Playing the piano isn’t just relaxing and entertaining; it plays a crucial part in your mental health. For years, playing the piano has been associated with both physical and mental health benefits. The piano has been an escape from stress, anxiety, overthinking, and depression. At every life stage, mental health is very important, from childhood all the way through to adulthood. Although we often think of children taking piano lessons and showing off their talents at recitals, it isn’t just for kids. With so many different musical instruments available, the piano tends to be easy to handle as well as play for people of all ages. Playing has a positive impact on your mental health and helps you during the hard times in your mental state. It can help you rid yourself of all those negative thoughts by giving you an opportunity to channel and process them. 1. Stress ReliefIn life, there are many stress triggers that put your emotional health in danger. Living a stressful life increases the possibility of suffering from depression if you can’t deal with it well. Everything starts to fall apart, including sleep problems, relationships, and bad moods. Any moment you feel stressed, anxious, or worried, take your piano and start playing to help reduce the stress effects on your body. It helps lower your blood pressure, your muscles will relax, and it regulates your breathing. This kind of new relaxation will help you focus and your life will start moving as before. 2. Sharpens Your IntellectPracticing piano helps boost your intellectual and cognitive abilities. Playing the piano improves your verbal memory and develops your skills such as perseverance, focus, creativity, and diligence. Due to the high intellectual abilities, this can help you to know how you can deal with a stressful, challenging life, thus preventing depression. 3. Improves Mental HealthYou don’t necessarily need to play the piano every minute in order to benefit from its amazing therapeutic effect. It just takes a few minutes per day to experience the positivity that the piano brings. It will help improve your self-esteem and lower your anxiety and depression by lifting your mood quickly and enjoying playing the piano. 4. Positive Effects on MoodOne science-backed fact about playing or listening to music is that it impacts the attitudes of humans. Most people tend to use it as a form of therapy when suffering from depression and anxiety. Many music genres, including classical music, which is commonly used for meditation, are the best mood boosters. 5. Improves Memory & FocusAs you learn to play a new piece, your brain undergoes a process of memorization, which helps to improve your cognitive function and enhances your ability to retain information. Moreover, playing the piano requires intense concentration and attention, which can train your brain to focus and improve your attention span. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced pianist, regularly practicing can have a positive impact on your brain and overall mental well-being. 6. Emotional ExpressionPlaying the piano can be a powerful form of emotional expression that allows you to channel your feelings and emotions through music. Many people find that playing the piano is an effective way to process complex emotions and release tension. Through music, individuals can express their innermost thoughts and feelings in a way that can be difficult to articulate through words. In fact, music therapy is a well-established field that uses music as a therapeutic tool to improve mental health and well-being. 7. Self-CarePlaying the piano can also be a form of self-care, providing individuals with a healthy outlet to manage stress and emotional challenges. By playing music that resonates with their emotions, individuals can experience a sense of catharsis and release. For instance, playing a melancholic piece of music can help individuals release feelings of sadness and grief, while playing an uplifting and energetic piece can help boost their mood and energy levels. The Healing Power of MusicDon’t let stress and depression rule your life by denying you some of the things you love doing. Playing the piano offers many health benefits that are directly correlated to each part. Low blood pressure, regulated breathing, and boosted moods are key factors to living a stress-free and happy life. Most people who spend quality time on the keyboard have improved mental health. These people experience less depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Piano is a great source of relieving stress and offers an ample chance to bolster self-esteem. Related Articles:
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Your wedding day simply would not be complete without stunning flowers. They play a critical role in creating a warm and romantic atmosphere, and, needless to say, they look beautiful too. And there are many different ways you can incorporate wedding flowers into your big day. Of course, we all know about the tradition of carrying a flower bouquet while walking down the aisle, but there are various other ways that flowers can be a part of your wedding day, too. One option is to incorporate flowers into your wedding vehicle, be it a luxurious car or a horse and carriage. Flower archways are another popular option to consider. You can adorn the entrance to your wedding reception venue with a floral archway, and the great thing about this is that you can get really creative with the variety of flowers that are included in the archway design. One of the most stunning options is to have flowers down the aisle. From covering the aisle in a million rose petals to having a few small trees or flower arrangements lighting the way to your loved one, the options are endless. Have you considered putting flowers in your hair? More and more people are stepping away from the traditional veil and going for hair accessories instead. Finally, why not decorate the tables with wedding flowers? You don’t have to go for a centerpiece; you could place a flower on each of your guests’ plates. Choosing Your Wedding Flower Color SchemeThere is a lot to consider when buying wedding flowers for your special day. If you take a look on the web, you will see that you have a wide selection of wedding flowers to choose from. To narrow down your search effectively, one of the key decisions you need to make is what color flowers to go for. Green wedding bouquets are growing in popularity, as more and more people prefer to go for more natural and simplistic bouquets, including the likes of green hydrangeas, cacti, and orchids. If your bridesmaids are wearing pink, green flowers will create a romantic Victorian theme. Yellow flowers are cheerful and vibrant, making them ideal for such a joyous occasion. Lemon is a good shade to go for, as it is softer and more romantic. If you want to go for a classic theme, you should team your white wedding dress with a red bouquet, as this symbolizes sensuality, passion, and romance. One of the most interesting and beautiful combinations to go for is dark purple paired with a brightly colored flower, such as yellow or lime green. If you want something pretty and feminine, pink fresh wedding flowers are a must. Why not combine different shades of pink roses? Finally, it would not be right to talk about wedding flowers without mentioning one of the most iconic choices, and this is, of course, white flower bouquets. White goes great with all colored dresses, and white fresh flowers look stunning with dark green leaves. Bold Flower CenterpiecesA lot of people like to decorate with flowers because not only are they beautiful, but they hold special meanings too. This helps to create a loving and warm atmosphere – perfect for your big day. There are a lot of companies that offer a flower delivery service, providing interesting arrangements and unique designs, and so it is certainly worth getting a professional to do the hard work for you. You can order your flowers online and then have them sent to you; it’s as easy as that. One idea is to go for fresh wedding flowers that are placed in a unique ‘vase’. From vintage jugs to teacups, there are a wide variety of unusual and beautiful options available to you. Instead of going for one big flower arrangement, you could opt for lots of little ones, and then have decorations surrounding them, such as candles, ribbon, pearls, or even more flowers. This gives you a way of creating a bold table centerpiece without simply selecting the biggest and most vibrant flowers you can see. You could have your flowers displayed in a unique shape, such as a heart, or you could have them designed to look like a flower tree. Finally, one of the easiest ways to create a bold centerpiece with flowers is to opt for bright color combinations, such as orange, pink, and yellow. Related: Considerations To Make When Choosing a Man’s Wedding Band Tips On Choosing Your BouquetFirst and foremost, you should always choose your dress before you start looking at different fresh flower bouquets. You need to ensure they complement each other well. The design of the bouquet is dependent on the detail, shape, and style of your dress, which is why you should always have a photo of your dress handy while shopping for a bouquet. You also need to think about the size and the shape of your dress so you can choose the best fresh flowers. You should always ensure that the flowers are smaller than your waist. A lot of people want to make their bouquets personal. There are various ways you can do this. You could incorporate something that is special to you, such as an antique brooch, or you may want your bouquet to carry a beautiful message by choosing flowers that have a significant meaning. You also want your bouquet to be comfortable. After all, you are going to be carrying it all day. Last but not least, devise a budget before you start shopping. It is likely you already have a wedding budget and you don’t want to risk overspending. So there you have it: the ultimate guide to wedding flowers. We hope that this has helped with your special day! Related Articles
