Wisdom

10 Good habits everyone should develop to improve their lives

Introduction:

If it’s not obvious, our habits matter, and, good or bad, they do have an impact on our lives, positive or negative.

This essay aims to introduce the idea of habits and suggest some positive habits well worth developing if improving your life’s quality is a goal for you, dear reader.

Now, as you’ll no doubt be aware, habits are those routine behaviours we practise or fail to practise, regularly. They are the things we do, or fail to do, on autopilot.

Habits shape our daily lives and overall well-being, influencing our physical health, mental clarity, productivity, and relationships. Positive habits will enhance our life’s quality, fostering happiness and success, while negative habits can hinder progress and diminish our overall satisfaction with life.

So, today, I offer you 10 good habits that you should consciously develop to significantly enhance your life’s quality, assuming you’ve not already done so.

Good habits:

Regular exercise offers numerous physical and mental health benefits.

Physically, it improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, enhances flexibility, and aids in weight management.

Exercise also boosts the immune system, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

Mentally, regular physical activity releases endorphins, known as “feel-good” hormones, which alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression.

Exercise improves sleep quality, enhances cognitive function, and increases energy levels.

Engaging in regular physical activity can lead to improved self-esteem and a better overall mood, contributing to a higher quality of life and long-term well-being.

Incorporating various types of exercise into your daily routine can be straightforward and enjoyable. For instance:

Jogging is a popular cardiovascular exercise that improves heart health and stamina; it can be easily included by jogging in the morning or during lunch breaks.

Yoga enhances flexibility, balance, and mental clarity; dedicating 20-30 minutes daily, either in the morning or evening, can significantly benefit overall well-being.

Weightlifting strengthens muscles and bones, and a structured plan of three sessions per week can yield substantial results.

Additionally, incorporating activities like cycling to work, taking brisk walks during breaks, or joining a local sports club to play squash, racquetball, badminton, volleyball, basketball, netball, judo, karate, or any number of other sports will keep you routinely engaged in physical activity.

Even short, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions can be effective, fitting into the busiest schedules.

By mixing these activities, you can achieve a balanced fitness regime that promotes both physical health and mental wellness.

Habit 2: Healthy Eating

We are what we eat, as the saying goes.

So, it is important to eat healthily and consume a variety of whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, while staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Here are some things you should consider:

Balanced diet:

Never underestimate the importance of a balanced diet. A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining your overall health and well-being.

It provides the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that the body needs to function optimally.

A balanced diet supports bodily functions, strengthens the immune system, enhances energy levels, and promotes proper growth and development.

It also helps in maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

Eat right:

There are numerous health benefits from consuming whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, as well as staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Whole foods, that are minimally processed, retain their nutritional value, providing essential nutrients and fibre.

Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which protect the body against various diseases and aid in maintaining good health.

Lean proteins, such as chicken, fish, beans, and legumes, are vital for muscle repair and growth, as well as to produce enzymes and hormones.

Staying hydrated is equally important, as water is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, temperature regulation, and overall cellular function.

Proper hydration can also improve your cognitive function and energy levels.

Meal Planning:

Meal planning and mindful eating are effective strategies to prevent poor dietary choices.

Meal planning involves preparing meals and snacks in advance, ensuring that healthier options are always available, which reduces the temptation to opt for unhealthy convenience foods.

It also helps in controlling portion sizes and managing food intake more effectively.

Mindful eating, on the other hand, encourages you to pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues, savour your food, and eat slowly.

This practice helps in making more conscious food choices, avoiding overeating, and enhancing the overall eating experience.

Together, these practices promote healthier eating habits, leading to better nutrition and improved health outcomes.

Habit 3: Adequate Sleep

Young people like to “burn the candle at both ends,” and, let’s be honest, we’ve all done it at some point in our lives. When you’re young, you don’t necessarily appreciate the importance of getting an adequate amount of sleep. When you’re young you feel invincible and you’re keen to have some fun. That’s natural, of course, but sleep does matter because the body needs to recharge.

Importance of adequate sleep:

Adequate sleep is vital for both physical and mental restoration.

Physically, sleep allows the body to repair and rejuvenate itself.

During deep sleep stages, tissues grow and repair, muscles relax and recover, and various essential processes occur such as protein synthesis and growth hormone release.

All this contributes to overall physical health, enhancing immune function, promoting cardiovascular health, and reducing the risk of chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes.

Mentally, sufficient sleep is crucial for cognitive function because it aids in memory consolidation, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation.

Lack of sleep can lead to impaired judgment, reduced alertness, mood swings, and increased stress levels, significantly impacting daily life and productivity.

Strategies for improving sleep hygiene:

Improving sleep hygiene involves adopting habits that promote better sleep quality and consistency.

One fundamental strategy is maintaining a regular sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, helps regulate the body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.

Creating a restful environment is also essential.

This includes keeping the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, using comfortable bedding, and minimizing exposure to screens and bright lights before bedtime.

Limiting caffeine and heavy meals in the evening can prevent disruptions in sleep.

Engaging in relaxing activities, such as reading, taking a warm bath, or practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, can also signal to the body that it is time to unwind and prepare for sleep.

By incorporating these practices, you can significantly improve your sleep quality, leading to better overall health and well-being.

Habit 4: Time Management

We only have 168 hours each week and that’s it. Time is a finite resource and none of us can get any more of it. So, what we do with our time is important, particularly if our aim is to achieve anything at all in life.

The importance of time management:

Effective time management is a critical skill that significantly impacts both your personal and professional success.

It involves organizing and planning how to divide your time between various activities to maximize efficiency and productivity.

Proper time management leads to improved performance, reduced stress, and a better quality of life.

So, let us explore the importance of managing time effectively, introduce key techniques for time management, and discuss the benefits of reducing procrastination and increasing productivity.

Importance of managing time effectively:

Managing time effectively is essential because it allows you to make the most of each day.

It helps in achieving your goals more efficiently, reduces stress, and provides a sense of control over your life.

When time is managed well, there is more opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Effective time management ensures that important tasks are completed on time, leading to higher productivity and better performance.

Additionally, it helps in balancing work and personal life, preventing burnout and improving overall well-being.

Techniques for effective time management:

Several techniques can help you manage your time more effectively.

Key methods include prioritizing tasks, setting goals, and using planners or digital tools.

  1. Prioritizing Tasks: Prioritizing involves identifying the most important tasks and focusing on them first.

This can be done using methods like the Eisenhower Matrix, which categorizes tasks based on their urgency and importance.

By tackling high-priority tasks first, individuals can ensure that critical work is completed on time, reducing the stress of last-minute deadlines.

  1. Setting Goals: Setting clear, achievable goals are the cornerstone for effective time management.

Goals provide direction and motivation. They should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (the SMART technique).

Breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks can make them less daunting and easier to accomplish.

Regularly reviewing and adjusting goals ensures that efforts remain aligned with priorities and changing circumstances.

  1. Using Planners or Digital Tools: Planners and digital tools, such as calendars, to-do lists, and time-tracking apps, can be invaluable for managing time.

They help in organizing tasks, setting reminders, and visualizing schedules.

Digital tools offer additional features like collaboration, real-time updates, and integration with other apps, making them highly effective for both personal and professional use.

Regularly updating and reviewing these tools can keep tasks on track and deadlines in check.

Benefits of reducing procrastination and increasing productivity:

Reducing procrastination and increasing productivity are direct benefits of effective time management.

Procrastination, the habit of delaying tasks, can lead to increased stress, lower quality of work, and missed deadlines.

By implementing time management techniques, individuals can combat procrastination and enhance productivity.

Benefits include:

  1. Reduced Stress: Effective time management reduces the stress associated with looming deadlines and last-minute rushes.

When tasks are planned and prioritized, there is a clearer path to follow, reducing anxiety and creating a more relaxed work environment.

  1. Enhanced Focus and Efficiency: With a well-organized schedule, individuals can focus better on the task at hand.

This leads to higher efficiency as less time is wasted on deciding what to do next or switching between tasks.

Concentrating effort on prioritized tasks results in higher quality work and faster completion times.

  1. Improved Work-Life Balance: Managing time effectively ensures that there is enough time for both work and personal activities.

This balance is crucial for preventing burnout and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

It allows individuals to allocate time for hobbies, exercise, and spending time with loved ones, contributing to overall happiness and well-being.

  1. Greater Achievement and Satisfaction: When time is managed well, goals are achieved more efficiently.

This sense of achievement boosts confidence and satisfaction.

It also creates momentum for tackling future tasks, fostering a positive cycle of productivity and accomplishment.

So, in conclusion, effective time management is essential for achieving success and maintaining a healthy balance in life.

By prioritizing tasks, setting clear goals, and utilizing planners or digital tools, you can manage your time more efficiently.

This leads to reduced procrastination, increased productivity, and a better quality of life.

Adopting these techniques and consistently applying them can transform how you approach tasks and ultimately lead to greater personal and professional fulfilment.

One of the mistakes people make on leaving the education system is to assume that that is the end of their learning.

They are wrong. Learning is a life-long process, and it never stops, nor should it. We’re never too old to learn something new.

