10 inspirational quotes about New Year and the hope it brings

10 New Year QuotesAs you enter a new year, it’s always a good idea to reflect on where you are and where you’d like to be.

The old year has gone, and it serves you only for the lessons you’ve learned along the way.

The year ahead is full of possibility, and it’s yours to shape it as you’d like it to be.

So go on, make it count, and enjoy every minute. Life is short, and you must make the most of it.

Remember, it’s not about where you’ve been; it’s where you’re going that matters most.

And remember also that the future’s yet to be written, but you have the pen.

So, where will you be going?

To get you started, here are 10 quotes about New Year to help you think about where you’re going and why.

Quotes about New Year:

  1. If you asked me for my New Year’s Resolution, it would be to find out who I am. ~Cyril Cusack 
  2. New Year’s Day. A fresh start. A new chapter in life waiting to be written. New questions to be asked, embraced, and loved. Answers to be discovered and then lived in this transformative year of delight and self-discovery. Today carve out a quiet interlude for yourself in which to dream, pen in hand. Only dreams give birth to change. ~Sarah Ban Breathnach 
  3. And now we welcome the New Year. Full of things that have never been. ~Rainer Maria Rilke 
  4. The New Year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals. ~Melody Beattie 
  5. Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey 
  6. Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, “It will be happier.” ~Alfred Lord Tennyson 
  7. I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re doing something. ~Neil Gaiman 
  8. Take a leap of faith and begin this wondrous New Year by believing. Believe in yourself. And believe that there is a loving Source – a Sower of Dreams – just waiting to be asked to help you make your dreams come true. ~Sarah Ban Breathnach 
  9. Make New Year’s goals. Dig within, and discover what you would like to have happen in your life this year. This helps you do your part. It is an affirmation that you’re interested in fully living life in the year to come. ~Melody Beattie
  10. New Year’s Resolution: To tolerate fools more gladly, provided this does not encourage them to take up more of my time. ~James Agate

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How to become a digital nomad: 10 steps to freeing your soul

HOW TO BECOME A DIGITAL NOMADThe monotonous cubicle, the soul-crushing commute, the constant ping of emails, and the endless, pointless meetings. For many, these are the things that define the modern workday. However, what if you could break free from these shackles and trade your office chair for a hammock in Bali, a café table in Dubai, or a mountain vista in Colorado? Certainly, a laptop lifestyle is possible, and many have liberated themselves from geographical constraints and found the freedom to forge a work-life blend as unique as their passions. The question is, how to become a digital nomad?

How do you, a mere dreamer chained to the nine-to-five, make this digital nomad dream a reality? Well, here is a roadmap.

Summary:

This guide offers you a 10-step plan to get you from where you are to where you’d like to be.

These steps are summarised as follows:

  1. Charting Your Course: Finding Your Digital Compass
  2. Gearing Up for the Journey: Essential Tools and Skills
  3. Choosing Your Path: Remote Retainer, Freelance Freedom, or Entrepreneurial Leap?
  4. Building Your Digital Haven: Crafting Your Online Presence
  5. Launching Your Voyage: Taking the First Tentative Steps
  6. Embracing the Nomad Life: Challenges and Triumphs on the Open Road
  7. Finding Your Rhythm: Work-Life Harmony in the Digital Age
  8. Adapting and Evolving: A Journey, not a Destination
  9. Giving Back and Connecting: Leaving Footprints, Not Just Carbon
  10. The Ever-Unfolding Chapter: The Digital Nomad Odyssey Never Ends

Following the 10-step plan, there is a list of suggested essential tools you’ll need to work effectively. Yes, every trade needs a set of tools, and being a digital nomad is no different.

How to become a digital nomad:

Step 1: Charting Your Course: Finding Your Digital Compass

Before you begin, you must recognize that, as a digital nomad, you will be self-employed and you will be creating a business. And any business must offer its customers a value proposition.

You can only generate an income if you have something to offer that adds value to other people in some way.

Perhaps you can write in an engaging and entertaining style. Maybe you can offer people solutions to their problems. Alternatively, you may be born to sell. Such skills are pure gold for the digital nomad.

To get going on your journey, you will need to consider what you have to offer and how it might be used to generate income via a laptop and the internet.

So, a period of reflection is key here.

What does it mean to you to be a digital nomad? In escaping the corporate treadmill, what is it you want to do, and how much income will you need to do it?

Essentially, you will need to define your vision with clarity, for it will guide every subsequent choice you make.

Create an inventory of your skills and passions. Are you a coding alchemist, a content-weaving wordsmith, a social media maestro, or a virtual assistant extraordinaire? What is it that you can do better than most people?

