Personality 1st Then Tech
By Dr. Daphney Phillip
Join me Dr. Daphney Phillip CEO of Lii Agency: Seek your answers, connect with me as we create a tribe of like-minded educators that seek to be paid for their expertise.
Personality 1st Then TechDec 16, 2021
2022 Year End Review
What are your favorite business tools? Listen to Will and I discuss our end-of-the-year review of lessons learned. We broke down the good, the bad, and the ugly of running a business and our personal lives.
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Do you have a handle of the 6 Ps in your business?
Which one of the 6 Ps are you good at or having trouble with? Listen to Will and me discuss the importance of being good at all of them.
As a business owner, your goal to increase revenue is to get people to desire and buy your product. There is no doubt that the key to success in any business is to increase your customers' desire to purchase from you, period.
It will take work to figure out how to get people to want your product. You might be selling something new and unfamiliar, or you might be selling a product that is already in high demand. Regardless of the situation, there are certain things you can do to make your product more popular and desirable, and this checklist highlights the things that you need to avoid as a business owner.
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Wednesday Win - Let's talk about system
How does a system help me run my business better? Will and I will share the importance of having a great system to help you run your business.
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Educators Leverage Your Teaching Experience
As an educator, you possess many skills that you could use to start a business to support entrepreneurs. Listen to this interview with Will Baptiste, one of my clients, who shared his opinion on how important educators are to the business world. Listen to the strategies and tips he shared as you transition from the classroom to business.
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Mindset Monday -God Should I…?
Have you ask God should you…?
Read 2 Samuel 5:19 "So, David asked the LORD, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” The LORD replied to David, “Yes, go ahead. I will certainly hand them over to you.”
Do you have permission?
Have you asked God, should you…?
• have a new career
• have a business
• relocate to a new area
• buy a new car
• quit your job
Life is different when you know you have God's permission to move forward.
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Success Sunday -- Adults Diagnosed with ADHD
Today I am talking with L. Lashawn Fairley about the daily struggles of adults that are diagnosed with ADHD.
Are you going to be on time for work or school tomorrow?
Set an alarm and place the clock or phone away from your bedside.
Do you remember where your keys are?
Create a central location for Keys
Are you aware of you fidgeting to the point of being disruptive or annoying?
Keep your hand busy
Think and Grow…
What do you believe about yourself?
Rewrite your mental script to change your belief about yourself if it is negative. You are thinking about all kind of stuff anyway; so think of scenarios where you are the winner.
What’s your mindset?
Focus on you being successful, Think and Grow. Think of you as already achieving your goals. Do a vision board if that helps you focusing on your dreams.
How is your mindset impacting your business, career, life?
What areas of your business or careers do you need to change your mindset on? Make a list of positive words or phrases that will train your mind to Think and Grow.
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8 Habits to Stay Calm
Do you know when you are exhausted? Do you have a system in place to renew, rejuvenate, and recharge yourself? Do you use your system regularly?
Eight Tips To Stay Calm:
- Pay attention to your respond to stress
- Develop healthy responses to stress
- Create a calming morning ritual
- Express Gratitude
- Clear Your Space
- It Is Not About You
- Avoid Multi-tasking
- Focus on Health
Work Smarter Not Harder
Do you have a system to make sure you complete your daily tasks? Does your system work for you?
1. Prioritize Your Tasks
•You need to find the tasks on your list that can't wait and complete them first.
•List the top three things that must be done at the end of the day.
•Do the things that will bring you clients and make you money first.
•This way, you will avoid doing administrative tasks first or less important tasks first.
2. Group Your Tasks
•This tip is probably the hardest one on this list, and it may not work for all projects.
•Do your best to batch/group tasks that are similar and get them done all at once.
•For example, if you must respond to emails, respond to all of them at the same time.
•If you need to make phone calls, sit, and make all the calls at once.
•This process will save you a couple of hours or so.
3. Get Some Help
•When you delegate tasks that take up your time and energy, you will have time to work on more important tasks that make you money or bring more clients.
•Don’t hesitate to outsource and hire someone to do your menial tasks; this is not easy.
•You can hire an assistant to file paperwork or make routine phone calls.
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Nine Tips To Stay Motivated
It’s almost the end of January, are you running on empty already? Do you feel overwhelmed and loosing momentum? Do you feel like you working but not moving forward?
use the following nine steps to stay motivated:
Nine Tips To Stay Motivated:
- Face Your Fear
- Set Goals
- Plan Your Day
- Stay Organized
- Keep Learning
- Take Time to Think
- Focus on Health
- Keep Work-Life Balance
- Surround Yourself With Inspiring People
Bite Size Action Steps
We all know that anything worth having in this life is going to require a little hard work. But this doesn't always mean you have to work yourself to the point of total exhaustion and barely able to stay awake. Successful people work hard, but they also find ways to work smarter and not harder. Here are three most common ways that successful people work smarter:
Break down that goal to daily action to reach your goal at the end of the month. It's easier to make plans, find some strategies and achieve your goal for the month. So, actively track your progress towards your specific goal.
Find an accountability partner
Having a partner means one more person in your life is encouraging you. You will feel more accountable and be more likely to achieve your goals when you know someone will ask you about your progress
A good accountability partner will help you become more self-aware which will help you to be more honest with yourself in terms of your action plan. You will know what you are good at and what you aren't so good at. Self-awareness allows you to work from your strengths while minimizing your weaknesses.
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Singularity in Setting Goals
Welcome back to another New Year 2022; it's going to be the best year ever. Before 2021 ended in December, I shared many different strategies on how to write your goals coming into 2022. I don't want to repeat some of those topics, but you can click on the podcast to check out the previous issues about how to set up your goals. I don't want 2022 to be like other years where you set up some goals and life happens, and you didn't accomplish them this year. Let's do one thing at a time, one gold at a time. One of your goals should be a step closer to accomplishing a long-term goal (something big), and for 30 days, you will work on only one of the steps. That's all you are going to focus on.
Based on the long-term goal, you want to make sure that the one goal you're focusing on will get you closer to your long-term goal. Avoid doing something random or something unrelated to your big goal. Right, so create a big picture and go above to have a bird-eye view. After doing that, I want you to work backward to see the process or what it will take to accomplish your goal in twelve months. For example, you might have to execute five different steps or different small goals to achieve that big long-term goal. So, I want you to take one of those steps and work on it for a month, get good at that one thing, take the next goal or step, and take another goal or action.
Within five to six months, the first half of the year, you're mastering the different processes to accomplish your goal; that way, you don't get overwhelmed even when life happens. Some of the goals you accomplished might already put you in a different place to reach your goal faster. Because you only focused on one thing at a time, you didn't get overwhelmed; even when you missed one day, you were not going to feel guilty and filled your mind with negative talk.
Some of you break your goals down to specific daily activities to achieve your big vision, so if you are one of those people that need to master the how-to down the specific details, great, I'm not one of those. I'm the person that I want to know WHO can help me reach my goal faster. I know different people have different strategies and personalities, so right now, the best thing I could share with you is the single strategy. I am encouraging you to focus on one of your steps for January, nothing else.
For me, this month of January, I will continue to work on marketing on social media. How to show up live on to the different platforms and make sure my messages are consistent with my brand. So for January, I'm going to focus on going live. I'm going to take the different social platforms to focus on. I know with Streamyard, I can post on all media at once, but there's some specific way to show up on the different platforms. It takes a little time to maneuver and understand the audience because I have to write good content. I'm just going to stop there for today, and this week I'm talking about how to show up what to do with January because this is where you important to have good momentum and the right way.
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How to Immediately Get Happier Every Time
While we all wish that we could be happier all the time and that we could raise our 'default level' of happiness, it's just as important sometimes to think about the ways you can get an instant mood boost. Sometimes we just find ourselves in a sulk or feeling miserable and when you're in that situation what you need is a way to instantly snap out of it and cheer yourself up.
The good news is that it's often perfectly possible to do this and to make yourself cheerful and smiley again, you just need to know the right way to go about it. Read on and we'll look at how you can immediately get happier.