This article originally appeared on Life on a Discount and was syndicated by My Life, I Guess with permission. Via https://mylifeiguess.com/wedding-flowers/ As you navigate life, whether you’re a young professional new to the workforce, or a seasoned employee with retirement in the near future, it’s crucial to know how to invest your money. This is important for both long-term financial stability as well as building useful money habits to prevent impulse spending and debt. By learning how to properly allocate your paycheck, you’ll set yourself up for success later down the road and make it easier for you to accomplish your financial goals in life. Continue reading to discover our tips! Consider Your Financial GoalsIt’s important to first look at your money through the lens of your financial goals. Depending on what stage of life you are in your goals may differ. Young or new professionals, parents, and senior retirees are all going to have different strategies to achieve their financial goals, as well as different levels of ability to save and invest their money. Saving your money for the future is half the battle when it comes to tackling your financial goals. If you’re in the stage of looking to purchase a home, it’s crucial to know how much house you can afford. By knowing how much money you can borrow to spend on your new home, you can budget and plan appropriately. Paying off a mortgage is no easy task and usually takes decades to fulfill. If you’re a parent or soon-to-be mom or dad, it’s best to start thinking about and saving for your child’s education through a 529 plan; the sooner, the better! If you’re a retiree or looking to exit the workforce, downsizing to a smaller house or relocating for retirement will require some financial planning as well. Even if you have no immediate financial goals to achieve, learning how to manage your money and budget appropriately are good skills to have in life. Beginning to save and invest as soon as you can allows you to build up more money over time for your future expenditures. Starting a family, moving to a new home, taking vacations, and eventually retiring are all realistic goals that will require financial planning. The 50/30/20 RuleAfter considering your financial goals in life, it’s time to start organizing your paycheck with the 50/30/20 rule. This money management strategy divides your paycheck into three categories. Half (50%) of your paycheck should cover your essential expenses, such as rent/mortgage and groceries, as well as your regularly occurring bills. This should cover your needs rather than your wants. This could be dependent on where you live, as the cost of living in large cities is often greater than in more rural areas. Next, 30% of your paycheck should go to your wants, such as eating out or other non-essential expenses such as vacations, hobbies, subscription services, and the like. Cutting costs here is a great way to save money and live minimally, but it’s still important to live life and to treat yourself every once in a while! It’ll be up to you to figure out how to best budget for your current situation. Lastly, 20% of your paycheck should be allocated to savings as well as to pay off debt. You could split it in half so that 10% goes to retirement or another savings account and the other 10% goes to debt payments. This, of course, is also subjective to your particular financial situation. It’s a good idea to put as much towards retirement as you can, but often more than 10% can be challenging, especially if you are working on paying down a lot of debt or enjoy spending money on wants. The 50/30/20 rule is a great set of guidelines to help you organize how you spend and save your paychecks. For your individual financial situation, you may find yourself spending more or less in each of the categories depending on where you live, your existing (or non-existent) debt, lifestyle habits, and your financial goals. Save UpSavings can cover a variety of aspects within your financial planning and will differ for your personal situation, as mentioned previously. If you’re a recent college graduate, saving for your first apartment or moving expenses may be best. If you’re a new parent, saving up for your child’s future costs or education may be a priority. If you’re a couple looking to settle down, you may be prioritizing a house as your next financial adventure. Whichever your next financial obligation may be, it’s critical to keep in mind that saving up is a long-term game. Your paycheck needs to first cover all of your immediate essential expenses and then your wants and future goals, although it’s a good idea to save when you can. Having an emergency fund (a separate savings account) is a great way to build yourself a soft landing if something were to happen. In the case of a sudden medical emergency, your car breaking down, or a surprise home repair, you’ll be able to cover the cost without worrying too much or having to dip into money that is needed elsewhere. Plan for RetirementSaving up is a long process, and you won’t enjoy the results of your savings until well into the future (hopefully). Saving for retirement is one of those long games, as you won’t be able to touch this money until you decide to exit the workforce and transition into retirement. While allocating 10% of your paycheck to your 401(k) is a good start, it’s best to bump up that number as high as you can. This will again differ depending on your particular situation, since a fresh graduate may not be able to afford 10% initially but someone who has been in the workforce for a decade or two may be more financially established and able to contribute 15% or even 20%. The more money you set aside now for retirement, the better off you will be when you finally retire. This is why it’s a good idea to budget now and practice good money habits. Retirement depends mostly on the money that you put away beforehand, and you won’t be able to retire if you don’t have enough to support yourself. Exploring different revenue streams for retirement is a good idea as you come closer to exiting the workforce. There are many ways you can utilize your paycheck, but referencing the 50/30/20 rule as a guideline will help you optimize your savings for the future. No matter where you are in life, it’s always good to practice sustainable financial habits to set yourself up for success in the long run. 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This article originally appeared on Life on a Discount and has been syndicated by My Life, I Guess with permission. Image Credit: Syda Productions via Canva.com. Via https://mylifeiguess.com/invest-your-paycheck/ We can all agree that every job is essential, but not all are fun or rewarding. So what do you think are the worst jobs? After polling the internet, here are ten top-voted careers people deemed the worst. 1. Low-Wage Factory WorkSomeone shared, “My mother was once a factory worker, and the hours were brutal—minimal pay, long hours, hard and repetitive manual labor, working basically like a robot.” “Of course, a job like that you could do for 1-2 years, but in the long term, it is not sustainable, or that’s how I feel. Working in retail or hospitality is something I could never do. Still, I’ve got friends who have mixed feelings about this.” 2. Investment Banking“Investment banking may be high paying, but with the stress and long hours, it does not seem worth it,” claimed one. “A graduate analyst in investment banking will get a $100k salary and work 100 hours per week. Once you account for that, they’re getting paid well below minimum wage to make PowerPoint slides in a high-stress environment.” 