We had this great idea: “Let’s step it up. Let’s expand and grow. Let’s play a BIG game.”

I’m talking about me & my husband, John, here.

Now, anyone who knows us will easily realize that when we say “Let’s play a BIG game.”, it’s going to be the kind of game that would send 99% of people running for the hills.

When we say that line, it means we’re going to be so far out of our comfort zone that it won’t even be visible anymore. It’ll be long gone over the horizon.

There will be no going back and everything will change. We will not be the same people after we’ve played this level of game.

And that’s scary. When you decide to play another game or when you decide to expand your life, fear sometimes paralyzes you.

The thing is, in order to be someone different and to have something different, you need to give up who you are, the things you do AND what you have now. You can’t have something else AND be the same person you were before.

If you do something new, you will never be the same person after. You now have new experiences and the whole world will be different for you.

The same goes for what’s possible or not possible for you.

Say, you decide to learn rock climbing (and I’m using this analogy because John IS a rock climber). When you first start to climb, you grab for the big holds because you’re trying to feel safe and secure. You go up a few meters and then you realize that you can’t go any further because you’ve run out of big holds.

By that time, you’re stuck.

If you want to move on and start conquering fears, you have to use smaller holds. You have to learn to trust. As your time, experience and confidence move on, you learn how to plan ahead, look for the paths and see things differently.

When you’re first learning, all you can see are the big holds. You don’t pay too much attention to the smaller, sometimes tinier, ‘holds’. You don’t consider them as something that could hold you up so you skip them.

I use the term ‘hold’ very loosely and it’s a perfect example of what I’m talking about.

I’ve watched John climb and some of those ‘holds’ are nothing more than minor waves in the rock! IMHO, there’s nothing ‘holding’ about them, but they almost always hold him up!

When John looks at a rock face now, he sees something totally different to what he saw when he first started rock climbing. Everything is different now. As far as rock climbing is concerned, John is not the same person that he was when he first began climbing.

John’s experienced some hairy moments along the way (I’ve seen some of them), but he’s learned to push himself to try new things and to expand what he can do. Each time he’s done that, he comes down knowing different things:

• He knows himself as someone who can do
• He knows that… doesn’t work
• if he sees a particular set of moves coming up, he knows that he needs to prepare for it by doing…

But, before he actually does new moves or takes a fresh route, there’s fear: What if he can’t? What if he falls off? What if he hurts himself?

John climbs with a buddy for the most part. They set up belaying ropes so if they come off, they might hurt themselves a bit, but they won’t die. So, after a while, he began to realize that if he comes off, he’ll still be able to try again and again until he can finally do it.

In other words, he knows he’s safe.

Now, rock climbing is not for everyone, myself included, but the analogy is one we can relate to:

• When we expand our lives and grow, we will not be the same person when we’ve finished
• Once we’ve done something — even just once — we realize that things look totally different from having had that experience
• Doing something new is always going to be scary. The bigger the jump in the level of difficulty, the scarier it will be.
• We are always safe. We might get a bit of an ouch, but we can learn from it and carry on.

So, we decided to play a big game. We decided to step it up massively to create a huge impact.

It’s scary. It’s an unknown territory and we don’t know how to do it.

But, from the moment we make the decision to go down that path, we’re sure that it’s the right thing to do.

The thing is, you’re not going to be able to achieve what you want to by being the person you are now. You must be someone different.

You need to give up who you know yourself to be and the things you know to be true if you want to do this new thing (like with the holds in rock climbing).

Your perspective in life must change if you’re going to see the things you need to see and achieve your goal.

And finally, this is possibly the scariest bit. You must trust that you wouldn’t feel so strongly about something if it’s impossible for you to achieve.

Remember, you put out those vibes into the universe, so everything you need in order to achieve your goal is already there. You just can’t see it by being the person you are right now. The truth is, you can only see it by being the person who has already achieved it.

Give up the fear and step into the future you know is yours.

See Also: How to Find your Buoy of Safety When You are Drowning in Fear

The post Conquering Fear: Here’s How To Change Your Perspective In Life appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

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Short trips and quick getaways are trending. A lot of travelers today are on a tight budget and can’t make a long vacation work. Some of them are breaking up their PTO to find pockets of excitement throughout the year.

Whatever their reasons are, travelers are discovering how a quick vacation can pack just as much of a punch as an extended one.

Not only does traveling expose one to the rest of world; it also has a positive effect on a person’s mental health. Whether you’re eating a mouthwatering burger under the California sun, gazing at the Milky Way from one of Utah’s national parks, or tromping through ice caves in Icelandic glaciers, quick getaways can be rejuvenating.

By getting away multiple times each year, you’ll be able to recharge your batteries and return home with new enthusiasm and fresh ideas. So, don’t trick yourself into thinking that you can’t take a vacation because you can’t afford a big excursion or you think nobody else can do your job.

Instead, embrace the “work hard, play hard” mentality Millennials love and book your most-desired weekend getaway now.

See Also: 10 Wonderful Benefits of Traveling

Make the Most of Your Short Trip

A short trip doesn’t have to pass by too quickly. Here’s how to maximize your time, regardless of the number of days you’re going to spend in your destination

Know Your Budget

A truly memorable vacation won’t be free. However, although this is a short trip, you’d still wouldn’t want it to take too big a hit on your wallet.

