, and allies of Satan the accursed. Yal-Allah, I seek refuge in you from the evil of my own soul, my own ignorance, and my ego. Anything good mentioned here is from you and all wrong mentioned here is from me. I ask your forgiveness and the forgiveness of those I present this to. Amen

AL- FALAQ Say, In (or with) the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful, "I

seek refuge in the Lord of The Daybreak"From the evil of what He has created

And From the evil of darkness when it overspreadsAnd from the evil of malignant witchcraft

And From the evil of the envious when he envies.

BUILD A GOOD LIFE: THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!

WHY PEOPLE STAY TRAPPED IN BOXES:Limiting beliefs: “My family/friends/ancestors/congregation did it this specific

way so I must do it this specific way.”

“It’s never been done before or never done that way so I’m not going to try to do it.”

“I don’t have what it takes or my family believes I don’t have what it takes.”

“I don’t have the time, financial resources, or familial support.”

“I am afraid or I am afraid I’m going to fail.”

“ Its incompatible with Islam or I can’t wear hijab.”

“I’m too fat, tall, thin, ugly, dark, or light.”

BUILD A GOOD LIFE: THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX-2

WHY PEOPLE STAY TRAPPED IN BOXES:Toxic People: Treacherous Tom: Tom isn't trying to hide nothing. He waste no

time in engaging in warfare like competition.

Pretender Peter: Peter smiles in your face but rages at you in his heart. He has two faces for a reason.

Bubbly Bob: Bob is always happy even when he is being cheated, disrespected, robbed, or stabbed. He’s just happy.

Depressed Dorthea: When ever you ask Dorthea how she is doing or you ask for her advice her response is always sad, tragic, traumatic, shocking, and negative.

Drama Queen Sally: Sally is really bored so she creates problems, strife, and stress where there doesn’t need to be any. She makes things harder then what they are.

WARNING: THIN ICE

If one truly reflects about one’s own limiting beliefs and

the toxic people that are in your life, you will notice that

the beliefs are in cooperation with each other. If you

Choose to evaluate your perception based on Qur'anic

guidance you will notice those beliefs and behaviors are

the exact same attributes of the hypocrites who opposed

Islam during the time of the Prophet Muhammad p.b.h.

Please see Surah AL-Baqarah

THE NECESSITY OF THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

“Nothing endures but change.”- Heraclitus from Diogenes Laertius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THOSE WHO TAKE IT MALCOLM X

Why it’s necessary to think anew: War-It’s an ugly truth but some nations thrive off war. Globalization- Africa, India, and China are at the forefront. National demographic changes such as: immigration, aging

workforce, and increase in youth ages 16-30. Restructuring of the workforce: old ways of management,

organization, and technology are being discarded to increase profits.

Loss of organized labor-Unions are becoming a thing of the past. Especially as more people become contractors or self-employed.

WHY IT’S NECESSARY TO THINK ANEW-2

Why it’s necessary to think anew: The educational system is being restructured- the majority

of high schools will begin to offer undergraduate classes,

associates, and vocational programs, especially online. This

means the age in which a fellow candidate has more

education than you will be younger. This doesn’t including

America’s home-schooling population.

Segmentation of the workforce- Those with security

clearances and good credit versus those who lack both.

Permanent employees versus contractors. Multi-lingual

workers versus indigenous workers.

Hipster racism and sexism have replaced old world order bigotry.

ONWARD & UPWARD

“ You are your own worst enemy. You waste precious time dreaming of the future instead of engaging in the present. Since nothing seems urgent to you, you are only half involved in what you do. The only way to change is through action and outside pressure. Put yourself in situations where you have too much at stake to waste time or resources-if you cannot afford to lose, you won’t. Cut your ties to the past; enter unknown territory where you must depend on your wits and energy to see you through. Place yourself on “death ground,” where you back is against the wall and you have to fight like hell to get out alive.” The 33 Strategies of War

KEYS TO GETTING OUT OF YOUR BOXES-1

Know who and whose you are:“They are on guidance from their Lord, and it is these who will

succeed. Qur’an 2:2-5

“ By the soul, and the proportion and order given to it, and its inspiration as to its wrong and right-truly he succeeds who purifies it, and he fails who corrupts it.” Qur’an91:7-10

“ Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah-for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction-for those who believe and work righteousness is every blessedness(tubaa) and a beautiful place of final return.” Qur’an 13:28-29

KEYS TO GETTING OUT OF YOUR BOXES-2

Remain convicted in the word of Allah s.w.t. “Allah will establish in strength those who believe with the word

that stands firm, in this world and in the hereafter…” Qur’an 14:27

Say: in the Bounty of Allah, and in his Mercy-in that let them rejoice-that is better than what they hoard. Qur’an 10:58

