Control your life: 5 must-read books for personal growth

Arts & Culture, Books

Life can often feel overwhelming, leaving us with a sense of uncertainty about our goals, our paths, and our potential. We all seek to take control of our lives, but the journey toward empowerment requires clarity, self-reflection, and actionable strategies. Fortunately, there are powerful books that can guide us through this process. These books provide valuable lessons on self-improvement, resilience, and living intentionally.In this article, we explore five books that can empower you to take control of your life. With each one offering practical advice and wisdom, they will help you unlock your full potential and guide you toward a life that aligns with your goals and values.4 Books to read to take control of your life1. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel RuizThe Four Agreements is a spiritual guidebook that provides wisdom based on ancient Toltec teachings. It outlines four key principles for living a life of personal freedom and happiness: Be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best.Why it mattersThis book is a powerful tool for freeing yourself from limiting beliefs and toxic behaviours. By practising the four agreements, you can transform your thoughts, relationships, and overall quality of life. Ruiz’s teachings provide clarity on how to break free from the expectations and judgments of others, ultimately helping you reclaim control over your own happiness.2. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. DweckIn Mindset, psychologist Carol Dweck explores the concept of fixed vs. growth mindsets. She reveals how your beliefs about your abilities can significantly impact your success, relationships, and overall potential. Dweck’s research shows that those who embrace challenges and see failure as an opportunity to grow are more likely to achieve their goals.Why it mattersThis book is essential for anyone looking to break through self-imposed limitations. By adopting a growth mindset, you can overcome obstacles, embrace learning, and tap into your limitless potential. Mindset challenges you to view challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than threats, allowing you to take control of your journey to success.3. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela DuckworthIn Grit, Angela Duckworth delves into the importance of passion and perseverance in achieving long-term goals. She argues that talent alone is not enough to succeed; it’s the combination of passion and sustained effort that leads to extraordinary outcomes.Why it mattersGrit shows you how persistence in the face of adversity is the key to long-lasting success. By cultivating grit, you can push through challenges, stay focused on your goals, and achieve what you once thought impossible. Duckworth’s insights encourage you to trust in your ability to persevere and find motivation even during the most difficult times.4. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth GilbertBig Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is a celebration of creativity and living a life free from fear. The book encourages readers to embrace curiosity, take risks, and let go of self-doubt. Gilbert’s personal anecdotes and insights provide a roadmap for creative individuals looking to live more fulfilling and authentic lives.Why it mattersFor those seeking to unleash their creativity, this book is a powerful reminder that fear should not hold you back from pursuing your passions. Big Magic shows how embracing creativity can lead to a more vibrant and meaningful life. It’s a must-read for anyone ready to break free from the constraints of self-doubt and start living creatively and authentically.5. Dare to Lead by Brené BrownIn Dare to Lead, Brené Brown explores the concept of leadership through vulnerability, courage, and empathy. The book focuses on the importance of leading with authenticity and building strong, supportive teams in both professional and personal settings.Why it mattersLeadership is not just about authority but about connection and trust. Brown’s book is a guide for anyone wanting to lead with integrity and compassion. By embracing vulnerability and understanding the role of emotions in leadership, Dare to Lead offers invaluable insights for those who wish to empower others while taking control of their actions. It’s particularly useful for those in leadership positions or anyone striving to make an impact in their community.ConclusionThe books listed above offer powerful insights and practical strategies to help you take control of your life and unlock your true potential. Whether through cultivating grit, embracing creativity, or changing your mindset, each of these books provides actionable advice that will empower you to take charge of your journey. By reading these transformative works and applying their lessons, you will be better equipped to overcome obstacles, achieve your goals, and live a life of purpose and fulfilment.

‘Wicked’ Isn’t Broadway’s Biggest Film Adaptation — but Its Box Office Achievements Are Just Getting Started

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

This claim, included in Universal’s thorough and impressive list of box office achievements for 2024, is technically true: “Domestically ‘Wicked‘ is now … the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation of all-time at the domestic office ahead of ‘Grease‘ ($188.62M).”Also technically true is that “The Grinch” is bigger than “Gone with the Wind,” “Sing” is bigger than “Jaws,” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s” is bigger than “The Godfather.” Also, the 1977 first “Star Wars” is only the third biggest success of that franchise.

Presenting grosses without adjusting skews the real picture of how they compare. It is a prime case of film history erasure, an all-too common occurrence these days. The somewhat (but not impossible in most cases) effort to sort out the true success of films through history starts with adjusting box office takes to current ticket prices. Normally, that is fairly simple, since we know the costs by year and can do the math. For top musicals, it gets a bit trickier.

