Alternative medicines are treatments outside the mainstream of standard healthcare. They are used to treat certain illnesses solely or together with conventional medicine. In this case, the type of treatment will be referred to as complementary therapy. Alternative treatment ranges from meditation and aromatherapy to acupuncture and homeopathy. These types of medicines are used to treat a variety of health issues.

Pain Management

You may feel pain as a result of surgery, childbirth, injuries to the back, head or shoulder, cancer or migraine headaches. According to NHS Choices, almost half of adult British citizens are suffering from pain. Moreover, with the aging population, the number is predicted to increase hence the need for pain management and relief treatments.

Aside from drugs, there are alternative treatment options used as pain relievers. Some of these treatments include acupressure and acupuncture.

In acupuncture, needles are inserted at specific points on the body to boost energy and stimulate pain relievers. Acupuncture reduces pain by improving the release of endorphins that relieve pain. Acupressure works in a similar way, but, instead of using needles, finger pressure is applied.

Depression

Depression is also another common problem. Some people think it is not an actual health issue. However, it is a real illness with real symptoms.

Depression is more prevalent than pain since it affects even the younger generation from a tender age of 5, notes NHS Choices. It affects people in different ways and has a variety of symptoms. People experience hopelessness, unhappiness, lack of appetite, having no sex drive and losing interest in things you used to enjoy.

Dealing with depression can involve a combination of treatments methods such as herbal supplements, change in lifestyle and therapy. Some therapeutic options that help cure depression include yoga, meditation, and massage. They relax the body which helps with depression. Your treatment will depend on whether your depression is mild, moderate or severe.

See Also: 4 Ways To Overcome Depression Naturally 

High Blood Pressure

A report by CNN stated that more than a billion people worldwide are living with high blood pressure (hypertension). Approximately 16 million of those are in the UK and are living with it knowingly or unknowingly.

These stats are a scary considering that a report by the WHO indicates that blood pressure causes 7.5 million deaths globally. These facts highlight the importance of knowing your blood pressure and getting treatment if found out to have high blood pressure.

There are several types of alternative treatments that are effective for treating hypertension. For instance, dietary change, yoga practice, and relaxation have been found out to lower blood pressure for those suffering from mild hypertension.

Note that it is important to consult your doctor before engaging in a physical program especially for the older population of age 50 and beyond. Some herbals to use at the discretion of doctor include hibiscus, garlic and fish oil.

See Also: 10 Habits That Can Prevent Heart Disease 

Other health conditions that you can treat using alternative medicine include insomnia, arthritis, and migraines. Alternative treatment is becoming popular because many people dislike the use of mainstream medicine like drugs.

 

The post Common Health Conditions Treated with Alternative Medicine appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

http://ift.tt/2k3W4Qm

Everyone is trying to live healthy these days. Pinterest is flooded with healthy grocery shopping lists and exercise infographics. And let’s not forget those motivational pics of beautiful men and women. They seem happy and complete because they are living healthy. And, we all want to be like them.

We get the impression that everyone is healthier and more responsible than us. The reality is different. Do you know how many Americans actually live a healthy lifestyle? Less than 3 percent. Now that’s a surprise we didn’t expect.

Is there anyone who doesn’t want to be healthier? Those motivational pics on social media do motivate us. We don’t lack motivation, but we lack action. Even if we take action, we’re making crucial mistakes. We’re getting tips from all over the place. So it’s easy to take the wrong path on our mission to staying healthy.

Here are the 10 critical mistakes people make when trying to adopt a healthy lifestyle:

Getting 8 hours of sleep

At some point in history, someone decided to recommend getting 8 hours a sleep every single night. No more, no less. People adopted that rule for healthy living and we’re seeing it all over the place.

The thing is: everyone is different. Some people feel energized when they get many short sessions of sleep throughout the day. That’s how Nikola Tesla and Leonardo da Vinci slept. Others need 6 hours of sleep at night. Some people like to sleep during the day and work at night. That’s when their body and mind reach the peak of activity.

Yes, continuous sleep is important. However, the 8-hour sleep is a pure myth. Sleep allows our brain to flush the waste and get ready for the new day. The trick is to discover your own rhythm and get as much sleep as you need. No more, no less.

Quitting smoking when you’re not ready

You know how bad smoking is for you. But, ask yourself this question: can you guarantee that you’re ready to quit once and for all? Can you do that in this very instant? Are you ready to never smoke another cigarette ever again?

If you argue with yourself or you’re making a compromise on that question, you’re not ready. When people are not ready to quit smoking, they can be successful at quitting only for a certain period of time. Then, they go back to the old habit. If you’re mentally prepared to quit, you’ll do it without failure.

Take some time to prepare. The first step to success is admitting you’re an addict. Make a commitment to quit. Analyze your habits and start changing them, step by step. If you’re smoking a pack a day, stretch it out to two days. After some time, try stretching it out to three days. Continue with this practice and, at one point or another, you’ll quit quitting.