Understanding the Mechanisms of Happiness
Happiness or sadness are ultimately defined by our neurochemicals or 'neurotransmitters'. That is to say that there are chemicals that make us happier and chemicals that make us sad or stressed and getting into a good mood is all about triggering the right ones. If it's happiness you're looking for, then serotonin is what you need.
As it happens, we know plenty of things that can boost serotonin and the other 'endorphins' (happiness chemicals) immediately. One of the very easiest ways to do this is is by spending time in the company of good friends. And in fact, even just smiling can make us feel happier thanks to the rush of endorphins it releases. Exercise is great for this too.
The Caveat
Here's the problem though – when you are feeling low, the last thing you want to do is to spend time with friends, exercise or smile. When you're low you want to wallow. You need to smile to feel better, but you need to feel better to smile. This is a catch 22.
The first solution then is to simply get a grip of yourself and to force yourself to be more positive in the situation. Acknowledge that you are currently simply being a victim of your own brain chemistry and force yourself to accept that invitation to hang out with friends.
Better yet – put on happy music which is another great way to trigger the release of endorphins. Again, you'll likely find you don't want to do this and that you'd much rather listen to sad music.
Create a playlist then that starts with downbeat music and that gradually gets more upbeat and happier. This is one of the very best ways to gradually improve your mood and to get yourself out of a funk.
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The Neuroscience of Happiness
Whether you're happy, sad, angry, creative, stressed or something else entirely, it all ultimately comes down to your neuroscience. The wiring and chemistry of our brains is what defines our every experience and our every behavior and as such, the best way to unravel and understand any aspect of the human experience is to look inwards towards the brain.
This is particularly useful if you're trying to improve your mood and be consistently happier. What is going on inside the brain when you feel truly content and at peace. And what can you do to try and get your stubborn brain to be like that more often?
Neurochemicals
Ultimately our mood comes down to chemistry – specifically it comes down to neurochemicals or 'neurotransmitters' which are produced in the brain in response to certain other activities in the brain. When you think of something or experience something that is happy, sad, scary or stressful, the brain responds in kind by producing the relevant neurotransmitter. These transmitters include serotonin, cortisol, norepinephrine, dopamine, oxytocin, adenosine and many others.
When it comes to happiness, we want to increase the number of 'feel good' neurotransmitters which include serotonin, oxytocin and dopamine. These are chemicals that make us feel alert, happy, content and even loved. On the other hand, we want to reduce ones like cortisol (which makes us stressed).
How to Control Neurochemistry
At this point, you might be wondering how you can control your neurochemistry. One way of course is with drugs and that's where recreational drugs and antidepressants come in. Antidepressants often work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain or increasing GABA which makes us tired but also reduces cortisol.
The problem with changing brain chemistry directly though is that the brain is all about adaptation. If you add a certain amount of particular chemicals to your brain then it will often respond by producing less of those chemicals naturally. This can then lead to tolerance, dependence and withdrawal symptoms – worsening depression and triggering addiction.
You can also alter your neurochemistry through lifestyle changes. Diet impacts on which neurotransmitters our brain can create, while things like sleep, exercise and social interactions can all also boost our mood.
Ultimately though, the very best way to control your mood is to change what you focus on and the way you react to what you focus on. Remember, your neurotransmitters are released in reaction to your subjective experiences. Change your experience by changing your beliefs and you can improve that neurochemistry.
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How to Focus on the Smaller Things to Find True Happiness
True happiness is waking up to a bowl of delicious cereal in the morning that you've been looking forward to all day.
Likewise, happiness is sitting down on the couch and knowing you're about to watch the new episode of your favorite TV show.
It's also getting a backrub from your partner.
These are all examples of what many of us would consider 'little things' but that doesn't mean that they can't be instrumental in helping us to feel happier. These are 'creature comforts' and pleasant asides but they are super powerful in raising our mood and helping us to feel on top of the world.
So, the question is, how do you get to the point where little things make you happier and how do you make sure you have a constant supply of such things to make you happy?
Finding the Little Things
The first thing to do is to find those little things and to make sure they keep coming. All of us have things that make us feel great and all of us have hobbies and activities that we enjoy.
The trick then is to identify how you can enjoy those things on a regular basis – whether it's a favorite food or whether it's your favorite TV show.
Next, you need to make plans to enjoy those things. A little 'pleasure delay' here can work wonders, so ideally you want to spend the whole day at work looking forward to that thing that you want to do in the evening. Don't constantly indulge but instead build up the moment in your mind and look forward to it happening.
Find Other Great Things to Do
The problem is that many of us don't know how to make the very most of our spare time. We spend all day watching useless TV we aren't really interested in instead and this is our 'down time'.
In fact, though, there are countless great things you can be doing all the time and many of them are free.
You could download a free computer game for instance. You could try out a new program or film on Netflix. You could explore a local park. You could read that book you bought ages ago and forgot about. You could try cooking something weird and ambitious. You could try to plant your own bonsai tree…
There are a million different activities, so spend some time thinking about all the exciting things you could do at home and make a habit of writing more ideas down as they come to you. Indulge in your favorite food meanwhile and suddenly your life will be filled with amazing little moments.
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Increase your happiness by stopping comparing yourself to others
There are many things that can make us happier or less happy and there's no one 'magic bullet' that's going to automatically turn you into a happy-go-lucky character without a care in the world. That said, there are certainly some things that appear to play a particularly large role in determining whether or not we're happy.
Social Comparison Theory
One theory that has been put forward as having a lot to do with how happy we ultimately are is something called 'social comparison theory'. Originally postulated by social psychologist Leon Festinger, the idea is that we largely define ourselves via comparison with others. While there are many aspects of this theory, the basic idea as it relates to happiness is that many of us aren't happy because we are constantly comparing ourselves with others who are better off.
In other words, while you might be incredibly wealthy and successful, you won't feel that way if the people you spend most time with are actually more wealthy. Similarly, you might not be happy with your relationship if your friends seem to be happier. The same goes for your house.
Making Matters Worse…
Unfortunately, our modern lifestyles are very much designed to make matters worse. On Facebook most of us put forward a very idealized version of our own lives – meaning that we receive a constant feed of images of our friends on spectacular holidays or giving talks at conferences. At the same time, the media is constantly showing us the lifestyles of the rich and famous – people who have perfect looks and millions of dollars.
How to Overcome Social Comparison Theory
So what can you do to overcome social comparison? One option is to leave Facebook and never come back, though many of us would consider that a rather drastic move.
More important though is to focus on your own goals and to try and keep a realistic idea of your life as it compares with others. Sure, that person has become incredibly successful in what they do… but is it exactly what you would want to do? Focus on your own goals and how they differ from those of other people.
Meanwhile, make sure to focus on what you do have and to set your own points of comparison. Don't think about what you could have – think about what you've already accomplished and how much harder life could be.
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Here are some tips on how minimalism helps with happiness
Want to be happier? It's time to get rid of all your stuff!
That might sound a little counterintuitive, seeing as most of us like our stuff and that's why we got it in the first place. Nevertheless though, many experts say that getting rid of stuff is still the best way to boost the mood and to find your way to being permanently content and happy. Let's look at why that might be and at how far you should go embracing it.
Living on Less
While many of us have come to equate happiness with 'stuff', this is precisely what spiritual teachers like the Dali Lama suggest might be the problem.
When you base your happiness on how much you have, then you will never be quite satisfied, and you will always want more. This is especially true when you consider social comparison theory – the fact that we will always compare what we must what other people have.
At the same time, if your happiness is dependent on the things, you own then it won't take very much to render you unhappy again. All that would have to happen is for your items to get lost or stolen…
The idea then is that true happiness comes when you can make the most of any situation. If you have fewer things in your home, then you can just find different ways to entertain yourself. This might mean that you go for a nice walk, that you play a card game with a family member, or that you do a workout. And any of those things are much more fulfilling that merely watching TV…
Another point to consider is that 'stuff' creates work and commitment. If you were to cut the amount of clutter in your home in half, you would find that instantly your home became easier to tidy so you'd have less work and at the same time you'd be freer to move if you wanted to. In many ways, 'stuff' just makes us more stressed.
How to Try a Little Minimalism
Now most people reading this aren't going to want to get rid of their TVs and that's probably not right for most people anyway.