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Most of the biggest musicals from 1955 (“Oklahoma”) through 1971 (“Fiddler on the Roof”) were roadshows. That meant their initial presentations in big cities were exclusive runs, often for months, at prices much higher than the average ticket price. That means adjusting their gross based on the average at the time they played doesn’t work. For all these films, a substantial amount — likely even the majority — of their tickets came from what was advertised as “popular” prices, the average at the time.

So, how to calculate the historically and mathematically more accurate position of “Wicked” among both Broadway musical and play film adaptations? Even with the basic numbers available, the film’s performance is so impressive, that it actually may stand out more than the “highest-grossing” claim Universal is boasting already.

Through seven weeks of release, “Wicked” will has grossed around $454 million in the U.S./Canada. It looks to end up close to $500 million (it is available on PVOD, but Oscar nominations next week should boost it). That will make it, at a minimum, one of the top five Broadway adaptations ever. It could possibly go as high as third place. To place anywhere in the top 10, let alone in such a short period, is a terrific achievement.

But because of the difficulties in figuring out the true comparable takes of the other films on that top 10 list, it isn’t clear whether “Wicked” is the third biggest Broadway adaptation or perhaps the sixth. No matter. The other films in its league are all considered to be huge successes, and thus, “Wicked” is as well, by virtue of its company.

‘The Sound of Music‘

The top two are easy enough to figure. “The Sound of Music,” if adjusted to 2022 prices (they are higher now), grossed over $1.3 billion in the U.S./Canada per Box Office Mojo. Because it was initially a roadshow presentation — again: an elevated presentation at higher prices — its early dates had tickets above the average level for 1965. That, in turn, reduces the higher adjusted amount, which is based on a lower level. It becomes more difficult to be precise, but an educated guess is its adjusted total is still over $1 billion. That’s double “Wicked.”

Easier still is the non-roadshow “Grease” in 1978. It stands at over $700 million for second place, with no roadshow numbers to parse.

Then it becomes complicated. “My Fair Lady” (1964), “West Side Story” (1961), and “Fiddler on the Roof” (1971) all look to be over $500 million. However, all three were roadshows initially, so it’s possible they fall below the half-billion mark, again like “The Sound of Music” when adjusted. (“Fiddler on the Roof” oddly doesn’t appear on Box Office Mojo’s adjusted list, but it was the #1 film of 1971 by some distance, and the reported film rental figures suggest an over $500 million total adjusted before taking into account the roadshow factor.)

Among that group of five films, three of which “Wicked” either outgrossed or came close to, are three Oscar Best Picture winners (“West Side Story,” “My Fair Lady,” and “The Sound of Music”). The other two Broadway musical adaptations to win (“Oliver” and “Chicago”) grossed, adjusted, around $300 million, below “Wicked.”

The other four musicals among the apparent all-time top 10 are “Funny Girl,” “South Pacific,” “Oklahoma,” and “Guys and Dolls.” In all, that’s a killer’s row of best-known Broadway musicals on film, and just entering the list is a huge win. Being as high as third would be phenomenal.

Other big-name musicals lower on the list, though still hits, include “Cabaret,” “Les Misérables,” “Mamma Mia,” and “Dreamgirls.” Meantime, other Broadway shows of note that flopped as movies include “Cats,” “The Color Purple,” and “Rent.” “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Sweeney Todd,” at best, were mildly successful.

The most impressive achievement of all is that among the 10 biggest, the most recent “Grease,” came out 46 years ago. Most were boosted by the prestige of a roadshow presentation. Broadway musicals lost their appeal by the 1970s, with only intermittent success (usually owed to rock-related elements). That “Wicked” has managed this is a huge credit to all involved.

‘Mary Poppins’©Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection

Some other findings: Two non-Broadway musicals rank in the top 10 in the genre. “Mary Poppins” would be either second or third. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (on stage in London, but not on Broadway before the movie), with its constant play mostly as a midnight show for nearly a half-century, also looks adjusted to be over $500 million.

Three play adaptations would make the list of 10 biggest Broadway adaptations, with “Mr. Roberts” (1955) leading the way, followed by “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” (1967) and “The Odd Couple” (1968). That kind of film is nearly dead. In 2024, “The Piano Lesson” was a rare exception, and that it was made for Netflix, not theatrical, is telling.

For sure, it is impressive — though at some misleading — to mark “Wicked” as the biggest Broadway-to-film hit ever. But a more nuanced look at where it stands among other classics actually makes it appear even more outstanding.

The bounty continues: Universal just announced that in the first seven days of PVOD play, revenues from digital download and rentals came to $70 million. Based on the industry understanding of studio share, that means they earned somewhere around $50 million from that source already.

