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.

The post Top Places To Visit In Canada: 4 Canadian Cities Filled With Hidden Gems appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

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Smaller businesses have a slightly more difficult path to success than others. To achieve success as a small business, you’ll need to do everything you can to ensure its growth. Various steps need to be taken, but there are also some tips and tricks that you can use to give yourself an edge.

In any case, this article will teach you how to ensure the growth of your small business and how you can keep it on top for a long time. After you’ve read the article, you’ll have some extra knowledge up your sleeve that will definitely benefit your small business.

Let’s start!

Developing an effective & efficient small business framework

The usual frameworks that work with big businesses can actually offer some insight for smaller businesses, but there are a couple of problems. Small businesses don’t necessarily need to grow constantly to be able to operate. Also, big businesses don’t need to spend a lot of time managing the start of their existence, while small businesses have to. Developing an effective & efficient small business framework is imperative to its survival.

Specialize in one thing & give your best

You won’t get far if you try to do everything at the same time, especially if you don’t specialize your business in one thing. Most businesses that try to achieve multiple things end up burning to the ground.

Don’t multitask because you will have to divide your resources and attention to multiple things and that isn’t good. Pick one thing and give your best by constantly working towards improving your business and the service/product it offers!

Partner with another small business

It’s understandable that most people want to work alone, without interference. This is mostly true for big businesses as they don’t need to partner with others except in the case of an emergency or an expansion.

Consider partnering with another small business as you will both get a boost in the number of customers and you’ll be making more money. Explain your business goals to the other business owner and discuss the terms for partnering. This also builds up trust, so you’d be wise to do this.

Using checklists

Checklists are fairly necessary when it comes to managing a business because they let you gain insight into your clients’ needs plus you’ll be able to get a better perspective on what needs to be improved regarding your business. Even though it might seem redundant at first, checklists are important, and they shouldn’t be overlooked. So, invest in making a great checklist for the business.

Take advantages of small business tools

There are many apps, tools, Saas (Software as a service) solutions developed to help small business owners to get things done easily and fast. For example: use Quickbooks online to keep track of P&L; use coupon maker to generate coupons (FREE); use Google Business to atttract local customers, etc. Smart business owners are taking full advantages of these tools (many are FREE) to generate sales and serve their customers.

Become a leader in the industry

Once you’ve set your business up correctly, strive to become the industry standard. Lead by example and show others that you are a leader. It will not only help your own business in getting more efficient and recognized, but you’ll also gain the respect of other business owners that may look up to you. Provide the industry with something new and provide it in a special, interesting way. There are many things you can do when it comes to this so be creative!

See Also: 3 Easy Ways To Reclaim Your Power As A Leader 

Boost up your e-mail marketing

E-mail marketing has somewhat fallen out of favor, but it’s still a very powerful and important tool in marketing. Social media is currently the base platform for advertising, but e-mails are just as powerful.

Try not to send generic emails all the time because people get bored of them quickly. Think of new ways you can promote your business through e-mails and you’ll start seeing an increase in clients!

See Also: 8 Top Marketing Tips for Small Businesses 

 

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A majority of people might feel funny about second-hand recycling or, as it’s more commonly referred to, dumpster diving. The truth, however, is that it’s filled with lots of rewards.

Of course, I’m not talking about just any old dumpster in town. The gold mine comes around this time of year, particularly in college campuses. Those college kids love to throw shit out.

Printers, mini-refrigerators, cameras and even computers. You can find all kinds of gears simply by looking in and around college campus dumpsters. And not just that. You can also find things, like totes, bags, racks, and furniture of all kinds, in that same place.

Now, I’m not advocating one to grab a shovel and start digging to the bottom of any industrial dumpster. Heck, you can, but that’s not what I’m suggesting. Most kids leave their useful “trash” to the side of the dumpster that you won’t need to dig deep. In fact, you can get a good view of things just right on the top.

And to hell with feeling uncomfortable. There’s nothing to be ashamed of collecting perfectly useful items once used by other people. You shouldn’t feel ashamed to be seen near a dumpster just because you’re too afraid that girls or guys won’t go out with you anymore.