The importance of developing the habit of continuous learning:

Continuous learning is a critical habit that will significantly contribute to your personal and professional growth.

We live in a rapidly changing world. So, staying up to date with new developments, knowledge and skills is essential if you are to remain competitive and adaptable.

The point aim here is to stress the value of lifelong learning, by providing examples of how you can acquire new skills and discuss how maintaining curiosity and an open mind will enhance your overall well-being.

Value of lifelong learning for personal and professional growth:

Lifelong learning is the ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge.

It fosters personal development, improves employability, and ensures professional relevance.

So, embracing continuous learning equips you with the tools to navigate the complexities of modern life and the work environment.

And it’s all part of how you’ll grow as a person, as follows: –

  1. Personal Growth: Lifelong learning enhances critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and creativity.

It broadens perspectives, allowing you to appreciate diverse viewpoints and different cultures.

This intellectual growth leads to greater self-awareness and confidence, enabling you to set and achieve personal goals.

Moreover, learning new things can be intrinsically rewarding, providing a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

  1. Professional Growth: In your professional life, continuous learning is crucial for career advancement.

As industries evolve, and new technologies and methodologies emerge, this necessitates constant skill updates.

Professionals who invest in learning are better positioned to adapt to changes, take on new challenges, and seize opportunities for advancement.

Employers value employees who demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development, often leading to increased job security and opportunities for promotion.

Examples of how People Can Learn New Skills:

There are various ways to acquire new skills, each offering unique benefits and catering to different learning preferences: –

  1. Reading: Reading books, articles, and research papers is a fundamental way to gain knowledge.

It can be done at one’s own pace and tailored to specific interests. Libraries, online resources, and e-books provide access to a vast array of information.

Reading not only enhances knowledge but also improves language skills and cognitive functions.

  1. Audiobooks: If you don’t have time for the written word, audiobooks offer a great alternative for turning downtime into productive learning.

When you’re in your car, on the bus or the train, you can be learning. So, there’s no excuse. You’ll find audiobooks on every subject on Audible.

  1. Podcasts: Often overlooked, there are podcasts on every subject under the sun and these can offer a great way to learn and listen to the latest thinking on various subjects.
  2. Online Courses: The rise of digital education platforms, such as Coursera, Udemy, and the Great Courses have made learning accessible to anyone with an internet connection or smartphone.

These platforms offer courses on virtually any subject, often taught by experts from prestigious institutions.

Online courses provide flexibility, allowing learners to balance education with other commitments.

They often include interactive elements like quizzes, assignments, and forums, enhancing the learning experience.

  1. Attending Workshops and Conferences: Workshops, seminars and conferences offer hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for networking.

They are often focused on specific skills or topics, providing intensive training in a short period.

Workshops foster collaborative learning environments, encouraging participants to share knowledge and insights.

They also allow for real-time feedback and interaction with instructors and peers.

Remain curious and open-minded:

Maintaining your curiosity and an open mind is integral to continuous learning and your overall well-being.

Curiosity drives the desire to explore and understand the world, leading to lifelong learning habits. Benefits include: –

  1. Enhanced well-being: Curiosity and an open mind contribute to good mental and emotional health.

Engaging in new learning experiences stimulates the brain, improving cognitive function and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

It also fosters resilience, as curious individuals are more likely to seek solutions and embrace challenges.

This proactive approach to life can reduce stress and increase satisfaction.

  1. Adaptability and innovation: It is a fact that curious and open-minded individuals are more adaptable to change.

They are willing to consider new ideas and perspectives, making them more innovative and creative.

This adaptability is crucial in both personal and professional contexts, where change is constant and inevitable.

Being open to new experiences and learning opportunities enables individuals to thrive in dynamic environments.

  1. Building stronger relationships: An open mind and a curious attitude enhance interpersonal relationships.

They encourage empathy and understanding, as individuals are more willing to listen and learn from others.

This openness fosters better communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution, leading to stronger and more meaningful connections.

So, in conclusion, developing the habit of continuous learning is essential for both personal fulfilment and professional success.

It enhances critical thinking, adaptability, and innovation, while also promoting mental and emotional well-being.

By exploring various learning methods, such as reading, audiobooks, online courses, and workshops, and maintaining curiosity and an open mind, individuals can unlock their full potential and lead more enriched, purposeful lives.

Continuous learning is a good thing, that’s for sure.

Habit 6: Financial Responsibility

Our two most precious resources are time and money, and we should learn to take both seriously. Time was covered on Habit 4, so let’s now focus on money.

For most people, money is a limited resource of which they never quite have enough, so that’s why financial responsibility matters.

The importance of financial responsibility: personal and professional

Developing the habit of financial responsibility is crucial for both personal and professional success.

Financial responsibility involves managing one’s finances wisely, which includes budgeting, saving, and avoiding unnecessary debt.

This habit not only ensures financial stability but also provides peace of mind, allowing individuals to focus on other aspects of their lives without the constant worry of financial stress.

The point here is to stress the importance of managing finances wisely, and offer some tips on budgeting, saving, and avoiding unnecessary debt, and highlight the peace of mind that comes with financial security.

Importance of managing finances wisely:

Managing your finances wisely is essential for several reasons, as follows: –

  1. It helps in achieving financial goals.

Whether it’s saving for a house, investing in education, or preparing for retirement, wise financial management is the foundation for reaching these milestones.

Without a clear understanding and control over one’s finances, achieving these goals can be challenging and stressful.

  1. Financial management helps in avoiding debt traps.

Uncontrolled spending and lack of budgeting can lead to significant debt, which can have long-term consequences on one’s financial health.

High-interest debt, like credit card debt, can quickly spiral out of control, leading to financial distress and impacting one’s ability to save for the future.

  1. Managing finances wisely ensures that individuals are prepared for emergencies.

Unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or job loss, can happen at any time.

Having a financial buffer or emergency fund can help manage these situations without causing significant financial strain.

  1. Wise financial management contributes to overall well-being.

Financial stress can affect mental and physical health, relationships, and work performance.

By managing finances effectively, individuals can reduce stress and improve their quality of life.

Tips on budgeting, saving, and avoiding unnecessary debt:

To develop the habit of financial responsibility, it’s important to adopt strategies for budgeting, saving, and avoiding unnecessary debt.

Here are some practical tips: –

Budgeting:

  1. Track Expenses: Start by tracking all expenses to understand where your money is going.

This helps in identifying spending patterns and areas where you can cut back.

  1. Create a Budget: Develop a monthly budget that includes all sources of income and expenses.

Categorize expenses into essentials (rent, utilities, groceries) and non-essentials (entertainment, dining out).

  1. Set Limits: Set spending limits for each category and stick to them.

Use budgeting apps or tools to help monitor and adjust your budget as needed.

  1. Review Regularly: Regularly review and adjust your budget to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and changing circumstances.

Saving:

  1. Pay Yourself First: Treat savings as a priority.

When you receive your salary each month, set aside a portion of your income for savings before spending on other expenses.

Ideally, aim to save at least 20% of your income.

  1. Emergency Fund: Build an emergency fund that can cover 3-6 months of living expenses.

This provides a financial cushion for unexpected events.

  1. Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers to your savings account to ensure consistent savings.

This removes the temptation to spend money that should be saved.

  1. Long-Term Goals: Save for long-term goals such as retirement, buying a home, or higher education.

Consider opening retirement accounts or investment accounts to grow your savings over time.

Avoiding Unnecessary Debt:

  1. Use Credit Wisely: Use your credit cards responsibly.

Pay off the full balance each month to avoid high-interest charges.

Avoid using credit for non-essential purchases.

  1. Limit Loans: Only take out loans for necessary and planned expenses, such as buying a home or car.

Ensure that loan payments fit within your budget without causing financial strain.

Never, ever incur debt for buying discretionary items.

If you can live without them, only buy when you’ve got the money to buy.

  1. Avoid Impulse Buying: Before making a purchase, especially a significant one, take time to consider whether you really need it, will you really use it, and if you can afford it without going into debt.
  2. Debt Repayment Plan: If you have existing debt, create a repayment plan.

Prioritize paying off high-interest debt first and consider debt consolidation options if necessary.

Peace of mind with financial security:

Financial security brings immense peace of mind, allowing individuals to focus on other important aspects of their lives without constant worry about finances.

When you are financially secure, you can better handle unexpected expenses and emergencies without falling into debt.

This security also enables you to make better life choices, such as changing jobs, pursuing further education, or starting a business, without the fear of financial instability.

Furthermore, financial security contributes to mental and emotional well-being.

Financial stress is a significant source of anxiety and can lead to various health issues, including depression and high blood pressure.

By managing finances effectively and achieving financial security, individuals can reduce this stress and enjoy a better quality of life.

Additionally, financial security allows for better planning and achieving long-term goals. Whether it’s buying a home, funding children’s education, or planning for retirement, having a solid financial foundation makes these goals attainable.

It also provides the freedom to enjoy life’s pleasures, such as travelling, hobbies, and spending quality time with loved ones, without constantly worrying about money.