But you can try stripping back a little and going back to basics in some other ways. Maybe try getting rid of the boxes of items on your wardrobe that you never use, reducing the clutter on your countertops and finding other ways to entertain yourself. And next time you're thinking of adding to your DVD collection ask yourself: do you really need another one? Will it really make you any happier in the long run?
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How Increasing Your Gratitude Can Help You be Happier
The 'hedonic treadmill' is a term that describes one aspect of the human condition. Essentially, it paints a portrait of what is believed by many to be almost the 'default state' of happiness for most of us.
That default state meanwhile can be summed up as being 'never quite happy'. The hedonic treadmill is what keeps driving us forward while preventing us from giving up – it's the fine line that most of us walk between being content and slightly uncomfortable. Proponents of the idea state that we will never be quite 'perfectly happy' but at the same time we'll probably never be completely distraught either.
Evidence for the Hedonic Treadmill
So does the hedonic treadmill actually exist? Right now you likely have a gut feeling already as to whether or not this is an accurate description of your 'default mental state'. Do you feel as though you're never quite content? If you won the lottery tomorrow, do you feel as though you would be completely happy then?
According to some studies we do indeed have a kind of 'baseline' happiness that we fall back on. In one study, the happiness of participants was tested before and after life changing events. Some participants would lose a limb and others would win the lottery. What was found, was that after a couple of years both groups would return to a similar level of happiness that they had experienced prior to the event.
From an evolutionary perspective it's also easy to see why something like the hedonic treadmill might exist. If we were to become completely miserable then this of course would be very bad for us as it might lead us to give up completely. On the other hand though, if we were completely content we would have no motivation to keep striving to make life better. Thus being in a state of 'slight discontent' is actually the most evolutionarily effective.
Of course there are also criticisms of the theory however. Certainly not everyone is at the same level of happiness and most of us will experience considerable fluctuation throughout our lives.
So the jury is still out on whether such a thing really exists. Nevertheless though, it does put forward some interesting points and it's easy to see why we might not ever actually want to be 'completely happy'. Whether you find that comforting or not is likely to depend very much on your point of view…
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How Gratitude Exercises Will Make You Happier and Change Your Life
Many of us it seems will spend a ton of time daydreaming about things we want. Maybe you imagine yourself with a six pack, or perhaps you dream of the day you win the lottery. It's perfectly normal so don't feel bad about it, but is it healthy?
The problem is, that even if you were to win the lottery and to get a six pack, you might well find yourself still being unhappy. Why? Because you'd now be dreaming about investing in a stock that made you a million dollars, or you'd be dreaming about having massive biceps. In other words, we take what we have for granted and we instead pine after the things we don't have.
This is where gratitude exercises come in. These are about taking the time out to think about the things you have and the things you're happy for. This can completely change your life.
How Gratitude Exercises Work
To start doing gratitude exercises, you need to first set aside some time out of your regular routine to practice them. This could mean that you do gratitude exercises once a day in the morning before work or before bed, or you could try to do it before every meal.
A basic exercise to start with then, is to take the time to think of three to five things that you are grateful for. For instance then, you might think you are grateful for your health – even if you have aches and pains think how much worse it could be. Think of the people suffering with terminal diseases or the amputees.
Next, you might choose to think about your family and your friends and how grateful you are for them. Think how nice it is to have people around you who love you and who support you and think how much worse life would be without them.
You can also think of material things. Perhaps you love your computer. Perhaps the simple fact that you know you can play a computer game tonight and escape into another world is enough reason to be grateful.
There are other types of gratitude exercises you can use too. Some people will write the things down they're grateful for, religious people might work these exercises into their prayers. Whatever you do though, being mindful of the things for which you are grateful can help you to appreciate what you already have and to be much happier as a result.
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Does Happiness Really = Reality / Expectation?
There are many different factors that can influence our psychology and psychologists are constantly trying to put their finger on precisely what these things are, as are the rest of us. Thus, we have many different ideas of what describes happiness and many different formulas.
One example is the often quoted:
Happiness = Reality / Expectation
The idea here is that no matter how happy you should be, you are still always going to compare your current situation to your idealized version of how life should be, and this can result in you being unhappy.
We hear this saying repeated regularly but the question is: is it really accurate?
How it Works
Theoretically, this happiness formula does make a lot of sense. After all, if you get a bonus but it's not as high as you thought it was going to be, then it can be very hard not to be disappointed by it. On the other hand, if your expectations are low and you get paid a much bigger bonus then there's a good chance, you'll be thrilled by that.
It also makes sense when you consider it alongside 'social comparison theory'. This states that our happiness is based on the perceived happiness of others and how we compare ourselves to them. If you're more successful than all your friends, you'll be happy, even if you still aren't very successful objectively.
In fact, if you're going to get philosophical then you can say that everything boils down to comparison. This is essentially the underlying principle of the theory of relativity…
Flaws in the Theory
But this theory is not perfect either and it's certainly not always 'useful' in a practical sense.
For instance, even if your expectations are incredibly low, you still aren't going to be happy if you're homeless. Furthermore, you won't be happy if you're unfortunate enough to have a neurological disorder that results in depression. If your neurochemistry is happy then you won't be, regardless of your situation.
At the same time, this saying appears to suggest that we should 'set our aims low' so that we aren't disappointed by the outcome. Is this really a good way to go about living life? Should we not be entitled to have high expectations?
It's not that we shouldn't have high expectations then but rather that we should learn to appreciate our current situation as well. Fortunately, there are ways you can accomplish this too – such as by using gratitude exercises.
But keep those expectations sky high.
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Could Movements Like MovNat Hold the Secret to Happiness?
Do you ever feel exhausted, stressed, tired, and put upon? Sometimes life can feel like a constant grind of getting up first thing in the morning, commuting on a busy train, then working in a stressful environment… only to go home hit the sack and start the process all again. By the time we get home we tend to be too exhausted and stressed to do anything constructive and as we get older, we only develop more aches and pains. Is it any wonder that half the world is stressed, tired, and fed up?
How Life Should Be
The fact of the matter is that there's nothing wrong with this way of life. There's no 'correct way' to live your life seeing as life is entirely arbitrary.
The point is though, we evolved in an entirely different environment, and we are not designed to thrive under these circumstances. We have domesticated ourselves and like lions in cages this can make us very unhappy.
Think about it: when you play a computer game or watch a movie what happens? A hero fights villains, outruns explosions and gets the girl/guy. This is the fantasy we all want to live and yet it couldn't be further from our reality.
Meanwhile, the fact that we spend all day indoors means we get no sunlight or fresh air. Sitting at a desk causes our bodies to stiffen and seize up and our diet of processed foods leaves us running on low quality fuel. Again, is it any wonder that most of us are pretty much a mess?
Some of us will go to the gym to fix this but what does that entail? Taking four hours a week to lift a very heavy weight, often training muscle groups more than others…
Introducing MovNat
MovNat is a movement that attempts to change all this. It describes itself as the 'workout that time forgot' and it's all about natural movements and challenges completed throughout the day. It's about trail running, throwing logs, climbing trees, crawling, and swimming. It's about regaining your natural movement and spending time outdoors. It's about challenging yourself, it's about action and it's about reawakening our wild side.
We know that exercise stimulates the production of endorphins – natural 'antidepressants'. We know that being in the sun does the same. We know that we sleep better after being in the fresh air…
So, could MovNat or just an approach along those lines be what we need to start feeling well again? Could it be the secret to happiness?
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Happiness
Gratitude exercises are one of the very best ways to increase your happiness. What this basically entails is taking the time out to be thankful for all the things you have in life and to reflect on what's going well for you for a change.
If you think this sounds a little 'hippyish' then that's understandable. In fact though, it's a very effective method that can genuinely transform your life and it's based on science.
It's also very close to the most popular form of psychotherapeutic intervention currently used: CBT. Here we will look at what CBT means and why it's so effective at improving your mood.
What is CBT?
CBT stands for 'cognitive behavioral therapy' and it basically comes down to the process of assessing the contents of your own thoughts and how they might be affecting your mental health, then consciously going through the process of changing those thoughts.
