Алибала Магерамзаде
Homework Let’s Learn the Formula Of Success
09. Let's Get Acquainted
Dear reader, at this stage I want to make a small digression and talk on another topic. Who am I and what am I doing? What is my life credo? Reading the book, you will get the answer to these questions. You must know your teacher so that you can master your homework well.
Since we first met, dear reader, I want to give information about my homeland. I am an Azerbaijani. I live in the Republic of Azerbaijan, in its capital city of Baku. For a long time, that is, from 1920 to 1991, our republic was part of federation called the Soviet Union, and regained its independence only in 1991. Before we lost our independence, that is, until 1920, we were the first democratic republic in the East and had statehood. I must note that the Safavid empire (XV–XVIII), one of the greatest empires in world history, also belonged to us, Azerbaijanis. This historical Azerbaijani state owned a vast territory of 3,500,000 square kilometers and covered the territories of today's Azerbaijan, Iran, Armenia, Afghanistan, Western Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Eastern Turkey, Northeast India and Uzbekistan, as well as the lands of Arab countries (Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman).
In the history of every nation there are wars with triumph or defeats, falls and rises. In 1813 and 1828, according to the Gulistan and Turkmanchay treaties, the territory of Azerbaijan was divided between the Russian Empire and the Shahdom of Iran. Northern Azerbaijan as part of the Russian Empire is today's independent Azerbaijan in which I live. Currently, about 10 million Azerbaijanis live in it. South Azerbaijan (with Tabriz as its capital), which was given to Iran, does not have statehood until now. Currently, about 25 million Azerbaijanis live there. Many people in the world know only North Azerbaijan, since it is an independent state. Azerbaijan is known as a country with significant oil reserves. Its capital, the city of Baku, which is developing and becoming more beautiful, is called the second Dubai. In Eastern countries, our city is also known as a great place for tourism. In the West, Baku is also known as the city where Formula 1 competitions are held.
Each country has its own «most» and «first». Azerbaijan also has something to be proud of. I mentioned that it was the very first democratic Eastern state, and owned the largest empire in the world. Let’s move ahead. The shores of our country are washed by the Caspian Sea, the largest lake in the world. The largest number (over 300) of mud volcanoes on the globe account for our territory. The first and most perfect observatory in the East was created in 1259 by the world famous scientist Nasir al-Din al-Tusi in the Azerbaijani city of Maraga. The first sample of the five «Khamse» poems in world literature was created by the great Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi (XII century). Oil production from the seabed was first carried out in Azerbaijan in 1846. The first female diplomat in the East was Sarah Khatun, who lived in the Azerbaijani state of Aq Qoyunlu in the 15th century. The first opera in the East was written in 1908 by the famous Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyov. The first music academy in the East was created in Azerbaijan in 1920. For the first time, the right of choice to women in the East was granted in Azerbaijan in 1918. The first electric train in the East was launched in Azerbaijan in 1926.
I don’t want to continue this list and put the last point here: Lotf Zadeh, a world-famous scientist, the founder of the theory of fuzzy logic (an attempt to connect mathematics with the intuitive way that people talk, think and interact with the world), a teaching that promotes fundamental changes and breakthroughs in the history of mankind, is also an Azerbaijani!
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I think the fact that the greatest world leaders talk about a small country, which declared its independence recently, and write about it on the pages of the most influential world editions, cannot but cause pride among its citizens. We, the Azerbaijanis, are used to being proud of that.
«Baku cannot be compared to any other city. There is a huge seaside boulevard with interesting exhibitions and attractions, as well as the old city, the so-called Icheri Sheher, with its labyrinth streets, convenient cafes and carpet shops. Peerless beaches with golden sands, flickering lights of Absheron, luxurious restaurants and clubs, sparkling palace of Cristall Hall…
The rest of the country is no less fascinating. It’s hard to believe that nine out of eleven climate types fall on the territory of Azerbaijan. „Ancient cave paintings, ski resorts, half of the world's mud volcanoes, salt lakes, burning mountains – all this causes great interest.“»
The Telegraph (Great Britain)
«You feel comfortable when driving along the wide and beautiful road from the airport to the city. Throughout the way, many beautiful buildings and amazing architectural elements attract your attention. The Heydar Aliyev Center is particularly admirable. Evening Baku is an incomparable experience. The bright lighting of the Seaside National Park, central and nearby buildings, bridges, roads. In different parts of the city you can meet cheerful and carefree young people.
One more detail about Baku: you can play chess with veterans of the Second World War in the Seaside Park if you wish.»