3. Veterinarian“Honestly, I do not know how veterinarians do it,” one confessed. “They are amazing people. I lost my two-year-old dog with an unexplained illness and spent some time watching animals go and people distraught over it.” “It must be so hard. We gave care packs to both vet surgeries to thank them. It’s a thankless job much of the time.” A veterinarian shared, “Much of my distress around euthanasia centers around the client. I don’t like seeing others in pain, and I have my grief to draw upon, and I can empathize deeply.” Popular Reading: I Hate My Job! The Best Ways to Cope Until You Can Quit “It is difficult to witness such distress and feel like you are the one inflicting the hurt because often you are the one relaying the upsetting information. More so in a situation like your own where the cause is unknown. Uncertainty is the mother of all stressors.” 4. Call Center Work“I did some time in an insurance claim call center. I would get to the front doors and physically shudder. I hated saying the script, which took 40 seconds and had to be said word for word. I got into trouble because I’d skim it. People just wanted to tell you what happened,” admitted one. A second replied, “I once worked in a call center for one month, five days a week, 9-5. I was terrible at selling, so I only made one sale and made $80 out of that sale. So I worked for a whole month for $80.” 5. Court Workers“I used to work for a law firm and saw tons of mental illness claims coming through; Older men who were broken by the gravity of having to take the life of someone who doesn’t want to die all day,” one explained. “A photographer in New Zealand had a photo series where they took close-up portraits of court workers on their first day and compared them to a picture after they’d been working there for months-years. You could visibly see the soul drain from these people’s faces. It was super interesting and disturbing.” Popular Reading: Before Making a Career Change, Ask Yourself These 8 Essential Questions 6. Dishwasher“I worked as a dishwasher at a restaurant, and it was so boring and monotonous and dirty. No air conditioner or even a fan in this small kitchen,” stated one. “Once, I was sick from dehydration from working over a hot sink in 40 degrees Celsius heat and 100% humidity. You couldn’t make plans afterward as you’d be dirty, and your shift never ended on time.” “I worked as a dishwasher in KFC. I was greasy, soggy, and slimy. I smelled like sweat and a kitchen bin. It was the worst. When cooking, you’d have to wear a heavy floor-length rubber apron.” “It caused me to smell horrible after work. I can still remember it now, 15 years later. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so gross since then.” 7. Cart Collector“The only horrible job I’ve had was cart collector at a major shopping center,” explained another. “I did that job for one day. It was way worse than any retail job I’ve worked. They put me on a 12-hour shift on my first day with zero training.” “They told me to go around the car park collecting carts. Then, twelve hours later, they reprimanded me because I hadn’t done a good enough job, so I had to stay back to rectify my mistakes.” “My muscles were destroyed the next day (when I was supposed to work another 12-hour shift), so I called in to tell them I wouldn’t be coming in again.” 8. Hotel HousekeeperOne user said, “I worked housekeeping in a hotel for a while. I thought I was used to being constantly on my feet and active after hospitality, but that was another level. Both guests and other staff spoke down to me.” “Unattainable expectations of time per room, so I was running at every moment. Horrible pay. After the cleaning chemicals started triggering migraines and leaving my hands cracked, I quit.” 9. Trades“It’s heavily dependent on the person. Despite the love they get on this sub, working in trade jobs was not my idea of a good time, and the money isn’t nearly as good as people here are led to believe,” confirmed one. “Working in trades has been one of the worst experiences I was coerced into,” agreed another. “I had trouble with school, so my father pushed me into construction and welding.” “The manual labor alone was enough to make me want to quit. The jobs are paid minimally, and almost half my paycheck went to ibuprofen and iced coffee to get through the day ahead.” Popular Reading: Why You Should Learn a Skilled Trade: The 7 Best Trade Jobs To Consider 10. Cold Calling Sales“I hated working in cold calling sales. Everyone you speak to makes it evident that they hate you and do not want to talk to you. Everybody says no and explains why they can’t afford it now, and you can’t blame them. Times are tough.” “All I ever wanted to do was say, ‘totally understandable, no worries, thanks for your time,’ but management had a rule we must ask them three times before accepting no as an answer.” “Pretty hard to do that when an elderly lady tells you she has cancer or a single mom tells you she is so behind on bills her electricity has been cut off. I felt evil even asking these people more than once, so I quit after a few weeks.” Thank you for reading about the worst jobs that nobody wants from Reddit. Do you agree, or is an even worse job deserving of its place on this list? This article is inspired by the internet and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of My Life, I Guess. Feature Image Credit: Odua Images via Canva.com. More From My Life, I GuessWho doesn’t want an easy job that pays well and is not overly stressful? It is a dream to find a job we love without being overworked. There are many options out there, and some of the easiest high-paying jobs don’t require much education or experience. If you are looking for fun and easy jobs that pay well, this post is for you. Read: 18 Easy Jobs That Pay Well + Where to Learn the Right Skills Night Shift Jobs That Are In High DemandIf you don’t mind burning the midnight oil while the rest of the world sleeps, there are many great night shift jobs that are in high demand. They are more common than people realize, and are critical in 24-hour industries. Some people prefer to work at night, while others have no other choice to make ends meet. Ranging from entry-level roles to highly specialized occupations, here are some of the best night shift jobs available. Read: 33 Night Shift Jobs That Are In High Demand – Apply ASAP! Can You Quit a Bad Job on Your First Day?Have you ever decided to leave your job on the first day? What made you choose to run right away? Here are stories of why people left their jobs on the first day. Read: 10 Honest Reasons People Ran Out of New Jobs on Their First Day Via https://mylifeiguess.com/worst-jobs-that-no-one-enjoys/ While scrolling through a favorite online frugal forum, I discovered the question, “What are your cheap or frugal-ish cooking shortcuts?” The internet responded by delivering this list of money-saving insights. 1. Get Rice and a Cooker“Buy a rice cooker and buy rice in bulk. Always make more rice than you initially need so you can use it for fried rice the next day. Drier rice is better than wet or newly cooked rice for making fried rice,” shared one. “Rice is so cheap, it’s quick and foolproof if you use a rice cooker, and it’s an easy foundation for any dish; for example, I like to add canned tomatoes, herbs, and other vegetables to the cooked rice, and then I eat it as-is. Go to your local Asian markets for the best prices.” 2. Freeze Your LeftoversSomeone added, “I take any extra vegetables and meat leftovers and place them in a container in my freezer. Then, when I have enough, I add it to fried rice or make a vegetable soup.” “You can also freeze the leftover rice for fried rice. I like to have some on hand for a quick meal,” replied another. Finally, a third said, “Portion your leftovers in single-serving containers. You’re way more likely to eat them if they’re grab-and-go.” 3. Don’t Underestimate Instant Mashed Potatoes“I use plain potato flakes for a lot of mashed potato applications. A box at the store is anywhere from $0.99- 1.99. It lasts a while. I use it for my Wednesday late work night mashed potato bowl. Instant potato flakes also make a great potato soup.” “I’ve done cheddar cheese broccoli and baked potato soup. It also helps thicken soups I want creamy but without cream. I waffle mash potato salmon balls, and my prep work is cut in half with a quick add of boiling water to my instant potato flakes.” “I use it to bread chicken tenderloins and cod and zucchini and bake or air dry to make crunchy chicken tenders and fried fish. It’s excellent, especially on fish,” one person confessed. 4. Buy Plenty of Beans“Cook a batch of beans or lentils once a week, and keep it in the refrigerator. Then, I add some into a lunch salad, to a quick soup with veggies for a fast dinner, chopped raw vegetables, olives, and vinaigrette scooped onto crackers for lunch—tacos or burritos or burrito bowl meal at some point,” shared one. “It’s an easy, high-protein, high-fiber, cheap, ready-to-eat meal to make once a week. We cut a lot of our meat dishes with some beans. For example, I use black-eyed peas in my jambalaya. I use (sprouted) lentils in my BBQ or sesame turkey meatloaf.” 