The Pakistani Spectator

The positiveselfdevelopment.com was founded last October. Its purpose is to provide interesting blog posts and resources that help people develop themselves in order to realise their full potential as human beings..

Yes, my writing and the site have evolved.  Rather than just give out information, the site now addresses common issues that people face such as stress, anxiety, lack of achievement and health issues. I try to provide positive and constructive solutions to people’s issues and this is why the site and my blog posts are important to me.

What stands out is the way the site has grown and the fact that my readers keep coming back each time I post.

I am a member of a group made up of lots of bloggers. We regularly communicate via Skype chat and compare notes.

What was noticeable about the election of Obama in the USA was how he used social networking sites such as Twitter to get his message across. I can see politicians using Twutter, Facebook and other social media web sites to more and more as a way of influencing voters. Whether this is a good thing or not is open to question.

Younger people who use social media sites everyday are the ones who will be more responsive.

Though there are many self development blog sites what sets mine apart is my individual voice and personality. Blogging is not about just factual information. It is a way of getting opinions across  in a way tthat reflects the authors personality. Any blog that does this well will stand out.

The important quality that I have is tenacity - the ability to stick with things. Life will always throw obstacles in you way and this needs to be accepted as the way things are. Have a vision and stick with it.

The gloomiest time was having my heart broken when a relationship ended.  The happiest time was the realisation that the only problem in my life was wanting to be in some place or some state other than where I am. Once I accepted where I was then I found myself walking alongside the River Ganges and laughing at clouds. All cares and troubles had vanished.

If you could pick a travel destination, anywhere in the world, with no worries about how it’s paid for - what would your top 3 choices be?

India, Hawaii, South Pacific Island

What is your favorite book and why?

So many to choose from. If I have to pick one then it is Siddhartha by Herman Hesse as it shows how the whole spiritual quest ends when seeking stops and all there is simply sitting by the river.

What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?

Their smile,

Is there anyone from your past that once told you couldn’t write?

No - everyone encouraged me, but i did not always listen to them.

By creating products or recommending affiliate products that can serve their readers.

Not true in my case. I lead a busy life and blogging is only a small part of it.

What role can bloggers of the world play to make this world friendlier and less hostile?

Feeling separate is a major cause of hostility. Bloggers can promote non-separation. Blogging is about connecting with people and promoting understanding.

Who are your top five favorite bloggers?

I rarely read other blogs so I do not have favourites.

Is there one observation or column or post that has gotten the most powerful reaction from people?

I did a post recommending the Paleo diet which is a nutrition program that goes against common ideas of what constitutes a healthy diet. People reacted to this. I think that it is good for bloggers to be controversial as it provokes debate and discussion.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

Although I have never been there I imagine it to have some things in common with India where I have spent some time. India can be wonderful, charming and its people very friendly. It can also be frustrating, difficult and trying. Perhaps Pakistan is the same - full of wonderful people but their are political and social tensions and problems.

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger?

All good bloggers are unique.

What is the most striking difference between a developed country and a developing country?

Developing countries tend to have state systems in place if people lose their jobs, money or become sick, though these systems are rarely perfect. In developing countries if you are sick or lose your job then the state does not always assist. You need money or a supportive family to get by.

What is the future of blogging?

The future of blogging is that more and more people will blog and there will be a trend for micro blogs. Micro blogs are ones aimed at your family and close friends and are a journal of your life which you want to share with them.

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?

I work for myself and do not see a clear distinction between my personal and professional life. I spend my time doing things and some of these things are aimed at making money, some are not.  Blogging is just something I spend some time on and make a little money from.

What are your future plans?

I am in the midst of setting up a software company and am completing a program that helps people to be productive and achieve their goals. The future will be about marketing this software and creating another blog to promote it. More will be announced atpositiveselfdevelopment.com

Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?

The greatest skill in life is to learn the art of accepting what is and then allowing change and evolution to happen.