Frankfurter Allgemeine (Germany)
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In the end, dear reader, since the homeland begins with the place where you were born, I want to briefly talk about Quba, the region where I was born. This amazing mountain region with beautiful nature, surrounded by green gardens, has lots of inherent features.
Located 168 km north of Baku, on the slopes of Mount Shahdag of the Greater Caucasus, at an altitude of 600 m above sea level, on the banks of the Gudialchay River, Quba is known for its apples. The white apple that grows here is truly unique.
The Quba region is also known for its carpets. In many famous museums of the world, as well as in personal collections, one can find samples of the Quba school of carpet weaving, such as Chichi, Yerf, Gymyl, distinguished by their original drawings.
Another feature of Quba is its unique villages and towns. Here, at an altitude of 2500 meters above sea level, the village of Khinalug is located. Due to its unique language, the population of this village constitutes a separate ethnographic group. It is no coincidence that the Khinalug phenomenon, having a 5000-year history, is considered the most significant ethnographic value in the history of mankind.
The famous Krasnaya Sloboda, home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the world, is also located in Quba. Caucasian Jews settled in this village (named Caucasian Jerusalem) in 1797 under the rule of Fatali Khan. In the territory of Dagestan where they lived, the Jews were subjected to genocide by the order of the local ruler Surkhay Khan, so they were forced to cross the border. They settled in Azerbaijan. Fatali Khan provided them with one of the most picturesque corners of Guba and took them under his protection.
According to some reports, the history of this ancient city, once part of Caucasian Albania, dates back to the 13th century. The defensive towers of the 11th – 12th centuries, the burial places of Sudab and Agbil (16th – 19th centuries), the Arched bridge, the mosques of Haji Jafar and Juma (Friday mosque), the Alemu Tower, the Temple of Fire Worshipers are considered valuable architectural monuments located on the territory of this district. The local bathhouse Chukhur Hamam is especially famous, as its creation dates back to 17–19 centuries. This monument (considered the pearl of oriental architecture) was glorified in Alexander Dumas travel notes. Having bathed here during his trip to the Caucasus, the writer was apparently pleased.
I also want to talk about the picturesque nature of Guba. This is one of the favorite places for tourists visiting our country. Many places are included in the constant tourist routes. The guests of our region are happy to visit the Qechresh forest, with its wonderful springs, apples, pears, walnuts, hazelnuts, loquats, dogwoods and healing herbs: hawthorn, rosehip, where gazelles, foxes, wild boars, wolves, bears and other animals live. Tourists come to see the powerful river Gudialchay, with tasty bream fish and a 60-meter waterfall that arose from the Jurassic limestone on the slope of the canyon-shaped gorge. I should also note the Tengealti Valley rich in healing, oxygen-saturated air.
The following expression is no accident: «Those who visited Guba once, will certainly come back again.» The great Azerbaijani poet Mammad Araz wrote: «If you haven’t seen Guba, don’t say that you’ve seen Azerbaijan!»
10. 15 Essential Qualities You Must Have to Succeed
The formula for success is at the same time specific and general. That is, the qualities necessary for achieving it may be acceptable for one nation, but not for another. In Azerbaijan, for example (and in the East in general), those who rely on mental values and national principles achieve success. In this case, great importance is given to a strong, full-fledged family, where exemplary education, attachment to one's national roots, and religious affiliation predominate. Only these factors allow achieving success.
Based on my personal experience and observations, I can put forward the following parameters:
Getting exemplary education
Getting an education in an exemplary family with intelligent, progressive-minded parents who are considered role models in society is, in my opinion, the most necessary condition and incentive for life. At the next stage, an important role is given to the education received in kindergarten and high school, or from mentors. The knowledge received from teachers and leaders contribute to the formation of a full-fledged personality with a strong character, which is the main criterion in moving towards the intended goal.
A person eventually becomes a man with exemplary manners and education. This type of people, in turn, undertakes to instill the culture of good manners, and contribute to the upbringing and formation of the future generation.
I will give you one simple example. Being well-mannered does not mean spilling food on the tablecloth. Being well-mannered means to see a person next to you in a similar situation, but pretend that you didn’t notice so as not to put him in an awkward position.
Strong family
Another important condition for young people striving for a goal is a strong healthy family. They should know how to concede in their own house. Families like this has faith and trust in relations between members, they are hassle-free, far from troubles and all kinds of strife. Such a family can mobilize you to direct all your potential to the intended goal and serve as an incentive.