See Also: 5 Easy Healthy Habits You Can Start Straight Away 

Too many food restrictions

Don’t eat gluten. Meat is bad for you. Carbs are the worst. Corn is genetically modified. Fruits and veggies are treated with bad chemicals. Okay. What can you eat? Organic fruits, veggies and seeds are great, but you can’t limit your diet to it.

If you decide to make food restrictions, you have to do it in a way that doesn’t affect your health. Are you getting enough protein? Are you getting all nutrients you need within a day? That’s the main question to ask before you start starving yourself for the sake of living healthy.

Brushing teeth right after eating

That’s what your mom taught you. That’s what TV commercial teach us. Food is bad for our teeth, so we need to brush and floss right after eating. Here’s the real doctor’s advice: that’s not the right thing to do.

Brushing your teeth immediately after eating doesn’t make them healthier. In fact, that practice leads to dentin loss. Wait at least 30 minutes after a meal. Then, brush your teeth and feel good because you’re doing them well.

Drinking too much water

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! That’s one of the most important tips you’re getting from any guide on healthy living. Too much of anything is never a good thing. Drinking too much water leads to a condition called hyponatremia. The levels of sodium in the blood get abnormally low and the cells begin to swell. They are practically flooded.

Remember: all fluids count. If you have a soup or a smoothie, it counts as fluid. If you exercise, you drink more. If you stay seated in the office all day, your body doesn’t need too much water. Try to drink more water than you’re currently drinking. But, don’t go overboard.

See Also: Top 5 Tips On How To Stay Hydrated 

Reading too many articles on healthy living

When you’re trying to get healthy, you’re willing to accept any advice. So you start pinning one article after another. This is the coolest Pinterest board of all. It’s motivating, to say the least. But, when you start reading those articles, you notice the conflict. Some say ‘stay away from sodium’. Other authors warn you against drastic sodium restrictions. That could lead to insulin resistance and high cholesterol levels.

Here’s the best advice someone could give: accept advice only from sources you can trust. Once you find a healthy living routine that works for you, there’s no need to keep pinning.

Running in the morning

So you wake up at 5 am each morning to get a good run? That’s great! Or is it? Do you know that you’re losing muscle when you’re running on an empty stomach? You decide to get a protein shake to eliminate that possibility? That’s okay if you’re a morning person. If not, the morning run won’t do you any good.

There’s something called a circadian rhythm. It determines the performance of our body and mind throughout different periods of a day. The trick is: it’s different for all of us. Some people have a problem to function in the morning. That’s not because they are lazy. It’s just because their body clock tells them that’s the time for sleeping.

The lesson? Find your own optimal hour for running.

Doing yoga as you like it

Yoga is invigorating and energizing. It’s an awesome addition to your healthy lifestyle plan. Some poses stimulate your nervous system, and others calm it down. Here’s the problem: you need a balanced program. Otherwise, you may suffer the consequences.

There’s a possibility to overstimulate your nervous system or make yourself too passive. It’s important to find a certified instructor and follow the instructions well. Once you’re confident that you can follow the program, you can start your home practice.

Exercising every day

When it comes to healthy living, routine is the key to success. However, overtraining can have negative effects on your health. In women, it may disturb the menstrual cycle. It can cause insomnia, mood problems, and bigger appetite for both women and men.

Your muscles actually grow when they rest. So take that rest when you feel like you need it. Motivate yourself to exercise as frequently as possible. But, don’t force yourself to train hard every single day.

Getting obsessed

Is health all you can think of? Are you sitting at the office thinking about the salad you’re gonna have for lunch? Are you disgusted by the meals other people are having? Are you constantly giving them the advice to follow your awesome example? You’ve made the worst mistake of all: you got obsessed.

There are plenty of joyful things to experience in a lifetime. If you get obsessed with something, you’re missing out on all the fun you can get from other things. Parties are fun. Eating salty popcorn while watching a movie is okay. Don’t get obsessed with healthy life choices. That’s not healthy!

 

The post Health Myths: 10 Crucial Mistakes People Make in Getting Healthy appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

http://ift.tt/2jfJJEI

Creativity is one of the most vital aspects of life. Were it not for people’s creativity, we would not have the Internet or smartphones or even the car that we drive to work.

Think about all of life’s necessities that exist because of human innovation and you can see just how important it is that we all encourage and train our minds to be creative. You may never be a world leader in innovation but you may just be able to come up with a great fundraising idea for a charity you support or a fresh marketing strategy for your business.

The great thing about creativity is that you can develop it. Yes, there are people who are more naturally adept at being creative but even if this does not apply to you, there are still strategies which exist that can help you to be more creative in the way that you think.

The most important thing you have to do is be open to the idea. If you tell yourself that you are “not the creative type”, then you are already closing the door on a whole world of opportunity. It’s important that you embrace your creative potential.

Let’s see what you can do to help this happen.

Give routine the elbow

We are not suggesting that you dispose of all routine in your life; most people need some sort of shape to their existence in order to keep all the balls of life in the air. What we do want to encourage is the variance of routine to include new experiences.

Have you had a meal at that new Japanese restaurant? When was the last time you took a walk around the park enjoying the flora and fauna? Why not actually go that meeting about local amenities? It could be interesting to get involved.