Before anything else, understand how much you can spend. You know you’ll have to pay for transit and lodging, so look around for the options that can give you the most value. This way, you can leave the maximum amount of funds possible for your itinerary. Getting a ballpark of what you need to spend on lets you know how much wiggle room you have, too.

Make First Things First

When I went to Portugal, I had no plan for how I’d spend my time. Instead of getting out and exploring the country like I intended to, I ended up wasting most of my trip at the resort.

Save yourself some regret and make sure you have your must-sees and must-dos in mind for your trip. You likely have one or two activities you can’t miss or a few sights you need to see, so make those your priority. Work them into a concrete itinerary, and buy tickets or book transportation in advance if necessary.

Don’t Spend Too Much Time Getting There

No one likes to waste time in transit. Traffic, layovers and delayed airplanes can make you all the more stressed. Consider a destination you can easily reach or look into taking a red-eye flight.

Go into your trip knowing the lay of the land and how to get around. Researching what public transportation looks like or booking rental cars in advance gives you more time to do what you’re there for.

Step (or Jump) Out of Your Comfort Zone

It’s easy to get sucked into a routine. Maybe that’s part of the reason you’re traveling in the first place. Vacations can offer a break from your usual routine so take advantage of that opportunity. Plan at least one new experience alongside your must-sees.

Zip line through a rainforest. Make your own beer. Swim with stingrays. What’s more memorable than something you’ve never done before?

Don’t Get Too Itinerary-Happy

Planning for any trip is essential, but a key piece of travel is discovery. If you’ve planned out every hour of your vacation, you’ll have no room to get lost in the wonderful parts of the city or talk to the locals about their favorite restaurants.

See Also: 7 Important Things To Do To Travel Like A Local

Finding that balance is tough, especially when you’re short on time. Although making a general plan is essential, make sure you still have time to wander. You’re sure to learn something no guidebook or blog could prepare you for.

Whether your budget doesn’t allow for a two-week expedition or you’re taking a quick break between projects at work, a short trip doesn’t have to be any less memorable than a lengthy one. With some thoughtful planning (and a little room for discovery), going on quick getaways can bring experiences that stick with you for life.

The post 5 Tips For Getting Maximum Value Out Of Your Quick Getaways appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

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When it comes to renting office space, you can never be too careful when signing a lease. Failure to do your due diligence can lead to problems. For instance, the wrong space can hurt your business if it’s difficult for your clients to access your building or if you don’t have the amenities they require.

To minimize the chances of these and other disasters occurring, consider taking benefits from professional property management and asking your commercial property managing agent the following questions:

What happens if the space isn’t ready by the expected move-in date?

Unless your office is ready, you can’t be sure that there won’t be any more problems. To avoid last minute problems, you should double check if your lease is clear about what can happen if your office space isn’t ready by the move-in date.

Read the fine print carefully. Watch out for any clauses that say your landlord can place you in a different office space within the building if your designated area is not yet ready by your moving in date. Being forced to occupy a temporary space will only magnify the costs and other issues associated with moving.

Does the lease come with an option to renew?

After your lease expires, the landlord is under no legal obligation to offer the same space to you – unless there’s a renewal clause in your lease. This guarantees that you will have first dibs on the space when the lease expires.

Will the landlord take on the cost of changes (like new carpet, special electrical needs, etc)?

You will probably want to modify and update your new office space to meet your business’ specific requirements. In most cases, you will be responsible for these costs. But, there are some landlords who are willing to amortize the costs over the term of the lease so make sure to ask.

See Also: How Often Does A Landlord Have To Replace Carpet Or Repaint In Rental Unit?

How much traffic does the area get?

Is your building in a central location that’s close to train stations and airports to accommodate heavy business travelers or out of town clients? Depending on your business type, this may help determine the amount of traffic that you will receive. The agent should have information about community demographics, car counts and other essential statistics available.

Do you have “right of first refusal” if the space next to yours becomes vacant?

There are some instances when a tenant is faced with unexpected growth and, when that happens, there are some landlords that will move you to a larger space with no penalty. If there is a “right to refusal” clause in your lease, it will ensure that you get first dibs if any adjacent spaces become vacant.

Is it possible to secure a non-compete clause so that a competitor cannot open up shop in your center or building?

When renting office space, it’s a good idea to consider your business’ security first. Having a competitor in close distance can spell disaster for your business so check if there are zoning laws in place to protect your company. You can try to include a clause in the contract that forbids your landlord from leasing nearby office space to direct competitors. 

Is it possible to enter into a CAM Stop Lease?

A lot of leases today are triple net. For example, you’ll be responsible for paying the rent as well as a share of the property taxes and CAM fees for the property.

A Cam Stop Lease will ensure that you are only responsible for the increase in property taxes and CAM fees above your initial base year. You may also want to ask for a cap on the CAM so that it won’t increase by more than a certain percentage.

What happens if a major system (like electrical, plumbing, or HVAC) fails?

Agreements about repairs and renovations should be in writing and, in the best case scenario, come complete with a detailed floor plan and a cost estimate from a reputable contractor. But, it’s important to note that this standard is different from property to property.

Who is responsible for insurance?

When signing a lease for an office space, we tend to skip over insurance. And, as a result, a lot of buildings, especially those with several tenants, are coverable by insurance policies that are inadequate in some respects and overlap in others. Thus, if a major disaster occurs, like a fire, it can take years for the various insurance companies involved to check out the claims and decide where coverage begins and ends.