So for instance, if you notice that you are constantly thinking things like 'I have no money' or 'I'm a failure', it's not going to be very good for your mood. A therapist would then suggest you identify such thoughts using mindfulness (listening to your ruminations) and then challenging those beliefs and replacing them with more positive affirmations.
At the same time, CBT can also mean redirecting your attention and focusing on different things.
CBT and Neuroscience
The point to bear in mind here is that our brains work by releasing neurochemicals that are appropriate for the experiences we are having. In other words, if you're in an exciting environment with people you love, lots of neurons will fire that you associate with attention, happiness and love – causing serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin to rush into your brain.
If you're in an environment that's cold, wet, dull and stressful then there will be none of those happiness hormones and instead much more cortisol and norepinephrine making you feel stressed and aggravated.
But it's not being in those environments that is making you feel that way. Instead it's being aware of those environments – it's the firing of the relevant neurons.
So if you can train yourself to focus on the positive in a situation, to find the thing that is worth being happy about like the cute pigeon crossing the road, or the fact that your favorite program is on tonight, then you will release more of the happiness hormones and fewer of the stress ones.
It's all about perception and CBT can help you to change that for the better.
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Do random acts of kindness for yourself
Kindness isn't trendy nor a hot topic. We think about it, but it's not something we strive to do for ourselves. That is unfortunate because kindness doesn't just help the people around us; it helps you too.
If you are interested in simple ways to invite kindness in your life, consider these random acts of kindness.
1. Give yourself a genuine compliment
This will boost your mood and it will get your day start on a positive way. It might feel awkward, to begin with, but it will become second nature eventually.
2. Become your own Charity
Create a purposeful fund for your dreams, objectives, or goals. The best way to commit to you as a charity is to do save the money automatically before your money hit your account, just like you would do a bill or paying your tithe.
3. Volunteer your time for your own project
If you don't have extra money, do you have an extra hour? Volunteering your time can be just as effective as a charitable donation. Not only are you helping people in need, but you are also getting social interaction. You might even learn something new or make a connection.
4. Leave positive comments for yourself around the house
As you will post or say something positive to someone else. Use these posts or comments for you. Use sticky notes with positive comments or quotes to yourself. Take a week, and only say positive comments to yourself using sticky notes or your phone. See how you feel after that week. I bet you keep doing it!
5. Accept help from a supportive friend or family
Is there someone in your life who can help you? Go ahead and accept that offer. Reach out with a call or a text and ask for help if you need anything. Sometimes, that gesture alone makes a world of difference.
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How to radiate calmness and tranquility.
In each moment of my day, I focused on peace. My serenity transcends time and circumstance. Deep within, I feel a sense of stillness, which allows me to infuse harmony into my interactions with others.
I never know what the next moment might hold. Therefore, I cultivate calmness inside of myself. Whatever happens in my day, I am prepared to greet each moment with equanimity and abiding satisfaction.
All is well in my soul. I know this within.
When someone comes to me with a concern or frustration, I choose how I respond. My initial response is to react, but instead I elect to pause and respond thoughtfully.
Because I am calm in my dealings with others and responses to changing circumstances, I radiate tranquility. Others clearly see how peaceful I am. I work diligently each day to cultivate my desired approach to the world.
Whenever I feel like reacting emotionally, I take a moment to breathe and collect my thoughts. Then, I respond with calmness instead.
Today, I am thankful for the serenity I can cultivate each class period. I trust in my own ability to experience peace throughout the day. Each day, I choose to respond with calmness and tranquility in every situation that comes my way.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. Today, when have you felt most challenged to respond calmly?
2. What might help you respond more calmly in these circumstances?
3. When do you feel most peaceful inside? How can you bring that feeling into other moments of your day?
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Glad to Have the 7 habits of serenity
It was very helpful to use three of the 7 habits of serenity during work today. Some days are better than others, so it is important to have strategies to get you through the day. For example, today was a challenging today for me, and I used the following strategies to get me through the day:
Create a calming morning ritual
o Get up early enough that you’re not rushed in the morning
o Exercise a little bit
o Meditate
o Read the paper with your coffee
o Take a walk around the block
Be thankful
o I had supportive administration to help bring other into the classroom.
Notice how you respond to stress
o I felt overwhelmed today
o I didn't eat much, I drunk a lot of water to keep calm
o I ask the assistant principal for help to eliminate the stress?
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The 7 Habits of Serenity
If you’d like to experience a more peaceful life, try adopting these 7 habits of serenity:
Create a calming morning ritual
o Get up early enough that you’re not rushed in the morning
o Exercise a little bit
o Meditate
o Read the paper with your coffee
o Take a walk around the block
Be thankful
o When life seems the most challenging, list the blessings in your life that bring you joy
Notice how you respond to stress
o Do you feel overwhelmed by stress?
o Do you overeat?
o Do you work to eliminate the stress?
o Do you find some way to distract yourself to avoid the situation?
Develop healthy responses to stress
o Replace any unhealthy responses with something more peaceful
o Try a cup of green tea, a few minutes of yoga, or calling a friend
Only do one thing at a time. Attempting to multi-task is stressful and less productive.
Minimize the noise in your life. Audible sounds, visual clutter, and the other items that you really have no need for; all clutter up your mind as well as your environment.
o Keep items that you need or love and get rid of the rest of the noisy things
Recognize that most of the time negative issues coming from other people are not about you. Everyone has their own concerns to deal with. The odds are excellent that you’re not the cause of someone else’s mood or behavior.
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Flash Sale is almost over- Time is running out
Ready to start a freelancing business and get paid for your teaching skills and experiences?
Becoming a freelancer is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself. And it can happen overnight! No longer an employee, shackled to your classroom, you’re about to experience the freedom of being an entrepreneur.
Except that after the initial heady rush, you’re left wondering, “Can I make enough money doing this?” And you’re feeling stressed about what you are going to sell or you’re going to sell anything at all for extra money.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
I had a hard time figuring out which of my teaching skills to sell. Should I be an editor for doctorate students, should I continue to tutor math/STEM to middle school students, should I be a blogger/podcaster/Youtuber, data analysis, or a researcher, an education consultant, etc. I was stuck in a labyrinth of ideas.
Finally, I decided to plan a summit for teachers focusing on them as learners, instructors, and innovators. That’s how I got my first clients.
I want to help you avoid taking so much time to figure out which of your skills you can use to make extra money. Let me help you to minimize time and money…
The Cheat Sheet will cover the following topics:
· Introduction
· Module 1 – Identify Your Niche and Target Audience
· Module 2 - Get a Handle on Your Finances
· Module 3 –Set Up Operations and Administration
· Module 4 - Develop Your Freelance Brand
· Module 5 - Market Your Freelance Business
· Module 6 - Find and Convert Clients
· Module 7 - Maintain Client Relationships
· Module 8 – Review and Refine
Don’t miss this Black Friday Sales
Click here to Check it out
Get it the cheat sheet at this price before Monday the 29th at midnight EST.
I can’t wait to start working with you…Peace and blessings to you and your family.
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Flash Sale - Ready to start a freelancing business and get paid for your teaching skills and experiences?
Becoming a freelancer is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself. And it can happen overnight! No longer an employee, shackled to your classroom, you’re about to experience the freedom of being an entrepreneur.
Except that after the initial heady rush, you’re left wondering, “Can I make enough money doing this?” And you’re feeling stressed about what you are going to sell or you’re going to sell anything at all for extra money.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
I had a hard time figuring out which of my teaching skills to sell. Should I be an editor for doctorate students, should I continue to tutor math/STEM to middle school students, should I be a blogger/podcaster/Youtuber, data analysis, or a researcher, an education consultant, etc. I was stuck in a labyrinth of ideas.
Finally, I decided to plan a summit for teachers focusing on them as learners, instructors, and innovators. That’s how I got my first clients.
I want to help you avoid taking so much time to figure out which of your skills you can use to make extra money. Let me help you to minimize time and money…
The Cheat Sheet will cover the following topics:
· Introduction
· Module 1 – Identify Your Niche and Target Audience
· Module 2 - Get a Handle on Your Finances
· Module 3 –Set Up Operations and Administration
· Module 4 - Develop Your Freelance Brand
· Module 5 - Market Your Freelance Business
· Module 6 - Find and Convert Clients
· Module 7 - Maintain Client Relationships
· Module 8 – Review and Refine
Don’t miss this Black Friday Sales
Click here to Check it out
Get it the cheat sheet at this price before Monday the 29th at midnight EST.