If you stick to the same routine all the time, then your brain is not exposed to any new stimuli. It sees the same places and people all the time. This is not an environment which is conducive to creativity.

You do not have to train your brain to think creative thoughts all the time. You just have to give it the benefit of new stimuli. This may sound strange but it’s not. If this is not something that you normally do, then your brain is being opened to a new experience. It’s doing this to your brain which puts it in a position where creative thought comes more naturally.

Share with a wider network

We all have people around us who we happily confide in when it comes to sharing ideas. This is often because we feel comfortable with receiving their feedback. But here is the thing; if you do this all the time, how do you know you are getting the right feedback? A major part of encouraging your brain to be creative is making sure that you get constructive responses to your creativity.

The more people you share your ideas with, the more likely you are to get a full range of feedback which is more useful in developing your ideas going forward. Think about it, your friend or partner is not usually going to be an expert when it comes to commenting on innovative ideas for your business, just like a business colleague may not be the best person to ask about your design for a state of the art treehouse. It’s all about getting a well rounded perspective to help develop your thoughts.

Do not be constrained by rules

One of the most common mistakes that people make, when it comes to creative thinking, is they try to think within the constraints of what they believe to be normal or sensible. If you really want to flex your creative muscles, you should not shut your mind off to any possibility. It really does not matter how absurd your ideas seem to be; you should still let them happen unrestricted. You may even find yourself laughing at the ridiculousness of some of the things you consider; this is actually good for you and for your creative mind.

The fact is, that the more you open your mind to thought, the more creative ideas you will have. Even if you only have one though out of one hundred that actually works out, it’s well worth it.

See Also: One Awesome Tip On How To Shift Perspective 

Take notice of your environment

Too many people walk around as though they have blinkers on because they lead such busy lives. This is very restrictive for your brain. If you see something that you have not noticed before such as new flowers in the park or a new building being constructed, take an interest. This could mean that you make a mental note or that you capture an image on your smartphone. If you meet someone new, make a note of it and of what effect the experience had on you.

It’s all about training yourself to be more aware of the world around you and making a note of things that catch your eye or ear. The more “stuff” your brain is exposed to, the more ammunition it gains to help it be creative.

Hopefully, we have helped you to see that anyone can be creative. The most important thing is that you give your brain the best life and training in order to help unleash its creativity.

See Also: Here’s How to Get Creativity Bursting Out of Your Eyeballs

The post Top Tips On Training Your Brain To Be Creative appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

http://ift.tt/2kttaKG

No energy drink can invigorate you more than a good night’s sleep. Sadly, our society has become too proud to acknowledge that sleep is as important as proper nutrition and regular exercise. This is evident in our overworked culture and amplified by technology that keeps us connected 24/7.

When are we going to improve our sleep habits? Let these 8 sleep deprivation side effects convince you that sufficient zzz’s matter.

Lack of sleep is similar to getting drunk

A study published in the Harvard Business Review suggests that sleep deprivation can affect one’s performance as alcohol intoxication. “Next time you’re planning on staying up an extra few hours to finish your paper, consider that you will have the perception and judgment of a someone who is legally too drunk to drive,” wrote Brad Strelcher, editor-at-large at the University of Southern California.

Pulling an all-nighter is similar to having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%. This can increase your risk of being involved in road accidents. The Institute of Medicine warns that drowsy driving causes 20% of all motor vehicle crashes in the US.

Poor sleep habits and reduced mental performance

One mistake college students commit is pulling all-nighters before a major exam. Cramming is a trend that doesn’t do anybody a favor. “Sleep deprivation negatively impacts our mood, our ability to focus, and our ability to access higher-level cognitive functions,” according to Harvard Medical School.

Scientists were able to identify changes in brain activity after nights of insufficient sleep. The brain activity, measured by an electroencephalogram or EEG, showed “lower level of alertness and a general propensity to sleep.”

If you need to prepare for an exam or a presentation, make sure your brain is well-rested.

See Also: 7 Little Known Ways In Which Poor Sleep Is Killing You And Your Career 

Long-term sleep deprivation increases disease risk

A sleep-deprived body is at risk of developing diseases. Harvard Medical School’s Division of Sleep Medicine presents three types of studies about the health risks of sleep deprivation.

The first type involved the short-term impact of poor sleep that could trigger diseases, while the second type analyzed the link between habitual sleep duration and the existence of certain diseases. The third, and regarded as “the most convincing type of evidence” is the long-term assessment of sleep habits and diseases of initially healthy individuals.

The results from longitudinal epidemiological studies suggest that “adjusting one’s sleep can reduce the risk of eventually developing a disease or lessen the severity of an ongoing disease.”

Less sleep, more weight

Losing sleep upsets the body’s hormonal balance that helps control the appetite, metabolism, and glucose processing. Studies show that people who sleep less than six hours each night, versus the recommended seven to nine hour sleep, are much more likely to have a higher body mass index.

You may have noticed that you crave carbohydrates and sugary foods when staying up late. This is because of the higher secretion of biochemical ghrelin, which stimulates appetite. Moreover, being sleep deprived can leave you too tired to burn off extra calories with exercise.