Goa Chamber of Commerce Pushes for Business-Friendly…

Business News

Panaji, Jan 10 (KNN) Goa’s private sector presented a forward-looking vision to the 16th Finance Commission, urging reforms that could boost the state’s economic landscape.

Industry leaders and associations brought a wide array of recommendations, ranging from easing regulatory frameworks to bolstering critical infrastructure.

“To attract investments and promote regulatory reforms, the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) recommends integrating ease of doing business as a key criterion for fund allocation,” stated GCCI President Shrinivas Dempo, reported TOI.

He emphasised that this approach would encourage states to cut compliance costs and enhance the overall business climate.

Additionally, Dempo called for the elimination of open-ended cesses and surcharges, which he said place unnecessary burdens on businesses and taxpayers alike.

Joining GCCI in this initiative were prominent industry bodies such as Assocham, the Goa Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (GPMA), and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Together, they proposed targeted grants to strengthen Goa’s utilities, MSMEs, tourism, IT sector, and sustainability efforts.

Among the standout proposals, CII advocated for urgent infrastructure upgrades at Mormugao Port and a comprehensive multimodal public transport system integrating buses, ferries, and electric shuttles.

“Transitioning to electric fleets could significantly lower pollution and operational costs,” the CII suggested, envisioning a cleaner and more efficient future for Goa.

The GCCI highlighted the need for transformative infrastructure, including a mass transit system, better inland waterways, an upgraded electricity distribution network, and improved water management.

The chamber stressed that these initiatives are critical to meeting Goa’s growing demands and positioning it as a leading destination for investments and tourists alike.

Further addressing Goa’s tourism and shipbuilding sectors, CII proposed increased budgetary allocations for international tourism promotion and refining subsidy structures to encourage the use of Indian-made components.

While acknowledging progress in green propulsion systems, it called for linking these incentives to domestic manufacturing to boost local industries.

The collective recommendations underscore the private sector’s commitment to driving Goa’s growth, fostering innovation, and creating a sustainable future. The Finance Commission is now expected to deliberate on these submissions and incorporate them into its policy framework.

(KNN Bureau)

Investing in inclusion: Building a stronger business community in central Indiana

Business News

Central Indiana is a hub of innovation, industry and community spirit.

It is a place where ambition meets opportunity, where small businesses thrive alongside corporate giants, and where the diversity of its people shapes the character of its neighborhoods. Yet, as we continue to grow and adapt to an ever-changing economic landscape, one truth remains evident: diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) are not just moral imperatives — they are the bedrock of a prosperous and resilient business community.

The case for inclusion is compelling and undeniable. Businesses with diverse workforces and inclusive cultures are more innovative, more profitable and better positioned to navigate challenges.

According to a study by McKinsey & Company, companies in the top quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity on executive teams are 36% more likely to achieve above-average profitability than those in the bottom quartile. But beyond the numbers, DEIB creates workplaces where people feel seen, valued and empowered to contribute fully to their organizations’ success.

This is not a new conversation but requires continued investment and urgency — especially now. Across the country and here in Indiana, shifting political climates and divisive rhetoric threaten to stall progress on inclusion. In some circles, DEIB has been reduced to a political statement. But let me be clear: inclusion is not about politics. It is about business. It is about people. It is about the future we are building together.

In Central Indiana, we are fortunate to have numerous examples of businesses and organizations leading the way in advancing DEIB. Consider the work of Business Equity for Indy (BEI), a coalition of corporate and civic leaders committed to addressing inequities in hiring, procurement, and community investment. BEI’s Procurement Roundtable, for instance, has helped businesses connect with minority — and women-owned suppliers, demonstrating that equity in supply chains can benefit both the buyer and the supplier.

Another example is the Indianapolis Urban League, which has long championed economic empowerment for Black and minority communities. Through programs like Project Ready, the Urban League prepares young people for workforce opportunities while collaborating with businesses to ensure equitable hiring practices. By supporting such initiatives, companies strengthen their talent pipelines and contribute to the region’s economic vitality.

On the small business front, the City of Indianapolis Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD) plays a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship. By certifying and promoting minority- and women-owned businesses, the OMWBD helps ensure these enterprises have access to contracts and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. One shining example is ClusterTruck, a local tech-driven food delivery company that has intentionally partnered with diverse suppliers to meet operational needs while promoting inclusion.

The Indy Black Chamber has a ten-week wealth-building class and a four-week business accelerator that were specifically designed to help Black business owners develop the foundational skills needed to plug into these partner organizations. In partnership with IU Kelley School of Business, the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council, and the Indy Chamber, we’re actively working to expand these offerings ensuring that African American business owners have knowledge and access to resources that support them from ideation through scale.

