You’re reading How Flexible Working Changed My Life And Realigned My Priorities, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

I’d like to think I’m a modern father. Responsibilities with my partner are split down the middle; we both bring home the bacon (metaphorically, we’re vegetarian) and we split the childcare and household chores fairly (you wash, I’ll dry).

I’m not asking for a medal, I’m just setting the scene.

Because it wasn’t always this way.

Before we shuffled our lives around, I was working 50+ hours a week and arriving home as a cranky mess. Weekends were about catching up on emails and sleep and I honestly felt like “father of the year” if I made it through dinner without checking my phone. Work was eating me alive, and to this day I don’t know why it was so important to me. Every promotion that I went after bumped my pay into the next bracket, but the workload also increased, and not the mention the pressure also increased.

The wake-up call came when I had to take two days off work because of dehydration and stress. I’d managed to go eight days without taking a sip of water, so my doctor prescribed two days of uninterrupted time off work. No phone, no email, no worrying about what was happening in my absence.

Instead, I went to the park, fed ducks and watched my kids play in the sandpit. In the evening, we made popcorn and built a fort from sofa cushions. It was an eye-opening moment when I realised I had been chasing all the wrong things. But I was left with a dilemma; I’d been climbing the ranks at work so quickly that I didn’t know how to slow down.

My partner suggested that I follow in her footsteps and request flexible working. I was worried how my employer would respond to this, as it’s most commonly associated with working women. The only people in the office I knew who had flexitime were women with young children. And then it dawned on me. I have young children.

When it comes to flexible working, it’s all about building a healthy work/life balance, and believe it or not, this isn’t defined by gender.

I put in my request and waiting for the P45 to land on my desk. But it didn’t come. Instead, I was invited to a meeting with HR and the director of the business. Instead of being put under the microscope, we split up my job into sections and decided which pieces would need me in the office and which could be comfortably completed from home. I delegated tasks that shouldn’t really have been mine in the first place, and then we came up with a new working schedule. An email was sent out informing my colleagues that I would be working from home two days a week (perhaps more, if required) and how they should contact me if required.

The entire process was unintimidating and librating and was also an opportunity for my boss to see just how much extra work I had taken on. Since I’ve switched to flexible working, three other men from my team have followed suit. Although I expected office politics would get in the way, it’s actually encouraged everyone to take a look at their work-life balance and decide if it’s working for them. One of the men on my team was commuting for one-and-a-half hours each way every day. Since switching to home working for three days a week, he’s gained back nine hours in his week!

If anyone else is considering requesting flexible working, I would recommend you just go for it. If you’re in the UK, employment law states that you are entitled to request flexible working if you’ve been working for the same company for 26 weeks. It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman, and you don’t have to be a parent to request it. If you want to put your work/life balance in order, it’s never a bad time to ask for change.

You’ve read How Flexible Working Changed My Life And Realigned My Priorities, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

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You’re reading How to Do Just about Anything, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

There are few satisfactions greater in life than setting goals, working toward them, and achieving goals. Of course, it also stinks when you fail miserably at a goal, but let’s pretend that doesn’t happen. Setting goals is step zero in the process of doing just about anything. Next, you should

Set aside an hour a day to learn

This is helpful regardless of whether you have a goal in mind. Spend an hour every day learning a skill, doing research, reading on the topic, taking a webinar, or whatever. Maybe your goal is to live on the streets, you could spend your time observing the survival skills and techniques of the local unhoused population. Perhaps, this will inspire ideas like giving your possessions to them and trading places like that horrible ‘80s movie with Eddie Murphy. Knowledge is the power that your goals plug into.

Use the Googles

The reason we are doing everything better and faster than past generations is that we learned from them. We are not reinventing the wheel. And, if you want to experience the biggest gains, you need to learn from what’s available. Fortunately, we have all the knowledge in the world at our fingertips.

Please tell me you’re not looking at your fingertips right now. I’m talking about using your fingers to rub on your phone or type on a keyboard to search Google. There is useful information out there but be wary of “secret tricks.” You may also want to reach out to people with experience in the field. Mentors are underrated.

Get Started

This is probably the most important and hardest step. My dad always told me that the walk of a thousand miles begins with one step as he dropped me off in the middle of a forest and sped off. And, you know, he was right. My walk out of that forest didn’t begin until I took that first step. Even if you know absolutely nothing, you need to get started if you are going to do anything.

Baby steps

Break your overall goal down into small manageable steps. And, instead of being overwhelmed by your overall goal, keep your focus on completing the next step. This will keep you from scrapping the whole thing when you feel like you are moving slowly.