Sleep loss and heart problems

Overworked employees who reportedly pulled all-nighters recently made global headlines following their premature deaths. Most suffered from a cardiac arrest after losing sleep for three consecutive nights. Harvard Medical School noted that “sleeping too little (less than six hours) or too much (more than nine hours) increased the risk of coronary heart disease in women.”

Sleep apnea, a chronic condition characterized by one or more pauses in breathing during sleep, is also linked to heart diseases. Apnea sufferers’ airway close up when they fall asleep and they experience surges in blood pressure when they wake up.

Insufficient sleep causes mood disorders

Mornings can be challenging for the sleep deprived. According to experts, a single sleepless night can cause irritability and distress the following day. Regularly missing the recommended seven-to-nine-hour nightly sleep can also lead to long-term mood disorders, and depression and anxiety.

In a study published in Current Biology, the researchers found a causal relationship between impaired sleep and some psychiatric symptomatology and disorders. The amygdala, or the brain region for emotions, emotional behavior and motivation, seemed to be “rewired” in the sleep-deprived brain. People who lack sleep experience a “pendulum of emotions, going from upset and annoyed to giddy in moments,” according to Dr. Matthew Walker of the University of California, Berkeley.

Sleep deprived people drink more alcohol

You may know family and friends who turn to whiskey or vodka to help them fall asleep at night. While alcohol can act as a mild sedative that induce sleep, its impact is only temporary. After a few hours, the alcohol begins to stimulate the brain, causing disruptions throughout the night. Alcohol dependency is linked to a number of diseases including liver inflammation and coronary heart disease.

Losing sleep can cut down life expectancy

Neglecting sufficient sleep, which is one of the pillars of health, can lead to various physical and mental problems. It is no surprise that sleep deprivation can lead to premature death. Studies show that sleeping for five hours or less each night can increase one’s mortality risk by about 15 percent. It is imperative to seek medical assistance and undergo therapy if your sleep habits are downgrading the quality of your life.

See Also: 5 Natural Ways to Stop Your Sleepless Nights 

The staggering amount of evidence on the effects of sleep loss should be enough to encourage us to rethink our lifestyle. Sleep deprivation can put your safety at risk as well as negatively affect your performance. It can lead to mood disorders, obesity, heart problems, even premature death.

One student realized the need to adjust his lifestyle to improve his sleep habits. “I enrolled in slightly less demanding classes, took on a less time-consuming job and allotted for more free time in my schedule. I’ve been more active, more happy and all around more successful,” shared US student Brad Strelcher.

When will you make the right changes in your life?

 

The post Are You Sleep Deprived? 8 Health Risks Of Poor Sleep appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

http://ift.tt/2j4PytE

Well, finally the parties and hangovers are over and it’s time to get back to business. 2017 has already seen its fair share of failed resolutions. But today, we will give you a glimpse of some of the most effective SEO resolutions for 2017 that are bound to turn the fates of your websites and blogs around.

What did we see when the beat finally dropped?

• Intuitive searches

Last year, Google underwent a complete makeover. From minor updates to additional algorithms, Google has changed the way we view web searches. Hummingbird made it possible for machines to learn and understand our language. Google can now understand the context of every keyword and the underlying meaning of every sentence containing them.

• Google voice searches and smart assistants

Google searches have become more comprehensive, intuitive and effective over the last year. With the advent of voice search options and voice assistants, it is becoming more necessary for all existing websites to optimize their content.

At the moment, 20% of all smartphone users have used voice search and about 85% of them have used it for asking directions. However, the popularity of Siri and Cortana is growing by the day and we expect a complete conversion to voice searches by the end of 2020.

• Google AMPs

Google Accelerated Mobile Pages or AMPs will make the developers’ dreams come true. They will make you believe unicorns exist and they might even bring about world peace, but first we need to know what these AMPs are.

This is an open-source coding standard that hastens mobile page loading and makes sure the responsiveness of your mobile website is just right to engage the crowd. At present, any website with Google AMP will be showcased on the Google carousel as per relevant Google search results.

See Also: 5 Awesome Tools To Help You Newbie Geeks With Your Open Source Project

• PWAs

2017 will also be dominated by mobile apps. Progressive Web Apps or PWA will be the future of all desktop websites who want to survive post-2017. PWA can bridge the gap between native mobile apps from stores and mobile web apps that lack the finest levels of optimization. PWA will change the way we are currently looking at mobile optimized websites and Web-based APIs.

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

• Infographs

Inforgraphics will become the new best friend of search engines. We have already seen the rise of images and video in marketing in the previous year. 2017 will be the year of visual information that can be displayed on your website. It is easy enough to create backlinks to your websites using infographs and it works wonders for social media marketing.

While implementing these tips and tricks for 2017 SEO, do not forget to keep an eye on the quality of your content. Long-form content with original information has always been preferred by Google and other contemporary search engines.