These examples show that DEIB is not an abstract ideal but a tangible strategy with measurable outcomes. And while the work of these organizations is impactful, it is not enough to rely on their efforts alone. Every business in Central Indiana has a role to play in advancing inclusion.

At the Indy Black Chamber, we see the potential for Central Indiana to be a national model for inclusive growth. We believe that belonging should not be an aspiration but a reality we build together. And we believe businesses have a unique opportunity — and responsibility — to lead the way.

This work is not always easy, especially amid uncertainty and division. But work pays dividends — in more substantial teams, more resilient businesses and a more vibrant community. Through collaboration with community organizations, supporting minority- and women-owned businesses and committing to equitable hiring and development practices, we can ensure that Central Indiana’s growth is prosperous and inclusive.

Together, we can build a future where diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are not just values but the foundation of our shared success. Let us commit to this work — not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. Inclusion is good for business, good for people and good for Central Indiana.

IKEA: Why Decarbonisation & ESG Are Business Imperatives

Business News

The economic opportunities in the green transitionFar from being a financial burden, the report argues that climate action presents significant economic opportunities. The global green economy, currently valued at US$5tn, is forecast to nearly triple to US$14tn by 2030.“Climate action does not have to come at the expense of economic performance,” Jesper explains.Ingka Group, the parent company of IKEA, exemplifies this principle. Since 2016, the company has reduced its climate footprint by 24.3% across Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions while growing its business by 30.9%.Jesper is keen to stress that sustainability is not just ethical, but essential for long-term business viability. “Being resource-smart is cost-smart, is business-smart,” he says.The Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders represents a formidable coalition, with members generating a combined $4 trillion in revenue and employing 12 million people across 12 industries.From 2019 to 2022, this group collectively reduced emissions by 10% while growing revenue by 18%.

REI to exit Experiences business after 40 years

Business News

REI operates approximately 185 stores in 42 states. REI Co-Op is shutting down one of the more unique aspects of its operations.The specialty outdoor retailer announced that it will exit its Experiences business, which includes adventure travel, day tours and classes. In a letter on the retailer’s website, REI president and CEO Eric Artz said that primarily financial results for 2024 were positive, but detailed the decision to end the program that has existed for over 40 years.“I greatly appreciate the work by teams across the co-op to deliver improvements in 2024, which is a positive step in our journey to return to a healthy economic model,” said Artz, who joined REI in 2012 and was named CEO in 2019. “At the same time, we still have more work to do to return the co-op to sustainable, profitable growth, which brings me back to today’s decision.”Artz noted that REI’s Experiences business only served a small fraction of the company’s membership, and therefore was not profitable. He added that changes were made to try and save the program to no avail.“Experiences served 40,000 customers in 2024 — less than 0.4% of all co-op customers — and costs significantly more to run than it brings in,” said Artz. “When we look at the all-up costs of running this business, including costs like marketing and technology, we are losing millions of dollars every year and subsidizing Experiences with profits from other parts of the business. Even at our peak in 2019 — our best year for Experiences ever — we did not generate a profit.”

Ruben Amorim fires a warning to Man United – as he tells Sir Jim Ratcliffe the Red Devils MUST improve both their transfer business and the academy

Business News

Man United have made several mistakes in the transfer market in recent yearsRuben Amorim has admitted that the club have to improve their recruitmentLISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! Why Manchester United may have to sell Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho By WILL PICKWORTH Published: 13:21 EST, 10 January 2025 | Updated: 13:39 EST, 10 January 2025