Will the office space meet your technology needs?

Most commercial properties offer tenants networking options like T1s, fiber, DSL and Cable. If your business will require a ton of bandwidth to successfully operate, make sure that the property has the infrastructure to support your needs.

Moving to a new commercial space can be a hassle. But, if you ask your commercial agent the aforementioned questions, it can take a lot of the headache out of the process. Good luck!

See Also: One Size Doesn’t Fit All: How Office Space Caters To Each Stage Of A Business Journey

 

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App development for businesses and brands is on the rise. Many companies are waking up to its benefits and are now working to design and build their own.

When in the process of mobile app development, there are so many variables and so many things to think about that if you are not careful — or if you lack experience — you might just miss a trick or two.

To make sure you get the most out of your app, here are six questions you have to ask during design and development.

How Can Your App Add Value?

Apps provide an opportunity that no other form of media can.

Instantly accessible through anyone’s smartphone, they offer a real chance to give users a bit of added value. Options to consider are exclusive deals, offers codes, vouchers and unique methods for connectivity, such as a live chat service.

However, while made easier on an app, you can also implement these options on a website. There are, though, two ways to add value that you simply cannot do without an app. It includes push notifications and mobile loyalty programs.

Push notifications can be hugely beneficial for both you and the consumers. They allow you to send direct messages to users on their phones via the app. Similar to text alerts, the great thing about push notifications is that they won’t easily get buried and will almost always be seen by the user.

This gives you the opportunity to send users information about deals and new products. Your consumers can also receive added value by being kept aware of updates that may be of interest or useful to them.

Loyalty bonuses allow users to gain rewards via the app that can be exchanged for goods or services from your company. Loyalty bonuses are great for improving the consumer experience and doing so through an app means such rewards are easy to earn, track and spend.

What Platform Should You Build It On?

App development can be expensive and small businesses often don’t have the resources to build software for both iOS and Android at the same time. Unfortunately, both require different coding which means you can’t just upload the same app to both platforms.

So, which platform should you pick?

In previous years, the answer was almost exclusively iOS. The more popular brand of choice, Apple users were seen to be the market everyone wanted to reach.

Now, though, things are different. Phone producers like Google and Samsung have made a considerable dent in Apple’s market. With Android tablets selling just as well as Apple iPads, it has become ever-more difficult to decide which platform to focus your investment on.

The best way to find out if either the App Store or the Google Play Store will benefit your business more is to find out what phone your customers use. You can do this in one of two ways. You can either use your website analytics to find out what phone your website visitors are using or just ask them directly.

If you are able, developing on both platforms is obviously a huge bonus. According to Gartner, if you develop for iOS and Android, you’ll be covering over 99% of all smartphones.

How Will You Update Your New App?

An app is not just a one-off investment. Over time, you’ll perform maintenance and introduce updates; for example, if you launch a new service.

You need to make sure that your app development platform offers some kind of flexibility with regards to making changes and additions. The last thing you want to do is build a very self-contained app that is almost impossible to adapt to new business circumstances.

As part of your design process, ensure you have functionality built in that allows you to make changes and access code easily. The last thing you’ll want is to build an entirely new app in case you decide to change your business direction.

Is It Going To Be Free Or Paid?

It might seem like a no-brainer, right? Make your app free so people will download it.

Of course, this is the option most businesses will take — and it is the option most businesses should take — but it is not for everyone.

The question you have to ask is not just ‘Should it be free or paid?’. It should be ‘Is the app worth paying for?’.

A simple eCommerce or takeaway ordering app is not going to garner much appreciation if you must pay for it, but what if your business model is different?

Perhaps your business offers networking opportunities and, by downloading your app, users can get access to connectivity options. Sure, they might get the same options on the website, but that instant accessibility and ease of use may well be worth paying $0.99.

Analyze your business app. Gauge what users can get out of it and if it is worth putting a price tag on. Yes, you’ll receive fewer downloads, but they’ll be more engaged.

If you really don’t know if your app is worth paying for, try feedback surveys and focus groups.

How Will You Market This App?

“If you build it, they will come” is not a phrase you should link with business app development. Sure, loyal and regular customers will likely jump on board, but it is unlikely that everyone else is going to go searching for it.

When building an app, it’s important to start thinking about how you are going to market it. Once completed, you wouldn’t want to be left with an app with just a handful of downloads as you slowly work through the marketing process. You want to get your money’s worth and bring in downloads straight out of the gate.

Consider your marketing options prior to the app’s release. Run your campaign simulations before going live on app stores and marketplaces. Press, blogs, and ads are all great ways for you to promote your app as soon as it is released.

Is There Functionality To Track And Measure User Engagement?

Apps provide a powerful marketing tool that should never go underutilized.

By recording user input variables, you can gain valuable insight to your customers that is unattainable through other means. This includes data on how frequently the app is visited, what tools within the app are most popular, what time of day most users are online and where your users are geographically.

However, you can only record and measure these data if you set up the right codes to track them. When it comes to mobile app development, be sure to include methods of keeping tabs on user inputs.

See Also: 7 Smart Reasons Why Small Businesses Should Develop Their Own Mobile Apps This 2017

The post 6 Questions To Ask When Designing A Business App appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

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Back when you were in high school, your teacher probably told you that you could predict the eye color of your future child’s eyes by knowing which genes are dominant and which are recessive. It turns out that, much like many of the things you learned about in high school, things are a lot more complicated than what is taught in class.

