Your morning determines your mood for the day. If you keep hitting snooze, eventually waking up late, and rushing to get out the door, you’re setting yourself up for a chaotic day. Wouldn’t you rather start your day off the right way? You don’t want to skip breakfast again, do you? The good news is that you can easily “rise and shine” by building a morning routine with the following 15 good habits. 1. Get Ready Before Going to BedOne of the best morning routines to implement actually takes place the night before. Before going to bed, set yourself up for the morning. Find your car keys, reset the coffee machine, make your lunch, and pick out your clothes. You will be thankful you did! 2. Plan Your Next DayTake it one step further and plan your day the night before, too. This can help you sleep better, as your mind won’t be racing with all the things you need to remember. All you have to do in the morning is review your calendar or to-do list to get an overview of your schedule. With a clear plan, you can rest assured that you are focusing on the important things and aren’t forgetting anything. 3. Get Enough SleepLike many others, I’m not a very fun person to be around if I haven’t gotten enough sleep. Not getting enough quality rest leaves you feeling sluggish and irritable, and you’re more likely to forget things or make silly mistakes. People stay up too late, often doing something unimportant, like scrolling through their phones or watching TV. There is nothing wrong with these leisurely activities, but don’t neglect your health because of them. Poor sleep increases the risk of certain health problems, negatively impacts mental health, and slows cognitive performance. Getting a good night’s sleep isn’t hard, but you do need to find what works for you. Personally, I use a weighted blanket, therapeutic pillow, and white noise. Not staring at my phone also helps, but I usually fail at breaking this habit. 4. Don’t Hit the Snooze Button“Just ten more minutes” is an adventurous game to play in the morning. Did you hit snooze or turn off the alarm? I guess you’ll find out one way or another! Rather than risk it, don’t use your snooze button at all. Set your alarm for the time you actually need to get up and then get up at that time. This small victory is a positive jumpstart to your day because you’ll have enough time to do everything you need to do before leaving the house. 5. Don’t Immediately Look at Your PhoneI’ve started leaving my cell phone on sleep mode until I’m up, out of bed, and starting my day. I know as soon as those notifications pop up, I’m looking at every single one before doing anything else. Quickly checking these notifications never ends up being quick. And do you really need to see your work emails while still in your pajamas? What an unappealing thing to wake up to. At least give yourself time to pour a coffee before you dive into the online world. 6. Find Something HappyThe world can be a scary place – at least, that’s what the media wants us to think. Reading or hearing about a bunch of bad news is no way to start your day. Find something happier! It could be any number of things like books, apps, journaling, or listening to your favorite playlist. And if all else fails: funny cat videos. There are a lot of good reasons to avoid the news altogether, but if you can’t, don’t make it the first thing you do every day. Check the weather and the traffic report; the news can wait. 7. StretchWaking up with aches and pains due to an unfortunate sleeping position is one of the joys of adulthood. If you don’t want to be sore all day, add stretches and other muscle relaxation exercises to your morning routine. It doesn’t have to take long – just a few minutes will do wonders. It also doesn’t have to be strenuous – gentle movements are best. While you stretch, mentally prepare for the day ahead; think about what your day entails and what you need to accomplish. 8. MeditateIt may seem weird to suggest meditation, a calming activity, immediately after sleeping, but your mind is already relaxed when you wake up. Meditating builds up this relaxation, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. Combine it with your morning stretching, focus on your breathing, and let your mind wander to create a powerful routine. 9. ExerciseExercises like yoga or going to the gym in the morning are ideal ways to start your day. But as much as we’d like to convince ourselves that we’re those kinds of people, most of us aren’t. So don’t even bother setting a goal you’ll never achieve. Instead, set aside some time in the morning to do something light. Jogging on the spot or doing a few minutes of jumping jacks will get your blood moving and make it easier to stay productive all day. 10. Wake Up Your BrainA good morning routine involves waking up your body and your brain. You could do both simultaneously by getting up early to go for a walk or a morning jog. But if you can’t leave the house, read a book, play some brain games, or work on a hobby. Either way, regular physical and mental activity is, of course, good for you. Over time, these small habits add up, creating a healthier you. 11. Tidy UpI’m not suggesting you wake up early just to do chores, but small, simple tasks like wiping surfaces and putting things away can create a welcoming environment to come home to. You don’t want to walk through the front door after a long, stressful day at work into another stressful mess, do you? 12. Drink a Glass Of WaterBefore reaching for that coffee, pour yourself a glass of water. This simple but effective habit has incredible benefits for your overall well-being. Hydrating your body first thing in the morning starts your metabolism, flushes out toxins, and promotes healthy digestion. Drinking water also boosts your brainpower. If you find yourself struggling with morning grogginess, drink more water! Staying hydrated throughout the day replenishes your energy levels and keeps that sluggish feeling at bay. 13. Have a Nutritious BreakfastYou knew this tip was coming. Energy is essential for starting the day, and a healthy breakfast is the best way to get it. I often skip breakfast, even though I know I shouldn’t. I feel better when I eat. One tip that’s helped me is, once again, preparing the night before. Overnight oats are one of my go-to’s, but I’m also a big fan of smoothies. I also try to keep fruit in the house, which is quick and easy. Having a pre-planned breakfast waiting for you makes you more likely to choose a nutritious option instead of grabbing something full of sugar or not eating at all. Don’t eat too much, though; a big meal early in the morning will upset your stomach all day. 14. Avoid SugarMy favorite breakfast foods are all high in sugar: muffins, cereals, and French toast. They are delicious but not great to eat first thing in the morning. Fresh fruit, nuts, almond milk, and Greek yogurt are healthy options that also satisfy sweet tooth cravings. You can add variety with healthy toppings, so you won’t be eating the same boring thing. More importantly, they provide essential nutrients and don’t cause the energy crashes that sweets can cause. 15. Wash Your Face With Cold WaterIf you can tolerate it, cold showers are apparently quite beneficial for your health. They release endorphins and improve metabolism and circulation, to name a few. For those of you who would rather not, washing or even just splashing your face with cold water is also good for you. It’ll wake you up, reduce puffiness, and make your skin look smoother. What a great way to start your day! Start Your Day Off RightYou have many responsibilities to handle each day, and you also have a lot of potential. Don’t let a hectic and disorderly morning overwhelm or derail you before your day even begins. Start your day off right. With these small habits, you can be ready to face challenges head-on. When you have a great morning, you have a great day! Improve Your Time ManagementTo really make the most of your morning routine, you need better time management skills. Use these easy time management tips to help you feel less overwhelmed and more in control of your day. Be More Productive at WorkNo matter what industry you work in, employers want to hire productive employees. Learning how to be more productive at work isn’t too difficult, and you can really reap the benefits from it – like getting raises and promotions. All by optimizing your day! Via https://mylifeiguess.com/master-your-morning-routine/
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Most offices close at 5 p.m., and stores close around 9 or 10 p.m., but that doesn’t mean the work stops. There is work to do at all hours, from part-time night jobs to 24-hour roles, such as medical professionals and others performing essential services for the general public. Working in the evening or early hours of the day isn’t easy, but it has advantages. Employers recognize that these positions are harder to recruit, so they try to make them more attractive by offering part-time hours, shift premium pay, and other incentives. Plus, you’ll have more freedom to use your days as you please (once you get some sleep). Scheduling doctor appointments, errands, parent-teacher conferences, and other necessary tasks is easier when you do not have to request time off from work. And if you’re looking for a way to earn extra income in addition to your day job, part-time night jobs are a guaranteed way to do just that. Side hustles are great and all, but the amount of money you make is sporadic and unpredictable. These roles provide a little more security and a steady paycheck. 1. Night AuditorIn the hotel industry, staff is needed day and night. Although a hotel remains open around the clock, its business day ends at midnight when the auditors process payments, generate reports, reconcile cash receipts, and create invoices for the coming day’s departing guests. A night auditor wears two hats: first and foremost, this person is an accounting department employee performing the tasks mentioned. They also double as front desk clerks, helping to cover breaks or offering assistance if guests are waiting. 2. Loader/UnloaderYou routinely see UPS, FedEx, and Amazon trucks and drivers around town, making deliveries to homes and businesses. However, the people who fill those trucks are mostly unseen since the trucks are stocked at night. This occurs only after larger trucks are emptied of packages, which are, in turn, sorted according to destination. Unloaders do this while loaders—assigned two, three, or four delivery trucks—must place the packages on the correct truck according to the recipient’s address. Loaders need to hustle and stay focused because unloaded packages can come fast and furious. 3. Sanitation SorterIf there is one thing we will never run out of, it’s garbage. All kinds of waste are generated in hospitals, correctional facilities, hotels, and factories, but not all trash is created equal. Some institutions demand a strict recycling regime, so bottles, cans, and paper must be separated. Healthcare institutions must observe a rigorous code relative to medical waste, so sorting here, too, is necessary. Sorters also work for sanitation companies, picking out recyclables from garbage passing by on a conveyor belt. This happens after all the trucks return from their routes and dump their contents. 4. Customer ServiceCustomer service is a broad description that could mean any or all of the following: taking orders for products or services, resolving disputes and complaints, providing information about the company or its offerings, or processing payments and refunds. These duties are performed in person, over the phone, or online. If you want an overnight, part-time job, you are more likely to interact with customers by telephone or virtually. Yes, some companies equip representatives to work remotely from home instead of serving at an on-site call center, which is an added perk. 5. Security GuardOnce known as a night watchman, the overnight security guard serves in places where valuable assets are kept in-house, e.g., factories, retail outlets, banks, and laboratories. This employee patrols the premises, does security checks on access points, keeps alarms working, watches electronic monitors, contacts law enforcement when necessary, keeps a log of visitors, and ejects unauthorized personnel. Different standards of education and training apply, but these roles typically pay well and are perfect for introverts. 