So, in conclusion, developing the habit of personal and professional financial responsibility is essential for achieving financial stability and peace of mind.

Managing your finances wisely through effective budgeting, saving, and avoiding unnecessary debt can significantly improve your quality of life.

Financial security not only reduces stress but also enables you to make better life choices and achieve your long-term goals.

By adopting these habits and strategies, you can build a secure and prosperous future for yourself and your family.

Habit 7: Positive Thinking

If you want to create your best life, then don’t underestimate the power of positive thinking. A positive mental attitude is essential if you want to get anywhere in life. That’s a fact.

The importance of positive thinking in our lives:

Positive thinking is more than just a habit; it’s a powerful tool that can significantly influence your overall happiness, resilience, and health, both mental and physical.

By maintaining a positive mindset, you can navigate life’s challenges more effectively, cultivate inner strength, and enhance their physical and mental well-being.

The point here is to highlight the impact of positive thinking on overall happiness and resilience, suggest ways to cultivate positive thinking, and provide evidence on how positivity can lead to better health outcomes.

Impact of a positive mindset on overall happiness and resilience:

A positive mindset profoundly affects our overall happiness and resilience.

When you adopt a positive outlook, you’ll tend to see opportunities rather than obstacles, which fosters a sense of hope and possibility.

This optimistic perspective encourages proactive behaviour, helping you to set and achieve goals, thereby enhancing your sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Happiness: A positive mindset contributes significantly to happiness.

By focusing on the positive aspects of your life you will experience higher levels of joy and contentment.

Positive thinking reduces the tendency to dwell on negative experiences, promoting a more balanced and uplifting view of life.

This shift in focus can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful existence.

Resilience: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, and a positive mindset is a key component of resilience.

When faced with challenges, with a positive outlook you’re more likely to perceive difficulties as temporary and surmountable.

This perspective fosters perseverance and adaptability, enabling you to recover from setbacks more quickly and effectively.

Positive thinkers are also more likely to seek out solutions and support, further enhancing your resilience.

Ways to cultivate positive thinking:

Cultivating positive thinking involves deliberate practices and lifestyle changes that reinforce an optimistic outlook. Here are several effective strategies:

  1. Practising Gratitude: Gratitude is a powerful practice that shifts focus from what is lacking to what is abundant in your life.

Regularly acknowledging and appreciating the good things fosters a positive outlook.

Keeping a gratitude journal, where you list things you’re thankful for each day, can significantly enhance feelings of happiness and contentment.

  1. Surrounding oneself with Positive Influences: The people we associate with has a profound impact on our mindset.

Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive, and encouraging individuals can reinforce a positive outlook.

Positive influences can provide motivation, share uplifting perspectives, and help maintain an optimistic view even during tough times.

  1. Engaging in Positive Self-Talk: The way you speak to yourself matters.

Positive self-talk involves challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with affirming statements.

This practice helps build self-esteem and confidence, promoting a more positive and resilient mindset.

  1. Setting Realistic Goals: Setting and achieving realistic goals provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Breaking larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks can make them more attainable, boosting confidence and optimism with each milestone reached.

  1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness and meditation practices help in cultivating a positive mindset by promoting present-moment awareness and reducing stress.

These practices encourage acceptance and a non-judgmental attitude towards yourself and others, fostering a more positive and compassionate outlook.

Evidence on how positivity can lead to better health outcomes:

There is substantial evidence linking positive thinking with improved health outcomes.

Research has shown that a positive mindset can lead to better physical health, enhanced mental well-being, and increased longevity.

  1. Physical Health: Studies have found that positive thinkers tend to have lower rates of cardiovascular disease, lower blood pressure, and better immune function.

Positive emotions and attitudes are associated with healthier lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and abstinence from harmful habits like smoking and excessive drinking.

For instance, a study published in the journal Health Psychology found that individuals with a positive outlook were more likely to engage in physical activities, which in turn reduced their risk of heart disease.

  1. Mental Health: A positive mindset is closely linked to mental health.

Positive thinking reduces the risk of depression and anxiety.

By focusing on positive experiences and maintaining an optimistic outlook, you can mitigate the effects of stress and develop better coping mechanisms.

Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology indicates that positive thinking can significantly reduce stress levels and enhance overall mental well-being.

  1. Longevity: Positive thinking is also associated with increased longevity.

Optimistic individuals tend to live longer, healthier lives.

A study by the Mayo Clinic found that people with a positive outlook had a 50% lower risk of early death compared to their pessimistic counterparts.

This is partly because positive thinkers are more likely to adopt health-promoting behaviours and have stronger social networks, which provide emotional support and reduce stress.

So, in conclusion, developing a habit of positive thinking is crucial for enhancing overall happiness, resilience, and health.

By practising gratitude, surrounding yourself with positive influences, engaging in positive self-talk, setting realistic goals, and incorporating mindfulness and meditation into daily routines, individuals can cultivate a positive mindset.

The evidence is clear: positivity not only enriches mental and emotional well-being but also leads to significant improvements in physical health and longevity.

Adopting a positive outlook can transform your life, enabling you to navigate challenges with grace and achieve a more fulfilling and joyful existence.

Habit 8: Building Strong Relationships

Human beings are social animals, so we need people and we must learn to build strong relationships with other people.

The relationships we have with other people, including family and friends, dictate the quality of our lives.

Knowing we have other people in our lives can be comforting, particularly when life gets tough, which it always does, at least, occasionally.

Building strong relationships:

Building strong relationships is a vital aspect of living a fulfilling and balanced life.

Relationships with family, friends, and colleagues provide support, companionship, and a sense of belonging.

Importance of nurturing relationships:

Nurturing relationships with family, friends, and colleagues is crucial for several reasons.

These connections form the backbone of our social structure, offering emotional support, companionship, and a sense of security.

Strong relationships contribute significantly to our overall happiness and well-being.

Friends: Friendships are equally important. Friends provide a sense of belonging and acceptance. They are our confidants, companions, and cheerleaders. Investing time in friendships, being there for friends in times of need, and celebrating each other’s successes strengthens these bonds. Friendships enrich our lives with joy, laughter, and shared experiences.

Colleagues: Building strong relationships with colleagues is crucial for a positive work environment. Good relationships at work enhance teamwork, productivity, and job satisfaction. Showing respect, offering help, and recognizing the efforts of colleagues fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture.

Effective communication, empathy, and active listening:

Effective communication, empathy, and active listening are key components in building and maintaining strong relationships.

Effective Communication: Clear and open communication is the foundation of any strong relationship. It involves expressing thoughts, feelings, and needs honestly and respectfully. Good communication helps in resolving conflicts, understanding different perspectives, and building trust.

Here are some tips for effective communication:

  • Be Clear and Concise: Avoid ambiguity and be straightforward in your communication.
  • Use “I” Statements: Express your feelings and thoughts without blaming others. For example, say “I feel upset when…” instead of “You always make me feel…”
  • Be Respectful: Respect the other person’s opinions and feelings, even if you disagree.

Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It is crucial for building deep connections and fostering mutual respect. Empathy involves:

  • Seeing the World Through Others’ Eyes: Try to understand their perspective and experiences.
  • Validating Feelings: Acknowledge and validate the other person’s emotions. For example, say “I can see why you would feel that way.”
  • Showing Compassion: Offer support and understanding and be there for others in their times of need.

Active Listening: Active listening is a powerful tool in building strong relationships. It involves fully concentrating on what the other person is saying, rather than just passively hearing the words. Active listening includes:

  • Giving Full Attention: Focus on the speaker, maintain eye contact, and avoid distractions.
  • Reflecting and Paraphrasing: Repeat back what you heard to ensure understanding. For example, “What I hear you saying is…”
  • Asking Questions: Show interest and seek to understand more deeply by asking relevant questions.
  • Responding Appropriately: Acknowledge the speaker’s message and respond thoughtfully.

Benefits of a Strong Support Network:

A strong support network of family, friends, and colleagues is invaluable for emotional and mental health. It provides a safety net during challenging times and contributes to overall well-being.

Emotional Support: Having people to turn to during difficult times can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Emotional support from loved ones provides comfort, reassurance, and a sense of belonging. It helps individuals cope with life’s challenges more effectively.

Mental Health: Strong relationships are linked to better mental health. They provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment, reducing feelings of loneliness and depression. A supportive network can encourage positive behaviours, offer different perspectives, and provide solutions to problems, enhancing mental resilience.

Physical Health: Research shows that people with strong social connections tend to live longer and have better physical health. Supportive relationships can encourage healthy behaviours, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding harmful habits. They also provide motivation and accountability, which are essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Professional Growth: In the workplace, strong relationships with colleagues can lead to better collaboration, increased job satisfaction, and career advancement. A supportive work environment fosters creativity, innovation, and a positive work culture. Networking with colleagues can open opportunities for mentorship, learning, and professional development.