Also, understand that you will take two steps forward one step back quite often. Just make sure you are moving in the right direction. When you do experience a small failure or mistake – a natural part of getting better at something – take the time to learn from it. Ignore the time you are putting into the project/skill. It will take however long it takes. Enjoy the journey.

Experiment

Be a real life (fake) scientist with you as the guinea pig! You can experiment with yourself and your ideas. For instance, if your goal is to run a marathon, as you are doing the classic running training, see if different changes to your diet help facilitate your goal. I know when I was training for a half-marathon (I’ve done half a dozen of these: pretty good for a fat man), figuring out the right diet to avoid pooping myself was an important part of it.

Journal

I’ve discussed journaling quite a bit, but it is incredibly helpful for documenting your progress and fleshing out what does and does not work. This is also where you solidify the lessons you have learned. My wife does Bullet Journaling, which may be your jam. I’m a writerman so everything I do is in boring paragraph form in a word processor.

Persistence

Take a minute to learn about the remarkable life of Dashrath “Mountain Man” Manjhi. His wife died from injuries sustained while trying to cross the Gehlour hills. So, he spent the next 22 years of his life chiseling away at that mountain until there was a 360-foot path through the hill.

With persistence, you can literally move mountains. Any goal worth achieving isn’t going to happen overnight. You must stick with it. Plan on it taking longer than you expect. Eventually, though, your persistence will pay off.

Have you ever achieved a goal? Please brag about it and share your tips below!

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James Brains is the founder and owner of Brains Report, a humorous product review and responsible consumerism website. His work has appeared on hundreds of websites. James holds a master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Oregon. When he is not writing, you can find him creating unique sushi rolls and playing roller derby. Not at the same time.

You’ve read How to Do Just about Anything, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

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You’re reading Erin’s Things: October 1, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

This week for my favorite things, there’s a lot of technology, a great new book and a cool home store for those in California! Check out this week’s list and leave your comments (and suggestions for other cool stuff) below!

1. ALDEA HOME + BABY – The San Francisco home goods store is cooly curated with different rooms impeccably decorated as if in a showroom. Frequently on every best design list, it boasts some quirky and also very design forward items, from furniture to accessories and even clothes. There’s everything for all budgets, from a gifts under 25$ page online to the higher end items such as the ‘Mirah Geo’ table – my fave.  It’s eclectic yet perfectly streamlined. Loving it right now!

 

2. CHILDREN’S MD – APP – If you’re a parent, or even a grandparent or uncle/aunt that is baby sitting- you will at some point encounter some anxiety over a child that is not feeling well- questions like, how can I treat this fever, what symptoms should I be concerned about? Now there are all sorts of apps that can help you with – this one in particular, ‘Children’s MD’ was developed by Children’s Hospital of Colorado and it is basically like a virtual doctor. It has a comprehensive symptom list as well as suggestions for when is the right time to call on a doctor for help, to over the counter meds/dosages and even finger food ideas! Thank-you pocket Doc.

 

3. HTC VIVE –VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSET – The best VR set in the world is apparently this one. I am no expert but I am certainly interested in the coming VR wave we are about to experience in tech and entertainment.  The controls are intuitive, the resolution is amazing and you have a 1080p screen for each eye- playing games on this would be as realistic as it can get…for now. This is a premium product so its cost reflects this fact. At 600-700$, you are guaranteed the best first generation VR product on the market. Virtual is a reality we can all immerse ourselves into now.

 

4. IT’S MESSY – ON BOYS, BOOBS AND BADASS WOMEN – Amanda de Cadenet has done it again. She’s written another fantastic book, this time a personal collection of essays that facilitates conversations among women that deserve to be had. She gives advice and has quite a few insights gained from experience as a businesswoman, wife, mother and friend. I think it is thought provoking which is the first most important thing I require in a book, the second is generally humor- and this is also apparent in this offering. She has heart. That I admire, along with her feminist message, she helps women around the world determine the strength to find positivity against all odds. Stumped for your next read…look no further!

 

5. Flexible sensor medical device – a gifted materials scientist by the name of Canan Dagdeviren, has been researching and inventing a slew of biomedical devices (the size of a sticker!) designed to convert energy from natural movement of your organs into electricity – an energy harvester that is built on a flexible foundation. It eliminates the need for pacemakers to have their batteries changed. Secret to its success is PZT (lead zirconate titanate) which can generate small electric charges as it flexes. The uses range from the cosmetic advantage of treating dehydrated skin to the huge potential of identifying any illnesses. This is personalized medicine at its most epic! When one can understand what the body is saying by observing an unending stream of data (the variables that fluctuate electronically in the body) then one can figure out how indeed to keep it running!