6. Stock PersonAfter a long day of sales, the sales floor or aisles need replenishing. Often, they employ a night shift crew to refill depleted items and construct displays for new products or those on sale. More frequently than not, grocery stores utilize overnight stock people, who will sometimes double as cashiers if the store is open 24/7. Usually, a stock person is responsible for an aisle or two or a section of the store. In addition to sales area tasks, this job involves receiving from overnight delivery trucks. 7. Inventory TakerThis is a retail-oriented job where the employee works for a service contracted by a store or chain of stores. Retailers will hire these services for night work as they will not be in the way of customers by day. The job takes place in either the store itself or an affiliated warehouse. At its essence, it is a counting job where associates tabulate the number for each item on the shelf or about to be placed there. This means that if you work for a hardware chain, you count every last nail, bolt, and washer, usually on a handheld electronic counting device. You will need to travel to different locations around your city, which might be problematic if you rely on public transit. 8. CustodianCustodians and cleaning crews have a long history of night work because it’s an impossible task to achieve with daily foot traffic. Office buildings, public schools, hospitals, and government buildings are just some of the settings where these workers are needed. Among their jobs is cleaning: emptying waste baskets, disinfecting bathrooms, mopping and waxing floors, to name a few. Depending on skill sets, custodians also repair boilers and HVAC systems, clogged toilets, broken windows, and lighting fixtures; some of these positions require union membership. 9. Truck DriverAmerican commerce is heavily reliant on our highways and those who move freight. Your Amazon orders would not arrive without them. When delivery deadlines are tight and urgency is high, carriers hire truckers who drive overnight to get freight to their destination in a timely fashion. Various classes of truck drivers hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) issued by the states. Obtaining the CDL requires passing a written and road test, each of which varies according to the type of vehicle you will be operating. 10. Diner CookTruck drivers and other road warriors who drive at odd hours understand the value of diners that stay open through the night. Food service crews staff these restaurants at night and serve hungry visitors. Diner cooks prep the ingredients for meals (chop vegetables, peeling potatoes, measuring ingredients), cook the meals, and keep the kitchen orderly while adhering to food safety guidelines set forth by the government. 11. Nurses and AssistantsRegistered nurses and certified nursing assistants work at night in hospitals and nursing home facilities. Registered nurses (RNs) are college-educated individuals who must pass a national examination and state licensure criteria. Like doctors, RNs can specialize in diverse areas of practice. They can administer medications, vaccinations, wound care treatments, and other protocols under the supervision of a physician. On the other hand, nursing assistants are certified by the state in certain areas of caregiving. These include positioning patients in bed, changing bed linens, checking vital signs, bathing patients, and helping patients when they need assistance in the bathroom. 12. Gas Station CashierGas stations and convenience stores are open late and need cashiers. Your main tasks would be simple: accept payments, restock shelves, and light cleaning. But since people usually work alone, there is also security to keep in mind—both your own and the stores’. 13. Bar or Event StaffConcerts, weddings, and other celebrations take place in the late evening hours and require several staff members to keep things running. From bartending and serving to DJing and photography, there’s a lot you can potentially do. As a bonus, you get to play a part in someone’s special day and maybe even get staff-only access to performers. No two events will be alike! 14. Parking Lot AttendantWhile it’s certainly not an exciting job, almost anyone can be a parking lot attendant. Automation has reduced the demand, but these roles do exist. Besides accepting payments, attendants monitor the lot, issue tickets, maintain equipment, and serve as light security. The pay ranges from $11-21 an hour and typically has a lot of downtime, which you can use to read, work on another side hustle, do classwork, or learn a new skill. 15. Babysitters and CaregiversOne of my first jobs was babysitting at night; I’m sure many of you can say the same. But babysitting and overnight caregiving isn’t just for teenagers. Hiring someone with more experience and a valid driver’s license might be necessary. This is especially true if you are caring for someone with mobility issues, as you may need to be physically able to support them. 16. Airport StaffAnother industry that has various part-time night roles is the airport. Someone has to be there for those late-night and early-morning flights. You could work in a food kiosk, as a customer service agent, as a baggage handler, cleaning or security. It all depends on your skills, qualifications, and interests. 17. Anything You Can Do OnlineAnything you do online to make money can be considered a part-time night job. Freelance writing, virtual assisting, web design… the possibilities are endless, really. The caveat is that not all avenues are created equally. Gig roles can be one-off projects that are few and far between, or you might find someone who always has work available. The advantages are that you can work from home, set your own hours (so you’re not limited to only working at night), and control how many projects you take on. The downsides are that they can be inconsistent, hard to find, and rarely offer job security. But if you find something that works, it’s a win-win! Part-Time Jobs Beyond 9 to 5Night jobs are often identical to day jobs except for the hours you work. Although they have full-time counterparts, third-shift workers are usually paid a little more for working at less desirable times. So, if you can make the schedule work, take advantage of the opportunity to earn a higher wage. Work From Home Jobs at AmazonThere are quite a few different full-time, part-time, and side hustle work-from-home jobs with Amazon. You could be a seasonal customer service rep, sell items on Amazon, or trade-in used items for a little extra. WFH Without an Upfront InvestmentSome work-from-home opportunities require you to spend money on buying the right tools or equipment. This upfront investment can be a barrier to some or just too risky for others. Here’s our list of WFH jobs you can start today with the tools and skills you already have. Via https://mylifeiguess.com/part-time-night-jobs/ Between paying bills, buying groceries, and saving for retirement, we could also use a little more money each month. One of the simplest ways to free up a little room in our budgets is to stop wasting money on things we don’t actually need. 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. Here are 22 things my family and I stopped buying, and so should you. 1. Brand NamesStop paying a premium for brand names when the generic version is just as good and, in some cases, even better. There are regulations in place regarding medication and food. That name-brand sugar was made the same way as the store-brand sugar. It might even have come from the exact same manufacturer. Medication is the same. My pharmacist often swaps out our medication for the generic version if that’s what our insurance company will cover or is the more affordable option for anything out-of-pocket. 2. BooksI was running errands last weekend and impulsively stopped at Barnes & Noble. As I was wandering around somewhat aimlessly, I realized I was there trying to find something to buy, just for the sake of buying something. My bookcase already had several books I picked up “just because” and haven’t read. Plus, I have a library card and my kids love reading, too. So I left the store empty-handed and took the whole family to the library the next day. The added bonus of seeing my kids sitting with a book instead of an iPad was the perfect finishing touch. 3. MoviesThe days when people had shelves full of DVDs in their living rooms are long gone. Streaming services have made buying movies obsolete. We pay $8/month for Disney+ and have Prime Video included with our Amazon Prime account. These two platforms have more than enough movies and TV shows to keep us all entertained – but there are dozens of free places to watch movies online these days. My TV even comes with dozens of free channels now! 4. Cleaning SuppliesNo, my house isn’t always dirty! We save money by making our own cleaners, refilling our hand soaps, and buying products that last a long time. A 4L jug of vinegar is under $5, lasts for months, and cleans a lot better than a lot of those commercial products. I’m also not worried about using it around my son or our dogs, who always have to watch what I’m doing around the house. 5. Body WashWe don’t buy body wash for several reasons. My daughter and I have sensitive skin, and the packaging is made of plastic, which we are trying to avoid. Instead, we buy soap made locally in our area once a year that has better ingredients, lasts a lot longer, has less waste, and costs $2 instead of $10 or more. 6. Kitchen GadgetsMy countertops and cabinets are cluttered with kitchen gadgets that we’ve used only a handful of times, like the toaster oven I bought and regretted almost right away. We already have a toaster, a microwave, an air fryer, and a full oven—what could this toaster oven do that wasn’t already covered by one of these other appliances? It’s now become an expensive $115 bread box/dust collector. 7. Separate MealsMy husband and I don’t order delivery or takeout very often. When we do, though, we usually order two meals and split it up between us and our two young kids. Depending on the restaurant, portions can be way too big. Nobody has to eat all of that food at once. So we spend less money and eat less. 8. Fancy DrinksI really enjoy a fancy cup of coffee. But do I like how much it costs? NOPE! Making coffee at home is literally mentioned anytime the topic of saving money comes up. But several other drinks also aren’t worth the price. A nice, cold, bubbly soda sounds good almost everywhere we go, but why spend $3 for one serving when I can buy 2L for $2? And why are you paying for bottled water? Or $15 for a smoothie? Yes, these are all delicious treats – so make them at home. 9. Convenience FoodsAs a mom, I’ve learned not to leave the house without food. Being “hangry” runs in the family! It just costs too much to buy snacks all the time. Instead, when we are going somewhere, I pack snacks and peanut butter sandwiches. The amount of stress it saves is more beneficial than the money – trust me. 10. Bank FeesBank fees really bother me. When I was struggling financially, getting hit with $25 in bank fees for overdrawing my account was gut-wrenching and frustrating. I didn’t have money, so you’re charging me more money? How does that make sense? My finances are much better now, but those fees still irritate me. When I was first dating my now-husband and found out he was paying $19/month just for having a checking account with his bank, I immediately made him switch to one with no fees. That’s $228 he didn’t have to spend. And neither do you. 11. Too Much InsuranceWhen my second child was born, I was very fortunate to be able to work from home part-time rather than returning to the office. This reduced our childcare bill substantially, but it also reduced my car insurance, as I was no longer commuting for an hour every day. My rate went down by just over $30/month or $360/year. When my sister’s job turned remote, her car insurance went down by $48/month, saving her $576 each year. I know that insurance paperwork is dull and sometimes confusing, but spending a few hours reviewing things could save you hundreds. 