There’s plenty of reasonably clean gears within easy reach inside college dumpsters. That is to assume that they haven’t been sitting long and haven’t endured harsh weather conditions. Of course, plenty of things can withstand these elements for a short period and be okay, but there are also those that degrade quickly. Textbooks, for example, can provide easy cash, assuming the condition is adequate.

I like to think that most people recycle daily, though I’m probably wrong. Those who do toss their La Croix cans, beer bottles and milk jugs in those environment-friendly blue bins to be picked up and taken off to recycling factories. There, they are repurposed and transformed into other much useful things. Without a doubt, it’s a very positive thing to do for the environment.

So, why not recycle like this?

The benefits and possibilities with dumpster driving are abundant. You could start a little pawn style business with the treasures you find or even put on a dumpster art show. Nobody will stop you from using “trash” to be your creative outlet.

Food is another, though far more questionable, commodity you can retrieve from dumpsters. It’s relatively common in dumpsters you can find in grocery chains and markets, but not so much on college campuses. While I gravitate more towards household items, there certainly are people who look for perfectly fine packaged food out back.

In fact, I recently saw an American Ninja Warrior episode (I was in a Chicago hotel room with limited channels) and the dude who won the challenge was an avid dumpster diver from California, primarily for food. If an American Ninja Warrior advocates it, you know it’s legit.

Not only can dumpster diving save you money on daily products, you can also get a lot of things that work perfectly fine from the dumps and landfills. If you’re creative and willing, you could even salvage and utilize broken items for other purposes.

Knowing so much working “trash” is tossed out by tons of people is a shame. But there’s no shame in being in the thick of the recycling hustle and doing good for you and for your environment.

See Also: 10 Ways to Enjoy a Zero-Waste Lifestyle

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Dating is one the most fun experiences in life, but in today’s climate, it can also be one of the most worrying for you and for those who care about you. If you’re dating somebody from your circle of friends, it’s easier to have people’s mind at ease. But what if you’re on a first date with somebody relatively new or somebody you don’t know so much about?

Here are the twelve simple rules of staying safe on a first date.

Tell A Friend Your Plans

Make sure that a friend or family member knows exactly what your plans are for the evening. If they don’t hear from you when they expect to, then they can start to raise the alarm that something might be wrong.

Go Somewhere Public

On a first date, it’s particularly important to arrange to meet somewhere very public, like a park or a coffee shop. If your date wants you to go straight to their home for your first meeting, then you should be apprehensive about their intentions.

Take Your Mobile

This seems like an obvious tip, but absolutely make sure that you take your phone with you wherever you go. You can use it to text that the date is going well, but you can also use it for more serious reasons if something feels wrong.

Don’t Be Afraid To Leave

If something about the date doesn’t seem right to you, then do not hesitate to get up and leave. You don’t owe your date anything, especially if they are making you feel uncomfortable. Just excuse yourself and head for the door!

Pre-Plan Your Route

Make sure that you know exactly how to get to and from your date location. You should not rely on somebody else to pick you up or take you home, especially if you want to be out of their company quickly!

Eyes On Your Drink

Keep one hand and one eye on your drink at all times during the date, and never leave it unaccompanied to go to the bathroom etc. It might seem like a cynical thing to do, but you can never be too sure with a relative stranger.

Don’t Meet At Home Or Work

Don’t arrange the date to start from your home or your workplace, as by the end of the night you might realize that you have gone out with somebody who you don’t want knowing such personal information.

Don’t Drink Too Much

Of course, it’s a woman’s prerogative to drink however much she wants. However, on a first date, in particular, it is always good to have all of your wits about you, just in case any advances are made that you don’t want.

Don’t Be Driven Home

Don’t let your date drive you home. You might not want to reveal your home address this early on, and you also don’t want thr possibility of them driving you to a place that you are unfamiliar with.

Don’t Go Home With Them

It seems a bit old fashioned to tell someone not go home with their date after the first meeting in 2017, but if there is a strong physical attraction, it will still be there on the second or third date when you know them better.