You’ve read Erin’s Things: October 1, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

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You’re reading 10 Body Language Tips that Make Your Communication Skills 10x Better, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Have you ever noticed the connection between the body language and communication skills? Why do emotional people who are animated attract more people and have fewer communication problems than those who are reserved and unemotional? The following article is going to reveal the secrets of the body language and tell you 10 body language tips that will make your communication skills 10x better.

1. Do Not Cross Your Arms or Legs

To show that you are open to people, you need to open literally and not close with the help of arms and legs. You are thus looking defensive and guarded – who needs that for the effective communication? In fact, the statistics show that you should open both your arms and legs to improve your retention. By crossing your arms and legs subconsciously, you are closing yourself from both the people and upcoming information – try to control this gesture, and you will soon see the positive results. People would be attracted to you, and you would memorize the information better and faster.

2. Keep an Eye Contact

To show you are interested in the conversation, you have to look at your dialogue partner’s eyes. If you are looking sideways, it is obvious that you are not interested and thinking about other things. To demonstrate your involvement in the dialogue, try nodding as well. It is pretty weird and quite difficult to talk to a person whose facial expression is still: you thus do not comprehend whether s/he agrees with you or not. To avoid uncomfortable situations, consider keeping an eye contact (but do not stare!) and nodding – this will create an impression that you are fully involved in the conversation and really enjoy it.

3. Smile with Your Whole Face

People will feel your smile is fake if you are smiling with only your mouth. The sincere smile involves not only the one showing the teeth, but it is also about the whole facial expression you make when you beam: eyebrows, eyelids, and cheeks. Try to control this part of your body language and make no fake smiles. As mentioned earlier, people gather around the beaming person because they feel as if they are wanted to talk to. And they will never barter this feeling away for the person with the peevish facial expression.

4. Do Not Point at People

Every person knows that it is extremely rude to dab with finger at your dialogue partner, however, it does not stop people of still doing it. If you have this habit, you have to control yourself as much as possible because you will push off any adequate dialogue partner. Just put yourself in his/her place and imagine s/he will point at you – how would you feel?

5. Do Not Droop Your Shoulders and Arms

When you droop your shoulders and arms, you are thus making yourself smaller and more unremarkable. People would not notice you unless you set back your shoulders and stick out your chest. Do not pretend you are a superhero, of course, but having a normal pose would do only good for you. Relax and loosen up by shaking your shoulders and the confident posture will appear itself.

6. Do Not Distance from Your Dialogue Partner

Of course, no one says you have to come up really close to your dialogue partner – it will make him/her feel uncomfortable. But keeping a big distance is another extreme that will make your partner feel uneasy as well. The big distance would confuse him/her because s/he would have to speak louder to make sure you can hear him/her. Second of all, the conversation is an intimate process of sharing information that is why the partners do not need to have a huge distance between them.

7. Do Not Turn Your Feet Away

As oddly as it may sound, legs are the most honest part of the body. While you may control your whole body, you are, unfortunately, unable to control where your feet are turned. Standing with your legs apart will add you confidence, and you will thus show you feel comfortable. Of course, it is difficult to control all the time where the feet are turned but knowing about this part of body language will let you notice when you seem defensive.

8. Smile and Laugh

The best way to pull people in by your body language is to smile and laugh sincerely. For one reason or another, people are attracted to those who beam. The contagious laughter is the best way to find yourself in the center of everyone’s attention and become everyone’s favorite. As for smiling, it is a powerful weapon: if a stranger approaches you, and you smile when s/he speaks to you, conceive that you will be friends. There is nothing more pleasant than to speak to a smiling person because when you beam, you warm your dialogue partner up.

9. Do Not Keep Your Head Down

Do not keep your head too high because people will think you are arrogant, but do not keep it too down. This will signify you are shy and reserved and will thus frighten the potential dialogue partner. Keeping your head down creates an impression you are feeling guilty and discourages having a conversation with you because you have no idea how to get the eye contact with you. What you need is keep your head straight in front of your dialogue partner’s eyes: not too high, not too down.

10. Do Not Hold Anything in Front of Your Heart

If you are at a party, try not to hold your drink in front of your chest because you are thus closing yourself from your dialogue partner. In fact, do not hold anything in front of your heart ever: this gesture makes you seem guarded and distant. If you have something in your hands, just keep it near the leg, but do not create a barrier between you and your partner with the help of the drink.