12. Extra Cell Phone DataOn that same note, what does your data plan look like compared to what you use? If you work from home, you’re almost always connected to Wi-Fi, so do you really need ten gigs of data? I was barely using one gig, so I changed my plan and now only pay for what I use. 13. Brand-New ClothesKids don’t need brand-new clothes, and I’ve learned that neither do I. I’m not a trendsetter and have no desire to be one. By not following trends, we save money. When you buy used things, you save money and help the environment. Consignment sales and Facebook Marketplace have no doubt saved me thousands, and no one but me knows that our clothes didn’t come from a store. But don’t be like me and overdo it just because it’s cheap. My two have more clothes than they need to get through elementary school. 14. Brand-New ToysWith birthdays and Christmas, we don’t need to buy our kids toys. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins have that area more than covered already. Our library also lends out toys and board games, which I admittendlty forgot about. Borrowing toys and games means we can change them up every few weeks, which keeps my kids from getting bored of them. 15. Baby GearNow that our baby is a toddler, we don’t need as much “gear” as we used to. And because he is our second, we already had a lot of baby clothes, accessories, and supplies that we used with his sister, so we didn’t have to buy anything new. As he outgrows things, we are passing along these things to our friend’s children, who can still get a lot of use out of them. 16. Cheap MakeupCheap makeup is usually cheap for a reason. Because you have to use more of it to get the full effect, you use up the whole thing faster than you would with a better product. And the chemicals used can be really bad for you, too. That said, you don’t need high-end expensive makeup, either. Store brands are the happy medium here. Or, if you don’t wear a lot of make-up like me, I’ll spend a little on my favorite mascara but buy everything else from Target. 17. JewelryUnless you frequent galas and formal events, you don’t really need a lot of jewelry. I’d rather have a few pieces of high-quality jewelry that I actually wear than dozens of pieces that sit in a box on my dresser. 18. Lottery TicketsDo you know anyone who’s actually won the lottery? I don’t mean winning a free ticket or $50, either. I’m talking about life-changing amounts. My parent’s next-door neighbor won $25,000 a few years ago, and they are the only lottery winners I know. Admittedly, I will turn to scratch tickets when I’m looking for a quick gift idea for a coworker, but according to Jonathan Cohen, author of For a Dollar and a Dream: State Lotteries in Modern America, 1 in 8 Americans buys lottery tickets every week. Most of whom are lower-income. If you spend $10 a week playing the lottery, that’s $520 you could have used for something else. 19. Home DecorWhen you have kids or pets, spending money on home decor doesn’t make much sense. So I’ve stopped buying new home decor to save money. I instead use what I already have to decorate, which includes all my kid’s arts and crafts projects. But even if you don’t have kids who destroy your home, you don’t need to spend a lot on home decor. Thrift stores are your best friend for knickknacks (especially if you give them a fresh coat of paint). Better yet, use nature to decorate with things like fresh flowers, pinecones, and seashells. 20. LightbulbsWhen we moved into our new house, we slowly switched to LED bulbs. There was the initial cost to buy the LED bulbs, but we have saved money by using them. They last a lot longer than regular bulbs and use less energy. 21. Cheap Toilet Paper or Paper TowelOnce, I made the mistake of buying cheap toilet paper. We went through that 12-pack so fast because the sheets were too thin, and the rolls didn’t have much on them to start. So I sat down one day and did the “toilet paper math” to figure out once and for all which was the best way to go. Then I did the same for paper towels. I no longer stand in the aisle for far too long trying to divide X amount of sheets by X amount of rolls. I know what the best deal is and stock up even more when it’s on sale. 22. Candles and Air FreshenersWhen you burn candles and spray air fresheners, chemicals enter the air, which you breathe in. Clearly, that’s not good for your lungs, so we stopped buying them. It’s also a fire hazard I’d rather avoid. I use baking soda or vinegar to absorb bad smells, open my windows as much as I can, and simmer cinnamon sticks or rosemary instead. It smells so good! Don’t Throw Your Money AwayOnce you cut these 22 items out of your budget, you won’t miss them. Instead, you’ll have more money to spend on your needs and whatever is important to you, and less clutter around the house, too. So what have you cut out of the budget that has saved you money? Save the Planet (And Money) With a Zero Waste HomeIn case you couldn’t tell, I’m trying to reduce the amount of waste my family and I create and am striving to become a zero-waste home. It’s better the environment, but is also better for our budget. Save More at WalmartYou’ve probably shopped at Walmart before. And why not? It’s a great place to save money on groceries, clothes, and other items, but there are ways to save even more money at Walmart. Covering everything from shopping tips to ways to reduce your expenses, you will keep more money in your pocket. Via https://mylifeiguess.com/stop-wasting-money/ Failure is often viewed as a negative setback that can demotivate and discourage us from pursuing our goals. However, failing is normal. If we embrace it, it can also be an opportunity for growth. The most successful people in the world have experienced failure at some point in their lives. Stephen King’s Carrie was rejected by publishes thirty times. Oprah was fired from her first job as a TV news anchor. Walt Disney was also fired from a newspaper for lacking creativity. What sets them apart is that they learned from their mistakes and turned those setbacks into success. Learning from your failures and applying those hard-won lessons can do the same for you. So, instead of fearing failure, learn from it. The Importance of Embracing FailureEmbracing failure doesn’t mean we should try to fail or celebrate it when it happens. Instead, it means that failure shouldn’t always be a negative experience we try to avoid at all costs. We should view it as a natural part of the learning process and reflect on what went wrong and how we can improve moving forward. Failure Builds ResilienceWhen we experience failure, it can be easy to feel discouraged and give up. However, if we learn to view it as a temporary setback rather than a permanent defeat, we can develop the resilience we need to bounce back and continue pursuing our goals. Failure Sparks CreativityWhen things don’t go as planned, we are forced to think outside the box and come up with new solutions. It can lead to breakthroughs and advancements we may not have otherwise discovered. Failure Helps Us GrowInstead of viewing our abilities and intelligence as fixed traits, a growth mindset allows us to see them as something we can develop through dedication, hard work, and learning. It takes time, but as we grow, we view challenges and setbacks differently, perhaps even positively. Learning From FailureYou don’t want to repeat the same process and fail again. A plan helps you reflect, analyze, and make necessary changes to learn from failure. Accept ResponsibilityWhen you fail, it can be tempting to blame external factors or other people. However, accepting responsibility for your actions and decisions is crucial to avoid making the same mistakes. Remove BarriersThat said, sometimes, your failure is caused by someone or something else. A horrible boss might set you up to fail, or your business partner might steal all your money, causing you to lose your business. It won’t always be easy, but removing these barriers and toxic relationships from your life will help you get back on track. Analyze What Went WrongTake the time to analyze what went wrong and identify the root cause of your failure. What can you learn from the experience? How can you improve going forward? What should you have done differently? Seek FeedbackSeek feedback from others you trust. Doing so can help you gain an objective perspective on what went wrong and how to improve. Ask them what you need to change to make it work, and consider following their advice. Make a Plan For ImprovementBased on your analysis and feedback, create an improvement plan. This plan should include specific actions you will take to avoid similar failures, such as learning new skills or dedicating more time to your objective. Implement Your PlanOnce you have a plan, do it. Depending on your situation, it may involve making serious changes to your behaviors or habits or seeking additional help from your peers or mentors. Or it could simply mean setting your alarm clock and using this extra time to work on it. Challenge YourselfInstead of avoiding challenges, consider them valuable ways to grow personally and professionally. Challenge yourself to try new things and take on tasks that may be outside of your comfort zone. Be Kind to YourselfWhen you experience setbacks, treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Beating yourself up accomplishes nothing, so be compassionate. Think about what you would say to support a friend if they were in your situation, and say that to yourself. Celebrate Small Wins Along the WayWe often get so focused on the long-term objectives that we overlook the small steps we take. Instead of solely focusing on outcomes and results, shift your attention to the effort you put in and your progress. Here are some ideas to recognize and celebrate small wins:
Get SupportExperiencing failure isn’t easy, especially if it’s a significant one. Breaking up or getting a divorce, losing your job, failing a class, or getting into legal trouble can all substantially change your life. You don’t have to face these obstacles alone, nor should you. It can be tempting to withdraw from everyone; however, this can be counterproductive and hinder your ability to learn from the experience. You can’t do everything alone. There is strength in asking for help when dealing with a failure. Don’t be afraid to get the support you need. The Value of a Strong NetworkPart of building a strong support network is cultivating relationships with people with similar values and goals. This could include friends, family members, colleagues, or mentors. A support system of people who understand and believe in your potential can encourage and motivate you to keep moving forward. Another strategy is to seek out resources and communities that specialize in helping individuals learn from failure. This could include attending workshops or conferences, joining support groups or online communities, or hiring a coach or therapist. These resources can provide valuable insights and tools for navigating the challenges of failure, and many are free or low-cost. Failure is Not the EndFailure can be a valuable learning experience if we choose to embrace it rather than fear it. By adopting a growth mindset and committing to learning from our setbacks, we can use failure as a gateway to success. Strategies such as reflection, seeking support, and celebrating progress can all help us move forward and learn from our mistakes. Failure is not the end result; it’s a necessary part of life. So, the next time you encounter failure, take a moment to think about what happened and what you learned, and then use that knowledge towards your success. Failure is normal. It’s what you do after it that counts. Related Articles