Methodical Approach to Building Strong Relationships:

Anyone seeking to build strong relationships can follow a methodical approach to achieve their aims:

  1. Prioritize Time for Relationships: Make time for family, friends, and colleagues. Schedule regular catchups, family gatherings, and team-building activities. Quality time spent together strengthens bonds.
  2. Practice Effective Communication: Work on being clear, concise, and respectful in your communication. Use “I” statements, listen actively, and validate the other person’s feelings.
  3. Develop Empathy: Put yourself in others’ shoes and try to understand their perspectives. Show compassion and offer support when needed.
  4. Be a Good Listener: Practice active listening by giving your full attention, reflecting on what you hear, asking questions, and responding thoughtfully.
  5. Show Appreciation: Regularly express gratitude and appreciation for the people in your life. Acknowledge their efforts and celebrate their successes.
  6. Resolve Conflicts Constructively: Address conflicts calmly and respectfully. Focus on finding solutions rather than assigning blame.
  7. Build a Support Network: Cultivate relationships with a diverse group of people. Reach out to family, make new friends, and build connections with colleagues.
  8. Maintain a Positive Attitude: Approach relationships with positivity and optimism. Encourage and uplift others and be a source of support and inspiration.

In conclusion, building strong relationships is essential for a fulfilling and balanced life.

By prioritizing time for relationships, practising effective communication, developing empathy, being a good listener, showing appreciation, resolving conflicts constructively, building a support network, and maintaining a positive attitude, individuals can cultivate strong, supportive, and meaningful connections.

These relationships provide emotional and mental support, enhance well-being, and contribute to personal and professional growth. So, it’s all well worth the effort.

Habit 9: Regular Self-Care

We will only ever have one body and we must live in it throughout our lives. So, taking care of ourselves is essential, surely? Sadly, people are not always very good at taking care of themselves and the result can have a seriously negative impact on quality of life.

Regular Self-Care 101: A Primer for Better Well-Being

Self-care is an essential practice for maintaining balance, preventing burnout, and enhancing overall well-being.

Despite its importance, many people struggle to prioritize self-care due to busy schedules, societal pressures, or a lack of understanding about what self-care truly entails.

So, the aim here is to provide a comprehensive guide to regular self-care, highlighting its importance, suggesting various self-care activities, and emphasizing that self-care is unique to each individual and should be prioritized regularly.

Defining Self-Care and Its Importance

Self-care refers to the actions and practices that individuals engage in to maintain and improve their physical, mental, and emotional health.

It involves taking deliberate steps to nurture oneself, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being.

Self-care is not a one-time event but an ongoing commitment to oneself, integral for maintaining balance and preventing burnout.

Importance in Maintaining Balance: Self-care helps individuals maintain a healthy balance between their responsibilities and personal needs. It ensures that they have the energy, motivation, and resilience to handle life’s demands. Without adequate self-care, people may find themselves overwhelmed, stressed, and unable to function optimally in their daily lives.

Preventing Burnout: Burnout is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion often resulting from prolonged stress and overwork. It can lead to decreased productivity, health issues, and emotional distress. Regular self-care acts as a preventive measure against burnout by allowing individuals to recharge, relax, and manage stress effectively. It helps in maintaining a positive outlook and sustaining long-term productivity and happiness.

Self-Care Activities

Self-care encompasses a wide range of activities that can be tailored to fit individual preferences and lifestyles. Here are some self-care activities that can help promote relaxation, joy, and well-being:

Hobbies: Engaging in hobbies and activities that bring joy and satisfaction is a vital aspect of self-care. Whether it’s painting, gardening, reading, cooking, or playing a musical instrument, hobbies provide a creative outlet and a break from daily routines. They allow individuals to immerse themselves in something they love, which can be incredibly rejuvenating.

Physical Activities: Regular physical activity is crucial for both physical and mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Activities like yoga, jogging, dancing, or even a simple walk in the park can significantly enhance well-being. Physical activities not only improve physical fitness but also reduce stress and anxiety, promoting overall mental health.

Spa Days: Treating oneself to a spa day can be a luxurious form of self-care. Activities such as massages, facials, and aromatherapy can provide deep relaxation and stress relief. Spa treatments can help alleviate physical tension and promote a sense of calm and well-being.

Time in Nature: Spending time in nature has numerous benefits for mental health. Nature walks, hiking, or simply sitting in a park can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function. The tranquillity and beauty of natural surroundings offer a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Relaxation Techniques: Incorporating relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices into daily routines can significantly reduce stress and enhance mental clarity. These practices help individuals focus on the present moment, cultivate inner peace, and manage anxiety effectively.

Social Connections: Maintaining strong social connections is a key component of self-care. Spending time with loved ones, engaging in meaningful conversations, and participating in social activities can boost emotional health. Social support provides a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of loneliness.

Personal Time: Taking time for oneself is crucial. This could involve activities like taking a long bath, enjoying a cup of tea, journaling, or simply relaxing without any distractions. Personal time allows individuals to reflect, unwind, and recharge.

Self-Care is Unique to Each Individual

One of the most important aspects of self-care is recognizing that it is unique to everyone. What works for one person might not work for another. Self-care should be personalized and based on individual needs, preferences, and circumstances. It’s essential to explore different activities and identify what brings the most joy, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

Personalized Approach: Each person has their own set of preferences and stressors. Therefore, self-care practices should be customized to fit individual lifestyles. For example, an introvert might find peace in solitary activities like reading or journaling, while an extrovert might prefer social gatherings and group activities.

Regular Practice: Self-care should be a regular practice, not just an occasional indulgence. Consistency is key to reaping the long-term benefits of self-care. Scheduling self-care activities and treating them as non-negotiable appointments can help ensure that self-care remains a priority.

Listening to Your Body and Mind: Paying attention to physical and emotional signals is crucial. If feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or exhausted, it’s important to take a step back and engage in self-care activities. Listening to your body and mind helps in recognizing when you need to rest, recharge, or seek support.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, self-care is a fundamental practice for maintaining balance and preventing burnout.

It involves a wide range of activities that cater to individual preferences and needs.

By engaging in hobbies, physical activities, relaxation techniques, and social connections, individuals can enhance their overall well-being.

Recognizing that self-care is unique to each person and making it a regular practice ensures long-term benefits.

Prioritizing self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for leading a healthy, balanced, and fulfilling life.

Habit 10: Mindfulness and Meditation

The aim here is to stress the importance of developing the habit of Mindfulness and Meditation.

Mindfulness and Meditation 101: A Primer

In today’s fast-paced world, stress and distractions are constant companions, making it challenging to maintain mental clarity and focus.

Developing the habit of mindfulness and meditation can be a powerful antidote to these modern-day afflictions.

This primer will explain how mindfulness and meditation can reduce stress and increase focus, discuss simple mindfulness practices, and mention the long-term benefits of developing a regular mindfulness routine.

Reducing Stress and Increasing Focus:

Reducing Stress: Mindfulness and meditation are well-documented techniques for reducing stress. Mindfulness involves paying full attention to the present moment without judgment. This practice helps in breaking the cycle of anxiety and worry that often fuels stress. Meditation, on the other hand, is a structured technique that involves focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.

When practicing mindfulness, individuals learn to observe their thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. This detached observation helps in recognizing stress triggers and managing reactions more effectively. Meditation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and body scan meditations activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a state of relaxation and countering the body’s stress response.

Increasing Focus: Mindfulness and meditation are also powerful tools for increasing focus and concentration. These practices train the brain to stay present and maintain attention on the task at hand. Regular meditation can improve attention span, enhance cognitive function, and increase the ability to concentrate.

Mindfulness encourages a non-reactive awareness of the present moment, reducing the tendency to get distracted by irrelevant thoughts or external stimuli. This heightened focus can lead to better decision-making, improved problem-solving skills, and enhanced productivity in both personal and professional life.

Simple Mindfulness Practices:

Incorporating mindfulness into daily life doesn’t require extensive time or resources. Here are some simple mindfulness practices that can be easily integrated into everyday routines:

  1. Deep Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing is a fundamental mindfulness practice that helps calm the mind and body. A simple technique involves taking slow, deep breaths, inhaling through the nose, holding the breath for a few seconds, and then exhaling slowly through the mouth. Focusing on the breath and the sensations of inhaling and exhaling can anchor the mind in the present moment and reduce stress.

One related technique is known as Square Breathing. If your feeling anxious, this can be useful. Simply “breath-in deeply to the count of 4; hold to the count of 4; breath-out fully to the count of 4; hold to the count of 4; and repeat as necessary.” This can be a very effective technique in my experience.

  1. Guided Meditations: Guided meditations are an excellent way to start a mindfulness practice. These meditations involve listening to a recorded guide who leads you through a series of mental exercises. Guided meditations can focus on various themes such as relaxation, stress relief, focus, or sleep. There are many apps and online resources available that offer guided meditation sessions of varying lengths.
  2. Body Scan Meditation: The body scan meditation involves focusing attention on different parts of the body, starting from the toes and moving up to the head. This practice helps in becoming aware of physical sensations, releasing tension, and fostering a sense of relaxation. By systematically scanning the body, individuals can develop a deeper connection between their mind and body.
  3. Mindful Walking: Mindful walking is a practice where individuals focus on the experience of walking. Paying attention to the movement of the legs, the sensation of the feet touching the ground, and the rhythm of the breath can transform a simple walk into a mindfulness exercise. This practice can be particularly effective in grounding the mind and reducing stress.
  4. Gratitude Journaling: Writing down things for which one is grateful can shift focus from stress and negativity to positive aspects of life. Keeping a gratitude journal encourages a mindful reflection on daily experiences and fosters a positive mindset.