This article has covered all the points for improving your skills in spoken language. But don’t forget about your written communication skills, matter too! To learn more about this, check out the brilliant initiative on EduBirdie. This site is built for students, who require help with their endless assignments.

You’ve read 10 Body Language Tips that Make Your Communication Skills 10x Better, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

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You’re reading Off The Grid: What Living Without Internet For 3 Years Taught Me about Living Fully and Connecting With People, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Imagine coming home after a grueling day at work. You’re tired, hungry, and all you want to do is pop a frozen meal in the microwave and watch an episode of Narcos.

Except you can’t. Six months earlier you decided that you weren’t going to pay for Internet so that in situations like these you wouldn’t be boring.

This is exactly what I did for three years while living in Spain, and it turned out to be one of the most game changing decisions ever. My life took a 180.

And the best part? You don’t have to get rid of your Internet to learn what I did.

Insight #1 – Get over being shy with low stakes small talk

 Whenever I used to be out or at an event, I would either whip out my phone and pretend like I’m busy or make a beeline for the food as an excuse not to talk anyone. It didn’t take long before I started noticing this tendency to avoid conversation and decided to do something about it.

But where to start? What I found was that service people – baristas, servers and waiters, bartenders, etc., were both unintimidating to talk to and helped give me the momentum and confidence to start conversations with other people.

Because the stakes were low (it’s totally normal to talk with service people, you can even ask them funny questions or experiment with different conversation topics), I would regularly talk to service people and got more comfortable talking to strangers. This was the biggest “hack” that improved my conversations with people and made me a more outgoing person.

Also, I became friends with a bunch of people who worked in my neighborhood and it was hard to go anywhere without having a conversation on the street or someone shouting “Hey Ian!” at me through their shop.

Insight #2 – Simply spend more time outside the house

 In my case, I tried a bunch of new hobbies. It was like throwing darts at a dartboard. I joined sports teams, tried salsa dancing, did yoga, worked out in the park, played chess against old people in public squares, and went to meditation retreats.

The interesting thing was that I only stuck with one or two of these hobbies, but the friends that I made by going to salsa a few times and playing chess are still my friends to this day. It was like a flywheel; the more time that I spent out my apartment doing things, the more people I would meet, the more friends I would make, and the more I would get invited out again.

Insight #3 – How to not be needy

 We’ve all known someone who wants to hangout on Tuesday, doesn’t seem to have anything going on Thursday, and also is interested in what you’re up to on Saturday.

Don’t be that person.

When you have no Internet, though, it’s tempting to want to hang out with someone everyday. What else are you going to do?

It’s often tempting to want to hit everyone up all the time and hang out. There are two awesome ways to handle not coming off as needy.

The first is to diversify friends. Maybe you hang out with your friends from yoga after yoga class, and then with that girl or guy you met at the coffee shop the next night. Maybe you hang out with people from work once or twice a week. Be careful, though, if you find yourself initiating all of the conversations and asking people what they are up to, you might need to take a good look in the mirror.

The second is to not interview other people. Often when we meet people for the first time, it’s easy to ask a ton of questions. Instead, try asking deeper questions about what the other person is interested in and why (always “why” or “how come” – this is key for connecting with people), but balance it out. Share your own opinion and experience so that the conversation isn’t lopsided.

Insight #4 – You don’t need to drink or go to clubs to meet people

 Whether it’s a romantic interest or just wanting to make friends, it’s easy to use drinking as an outlet to meet people. What I found, though, is that if I was both a) doing interesting things during the day and b) making friendships and relationships doing those things, then I didn’t have to go out meeting girls at bars or making friends at parties.

In fact, I was able to connect with people in a much deeper way and make lasting relationships. Don’t get me wrong, parties are great and drinking is fun in moderation, but with my entire social life turned inside out, I wasn’t desperate to meet new people in the same old places.

Instead, it seemed to happen so naturally just by doing awesome things.

Action Steps

• You know that dancing class you’ve always thought about going to? Find out when that is and put it in your calendar
• GO
• Talk to one or two people either right when you enter or within a minute of the end of the class.
• Repeat

 

Ian can be reached at iansilverness@gmail.com . He responds to every email 🙂

You’ve read Off The Grid: What Living Without Internet For 3 Years Taught Me about Living Fully and Connecting With People, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

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You’re reading Destroy the Comfort Zone: Insights From an Adventure of a Lifetime, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

We delay making important choices when we’re on the edge of uncertainty. Whether it’s a last-minute trip, a move abroad, or a new job. Those who stand on the edge of that uncertain cliff, and take that leap of faith, are those whose lives are brimming with happiness.