Via https://mylifeiguess.com/embrace-failure/ One of your main goals as a couple should be to manage your money. Whether you have a joint account or separate accounts, making money together can help you improve your finances. Imagine the possibilities of creating a side business as a couple – one that generates extra income and brings you two closer together. The best part? You don’t need loads of experience or a hefty investment to get started. And most of them you can do from home (or the beach, or a remote cabin in the woods, anywhere really!). Here we unveil a collection of side hustle ideas tailor-made for couples like you. 1. Take PicturesIf you want to do something fun, why not offer photography services for events like birthdays and weddings? Picture one of you capturing the perfect shots while the other arranges props and tools, creating an enchanting visual experience. This collaborative approach reduces the stress that often accompanies solo photography gigs. Sharing the workload makes the entire experience more enjoyable and not complete chaos. Plus, your combined efforts will result in exceptional photographs and happy clients. Or, spend your weekends together exploring and taking pictures. But instead of posting them on Instagram, sell them on stock photo sites. 2. Dog Walking or Pet SittingYes, you can get paid to take care of other people’s adorable furry friends. Pet owners often require assistance when they’re out of town for work or tied up with busy schedules, leaving their furry pals in need of some TLC until they return. You and your partner can turn these into fun dates, stroll through the park, play fetch, and provide love and care to these adorable companions. 3. House-SitSometimes, those petting-sitting gigs include house-sitting, too. As a couple, you get paid to look after other people’s homes (which may include pets and plants), and you can treat it as a little vacation. In a way, it’s like you’re getting paid to stay in an Airbnb and keep it clean rather than being charged extra fees for not folding the laundry right. A friend of mine house-sat with his wife for a full year. They got paid to live in a mansion—plus they didn’t have to pay rent. Although most house-sitting jobs won’t be this profitable, you can make good money with smaller jobs, too. All you have to do is keep the home in shape. 4. Open a Food TruckIf you have the start-up money, hit the road with your very own food truck! This exciting business opportunity allows couples to serve up mouthwatering and innovative creations, ranging from gourmet burgers to artisanal ice cream and fusion cuisine. As a couple, you can unleash your creativity and collaborate on developing a menu that truly reflects your culinary vision, all while building a successful business. Catering events is also a potential avenue to earn some money with your kitchen on wheels. 5. Sell Cakes and PastriesSome of us were lucky enough to learn how to bake from our parents or even grandparents when we were kids. If you or your partner know how to make tasty cakes, pies, or pastries, you could make money as a couple by selling them. No expensive food truck is required. As long as you have the basic tools and follow local health, safety, and licensing regulations, you can run a bakery out of your kitchen. You can sell your treats to your neighbors and coworkers or online to people in your community. 6. Get Into Real EstateYou don’t need a million dollars to invest in real estate. You can make money by investing in a “real estate investment trust.” This lets you buy shares in a group of properties, which helps you make money passively as the value of the properties goes up. Owning an Airbnb or two and monetizing short-term rentals is another option. By transforming your properties into inviting accommodations, you can earn income from travelers looking for a place to stay. 7. Help Out HomeownersIf owning real estate is out of reach or not a venture you’re interested in, work for homeowners and investors instead. Many people want to hire someone to plant and take care of their gardens, mow lawns, clean, fix things, or do odd jobs around their homes. If you know how to do the job well and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, start by helping with friends and family. Once you start getting good reviews, you’ll get more clients. 8. Get a TruckHow many times have you wished you knew someone with a truck to help you move or bring your old junk to a donation center or the dump? You and your partner can become the reliable and dependable friends with a truck you’ve always wished for! When you own your own truck, you’re in the driver’s seat of your earning potential and the master of your operation. Just remember to consider operating costs like fuel, maintenance, insurance, and any licenses or permits you might need. Running a hauling business requires top-notch time management and organization skills. Plan your jobs strategically, so you can maximize your earnings while still enjoying your personal time. 9. Flip FurnitureOne of the best side jobs for handy couples is flipping furniture. You can buy a piece of furniture from a neighbor or thrift store, fix it up or change it into something else, and then sell it for a good price. Refinishing, reupholstering, repainting, or repurposing – the goal is to breathe new life into the furniture and create a unique and desirable piece. Working together as a team, you can leverage each other’s strengths, such as one person focusing on repairs while the other handles the creative aspects, streamlining the process and maximizing efficiency. If you know what you are doing, this can be a very good way to make money. 10. Become ResellersFlipping furniture isn’t the only way to make good money reselling. If you have things at home that you no longer need, fix them up and put a price tag on them. Spend your weekends browsing flea markets and garage sales for resellable items that are in good shape. Try selling your stuff on popular websites like Craigslist or eBay. Most people go to these sites to find used things for a fair price. 11. Sell on AmazonAmazon has made it so much easier to reach hundreds of thousands of customers all over the world. Once you have a product that people want to buy, you could make a lot of money selling it from your home (since the entire transaction takes place online). You don’t need a lot of money to start a business selling things on Amazon, which is a plus. The trick is finding something that people want. As long as you have an in-demand item, you will always have customers. According to Jungle Scout, 48% of Amazon sellers make at least $1,000 in sales per month, with 11% making more than $25,000. 12. Print-On-DemandBy creating and designing products such as T-shirts, pants, and socks, you can leverage online platforms like Etsy or Shopify to reach a wide customer base and sell these designs. The beauty of a print-on-demand business is that you focus on the creative process and building your brand while the printing company handles the production, printing, and shipping logistics. This allows you to invest time and energy in designing unique and appealing products without worrying about inventory management or fulfillment. When a customer purchases an item from your online store, the printing company deducts their costs from the sale price. For example, if your T-shirt is priced at $10 and printing and shipping costs $5.50, you would earn a profit of $4.50 per T-shirt sold. 13. Open a Shop on EtsyIf you and your partner are crafty and know how to make things like candles, face masks, spice mixes, or wine koozies, you can sell them on Etsy and make money. Tens of thousands of successful shops sell different things on the platform (both physical and digital products). Once you sign up for free on the platform, build your store and add photos of your products. If a customer likes a certain item, they can buy it right away. Yes, that means you can make sales even when you’re asleep. Etsy makes the whole thing easy and has a large, established customer base. If you have kids, get them in on this initiative, too, and make it a family activity. 14. Open a Personalized Gift ShopSelling your work isn’t limited to Etsy. Create with your partner and offer customized gift items like engraved jewelry, hand-etched glassware, monogrammed accessories, or personalized home décor. You can sell them on Etsy or your own website or hit up vendor markets and set up a table. Together you can channel your artistic talents into crafting one-of-a-kind gifts that leave a lasting impression. From birthdays to anniversaries and special occasions, you’ll help customers express their love and appreciation through thoughtful items made just for them. 15. Be a Camp CounselorEmbrace the great outdoors and become the ultimate campground hosts! If you two love nature, becoming camp counselors is an exciting opportunity. You and your partner can divide responsibilities and take turns being in charge, making it a flexible and enjoyable experience. You’ll both have time to soak in the serene surroundings and savor the campsite lifestyle away from all the noise. While the job is seasonal, you’ll help your camper make new friends and create lifelong memories amidst nature’s beauty. 16. Tutor TogetherWorking with students of all ages and helping them learn something new is rewarding in itself, but it can also pay well. Especially if you can double up. Offer group tutoring sessions together (online or offline) or tutor siblings separately in their homes. What you teach can be anything from learning the piano or guitar to test preparation or learning a new language. 17. Sell Courses OnlineTurn your shared knowledge into an online course and sell it to thousands of people. People all over the world are willing to pay for good education and online courses. Almost anything can be turned into a course. For example, you can take your love for adventure and create an exhilarating course on outdoor survival skills. Or, you can invite the world into your kitchen and teach aspiring chefs how to create mouthwatering dishes inspired by different cuisines. Once you’ve made your course, host and sell it on popular sites like Udemy, Teachable, and Thinkific. 18. Start BloggingSimilarly, you and your partner can start a blog together where you write about your favorite things. Blogs are a great way to make money because you can monetize your site and your content in so many different ways. From ads, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing to selling digital products or offering consulting services, the potential for financial success is as vast as your imagination. I know lots of couples who blog together full-time and part-time. One writes while the other edits or one person handles the tech issues while the other manages your email. 19. Start a Channel on YouTubeMaking videos for YouTube is a dynamic and captivating way to share your ideas, just like writing a blog. In fact, you can turn your blog posts into videos, expanding the monetization potential of your blog in yet another way. But you have to be able to make content that is interesting or useful if you want more people to watch it and subscribe to your channel. You make more money the more views and subscribers you get. As a couple, you have the unique advantage of showcasing your shared experiences and perspectives, providing viewers with authentic and relatable content that resonates. 20. Make Content for Social Media SitesYouTube is not the only platform where the two of you can make money from your videos or live streams. Many couples make funny videos of themselves doing everyday things and post them online using Instagram and TikTok. If you aren’t shy, why not try it? When one of your videos goes viral, or your page gets popular, you can start making a lot of money by advertising and promoting brands. Brands will be eager to collaborate with you, offering sponsored partnerships, product promotions, and endorsements. And if it doesn’t, you have hilarious “home-movies” of your time together. Tie it in with your blog and YouTube channel, and you have a powerful and multi-faceted online presence! 