“… Allah guides all who seek His good pleasure to ways of peace and safety…” Qur’an 5:16

“ And He has put love and affection between their hearts; not if you had spent all that is in the earth could you have produced that affection, but Allah has done it; for He is Exalted in might, wise.” Qur’an 6:63

KEYS TO GETTING OUT OF YOUR BOXES-3

Use Islam as your primary strategy for success. Islam: self surrender to Allah. Eman: realization of the tenets of Islam; and personal

conviction of the Truth of Islam; practical application of

Islamic teachings. Ihsan: fulfillment of all the good required by Allah

S.W.T., personal and moral mastery through the actualization of Eman in all aspects of one’s life.

Islam is the path

Eman is the vehicle

Ihsan is the destination

KEYS TO GETTING OUT OF YOUR BOXES-4

“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” -Albert Einstein

Dr. Phil an American Talk show Psychologist is one of my favorite people

in the world. He frequently tells people “ to get real with themselves about

their life and everyone in it.” Let’s talk about what I believe to be myths.

Feminist theory, like other theories are soft sciences. I’m not discounting

the legitimate struggles and rewards of this movement. But I must speak

the truth. Please keep in mind that traditional marriage and motherhood are

time tested and societal approved methods of human organization. Think

long and hard about what type of wife and mother you want to be. Think

long and hard about what type of family life you desire when planning

your future. Pay attention to the family life of the people around you who

are advising you.

KEYS TO GETTING OUT OF YOUR BOXES-5

Order is not pressure which is imposed on society from without, but an equilibrium which is set up from within.

Jose Ortega Gasset

Another myth specifically endemic to Western societies is the

belief that in order for one to transition into adulthood one must

experience the pathologies of the society such as pre-marital sex,

drugs, alcohol, smoking. Meanwhile, the youth else where and in

certain sub-groups of our society aren’t following the masses. I

encourage you to read “ Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion

Against Low Expectations” by Alex and Bret Harris.

WORK SMARTER NOT HARDER

Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first.

Mark Twain

NON-TRADITIONAL METHODS OF WORK

Although I’m a big believer in thinking outside the box as my

life experience has taught me that there is more than one way to

do something I believe these non-traditional methods may work

best for the following individuals:

1. Those interested in earlier marriage and family life.

2. Those interested in Islamic studies and missionary work.

3. Those who will stay at home but want to develop themselves.

4. Self directed, self disciplined, goal oriented, and organized.

5. Energetic, positive, and passionate about your own life.

6. Patient and fore-bearing.

7. Parents who are unable or unwilling to pay for college.

8. Those who don’t want to borrow money and wish to pay as you

9. go along.

10. Those unconcerned about fitting in or following the masses.

NON-TRADITIONAL METHODS WORK

If you don’t work you don’t eat- Marva Collins

Award winning Educator, Author, Business woman

Through my contractor work experience I’ve watched year after

year how managers are able to ascertain internships or

externships as well entry level jobs for their family members.

These same family members are then tracked for lucrative

leadership position via their network. Meanwhile, the masses of

young people are caught in the “ you don’t have experience I

can’t hire you”, when hiring them is the only way to get

experience. This is especially true for ethnic minorities, religious

minorities, and young mothers. There is more than one way to

accomplish something and many are already doing it.

NON-TRADITIONAL METHODS OF WORK

Contractor work, independent consulting work, free-lance work,

and entrepreneurship are great ways to: master the art of

business; increase socialization, build a credible work history;

acquire the flexibility and freedom to focus on your deen;

pay for your education as you go along; and build wealth prior to

starting a family.Website Resources:

 

Women and Money

http://www.suzeorman.com/

http://www.wife.org/

http://www.cherylbroussard.com/

 

Business Resources

US Chamber of Commerce http://www.uschamber.com/

  Virginia Chamber of Commerce

http://www.vachamber.com/

  Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise

http://www.dmbe.state.va.us/

  Agribusiness Association of Iowa http://agribiz.org/

Free small business software applications http://www.expensefree.com/

Free small business resources http://www.score.org/

Contractor Resources

Robert Half Professional Staffing Services

http://www.roberthalf.com/

  BH Griner Professional Staffing Services

http://www.bhgriner.com/

  Express Personnel Staffing Services

http://www.expresspros.com/

  Aerotek Professional Staffing Services

http://www.aerotek.com/professional-services

Book Resources:

Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That the Poor and the Middle Class Do Not! Robert T. Kiyosaki

The Business School for People Who Like Helping People by Robert T. Kiyosaki

How I Retired at 26! A Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing Your Freedom and Wealth by Asha Tyson

Campus CEO: The Student Entrepreneur's Guide to Launching a Multi-Million Dollar Business by Randal Pinkett

Women on Top by Margaret Heffernan Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game

Changers, and Challengers Alexander Osterwalder Think Big: Unleashing Your Potential for Excellence by Ben Carson

M.D Take the Risk: Learning to Identify, Choose, and Live with

Acceptable Risk by Ben Carson M.D

ONE DESTINATION MANY PATHS

We succeed only as we identify in life, or in war, or in anything else, a single overriding objective, and make all other considerations bend to that one objective. -Dwight D. Eisenhower

NON-TRADITIONAL METHODS OF LEARNING

The smaller the mind the greater the conceit.