Long-Term Benefits of a Regular Mindfulness Routine:

Developing a regular mindfulness routine can offer numerous long-term benefits for mental, emotional, and physical health.

Enhanced Emotional Regulation: Regular mindfulness practice helps individuals become more aware of their emotions and reactions. This increased awareness allows for better emotional regulation, reducing impulsive responses and promoting a more balanced emotional state.

Improved Mental Health: Mindfulness and meditation have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. These practices promote a sense of calm and well-being, helping individuals manage their mental health more effectively.

Better Physical Health: The stress-reducing benefits of mindfulness can positively impact physical health. Reduced stress levels are associated with lower blood pressure, improved immune function, and a decreased risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease.

Greater Self-Awareness: Mindfulness fosters greater self-awareness, helping individuals understand their thoughts, behaviours, and patterns. This self-awareness can lead to personal growth and improved relationships with others.

Increased Resilience: By regularly practicing mindfulness, individuals can build resilience to stress and adversity. Mindfulness enhances the ability to cope with difficult situations, maintain a positive outlook, and recover more quickly from setbacks.

Enhanced Focus and Productivity: As previously mentioned, mindfulness improves focus and concentration. This enhanced mental clarity can lead to increased productivity and efficiency in various aspects of life.

Improved Sleep Quality: Mindfulness practices, particularly those focused on relaxation and stress reduction, can improve sleep quality. Better sleep contributes to overall health and well-being, enhancing the ability to function effectively during the day.

So, in conclusion, mindfulness and meditation are powerful practices that offer a multitude of benefits for reducing stress, increasing focus, and improving overall well-being.

By incorporating simple mindfulness practices such as deep breathing exercises, guided meditations, body scan meditations, mindful walking, and gratitude journaling into daily routines, individuals can develop a regular mindfulness habit.

The long-term benefits of mindfulness, including enhanced emotional regulation, improved mental and physical health, greater self-awareness, increased resilience, and better sleep quality, make it a valuable practice for anyone seeking to enhance their quality of life.

Conclusion: The Power of Good Habits for a Better Life

If achieving a fulfilling and enriched life is our aim, then the significance of cultivating good habits cannot be overstated.

This essay has explored ten pivotal habits that hold the potential to dramatically enhance the quality of our lives.

These habits encompass regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, effective time management, continuous learning, mindfulness and meditation, financial responsibility, positive thinking, building strong relationships, and regular self-care.

Each of these habits, when incorporated into our daily routines, can foster a balanced, healthier, and more productive lifestyle.

Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity boosts physical health, strengthens the immune system, and improves mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety. It enhances energy levels and overall mood, contributing significantly to a higher quality of life.

Healthy Eating: A balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins provides essential nutrients that support bodily functions, enhance immunity, and maintain energy levels. Proper hydration and mindful eating habits prevent chronic diseases and promote longevity.

Adequate Sleep: Sufficient sleep is vital for physical and mental restoration. It improves cognitive functions, supports emotional regulation, and ensures overall health. Good sleep hygiene practices lead to better sleep quality, enhancing daily productivity and well-being.

Effective Time Management: Managing time wisely allows for better organization, reduced stress, and increased productivity. Prioritizing tasks, setting achievable goals, and utilizing planners or digital tools help individuals achieve their objectives efficiently, leading to a more balanced life.

Continuous Learning: Lifelong learning fosters personal and professional growth, keeping the mind sharp and adaptable to changes. It enhances creativity, problem-solving skills, and opens up new opportunities for career advancement and personal fulfilment.

Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices reduce stress, enhance focus, and improve emotional resilience. Simple techniques like deep breathing exercises, guided meditations, and mindful walking promote mental clarity and a sense of inner peace, contributing to overall well-being.

Financial Responsibility: Wise financial management through budgeting, saving, and avoiding unnecessary debt ensures financial stability and security. It reduces financial stress, allows for better planning, and provides the freedom to pursue life goals without constant worry.

Positive Thinking: A positive mindset enhances happiness, resilience, and overall health. Practising gratitude, surrounding oneself with positive influences, and engaging in positive self-talk fosters a constructive outlook on life, leading to better emotional and physical well-being.

Building Strong Relationships: Nurturing relationships with family, friends, and colleagues provides emotional support, enhances mental health, and contributes to a sense of belonging. Effective communication, empathy, and active listening strengthen these bonds, enriching our social lives.

Regular Self-Care: Self-care is essential for maintaining balance and preventing burnout. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and joy, such as hobbies, spa days, or simply taking time to relax, ensures that we remain physically and mentally healthy.

Gradual Incorporation into Daily Routines:

Incorporating these habits into daily routines might seem daunting at first, but it is essential to remember that change is a gradual process.

Start by choosing one or two habits to focus on, and gradually build upon them.

For instance, begin with establishing a regular exercise routine and incorporating mindfulness practices.

As these habits become ingrained, introduce healthy eating and effective time management.

Small, consistent efforts can lead to significant, lasting changes over time.

Consistency is key.

It’s important to stay committed and patient, as developing new habits requires time and effort.

Celebrate small victories and progress, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks.

Each step taken towards incorporating these habits is a step towards a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.

Motivational Statement on Long-Term Benefits:

The long-term benefits of developing good habits are profound and far-reaching.

By committing to these positive changes, you are investing in your future well-being and success.

Good habits lay the foundation for a balanced, resilient, and joyful life.

They empower you to take control of your health, manage stress effectively, and maintain meaningful relationships. Over time, these habits become second nature, leading to sustained improvements in physical health, mental clarity, and overall happiness.

Final words:

The road to a better life begins with the small steps you take today.

Embrace these ten habits and witness the transformative power they hold.

Remember, every positive change starts with a single decision to improve.

Commit to this journey with confidence and optimism, knowing that the long-term rewards will enhance every aspect of your life.

Your future self will thank you for the efforts and dedication you invest now.

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Self-promotion and why it matters if you want success

Self-promotionThe idea of self-promotion is something with which many readers will feel slightly uncomfortable.

Perhaps it leaves you feeling a slight sense of unease dear reader; the idea of ‘blowing your own trumpet’ and making sure that others know all about what you have to offer?

By self-promotion, I am referring to personal visibility, particularly in the office or workplace.

Visibility matters:

Does personal visibility really matter that much, you may ask?

Well, that depends on how you think about it really.

If you’re happy to plod along and just accept whatever life decides you should have then it probably doesn’t matter much at all.

However, if success is your aim or if you want to enjoy more of what life can offer then personal visibility is essential.

Think about it. If I don’t know you exist, how can you be a solution to my problem?

How can I possibly know what you have to offer unless I have some visibility of you in action?

And then, if you hide your light under a bushel, how can you build a reputation?

Let’s face it, if I don’t know you exist, then to me you don’t exist at all.

Essential ingredient for success:

If success is your aim, then you have to be seen by people who matter and you must make an impression on them too. That’s important, like it or not.

People need a reason to remember you. So make sure you give them a reason to remember you.

Ideally, you want them to like and respect you. Even if people just love to hate you then that’s better than them being totally indifferent to you.

At least you’ll be known. You have to be visible. As the saying goes, ability without visibility is a liability. It is to you anyway.

The product YOU:

The product that is ‘You’ will only sell if people are aware it exists.

So self-promotion and personal public relations initiatives play an important role in building your reputation and creating a demand for what only you have to offer.

Humility is all very well but diffidence is at best unwise.

You’ll never get anywhere unless you have visibility with the people that matter.

Think about the most successful people; people such as Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela, Donald Trump, Richard Branson, Elvis Presley and John Lennon. Sadly some are no longer with us. Nevertheless, these examples are still valid.

They all make or made an impression on you.

You may not like them but you cannot or could not ignore them. They all have or had that special quality known as presence. You couldn’t fail to notice them. They all have or had self-belief too.

So make sure you get yourself noticed. Stand out in the crowd and give people a reason to remember you.

And remember this old Arab Proverb; Be contrary, Be known.

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How to break a bad habit and improve your life

How to break a bad habitWhen it comes to bad habits, we can all be guilty, at least to some degree. So people often consider the question, how to break a bad habit?

Do you have any bad habits dear reader? Now be honest with yourself.

I refer to those little, irritating patterns of behaviour you simply can’t help. Those obsessions you may have occasionally. Perhaps you have one or two bad habits you’d really like to break?

Now habits can be hard to break of course, particularly bad ones.

So here’s another question. Could you break bad habits simply by being more curious about them?

Well the psychiatrist Dr Judson Brewer certainly has an opinion to offer on that issue.

Dr Judson Brewer studies the relationship between mindfulness and addiction and in the TEDTalk included in this post he shares his views on everything from smoking to over-eating to all those other things we do even though we know they’re bad for us.