I can’t wait to start working with you…Peace and blessings to you and your family.
P. S. Don't forget to click the link to subscribe and share it with your community.
5 Creative Ways to Show Your Gratitude to Loved Ones
How do you show your gratitude to those you love uniquely? Simply saying thank you is just a start. There are more options other than spoken or written thank you note.
Show your loved ones how much you care in unique and unusual ways that will surprise them:
- Create a social media post online. Instead of writing a traditional thank-you note to show your gratitude, and you can use the internet.
- A social media post is a public way to express your gratitude.
Before making a public social media post, ensure your family is comfortable with being tagged in the post. Make sure to avoid sharing too much personal information or photos that your family would prefer to keep private.
2. Offer to do something for them. Actions always speak louder than words. Offer to do something they don't like to do.
- Do they hate to do the dishes after dinner every night? Do they despise using the vacuum cleaner and dragging it upstairs? You can offer to do these chores and give them the gift of time or relaxation.
3. Make them a special gift. Use your own hands to make a gift instead of simply buying a present online or in-store.
- A handmade gift conveys your appreciation while showing that you took the time and effort to make something for them.
- It's easy to pick up a bath set, chocolate, or a card at a store. However, it takes time to make a birdhouse, toy, box, or other useful items. You may want to consider making them something they can use every day, such as a storage bin for their keys or a jewelry box.
4. Put a letter in their lunch. If you pack their lunch, this is an excellent opportunity to show your gratitude. Add a handwritten letter or note to their lunch.
- Hide it, so they find it at work or school. This type of letter can make their day and brighten their lunchtime.
5. Make their favorite food from childhood. Instead of picking up a cake or doughnuts at a store, make their favorite comfort food. Cooking and baking are easy ways to show your gratitude.
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5 Benefits of Gratitude
Showing your gratitude can be a great way to spread positive feelings in the world around you. When you think about it, reaching your goals starts with a single positive thought.
How do you feel when someone sincerely expresses their gratitude to you for something you did? Doesn't it make you feel good about yourself? These positive feelings can lift you, boost your enthusiasm, and motivate you to achieve even more.
Feeling grateful for what you have can produce the same good feelings and sustain your drive toward your goals.
This shows how gratitude can have some seriously positive effects.
Here are some of the benefits of gratitude:
1. Reaching your goals. When you feel grateful, it tends to be a lasting feeling. It's much more than just a momentary burst of positive energy; it has a lasting effect that will provide an excellent boost for you to reach your goals.
When you express your gratitude to others, ensure that you're open and expressive. People don't know what you're thinking; hearing it can make all the difference.
2. Strengthened relationships. There are many ways you can express your gratitude to your loved ones, including saying, "Thank you," writing a letter, or giving them a thoughtful gift. When you learn to avoid taking your loved ones for granted, you'll have a long-lasting and loving relationship.
Showing gratitude is a two-way street. Learn how to effectively express your gratitude and, just as importantly, to receive it as well.
3. Improved communication. Gratitude can mean better communication all around. By expressing your gratitude to others, they'll be more likely to show an interest in helping you, too.
4. More effective constructive criticism. No matter how we express constructive criticism, it often makes the recipient defensive or even angry. No one likes criticism; it's a blow to the ego. You can communicate criticism quite effectively when you also emphasize what you appreciate about them.
5. Preserving memories. You can preserve memories in a positive way when you keep a gratitude journal. You'll be able to enjoy your memories again and again when you read about these happy times in the future.
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5 Gratitude-Building Strategies to Uplift Your Mood
Most of us are constantly under pressure and on the go with our fast-paced lifestyles. It's only natural for us to occasionally feel worn out or even a bit down from time to time, especially for the last two years due to the Pandemic.
The good news is that something as simple as refocusing your attention from your challenges to acknowledging the things you are grateful for in your life can instantly boost your mood.
Studies show that practicing gratitude often can raise your mood and boost your self-esteem, willpower, long-term health, and even your level of success in life!
To develop your sense of gratitude, try the following exercises:
1. Keep a list of the things you're grateful for. The next time you feel angry, frustrated, or a bit depressed, make a list of five things you are thankful for. Making a list helps you to stop obsessing over the current situation.
- Consider keeping a gratitude journal to record the things and events in your life for which you are grateful. Over time, you create a tangible record of all of the positive aspects of your life.
2. Start the day on a positive note. Set the tone and focus your day with affirmation by declaring the day as a success each morning.
- Self-questions can be a great way to focus on the positive aspects of your life. For example: "What's something good that is happening right now," "What opportunities await me today," or "Whose love am I grateful for?"
3. Perform random acts of kindness. You can increase your gratitude by being someone else's reason to be thankful. Practice random acts of kindness by unexpectedly helping others.
- What may seem like a small act to you can be a massive act of generosity to someone in need. Look for opportunities each day to help someone else. The other person will be thankful for your generosity, and you'll be grateful for the boost in your self-esteem and mood.
4. A picture is worth a thousand words. Why not document the things you're grateful for by recording them on a vlog?
· Save notes of gratitude in a jar. Too busy to make gratitude lists or keep a gratitude journal? Try writing short letters about appreciation to yourself and keeping them in a jar!
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5 Ways to Feel Gratitude in Challenging Times
1. Search for the positive. You may be going through a stressful or difficult period in your life, but it shouldn’t stop you from seeing the positive side.
○ What are the positive areas in your life that aren’t being affected by your current challenges? Do you still have your home and health? Do you still have a job that provides for your family?
○ By focusing on the positive aspects of your life, you’ll find areas in which you can still feel thankful.
2. Treasure the small details. It’s easy to lose sight of all the details when you’re overwhelmed by a difficult situation at home or work. However, if you learn to treasure simple things, you’ll welcome gratitude back into your life.
○ Are you happy with your new job? Are you proud of a small project at work? Did you finish your degree? These small details are things to be grateful for.
○ You can show your appreciation for the little things by making a list of everything that needs your love.
3. Search for joy. It’s essential to add fun to your daily schedule. Watch a comedy, read a comic book, or share jokes with friends. Add laughter to your routine.
○ Joy can help you feel appreciation toward your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors.
4. Put your pain in perspective. Make it a point to avoid getting lost in the negative emotions of your challenges by looking for something good that is going on.
○ If you can put your pain in perspective, you’ll discover that others have even more challenges than you. If you’re worried about your house, job, or health, think about those who have even less.
○ Perspective can help you understand that everyone faces complex challenges. You’re not alone, and you can still feel grateful for other things in your life.
5. Understand the power of change. Change is a regular part of existence, but when you’re struggling, you might feel that your life will never change or get better.
○ Remind yourself that changes occur all the time, and change can lead to gratitude.
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Bring All You have!
It's is essential to understand success takes time. It will even take longer without any support or guidance from people who have already accomplished what you desire to do. Today, I am sharing a poem to wrap up this week's topic of working with mentors. The KEY ingredient in sUccess is You.
Listen to the Poem:
Some days, minimum is all you have to offer and be ok with that.
“It’s all I have to bring to-day”
It’s all I have to bring to-day,
This, and my heart beside,
This, and my heart, and all the fields,
And all the meadows wide.
Be sure you count, should I forget,
Someone the sum could tell,
This, and my heart, and all the bees
Which in the clover dwell.
Emily Dickinson
Success Takes Longer Than You Think
Big Goals, large visions for your life. Any major success you want to obtain…
Is probably going to take a lot longer than you anticipate when you start the journey. It’s just human nature.
We get a good idea about something we want to be, do, have and the idea captures our minds and emotions. The honeymoon phase is awesome. Daydreaming and brainstorming of your exciting new idea and the world of possibility that will open up once you reach this new goal.
You are energized and ready to take on the world.
If you are new to this game, I’m sorry to tell you but you have a mountain ahead of you. And no one has ever successfully scaled a mountain quickly and easily.
Sure, from a distance, the mountain may not look that big. It looks like fairly smooth terrain and a manageable grade when you stare at the mountain from a few miles away. You excitedly sprint to your starting point.
