It was with an honour to have been posted to the NAOC. I am confident to say that each of us being pulled out today had benefited immensely from the corps which has helped to nurture us from novices to true professionals and outstanding leaders.

Very inspired story: A Year to Live.

Anthony Burgess was forty when he learned he had a brain tumor that would kill him within a year. He had no money at the time and nothing to bequeath to his soon-to-be widow, Lynne.

Burgess had never been a professional novelist in the past; but he was always aware that he had the talent to be a writer in him. So, just to be able to leave at least the copyrights to his wife, he put a piece of paper in the typewriter and began to write his first novel. It was not even certain that what he had written could be published; but he couldn’t think of anything else to do.

“It was January 1960,” he said, “and according to the diagnosis, I had a winter, a spring, and a summer ahead of me. That year, when the leaves began to fall, I would have died too.” With that speed and haste, Burgess had managed to write five and a half novels before the year was out. E. M. Forster could only write so many in almost an entire lifetime; J. D. Salinger, one of America’s greatest writers, managed to write only half of it in his entire life.

However, Burgess did not die. His cancer first regressed; then it disappeared altogether. In his long and full life as a writer, he produced more than seventy works, most famously A Clockwork Orange. He might not have written even one of these novels had it not been for the death sentence that cancer had inflicted on him.

Most of us are like Anthony Burgess; we hide a great talent waiting for an emergency to emerge from within us.

A useful exercise in self-motivation is to ask yourself what you would do if you were in Anthony Burgess’s place and found out that you would die of cancer within a year… “What would change in my life, how would I live my last year if I had learned that I would only live one more year? ? What exactly would I do? Considering the brevity of life is a useful exercise; it often brings up surprising thoughts in your mind that will reveal your unused talents that have not yet surfaced.

Building meaningful connections is key to success! Attend conferences, join online communities, and grow your network. Who's your most valuable connection? #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth

The Service assures the public that it will continue to be civil and professional in its statutory responsibility of manning the
Country’s Borders.”

I have a lot of trouble understanding all the detail of finance and administration - but if you combine intellectual and professional capacity with a social conscience, you can change things: countries, structures, economic models, colonial states.

If you feel like giving up, read this:

1. This is a Phase.
Tough times are just a phase. They don't last forever. Life is a cycle of highs and lows. Remember, this too shall pass. You're in the middle of the storm now, but clear skies are ahead. Hold on.

2. You Are Stronger Than You Think.
Never underestimate your resilience.

- You've survived 100% of your bad days.
- Inside you, there is an inner strength.
- Your potential is greater than any problem.

Remember, you're stronger and more capable than you believe.

3. Small Steps Count.
Progress isn't always a leap forward. Sometimes it's tiny, almost imperceptible steps. Each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goal. Celebrate every bit of progress. Slow and steady can still win the race. Keep moving forward.

4. Remember Your 'Why'.
Think back to the reasons why you started. Reconnect with your motivation and your goals.

5. Failure is a Stepping Stone.
It's okay to fall but it's important to rise again. Every setback brings learning opportunities. Remember, every great success story involves overcoming obstacles. Keep going. Your story is being written.

6. Practice Self-Care.

Self-care is essential, especially during tough times.

- Eat nutritious food
- Exercise regularly
- Get adequate sleep
- Connect with loved ones
- Engage in activities that bring joy.

It’s not selfish, it's survival. Your well-being matters.

7. It's Okay to Ask for Help.
Remember, you're not alone in this journey.

- Reach out to friends, family, or professionals
- Open up about your struggles
- Seek support when you need it

Strength isn't just about enduring in silence. It's also knowing when to ask for help.

To my friends and readers, Fight for yourself. No matter how difficult it becomes, never let yourself give in. After some time, your spark will eventually return. You will come out happier, healthier, and wiser. We are in this together.

When the going gets weird, the weird turn professional.

"Your attitude is the one thing you have complete control over. You can't always control your circumstances, but you can always control your attitude. And your attitude will determine how you respond to your circumstances."

7 lessons from "Attitude Is Everything: Change Your Attitude... Change Your Life!" by Jeff Keller:

1. Your Attitude is Your Window to the World: Keller emphasizes that your attitude shapes how you perceive and interact with the world. A positive attitude allows you to see opportunities and possibilities, while a negative attitude can cloud your judgment and limit your potential.

2. Think, Speak, and Act Positively: The book highlights the importance of maintaining a positive mindset through your thoughts, words, and actions. By consciously choosing positive thoughts and speaking affirmatively, you can create a more empowering environment for yourself.

3. You’re a Human Magnet: Keller explains that your attitude attracts similar energies. A positive attitude draws positive experiences and people into your life, while a negative attitude can repel opportunities and relationships. Cultivating positivity can enhance your social and professional interactions.

4. Turn Problems into Opportunities: The author encourages readers to view challenges as opportunities for growth. By shifting your perspective on problems, you can develop resilience and find creative solutions, ultimately leading to personal and professional development.

5. The Power of Commitment: Keller stresses that making a commitment to your goals is essential for success. When you fully commit to your aspirations, you are more likely to take the necessary actions to achieve them, overcoming obstacles along the way.

6. Stop Complaining: The book advises against complaining, as it fosters a negative mindset and hinders progress. Instead, Keller encourages readers to focus on solutions and take proactive steps to improve their situations, reinforcing a positive attitude.

7. Associate with Positive People: Surrounding yourself with positive influences is crucial for maintaining a healthy attitude. Keller suggests that associating with optimistic and supportive individuals can inspire you to adopt similar attitudes and behaviors, enhancing your overall outlook on life.

These lessons from Jeff Keller's book provide practical insights into the transformative power of attitude, emphasizing the importance of positivity, commitment, and proactive behavior in achieving success and fulfillment.