Get A Friend To Call

It’s always a good idea to get a friend to call you halfway through the date just to check up on you. If it is going well, they will be reassured and your date will know that somebody is waiting up for you. And if your date isn’t going well, then their call can be your reason to leave.

Kiss Outside The Car

If you feel like you want to smooch on the first date, then do so outside of the car so that you aren’t at risk of doors being locked or things being taken too far in the semi-privacy of a vehicle.

So there you have it, 12 of my best tips for making sure that you are as safe as you can be when out on a first date. We hope you have lots of fun, but remember to be safe at all times and trust your gut when it comes to how you feel about the person you are getting to know. Looks and first impressions can sometimes deceive!

We’ve prepared the infographic below for you. Please share it with your friends or relatives.

Source

 

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For any artist to succeed in this highly competitive world, he needs to pay as much attention to promoting his art as its generation. Today, art is accessible to everyone. Because it is so common and accessible, you need to maintain and promote the quality of your work both online and offline if you want to gain an edge.

Instagram is quite a great platform for artists as it fundamentally concentrates on sharing images, paintings, and art masterpieces. It enables artists to demonstrate their painting process and even to sell their unique paintings along the way.

As per Vogue, artists sell their paintings on a regular basis today thanks to their Instagram feed. The platform allows incredible and somewhat unprecedented accessibility to all its users across the world.

If you want to take the same path, here are some secret tips for artists to gain Instagram success.

Make It A Fascinating And Interesting Experience

You must always make it a point to share those photos that are relevant and appropriate to your image as a capable artist. Instagram is an effective way to showcase your creativity, the things that inspire or motivate you, and even the events that are happening in your life.

You must understand that Instagram is definitely not just about your art. It can also be about your daily way of life and your brand. You could consider posting about events, inspirations, studio shots and, of course, your work in progress.

See Also: Top 11 Instagram Users You Should Follow If You Like Photography And Nature

Top Quality Pictures

Remember to incorporate really top quality images that would reflect your work as well as your vision. Instagram users usually expect high-quality and highly curated photographs. With the use of effective filters, you can make your pictures look as awesome as your original paintings. Bear in mind that you cannot post any mediocre-grade pictures on Instagram.

Add An Interesting Caption

You must give a serious thought to captions. Instagram is a platform that is just right for visual storytelling. You must get into the habit of sharing pictures with fascinating captions or an interesting story that can engage and grab the attention of Instagram followers.

We all know that Instagram users love to interact and they would be too happy to like a truly mind-blowing and captivating post.

Promote Your Art Effectively On Instagram

Your chief objective for Instagramming is to promote your unique work. But, if you wish to develop a long-term and robust fan base, you should not solely concentrate on selling your artwork. Many Instagrammers have achieved phenomenal success by focusing more on developing a brand and a distinctive style that is loved by the people. That is how you start using Instagram to your advantage.

See Also: How to Increase Your Instagram Followers in 2017

Highlight The Process

Post your progress on Instagram to effectively promote your work. As an artist, you need to pay attention to each aspect of your project. It is wiser to share some interesting pictures as your work updates and not just the finished products.

Using an effective hashtag, such as #coming soon or #sneakpeek can help, too. This is a great way of creating hype for your artwork.

Conclusion

Instagram is a great way to boost your sales. One good reason is that there is no apparent pressure on the followers to purchase your product. As you see your followers multiply, you would find them re-gramming your unique artworks or even tagging their friends. This is how this interactive platform could help your images go viral or at the least, reach that one Instagrammer who would purchase your work.

The post Instagram Tricks For Artists To Achieve A Successful Career appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

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Alcoholism is an emotive issue in many circles. It’s not just because it has been linked to a plethora of vices but because drinking is a way to relax and unwind for most people. Proponents would say alcohol is only as bad as the user. They isolate themselves from the negative image that alcohol carries.

After a hard day’s work, most people will head to the bar and knock back some beer or tall glasses of fruity but potent cocktails. Occasionally, they interject their froth party with strong chasers. At the end of a wild night, they most probably call a taxi because they are just too drunk to drive home.

The after-work drink becomes customary. However, there is a silent user in the group that is not as casual about his drinking as the rest of the bar-goers. No one notices, and that’s just fine. You carry on unabated, until the day you realize that you are being laid off for coming to work drunk.