5. Use Filling Additives to Stretch Your Meals“We switched to using barley rather than brown rice where appropriate. It’s more filling, and we can get away with using less. I also roast the barley, make tea, then use the tea barley for a couple of different kinds of snacks,” one explained. “I do the same thing but with soy, aka textured vegetable protein (the dried one). I buy the packs of small granules and soak them to rehydrate, then add them to ground beef/chicken/turkey, etc., while cooking. It takes on the taste of the meat, and it’s difficult to tell the difference.” “It helps cut down on meat usage for my family, that’s not bean-friendly. It also can be used to make spaghetti sauce, shepherd’s pie, or any dish that needs meat. Throw in some vegetables for extra fun.” 6. Use Your RamenOne person exclaimed, “Ramen is the base for a wide variety of meals in a rice cooker! Put the required amount of water in the rice cooker. Next, add frozen vegetables and frozen fish, chicken, beans, or sausage, and some additional spices.” “Bring the water and other stuff to a boil, add the ramen and seasoning pack, and cook until the ramen is ready. Add grated cheese or instant potatoes for a creamier soup.” Popular Reading: 10 Easy Ways to Save Money at the Supermarket 7. Use Everything in Your Pantry“I just did a freezer and pantry clean out before surgery. I put together 23 meals that only needed to be dumped into a crock pot or instant pot with ingredients I already needed to use. I was excited because it saved me a ton of money knowing I would be out of work for eight weeks to recover,” admitted another. 8. Make Soup With Your Leftovers“Crockpot soup once a week with anything that’s getting old,” one replied. “It is how we end up not wasting the last couple of potatoes or onions, greens, etc. I make taco soup often with whatever I have. Veggies, any meat or beans, use whatever you have.” “It turns out different every time but always good. I buy bulk at Sam’s Club because our grocery stores are expensive in this small town, and I freeze anything I can. Bread, rotisserie chicken, even heavy cream. Use silicone muffin tins and freeze them. It’s about a 1/4 c per “muffin.” 9. Save Your Vegetable Scraps“I keep a big Ziploc bag in the freezer and put veggie scraps in. Ends of onions, carrots, celery sprout parts, squash ends, cauliflower, and broccoli stems and leaves. After cooking a carcass for broth, I will remove it, add the veggie scraps, cook them down, then strain. It makes the broth much richer,” explained one. 10. Repurpose Extra Leftovers“I do a lot of repurposing. For instance, I’ll make a larger meatloaf and a big pot of pinto beans one night. Then, the next night, I’ll turn the leftovers into chili! Same with baked chicken or a roast.” “I shredded the meat for tacos the next day. The trick is to make extra! I don’t do it as much now that my kids have grown and left home, but I love seeing how much I can stretch one item.” We hope you enjoyed this Reddit tips list of frugal shortcuts for cutting your grocery budget. This article is inspired by the internet and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of My Life, I Guess. Related Articles From My Life, I Guess:45 Easy Tips to Save More Money at Walmart This guide will teach you how to save money at Walmart. We’ll cover everything from shopping tips to ways to reduce your expenses. So whether you’re a first-time Walmart shopper or a seasoned pro, read on for some helpful savings tips. Read: 45 Easy Tips to Save More Money at Walmart Stop Impulse ShoppingLet’s face it, we’ve all been in this situation: We’re at the grocery store for a gallon of milk, we see that bag of chips, 2 liters of our favorite orange soda, or a 6-pack of beer and end up walking out with more than we wanted. Impulse buys. Read: 5 Easy Ways to Prevent Your Next Impulse Buys Best Part-Time Jobs Great for Picking Up Health Benefits and RetirementAre you searching for part-time employment that offers health benefits and retirement plans? Yes, they do exist! We got you covered. Read: 10 Best Part-Time Jobs With Health Benefits and Retirement Plans Via https://mylifeiguess.com/best-frugal-cooking-shortcuts/ Are you searching for the best money-saving tips during challenging times? Look no further. After someone took to Reddit asking for advice for Gen Z’ers looking to save money, these are the top-voted recommendations. 1. Delete Your Food Service AppsImage Credit: Monkey Business Images via Canva.com. The number-one-voted response is to delete the food delivery apps such as Uber Eats and Door Dash. One suggested all you’re doing is watching TV anyways, so get up and get the food to save all the delivery and tip fees for another meal. Others said, NO! Delete the apps and cook your meals at home. Finally, after removing the app, one admitted, “My friend and I have a bet to see who can go the longest without Door Dash. The amount of money I’ve saved so far is embarrassing. 2. Pay Yourself FirstImage Credit: pixelshot via Canva.com. One explained how paying yourself first was a game-changer that helped save them money and allowed them to spend without remorse. You save and spend whatever is left over versus going on spending sprees and attempting to save what is left over. 3. Automatic Transfers to Your Savings AccountImage Credit: Gpoint Studio via Canva.com. Another user shouted, “AUTOMATE YOUR SAVINGS AND PRETEND YOU DON’T EARN THAT. Yes indeed. Most of us, even those who aren’t as fortunate, could save if we just started, even if it’s just 50 bucks a month. And once you start to see your account go up, it feels great.” 4. Learn to Make It at HomeImage Credit: pixelshot via Canva.com. Back to deleting food apps, start cooking your food at home. Several agreed that if you learn to cook, you will spend less money at restaurants and fast food. Someone added, “If you drink coffee often, make it at home instead of buying it every day. Cut out, or at least trim down on, snack foods and drinks. Coffee makers have timers you can set the night before and so even drip into a thermos to take with you. Money saved.” 5. Learn to Fix as Much as You Can, Within ReasonImage Credit: RossHelen via Canva.com. Many in the thread suggested learning to fix as many things as possible. One noted, “I’ve saved easily tens of thousands of dollars fixing everything myself, and I don’t have to make annoying appointments that make me ruin a day to get ripped off at the end.” Another added to search for repair clinics for what you don’t know how to repair and skill share. Also, purchase items that are easier to fix, even if they’re more expensive. Popular Reading: Why You Should Learn a Skilled Trade: The 7 Best Trade Jobs To Consider 6. Food Prep and a Vacuum SealerImage Credit: Greta Hoffman from Pexels via Canva.com. Food preparation came highly recommended in the thread. It was suggested that making food in bulk and freezing it for later preserves freshness and saves money. A good vacuum sealer makes this process easier. 7. Get Yourself a Library CardImage Credit: Kampus Productions from Pexels via Canva.com. Libraries are for a lot more than reading. Several Redditors advised getting a library card. Many have 3D printers, toys, movies, music, instruments, tools, and other resources. Additionally, you can listen to or read things through the Libby app for free with a library card. 8. Be Sure to Track Your SpendingImage Credit: Prostock-studio via Canva.com. You can only save money once you know how you’re spending it. So tracking your spending is necessary. One suggested categorizing expenses: utilities, housing, food, gas, clothing, entertainment, hobbies, phone, savings, travel, etc. Track your spending for a few months to gauge your average. 