For starters, there are multiple genes that control eye color.

Predicting the eye color of your future offspring using the techniques you learned in high school is about as accurate as choosing the winner of the Super Bowl from the Puppy Bowl predictions. There’s a lot of science behind your eye color and the process is a lot more complicated than you may think.

Here are some eye color facts you should know.

What’s In Eye Color, Anyway?

Eye color is caused by varying levels of the pigment melanin. How much melanin you have is determined by several genes and how those genes interact with each other.

• Lower melanin levels lead to lighter eyes while higher melanin levels lead to darker eyes.
• Contrary to popular belief, all babies are not born with blue eyes, though most Caucasian-American babies are. Eye color is basically set by a baby’s first birthday.
• The OCA₂ gene produces the P protein that determines eye pigment.
• The HERC₂ gene limits the OCA₂ gene’s P protein production.
• There can be genetic variations.

What Does Your Eye Color Say About You?

Like it or not, people make a lot of snap judgments about you based upon your appearance. Your eye color, for example, can affect how people perceive you just as your clothing or other features can.

But, there are a few things that seem to correlate with your eye color from an empirical standpoint. It’s important to note though that correlation does not imply causation.

Here’s what people believe they can tell about you based on your eye color:

• A study showed that people tended to rank brown eyed people as looking more trustworthy than those with lighter eyes.
• Empirical data show that people with lighter eye colors tend to do better at sports that involve breaks, like bowling. People with darker eyes tend to do better with sports that involve reaction times, like boxing.
• Another study found that people with lighter eye colors tend to be more competitive.
• The same study showed that people with darker eyes tend to be more sympathetic than people with lighter eyes.

Genes Aren’t Everything

Sometimes your genes can go awry and leave you with an atypical outcome. Instead of ending up with blue eyes or green eyes, you can end up with two differently colored eyes or even one eye that features multiple colors. Kiefer Sutherland is known for having eyes that are two different shades of blue while Mila Kunis is known for having one green and one hazel eye.

Elizabeth Berkley, who skyrocketed to fame in Saved by the Bell, has one eye that features half brown and half green pigments in her iris. On the other hand, David Bowie had the appearance of one of these conditions, but it was actually a permanently dilated pupil from a teenage fight over a girl.

Not All Babies Are Born With Blue Eyes

You may have heard it said on occasions that all babies are born with blue eyes. While that is generally true for Caucasian-American babies, babies from darker skinned ethnicities are more likely to be born with darker eyes.

A baby’s eye color can change until around his first birthday, thanks to melanocyte level activity. After that, only about one in six Caucasian American babies will retain their blue eye color. This is one of the amazing eye color facts not all people are aware of.

Learn The Science Behind Eye Color

Eye color is a lot more complicated than what you were led to believe in freshman biology. Considering the many factors that come into play in determining eye colors, it’s a wonder how people can even become people with all those genetic variations.

Learn more eye color facts from this infographic! You might be surprised to learn that there’s so much more than meets the eye!

Source

 

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One thing that successful people share is that they are driven to set goals and meet them every time. There are various techniques that you can employ to feel inspired every day and one of them is getting positive reinforcement from the best motivational quotes.

You can surf the internet for websites that specialize in quotes or you can download a daily quotes app to deliver the best motivational quotes to you on a daily basis. We are rarely ever apart from our mobile phones so it makes sense to use it as a tool to get our daily dose of inspiration.

We’ll share this little tidbit with you. Apparently, there are three things that make inspiring quotes highly effective.

First of all is the measure of self-selection. You see, in general, not all people are drawn to those quotes and anecdotes. However, when one feels an extreme connection, it triggers a self-dialogue that pushes us to try harder.

Haven’t you ever read a quote and thought, “This is it. This is my quote! The universe is sending me a message.”

Another factor is good wordsmithing. It’s relatively easy to say a motivational piece. But, once you add good rhyming and arrangement of words, the message becomes a lot stronger and more appealing for us.

Work for a cause,
Not for applause.
Live life to express,
Not to impress.

Finally, in addition to those two things, motivational psychology plays a big role, too. Humans are highly aspirational. We tend to look to others for inspiration. We look up to successful and credible people and we follow what those people say. Think Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, or Nelson Mandela.

How To Choose A Good Motivational App For Your Phone

There are tons of motivational apps you can download on your phone but not all of them can keep you engaged. The best daily quotes app should be able to stimulate your senses so you can stay motivated to improve your life.

It should also have the following features:

• Gives you the option to set your goals and track them
• Has a friendly user interface
• Contains a wide range of quotes from famous and successful personalities
• Has no typographical errors
• Has beautiful imagery
• Features sharing options
• Sends notifications
• Has the option to customize and save your favorite quotes
• Provides the opportunity to come up with a list of goals

One great example of a daily quotes app that has these add-on features is Motive. You don’t just get your daily dose of inspiration, you can also use it as a tool to easily track goals and to-do’s. It is Inspiration and Productivity all in one handy little app.

Here are some example quotes that you can get from motivational apps. Is there any one quote that resonates with you in particular?