If you want to learn more about the mechanism of habit development then you’ll find this video interesting and it’s definitely worth watching.

If you have habits you’d really like to break then it would certainly make sense for you to learn more about how you developed those habits in the first place.

The more you understand the better you’ll be able to take action and break those bad habits.

So take a few minutes now and listen to what Dr Brewer has to say. It’ll be well worth a little of your time I promise.

How to break a bad habit:

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How to build wealth from nothing: 5 Top Tips

There’s nothing you can do about being born poor. If that was the case, then it was just unfortunate. However, you don’t have to go through life remaining poor.

It is possible to build wealth over time, and plenty of people do, frequently from absolutely nothing.

Many people born poor become wealthy through their efforts, and you can too, dear reader.

Here are five tips to help you build wealth from nothing.

How to build wealth from nothing:

1. Pay yourself first:

You can make money relatively easily, but holding on to it can be very hard.

We’re all constantly bombarded with reasons why we should spend our money in return for some fleeting sense of gratification. Would that be an experience you recognize, dear reader?

It doesn’t have to be that way, of course, and rich people know that only too well.

So what do rich people do that’s different from everyone else?

Simple! They always pay themselves first.

And what do I mean by paying yourself first?

I mean, the moment you’re paid, you take a slice off the top of your income immediately and put it away somewhere safe. And by a slice, I mean to say 10%, or more if you can afford it.

And what do I mean by somewhere safe?

Well, initially, that would be depositing your money in an interest-bearing account.

However, once your money starts building into a larger sum then you can start thinking about other forms of investment that’ll potentially give you greater returns. Stocks and bonds, for instance.

Building a capital sum is important because, as your money grows, it starts to generate a second income stream for you. That may not seem important to you now, but it will be as you get older.

So paying yourself first is a discipline to which you must adhere until it becomes a habit you do without thinking.

You must always put some money away, and you must make that money work hard for you. You must grow and protect your investment portfolio with careful diversification, and over time, you’ll find yourself building a sizeable fortune.

So here’s today’s mantra for you: Pay Yourself First. Never forget that, please, dear reader.

2. Be an investor, not a speculator:

You must understand that there’s a big difference between investing and speculation. They’re not the same thing at all.

I don’t wish to imply that there’s something wrong with speculation, though. There isn’t.

In the world of finance, speculation brings liquidity to the market, and therefore it does have its place.

However, speculation tends to operate on the ‘greater fool’ principle.

By that, I mean someone is prepared to buy an asset for a given price in the hope that it can then be sold quickly to someone else, the greater fool, for a greater price.

This is what professional speculators do, and they can make money this way because they know what they’re doing and they have sophisticated systems to support them.

However, for ordinary people, speculation is like gambling in a casino. And you should never invest your money as though you’re gambling in a casino.

You might get lucky occasionally, of course, but over time your losses will outstrip any gains you might make, and almost certainly by a significant margin.

So my recommendation to you, dear reader, is that you should never speculate. Instead, you should focus on becoming an investor.

By investing, I mean buying stocks and shares in solid, well-managed, cash-generative businesses that can pay good dividends on a sustained basis.

Buy stocks worth holding for the long term. This will provide you with a steady income stream from the dividends, regardless of any short-to-medium-term volatility in the market. And spread your risk by building a diversified portfolio.

If you reinvest your dividends, then over time you will find that this approach should give you a good return on your money.

If you want to make money and build capital, then my advice to you, dear reader, is to be an investor, not a speculator.

3. Focus on value, not price:

The legendary investor Warren Buffett once said, “Price is what you pay; value is what you get.

With this observation, he’s making an important point. There’s a distinction between price and value.

A low price for an asset doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get good value.

And a high price doesn’t automatically mean you will not get value.

Price in itself is not a measure of value. You must consider other factors to judge value.

When you’re buying any financial asset, say stocks and shares, you should always focus on value, and you must establish metrics by which you can adequately judge the intrinsic value of that asset.

Judged in isolation, price is just a number, nothing more.

A lower price means absolutely nothing if you’re getting little or no value in return for your money.

Never, ever forget that it’s the intrinsic value that will determine whether something is worth buying or not.

Get genuine value at the right price, and then you can get a decent return over time from an investment.

4. Create a personal private income:

Much as we all aspire to do work we love, you must never forget, dear reader, that ultimately work is simply a means to an end.

Essentially, work is just doing stuff for other people in exchange for money. In turn, that money is then the fuel on which we run our lives.

Money provides us with the means to put bread on the table, a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, and those of our loved ones, of course.

If you work hard enough, you can earn a lot of money.

Manage that money wisely, and you can build capital. Invest that capital intelligently, and you can create your private income streams.

When you have a decent private income in your own right then you can truly pick and choose the work you do.

Then you only have to do what you enjoy doing; that thing that gives you a genuine sense of purpose.

Creating a personal, private income is a worthy goal, and it’s well worth the effort.

That way, you’re in control of your own life, and no one else can dictate what you should and shouldn’t do.

You’ll be in control of the good ship ‘Me’ and only you will decide where it goes.

The message here is, to work hard now, so one day you don’t have to work hard.

5. Never forget what matters most:

It would be very easy to believe that a life filled with lots of money and materiality would make you blissfully happy. Well let me tell you, dear reader, that in isolation, it won’t.

I’m not suggesting that these things are not important but you must get your priorities right.

Yes, of course, go out there and make money. Manage it carefully. Buy nice things and enjoy some of that money too.

However, to be truly happy, you must never lose sight of the most important thing in your life and that is family and friends.

People are social animals; we’re not solitary animals like cats. We need other people and most of all, we need our loved ones. A life filled with loved ones and laughter will be a happy life.

So make time for your loved ones, especially your children. Enjoy their company and make the most of every minute with them.

Never focus on work to the exclusion of your family and friends. Without them, you have nothing. Money is important, of course but people are much more important.

Never lose sight of the people in your life.

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21 things you need to know in life to avoid its pitfalls

things you need to know in lifeThere are a lot of things you need to know about life, dear reader. In fact, there are far too many for a single blog post, of course. So today, let’s just focus on 21 things that I think are important.

So, I offer you 21 quotes that I think reflect those things you definitely need to know about life.

I hope you find them useful and interesting.

And please feel free to share them.

Things You Need To Know In Life (1-11):

  1. You don’t decide your future. You make choices and your choices decide your future. So you’d better learn to make good choices.
  2. Falling down happens to everyone. Staying down is the problem. So get up, dust yourself off, and try again.
  3. Success is enjoying what you do, whilst having sufficient money to live your preferred lifestyle comfortably.
  4. Remaining loyal to the circumstances into which you were born is not a noble act. It’s perfectly reasonable to want more from life. Just because you were born poor doesn’t mean you have to remain poor.
  5. If the world is to be a better place then we should focus on that which we have in common, not that which separates us.
  6. As long as we’re not hurting anyone else, how we choose to live our lives is no one’s business but our own.
  7. There’s no such thing as easy money. Any suggestion to the contrary will be a scam and you’ll get burned if you’re unwise enough to get involved.
  8. If something cannot be subjected to scrutiny and criticism then it’s probably not a good idea in the first place.
  9. Never believe that you cannot be fooled, because we can all be a little gullible, occasionally. That’s what scammers rely on. So, be on your guard.
  10. If your job can be done from anywhere, then someone anywhere can do your job. So, when companies are looking to save money, to increase their profits, what do you think they’ll do?
  11. We have to deal with life as it is and not how we like it to be. We must protect ourselves and our interests because no one else will do it for us.

Things You Need To Know In Life (12 – 21):

  1. Get to know and be inspired by people who fit the future you want. Don’t allow those from your past to limit your ambition.
  2. If we view the world through the prism of media headlines, it can only ever be a depressing place. Avoid the media and suddenly everything seems much brighter.
  3. With gambling, there’s only one winner consistently and that’s the casino. That’s why they’re in business.
  4. A promotion at work is not a reward for what you’ve done in the past it’s the opportunity to show what you can do in the future.
  5. If we don’t expect much from people then we won’t get much from people. Low expectations lead to poor results. Expect more to get more. Leadership is about getting the best out of people, not going soft on them.
  6. We’ll keep making the same mistake until we learn the lesson the mistake was intended to teach us. Life’s a classroom and the lessons never stop.
  7. Your years on this earth will teach you far more than you could possibly learn in any university or college of further education.
  8. If you’re with the wrong person, the sooner you let them go, the sooner you’ll have a chance of finding the right person.
  9. It matters not that you are rich, famous and important. What matters is how you treat other people, especially those who can do nothing for you.
  10. Celebrity pronouncements via social media might look like they’re sharing insight into their lives. They’re not. They’re simply promoting their brand and whatever it is they’re selling. Their aim is to carefully construct a hip and edgy image. In short, it’s fake.

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The importance of teaching children about money

Teaching Children About MoneyThe importance of teaching children about money is not something that’s taken as seriously as it should be, in my opinion.

Certainly not in the education system. As far as I can see, financial education for children and young adults is rarely covered within the education system at all. It wasn’t when I was young and it isn’t now.

Some might say that money’s not the most important thing in life and philosophically that may be true.