 

 

The post The Future of SEO – Predictions and Premonitions That Will Dominate 2017 appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

http://ift.tt/2ki8AcD

Failure comes in all shapes and forms, and everyone has their own ideas about it. One thing that is certain, however, is that failure sucks. Heck, the mere thought of failing at anything is enough to put most people off trying in the first place. But it shouldn’t. Learning to deal with failure in a positive way may sound difficult, but once you’ve mastered it, you’ll be on the road to success – and that goes for blogging too.

Blogging takes a lot of time and effort, and you won’t see results straight away –it’s normal. A lot of decisions made about blogs are the result of trial-and-error, so be prepared to try a lot of different things before getting it right.

Follow these 5 steps and you’ll have made your peace with failure in no time.

Own it

You didn’t do as well as you thought you did, or you missed the mark entirely. So what?

Everyone has failed at something at some point in life (whether they choose to admit it or not) and contrary to popular belief, it’s not the end of the world. Don’t be ashamed to tell those around you about it; it’ll probably help you weed out any unsupportive parties and allow you to focus on maintaining relationships with those who fully believe in you. Fake friends, your time is up – thanks, failure.

Don’t Let Yourself Wallow in Self-pity

You’ll get away with this for a few days tops, but then it’s back to the grind. The reason success is celebrated is because it takes hard work and guts to get there, so waste little time and figure out a new strategy. Use it as an opportunity to take a walk down a different path: be open to new ideas and say yes to things when you’d normally say no – what have you got to lose? You’ve hit bottom, now the only way is up, baaaaby – praise to Yazz for such inspirational lyrics.

You never know, that person you caught taking an interest in your journal on your subway ride home from a failed interview could prove a useful contact to you – engage with them.

See Also: Be a Rebel: 7 Tips for Radical Achievement from Albert Einstein 

Get Feedback

If you didn’t know there was anything wrong with your work in the first place, chances are you still don’t know now. Asking for feedback is important, whether it be from a friend, a professional or even a complete stranger.

Sometimes, all you need is a fresh perspective – someone to help you see things from a new angle can make all the difference. If nothing is making sense, ask for help – you’re only human, and we all need a little help along the way.

Keep Moving Forward

View failure as an attempt at success – you didn’t achieve it this time, but who’s to say you won’t next time? Keep your cool and keep moving forward. Your brain is a wonderful tool – put it to good use by trying out new techniques, writing styles or whatever comes to mind. Your comfort zone isn’t designed to be lived in so get outta there! Unlock your creative side and let your ideas flow.

Accept That It May Happen Again

Making friends with failure will be difficult, but it’ll be worth it. You have to be prepared for anything, which means being prepared to fail again. Re-adjusting your attitude could be the making of you, so don’t hesitate. Accepting failure is not accepting defeat, it’s being realistic. You’ll probably find that it pushes you to work even harder, which is always a good thing, regardless of what you’re working on.

Failure won’t kill you, but it’ll definitely make you stronger. Your potential knows no bounds, so get back out there and show everyone what you’re made of! Success takes time and dedication among a heap of other things, so remember – life is a marathon, not a sprint. Be assertive and confident, and don’t forget to work hard. Failure will try and bring you down – don’t let it. If failure prevents you from trying, you will never achieve success; it’s as simple as that.

Think back to these 5 ways to make the most of failure when you’re considering giving up, and you’ll be back on track before you know it.

See Also: Why You Should Forget Success And Strive to Fail 

 

The post 5 Ways to Make the Most of Failure appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

http://ift.tt/2jb8ou7

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Aristotle

Our never-ending quest towards self-improvement is a long journey of small steps. Small habits we repeat day after day, week after week, year after year. Small habits that have turned us into who we are today can also determine who we will become in the future.

Below are 7 Power Habits of some of the greatest human beings to ever live.

Have a Vision

Who did it? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the greatest American leaders of the 20th century. A civil rights leader, a religious leader, and an African-American leader. King is famously known for his I-have-a-dream-speech at the March on Washington in 1963.

“I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.”

His dream was nothing less than racial equality, something that seemed to be a long way off at that time. King’s visionary speech is widely regarded as one of the finest speeches in American history, helping African Americans put racial equality on top of the political agenda which ultimately led to the Civil Rights Act in the following year.

Why you should do it!

The ability of visionary thinking enables us to see past our status quo. It allows us to see past current conditions and limitations. Through a powerful vision we can dream, create and manifest what does not yet exist. Your own personal mission statement will have a directional and a motivational function. It will help you focus on those activities you have to do in the present in order to achieve the desired future state of success.

One of the most well-known and most respected voices on visionary thinking is Napoleon Hill. Hill spent more than 20 years researching the accomplishments and habits of successful people in business, coming to the conclusion that the path to success starts in your mind. You will become what you believe you will become! If you haven’t already, I highly encourage you to read and study his book Think and Grow Rich. It’s one of the most powerful books ever written.

Take Action

Who does it? Bill Gates

As a guest on Larry King’s famous talk show, Bill Gates opened up about the three key factors of being successful. Besides having a clear vision and being in the right place at the right time, another crucial success factor is to take massive and immediate action. Or to put it in the words of Bill Gates:

“When you find a good idea act on it right away.”