9. If You Can Walk, Bike, or Utilize Public TransportationImage Credit: View Apart via Canva.com. Many in the thread noted that cars are expensive for purchase, insurance, repairs, upkeep, and gas. You’ll save money without one or by limiting use. One suggested, “If you can walk, cycle, or take public transport to get somewhere, do so. You’ll not just save money, but active travel is an excellent way to keep in shape. I know the Americans and Canadians will come at me for that, but if you can, do it. Also, on that note: Active travel is a cheaper and more sustainable way to lose weight than going to the gym. If you have heavy shopping, get a Granny Trolley, your fingers will help you. The reason why the Japanese are so fit and healthy is that they walk a lot. Seriously, your body will thank you.” 10. Credit Unions are AwesomeImage Credit: arturmarciniecphotos via Canva.com. Open an account in a credit union and have 10% of your pay directly deposited there. Then, never open the statements and use the card; activate it and keep it someplace safe but semi-unreachable. It will allow you to begin to build your safety net. 11. Credit Cards are BeneficialImage Credit: Mix and Match Studio via Canva.com. Finally, several Redditors acknowledged that contrary to what many believe about credit cards, they could be huge money savers when used responsibly. One warned, “If you can’t pay for it out of pocket, don’t charge it on a credit card. Even moderate awareness to leveraging rewards can save you 5-10% on most items and often more.” We hope you enjoyed this list of money-saving advice. This article is inspired by the internet and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of My Life, I Guess. Feature Image Credit: pixelshot via Canva.com. Related ArticlesImage Credit: Phonlamai Photo’s Images via Canva.com. Are you searching for part-time employment that offers health benefits and retirement plans? Yes, they do exist! We got you covered. Someone recently posted on a popular internet forum searching for these opportunities. So the internet responded to deliver this list of part-time positions that come fully loaded. Read: 10 Best Part-Time Jobs With Health Benefits and Retirement Plans Money-Wasting Products You Can Stop Buying Right NowImage Credit: pixelshot via Canva.com. Whether you need to cut back on spending to keep up with your bills or you want to save money every month, you need to take a close look at what you buy and what you can do without. By carefully examining your purchases, you can find ways to reduce your monthly expenses and put more money towards the things that truly matter. Read: Slash Your Expenses: 24 Things You Should Stop Buying Today Make Thousands of Dollars on TikTokImage Credit: Ron Lach from Pexels via Canva.com. Stop mindlessly scrolling through TikTok videos and turn your habit into a profitable business. With more than a billion monthly active users, this platform has become a goldmine for content creators and businesses alike, offering endless opportunities to make money and build a following. Read: How Do People Make Thousands of Dollars on TikTok? Via https://mylifeiguess.com/money-saving-tips-for-gen-z-ss/ If a genie gave you three wishes, you’d likely wish for money. After all, being rich and wealthy is a universal desire. Unfortunately, genies aren’t real. So, how can you make your dream of becoming rich a reality? There isn’t some fancy answer or hidden secret; there are only so many ways to make money. But if you follow a few key rules and learn how to build wealth by taking realistic and practical steps, you can absolutely get rich – even if it takes some time. Many successful people who started from scratch have used these financial strategies time and time again. By following their lead, you can build your own fortune and achieve financial freedom. Whether you were born rich or not, the strategies you are about to learn can help you become wealthy. Here are 10 things you can do to get rich and be financially successful: 1. Choose a Job That Pays WellUnless you were born rich, received a healthy inheritance, or won the lottery, you can’t become rich without an income. Getting a high-paying job is one of the easiest way to make money and build wealth. With a good job, you can make enough money each month to pay for your bills and put some money in the bank. Finding a good job that pays well, however, isn’t always easy. If you can’t find a job that pays well, you have a few options. You could work more than one job, if you have the time. There are plenty of freelance, gig, and part-time jobs that have flexible schedules. They also teach you new skills, too, which increases your chances of getting a better-paying job. Or you might need to upgrade your education more formally with a training course or certification program. Can you move? A different job market might have more opportunities for you to increase your earning potential. If you already have a job but feel that you’re not being paid what you’re worth, it may be worth having a conversation with your employer to negotiate for better pay or benefits. Related Reading: Want a Lucrative Career? These are the 100 Highest-Paying Jobs in America 2. Start a Side HustleWho doesn’t have a side hustle these days? If you have a hobby or skill that you can turn into a service that people will pay for, you can use the extra money to get rich. With plenty of side hustle ideas to choose from, a good side job can help you make extra money that you can invest or put in a savings account. So what are you good at? What are you interested in? From web design to pet-sitting, the possibilities are endless. 3. Start Your Own Business (Full-Time Or Part-Time)Since the richest people in the world are business owners, it is safe to say that having a good business can help you get rich. Although there is a lot of similarities between side hustling and starting your own business, there are some important differences that set them apart. Side hustles are typically done on the side of a full-time job. They are flexible, easy to start, and usually have a low start-up cost, if any. You’re also working for someone else. As a business owner, you’re the boss. You have greater control over the products or services you offer, as well as the direction of the company. Starting a business involves a higher level of risk, and the potential for both success and failure is greater. It requires more commitment and investment of time and resources. Having a successful business has to be one of the best ways to get rich, especially if you know how to multiply the money you make from it. If you can start a good business and grow it, you may never have to worry about how to get rich again! The days when you needed a lot of money to start a business are long gone. With all the opportunities in the world today, especially online, all you need is a great business idea, workable marketing and sales plans, and enough money to put the idea into action. But every good business needs time to succeed. Getting rich takes time; it doesn’t happen overnight. Related Reading: What Are the Best Side Hustles for You? These 15 Questions Will Help You Decide 4. Make Your Finances More AutomatedIf you want to build wealth, your financial plan should run by itself. When your money is taken care of automatically, you won’t have to stress or worry about paying your bills late or forgetting to move money into your savings. In fact, saving and investing money becomes a very easy thing to do with automation. You set it up once and then you don’t have to think about it anymore. 5. Put Your Extra Money to WorkTo build wealth, even on a low income, don’t waste your money on small things. Instead, put it to work. Investing is one of the best ways to get rich. And despite what many people think, you don’t need a lot of money to do it. Because of the fintech industry, there are now apps and websites where you can invest money and get a good return on investment (ROI). Some of these platforms will let you invest as little as $100 and give you a return of at least 12% in a year. When you make an investment, you won’t see your return on investment right away. If you want a very good ROI, you’ll have to wait a while. 6. Set Clear Financial GoalsHow can you get what you want, if you don’t know what you want? Rich people know exactly what they want, how to get it and are committed to achieving it. Before you can learn how to get rich (or at least richer), you need to set a specific goal, like how much money you want to make each year and how much you want to save. It will give you a target to work towards and allow you to track your progress. 7. Put Aside Extra MoneyBuilding wealth obviously includes saving money. If you get a bonus at work or a birthday check from your grandma, don’t spend that extra money. Even if it’s just a few dollars, put it away. Over time can add up to a significant sum. You can use the extra money you save to make investments, pay off debts or student loans, or take that dream vacation. 