How did I become an alcoholic?

How did it happen?

If you look closely, you would realize that it was hidden under the guise of being a functioning alcoholic. It may come as a surprise, but functioning alcoholism is just a step away from becoming a total alcoholic.

But, is there a pattern that could help you recognize the condition early? There are four steps that ring across any alcoholic’s graph. Although the causative factors are not cast in stone, some are more common.

Drinking for the buzz

Most casual drinkers have no intention of exceeding their limits when they open a bottle. For them, a beer or a glass of wine is just a great placeholder during conversations. However, once you start drinking with the intention to be drunk, you may have a problem on your hands.

Drinking to escape

When you’re not feeling yourself, you rely on alcohol to set you right. That glass of wine, those shots of bourbon or that pitcher of beer opens up a world where you can forget all the stress and problems you’re facing. After your drink, you feel relaxed as if life isn’t busy bogging you down.

Drinking for the seclusion

Your escape phase has escalated to where you are getting in trouble with the law. The circle you belong to is gone, and you find yourself nursing a bottle anytime you are alone. The reclusion is where most psychological problems manifest. It’s a downward spiral from here- a vicious cycle of more drink and more isolation.

The reclusion is where most psychological problems manifest. It’s a downward spiral from here — a vicious cycle of more drink and more isolation.

Physical manifestation of the allergy from alcoholism

At this point, you are no longer a functioning alcoholic. The alcohol has taken its toll on your mental and physical capabilities and its starting to show. Your job, relationships, and health are taking a hit. As a consolation, it is at this stage that most users opt to seek help.

See Also: Where to Find Friends and Support During Addiction Recovery

When it comes to alcoholism, it doesn’t always have to mean a dirty person leaning on a wall and reeking of stale alcohol. There are people who are dependent on alcohol that look well on the outside. Noticing a pattern is the first step to saving someone from a steep slope of self-destruction.

If you’re having a problem with your drinking or suffering consequences from it, you should ask for help. Help can be found in many places, including therapy, 12-step fellowships, and alcohol treatment centers.

One important factor that many don’t take into consideration is the emotional aspect of alcoholism. The main question you should ask yourself is, “Why am I drinking in the first place?” If it’s due to an emotional issue, you may want to stop drinking completely. Once your body gets used to drinking alcohol to subdue your issues, you’re well on your way to full blown alcohol addiction.

See Also: The Tell-Tale Signs You May Have Alcoholism

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One thing I’ve always been very keen on is talking about taking ownership of things. I don’t mean physical things. I mean ownership of what you’re doing and who you’re being. It’s about being responsible for yourself and your life.

As someone who’s both been an employee and an employer, I know that the team members that are valuable to the company are the ones who take full and total responsibility for what’s happening around them. The ones who whine and point their fingers at everyone else are — let’s face it — hard work.

We’ve all experienced it.

We go into a shop or restaurant and the person who’s supposed to be serving us couldn’t give a hoot about what we want or make sure we leave the place as happy and satisfied customers. They make us fully aware that we’re an irritation and that we’re asking too much.

Then you go to a different shop and the person assisting you there makes all the difference. You’ll go back there because of the service and because you feel valued. The person who served you took complete ownership & responsibility for ensuring that you have a wonderful experience. He took it upon himself to give you a great experience.

I could, quite happily, go on for hours about this subject and I hope it’s something I drummed into my kids. This is how I see it:

Whatever you’re doing, you take FULL and COMPLETE responsibility for making sure that whatever is supposed to happen does happen, in a way that leaves everyone involved feeling great.

It doesn’t matter if your boss is an idiot or your colleagues are lazy and have a bad attitude. The only thing that matters is that YOU give it your all and that YOU make sure that you’ve done everything in your power to generate that outcome.

In other words, take full ownership of what’s happening around you and take complete responsibility for the outcomes. Not blame, but responsibility. They’re two completely different things.

See Also: Why Criticizing Others Won’t Get Them to Change … and What Will!

What do I mean by taking responsibility?