However, money’s up there with oxygen and water when it comes to sustaining human life. In the modern age, life revolves around money, whether we like it or not.

Money’s a measure of the value we add to the lives of others and it’s also the oil that lubricates human existence.

Without money, living would be virtually impossible for almost everyone today.

1. The point of teaching children:

The point of teaching children is to prepare them for adult life, surely?

Our aim should be to equip them with everything they need to know, so they can function effectively as adults once they leave the education system.

Now reading, writing and arithmetic are all essential subjects, of course, because you can’t get too far in the world of work without these basic skills. And it’s through work that we really add value and maximise our income.

Nevertheless, where I believe the education system generally fails children and young people is the omission of the teaching of essential life skills, like earning an income and managing money. Important subjects like money and personal finance are never covered at all, certainly not in any significant way.

2. Money and personal finance:

To me, it’s surprising that we don’t teach our children about money or personal finance in their formative years.

Surely whilst at school, children should learn about:-

          • The way money is earned;
          • The way to manage money;
          • How to budget, so they can pay their bills; and
          • How to spend their money wisely.

Children should also learn about how they should prioritize expenditure to avoid getting themselves into a financial mess, in my opinion.

3. The pros and cons of debt:

Personally, I think that children and young adults should learn about the pros and cons of debt.

They should learn about the difference between secured and unsecured debt, given the impact these factors will have on the interest rates that will be applied to such debt.

Young people should learn about the power of compound interest too. Not so much as a mathematical exercise but in terms of how it can quickly turn a relatively small debt into a very large debt if we’re not careful.

And they should also learn to appreciate that credit cards are not just a convenient means for cashless payment.

Used thoughtlessly, credit cards can result in personal wealth destruction and excessive levels of expensive debt.

Children and young people should know that credit cards are a form of unsecured debt, which means they come with very high rates of interest, which accelerate a personal debt mountain rapidly, if not paid off immediately once the bill arrives at the month-end.

4. Interest rates matter:

Everyone should know that interest rates really do matter. They’re very significant and shouldn’t be treated lightly.

Children and young adults should learn that they should never go into debt for the purchase of discretionary items. It’s always better that they save up for that discretionary purchase before they buy, of course.

5. The nature of work:

Every young person should learn about how work is just doing stuff for other people in exchange for money and that the more value they can add through their skills and know-how, the more they’ll earn throughout their life. So skills matter too.

Everyone should be taught about the economics of supply and demand and their impact on pricing.

Kids should understand the difference between trading their time with one employer for a wage and the opportunity to serve multiple customers through their own business and their own creativity.

If they have the ability to create products which solve problems for customers, then they have the potential to make a lot of money.

Essentially kids should learn to appreciate the difference between employment and self-employment.

6. The road to financial freedom:

Young people should learn about wealth, pensions and how to achieve financial freedom through putting money aside on a regular basis and investing it wisely.

They should be positively encouraged to work towards achieving financial freedom.

Once they’re financially free they can focus on doing things they enjoy doing rather than things they have to do, because they’ve no other choice.

If nothing else, this makes the goal of achieving financial freedom a worthy aim, in my opinion.

7. The impact 0f inflation, taxation and government borrowing:

Kids should learn about the impact that inflation will have on the value of their money and how this can affect their savings, particularly in old age. They should also be taught about risk and its relationship with reward.

They should learn about taxes and how the money they pay in taxes will be spent, and frequently squandered by the government.

Everyone should know that there’s no such thing as government money, only taxpayer’s money. Our money!

Children and young people should know that it’ll be their hard-earned money that’s being spent by the government.

They should also know that when governments borrow money this is simply a means for spending today and then passing the bill on to future generations. In other words, our children and grandchildren, and indeed their children, will pay the bill for today’s government borrowing. Potentially, future generations could be impoverished by excessive government borrowing today.

Government borrowing is not a free lunch. Someone eventually must bear the interest payments in future years, as well as the repayment of the original capital sum that was borrowed. And don’t forget, governments are borrowing money continually.

8. Holding government to account:

Children should be taught to question how their money is being spent by the government and how to register their disapproval if they’re not happy with what’s being done with that money, in their name.

9. Money matters:

teach children about moneySadly most people have little real understanding of money, which means that they’re easily conned by sharp business practices, particularly in Financial Services, and by politicians driven only by their own self-interest.

Perhaps that’s why schools are not encouraged to teach personal finance as a subject.

Parents should demand that their children are taught about money, in my opinion.

If the education system fails children by not teaching them important life skills then, as parents, we must shoulder at least some of the blame, surely?

And as always, we’ll get what we tolerate.

For me, teaching children and young people about money is an issue for the education system, as much as it is for parents themselves.

Money really does matter and, in my opinion, we fail children and young people if we don’t provide them with the know-how and skills to make the most of it throughout their lives.

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The secret to being a successful entrepreneur

The secret to being a successful entrepreneurHow often do you hear people say they’d love to start a business and become entrepreneurs?

People will tell you they’d love to be a business success, making a difference in people’s lives with great products and services.

Then they’ll add the caveat that, unfortunately, the time’s not right for them now. They’ll have a go one day, but their circumstances won’t allow it now.

However, very few who say they’ll have a go will ever actually have a go. They don’t have the desire and they probably don’t understand the secret to being a successful entrepreneur anyway.

The only way to get rich:

The measure of success for an entrepreneur is the money they make.

Let’s face it, starting any business is all about making money for the owners. Otherwise, why would anyone bother?

Starting your own business can be a fantastic thing to do, and, for most people, it’s the only way you’ll ever have the chance to make some serious money.

Certainly, you’re unlikely to get seriously rich working for someone else.

However, to succeed in business, you must first get started.

The critical ingredient to success in business is getting off your butt and doing something about it.

And the best time to do it is now. Last year or the year before might have been better, but otherwise, now is always the best possible time. It’s simple, really.

The secret to making money:

Getting off your butt is one thing, but how do you make money as an entrepreneur? Well, dear reader, pull up a chair and listen carefully, for the secret is very simple.

The secret to making money as an entrepreneur is to solve problems for people. To make their lives easier in some way.

Solve problems; make money:

Every product you sell must solve a problem for the customer.

So if you can identify problems for which people need solutions and if you can offer those solutions, otherwise known as products, at value-for-money prices, then you can make money and you can be successful.

Remember this too; you don’t necessarily have to be the first with a solution either. If you can improve on an existing solution in some way then you can still make some serious money. If you can ‘build a better mousetrap‘ then people will buy it.

For instance, Steve Jobs and Apple were not the first to offer cellular mobile phone handsets, and neither were Samsung. Yet these two companies both dominate the market for smartphones right now.

The secret to being a successful entrepreneurMake a difference:

Has your appetite for business been whetted, dear reader?

Do you have any ideas you think might make a difference?

You do?

Then you have to be prepared to take action. Having ideas means nothing unless you take action.

Ideas are ten-a-penny. Plenty of people have good ideas that never see the light of day.

Occasionally, people will have good ideas but leave them all too long, and then someone else comes along with the same idea and makes serious money from it. That’s happened to me. I came up with a great idea for a t-shirt slogan. I failed to act, and someone else came along with the same idea, and it’s currently a best seller on Amazon. My loss; their gain.

Having ideas is easy. Implementation is the hard part, and there are too few people with the drive and determination to turn a good idea into a business opportunity and then make money from it.

So you must take action if you want to be a successful entrepreneur.

Not tomorrow; not next week; not next year; but right now.

Become a ‘doer’:

In my experience, true entrepreneurs are doers; they’re not dreamers.

So go on, get started right now.

Solve people’s problems, and you’ll be on the road to riches. It can be done and people do. And so can you! Go for it.

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5 secret steps to tackling life and achieving success

If you’re looking for a formula for achieving success, dear reader, then I think you’ll find this blog post useful.

Many desire success but few really achieve it. So it’s useful to study successful people, identify their approaches and use them as role models. If something worked for them then it might just work for you.

In the embedded video, Hollywood legend, movie star, two-term Governor of California and former Mr Universe, Arnold Schwarzenegger shares his five secret steps to tackling life and achieving success.

Essentially these are his five rules to excel at whatever you choose to do.

He has an interesting story to tell and his story proves that no obstacle is too big to overcome and no vision, too big to achieve if you’re determined enough and you’re prepared to work hard.

Change the world:

To summarise Arnold Schwarzenegger’s rules, they are:-

  1. Find your vision and follow it;
  2. Never, ever think small;
  3. Ignore the Naysayers;
  4. Work your ass off; and
  5. Don’t just take, give something back.

However, if you listen to Arnold’s story, his burning desire was to move to the United States and become a big star. This was his reason why.

Initially, he had no idea how to achieve that goal but a little piece of good fortune came his way.

Arnold happened to read an article in a magazine about a man just like him who achieved just what he wanted to achieve. The article explained how the man did it and Arnold used that success template as the basis for pursuing his own goal.

Identify successful people and do what they did:

Once he knew his ‘why?‘, Arnold Schwarzenegger just needed to work out a way to get there. Knowing your ‘why?‘ will always, eventually, lead you to your ‘how?’.