In business, success is often determined by turning ideas into action before your competition does. As the co-founder and president of Microsoft, Gates revolutionized the computer industry. Today he is consistently ranked in the Forbes list of the world’s richest people—so he obviously knows what he is talking about.

Why you should do it!

In our lives, we are all presented with numerous ideas and promising opportunities. Many of them could lead us to wealth and self-fulfillment. They could help us escape the corporate 9-to-5 grind forever.

However, most people, even when they actively recognize that they have a great idea, don’t do anything with it. Most people are simply afraid to take action, or they are just too lazy to follow up on their dreams. Most people would rather stay in their comfort zone. Yet, they all love to read books like these and are inspired by those that took massive action in their lives.

If you dream of a better life, you’d better take action! Now!

See Also: Top 5 Traits Of Billionaires

Don’t Break the Chain

Who does it? Jerry Seinfeld

The New York native started his career as a stand-up comedian before he turned to acting, playing a semi-fictional version of himself in the sitcom Seinfeld. As a touring comic Seinfeld discovered his don’t-break-the-chain method for more productivity. His technique enabled him to become a better comedian and to write better jokes. Just like Stephen King, Seinfeld turned writing into a daily habit. He used a unique calendar system to motivate and pressure himself to write, even when he didn’t feel like it. All he needed was a big wall calendar and a big red magic marker. For each day he successfully followed his habit of writing, he put a big red X over that day.

“After a few days, you’ll have a chain. Just keep at it and the chain will grow longer every day. You’ll like seeing that chain, especially when you get a few weeks under your belt. Your only job next is to not break the chain.”

Why you should do it!

Seinfeld’s productivity technique can be used for almost every habit, from writing to exercising, from dieting to quitting an addiction. Daily action builds habits. Success is the result of a long series of simple steps. Not breaking the chain for a couple of days will give you momentum and motivation to carry on and not quit. Days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months. You can use a wall calendar like Seinfeld, or a mobile app.

Follow Your Curiosity

Who did it? Albert Einstein

If people are asked to name the smartest person they know, the name of Einstein will most likely be the most common answer. German-born Albert Einstein developed the grand theory of relativity (e = mc²), the cornerstone of modern physics. In 1921 he won the Nobel Prize for physics, honoring his explanation of the photoelectric effect. He is considered the most influential scientist of the 20th century. He was passionately curious about the mysteries of science. He was also a great philosopher, and moral leader, who has written hundreds of books and articles.

“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”

Why you should do it!

“Why?” A simple question both parents and teachers alike dread to hear. A question many have stopped asking at some point on their way to becoming an adult. However, constantly following your curiosity is something that offers numerous benefits. Research has shown that curious people are happier. They also tend to be more achieving and successful in life. Curiosity can expand empathy, and thus strengthen social relationships.

See Also: Be a Rebel: 7 Tips for Radical Achievement from Albert Einstein 

Go the Extra Mile

Who does it? Arnold Schwarzenegger

The Austrian-born Schwarzenegger began lifting weights at the age of fifteen. That’s when he decided to become a bodybuilder. Five years later he won the title of Mr. Olympia, the most prestigious award in his sport. He has won it seven times! After his bodybuilding career, Arnold moved to America and decided to become an actor. Despite all the doubts of his critics, and his strong accent, he became one of the highest paid movie stars of recent decades. To many, he is the greatest action star Hollywood has ever seen. He then decided to move into politics, only to become the Governor of California.

His resume sounds like the resumes of three different men rather than just one, and it is only due to his relentless drive and insane work ethic. He mastered the ability to go the extra mile in his early life, lifting weights, and applied this concept to all other areas of his professional life as well.

“The last three or four reps is what makes the muscle grow. This area of pain divides the champion from someone else who is not a champion. That’s what most people lack, having the guts to go on and just say they’ll go through the pain no matter what happens.”

Why you should do it!

Going the extra mile is tough. It requires people to get out of their comfort zone. However, it is the ability to push through your limits that separates the greats from the average Joes. Going the extra mile will separate you from the rest.

This habit can be applied to many areas in your life, from your workplace to the gym. If you want to look good naked, push your body to go the extra mile. If you want to really excel in business, school, and life, go the extra mile. Give the people around you—your customers, your team, your family, and friends—more than they expect, and you’ll be rewarded with loyalty, referrals, opportunity and money in return.

Laugh

Who did it? Charlie Chaplin

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.”

Sir Charles “Charlie” Spencer Chaplin spent his entire professional life attempting to make people laugh, and he still does, even to this day. He became an icon through his on-screen persona and portrayal of The Little Tramp. His career lasted no less than 75 years, earning him an honorary Oscar in 1971, six years before his passing in Switzerland in late 1977.

Why you should do it!

Laughing is one of the best feelings in the world. Not only is it a lot of fun, it is also highly infectious. But unlike most things infectious, laughter comes with a great amount of health benefits for your mind and body.