AesopColleges See 17 Percent Increase in Online Enrollment

http://chronicle.com/blogs/wiredcampus/colleges-see-17-percent

increase-in-online-enrollment/20820 “Colleges saw a 17 percent increase in online enrollment, with

More than one in four students taking at least one online course in

the fall of 2008, according to the findings of an annual survey

published on Tuesday by the Sloan Consortium.”

“The growth rate eclipsed last year’s 12-percent increase and dwarfed.

NON-TRADITIONAL METHODS OF LEARNING

The Sloan report is based on data collected from more than 2,500 colleges

and universities by the Babson Survey Research Group and the College

Board. Among the study’s other key findings: Bad economic times, which traditionally drive more people back to school, are

having a particularly strong impact on demand for online courses. Seventy-three percent of institutions report increased demand for existing online courses, compared with 54 percent for face-to-face. Sixty-six percent report increased demand for new online courses. And students are clamoring for distance education at colleges that don’t offer it; 45 percent of institutions in that category report growing demand for new online courses and programs.

The overwhelming majority of the 4.6-million online students — over 82 percent — are undergraduates.

Another interesting survey result: 84 percent of high school-educated, employed adults are worried about losing their job or not being able to find a new job if let go, while only 63 percent of college-educated adults are concerned.http://businessmajors.about.com/od/employmentaftergraduation/a/EducationSurv.htm

NON-TRADITIONAL METHODS OF LEARNING

Accreditation Website Resources

COUNCIL FOR HIGHER EDUCATION ACCREDITATIONOne Dupont Circle NW, Suite 510 • Washington, DC 20036(tel) 202-955-6126 • (fax) 202-955-6129 • chea@chea.orghttp://www.chea.org/ 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONDepartment of Education Building400 Maryland Ave, SWWashington, DC 20202Phone: 1-800-USA-LEARN (1-800-872-5327)http://www.ed.gov/

DISTANCE EDUCATION AND TRAINING COUNCIL1601 18th Street, N.W., Suite 2Washington, D.C. 20009Phone (202) 234-5100Fax: (202) 332-1386http://www.detc.org/

 

NON-TRADITIONAL METHODS OF LEARNING

International Website Resources

Semester at Sea

http://www.semesteratsea.org/

Hostelling International

http://www.hihostels.com/

Global Student Experience

http://www.gseabroad.com/

Teach English Abroad

http://www.languagecorps.com/

NON-TRADITIONAL METHODS OF LEARNING

Degree programs evaluated by students 

Online Degree Reviews

http://www.onlinedegreereviews.org/

 

Distance Education Reviews

http://www.distance-education.org/Reviews/

 

Two Private Online Colleges

 

Walden University

http://www.waldenu.edu/

 

President Clinton Encourages Walden Graduates to Use Their Education to Effect Positive Change

http://www.waldenu.edu/News-and-Events/50173.htm

 

American Public University

http://www.apus.edu/

JUST FOR WOMEN

Book Resources

This Is How We Do It: The Working Mothers' Manifesto by Carol Evans

Mothers on the Fast Track: How a New Generation Can Balance Family and Careers by Mary

Ann Mason

Mama, PhD: Women Write About Motherhood and Academic Life by Elrena Evans

The Price of Motherhood: Why the Most Important Job in the World Is Still the Least Valued

by Ann Crittenden

Global Woman: Nannies, Maids, and Sex Workers in the New Economy by Barbara Ehrenreich

Don't You Dare Get Married Until You Read This! The Book of Questions for Couples by

Corey Donaldson

Lies at the Altar: The Truth About Great Marriages by Robin L. Smith

Boundaries in Dating: Making Dating Work by Henry Cloud

For Women Only: What You Need to Know about the Inner Lives of Men by Shaunti Feldhahn

Love Is Never Enough: How Couples Can Overcome Misunderstandings, Resolve Conflicts,

and Solve Relationship Problems Through Cognitive Therapy by Aaron T. Beck

CONCLUSION

May You thrive and prosper!-Ameen