They are staying true to their hearts, despite what they hear at the back of their minds.

There will always be doubts, but if it feels right, then we have to go for it — whatever it is. We don’t know what to expect when we visit a new country or take on a new opportunity. A few online searches don’t suffice — we don’t always find the longing of comfort we’re looking for.

Still, we have to take that leap.

After days of procrastination, I booked a flight for a twelve day trip to Bali. My itinerary was simple. Four peaceful days in Sanur, and eight exciting days with the TATWT 8 Days Bali Tour — hopping between Kuta, Ubud, and the Gili T Island.

This is my story of my time there.

The Beginning of my Adventure

After sunrise and barely any sleep, I made my way out of the hotel with nothing on me, excited and curious about exploring Bali. The moment I walked out, I felt alert and out of place. As I milled through the town, masseurs would try to invite me into their parlours. People offered me travel guides and activity brochures. Motorcycles whizzed past me, taxis wouldn’t stop beeping.

The energy here was different. People’s expressions were unlike those at home in London. The vibe was something like I’d never experienced — and I felt like a new person the moment I walked into it all. I was untethered from everything. Layers of my past and future disappeared into an abyss.

That felt so freeing.

To make the best use of my time here, I planned a range of activities on-the-go. The most notable experiences I had included Jet-skiing, Parasailing, visiting a Butterfly Park, and Quad-biking.

Besides that, I enjoyed reading, writing, and mingling with the locals. I’d be talking to strangers like I’d known them for ages, and that was so refreshing to experience. To sum things up, every day I was in Sanur, felt like a gift. I made the most of my days, alone on the other side of the planet, far from home.

When my time in the town approached its end, I knew there was, even more, to look forward to. After four days in Sanur, I arrived in Kuta to begin an eight-day Travel to Bali adventure tour. There I would meet twenty people I’d be sharing an experience with.

Travel to Bali Adventure Tour

When I reached Kuta, it was clear that it was the opposite of Sanur. Here there was an overflow of people and traffic. Everyone from the group tour met up at the accommodation that night, and from there we had a welcome dinner at the nearby restaurant. Slowly, we started to build the foundation for our adventure together.

The bunch of us all clicked. There were travellers from Brazil, France, Australia, England, Ireland, America, Norway, and India — so it was definitely a varied group. Even though we only spent seven days together, we got to know each pretty well. It was fun sharing stories, jokes, and picking up so much from everyone. The tour kept getting better and better, ending spectacularly on the Gili T Island. The level of positivity that I experienced was extraordinary.

How Travelling Improved my Perspective

One of the most important truths I learned was that you can learn something from everyone. With a lot of the conversations we had, I definitely felt like I gained new perspectives and gems of wisdom.

Everyone had something unique to share, and it wasn’t always beamed through with what they said. Sometimes, it was just through their attitude.

While no one may be perfect, there’s an inner-world to everyone, brimming with wonder. Sometimes there are so many layers, both in ourselves and in others, that it can be quite difficult to connect with new people. But I think as a group, many of us did.

The nature of our surroundings opened us up. In a city, people can be a little tenser and suspicious, which can be a contagious mentality. Here, happiness was everywhere. The people in Bali are some of the joyful people in the world.

We rode that same wave of happiness during our time there. An epiphany I had after returning was that we divert so much of our attention on the little stuff. We forget that: there are opportunities waiting for us, that have the potential to enrich us in ways we can’t see.

Realizations and Lessons

There was one day, where the heatwave hit me like a hammer to my head, and dropped me out for a full 24 hours. That made me realize that no matter where you are in the world, health comes before anything.

However trite that might sound, it was enlightening to experience. Other than that, most of the time, I was feeling grateful. Glad. Happy.

When we see the same people, speak to the same faces, follow a regular schedule — our reality can gradually become blander — unless we make a consistent effort to break out of our comfort zone.

But many of us don’t. Simply because we’re too attached to our way of living. That’s why breaking your routine every so often is vital. It breaks the cycle of monotony and you come back feeling restored, having learnt more about yourself and the world.

Take the Leap

Life is most certainly about new experiences, sharing, and learning. But it’s also about creating a life you don’t want to take a holiday from. We can travel wherever we want.

But I’ve realized that it should never be done to escape.

Otherwise, when you come back home, the holiday-blues will eventually start kicking in. Ideally, you want to be just as happy as you are at home, compared to when you’re on holiday. I hope, over time, that I will be.