21. Start a PodcastPodcasting presents yet another avenue for you and your partner to monetize your shared interests and perspectives. Start an engaging podcast about your relationship, discuss topics that hold significance for both of you or (once again) repurpose your existing blog posts into podcast episodes; this medium offers a unique and intimate way to connect with your audience. Just like with a blog or a YouTube video, by incorporating strategic ad placements within your podcast episodes, you can earn revenue based on the number of listeners and the reach of your show. 22. Social Media ManagementFor shy couples looking to make money online, give social media management some thought. You can make up to $25 per hour by helping small business owners run their social media pages, and you don’t have to be in front of the camera dancing. All you have to do is make content (posts on social media), upload them, interact with the people who follow you, and maybe answer potential clients. This can be a lot easier if you and your partner work together. The more creative person can be in charge of making posts, and the more detail-oriented one can be in charge of publishing them. 23. Design WebsitesAnother great side hustle for couples with similar interests but different skill sets is web design. The creative partner can make the site and its branding look great, while the more technical partner can code and customize the site so it runs perfectly. Earn Additional Income TogetherFrom starting a food truck to offering personalized gifts, the key to success is to find a side job that resonates with both your interests and skills. From there, you can learn from each other, support each other, and grow closer as a couple, all while earning some extra money. So, find something that excites you, take the leap, and enjoy building a thriving side business that lays the foundation for a wealthy future together. 300 Side Hustle and Small Business IdeasCan’t find the right side hustle for you and your partner? This massive list of over 300 side hustle ideas will surely inspire you! Whatever small business idea you decide to pursue, I hope the extra income is exactly what you need to improve your finances together. How to Decide What Side Hustle to Start?There are literally hundreds of ways to make extra money. You could start a blog, babysit, or sell unused household items at a garage sale. But the best side hustle or business for you to start is one that fits your lifestyle and is something you can commit to without sacrificing your other priorities. How you answer these 15 questions will help you decide which side hustle is the best one for you (and your family). Via https://mylifeiguess.com/small-business-ideas-for-couples/ Constructive criticism and feedback are vital to any partnership. While we traditionally think of them in a workplace setting, they can also be applied in our personal lives. When used intentionally to encourage a positive and collaborative atmosphere, it is a valuable tool for personal growth and success. What is Constructive Criticism?Constructive criticism is a form of feedback that aims to help the recipient improve. It is not intended to be hostile or destructive but focuses on areas for improvement and provides specific, actionable recommendations. Constructive criticism is given respectfully and positively to help someone develop and grow. Constructive Criticism vs. Destructive CriticismConversely, destructive criticism (negative feedback) is often harsh and focuses on what someone did wrong or poorly. It can be demotivating, cause negative feelings, or affect an individual’s self-esteem. Common destructive criticism tactics include being nitpicky, criticizing people in public, and focusing only on the negative aspects of a situation. While destructive criticism may point out flaws, it does not offer solutions or ways to improve and can make the individual feel personally attacked. This makes the approach completely unproductive and harmful to encouraging a favorable and trustworthy environment. When is Constructive Criticism Appropriate?Constructive criticism is appropriate anytime you want to help someone improve. This could be at work, school, or even in personal relationships. Some common examples of when constructive criticism may be beneficial include:
Benefits of Constructive CriticismThere are many potential benefits to giving and receiving feedback constructively:
9 Tips for Giving Constructive Criticism1. Focus on the SituationFeedback should not focus on a person’s character but on a specific situation or behavior. This avoids personal attacks and allows for an objective discussion. 2. Use “I” StatementsUsing “I” statements instead of “you” statements can significantly affect how the recipient receives feedback. For example, saying, “I noticed that there were some errors in your presentation,” rather than “You made a lot of mistakes in your presentation,” can make the recipient feel less attacked and more open to receiving feedback. 3. Be Specific and Provide ExamplesConstructive criticism should be specific and consider giving real-time examples to back it up. This helps the recipient understand what areas need improvement and provides a clear starting point for change. Instead of saying, “Your presentation was boring,” which is vague and unhelpful, try, “I found it challenging to stay engaged during your presentation. For example, when discussing the quarterly sales figures, I felt your tone was consistently flat, making it hard for me to feel excited about the data.” 4. Offer Solutions or SuggestionsInstead of just pointing out flaws, offer solutions or suggestions for how the recipient can improve. This shows that you are invested in their growth and development, preventing them from feeling lost or overwhelmed. Following the example above, you could add, “Adding more variation and enthusiasm to your delivery could make the presentation more engaging for the audience, including myself.” 5. Approach the Problem with a Collaborative MindsetConstructive criticism should be collaborative rather than a one-sided conversation. Allow the recipient to share their thoughts and perspectives and work together to develop solutions or action plans for improvement. This should include asking questions about what they think went well and what could be improved. And if they have any feedback or solutions in mind already. 6. Keep It FriendlyThe tone of your voice, body language, and the words you choose can make a big difference in how your feedback is received. Keep it friendly, empathetic, and positive, even when addressing areas for improvement. Doing so will help prevent the recipient from feeling defensive or upset. 7. Never Make AssumptionsConstructive criticism should be based on facts and observations, not assumptions or personal opinions. This allows for more effective feedback. 8. Follow UpFollowing up with the recipient after you deliver constructive criticism is essential to see how they are doing and if any improvements have been made. It shows that you care about their progress (and aren’t just picking on them) and encourages continued growth. 9. Start and End on a Positive NoteStarting and ending feedback on a positive note with praise (known as a feedback sandwich) can increase motivation and encourage continued improvement. That is, as long as it doesn’t feel forced or distract from the original message. For example, “I wanted to start by saying how impressed I am with your recent presentation. Your thorough research and clear communication really stood out. I noticed there were a few minor formatting issues in the report. Paying closer attention to these details will make your work even more polished. But overall, your dedication and professionalism shine through, and I’m confident you’ll continue to excel.” Recognizing strengths and progress alongside areas for growth shows balance and encourages individuals to keep growing. 10 Tips to Receive Constructive Criticism1. Listen CarefullyWhen receiving feedback, it is crucial to actively listen and pay attention to what is being said. This shows respect for the person giving feedback and allows for a better understanding of the areas that need improvement. Listening without reacting or interrupting with arguments also allows for a more productive conversation. 2. Ask Questions and ClarifyIf something is unclear or you need more information, don’t be afraid to ask questions for clarification. This shows that you are genuinely interested in understanding and improving. 3. Don’t Take It PersonallyRemember that constructive criticism is not meant to critique or be a personal attack on your character. Instead, it is an opportunity for change. Try to separate your emotions from the feedback and focus on the specific behavior or situation discussed. This can be easier said than done, but avoiding defensiveness with the right mindset is possible. 4. Consider the SourceJust as there are good ways to give constructive criticism, there are also ineffective ways. Before taking any comments to heart, consider the intentions of the person giving specific feedback and their relationship with you. If you wouldn’t go to them for advice, don’t go to them for feedback. 5. Take Time to ReflectAfter receiving feedback, take some time to reflect on what was said and consider how you can apply it. This also allows any initial emotional reactions to subside before responding or taking action. 6. Say Thank YouIt is important to show gratitude for feedback, even if it is difficult to hear. It shows appreciation for the time and effort the person took to provide constructive criticism and encourages them to continue giving feedback in the future. 7. Keep an Open MindBe open-minded when receiving constructive criticism, even if it may be difficult or uncomfortable. Remember that no one is perfect; there is always room for improvement. 8. Focus on the PositiveInstead of dwelling on the negative aspects of feedback, try to focus on the positive aspects. This can include recognizing your strengths or progress made alongside areas for improvement. 9. Follow-UpSimilar to giving feedback, follow up after receiving feedback to showcase progress or discuss any challenges faced. This also allows you to ask for feedback continually to allow for continued growth and development in the future. 10. Use Honest Feedback as a Learning OpportunityConstructive criticism is an opportunity to learn and improve, so take advantage of it. Use the feedback to set goals and make positive personal and professional development changes. Examples of Constructive Criticism That WorkAre employees missing details or making mistakes repeatedly?Consider providing employee feedback, saying, “I noticed a few errors in your work. Can we go through them together and discuss how to avoid similar mistakes in the future? You are great at keeping up with deadlines, but I wonder if a checklist or a reminder system might help you stay on track with certain details.” Is your colleague constantly interrupting others during meetings?Instead of saying, “You always cut people off, and it’s rude,” try saying, “I’ve noticed that you tend to speak over others during meetings. Can we work together to find ways for everyone to have a chance to share their thoughts?” Do you have a team member who is not meeting deadlines?Rather than saying, “You’re always late with your work,” try saying, “I’ve noticed that you haven’t met the last few deadlines. Is there any particular part of the workflow you’re struggling with? Can we discuss ways to improve your time management to meet these deadlines in the future? Is a friend consistently showing up late for scheduled plans?Try saying, “I’ve noticed that you often arrive later than planned. It can be frustrating for me when I’m left waiting. Is there anything I can do to help, or is there a reason for the lateness we can address together?” Does a friend often cancel plans at the last minute?Instead of saying, “You’re so flaky,” try, “I’ve noticed that you sometimes have to cancel our plans last minute. Is there something we can do to make sure we can follow through on our commitments together?” Does a partner struggle with communicating effectively in a relationship?Instead of saying, “You never listen to me,” try saying, “I feel like sometimes our communication could be better. Can we work on actively listening and addressing each other’s concerns respectfully?” As you can see from these examples, constructive criticism focuses on specific behaviors or actions rather than generalizing or attacking someone’s character. It also offers potential solutions and invites collaboration rather than placing blame. By following these tips and using practical examples of constructive criticism, you can create a positive feedback culture that encourages continual growth and development for everyone involved. Related Articles:
Via https://mylifeiguess.com/constructive-criticism/ Your skillset determines a lot about your life. From the type of job you thrive in to the relationships you make, it influences the challenges and opportunities you’ll encounter. Like how your attention to detail makes you the go-to for anything involving spreadsheets. Or how that impressive memory of yours means everyone wants you on their trivia team. Leaning into whatever your strengths are can make life easier and more enjoyable. By identifying your skills, you can make better choices about what career path to take and what sort of life you want to live — be it raising a family on a quiet farm or pursuing a modeling career in New York City. It’s not always easy to recognize what you are good at, though. Especially when the skill comes naturally to you. But when it comes to things like writing a resume or successfully organizing your life, you need to know! Learn how to identify your skills with these ten expert tips. 1. What skills has life taught you?Everything we do in life requires skills. Getting a dog teaches you responsibility. Learning how to drive teaches you to pay attention and think proactively. Raising children forces you to develop patience and time management skills. And this is just a small sample of all the skills we develop just from living our lives. We develop our skills whenever we cook, pay bills, or even use our cell phones or computers. So, think about your everyday life and analyze what skills you have learned. 2. What do you like doing?How you spend your time tells you a lot about your skills. So what do you do in your free time? Are you more likely to be working on a project around the house or meeting up with friends for drinks? Tackling those DIY projects suggests you have skills in problem-solving, creativity, and hands-on craftsmanship while socializing with friends showcases your interpersonal, communication, and networking abilities. 3. What are you passionate about?Similarly, think about your interests and passions. What would you like to do if you had the time, money, and resources? You know, that whole “what would you do if you didn’t have to work” mentality. Your choice can help you determine your skills. For example, if you have a passion for photography, it might highlight your attention to detail, creativity, and possibly even technical skills. Or, if you’re enthusiastic about community service or volunteering, it could indicate excellent interpersonal skills, teamwork, and empathy. 4. What did you do when you were younger?Think back to what interested you when you were younger. Did you spend time drawing and coloring or building LEGO houses? Or did you prefer playing outside in the mud, studying the different bugs and plants? After school, were you at football or band practice? Although your interests change over time, your past can give you clues about your natural skills. I’ve been writing in one way or another for most of my life. Those little stories I wrote as a kid and the blog I started in high school undoubtedly led me to my current career as a writer and editor for major media outlets. Likewise, the things you dreaded as a kid can indicate skills you probably don’t have. You might not have strong collaboration skills if you hated group projects or team sports. Or if you preferred structured activities (like solving math problems or following step-by-step instructions) versus imaginative ones (like storytelling or playing make-believe), you may be more logical than creative. 5. What do other people say?It’s hard to judge yourself. Having a perfectly organized and labeled kitchen pantry might seem normal to you, but most of us aren’t that organized. The people in your life know you and, therefore, know your talents. Your close friends and family can help you pinpoint skills you might not realize you have. We are often too hard on ourselves and downplay our best qualities. But others see us for who we are. If you asked my mom, I’m sure she would tell you I’d still be writing today. So, ask trusted colleagues, family, friends, or mentors for feedback on your skills and areas of expertise. You may be pleasantly surprised by what they say. 6. What skills did your education and training teach you?Hopefully your education taught you plenty of different skills. While I doubt you need to know quadratic equations and Shakespeare sonnets in your day to day life, school taught you a lot of valuable skills. These include:
If you went to college, you would have learned skills related to your major, such as:
You can also take plenty of training courses to develop your skills, ranging from first aid training to public speaking to conflict resolution classes. Thanks to YouTube videos and online tutorials, learning skills on your own – like setting up a WordPress site or re-tiling your bathroom – has never been easier. Just because you didn’t learn it in a classroom doesn’t mean it isn’t valuable. The skills you learn from your side hustles and hobbies count, too. 7. What skills are part of your industry?Look at job descriptions for jobs like yours and the LinkedIn profiles of your peers within your field. What skills were mentioned? It could be soft skills like adaptability, imagination, and punctuality or hard skills like carpentry, video editing, and network security. Your skills and experience may not be exactly the same, but they should align with them. If there’s anything you’re missing, that’s something you’ll want to address. Can you take online classes or training programs your employer offers to learn the new skill? 8. What are your job responsibilities?Make a list of your responsibilities in each of your previous jobs. This will help you understand the scope of your work and the skills they taught you. For example, if you worked as a Sales Representative, your responsibilities may include:
Or, for an Administrative Assistant:
Don’t forget about the specific hard skills you have learned. These may include:
Knowing how to use these tools and programs will give you a competitive edge, so they’re equally important to identify. 9. What have you accomplished?While you revisit your previous job duties, consider the specific accomplishments you achieved in each role. These might include meeting or exceeding targets, implementing new processes or systems, or leading successful projects. Then, figure out what skills you used to accomplish these things. Was there a lot of decision-making involved? Were you in charge of a team? Did you have strict deadlines to follow? Personal accomplishments can also unveil a lot about your abilities. Achieving a goal like running a marathon demonstrates commitment. Fundraising for the local animal shelter shows compassion. Launching a side business exemplifies entrepreneurship and resourcefulness. These are all skills employers love to see on your resume. 10. Have you tried taking a personality test?Numerous free online skill assessment tools offer quizzes, tests, or interactive exercises to help you identify and quantify your skills. Personality tests like the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Strong Interest Inventory (SII) are designed to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. While they aren’t perfect, they can provide insights into your preferences and character traits. Even those silly BuzzFeed quizzes might reveal some admirable quirks you have! So What Are You Skilled At?Your unique set of skills shapes your entire life. The things you learn through daily experiences, formal education, and your hobbies contribute to your success. So take the time to reflect on your life, seek feedback from those who know you best, and use the available tools to identify what exactly your skills are. In the end, you should have a long list of all of the things that you excel at. Armed with this self-awareness, you can make informed choices, whether steering your career path or shaping the kind of life you aspire to lead. You are an incredibly talented person! Don’t be afraid to embrace your potential and thrive in life, not just survive. How to Add Skills to Your ResumeNow that you know what your skills are, you need to know how to add them to your resume. More importantly, you need to know which skills to add and which to leave off. You likely have a lot of professional skills and abilities, but that doesn’t mean you should stuff them all into your resume. Learn People SkillsPeople skills, also known as interpersonal skills, will benefit you in all facets of life. It may seem like learning interpersonal skills is as simple as socializing with others. While that will help, it will only get you so far. There are dozens of ways to develop and improve how you communicate with others. Via https://mylifeiguess.com/how-to-identify-your-skills/ There is no question that our jobs are a significant source of stress in our lives. Even the best jobs can be frustrating, overwhelming, and sometimes dangerous. Although we can’t avoid stress in our lives altogether, no job is worth damaging our physical, mental, or emotional health. Here are 17 strategies for effectively managing work-related stress that won’t break the bank and will make youhappier at work! 1. Keep BreathingRemember to keep breathing. It may sound trite, but when we’re stressed, it’s easy for our emotions to spiral. Soon enough, we’re panicking. Take a breather if you have the urge to yell at someone or scream at work. Just slowly breathe in and breathe out three times. Let the moment pass. Swallow what you’d really like to say to the person. Then move on, mentally and physically. 2. Take Regular BreaksThink about how many breaks a cigarette smoker takes in a day. You’re allowed that too! Step outside and get some fresh air or walk around the block. Actually take a break during your lunch break. Even if it’s only 5 minutes, it’s worth it. A change of scenery and perspective will help you deal with managing stress. 3. Speak UpDon’t keep your stress bottled up inside. That is the worst thing you can do. You may doubt yourself, convinced that you’re just exaggerating and things aren’t so bad. It’ll get better if you just suck it up for a bit longer. Sure, you can wait it out, but do you need to? Or want to? Some situations will pass, but it’s time to speak up if you are genuinely stressed out (especially if this has been happening for a while). You don’t necessarily have to jump to your HR department, but it might be a good idea to talk about it with your boss or direct supervisor. They may be able to make some changes to your workload or schedule that will alleviate some of your stress. 4. Turn to Your Loved OnesYou don’t have to go through everything alone. You can always confide in a family member or a close friend and share some of what you’re trying to sort out in your head. It can be helpful to get advice from different perspectives before determining the next steps you should take. Spending quality time with your loved ones will also help you manage stress and take your mind off work. 5. Get Professional SupportDon’t hesitate to speak with a mental health counselor or physician, regardless of your stress level. They can help you develop a plan to manage stress, find healthy outlets, and provide coping mechanisms to improve your overall well-being. Physicians can also help to identify potential medical causes of stress and recommend treatments. Remember: You are not alone. Tons of people get depressed from their jobs. If you feel stressed enough to read articles about it, you could benefit from speaking to a health professional. Your company might even cover this as part of their employee advocate/wellness program. It is crucial to seek professional support before reaching a crisis point. Many free (or affordable)mental health resources and crisis support are available. Reach out for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. It could be the best decision you ever make. 6. Write It OutWhen you are stressed, just start writing for 5 minutes. Get a nice notebook and pen or open a blank word document and sit down with a timer for 5 minutes. If you feel inclined to continue writing, go ahead. The whole point is to relax and safely vent a little instead of airing your frustrations on social media. If you find writing works for you, consider journaling more regularly. Make it part of your daily routine. Journaling can be a great way to sort through your thoughts and different emotions. Keeping a work journal also allows you to track your projects and professional achievements. 