Reasons Your Business Needs Strong Intellectual Property Protection

Business News

Many people get cool ideas that they want to turn into reality and profit. It is often forgotten to consider one of the main points, which is intellectual property and its protection. In this list, we will list why it is important to have intellectual property protection and what benefits it can bring you in business.   Branding What you have to think about throughout your entire business is the branding of your company. This will help your customers take your company and products much more seriously and make them more attractive. In this way, the price of products or services can be increased without making the customers angry, but by making it acceptable to them. The branding you establish will follow you throughout the entire history of your company’s operations and help you work on the recognition and growth of your business. The entire branding of your business is difficult to follow, but it certainly pays off. Legal protection In the business world, there are many lawsuits between companies and competitors. Everyone wants to reach the top and their sales to be better than others. This often leads to dirty things in business because some businessmen only see how to harm others. Intellectual property protection can protect you from various legal disputes and prove that you are the creator of a product. The good thing is that firms such as the Robins Kaplan law firm can help in that process and give you the much-needed security. In this way, you will secure your market and be sure that your idea will not be hijacked by anyone. It was often the legal processes that were the most complicated, which is why many people did not want to enter into the process of intellectual property protection. With legal protection, you can work unhindered on promotion and international sales. Building a reputation Reputation is very important to protect because it greatly affects the company’s profit. In order to succeed in preserving your reputation, you also need intellectual property protection. If it is heard about your company that your original product or idea may not be yours, then it will damage your reputation and turn away many customers. When you build a successful reputation, you also build an image that the company will be proud of and the business will go on an upward trajectory. A step ahead of the competition The race on the market can be very tough and there can be a lot of competition. In order to stand out from the competition, you need to have something unique that is characteristic only of your company. That product or idea needs to be protected by intellectual property so that the idea doesn’t get stolen and you don’t lose the uniqueness that sets you apart. With that difference, your company will stand out from the rest and achieve much better results.   The items on this list will help you understand that the protection of intellectual property is necessary in every business and that it can bring about a lot of positive changes and safety for your business.  

2024 was hottest year on record for world’s land and oceans, US scientists confirm

Science and Health

It was the hottest year ever recorded for the world’s lands and oceans in 2024, US government scientists have confirmed, providing yet another measure of how the climate crisis is pushing humanity into temperatures we have previously never experienced.Last year was the hottest in global temperature records stretching back to 1850, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa announced, with the worldwide average 1.46C (2.6F) warmer than the era prior to humans burning huge volumes of planet-heating fossil fuels.This new record, 0.1C (0.18F) hotter than the previous high mark set in 2023, means that all of the 10 hottest years since 1850 have occurred in the past decade. The data supports separate figures released by European Union scientists this week that also show a record 2024, albeit those figures showed 2024 was 1.6C (2.8F) hotter than pre-industrial times, the first measure beyond the internationally-agreed threshold of keeping long-term temperatures below a 1.5C (2.7F) rise.Nasa, which also released its temperature data on Friday, concurs that 2024 was a record year, being 1.47C (2.6F) hotter than the pre-industrial era. “All the groups agree, regardless of how they put the data together, there’s no question,” said Gavin Schmidt, a senior climate scientist at Nasa. “The long-term trends are very clear.”Schmidt said the levels of global heating are pushing humanity beyond its historical experience of the Earth’s climate. “To put that in perspective, temperatures during the warm periods on Earth three million years ago – when sea levels were dozens of feet higher than today – were only around 3C warmer than pre-industrial levels,” he said. “We are halfway to Pliocene-level warmth in just 150 years.”Last year saw a record hot year for the United States, Europe and Africa, as well as another record year for the Arctic, which is warming up at three times the rate of the global average.The year was marked by severe events worsened by the climate crisis, with temperatures so hot in Mexico that howler monkeys fell from trees, a double-whammy of hurricanes that flattened swathes of the US south-east, devastating floods in Spain and record low water levels in the Amazon river. Southern Africa got just half of its normal rain levels.The oceans, which suck up a vast amount of the heat generated by humans burning fossil fuels, had another record year of temperature. Overall, the globe’s fever in 2023 and into 2024 has been so severe that scientists have been searching for additional reasons beyond just human-caused climate change and a periodic El Niño event, such as a reduction in shipping pollution and declining cloud cover.“Last year wasn’t quite as anomalous as 2023, but it was at the high end of what we predicted at the beginning of the year,” Schmidt said. “There are other things giving us a bit of a boost beyond what you’d expect from the trends and El Niño.”The rate of warming may be accelerating, according to Robert Rohde, lead scientist at Berkeley Earth, which put out its own data that had last year’s temperature rise similar to the EU’s.“The abrupt new records set in 2023 and 2024 join other evidence that recent global warming appears to be moving faster than expected,” Rohde said. “Whether increased global warming is a temporary change or part of a new long-term trend remains to be seen.”While a single year above 1.5C does not void the Paris climate agreement target to help protect the most vulnerable countries from worsening heatwaves, droughts, storms and other impacts, scientists have said the goal is effectively “deader than a doornail” and will be surpassed in the longer term within a decade.Governments have consistently failed to cut planet-heating emissions at the pace required to avoid the escalating consequences of the climate crisis, as starkly illustrated by fires currently consuming Los Angeles. Despite pledging to shift away from fossil fuels two years ago, few of even the wealthiest and well-positioned countries are doing so.“Blazing temperatures in 2024 require trail-blazing climate action in 2025,” said António Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations. “There’s still time to avoid the worst of climate catastrophe. But leaders must act – now.”