Life is a slow journey, and the things that are meant to happen will take time and work.

While the adventure is over now, the experience has most certainly opened my eyes to travelling more often. To taking “leaps” as often as I can even in day to day life. If you go to Bali with the right frame of mind, you will have an experience worth treasuring. I hope this peace epitomized the essence of taking that leap of faith to travel somewhere new — and being open to discovering what awaits.

Call to Action

If you liked this article, get my free updated book on living more meaningfully.

You’ve read Destroy the Comfort Zone: Insights From an Adventure of a Lifetime, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

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You’re reading 5 Hacks To Speed Up Your Learning Process, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Why do all of us always envy the smartest one around? Because he/she can rapidly grasp any new concept faster than the rest. But what makes these geniuses so special? Is it just the intellect they possess? No, it’s also their methods of learning that largely determine their success. The ability to learn new concepts quickly is a huge asset, but it’s not easily acquired. It comes with hard work, focus, and precision. These people grasp information effectively, learn new things in a shorter amount of time, and expand their abilities and knowledge way more easily as compared to their peers. So, how do you keep up with them? Everyone can learn to learn faster with just a few simple hacks to help boost the learning process. Here’s how.

1. Focus Your Attention

Always remember that when you are trying to grasp a concept, it’s not about how many hours you spend on it, it’s about how focused you are. Otherwise, the time may just as well be wasted. Just think about it – the amount of time spent on learning should be determined by how many hours were spent paying plain, focused attention to the topic. Get rid of any possible distraction so that at least the little time spent would be effective. If you feel tired or lose attention, just take a quick break and get back to the topic.

2. Teach Someone Else

Tired of learning but not to sure of how much you know? Well, put it to test. Help a friend or someone else who is learning the same concept. Teaching others can polish your knowledge as well. It helps speed up the learning process, and you remember more. This is an effective learning strategy applied by many teachers as they prepare to teach. To speed up the learning process, they also highlight important points and organize their information into a proper structure.

3. Number Of Repetitions

The time spent on learning something is not nearly as important as the number of repetitions. Many top performers and geniuses recommend this method of learning. Repetitions have the power to wire your brain. The number of repetitions used to learn something can determine how well you grasp a concept. No matter how long you study or how many chapters have been read, one browse is just not enough. Going through it a couple of times can ensure that it sticks in your head.

4. Break It Down, Make It Simple

Stuffing too much matter into your head can just end up being of no use. Break it down into smaller bits, and it will be easier to understand. Any skill can be easier to master when the knowledge is imparted in small chunks. By doing this, any complex subject can be grasped in lesser time as opposed to mugging up a large piece of information. This is also important for the brain as the chunking helps it imbibe the concept more efficiently. By building chunk by chunk, over a period, you will completely master the whole process.

5. Take Notes And Jot Down Key Points

As mentioned above, when we break down a complex topic into key points, it gets simplified and is easier to grasp. However, these points can be difficult to remember at one go, so always note them down. They say when you write something, it’s equivalent to reading it out a couple of times. It also helps if you take notes while the lesson is being taught as it will still be fresh in your head. It builds your attention, and you will be able to identify important concepts.

Learning something new can be a pleasant experience, but it sure is a challenge to most of us. But the more you simplify the process, the more quickly you grasp the concept. These hacks will help you improve your learning process. However, it’s also important to take enough rest. Lack of rest can drain your energy, which also means your brain would not be able to function at its best. Rest can help reboot your focus, refresh your mind, and recharge you overall. This way, you can learn more to get the results you want. Now that you know how simple it is to become a genius, go on and apply these hacks to your next learning session.

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Nisha is passionate about writing and loves to share her thoughts with the world. She has written many articles on yoga, fitness, wellness, remedies, and beauty. She keeps herself updated by going through interesting blogs every day. This fuels her passion and motivates her to write appealing and engaging articles. She is a regular contributor to StyleCraze.com and a few other websites.

 

You’ve read 5 Hacks To Speed Up Your Learning Process, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

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You’re reading 5 Things To Give Up Right Now If You Want To Be Happy, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

“I just want to be happy”

How many times have you heard someone say those words to you?

Maybe you’ve said them to yourself a few times too.

The truth is: we’re all on this constant search for happiness; however, when we do find it, it’s often short-lived. So why is that something that is so important to us is also so hard to get?

The short answer is that when you try to achieve happiness by obtaining it, it’s often temporary. Far too often, we look for quick fixes that provide temporary moments of joy such as a new car, a bigger house, or our much desired promotion.