7. Get Some ExerciseExercise is essential when trying to accomplish anything in your life, whether building a business or writing a book. You need to exercise if you have a big goal or project that includes dealing with a lot of stress. Small steps are key here. You don’t want the thought of ‘needing’ to exercise regularly to stress you out too! What is something you enjoy (or don’t hate), is convenient (near work or home), and affordable? It can be following instructions from a YouTube video at home or simply taking a 15-minute walk. Do something that will take you away from your worries for a few moments and give your mind a break. 8. Take a Second Look at Your DietA good diet is not only crucial for your physical health but also your mental well-being. It plays an integral role in stress management by improving immunity and lowering blood pressure. What we eat can profoundly affect our mood and how we feel. For example, foods high in sugar and fat can increase feelings of depression and anxiety. On the other hand, certain foods can reduce levels of stress-causing hormones. Foods rich in fiber and vitamins, such as fruits and vegetables, will play a vital role in reducing stress and anxiety. Maintaining a healthy diet and drinking lots of water to manage stressful changes are essential. 9. Make Changes to Your LifestyleChanging your lifestyle habits for the better can also help with stress management. These changes may includegetting more sleep and quitting smoking or heavy drinking, which affect your physical and psychological well-being. If you are not used to sleeping eight hours a night, start by going to bed 15 minutes earlier each night. Once you are used to that, add another 15 minutes. Similarly, to quit smoking or drinking, cut back one cigarette or drink every few days until you break the habit. Making healthier changes may be difficult at first, but they will ultimately help you to manage stress better. 10. MeditateThe main goal of meditation is to obtain tranquility, eliminate unwanted or negative thoughts, and focus your attention. It is a popular tool for managing stress, but it’s not easy for everyone. If you find regular meditation too difficult for you (you fall asleep, daydream, or get impatient), you might want to try guided meditations. Guided meditation can be an exciting adventure for your mind. It can be very calming, letting another person’s voice guide you through an imaginary forest or just noticing the positive things in your life. Learning about various relaxation techniques, such as meditation, can help you practice mindfulness and improve stress management. Even if you feel you aren’t getting it at first, you will surely benefit from practicing mental relaxation for a few minutes each day. 11. Self-CareSelf-care can help reduce stress, improve mood, and give you more energy. It’s a way to recharge your batteries and keep healthy by making time for yourself, even when busy. There are many ways to practiceself-care, such as candle-lit baths, walks, dancing, yoga, or any creative activity. Do whatever makes you feel good physically, emotionally, and spiritually. One way to make self-care a priority in your life is to schedule it into your day. Put this time in your calendar and treat it like any other appointment. This way, you’re more likely to stick to it. 12. Do Something You Love or Makes You LaughWhat is something that you absolutely love or always makes you laugh? Old horror flicks? A visit to the beach? Is there a band coming to town that you love? At work, are there funny cat videos you can watch on your break or an interesting podcast you can listen to? We need something special to help us ‘snap out of it’ for a while when stressed. Sure, the problems will still be there afterward, but you will feel a little lighter and might even think of new solutions too! Related: Are You Bored at Work? Here Are 10 Productive Things To Do 13. Try a New HobbyHaving hobbies is a great way to cope with stress. Look for new hobbies (or re-start ones you’ve stopped) to keep your mind occupied. Focusing on your interests instead of your stressors helps you cope and can help you to find more positive ways to spend your time. Doing something you’re good at can also boost your self-confidence, which can help you feel better about yourself and your ability to cope with stress. Plus, you canlearn many new job skills through your hobby! 14. Protect Your EnergySpending time with certain people leaves you feeling inspired and invigorated. With others, you feel like all the energy is sucked out of you, and you are miserable after spending time with them. Do your best to avoid those who drain you. If you can’t avoid them, try to limit your time with them. Set boundaries, and don’t let them take up more of your time and energy than necessary. Keep interactions brief and to the point. Or, if you are a visual person, picture yourself in a bubble or behind a glass wall while interacting with negative people. It may sound odd, but it works if you let it. Related: 11 Steps To Build Great Business Relationships 15. Set BoundariesSetting boundaries may be more tangible than the idea of protecting your energy. Boundaries are healthy, and you can use them in all areas of your life. Boundaries are not about shutting people out; they’re about maintaining healthy relationships for both parties. At work, it means only sharing the parts of your life that you feel comfortable sharing. If someone asks you about something that you consider more personal, it means glossing over it, changing the subject, or honestly saying you’d rather not get into that at work. What does this have to do with dealing with stress? While sorting out your stressful situation, setting healthy boundaries with the other people involved is a good idea. It will also help if you say no to situations that are likely to cause stress. 16. Take Small StepsWhatever you do during this stressful time, do it in small steps. For example, if you want to quit your job, give yourself time to prepare and find a new job before you resign. Since we naturally don’t think as well when we’re under a lot of stress, it’s best to do everything in small doses to give ourselves time to adjust and not add more pressure than we already have. 17. Find a New JobSome jobs may be more stress-inducing than others. Regardless, if your job makes you sick, it’s time to re-evaluate your priorities. We all have to work to make a living, but sometimes we have to take a step back and consider whether our job is worth the toll it’s taking on our bodies and minds. After all, stress is associated with various health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and heart attacks, and can be fatal. Our health is one of the most important things we have, and we should do everything we can to protect it. There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to leave your job. Reflect on your situation. Do you simply need to change how you think about the problem? Do you need to take action and do something about it? Is there something you can change, or is leaving your only option? Remember, your health is more important than your job. Related: Quitting Your Job? Here’s How to Write Your Two Weeks Notice Letter In ConclusionNothing good ever comes from stressing yourself out, especially over things you can’t control. These strategies are all ways to help deal with the stress, panic, and anxiety that can sometimes spiral out of control. While you’ll still need to figure out an action plan, you’ll be able to problem-solve better since you will feel less stressed. Ultimately, your decisions and actions about your health are your responsibility. So go out there and watch a terrible old horror movie with a loved one and then go to bed early. You got this. This article originally appeared onMy Work From Home Money. Via https://mylifeiguess.com/strategies-for-managing-stress/ Nowadays, there are more opportunities in the world than ever before. Whether it be job opportunities, an exciting once-in-a-lifetime event, or a meeting with someone who could change your life, there are tons of different things that you can leverage to move ahead in life. That being said, there are also more people fighting for these opportunities than ever before. How can you stand out among the crowd and set yourself apart? One crucial way is through networking. What is Networking and What Does Networking Mean?Put simply, networking means meeting new people and exchanging ideas with them. Not to be confused with computer networking, professional networking often takes place in informal settings. Networking can happen at certain industry-wide events, in your office, or even in a diner. Of course, you can also employ a more formal route and network over email, LinkedIn, or some other established method. If the thought of meeting with strangers and putting yourself out there makes you sick to the stomach, you’re not alone. Many people have a fear of meeting new people and prefer to stick within their comfort zone. However, networking doesn’t have to be entirely about leveraging opportunities and can instead be about making real connections with people. Who knows, maybe one of the people you connect with ends up being a long-time friend. Plus, networking is more important than you think. The Importance of NetworkingAccording to some reports, over 70% of all jobs aren’t publicly listed. Often referred to as the hidden job market, this implies that the everyday person will not have access to these jobs if they just decide to apply online or go through public routes. Most jobs on the hidden job market are made available to the hirer’s connections and sent privately to people in the “inner circle.” Networking is important because it allows you to get a foot in the door and know more people so that if an opportunity arises, it will be made available to you. Beyond just getting jobs, networking also allows you to meet new people. Oftentimes the people you meet while networking are high-achievers and will be able to help you in the future in more ways than just one. A lot of people assume that networking is only useful during a job search, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The true benefits of networking are reaped when you make it an active process and integrate networking with part of your lifestyle. The Benefits of NetworkingBeyond just landing a role, networking can have a material impact on your quality of life. Here are a few ways how:
How Do You Network?Networking is subjective, and like everything subjective, there is no wrong or right way to network. Something that works for you may not work for someone else, and vice versa. That being said, there are a few networking tips you can employ to help increase the chances of you networking successfully. 1. Be a HumanThe biggest and most important thing that most people tend to forget is that networking isn’t primarily about advancing your social status, it’s about connecting to other people. And to connect with other people, you need to behave like a person yourself. Too many times, people get caught up in the best questions they should ask, how to make a good impression, or how to best follow up with connections and forget that networking is, at its heart, about people. When networking, try to remember that you yourself are a human and that the person you’re chatting with is also a human. Try to view them as a potential friend instead of a potential asset and you’ll have a much better shot at successfully forming a real connection. 2. Find Common GroundIn a similar vein of thought as the first tip, finding common ground with whoever you’re networking with can really help break down barriers and get the conversation flowing. It can show to whoever you’re networking with that you’re a real person with real interests apart from the professional world. Try to bring up your hobbies and passions and see if the opposing party reciprocates. Also, be sure to have a couple general questions ready aside from ones specifically related to work. Connecting over common ground can help you create a deeper relationship that extends beyond the initial coffee chat/meetup. 3. Lead with CuriosityToo many people focus exclusively on the sheer amount of people that they can meet or how many business cards they can collect. Networking is not about going one inch deep and ten feet wide. We have the internet for that. If you want to properly network, you’ll want to try and learn about the other person and truly understand them. Aim to make a few good connections instead of a ton of shallow connections. Throw away your pre-typed-up questions and instead head into the meeting with an open mind and a little bit of curiosity. You’ll be surprised at just how far you can get by asking a person about their interests and passions. 4. Look Long TermIt can feel pretty materialistic if you decide to network only when you’re out to try and get something. Not only will you come across as desperate and insecure but you’ll also forgo a lot of the benefits that networking long-term can get you. When you’re networking, set longer-term goals that are bigger than just getting a job or landing a role. Almost every connection you make can help you significantly down the line. Some good goals to keep in mind and try implementing are:
Keeping a long-term goal in mind can help you overcome a lot of the awkwardness that comes along with networking. Whenever there’s a weird silence or you don’t know what to ask, go back to that long-term goal and ponder how you can steer the conversation in the right direction to achieve it. 5. Bring Something to the TableNetworking is never a one-way transaction. The only reason that someone would agree to chat with you is if they feel like they have something to gain as well. So, before heading out and meeting up with someone for a networking session, consider what you have to offer and how you can help the other person achieve their goals. The more helpful you can be to another person, the more willing they will be to help you out as well. It’s really that simple. Not only will you feel more confident when coming into networking events, but you’ll also build a lot more trust with people if you have something to offer. How to Get Good at NetworkingLike most things in life, networking requires practice to get good at. The first few times you meet up with someone for a coffee chat might be tense, awkward, and embarrassing, but that’s perfectly alright. Give yourself a little bit of time and you’ll soon find that networking isn’t that much different than chatting with friends that you already have. When you reach that stage in your networking journey, the whole world becomes your oyster and everyone is a possible connection that you can connect with and learn from. This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks and has been republished with permission. Related Career Articles:
Via https://mylifeiguess.com/what-is-networking/ It’s the word on everyone’s lips – productivity. Now more than ever, companies seek productive employees who can work quickly and efficiently to optimize profits. So no matter what business sector you work in, knowing how to be productive is vital to your job performance. Read on for the best productivity hacks for work. How To Be ProductiveLearning to be productive and improve your workflow, whether you work from home or commute to the office, is essential in today’s work environment. Productive employees are highly valued by managers. In addition, improving your productivity can open doors for bonuses, raises, and promotions. Here are ways to increase your productivity and optimize your flow within the limited work hours in a day. Eliminate DistractionsThere are many forms of distractions in your work environment. Chatty co-workers, social media notifications, cluttered desks, and text messages are distracting when trying to get work done. It takes willpower to nix bad habits during work hours, for example, checking social media frequently throughout the day. To stay focused, you need to eliminate as many distractions as possible. Put your phone on silent and put it somewhere you won’t be inclined to pick it up to check for the latest social media posts. Keep your work area free of clutter. Give your co-workers a heads up of impending deadlines you are trying to meet to reduce interruptions. Think about ways you typically become distracted and find ways to eliminate them. Make a ListWhen you have many things to do floating around in your head, try making a to-do list. Making a list of everything you need to accomplish is like doing a brain dump and will help free up space in your brain to focus on your priorities. So if the massive list of to-dos floating around in your mind is in the way of getting things done, write them all down. Determine Your PrioritiesPrioritizing your work ensures you meet deadlines. Once you create a list of your to-dos, number them or rewrite your list and put them in order by due dates to determine what to work on first thing. Getting a jump start on those things that have impending deadlines will make you feel less stressed about your workload. In addition, quickly doing the things that only take a few minutes first will help you feel a sense of accomplishment when you cross them off your list. Yet avoid multitasking. You may think working simultaneously on things is a good idea, but multitasking can lead to mistakes. Focusing on one thing at a time will help you avoid errors and work more efficiently. Set Reasonable GoalsWhen given a hefty workload, appropriately setting your expectations of accomplishment is essential. Long lists of to-dos will feel daunting and tend to cause procrastination rather than motivation. It’s also easy to overestimate or underestimate the time a task will take. Take a few minutes to review your task list to ensure it is manageable. Thinking through your day’s work and establishing attainable goals will set you up for success. Use Time BlockingTime-blocking is a technique that can help maximize your productivity. For time-blocking, you set a designated amount of time during the day for one task. You can set time blocks in whatever length of time you feel each task on your to-do list needs. For example, small items may only require a 15 or 30-minute block. However, a more complicated job may need a 60, 90, or 120-minute time block. Blocking out your day can not only help you be more productive, but it also serves as a time-tracking method if you are required to report your daily work to your manager. Employ The Pomodoro TechniqueGood time management skills go hand in hand with productivity. It’s easy to get sidetracked with other menial tasks when you should be focusing on more important assignments. The Pomodoro technique is one time management technique that can help you stay focused and increase your work output. The Pomodoro technique can help you keep on task. To practice this, when you work for 25 minutes and then take a five-minute break. Repeat the cycle four times total, and then take a 15 or 30-minute break before beginning another cycle. Use a timer to track your work and break cycles to stay on task. The theory behind this technique is that focusing acutely on a task for a short period will help you work more effectively. The five-minute break gives your brain a rest from the sharp focus and lets you pick up where you left off. The goal of this method is to avoid any distractions while in the 25-minute work window. If a distraction occurs that you need to address, take your five-minute break afterward and start back on your original task again. Take Short BreaksEven if you don’t employ a particular time management technique, you should take short breaks throughout your workday to remain focused. For example, getting up from your desk or work area, or finding a place to sit for five minutes if your work involves standing and moving, will go far to give your brain or body a much-needed timeout. Many work environments won’t allow short five-minute breaks throughout the day. If your employer doesn’t allow breaks, taking a minute or two while at your workstation to do deep breathing or light stretching can help you reset your mind and body to maintain focus and enhance your productivity. Delegate Tasks“Work smarter, not harder” is the perfect motto regarding productivity. If you can delegate smaller, less critical tasks to other team members, doing so will help you focus on your most important work. Unfortunately, delegating tasks can be challenging for people that tend to be perfectionists or feel they need to do everything themselves. Perfectionism can be a barrier to improving productivity. But if someone with this personality trait can overcome it, assigning work to trusted colleagues will help you work smarter and improve your output. Determine When You Are Most ProductiveEven with excellent time management skills, good productivity at work can take time and effort. However, self-monitoring will help you determine what part of the day you are most productive. Once you know the time of day your job performance is at its best, do your most important task at that time. For example, the first thing in the morning can be the optimal time for many people to prioritize a complicated task. So if you feel your best in the morning, don’t procrastinate with the more challenging jobs. Watch Your Body MechanicsWhen learning how to be productive, you may not expect body mechanics to play a role in your work results. However, paying attention to posture and body positioning while on the job can make or break your work day. When you are hunched over a desk for long periods or have to turn your head in an awkward position to see a computer screen, you will have difficulty focusing on your work because of the pain developing in your back and neck as the day progresses. Paying attention to ergonomics in your work environment is essential, not only for productivity but also for the health and wellness of your body. Notice how your body feels as the day goes on. If you feel tightness, tension, aches, or pains in your muscles or joints, assess your work environment and body positioning and make corrections so you can focus on your work and not on your ailments. Pay Attention to Your MindsetYour mindset is another factor that will affect your productivity. Fatigue, burnout, depression, anxiety, and many other mental conditions will get in the way of a productive day on the job. Participating in self-care in the evenings and on weekends will help you feel happier and more energetic during the work day. In addition, getting enough sleep, at least 6-8 hours a night, will allow you to recharge mentally and physically. And if you think you are experiencing mental illness, be sure to talk to your doctor. Final ThoughtsBecoming an efficient employee involves learning how to be productive and utilizing the strategies on the job. And knowing how to work more effectively can help you in more ways than one. Being a productive employee will help you stand out from the crowd and can open up opportunities for job growth, including promotions and salary increases. You will feel more confident in yourself and your ability to meet impending deadlines. However, working to increase your output isn’t solely done while you are on the job. The foundation for becoming a productive employee begins with taking care of yourself at home. This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks. Via https://mylifeiguess.com/how-to-be-productive-at-work/ |
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