30 Inspirational Quotes That Can Change Your Life

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney

“If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you’ll never get it done.” – Bruce Lee

“Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” – Dolly Parton

“If you want happiness for an hour — take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day — go fishing.
If you want happiness for a year — inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime — help someone else.”
– Chinese Proverb

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.” – Helen Keller

“The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny.” – Albert Ellis

“ Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

“The first recipe for happiness is: avoid too lengthy meditation on the past.” – Andre Maurois

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Herman Cain

“If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original.” – Ken Robinson

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” – Paulo Coelho

“Remember that failure is an event, not a person.” – Zig Ziglar

“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all, in which case you have failed by default.” – J.K. Rowling

“Failure happens all the time. It happens every day in practice. What makes you better is how you react to it.” – Mia Hamm

“Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.” – Paul J. Meyer

“Being lazy does not mean that you do not create. In fact, lying around doing nothing is an important, nay crucial, part of the creative process. It is meaningless bustle that actually gets in the way of productivity. All we are really saying is, give peace a chance.” – Tom Hodgkinson

“Happiness is not having what you want. It is appreciating what you have.” – Unknown

“Whatever you decide to do make sure it makes you happy.” – Paulo Coelho

“Forget about the consequences of failure. Failure is only a temporary change in direction to set you straight for your next success.” – Denis Waitley

“If you’re doing your best, you won’t have any time to worry about failure.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

“Plenty of people miss their share of happiness, not because they never found it, but because they didn’t stop to enjoy it.” – William Feather

“Take risks: if you win, you will be happy; if you lose, you will be wise.” – Anonymous

“Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic.” – Anonymous

“Most people chase success at work, thinking that will make them happy. The truth is that happiness at work will make you successful.” – Alexander Kjerulf

“Happiness is the art of never holding in your mind the memory of any unpleasant thing that has passed.” – Unknown

“Being happy doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It means you have decided to look beyond the imperfections.” – Unknown

“Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” – Abraham Lincoln

“Losers quit when they fail. Winners fail until they succeed.” – Robert Kiyosaki

“The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.” – Mark Zuckerberg

If you’re feeling stuck in your career growth or feeling depressed with how things are going in your life, that one special quote heard at the perfect time can be just the very thing to shake you out of your funk. So pay attention! Be inspired and do the work.

 

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Being an entrepreneur and building a business is a big challenge- a very big challenge.

What if you work full time elsewhere, but you’re really passionate about it? Would you still do it?

That’s the case for me, but there’s more to it than just that.

I’m a dentistry student who got a 3.92 GPA in his first year and built a 5-figure freelancing business that same year.

All that and I’m just 20 years old. Sounds challenging, right?

But, I was able to do it. My secret?

I use the power of habits. I keep building habits that help me become productive so that I can reach my goals.

To help you achieve the same things, here are the 7 productive habits that I formed last year that had a huge effect on my life and my business.

Read More… by Smart Reading

It’s no secret that most of the leaders and high achievers in most fields are avid readers. For example, Warren Buffet, the billionaire investor, says that he spends 80% of his day reading.

Back then, I wasn’t able to spend a lot of my time reading due to my studies. That’s when I saw this Ted Talk by Tai Lopez entitled Why I Read a Book a Day (And Why You Should Too).

Authors often put a lot of fluff in their books to make it 300 pages long. What you need to do is to extract the golden nuggets, even if that means reading only a few chapters of a book.

For a detailed step by step guide, check out this video from Alex Becker, How To Read A Book Every Day (3 Step Speed Reading).

See Also: 7 Reasons To Start Reading Books? Here’s why!

Get the right amount of sleep, even if you’re busy

When I tell any of my friends about my GPA and successful business, they always say something like, “That means you’re sleeping 2 hours a day.”

Imagine the shocked look on their faces when I say that I always try to sleep no less than 7.5 hours a day. Yes, there are a few days here and there, especially during exam time, when I sleep less.

But, sleep is very important for productivity so don’t compromise your sleep just to get more done. To start learning about the importance of sleep, check out the article by James Clear, The Science of Sleep.

Try to avoid exposure to blue light 2 hours before you sleep. This is a fast hack you can apply to get better sleep.

The short wavelength blue light — which is emitted from your laptop and mobile screens — can decrease the secretion of the hormone melatonin. It’s the sleeping hormone that can affect your sleep quality and is essential in getting into deep sleep.

Of course, I can’t stop working 2 hours before bedtime every day. So, I dim the display and I use a blue light filter where the screen turns orange/yellow. I use F.lux and it’s free.

Going on a walk for 30 minutes

I used to have a lot of days where I was completely burned out and I couldn’t study or do any work. When I look at the screen, I can’t write a word and when I try to study, all I get is zero even after an hour.

That is when one of my friends suggested taking a walk for just 30 minutes a day.

In a nutshell, it was worth it.

To get the maximum benefits, I listen to Tony Robbins or a podcast, like the Tim Ferriss Show, Entrepreneur on Fire, the School of Greatness by Lewis Howes and the Fizzle Show.

The benefits of walking included improved sleep and decreased burnout. Plus, I also got to learn new ideas to improve myself and my business.

You need to start this habit, even if it’s just for 10 minutes.

Journaling

Thanks to Robin Sharma, this is an essential part of my life now. It helps me feel positive all day.

In the morning, I write my to-do list and one thing I am grateful for. In the evening, I write notes about what happened during my day, especially what made me feel negative.

Before I sleep, I write 5 small wins. This makes me feel good about myself and it helps me to focus on making a few more wins the next day so I can write them down, too.