Relations between spouses are also of great importance in this matter. Nothing can be more beautiful than the life of a married couple, whose dreams and aspirations coincide. The basis of a strong family lies in the ability of the head of the family to conduct a thoughtful policy (family is often called a small state). Creating a family, young people must make the right choice. A married couple should be consistent with each other. People say: try to find a wife of the same height. If she is taller than you, you may end up under her heel.
Attachment to national roots and religion
Each individual must be attached to his national roots and respect his religion. Traditions, rules of behavior, proverbs, sayings and other folklore patterns, games and rituals that have survived for thousands of years, combined, form the national character of a person.
Only a person attached to national roots feels at ease. A detached person will never feel himself comfortable.
He who does not have national roots and religion is deprived of a fulcrum. Cosmopolitan or not, he should preserve his national character. Atheist or not, he should respect the religious beliefs of his people.
Opportunity to obtain higher education
Obtaining primary education is, of course, necessary, but I also consider higher education a very important factor in achieving success. You can be educated in life without getting an education. However, higher education gives not only awareness, but also a way of assimilating knowledge, an instruction in the use of knowledge. The academic environment is an important factor in shaping a person's worldview.
Health and fitness
There’s nothing more important in life than health. «Healthy mind in a healthy body». This expression is familiar to everyone.
If a person is weak or sick, he will naturally encounter obstacles on his way to the goal. First, heal yourself, take care of your physical condition, and then think about success.
It seems to me that a person should visit a doctor not in order to recover, but in order not to get sick. Healthy eating, physical activity, giving up bad habits, harmony with nature – all this constitutes a healthy lifestyle. These conditions should be a characteristic feature of a person striving for a goal.
Healthy environment
Who surrounds you, who are your friends and acquaintances, whom your team consists of – all these points are very important and are the main conditions for a person who wants to succeed. What’s interesting, the conditions for becoming a leader in all concepts depend not only on your skills and authoritarianism, but also on support from your followers, environment, subordinates, on their ability to work and on how loyal you are.
The concept of «having a healthy environment» is very broad. Just like you change your apartment, car or your wardrobe from time to time, it’s very important to change your environment at the right time.
The advantage of being well-read and learning best practices
Reading, of course, plays an indispensable role in improving a person, developing his speech and skills, making him knowledgeable, sociable and educated. A book is a teacher of life. You can learn from it, drawing all the good things it offers.
Now at the time of immense development of information and communication technologies, it’s impossible to find a person who will deny the need for a large amount of information. Knowledge and information are two wings, like two hands, necessary for a modern person to achieve a goal.
It is worth considering the dual nature of reading. Obtaining general information to improve his knowledge of world and nature sciences, as well as building relationships between people, a person striving for the goal also receives specific knowledge necessary for chosen profession, which accelerates his path to success.
The unity of the beloved and chosen professions
Do you know in which cases a person building a career is more successful? When his favorite profession coincides with his chosen profession. A person can never succeed if he is busy with an unloved affair. This is absurd, emptiness and disappointment. As if a young man loves one girl, but marries another.
Dear young people, when choosing a profession, you must listen to your inner voice. Don’t let the insistence of parents or someone else’s influence lead you astray. Remember: only doing your favorite work you can build a successful career.
Professional skills
Professionalism and amateurism are two polar poles. According to the brilliant Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi, «it’s better to be a perfect saddle-maker than a useless hatter». Being a professional in saddle-making is more profitable than being an amateur hatter.
Being a professional means being self-confident and strong, being an expert in your field. It means to have advanced experience, to obtain relevant education, to enjoy the work you are doing.
Amateurism is self-doubt, stress and tension. Amateurs are mostly those who mastered a profession but work in a completely different sphere, or those who didn’t have a chance to receive proper knowledge and experience. Random people, of course, cannot succeed in what they do. This is impossible. The path to success in any case lies through professionalism. It’s an axiom.
Manage your character
A person who wants to succeed must be able to control his ego and direct it in the right direction. You went on a path leading to success, but you are lazy? Try to discard laziness. You can’t make a decision? Try to change yourself. You are shy? Get rid of this quality. You are a coward? Find courage in yourself.
Human character is like a train consisting of different cars (properties). If one of the cars slows you down in this marathon and makes it difficult for you to move forward, you must get rid of it. Otherwise, you may not reach your destination.
Be purposeful
If you want to achieve your goal, you must fight and mustn’t lose heart due to minor difficulties and failures. Nothing comes easy in life. The path to success is full of thorns. It can be overcome only by experiencing sorrows. No obstacles or difficulties in your path should confuse you. Victory can only be achieved through determination designed for the final result.