Now, it’s really easy to look at this from the perspective of the job we’re in.

If you look around, you’ll see that almost every problem that you encounter in the workplace is potentially caused by your failure and your co-worker’s failure to not take ownership. This can manifest in many different ways, such as:

• Having a bad attitude
• Not wanting to be there
• Someone who doesn’t care
• Having a goal that isn’t in alignment with the company
• Someone who likes to bitch and moan
• Someone who is only on the lookout for themselves

There are lots of ways these things can show. In certain instances, they can come out very subtle.

Now, take a look at your life. Are you taking full, 100% responsibility for your life?

Be honest and consider these things:

• In which areas of your life does your attitude stink?
• Which areas look exactly as you want them to?
• Do you live how you want to live?
• Which areas of your life inspire and motivate you?
• Which areas downright suck?
• Do you go to bed at night completely satisfied with your day?
• Do you show up exactly how you want to show up for everyone in your life?
• Are you the person you want to be?
• Do you do the things you want to do?

If you answered ‘no’ to any of those things or if there are areas which stink or suck, then you’re not taking ownership of your life. And there are a lot more questions I could ask, so don’t go thinking that because I haven’t asked a specific question, you’re off the hook.

You’re not and you’re not being fully responsible. It’s as simple as that.

This is not a blame game

This isn’t blaming and I’m not suggesting that anyone is ever going to be perfect. This is about constantly moving towards your true purpose in life. It’s about trying to get in alignment with who you really are.

Do you see the difference?

Blame is bad and just wrong. It stops you dead in your tracks.

Taking responsibility means you know where you’re going and if you’re not there yet, you just have to keep moving forward.

Let’s go back to employees who take ownership for a minute. Whether you’re an employer or an employee, you know who among your colleagues is great to work with and who isn’t. In other words, you know who takes responsibility for their job and who doesn’t.

Take that analogy and think about it in terms of your life.

If that person who takes responsibility makes such a difference to their workmates and their customers, what kind of a difference do you think it will make if you apply the same level of responsibility to yourself and your life?

See Also: 11 Ways To Pick Yourself Up And Bounce Back After Failure

How would your life be different if you took full, complete, 100% responsibility for it?

What kind of difference would it make to the people around you? What would you do differently?

Who would you make sure you showed up as? Would you experience your life differently? Would it feel different?

What if your real job in life, the one that you absolutely MUST take complete responsibility for and ownership of, was to show up as who you really are? To just be 100% fully you?

The universe put you here for a reason. If you want to reflect that reason, you’d better be fully responsible for showing up EXACTLY as the universe designed you.

What do you need to do to take ownership of your life?

 

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When I was younger, I worked in a nursing home. It was a sad and disheartening place to work. The people you’d normally find there are not in their best condition and it was heartbreaking on most days.

On weekends, the grown children of some of those people would come to visit. They’d sit awkwardly on the stiff chairs, obviously just fulfilling their duty. However, once the obligatory hour and a half were over, they’d quickly walk out looking visibly relieved.

The parents would be left with nothing else but to look forward to when their children would be back next. Some residents had no visitors at all. It was so sad to watch.

On occasion, there would be a special resident, one who always had visitors. The children of this person would stay the entire length of the visiting hours and show up punctually the next week. Many times, his family members would bring dinner. His grandchildren would come on weekends and the halls would turn into a family reunion every Saturday.

And I asked myself, what was the difference between these two sets of circumstances? How were these residents different?

So, I started to look at my own situation and of the people around me. I finally came up with the most important items that would ensure a long and loving relationship with your children.

Let your kid be whatever or whoever he wants to be

Identity is very important to anyone.

When you were young, you probably had a good idea of wanted you to be- a teacher, pilot or doctor. Although you did not grow up to be those things, you were pretty much decided at that time.

Kids, as they grow, change their minds almost as quickly as sand falling from an hourglass. It is what they do. If you do not allow them to be who and what they want to be when they want to be it, they will resent you.

Don’t force them to share their toys

I know this is a sore subject for some.

When we were young, we were taught that nice people share. Our parents would take away our toys and give them to another child to play with.

Let’s look at this from another perspective.