I use the bullet journal system. You can check out this cool 101 series from Boho Berry.

Don’t skip this one. It’s invaluable!

See Also: 5 Benefits of Journaling To Inspire and Motivate You

Just waking up earlier than usual

Most people wake up at the last minute and get dressed and go to work/college.

After reading The Miracle Morning, I stopped doing that.

Not only did my stress levels become lower, but my productivity became higher, too. What’s great is that you can even customize your morning routine by adding a few short activities, such as exercise, journaling, and affirmations.

If you’re not yet doing this, do yourself a favor and read The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod– ASAP.

Using the Pomodoro technique

I’ve saved the best tip for last.

If you want to know how I achieve more while working less, this is the secret.

The Pomodoro technique is a simple technique where you do focused sessions of 25 minutes of work and then take a rest for 5 minutes. That’s it.

It helps you eliminate distractions and focus on the tasks at hand so you get more done.

Check out this cool article from Chris Winfield, How to Get 40 Hours of Work Done in 16.7.

These are the 7 habits I started practicing last year to achieve what I accomplished today. And these are the exact things that you need to achieve more in your life.

Yes, you can achieve great results in your life, too. All you need to do is take the time and use the right habits to guide you along your way.

You can do it and these 7 productive habits are going to help you get started! To help you apply them, I have created this cheat sheet to guide you along the way. Click HERE to grab it.

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Whether you work from your home or a busy office, your desk and everything around it should be carefully arranged to make you feel as creative, energized and stress-free as possible.

You see, when you treat your desk as an obligatory layover between your breakfast counter and an evening on the couch, you fill it with things that eventually pile up. As a result, you don’t get much done.

Show that desk a little love and it’ll show a lot of love back. With these desk hacks, your workstation will be able to provide you with a calm and inspiring environment that can improve your productivity as well as the general quality of your day.

Make friends with a plant

Pot plants are brilliant. They are the perfect pet for work. They serve as something to nurture and observe yet they won’t constantly distract you for treats or fusses.

Apart from that, the color green has been shown to improve productivity, too. The plant will also help to keep the atmosphere in your office fresh and full of oxygen. Pick one up on your next lunch break and see how much better your afternoon will feel.

Fix the lighting

Light matters.

In one study, workers with windows in their workplace were shown to receive 173% more natural light during their work hours. This gave them an average of 46 minutes of extra sleep per night. As you can imagine, this makes for better health, more alertness and increased productivity.

If it’s not possible to move your desk closer to an external window, think about investing in (or asking your boss to invest in) a light box to deliver the rays your body and brain require to function as nature intended.

See Also: 5 Office Design Hacks That Will Increase Employee’s Productivity

Add a little oil

Essential oils can change the way you feel and think. Peppermint aroma, for example, has been shown to have a positive impact on memory and alertness. And who doesn’t need a bit more of those at work?

Try rubbing peppermint oil on your neck and temples to ensure you get the hit you need. If peppermint doesn’t work for you, do a bit of research into the kind of scent that will provide what’s missing from your day. You can even swap them up throughout the week.

Get chewing

Next thing that should be on your list of desk supplies should be a pack of sugar-free gum. Chewing gum can boost your concentration, so make sure you have one nearby in case your mind starts to wander.  Choose peppermint flavor to boost both your alertness and memory.

Cover your ears

You don’t have to be a scientist to figure out that working in a loud office or near a busy building site is bad for your concentration. Scientists have delved a little deeper and found out that such disturbances could actually be doing more profound damage than you think.

Working in a noisy environment can increase your blood pressure, risk of illnesses and even frequency of accidents. So, instead of just grinning and bearing it, think about investing in a decent pair of noise-cancelling headphones. They’ll protect more than just your ears.

See Also: How To Choose Headphones That Best Suit You

Power-up your keyboard

The standard computer keyboard is pretty basic and with the different software programs and browsers, not knowing or using keyboard shortcuts can greatly slow you down.

Shifting to a gaming keyboard makes things a lot easier. With more keys and more memorable visual references, you’ll find yourself using shortcuts for everything. This means knocking off precious minutes for each task, too.

Take ‘blankie’ to work

An organized office begins with an organized body. If you get too cold at work, your internal system scrambles around to adjust and this can affect your concentration and productivity.

Keep your favorite blanket under your desk and you’ll be able to regulate your own temperature- regardless of what your building manager thinks.

A multi-storey solution

Disorganization breeds disorganization. Keeping your desk organized not only creates a good impression on your boss and colleagues; it helps you to become more productive and disciplined in general. Think about getting a multi-tiered tray to make those stacks of paperwork a lot neater.

Get yourself a robot line manager

You know what your workload is and when it needs to be done. However, remembering to take a break, stretch your legs or make a cup of tea can be a bit difficult when you’re in the flow.

Taking breaks is important. Downloading a timer such as Be Focused can help you to regulate your workflow, stay fresh and energized.

Look away

Write it down on a Post-It and stick it to your computer monitor: 20-20-20!

Then, use that new timer of yours to remind yourself that every twenty minutes, you should gaze twenty feet away from yourself for twenty seconds. This technique can help prevent getting eye-strain, which can cause fatigue and other long-term eye issues.

Block your notifications

Those little beeps, vibrations and red dots on your devices can disrupt your attention. If you’re worried you don’t have the discipline to leave them alone by sheer willpower, download a notification-blocking app to do the hard work for you.