Be optimistic
Optimism is the ability to pay attention only to good things in life, a worldview associated with confidence in luck and success, a bright future and a cheerful mood. Optimism (from Latin optimus – «best») as a view of life claims that the world is beautiful, that there is a way out of any difficult situation, that everything will be fine. Think for yourself what benefits optimism brings to a person on his path to success. Now let's see what the antonym of this word means, that is, pessimism. How can this view of life bring you luck if it expresses uncertainty and represents everything in black colors?
The confrontation between an optimist and a pessimist can be expressed by a well-known example of half a glass of water. According to the optimist, the glass is always half full. According to the pessimist, the glass is half empty. If we quote the words of the German philosopher Gottfried Leibniz, «We live in the best of the worlds,» it follows that optimism as a philosophical doctrine is useful not only for success, but for human life in general. The results of scientific research prove that optimism is extremely beneficial for human health, namely:
– prevents the emergence of helplessness and hopelessness, helps to increase immunity;
– directs you to a healthy lifestyle, encourages you to visit a doctor if something bothers you;
– helps to build relations with friends and companions, contributing to the formation of social support in people, which is one of the important conditions for protecting health.
Dear readers, be optimistic in life, consider your defeats as a temporary phenomenon, remember that everything goes away, take accidents as a chance and, on the contrary, take pleasant things as regular. You will overcome your path to luck as long as you are optimistic.
Plan your life
One of the aspects in achieving the goal, in my opinion, is the ability to plan an adjusted life. I think when you lead a spontaneous life, designed more for chance than for inevitability, or when everything is derailed, like we say, «come what may,» there is no point in waiting for luck.
Plan your life in the form of a local (everyday) and global (stage you are aiming at) steps, and then just follow the line. It is advisable that the time of waking up, eating, working hours, as well as leisure time, be strictly on schedule. If you are studying, it is advisable to find out for yourself in which area you will work and what level you are aiming at. If you work, it is useful to know which mark you want to leave in this life and which people you want to have on the same level. In a planned life, you will rarely face accidents, artificially created obstacles or lowered barriers. Leading a spontaneous, chaotic life, one has to stumble upon constant surprises and inexplicable situations.
On your way to luck, friends, proceed according to your plan.
Ability to act according to several plans
Having multiple plans is another important factor on the path to success. If you look into the biography of successful leaders, you can clearly trace plans A, B or even C in their activities. Acting according to one plan means to suspend the struggle at the first defeat. Side plans will help you continue the struggle and give an additional chance to win no matter what.
Self-confidence
At the very end, let’s talk about self-confidence, the most important parameter in achieving a goal. Self-confidence is the starting point in all major acquisitions. If a person does not have this property, there is nothing to say about luck. Self-confidence is the belief that you can achieve everything, faith when you find yourself in a difficult situation and encounter a very difficult case.
How to believe in yourself? It seems to be a common question, but at the same time it points to situations with a difficult solution.
– First of all, dear reader, take advantage of auto-training like «there is nothing incomprehensible, I can do everything», «I just need a little time, in the end I will laugh.» This will help get rid of the illusion of insolubility on the path to success. It happens that a person artificially overrates some minor flaws and brings them to the level of insoluble problems. As a result, he panics and goes astray, which is totally unacceptable.
One of the destructive factors of self-confidence is to take a loser as an example. You may panic thinking that if the person who tried earlier didn’t succeed, then it wouldn’t work for me either. Follow the postulate «every situation is unique, all people are different», and don’t try to take an example from someone else. Well, if you still decide to follow someone’s example, then follow the example of a successful person.
– The next way to strengthen your confidence is to remember past victories and look back at your luck. This will give you an additional incentive and add strength.
– The next detail of building self-confidence is to stay in reality and not to hover in the clouds. In what sense? Sometimes we draw plans and build illusions about doing things that exceed our capabilities. Some of us can become millionaires, Olympic champions or presidents, but for many people this is completely impossible. There are billions of people in the world, and only the elite are given to overcome the peaks. Please note: when a person raves about the idea of being elected, having no prerequisites, in the end he condemns himself to failure, and his self-confidence is undermined. Therefore, don’t try to bite more than you can chew. Try to experience confidence on real plans.
– An important factor in strengthening a sense of self-confidence is to have a personal position, a reasonable ordering of priorities, as well as to avoid stressful situations and depression. I intend to give detailed information about these factors in other chapters of my book.
So, in this chapter we talked about 15 basic qualities necessary for success. I think it will not be difficult for you to remember them.