Once Arnold knew his purpose and his passion, he was always going to find a way to achieve success. His determination and his willingness to do whatever was necessary saw to that.

Had he not been lucky enough to identify a role model through a magazine article, something else would have guided him because that’s the nature of life. When you’re searching for something you’ll tune in to all the little clues you need.

Once you know your ‘why?’, you develop a keen sense of that subject and everyone else involved.

Trust yourself:

If you know your why then you’ll have the drive and determination to pursue your goal.

Nothing happens by accident of course. You must make it happen.

So figure out for yourself what it is you really, really want. What would make you happy? What would you regard as a real achievement?

Then find a role model.

Someone who’s done what you want to do. Identify how they did it and copy what they’ve done. If their approach worked for them, it can work for you.

Avoid distractions:

If you want to be successful then don’t allow ‘time sucks’ to throw you off course.

Television and social media are the biggest time wasters of all. So avoid them.

Time is a precious resource and successful people don’t waste it. So if you want to be successful, don’t waste your time either. Put every minute to good use.

Know your ‘Why?’

The key message today, both from this article and the embedded video, is that you must know your ‘why?’.

That’s the starting point for success.

So if you’ve yet to do that then I suggest that’s where you start, if you want to be successful.

And remember this; if not you, who? If not now, when?

Achieving success is possible and people do it all the time. So can you, if you’re determined and prepared to work hard enough to get it.

Good luck.

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How we’re damaged by our school days

Could our school days have damaged us? Is that even possible?

Were they the best days of our lives, as we’re encouraged to believe, or could our school days have been detrimental to our mental well-being and self-esteem?

This is an interesting question. So let’s think about it for a minute.

Certainly, many people will have had mostly good experiences during their school days.

However, there will also be some for whom their school days will have left them mentally scarred and with a sense of failure. That much is philosophically self-evident, surely?

For instance, perhaps at school, people such as those to which I refer never quite achieved the grades their parents or teachers thought they should.

Perhaps they were the last to be picked for a sports team regularly?

In either case, how would such experiences have made them feel?

What impact would they have had on their mental well-being?

Perhaps they felt they were not quite good enough?

Possibly a little bit bruised and embarrassed by their inability to achieve what they believed was expected of them?

Adults may have thought that putting pressure on them would motivate them to do well, yet it probably left them feeling inadequate.

Your birth date matters:

Do you recognise such feelings, dear reader?

The problem with the school experience is that the age range of our classmates is spread over a whole year. And that’s a lot more significant than it first appears.

Someone whose birthday is at the beginning of September will be a year older than someone whose birthday is towards the end of August, despite both being in the same academic year.

Now it might not seem much, but one year at that time in our lives makes a huge difference in terms of our development, both mentally and physically.

So, what does this mean?

It means that if your birthday is at the end of the school year, then you’re at a significant disadvantage relative to some of your much older classmates.

That disadvantage carries with you right through your school years, if you’re affected by it.

And it’s a disadvantage that extends not just to your academic studies but also to sports and physical activity too.

Success breeds positive reinforcement:

Most importantly, it’s not just the fact that you’re behind in terms of your physical and mental development. It’s also a fact that success breeds positive reinforcement.

Older students benefit from the constant reinforcement and encouragement of being told, ‘Well done!‘, while younger students struggle to keep up unless they’re exceptionally gifted.

Even if people are of above-average ability for their age, they can still be at a disadvantage relative to older classmates during their school days, particularly if those older classmates are also of above-average ability.

Inevitably, at school, people are compared to their peers, and statistics show that the older ones tend to do better because of an inherent age advantage. That’s true with sports as well as academic subjects.

If younger students appear to perform less well, frequently, that’s interpreted as them not being quite as good as their older peers.

Advantage goes with age:

And few people, least of all our parents, recognise that the system essentially does not favour younger members of the class. It puts them at a disadvantage.

The obvious question is, how many people have gone through life feeling like a bit of a loser due to their experiences of a school system that tends to work against them simply because of the month in which they were born?

And how many people never fully recover from the inevitable damage done to their confidence and self-esteem during those all-too-important developmental years?

More importantly, our school days not only affect how we feel about ourselves. They also impact how others perceive us to be as well.

A reputation for being a ‘Straight A’ student beats being a bit of an academic ‘also ran’. No one questions whether the former had an inherent advantage over the latter.

How we’re perceived by others matters. Think about it. Their perception of us results in all the negative talk we often hear whenever we express ambition, which can affect our self-esteem.

I’m sure you know what I mean, as no doubt many readers will be familiar with the experience. Something like:-

You:Oh, I’d like to be a doctor.

Parent:Oh, don’t be ridiculous, with your grades?

And so on.

Our need for encouragement:

People will always give you reasons why you’re not good enough when what you need is encouragement.

With encouragement, you could make it in whatever pursuit that makes you feel truly energised.

If you’re someone who experienced disadvantage for whatever reason then let me tell you something. You’re as good as anyone and you should acknowledge that to yourself, constantly.

Schooldays represent a very small portion of life and they’re significant only in so far as they are only one of many experiences we’ll have in life. Certainly, they don’t define you.

If your schooldays were a good experience then fine. If not, so what?

You can still achieve your ambitions with sufficient hard work and determination.

It doesn’t matter whether others believe you can do it, just as long as you believe you can do it.

There’s no such thing as a failure:

Remember; there’s no such thing as a failure. That label does not belong to people.

Failure is just an unwanted outcome and a learning opportunity. It’s not a person.

You have enormous potential. We all do.

Everyone is capable of achieving much more than they could ever think possible. With determination and hard work, we can all achieve great things.

Attitude matters:

Your attitude is much more important than your aptitude when it comes to achieving your goals in life. Believe you can and you will.

However you feel about your past, it’s not too late to become something more than you are now.

You should embrace failure as nothing more than a learning opportunity. It does not define you, and nor should it.

Recognise that just because you didn’t set the world on fire during your school days, it doesn’t mean you can’t achieve great things now.

No correlation:  

Remember; there’s no correlation between success at school and success in life.

Plenty of ‘Straight A’ students fail to achieve anything significant after they’ve left education behind. Whereas plenty of the less academically successful go on to achieve great things in life.

It’s not about how many times you get knocked down that count but how many times you can get back up and keep going until you get to where you want to be.

Victory is sweeter when it has been achieved following the experience of defeat.

You cannot achieve anything without the experience of at least the occasional failure along the way.

We all start as beginners:

Before anyone achieved success, they started as a complete beginner. And along the road to success, they will have made plenty of mistakes. Anyone who suggests otherwise is either lying or deluded.

If you want to succeed, work hard, make mistakes and learn the lessons as you go.

If you’re determined you’ll find a way to achieve your goals and realise your dreams.

Failure’s not fatal:

Don’t be overwhelmed by any perceived failure. It doesn’t have to be fatal, nor does it imply that you’re not capable of achieving great things.

Never, ever give up until you get to where you want to be. Success can be yours if you want it badly enough. And remember this; it is better to try and fail than never to have tried at all.

Never be afraid to try because there are no failures, only outcomes we didn’t want and lessons to be learned.

Daily Mantra:

Reinforce self-belief by repeating this daily mantra

Go on, get started now. Success is waiting for you.

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This is the key to success in one lesson

Dear reader, would you like to know the key to success? It’s simple.

Success starts with making a decision. You decide what you want to achieve, and then you decide that you’re going to go out and get it.

Once your decision has been made, you pursue your objective with determination and tenacity, and you don’t allow anyone or anything to stop you.

In 1960, US President John Kennedy made a speech in which he said that by the end of that decade, the United States would put a man on the moon. And in 1969, the United States fulfilled the promise made by Kennedy.

Kennedy didn’t know how they would achieve the goal he articulated in 1960.

However, he believed in their ability to do it; he believed they could develop the technology to do it, and he made a decision that they would do it. However, ultimately, in making his promise, there was an element of risk.

Now there’s risk in everything we do, of course, and nothing exceptional will ever be achieved without some degree of risk along the way.

Lesser men and women may allow the fear of risk to stop them. However, men and women destined for great things will feel the fear, and they’ll do it anyway.

Greatness cannot be achieved without paying your dues along the way. That’s a fact.

Be fearless:

Anything worth having comes with a price tag, namely blood, sweat, and tears. So be bold, be strong, and pursue your dream with passion.

Yes, it will be challenging mentally and emotionally. And yes, plenty of people will tell you that it’s not possible or that you’re not quite good enough.

Well, don’t listen to the naysayers and negative Nellies. It matters not what they think, but only what you think. If you believe you can do it, then that’s all that matters.

If you want it, whatever it is, just keep pushing and never, ever give up until you get to where you want to be.

Greatness can be achieved by anyone with sufficient determination. People do succeed, and so can you.

So whatever it is you want to do, just go out there and do the damn thing. Do it now. Believe you can and you will.

If you’re still not convinced, then take a look at this video, which I think is a fantastic motivational speech.

Watch it now and I promise you, you won’t be disappointed. And the bottom line is that you’ve got to be fearless.

Key to Success – Video:

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