Take your toys to work

Okay, so it’s not the 1980s anymore, but yuppie desk toys can still be effective. In fact, they’ve been dragged into the 21st century in the shape of fidget widgets. To help you turn that excess energy into something productive, think about keeping one on your desk.

With these 12 simple desk hacks, you can already transform your work area into a comfortable, dynamic and productive station. Finally, you’re ready to start work for real!

Source

G. John Cole is a digital nomad and freelance writer. Specializing in leadership, digital media and personal growth, his passions include world cinema and biscuits. A native Englishman, he is always on the move, but can most commonly be spotted in Norway, the UK and the Balkans.

 

 

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Planning a wedding is a wonderful and memorable thing but, beyond the emotions, it is also rather stressful. From finding a perfect wedding dress to booking a reception venue, it can be a real challenge for everyone involved. However, if you are getting married in Las Vegas, this process may become even more complicated.

The good news is that planning a Las Vegas wedding means having no limits at all. Want to tie the knot underwater or get married during a rock concert? The Entertainment Capital of the World can easily provide you with such an opportunity! With so many options, it is always better to have a Las Vegas wedding checklist at hand.

Whether your big day is an intimate one or you want to celebrate in style, here are 7 killer tips that can make the process of planning a Las Vegas wedding much easier:

Vegas wedding dress ideas

You can certainly travel to Las Vegas with your carefully chosen elegant wedding dress. But, actually, there’s no need for that. Since Las Vegas is home to spur-of-the-moment weddings, you can find lots of stores where you can buy or rent any bridal gown, tiara, veil, jewelry, shawl, gloves and crinoline you like.

Most of them are open late so that even those who are planning to have night weddings can have plenty of Vegas wedding dress ideas. If you still don’t have a perfect gown for your special day, you are sure to find it in Las Vegas.

Choosing a date

One of the first tasks that should be in your Las Vegas wedding checklist is choosing a date. There are two important things you should pay your attention to.

The first one is the weather. Don’t forget that Las Vegas is in the desert, so if you want to have an outdoor ceremony or reception, consider getting married in the spring or autumn time. Traditional wedding months (June – October) may turn your big day into a nightmare.

Besides that, keep in mind that Vegas is a popular destination for conferences, meeting, concerts and vacations. Thereby, to check a convention calendar beforehand is never superfluous.

Marriage application

If you are planning a Las Vegas wedding, you don’t need to wait long to receive a marriage license. You can apply for it no more than sixty days before your set date. Besides, you can speed up the process by filling out a marriage application form online.

Please note, however, that both people getting married in Las Vegas should appear in person at the county clerk’s office to receive the license. It will cost you about $60.

Hotel chapel

If you want to save some money, a hotel chapel can be a good option for you. The fact is that almost every hotel in Vegas has its own wedding chapel, which gives you and your guests the opportunity to stay in the same place for your ceremony and reception.

Furthermore, any hotel chapel can provide you with a variety of wedding services, including live broadcasting of your ceremony online, limousine transportation, professional photo and video shoots. Most of them offer fresh floral decoration and even a honeymoon helicopter flight. If you book your chosen wedding package beforehand, you are guaranteed to get a good deal.

Venue location

Las Vegas offers plenty of themed, fun and casual wedding venue options for a wide range of tastes and budgets. From sky high weddings and cocktail parties to the ultra-chic nightclub buyouts and wedding venues for animal lovers, everyone can find something to their liking.

However, if you are planning a unique Las Vegas wedding, keep in mind that most popular and unusual venues and vendors get booked up early, so it is better to do everything in advance.

Hair and makeup

Finding hair salons and makeup artists doesn’t have to be a hassle in Las Vegas. Lots of hotels, casinos and spa centers offer these services to those who want their makeup and hair done professionally for the wedding day.

The only problem is that these services usually come at a rather high price. If you are on a budget, you can save some money if you go to a local salon located somewhere off the Strip.

Day-after photo session

One more thing to include in your Las Vegas wedding checklist is a day-after photo session. Talk to your photographer beforehand about organizing a creative and funny shoot somewhere in Downtown Vegas or in the desert. Thus, in addition to your beautiful wedding photos, you will also get plenty of awesome Vegas pics to enjoy for years to come.

As you can see, getting married in Las Vegas may require a bit more preparation compared to a local wedding. However, who said you cannot elope without proper preparation and planning? if that’s the case, just make your way towards Las Vegas Boulevard. You will find there everything you need for your perfect Vegas wedding! After all, this city is not called the Marriage Capital of the World for nothing!

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Just because Americans are smitten with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau doesn’t mean they’re flocking to his country for vacation. Many people skip over Canada and opt to visit Europe or a beach instead.

That’s a mistake. Canada offers a veritable treasure trove of sights. Whether you’re a cultural connoisseur or an outdoor adventure junkie, Canada offers a dizzying array of options. Start your exploration with these best places to visit in Canada.

Vancouver

Deadpool, Supernatural and Twilight are just a few of the blockbuster hits that bring $1 billion into the city annually. Its booming film industry has earned Vancouver the nickname “Hollywood North.”

It’s no wonder, considering the city’s combination of urban attractions and natural scenery. Here you’ll find art galleries, high-end boutiques, spacious parks, and outdoor venues.