The time taken to identify your strengths, your skills, and what you want to achieve is crucial. These things will form the bedrock of your income-generating engine. Never underestimate your need for income. You won’t get far without it.

Step 2: Gearing Up for the Journey: Essential Tools and Skills

Every artisan needs a tool set, and the digital nomad is no different.

And every business will need assets from which to generate income.

As a digital nomad, your tools and assets will be things like a good-quality laptop, an internet connection, a VPN subscription, and reliable cloud storage.

You will need to master online communication tools like Zoom and Slack if you’re going to have a virtual office.

And don’t forget, you’ll need to hone your time management skills, for you’ll be your CEO and, potentially, you’ll be juggling deadlines and managing distractions in exotic locations.

Furthermore, given that you’ll be starting a business, you’ll need to learn basic bookkeeping and financial planning. Living on the road demands fiscal prudence.

The message here is that you will be starting a business, and business requires investment. You can keep investment to a minimum if your budget is limited, but you will need to spend some money on tools and assets that will allow you to work effectively and efficiently. A full list of essentials is included at the end of this article.

Step 3: Choosing Your Path: Remote Retainer, Freelance Freedom, or Entrepreneurial Leap?

There are three main routes to digital freedom.

  1. Embracing the remote work revolution: You can seek a location-independent position at a company that values talent over spreadsheets.
  2. Freelancing: Taking on specific tasks for companies or entrepreneurs as a freelancer offers the benefit of setting your rates and working on projects you find interesting. However, this does require some hustling and marketing prowess.
  3. Digital entrepreneur: This path would involve building your own online business, be it an e-commerce store, YouTube channel, consulting practice, creative brand, or building affiliate marketing websites.

Each path has its pros and cons; choosing wisely based on your risk tolerance, skillset, and income goals is important here.

Step 4: Building Your Digital Haven: Crafting Your Online Presence

Every successful business has a solid reputation and brand.

In the virtual marketplace, your brand is your currency. So, you will need an online and social media presence.

You will need to build a professional-looking website and create a social media portfolio to showcase your skills and experience.

You can’t be a solution to anyone’s problems if they don’t know you exist. Marketing is all about raising your profile and capturing people’s attention and buying intent.

So, you will need to cultivate a strong online presence through social media engagement and content creation.

But that’s not all. You will need to put yourself about a bit too. That means networking with fellow digital nomads and potential clients through online communities and forums.

Remember, your online persona is the first impression others may have of you, so you must make it memorable and authentic.

Step 5: Launching Your Voyage: Taking the First Tentative Steps

Remember this: everyone who ever mastered anything started as a complete beginner.

To become a successful digital entrepreneur, there is much you will need to learn. You won’t master it all in five minutes. There will be a learning curve and you must accept that it will take time.

However, don’t wait for a perfect alignment of the stars. The way to learn is to just get going, and you’ll absorb what you need to know as you go along.

It’s perfectly reasonable to start small. You don’t even need to give up your day job at the beginning of your journey.

Test the waters with freelance gigs or remote work opportunities while keeping your current job.

This will provide you with a financial safety net, and it will allow you to refine your skills and workflow and start generating some initial income from the business.

When you start gaining some traction in terms of income and confidence, then you can take the leap of faith.

Once your business is going smoothly, then you can quit your job, sell your belongings (or rent them out for passive income), and book that one-way ticket to your dream destination.

 Step 6: Embracing the Nomad Life: Challenges and Triumphs on the Open Road

There’s no such thing as the perfect job. Every job comes with a certain amount of hassle and chores we wish we could avoid.

And the nomadic digital life can be a bit of a culture shock. It can also be lonely and frustrating when unreliable internet speeds test your patience.

However, finding reliable co-working spaces and building a local community can combat isolation.

And if you spend much of your time in a country other than the one in which you live permanently, then mastering basic, local language skills is a good way to foster deeper connections and enrich your experience.

Remember, resilience, flexibility, and not taking yourself too seriously are your essential travel companions.

Another thing to bear in mind is that you don’t have to do everything yourself.

You can delegate specific tasks to virtual assistants to free up your time to do those things that only you can do to maximise the value proposition for your business.

And virtual assistants can be based anywhere and paid per job they do for you.

Outsourcing certain tasks can be a great way to scale up your business. ProBlogger, Fiverr and Upwork are good places to find freelancers to do specific things for you, particularly content creation, writing and image design. However, if you’re looking for a good virtual assistant at a price you can afford, then you should try onlinejobs.ph.

Step 7: Finding Your Rhythm: Work-Life Harmony in the Digital Age

When you work alone, it’s easy to lose your focus. And, if you want your business to be successful, focus matters.