8. Keep Track of Your MoneyIf you don’t know where your money goes, you’ll never learn how to get rich. Keeping track of your spending is important if you want to grow your money, avoid impulse buys, and avoid common money problems. Keeping an accurate record of your spending is easy. There are a lot of apps that can help you track of your expenses quickly and easily. All you have to do is sign up and follow the simple instructions. If you can’t find a good app, you can record your daily purchases on a spreadsheet on your computer. At the end of the month, you can add up all your costs and see how they compare to other months. This will help you figure out if you are spending your money wisely. And of course, pen and paper works, too! 9. Associate With Rich PeopleRich people are a good example of the old saying “birds of the same feather flock together.” One way to get rich is to hang out with people who are already rich or who want to become rich. By building relationships with wealthy people, you will start to think like them. You might also find out about some of the smart things these rich people have done to achieve what they have. More importantly, you could take advantage of any opportunities they offer you. 10. Change the Way You ThinkWhat you think tends to become your reality. If you have a mediocre mindset, it’s hard or even impossible to learn how to get rich. But if you have a strong belief that you can become wealthy, you will find the ability to do so. You will be able to come up with ideas and workable plans to increase your income and grow your wealth. Working on your mindset means that you need to think and act like wealthy people. You should try to copy their habits and make some of the same choices that led to their success. How Can I Get Rich the Quickest?I wish I knew the answer to this question! The truth is, there isn’t one guaranteed way to get rich quickly. Most wealthy people use a variety of money-making strategies to alleviate the risks and increase their chances for success. However, investing your hard-earned money in a business that makes money and has a high return on investment (ROI) is one of your best options. There are many business opportunities and ventures that can make your money go further. Every investment must be carefully planned, though. Assess the risks and look for a positive forecast. If you don’t consider these, you might lose your money. You Can Be RichWho said making money has to be dull and tedious? It’s actually a fun and exciting adventure that anyone can embark on! All you need to do is play by the financial rules, make savvy decisions, and put in the hard work. Just keep in mind that making bank doesn’t usually happen overnight. But with a little patience and persistence, you can build your wealth empire! So, don’t let anyone tell you that you’ll never be rich and successful. Get out there, take action, and start making your dreams a reality. Related Articles
This article originally appeared on mylifeiguess.com. Image Credit: Dean Drobot via Canva.com. Via https://mylifeiguess.com/get-rich/ Chances are, if you’ve landed on this site, you’re in the mood to change your job. Maybe you’re a night owl who would love to find a job that fits the way you like to work. Maybe you’re bored, and you want to find a job that isn’t boring. Maybe you’re just thinking that it’s time to start your own thing. Well, allow me to introduce you to the rabbit hole that combines my two favorite things at the moment:
If you’re thinking about starting your own business, the best place to start, at least today, is with ChatGPT. ChatGPT is hardly a secret. My 80-year-old father-in-law can’t stop talking about the legal and moral ramifications of this technology. (He’s a retired attorney, so that line of thought makes a lot of sense for him.) But using ChatGPT and other AI tools to create a content business where you can earn an extra $1,000-$3,000 per month? Now that’s a secret. If you’re already intrigued, I’ve put together a training video that walks you through my process. But, let me describe the opportunity I see. Before we dive headfirst into this treasure trove, let’s take a moment to unravel the ChatGPT phenomenon and understand how it can revolutionize your content creation endeavors. What is ChatGPT?ChatGPT, or Chatbot Generalized Pre-trained Transformer, is a highly advanced language model developed by OpenAI. Its cutting-edge artificial intelligence capabilities allow it to understand context, generate human-like text, and provide valuable insights. In a nutshell, it’s like having a brilliant, knowledgeable assistant right at your fingertips. Or rather, a brilliant assistant who needs the right guidance. Related: ChatGPT: The Game Changer Your Job Search and Career Needs Why is ChatGPT a game-changer?The truth is, content is hard to create. And I’m a copywriter, by trade, so it’s easier for me than it is for most people. The blank page is an ominous plot device in fiction, nonfiction, and the workplace. So, even though business owners know that creating fresh content is important, creating it is a struggle. It’s time-consuming, labor-intensive, and, at times, downright challenging. That’s where ChatGPT comes in. By using this AI-driven tool, you can streamline your content creation process, making it faster, more efficient, and even more enjoyable. The rise of AI in content creationThe world of content creation has been evolving rapidly, and ChatGPT has brought AI content creation into the forefront of the digital landscape. It’s really easy to use, as long as you train it. And it gives you exactly what you need, as long as you’re patient with it. So it gives us as digital natives a leg up on people who might need content but don’t know how to create it themselves. They don’t know:
And that’s just with written content! They also don’t know:
And even though you’re probably not someone who considers themselves an expert in content marketing, with AI tools like ChatGPT, you can be. In less than a week. There’s an endless need for on-brand, fresh content. And you can use AI to help your clients get—and stay—ahead of the curve. Unleashing the full potential of ChatGPTWhile ChatGPT can certainly make your life easier, it’s essential to recognize that it’s not a magic wand that will do all the work for you. Instead, it’s a powerful tool that, when used strategically, can catapult your content business to new heights. By mastering the art of working with ChatGPT, you can unlock its full potential and reap the rewards. Its API is open, which means developers are creating outstanding plugins that help you integrate the tools you’d use for creating content for your clients with ChatGPT and other AI content libraries. Bridging the gap between AI and human creativityThe real power of ChatGPT lies in its ability to bridge the gap between AI-generated content and human creativity. By using ChatGPT as a creative partner, the time it takes to come up with a full content strategy has gone from a several-hour project to something that can be done, designed, and delivered in about 45 minutes. It is the most fun I’ve had on WordPress in almost a decade. Business Model Breakdown: Monetizing AI-Generated Content Through Content MarketingWhile there are dozens of ways to monetize AI-generated content (allowing it to help you write books, ebooks, and digital products), the biggest opportunity I see is in creating a content marketing agency and allowing AI to help you create the content. I used to own a content marketing agency. It was powered by contractors. We had:
And honestly? Paying all those people left me as the owner with very little margin. But now, I use AI writing tools to:
So instead of hiring seven contractors, I’m able to do most of the work myself. And you can, too. Mastering the Art of AI-Enhanced Writing: Tips and TricksTo become proficient in AI-enhanced writing, you have to learn how to talk to it. It’s a collaboration partner that works better when you give it feedback, instead of getting frustrated and thinking it won’t work. In that respect, it’s like any other person you hire to work with you. Here are some valuable tips and tricks to help you excel in the realm of AI-driven content creation. 1. Start with a Clear BriefProviding ChatGPT with a clear, concise brief is crucial for obtaining the desired output. Be specific about your requirements, including the topic, target audience, tone, and structure. The more detailed your instructions, the better the AI model can tailor its response to meet your needs. 2. Experiment with PromptsChatGPT relies on prompts to generate content, so the quality of your prompt directly impacts the results. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different prompts, as this can help you find the perfect starting point for your content. Remember that you can always refine your prompts and iterate until you achieve the desired outcome. 3. Use Iterative WritingOne of the most effective ways to work with ChatGPT is through an iterative writing process. This involves generating content in smaller sections, reviewing, and refining as you go. This approach allows you to maintain better control over the final output, ensuring it aligns with your vision and meets your quality standards. 4. Embrace CollaborationThink of ChatGPT as a collaborative partner, rather than a tool that does all the work for you. By combining the AI’s capabilities with your own expertise and creativity, you can craft content that is both unique and engaging. Use ChatGPT for brainstorming, editing, and enhancing your writing. But remember that your human touch is what sets your content apart. 5. Continuously Refine Your ContentAI-generated content may not always be perfect on the first try. It’s essential to review, edit, and polish the text to ensure it meets your standards and accurately reflects your message. Take the time to refine your content, and don’t hesitate to ask ChatGPT for revisions or alternative suggestions. 