That’s when the work begins and within a very short period of time, reality starts to sink in at the difficulty and struggle that awaits you.
MOST people don’t make it far enough up the mountain to be invested in the journey.
They quit early enough that the pain of investment isn’t harsh enough. The sting of quitting isn’t harsh enough.
However, if the goal at the summit of your mountain is something that you REALLY want… and you have enough reasons to get there (and enough reasons not to quit), then your first mission becomes the “investment phase”.
You have to put in enough blood, sweat and tears to reach a point where turning around and quitting would be more painful that continuing.
Once you reach this point, you gain a whole new perspective on life. The struggle doesn’t go away, but it takes on a new form. You find a sort of peace and “sense of knowing” during your struggle. You know you will make it to your goal… you just don’t know how long it will take. But it almost doesn’t matter because you no longer count the cost. You are focused purely on the journey.
This is an easy metaphor to understand but it applies to anything in life.
Make a point to first be the kind of person who dreams, has big visions and gives yourself the permission to set major goals.
Then, make CERTAIN you stay with it long enough that turning around is no longer an option.
Even though it will likely take far longer than you think to reach your peak.
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How to Be a Good Mentor
The first requirement to be a good mentor is to ensure your mentees will do what you ask. If they don’t take the arrangement seriously, you are going to waste your time. Therefore, don’t agree to mentor people just because they ask. Try to get more information about their work ethics, etc. Also, try to ascertain if they are motivated and proactive. These are your ideal candidates to help.
You want to set up rules right from the start. Determine what your responsibilities will be as well as what you expect from the people you mentor. It’s even better if you get this in writing. Recording the responsibilities ensures there are no misunderstandings later.
Define boundaries as much as possible. It’s okay to tell your mentees to call you after work hours once-in-a-while. However, don’t let them call you for every minute detail. Let them know ahead of time for what reasons they can contact you.
Be firm in your expectations. If someone is not living up to what you expect of them, you may need to terminate the arrangement. It’s up to you if you want to give them a second chance. Your time is valuable, however. Don’t let them take advantage of you. If they aren’t willing to do what you ask, you need to move on.
If you are mentoring for pay, don’t sell yourself short. Mentors are expensive for a reason. Make sure you give great value for the money but expect to be compensated well for your efforts. In many ways, your fee is a good litmus test. Those who aren’t willing to fork up the money for your services are not going to be good candidates for mentoring them. You may believe it takes more effort to get high-paying clients, but you would be surprised how this isn’t true. If you are good and can back it up, you will easily find people willing to pay your fee.
You should develop a decent network of people as a mentor. Good mentors have connections who they can call upon frequently. This ability will only work if you keep in contact with your network. Make time in your schedule to nurture your networking relationships so that you can use them to benefit yourself and the people you mentor.
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Tips to Choose a Mentor
It seems obvious that a good mentor should have integrity. However, some people look good on the surface, and deep down they won’t take the relationship seriously, or worse, will throw you under the bus.
Knowing whether a person has integrity is going to take some detective work. You may want to ask questions of others who know the potential mentor. If something is not right with the person, others will clue you in on their experiences. Try to find out some information online about the person. Use search engines, ask questions in forums, ask questions on social networks. Your research might take a little while, but it will be time well spent.
Mentors should also have a good knowledge base. You don’t want to find a mentor who has never experienced what you are trying to learn. Some people are good at pretending. However, when you come across situations that require certain expertise, these people will fall short. To know whether a potential has the necessary knowledge base, try to get references. Again, online information may uncover the truth about your potential candidates.
At first, you may believe you should choose someone who is like you. However, sometimes the best mentors are those who are different from you. They offer a diversity that you would not get from someone similar. You will gain a perspective of someone different than you.
Try to find a mentor who is well connected. It’s great if a mentor is knowledgeable about your field. However, if they have a good network, this will advance you quicker than someone who does not network well. Your potential mentor can hook you up with the right people at the start rather than getting you into situations that won’t work for you.
You can choose whether to find a mentor to pay or someone willing to help you for free. Both situations have advantages. Whether you find a free mentor or one you will pay, make sure you spell out the agreement ahead of time. Ask what they expect of you and mutually determine who is responsible for what. A good mentoring arrangement measures the success or failure. Otherwise, you have no way to know if it is working out.
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The Power of Mentoring
What was it about that person you saw inspiration? Was it the way they spoke or was it the message they presented? Mentors have a way of giving us the needed push to accomplish what we thought was impossible.
You don’t need a face-to-face relationship for someone to be considered a mentor. In fact, you could read about someone in history or read a biography on the person. Sometimes, you may find a TED Talk that moves you. Then, you reach out to that person and let them know how it moved you. Correspondence can develop where you bounce ideas to this person.
Mentorships help people by giving them the push they need to get to a higher level. Sometimes, you simply don’t know what to do next. A mentor will show you some possibilities. While they shouldn’t decide for you, they can give you some much-needed guidance.
You should never blame a mentor for anything related to your life or career. If you follow the advice of a mentor and it doesn’t work out, you either didn’t follow all the steps, or it simply may not be the right path for you. The responsibility rests with you.
While there are bad mentors, it is up to you to learn how to find the right ones. But, once you do, you will have guidance that can help you attain your goals. You must be willing to take the advice of your mentor. The actions required could take you outside of your comfort zone. Often, that is how you break through barriers that are holding you back. When that happens, you will see the value of a mentor that much more.
Some mentors may seem out of reach to you because of how much they cost. Some people are lucky to receive free mentoring. But, if you don’t have that luxury, keep in mind what you are getting out of the deal. If you advance in your career quicker than your colleagues because you paid for a decent mentor, can you put a price on that? You will more than cover the cost of both salary and relationships that you gain from the arrangement.
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How to Make the Transition to Full-Time Freelancing...
The best way to launch your freelancing career risk-free is to start by freelancing on the side. Keep your day job and start building your career in evenings and on weekends. As your client list and income grows, you can quit when the time is right.
Besides helping to reduce the risk, this strategy also gives you experience and knowledge gradually. You can master your trade by learning little by little. By the time you’re a full-time independent contractor, you will have it down pat.
Put Aside a Reserve FundAnother way to reduce the risk is to set aside some funds in advance. If it works better for you to quit your regular job and transition into freelancing, this fund will give you a cushion during the initial phase when you’re not earning.
Before you get started, put aside about 3 months’ worth of income from your regular job. This will keep you covered long enough to start earning. You’ll have plenty of time to spare.
Keep Costs Low and Avoid DebtAnother way to reduce the risks of jumping into an independent contractor career is to keep your start-up costs low and avoid going into debt. For your independent contractor website, choose a cheap hosting plan and upgrade after your business grows. Once you have established a regular client base, you can start investing more in your business.
Start Building Your NetworkLong before you start freelancing full time, you should start building a professional network. The best work comes through your network and referrals, not from job sites or even your website. Plus, there are many people who can help you in various ways. Even while you’re still working your regular job and your site isn’t even off the ground yet, introduce yourself to people and tell them about the independent contractor services you offer.
Become an independent contractor for Your Current EmployerIf you could do so, you can start by becoming an independent contractor worker or consultant for your present employer. See if there are opportunities where you can stay employed with your current company, but with a more flexible schedule.
Plan Your TransitionWhatever strategy you choose for starting your independent contractor business, set a deadline for earning a full-time income. Set the time you’ll quit your day job and officially become an independent contractor. This helps to keep you on track and keep it from just being a dream. It also helps with planning the details.
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Do You Really Need a Website for Your Freelance Business?
The answer is a resounding yes. No matter what channels you use to market your business, you also need a website that’s your home on the web.
Potential Clients Will Find You Through Online Search EnginesWhen people search for a freelance service provider, one of the first places they’ll check is Google. If you’ve targeted a few good keywords, your site will come up in the search results and they will check you out. Driving traffic to your site from other sources will also help with your SEO.
Your Home on the WebThe biggest advantage to having your own website is that it’s all yours. You generally don’t have to worry about an algorithm or terms of service change knocking out your cash flow. You’re also free to put whatever content you want on your website and promote it in any way you please.