While you’re there, be sure to visit the following sites:

• Stanley Park

This 1,000-acre park is home to some of the city’s top attractions. The most notable is the Seaside Greenway, the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path. Ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling, the path includes the Stanley Park Seawall and extends 17 miles between the Vancouver Convention Centre and Spanish Banks Beach Park.

• Granville Island

Granville Island’s old factories have been replaced with popular restaurants, galleries, and theaters. Fill up on snacks at the Granville Island Public Market, one of the top open-air marketplaces in North America. Kiddos will adore the indoor play area at Kids Only Market, while adults can unwind with cold drinks at the Granville Island Brewing, Canada’s first microbrewery.

• Queen Elizabeth Park

Perched at the city’s highest point, the 130-acre Queen Elizabeth Park features stunning rose and quarry gardens, plus an arboretum with 1,500 native and exotic trees. Nearby, guests can take in views of more than 200 exotic birds, colorful koi fishes and hundreds of tropical plants in a trio of climates at the Bloedel Floral Conservatory.

Toronto

Canada’s largest and best-known city is also its most culturally diverse. More than half of Toronto’s 6 million residents were born outside the city. Because of this, visiting Toronto is like getting a mini tour of the world. More than 140 languages are spoken here and Greektown, Little Italy, Koreatown and Chinatown sit within 5 square miles.

The densely populated Ontario metropolis is big in other ways, too. The city is home to CN Tower, one of the world’s tallest freestanding towers. You can also find PATH, the world’s largest underground shopping mall, and Yonge Street, the longest street on the planet.

No itinerary would be complete without these attractions:

• Toronto Islands

Ride a ferry to the Toronto Islands, each of which provides a unique experience. Centre Island, known for its expansive picnic spots and beaches, is also home to Centreville Amusement Park. The low-key Ward Island features English gardens and 1920s-style cottages. Algonquin Island offers a similarly laid-back setting that includes Hanlan’s Point, the area’s only clothing-optional beach.

• Distillery District

Once home to Gooderham and Worts, Canada’s largest distillery, this pedestrian-only neighborhood stuns visitors with Victorian architecture and cobblestone streets lined with art galleries, performance spaces, and even a brewery.

• St. Lawrence Market

Although it has evolved many times since its 17th-century conception, St. Lawrence Market has remained a culinary focal point. Divided into three buildings — the South Market, the North Market, and St. Lawrence Hall — it features exhibits on the city’s art, culture, and history. Plus, it has hundreds of food vendors during its Saturday farmers markets. On Sundays, antique-hunters flock to the impressive flea market.

Banff

Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Banff’s resort-town lifestyle is reminiscent of a Swiss skiing village. With Banff National Park as a picturesque backdrop, explorers can spend their days skiing down Mount Norquay, biking along Healy Creek or hiking the Vermilion Range’s Stoney Squaw Mountain and the Hoodoos’ enormous limestone pillars. With these activities, Banff is surely one of the best places to visit in Canada.

After conquering the great outdoors, adventurers can retreat to luxury resorts for cozy, relaxing evenings filled with spa treatments and hearty gourmet meals.

If you go, don’t miss these top spots:

• Sunshine Village

Located on the Continental Divide, Sunshine Village sees more snow than its neighbors. As a result, the area enjoys an extra-long skiing season of nearly seven months — plenty of time to take in the area’s 3,500 skiable acres.

• Banff Gondola

Hop aboard the Banff Gondola to get the best of the area’s natural beauty. The eight-minute ride sweeps guests to Sulphur Mountain’s 7,500-foot summit, which offers stunning looks at Glacier Peak, Sulphur Lake, and Lookout Lake. After taking in the views at the 360-degree rooftop observation deck, visitors can stroll the boardwalk or grab a bite to eat.

• Moraine Lake

Although Banff National Park’s more than 2,500 square miles are filled with remarkable sites, Moraine Lake is arguably the most beautiful. Tucked away in the Valley of the Ten Peaks amid a collection of hiking trails, the lake appears a brilliant shade of bluish green, the result of light refracting off the nearby glacier runoff.

Québec City

Strolling through Québec City’s cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old buildings can feel like walking into a French painting. The scents of freshly baked bread, pungent cheese and bitter espresso only add to the ambiance. These Parisian flairs and the city’s remaining fortified walls serve as reminders of Québec City’s rich heritage and status as the birthplace of New France.

The top attractions include:

• Old Québec (Vieux-Québec)

Filled with artisan shops and cafes, Old Québec embodies the European vibe of the city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area is home to winding roads and quaint buildings as well as many of the city’s most notable attractions. It includes the Citadel, the Quartier Petit-Champlain, and the Notre-Dame Basilica.

• Battlefields Park (Parc des Champs-de-Bataille)

History buffs especially love visits to Battlefields Park, the site of the Battle of Québec. The park features manicured gardens, including the popular Joan of Arc garden that displays stunning annuals, bulbs and perennials.

• Montmorency Falls Park (Parc de la Chute-Montmorency)

Ever heard of Niagara Falls? Yeah, well, these falls are bigger. Here, water tumbles down 272 gorgeous feet, offering prime photo opportunities. Guests can also hike around the area which features several playgrounds, too.

Whichever Canadian city you visit, you’re certain to uncover history and natural beauty that equals and even surpasses other vacation destinations. Before booking a ticket halfway around the world to get your fix of culture or adventure, take a second look due north. You won’t regret it.

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