6. Stay Informed and Up-to-DateIf you’re going to start offering ChatGPT-enabled content marketing agency services, make sure you stay informed on the updates. Trust me when I tell you that we are at the very beginning of the AI-powered content wave. Keeping up-to-date with advancements in ChatGPT and other AI models will enable you to make the most of these powerful tools and maintain a competitive edge in the content creation landscape. Scaling Up: Leveraging ChatGPT for Content Production EfficiencyIf this is at all intriguing to you, then you’re going to love how quickly a well-crafted article comes together. Content that ranks highly on Google is the angle I think you should go with, and that means big, comprehensive posts. More than 2000 words. A lot more, if you can manage it. Filled with links. Basically, use AI tools to find the commonalities of all the posts on page one of search results for a given keyword. Then, use that information to create an article that has the potential to gain search engine attention. It’s the same as always. Just easier, with tools that can help you. Marketing Magic: Promoting Your ChatGPT-Driven Content BusinessStill with me? Cool. That means you’re seriously considering harnessing the power of ChatGPT to create a content marketing business that can earn you a great side income. It’s time to start building that business. Which means… let’s get you some clients! You need a solid marketing strategy that promotes your brand, attracts your target audience, and converts prospects into loyal customers. Here are some marketing magic tips to help you effectively promote your ChatGPT-driven content business. Step 1—Ask 10 People if They Need Help With ContentYou’re going to be tempted to skip this step. I know you are. But none of the rest of this matters without clients. If you’re interested in my six-week coaching program, I can provide you with pitching scripts. However, reaching out to potential clients and offering your services directly is often more effective than using complex marketing strategies. Create High-Quality, Valuable ContentIf you’re going to pitch content marketing services… …you should have some good content on your own site. Think of it this way: you can practice using the fun tools on your own site! Use ChatGPT to create engaging, informative content that provides value to your readers. Leverage Social MediaTalk about your new offer 100 times across your social media channels. Your organic (meaning: not paid ads) network should know that you have something new to offer. Develop a social media strategy that targets your ideal customers, and share your AI-generated content across various platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Pinterest. Engage with your audience by responding to comments, answering questions, and joining relevant conversations. Send More Emails to Your List (And Also Build Your List with More Potential Buyers)I love emails. I love writing them. I love reading them. I love trying to get my friends to send more of them. Why? Because they work. Even if people aren’t responding to your emails or they’re not clicking through to buy from you, they’re picking up what you’re putting down. This article from Oberlo has a statistic in it that says that customers are happy to hear from brands on a weekly basis. And still, even though email is the uncool kid who’s been around for more than two decades, email marketing remains one of the most effective channels for nurturing leads and driving customer engagement. Build an email list by offering lead magnets in exchange for visitors’ contact information. Your lead magnet is the first step in your sales funnel. For more on sales funnels, read this article. Use ChatGPT to create personalized, engaging email campaigns that inform, entertain, and inspire your subscribers, while promoting your content business. Collaborate with Industry Influencers—AKA Your Friends Who are Also Working OnlinePartnering with influencers in your niche can help you reach new audiences and amplify your marketing efforts. Collaborate with influencers on content creation, sponsorships, or joint promotions. Leveraging their established credibility can boost your brand’s reputation and help you gain the trust of potential clients. Attend Networking Events and ConferencesIn-person networking events and industry conferences can be valuable opportunities to connect with potential clients, partners, and influencers. Attend events relevant to your niche and be prepared to tell people how you solve their problems. Conclusion: Seize the ChatGPT Goldmine and Create Your Lucrative Content BusinessHere’s the thing I didn’t mention at the top of this article: ChatGPT and AI are game changers. They’re seismic shifts. The type of thing we’ll look back on in less than a decade and wonder how we ever existed without them. AI is fascinating, and it’s not just “having a moment.” It’s here to stay as much as the internet is here to stay. As much as cell phones are here to stay. And if you want to be a part of it, there’s room for you. As you go deeper into the world of AI-generated content, it’s essential to recognize the incredible potential that ChatGPT offers. This powerful tool can revolutionize your content creation process and enable you to build a successful, thriving content business. To fully capitalize on this goldmine, follow these key takeaways: Choose the Right Business ModelIdentify the most suitable monetization strategy for your content business, considering factors like your niche, target audience, and personal preferences. Experiment with various models, such as content writing services, affiliate marketing, or premium content subscriptions, to find the one that best aligns with your goals. Master AI-Enhanced WritingDevelop your skills in working with ChatGPT to create exceptional content. Use clear briefs, experiment with prompts, and adopt an iterative writing process. Treat ChatGPT as a collaborative partner that enhances your human creativity and expertise. Promote Your Content Business EffectivelyImplement a robust marketing strategy that includes developing a unique brand identity, optimizing your website, leveraging social media, and utilizing content marketing tactics. Don’t underestimate the power of networking, collaborations, and social proof in boosting your brand’s reputation and attracting clients. Stay Ethical and TransparentAlways maintain ethical standards when using AI-generated content. Ensure that your content is original, accurate, and respectful of copyright laws. Be transparent with your audience about your use of AI in the content creation process to maintain trust and credibility. Adapt and EvolveAs AI technology advances, be prepared to adapt and evolve your content business. Stay informed about the latest developments in ChatGPT and other AI models, as well as emerging industry trends. Continuously refine your strategies and techniques to maintain a competitive edge. By seizing the ChatGPT goldmine and diligently applying these principles, you’re well on your way to creating a lucrative content business. Remember that success lies in the perfect blend of human creativity and AI-driven assistance. Embrace this powerful collaboration and unlock the full potential of your content creation endeavors. And yes, before you ask, this article was written with the assistance of ChatGPT. In fact, everything I’ve written in the last six months has had a heavy lift from AI outlines and writing assistance. And it’s a beautiful thing. I’m a much better rewriter than I am a writer who can start from scratch. So even when I’m rewriting everything in a paragraph (which I have to do, from time to time), it’s a more enjoyable experience. Want to Learn How to Make $1,000-$3,000 Per Month as an AI-Driven Content Agency?Then you need to watch this training video. It’ll teach you how to turn this idea into a business that will make you money in about six weeks. I’d love to help! Thanks Amanda for having me! -Kathleen, The Well-Paid Expert Via https://mylifeiguess.com/chatgpt-creating-a-content-business/ Productivity is the key to success in any field, but especially in business. If you work harder, you can get more done and be more successful. But how do you maximize your productivity to accomplish more? Here are eight ways to be more productive and make the most of your workday. 1. Write down everything you need to do each day.Making a list of the things you need to do each day is a great way to start the day off on the right foot. You can stay focused and motivated throughout the day if you have a plan, know what you need to do, and manage your time accordingly. You can also track your progress and make sure you don’t forget anything important. Make a list of the most important things you need to do, as well as any other smaller things you’d like to do. Then, put your list in order of importance so you can finish them first. Also, it helps to break up big tasks into smaller parts that are easier to handle. This will make them seem less scary and easier to do. When you finish a task, cross it off your list so you can see how far you’ve come. You’ll also benefit from that little dopamine hit that will keep you going. 