Convey that you are professional and trustworthyA website communicates to potential clients that you are professional and trustworthy. It’s generally expected that a legit freelance business has its own web presence, even if the freelancer focuses on getting clients through other channels like social media or word of mouth referrals.
Multiple Opportunities for BrandingAs your site is your own home on the web, you can use it to further brand your business. Your domain name and site design will help to create an image in the mind of your target audience. You can also blog on your website, which helps you to demonstrate your expertise and build a stronger relationship with your audience.
Your Website Is Your PortfolioIf you do content writing, graphic design, or some other service where you’d like to showcase your portfolio, your site offers a great place to do this. Not all social media profiles offer this feature. You can update your site from time to time with new samples for potential clients to see.
You can also attach a blog to your site where you write or vlog about topics of interest to your clients. This helps also helps to demonstrate your expertise.
Minimal CostsAlthough it costs a bit to set up your own website, hosting is very reasonable and it’s a minor cost compared to other business expenses. Writing and designing your site takes some time and effort, but it isn’t significantly more time-consuming than setting up accounts and establishing a presence on social media sites.
Maximizing Your Online Marketing OpportunitiesThe best strategy is to look for work on social media and in online groups, while also maintaining your site as a place to call home. Try as much as possible to drive traffic from these sources to your site as you own it and you’re in total control over how it’s used.
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5 Business Ideas You Can Start Now...
If you like to write, you can create content for the web. Every single website you see needs written material, not to mention social media posts, blog posts, press releases, ad copy, product descriptions, and all the other text you see everywhere online.
Content writing is one of the most time-consuming tasks for internet-based businesses. Even if an entrepreneur can write their own material, it’s often one of the first tasks they outsource as their business grows. If you can specialize in certain topics and frame yourself as an expert in them, you can earn more and stand out in the market.
Graphic DesignFor the artistically inclined, graphic design is a great small business path. Most online businesses can’t create quality graphics even if they want to, so this is a task that is often outsourced. You can design everything from images for content marketing to logos and brand design elements.
Like content writing, you can boost business by specializing. You can specialize in types of work like branding, designing visual content, or product packaging. You can also get more work by mastering a variety of different tools, apps, and software for creating images and designs.
Web Development and ProgrammingYour programming and coding skills can be used to build your clients’ websites and apps. There will always be demand for these skills. It’s one of the most in-demand in the world because everyone with an online presence needs it.
Different areas you can work in include building code into graphic interfaces on the front-end or working on the back end writing script and building databases. You can do everything from the initial planning of site architecture to working on the details of a software program’s functions.
Teaching and TutoringIn the days before the internet, a tutor had to spend a great deal of time traveling to and from students’ homes. Skype, Zoom, and Facebook now allow you to impart your knowledge to your students from anywhere around the world.
You can offer lessons in school subjects like math, foreign languages, or business skills to people who need it. You just need an area of expertise that’s in demand and some basic teaching skills.
Virtual AssistantA virtual assistant is a professional who can perform a variety of tasks for business owners or individuals. You might be scheduling appointments, handling phone calls, managing remote staff, and performing a variety of work tasks for your clients. You can offer a bundle of services that include these tasks, but also include content writing or graphic design to make yourself even more valuable to your clients.
If there’s any task at all you can do remotely for clients, you can build a viable small business. The first step is to decide what service you’re going to offer.
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Is Your Business Idea a Good One? Here’s How to Make Sure...
There’s a certain mindset you need to have if you want to be a small business. You’re not just a worker, you’re also a business owner. Like any CEO, you need to handle strategic planning, branding, scheduling, and everything else your business needs.
You also need to make your business grow. Are you ready to handle all these tasks on your own? Do you feel energized when you think about managing your small business? This is the mindset you need to have to be a successful Small.
Is There a Market for What You Do?You have a service to offer, but are people paying money for that service? One of the most important things to test first before you launch your business is the market. Is there an audience for your services?
Look around at other business offering the service you want to offer. Follow them on social media. Join groups where people who offer this service are talking. You can learn a great deal by listening to their conversations and learn important things like the going rate, tips and bricks to land more clients, or how to handle difficult clients.
Do You Have the Discipline?Working on your own as a independent contractor means freedom. That’s one of the main reasons people do it. But it also means you need to have the discipline and motivation to do it yourself without needing to be nudged by a boss or co-workers.
A good way to test this is to do a few small jobs before you launch your small business career. Find a job on a freelancing website or through your connections. This will give you some experience managing your time and meeting deadlines.
Discipline is a muscle you can grow. A good way to build up this skill is to transition gradually from your regular job to freelancing, gradually taking on more work.
Can Your Finances Handle It?There’s a bit of financial risk involved in starting your own small business. There’s a good chance you won’t earn much at first, and it will probably take some time before you’re earning what you earn now.
There are two ways to handle this. One is to start doing some small work on the side while you keep your regular job. Once you have enough income through the services you offer, you can quit.
Another approach is to save money and make the leap. Save about 2-3 months of pay to carry you over until you start to earn enough through your small business.
It’s fine if you don’t have everything you need right now to start your business. If you’re willing to learn a few new skills and cultivate the right mindset, you can make it as a small.
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Starting a Small Business – Are You Making These 5 Mistakes?
When you first get started, you may feel like you’re living your best life ever. You’re getting paid to do what you love on your own terms. As a result, many new independent contractors charge too little for their services.
You may also charge less than you’re worth to secure more clients. This isn’t a good long-term strategy. The sooner you start charging what you’re worth, the better. There are three important steps that will help you set your rate:
· Examine your expenses and understand what you need to earn to break even
· Research what other service providers are charging
· Review your unique skills and talents and the value you provide
Then, set your rates accordingly. If, at first, you don’t feel confident in your skills, offer more value. As you gain confidence, charging what you’re worth will start to feel more natural to you.
Taking Every Job that Comes Your WayYou’ll be excited to get new clients and line up work. One mistake people make is that they take on every single job offer that comes their way. The result is that you get too busy. Plus, you might end up taking on work or clients that aren’t appropriate for you.
When you get started, clearly define what services you offer and what services you don’t. Learn how to set clear boundaries with clients who ask too much. Look at your schedule and determine how much work you can take on at a given time and stick to it.
Burning outThe first casualty of any small business is work-life balance. You’re trying to do everything you can to get your business off the ground. You want to be available to your clients 24/7. The result is that you forget to take time for yourself and you burn out.
Be sure to put some leisure time and family time into your busy schedule. Define your work time vs. non-work time and stick to it. Turn off notifications and resist the urge to check email during your off hours.
Forgetting to Do Your MarketingOnce your business gets off the ground, you’ll get enough work to fill your schedule. This is great, but it leads many new independent contractors to forget an important task – marketing.
Your marketing takes time to build. When the work dries up and you need to get new clients fast, your marketing won’t be in place and you’ll have to start from scratch.
Since it takes time to work up your marketing, start at the beginning and devote a set amount of time each day to building those streams, even when you’re up to your ears in work.
Avoiding long-term planningThis is your business. Like any business owner, you need to think ahead into the future. Where will you be a month from now, a year from now, or ten years from now?
Even when you get busy, don’t forget to devote some time to strategize for long-term planning. You need to know where you’re going so you can grow.
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Goal Achievement Mindset
We hear a lot about the "goal setting" mindset and how powerful it is, but why not take it one step further? What about the "goal achieving" mindset. At the end of the day, anyone can set a goal, the real trick is actually achieving them. Read on if you want some tips on how to start achieving those goals that you set.
1. Learn from Setbacks
Setbacks and failure don't have to be the end of your goals. In fact, you need to learn to embrace these obstacles. Dealing with obstacles builds characters, while failure is nothing more than a lesson (often valuable) learned.
2. Take Action
The biggest difference between someone who sets goals, and someone who achieves them? ...They take action. Next time you set a goal, make sure you come up with an action you can take right away.
3. Reward Themselves
Striving towards newer and bigger goals can be draining. One of the best things you can do to keep motivated is reward yourself. Each time you set a goal, make sure to think about a reward that you can give yourself when reached.