How would you feel if your boss or your parent insisted that you give the keys to your new car to your friend just because nice people share? You would hate it. After all, it is YOUR car.

Well, if the toys truly belong to the child, shouldn’t he be the one to decide whether he should share or not? If you take his possessions away, he will dislike you as much as you would dislike someone who takes your things.

Instead of forcing him to share his toys, keep a separate basket of toys that are for everyone. This will make it easier for him to share with his playmates.

Stop finding fault

Some parents never realize that their kids grow up. They continue to correct them all their lives without knowing that it embarrasses and upsets the kids. Nobody likes to be constantly told they are not measuring up. No one wants to be corrected all the time.

If your boss did that to you, you’d probably quit. So, validate the things your child does right instead of constantly correcting the things he does wrong.

Know when there is something very important to your child

When my son was thirteen, he wanted his ears pierced very badly. His dad did not want this. So, my son, being the resourceful and totally badass kid that he is, recruited his little brother to steal sewing pins from my sewing basket and did it himself.

I didn’t realize what had happened until I noticed that he was wearing his hoody all the time- even in 90-degree heat. I pulled the hood off and there were my sewing pins sticking out of his earlobes.

Now, I could have gone ballistic, but all I did was laugh. I told him to take out the pins, let his earlobes fully heal and I would take him to a nurse to have it done right. In short, I knew I was licked.

Now, ear piercing is not a life or death thing so I could afford to be magnanimous. Some things aren’t, so make sure to choose wisely which issues to stand your ground.

Make the ratio of your time together way overbalanced on the fun and happy side

One of my biggest regrets in life was that I was so stressed out trying to work an insane job while raising my kids. I should have given myself more breaks. For that reason, the happy times were fewer.

Everything that happens to us, we will remember as either happy or unhappy.

Summer vacations and birthday parties are some of the events we consider happy. These are times we think of as pleasurable. Dentist appointments, on the other hand, are sucky so we consider them as unhappy.

Don’t give them too much

This is a problem for many parents and I’m guilty of this one, too.

I grew up in a house with seven kids. I shared a bedroom with three sisters in bunk beds shoved against the wall. There was little money for buying clothes. It was only when I was thirteen that I could finally babysit and buy the clothes I wanted.

Because of this, I thought it was best to give my kids everything I wanted as a child but could not have. This, unfortunately, made them feel overwhelmed.

It wasn’t until later that I realized that I was making them miserable while trying to make them happy. They felt that there was no way they could contribute back.

When I finally let them work and make money to buy what they wanted, they became resourceful and happy.

You cannot make up for a hard childhood by buying things for your kids. You make up for it by being a loving parent.

See Also: What You Need To Know About Teaching Children Values

Let them make you laugh

Everyone loves someone who finds them sparkling, charming and amusing. When your child makes you laugh, have you noticed how he tries to be funnier and funnier? Making you laugh is a gift from him to you. And laughing at his jokes is a gift from you to him.

Was there ever someone who made you feel sparkling, charming and amusing? How did you feel about that person?

Touch their hair as they pass

There is nothing like physical touch to make a person feel that you really want to share your space with them. Kids love to cuddle and get close.

I have endless photos of me and my son as he was growing up. In each one, our arms are entwined. We were always physically close and that closeness has remained to this day now that he is grown.

Love and protect your own parents

No matter how much we may have resented our own parents, they loved us and they did the best they could do for us. No parents hate or dislike their kids unless they have serious issues. Our parents just got overwhelmed and upset as we were growing up, and our kids, when they grow up, will probably feel the same way, too.

Show your kids a good example and overlook all the upsets for the time you have left with your parents.

See Also: Top 10 Tips to Help Children Develop Useful Habits

Always be willing to start over

My oldest son and I used to have fights. If we had kept it up, we would both have been miserable and upset all night.

At that point, I would look at him, hold out my arms and say “Can we please start over?”. He would tear up, come to me and we would be done.

This is a great way to end an upset. You both agree that it’s the end, and you start over.

Love your kids. Tell them how precious they are to you. Use discipline with love and understanding and you will not be alone in your later years.

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