2. Give yourself a daily or weekly goal to work on.Setting a daily or weekly goal to work on is another great way to get more done. Having a clear goal will keep you motivated and on track with what you need to do. It can also help you stay accountable and make sure you’re moving forward. To set a good goal, first think about what you want to do. Then, break this down into smaller goals that you can work on each day or week. Make sure your goals are clear, measurable, attainable, important, and have a deadline (SMART). This will help you set a goal that you can actually reach. Once you know what you want to do, write it down and put it somewhere you will see it every day. This will help you remember what you have to do. And when you reach each goal, make sure to celebrate so that you can keep going. 3. Get rid of things that distract you.If you want to get things done, you need to get rid of things that can get in your way. This means turning off your phone, closing your social media tabs, and putting away any other things that could distract you. If you can’t get rid of all distractions, try to schedule times when you can check them. For example, you could give yourself five minutes every hour to check your phone. 4. Get your work in order and make it easier to do.If you want to get things done, you need to organize yourself. So set yourself up a way to work that helps you get things done quickly and well. This could mean making your process more efficient so you don’t waste time on unimportant tasks, or it could mean setting up a physical workspace that helps you get things done. Here are some ways to get organized and be as productive as possible:
5. Take breaks and work out often.Throughout the day, it’s important to take breaks to re-energize and re-focus. This doesn’t mean you should take a long break every hour, but you should stand up, stretch, and move around every once in a while. Exercise, like taking a short walk, is also a great way to boost productivity because it gives you more energy and helps you focus and concentrate better. So, make sure to take breaks and get some exercise throughout the day. 6. Get enough sleep and eat well.When you’ve had a good night’s sleep and a healthy meal, you’ll have the energy you need to get things done. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. And make sure to eat meals with lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats. These nutrients will give your body the fuel it needs to keep going all day. 7. Give tasks to other people whenever you can.One of the best ways to get more done is to give tasks to other people when you can. Delegating can be hard if you’re used to doing everything yourself, but it can give you more time to focus on more important tasks. That is if give them to the right person. Make sure that the person you’re giving the task to can do it and that they understand what you want them to do, otherwise you’ll just end up having to do it (or re-do) yourself anyways. Start by giving simple tasks to others, and then move on to more complicated ones. Once you’ve given someone a task, let go of control and trust that the task will be done to your standards. Although, you may have to double-check or guide them the first couple of times until they get the hang of it. 8. Don’t work too late at night because it can be bad for your health.When you’re being productive, it’s tempting to work late into the night. But staying at work late can be bad for your health, especially if it becomes a habit. It can mess up your sleep schedule, which can make you tired and less productive. It can also lead to burnout, which can hurt your mental and physical health in a lot of ways. So, if you find yourself working late at night, try to take a break and get some sleep instead. To get things done, you must take care of your health. Maximize Your Productivity & Get More Done in Less TimeRemember that the key to being productive and unlocking your full potential lies within finding what works best for you. So, try out different approaches and strategies and see what you can do to make your work easier. Also, don’t forget, productivity isn’t just about working harder or longer. It’s also about taking care of yourself. So, make sure to take breaks and prioritize your health. You’ll find that taking care of yourself actually helps you be more productive in the long run. Trust me, your body and mind will thank you! This article originally appeared on mylifeiguess.com. Image Credit: Elnur via Canva.com. Related ArticlesStart Using Your Paid Time Off! It’s Good For You (And Your Career) You’ve worked hard to earn your PTO, and it’s time you start using it! It’s good for you, your health, and your career. Not taking time off of work is a problem. It can lead to a toxic workplace where you are burnt-out, stressed, anxious, irritable, and unhappy. Start Using Your Paid Time Off! It’s Good For You (And Your Career) From Social Media to Tech Issues: How to Minimize Distractions at Work10 Office Time-Wasters and What To Do About Them The Perfect Self-Care Gift Ideas for Anyone in Need of a Little Me-TimeLife can be so chaotic and stressful that finding time for yourself often feels impossible. Maybe even selfish. But self care is so important! How can you take care of others without first taking care of yourself? Check out these self-care gift ideas that will help you (or a loved one) relax, recharge, and feel your best. Via https://mylifeiguess.com/maximize-your-productivity/ If you’re an entrepreneur, one of the most valuable things you’ll figure out is how to maximize your time so you can get as much done as possible. It isn’t about how hard you work most of the time, it’s about how smart you work. Below, you’ll find some advice for entrepreneurs that will enable you to maximize the time you have almost instantaneously: 1. Come Up With a ScheduleStart by coming up with a schedule that you are confident you will be able to stick to. One of the biggest benefits of being an entrepreneur is the fact that you can be more flexible and arrange your time in a way that suits you. However, that doesn’t mean that you should take each day as it comes and do things as you feel like it. This technique will likely mean that you end up getting the bare minimum done. Come up with blocks of time where you work, blocks where you complete errands, and blocks that allow you to focus on yourself – such as making meals, going to the gym, etc. Include everything in your schedule so that you don’t have any room to procrastinate. And don’t forget to leave yourself some free time to read, research, write, or even watch a little TV. 2. Know How To Delegate and Outsource EffectivelyDelegating tasks to people who are more suited to them, such as a virtual assistant, will help you to get so much more done. Outsourcing will also help you to save time. These things may cost you more initially as you need to hire someone, but they will make your business efforts far more productive and therefore profitable. Related: How to Show Freelance Work on Your Resume 3. Figure Out When You’re At Your Most ProductiveKnowing when you’re at your most productive is key. You’re unique, and that means you may not be as productive when everybody else seems to be. For example, most people find that they get more done when they get up before the rest of the world in the morning. However, others find that they are more night owls. Know when it’s most likely you will be at your best and aim to complete important work at this time. 4. Find Things That Help You to Stay FocusedThere are a number of techniques that could help you to stay focused. For example, the pomodoro technique is a brilliant one and all you need is a timer. You may also find that exercising in the morning helps you to stay more focused. Find the things that help you to get into that flow state. 5. Use the 2 Minute RuleIf something is going to take you less than 2 minutes to complete, get it done. Don’t procrastinate. 6. Find Ways to AutomateThere are all kinds of ways you can automate – for example, you could make document creation even quicker. If you do something every day, there’s a good chance that a machine or piece of software can do it faster for you. 7. Be Sure to Take BreaksBreaks don’t mean you’re not working as hard. They can help you to stay focused providing you utilize them correctly. For example, working for 30 minutes straight then taking a 10-minute break and repeating. By implementing these techniques, you can become more efficient, productive, and profitable in your business. Remember, time is a valuable resource, so make the most out of it to achieve your entrepreneurial goals. Related Articles
This article originally appeared on Life on a Discount and has been syndicated by My Life, I Guess with permission. Image Credit: Volodymyr Melnyk via Canva.com. Via https://mylifeiguess.com/maximize-time-as-an-entrepreneur/ |
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