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Goal Achievement Mindset Part 2
We hear a lot about the "goal setting" mindset and how powerful it is, but why not take it one step further? What about the "goal achieving" mindset. At the end of the day, anyone can set a goal, the real trick is actually achieving them. Read on if you want some tips on how to start achieving those goals that you set.
1. Have a Plan
Having a goal is great! You know what is even better - having an action plan to help you reach it. Any major goal you set should include an action plan on how to get there. The easiest way to do this is by breaking your larger goals into smaller more achievable bite-sized goals.
2. Be Grateful
Reaching your goals doesn't really matter that much if you don't take time to appreciate them. Goal achievers know that showing gratitude for goals they have already reached helps their motivation. Even celebrating the smaller victories along the way will keep you in a positive head space to further attack your goals.
3. Embrace Fear
Fear is the one emotion that holds us back the most. If you want to move from goal-setter to goal-achiever, then you need to embrace fear. Take chances and step outside of your comfort zone!
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Goal Achievement Mindset
We hear a lot about the "goal setting" mindset and how powerful it is, but why not take it one step further? What about the "goal achieving" mindset. At the end of the day, anyone can set a goal, the real trick is actually achieving them. Read on if you want some tips on how to start achieving those goals that you set.
1. Know What They Want
There is no point setting goals unless you know what you truly want. So many goals are set and never reached because someone decides along the way it isn't what they want. Don't waste time setting goals until you figure out what you want.
2. Know Why They Want It
Almost as important as knowing what you want, is knowing why you want it. Knowing the "why" behind all of your goals is key to achieving them. The "why" is essentially your motivation. When things get tough, and you feel like giving up, remembering why you are striving towards your goals can give you that extra boost you need.
Believe
Goal achievers truly believe they can reach their goals. They believe in the goal, and more importantly they believe in themselves. Lack of self-belief is one of the biggest problems that goal setters face.
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How to Be More Efficient Again...
Time Management
If you and your team are not managing your time efficiently, you are going to find it hard to move the company forward. The team will constantly be missing deadlines and playing catch up. This makes the group look bad and causes undue stress on the team. The likely result will be high turnover at times when team members are needed the most.
Learning
Always be on the lookout for how to improve your job or your teams’ jobs. This often requires learning new skills. The more you learn, the easier it will be to find alternative methods that work better.
Organization
If your office environment is cluttered and there is no sense of organization, it can impact the productivity of the entire group. There are professionals who can assess your current situation and make recommendations on how to improve the environment. This can include such aspects as desk clutter, filing, and even ergonomic issues and proper placement of fixtures or furniture.
Automation
When you find ways to automate, this frees up your staff to work on more important tasks. Mundane tasks that eat away the time of your staff are the best candidates for automation. It is possible to go overboard with automation which can cause slowdowns when the automation processes fail. Try to determine the best tasks to automate without overdoing it.
Delegate
If you are micromanaging the work of your team, you won’t have time to handle your own tasks. Your team won’t respect the fact that you are doing tasks that they should be doing. You hired them for a reason. Let them get their jobs done. It’s okay for them to come to you when they get stuck. But, you should guide them rather than simply doing everything for them.
Outsource
With corporate cutbacks, delegating may not be easy to accomplish. Companies are expecting their employees to do more with less. But, managers still need to get their work done. In such cases, it may be worthwhile to consider outsourcing some of the tasks of your team. The benefits of outsourcing are that it does not increase the company’s headcount.
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Be More Efficient
How to Be More Efficient
You hear all the time that you or your company needs to be more efficient. But, do you know how to accomplish that? Efficiency seems like a word that is thrown at as the end-all be-all answer to problems within an organization. Without a proper plan, the likely result will be confusion and chaos. The following tips can help you when you are given the initiative to be more efficient.
Time Management
If you and your team are not managing your time efficiently, you are going to find it hard to move the company forward. The team will constantly be missing deadlines and playing catch up. This makes the group look bad and causes undue stress on the team. The likely result will be high turnover at times when team members are needed the most.
Learning
Always be on the lookout for how to improve your job or your teams’ jobs. This often requires learning new skills. The more you learn, the easier it will be to find alternative methods that work better.
Organization
If your office environment is cluttered and there is no sense of organization, it can impact the productivity of the entire group. There are professionals who can assess your current situation and make recommendations on how to improve the environment. This can include such aspects as desk clutter, filing, and even ergonomic issues and proper placement of fixtures or furniture.
Automation
When you find ways to automate, this frees up your staff to work on more important tasks. Mundane tasks that eat away the time of your staff are the best candidates for automation. It is possible to go overboard with automation which can cause slowdowns when the automation processes fail. Try to determine the best tasks to automate without overdoing it.
Delegate
If you are micromanaging the work of your team, you won’t have time to handle your own tasks. Your team won’t respect the fact that you are doing tasks that they should be doing. You hired them for a reason. Let them get their jobs done. It’s okay for them to come to you when they get stuck. But, you should guide them rather than simply doing everything for them.
Outsource
With corporate cutbacks, delegating may not be easy to accomplish. Companies are expecting their employees to do more with less. But, managers still need to get their work done. In such cases, it may be worthwhile to consider outsourcing some of the tasks of your team. The benefits of outsourcing are that it does not increase the company’s headcount.
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How Productive People Think
If you want to become more productive, it helps to understand how influential people think.
Even if this way of thinking doesn't come to you naturally, you can adopt these principles and apply them to your own work life.
Priorities matter.
People who are the most productive are clear about their priorities. They know that some things are more important than others and can attack the most important things first.
If you don't do this regularly, start each day by making a list of tasks and placing them in order of priority. This will help you get the most important things done first and even help you eliminate tasks that aren't necessary.
Understanding priorities also makes it easy to delegate tasks and avoid things that might take away from reaching goals.
Plan for success. Productive people generally make a plan. They may schedule their next day at the end of the current workday. This makes it easy to jump right into work the next day without having to take time to decide what's next on the list.
Eliminate time wasters. Many things throughout the day could threaten to take away from your productivity. Productive people know how to put those time-wasters on the back burner and stick to the critical work.
It could be social media, chatty coworkers, emails, text messages, phone calls, or reading online news that prevents you from getting business done. Set those things aside and schedule a specific time when you'll allow yourself to participate in those things.
Take responsibility. Productive people are happy to take responsibility for both their successes and their failures. Rather than looking to point the finger at someone else, they make sure to stay accountable for their work.
Learn from mistakes. When you're working to be more productive, it helps to understand that mistakes are learning tools. Productive people know that they will make mistakes, but they learn from them instead of letting errors throw them off course or cause them to quit.
Efficient tools. Productive people also know it's essential to have the right tools to do the job. That means having a high-quality computer, the proper software, and even the correct desk setup. When you have what you need in your workspace, it helps you to get more done.
Think about your productivity levels. Where can you make changes in your mindset to become more productive? Small changes can lead to significant results.
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Ignite Your Passion to Work
Teachers, does that sound familiar?
If yes, you’re not alone. Sadly, that’s the reality of our being a teacher in the U.S. When you’re not enthusiastic about what you do, you’re simply not going to be as productive as you want to be in comparison to other the individual in other industries like doctors, lawyers, nurses.
Let’s see if we can increase your passion for the time being, until things get better:
Stay Focus on the things that are working
This kind of focus enables you to see all the moving parts easily. It also keeps your effective tasks, and less likely to allow interruption or distraction with fruitless tasks.
Avoid Stress as Much as You Can
Know this is not about you, education needs help and so do you.
Be Creative
Find ways to shorten time you spend planning long lessons.
Get More Done
Don’t wait to get things done do it at school as much as time allow.
Get Better at Saying No
Don’t volunteer for anything extra after schools or to set up events or trips.
Have Fun
Have fun with the students, that makes the day go faster.
Go Home at the End of the Day
Don’t stay until late in the evening to go home.
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FURTHER READING
Below are a list of books that you can read more about find your passion. Enjoy and take time to figure out what skills, experience, and knowledge you would like to turn into a business.
1. The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything
2. Finding Your Element:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0670022381/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=0670022381&linkCode=as2&tag= liiagency2020-20
3. Finding Your Voice: What Every Woman Needs to Live Her God-Given Passions Out Loud:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01863JQ52/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B01863JQ52&linkCode=as2&tag= liiagency2020-20
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