What if I told you that you could gain a more permanent state of happiness by giving things up rather than obtaining them?

Giving things up that cause stress, anxiety, feelings of uneasiness and other factors that can contribute to a sense of unhappiness is a key component in creating long term happiness.

Here are five things that you can give up if you want to be happy:

1. Complaining

Complaining can be an easy way to blow off steam; however, too much of it can be damaging to yourself and those around you. Complaining is one of those behaviors that feeds itself. By constantly talking about how bad things are, you reaffirm your negative beliefs.

While expressing your concerns once in awhile can be viewed as a healthy and therapeutic outlet, a constant display of your frustrations will only fuel your unhappiness and drive others away.

2. Limiting beliefs

We often assume that happy people never have limiting beliefs – that they’re always happy – and never struggle with their decisions or confidence. The truth is no matter how happy you’re, there will still be moments where you experience thoughts of uncertainty.

The difference is that those that experience happiness often handle their limiting beliefs better than others. Bring awareness to your limited beliefs, embrace them, and use them as an opportunity to grow.

3. Dwelling on the Past

When you think about past events, chances are they’re not healthy or positive. Negative thoughts are the quickest way to kill your happiness. Dwelling on the past will keep you focusing on the “what ifs” and “how comes.”

Living in the past will not only tamper with your happiness, but also induce feelings of anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. The past, present, and future are all temporary states and should be treated as such. Instead of wondering what could have been, focus on creating the change now.

4. Blaming Others

Unhappy people find no shame in blaming others when something goes wrong. Instead of taking responsibility for their actions, they point the finger in the opposite direction. They find it difficult to believe that the situation they are in is due to their own choices.

It’s okay to be wrong. In fact, most people find it admiral when you choose to “fall on your sword.” Being able to accept responsibility for your actions is a clear indication that you’re comfortable with however the outcome turns out, which can also be interpreted as a sign of happiness.

5. Resistance to Change

One of Ben Franklin’s most famous quotes is “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” Although true, there is one more certainty in life: that’s change. Change is inevitable and being willing to adapt to change is a critical factor in determining your happiness.

People who resist change focus on the problem, not the solution. Instead of embracing change they revolt, which only fuels more negativity – making the situation worse – and making themselves even more unhappy. Life is all about change. The sooner you learn to embrace it, the happier you’ll be.

 

After overcoming a medical trauma, Gary has been inspiring others to overcome their challenges. For more inspiration and to learn more about his story, visit laughatadversity.com

You’ve read 5 Things To Give Up Right Now If You Want To Be Happy, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

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You’re reading 6 Simple Tweaks To Live A Happy Life, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

What makes you happy? Have you ever thought of why some people are living a happy life, and why some are not? It really seems like a simple question, yet many people wake and sleep without feeling any sense of happiness in their life. According to a recent research by Harris Poll, only one out of three Americans says they are very happy.

While there are many factors that could be responsible for non-happiness, such as our day-to-day activities, relationship, depression etc.

Below therefore, are 6 simple tweaks to live a happy life:

1. Finish whatever you start

A write-up by Seth Borenstein on a study about  procrastination, he said after 10 years of research on a project that was supposed to take only 5 years, a Canadian industrial psychologist found in a giant study that not only is procrastination on the rise, it makes people poorer, fatter and unhappier.

In the same study Still also said, “People who procrastinate tend to be less healthy, less wealthy and less happy.” Achieving a task is a great way to self happiness. Do you have the habit of starting projects and not  finishing them? If so, it’ll  be very difficult to feel the vibes of achievement.

You know how it feels after completing a task or archiving a goal, you feel great and happy. A simple way to live a happy life is to finish whatever you start.

2. Exercise

Another simple but effective way to stay happy is by regular exercise.  Research  shows that, physical activities can boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy; as well as reduce depression and stress.

The impact of exercise cannot be underrated and many successful individuals like J.K Rowling, Oprah Winfrey, Nicholas Dutko; of Auto Transport Quote Services,  Benjamin Franklin, Bill Gates, amongst others, often cite regular exercise as one of the top secrets to their happy living.

Although daily exercise might seem stressful but if you can put it into regular practice, it’s one of the effective way to stay happy. It helps shapen the mind, body and soul — while we remain strong to carry out our daily activities.

3. Stay in good health

One of the effective ways to live a happy life is to be in good health, it is often said, “healthy people are happy people.” I tend to agree to this fact because happiness is one of the rules guiding good health, happy people live long while unhappy people have short life to live.