Laughing is one of the fastest, cheapest, and most effective ways of beating stress. It reduces stress hormones and releases endorphins in return. Endorphins are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. A good dose of laughter will also boost your immune system, making your body more resistant to diseases. Laughter protects your heart. It improves the function of your blood vessels and increases blood flow, which will help your body to protect itself against cardiovascular diseases, even heart attacks. Further benefits of having a good laugh include: improved mood, muscle relaxation and strong social relationships.

Now go ahead and smile, and start spending more time with fun people.

Build Bridges

Who did it? Isaac Newton

Sir Isaac Newton was an English-born physicist, mathematician, astronomer, natural philosopher, alchemist, and theologian. He was certainly one of the most influential people in the history of the world. His famous book Principia, published in 1687, may be the most important science book ever written. It describes universal gravitation, and the three laws of motion, a topic which dominated the scientific view of the universe in the centuries that followed.

Besides that, he also built the first ever telescope, developed a theory of color, formulated an empirical law of cooling, studied the speed of sound, and the list goes on. Besides living a life devoted to science, he was also very religious. He was also a guy that understood the importance of building quality relationships with other people.

“We build too many walls and not enough bridges.”

Why you should do it!

Do you know Bronnie Ware? Neither did I. But it’s well worth listening to what she has to say. Ware is an Australian nurse who spent many years working in palliative care, taking care of patients in the last weeks of their lives. Ware has collected and published their dying epiphanies in the bestselling book The Top Five Regrets of the Dying.

According to the book, people gain an incredible clarity of vision as they get close to death. When she asked them about their regrets and missed opportunities in life, common themes surfaced over and over again. One of them is the wish that they had stayed in touch with their friends.

“Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.”

Now you still have time to tear down walls, and build bridges. Do it, before it is too late!

 

The post 7 Power Habits of Great Leaders, Business Icons and Inspirational Achievers appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

http://ift.tt/2keCr5V

Colleagues can either be constructive or disruptive!

The helpful ones make work much easier and the workplace a great place to look forward going to every day. But, handling the disruptive ones requires a lot of tact or else, they can make your already difficult work atmosphere even more difficult. With some tactful interference, you can either keep away or handle such difficult personalities at work.

Here are some tips to manage different personalities in the workplace:

Identify difficult co-workers

The very first point of importance is to identify the difficult-to-handle co-workers.

They can come in all sizes and shapes. There are gossip machines, bossy teammates, blamers, victims and show-stealers in all organizations. The very first step involves identifying who’s who in the office.

Once you know the people who can create problems, the least you can do is to avoid their company as much as possible. It will not help you avoid the problems they create, but it will keep you away from them and you can better concentrate on your work and productivity. Out of sight, out of mind, so they say.

Have Patience

When you work in the same office, it is very difficult to avoid some people completely. They can provoke you into a fight and then scoot away easily when supervisors pop up. You will realize only later that the troublemaker who started it all has already escaped. So, don’t allow yourself to be provoked. Patience makes a great barrier against impending fights.

Evaluate the Situation

To help you avoid trouble at work, evaluate a sticky situation with a troublemaker officemate. See how it will affect your position in the office, how it will affect your relationship with your colleagues, and how it might affect all the achievements you’ve built up over the years. This way, you might be able to find a better way out of your situation that won’t mean getting into a fight with a difficult co-worker.

See Also: How to Deal with a Workplace Bully

Know who you are dealing with

As you evaluate the situation, you need to know the person whom you are dealing with too. Sometimes, troublemakers create issues just to gain some attention. Other times, it is for their professional gain.

Seniors can make your life hell at work just for the sake of playing the boss. If they have more connections in the office, it is best to avoid a confrontation as you will be the person who can be more affected because of it. If it is a teammate, evaluate his connections.

A colleague closer to the boss can invite more trouble than one who is not. It is hence important to know more about the troublemaker before you decide on a strategy to combat trouble.

No point discussing with colleagues

Discussing your issue with your colleagues will only make matters worse. If any of them spill the beans to the person involved, it can aggravate the issue. When there’s a gossiper in the group, anything you shared may be communicated in a totally negative aspect. More often than not, your colleagues will be hard put to offer a realistic solution so there’s no point discussing the matter with others.

Try talking truce

Once you have evaluated the situation and the person involved, you can try talking to the person involved to sort out your differences. If things can be settled amicably, that’s the best solution. Sometimes the issue might be because of a misunderstanding which can be sorted out by talking things over. One trial at discussing a truce will be a good option to try anyway.

Escalate when you cannot handle it

Finally, if things seem to be getting overboard, do not hesitate to escalate the matter to your boss. Make sure the communication is neutral and clear so that it is not used against you in any way. Take a peaceful stance while discussing with the boss or your superior and explain calmly all the steps you have taken including the confrontation. Also, make it clear that you are willing to give the other person another chance to change to be very fair. This way you are safe the next time some issue comes up.

See Also: Smart Ways to Navigate Office Politics and Emerge as a Winner

 

Author-bio: Levin George is a Search Engine Optimizer at OfficeRock.com. He actively pursues interests related to latest internet marketing trends. He spends his leisure time reading, meditating and enjoying the joys of technology.