Depression and sadness affect the body system from performing at its best, which often lead to health issues. However, it is advisable to stay in good health to enjoy a happy life.  

4. Spend time with your family

Spending quality time with our loved ones; especially family, brings another feel of happiness.  We tend to feel loved and pleasant while with the kids, wife or relatives.

For example, work has deprived many of spending time with family. They go out very early in the morning and come back late at night. No time to gist and have fun with wife and children, always busy with work and appointments. This can seriously lead to an unhappy lifestyle. Schedule a time to stay with your family, it’s one of the ways to live a happy life.

5. Positive thinking

Feeding yourself with negative thought is a simple way to sad living. Negative thinking brings fear and doubt, while fear brings sadness. We are a product of our thoughts, so think positive. Positive thinkers are happy people.

6. Forgiveness

Forgiveness is yet another way to derive everlasting happiness.  Anytime you forgive someone, your mind is clear, you put on  smiling face and you’re happy around every body. Happy people never keeps grudges because they know it will keep on hurting them than expected. They find it easy to forgive and forget about wrong things people do towards them — which gives them the vibes to focus on something new.  

You’ve read 6 Simple Tweaks To Live A Happy Life, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

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You’re reading How To Make A Great First Impression, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

First impressions are very important in forming a strong relationship with the different people we meet and interact with in our lives. Though it happens for a very short time, the first impression can last for a very long time, for better or worse. People make judgments about the people they meet based on their appearance and presentation and once the impression is created, it hardly changes. Simply put, a great or good impression will give you a strong kick off in any situation in life; from interviews to the workplace.  It is never a bad think to stand out from the crowd!

Tips on How To Make A Great First Impression

Prepare talking points

Before you go for a meeting with a new person or company, it is advisable to do some background research. Brace yourself with particulars about that individual, the things he loves and what he might be expecting from you. These preparations will help you to convince the other person that are informed about the problem he is trying to solve and that your skills come in handy. Come up with a number of issues that you feel raising them up during your discussion will exhibit your expertise, strategic planning skills, and a deep understanding of the subject.

Dress for the occasion

To create the right first impression, you should appear for the meeting or interview in the right attire and properly groomed. For a lasting good impression, your appearance should be based on an analysis of expectations. Research the company, its culture and the attire worn by its employees. This will guide you unto choosing the most appropriate dress for the meeting. Dressing to match a corporate culture will establish a common ground for the rest of the meeting. Also, the attire you choose will define the level of professionalism, seriousness and potential impact you will have on the company. Ensure that your grooming, your hair style, and general personal appearance depicts a powerful, influential and a productive person. Above all, dress to show your respect of those you are meeting.

Be aware of your body language

Creating a positive impression during the first meeting entails demonstrating confidence through your body language. Though many people might be nervous when meeting a new person such as an employer, you should not show any signs of anxiety. Express comfort and confidence in your body language by walking with the chest held high, taking long strides and sitting up straight during the meeting. If you find assuming these poses challenging, you can adopt simple postures that will boost your confidence. When attending high-stakes meetings, you should prepare by videotaping yourself in advance to have an idea of how you will appear to the other party. Observing yourself ahead of time is the best way of knowing your shortcomings and finding better ways to present yourself.

Engage and be engaging

To make a good first impression, it is advisable to engage the other party in the conversation. Try to draw the other person into the conversation and listen attentively to his views. Given that people love to speak about themselves, you should ask thoughtful and open-ended questions that will make them feel at ease to share their reasoning with you. Engaging the other party in the conversation makes them feel good about themselves and their ideas appreciated. This environment helps them to develop a positive impression of you.

Maintain a direct and warm eye contact

A key point to creating a great first impression is making the other party see you as a trustworthy person. This will come firstly from your eye contact. Eye contact is probably the most valuable component of a good communication. Eyes tell a lot about one’s feelings, attitude and thoughts. Eye contact can easily reveal your interests, level of self-confidence, and involvement in a conversation. From one’s eye contact, you can gauge the likelihood of the information being true or false, how likable or not likable the other person is and a lot more. Maintain a direct and warm eye contact that appears natural but not too intense to make the other person uncomfortable.

Follow-up

After the first meeting, you should follow-up with the other person to ensure that the good impression you created is cemented. Send him a note highlighting what you learned and how it is of great help to you. Also, try to connect with the person on social media platforms and show interest in his work or blogs. It creates an impression of helpfulness that helps to create a positive second impression.

You’ve read How To Make A Great First Impression, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

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