 

The post 7 Ways to Manage Difficult Personalities At Work appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

http://ift.tt/2j0VxiT

A while back, I took acting classes, one of which involved me doing a monologue (which is basically when one person stands in front of the audience for an extended period of time and speaks directly to them). This monologue was from the playwright Eric Bogosian and the title was “Pounding Nails in the Floor with my Forehead.”

And although this monologue was meant to be funny, it kept coming out as if I was angry, not the emotion I wanted to portray to the audience. This left me feeling frustrated with myself and unsure what to do in order to quit sounding mad so I might actually make them laugh.

At one point, my teacher, one of the best teachers I’ve actually ever had, sensed my struggle and said, “Red. Stop for a second and come sit in my seat.” I wasn’t quite sure what good that was going to do but, like a good student, I complied, trusting in the fact that he knew what he was doing (when I clearly felt like I didn’t). Then he gave me my next command. “Now do the monologue.”

In my mind, I’m thinking, “What? How am I going to do the monologue from this audience seat?” Most importantly, I wondered how changing my physical location was ever going to help me change my tone enough for the correct effect. But again, I trusted my teacher so I did as he asked. The result? The monologue suddenly sounded exactly like it was supposed to…funny.

That day I learned that sometimes you have to move your physical space in order to change your perspective and get better results. In this case, it took me leaving the theater stage and sitting in an audience member’s chair to shift my thoughts enough to shift the monologue tone as well. So, if you’re not achieving what you want in your life, maybe moving your space is the one thing that can help you overcome your hurdles and create better results.

For example, if you work behind a computer all day and find that you spend more time fiddling with your ink pen than typing out your marketing goals or coming up with new products or services, why not take your laptop and head to a coffee shop instead? Leaving the quiet office scene and going someplace where people come and go all day may just stoke your creativity, making it easier to come up with new thoughts and ideas that can take you and your business to higher levels.

Or if you feel like you’ve been treading water for some time in your career—expending lots of energy but not really getting anywhere—a change of space may be exactly what you need to start moving forward again. This could involve taking a day off and going to a conference, networking with others, or taking a class to learn more in an area that you struggle (marketing, product development, etc.) and enabling you to begin to make progress again.

By changing your physical space, you’re better able to change your mental perspective. When you see things from a different angle, you get a better view of solutions or ideas that you didn’t know existed simply because you’re looking at them differently than ever before.

This process can be amazingly transformational, helping you achieve whatever it is you want to achieve. And you can do it solely by taking a step in another direction, giving you a better view.

See Also: How to Leverage Your Problems in Order to Become Happier

 

The post One Awesome Tip On How To Shift Perspective appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

http://ift.tt/2jsvKfM

A man of many successes and struggles, Alexander Graham Bell is the perfect example of a man who knows the importance of connecting to the future. He invented the metal detector and helped relaunch the National Geographic Magazine. He gave his wife Mabel, who was deaf, 1497 shares of his 1507 total shares in the Bell Telephone Company.

When talking about missed opportunities, he was quoted as saying, “When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the door that is closed that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” Losing sight of the future keeps you mired in the past, unable to see your possibilities.

During your successes and struggles here are four ways to connect to your future without being mired in the past:

Pick a few adjectives to describe who you want to become this year as a person

Do you want to be friendly, helpful, or kind? Choose adjectives related to behavior. The main thing you can control is your behavior, so behavior is a useful place to start. The words you pick help you keep focused so that when challenges or change occur, you work to keep your adjectives in mind as you choose actions to support the chosen adjectives.

When dwelling on the past, redirect yourself

Make a checklist of things to do that week. Clean out a closet. Read a book. Exercise. Take a class. Write out goals for the year.

Take actions that support your plans and goals. Remember to stay aware and intentional about the behaviors you chose. Connecting to the future sometimes involves an intentional and authentic plan of behaviors and actions.

See Also: 5 Barriers That You Need To Cross To Achieve Success This Year

Don’t judge people or events as good or bad, or wrong or right

You may not agree with how others act or see the world, but these events and individuals do not have the power to change your behavior. When you take away good or bad, or wrong or right from your dialogue, you disconnect from the need to prove yourself in past situations.

Since people see the world differently, expand understanding of internal (you) and external (other individuals) with observation, not labels. You can say, “I did not care for his behavior.” It is a subtle wording difference to saying, “That guy is wrong.”

Nurture yourself

Take up a hobby you enjoy. Snuggle in a chair with a blanket and a book. Go for a walk. Golf. What makes you feel healthy and relaxed? Think of activities you do where time disappears. Sometimes your life feels nice when connected wholly to the present.

See Also: 5 Habits to Make The New Year Your Best Year Yet 

The past plays a role in today, but it does not have to define your future. The next time an individual or a situation frustrates you, think of your adjectives, choose actions that support your words, then change your dialogue to observations, not labels. Find ways to connect with the future possibilities of life.

This cycle of living keeps your energy focused on opportunities in the future instead of the mire of the past. During work or at home you have the potential to create a style of living that offers you a stronger connection to the future.

 

The post Finding a Connection to Your Future appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

http://ift.tt/2k9oQwu