So, you must be very disciplined, and boundaries are crucial.

You must set clear working hours and stick to them religiously. Yes, you can be flexible with yourself occasionally, but generally, you must stick to the working hours you set.

Designate no-screen zones to give your eyes a break and avoid digital burnout.

If you’re working in exotic locations, explore your surroundings, immerse yourself in local cultures, and prioritize experiences over endless work cycles.

Remember, the laptop lifestyle is about freedom, not just from location but also from the tyranny of the clock. The world may be your office, but it’s also your playground. So, allocate a little me time so you can enjoy it.

Step 8: Adapting and Evolving: A Journey, not a Destination

Business is about solving people’s problems to make a profit. However, people’s problems are changing constantly, and you must change and adapt to keep yourself relevant.

There’s no work for gas lamp lighters anymore, nor is there any need for a slide rule manufacturer. Things change, and you must too.

Being a digital entrepreneur is a continuous learning curve.

So, be prepared to refine your skills, adjust your business model, and experiment with new income streams.

The real art is to create multiple income streams so that even if one suddenly dries up, you still have an income overall.

Remember, life is a constant stream of opportunities just waiting to be exploited by the enterprising and fleet-footed.

Technology evolves, trends shift, and unexpected opportunities arise. Embrace change, for it keeps your journey dynamic and your mind nimble.

The digital life is not a sprint to a finish line but a marathon of self-discovery and personal growth.

Be open to embracing new cultures, skills, and even career paths. Your laptop lifestyle can morph and evolve. Just because you start as a writer in Thailand doesn’t mean you cannot move on to become a yoga teacher in Costa Rica one day. It’s about fulfilling a need and going where there’s most demand for those who can fulfil the need.

You’re not a tree, so you can always go to where the best opportunities appear to be.

Remember, flexibility is your greatest asset, so use it to navigate your unique path.

Step 9: Giving Back and Connecting: Leaving Footprints, Not Just Carbon

Life is not just about what you get. Much more important is what you give. It is a fact that those who give generously are usually rewarded for their benevolence.

Being a digital entrepreneur isn’t just about personal liberation; it’s an opportunity to contribute to the communities you encounter.

For instance, volunteering your skills with local NGOs or social enterprises adds purpose and depth to your travels. It’s also a great way to build a network of useful business contacts.

There are plenty of ways to add value. Teaching English, or any language, assisting with environmental projects, or sharing your creative expertise can leave a lasting positive impact.

Remember, you’re not just a visitor; you’re a temporary citizen of the world, and responsible tourism is key.

Beyond volunteering, actively engage with local communities.

If you can learn and use a few words of the local language and some basic phrases, you’ll be amazed at how much people will appreciate you making the effort, even if you make a few mistakes along the way.

Embrace local customs and enjoy the unique cultural experiences your destinations offer.

And don’t forget to strike up conversations with people you meet. It will enhance the experience immensely.

Step 10: The Ever-Unfolding Chapter: The Digital Nomad Odyssey Never Ends

To become a digital entrepreneur is to set out on a journey that never ends.

The beauty of a laptop life lies in its inherent flexibility.

It’s not a one-size-fits-all proposition, but a canvas for crafting a life that truly resonates with your soul.

As you navigate this digital odyssey, remember, that there’s no fixed endpoint.

You may choose to settle down in your dream location, build a remote team, or continue your nomadic journey indefinitely.

The world is your oyster, and the laptop is your pearl. You can embrace the constant evolution, the unexpected detours, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead of you. It’s just like candy on a shelf, you can reach up and help yourself.

Bonus Tips:

  • Embrace slow travel: Resist the urge to tick countries off a bucket list. Immerse yourself in one place for a longer period to truly connect with its culture and people.
  • Invest in travel insurance: Be prepared for unexpected medical emergencies or travel disruptions.
  • Stay healthy: Maintain a healthy routine of exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep. Your body is your travel companion, take care of it!
  • Disconnect to reconnect: Schedule regular digital detox periods to recharge your mind and soul. Remember, there is a wonderful world outside your screen.

The Digital Nomad’s Essentials:

Here’s a basic set of essentials for budding digital nomads:

Tech essentials:

  • Reliable laptop: Your workhorse – prioritize portability, performance, and battery life.
  • Smartphone: Stay connected and explore with a good phone plan and local SIM cards.
  • Power bank: Charge your devices on the go, especially in places with unreliable electricity.
  • Universal adapter: Plug into different power outlets globally.
  • Noise-cancelling headphones: Focus on work and block out noise in bustling environments.
  • Cloud storage: Securely store your files and access them from anywhere.
  • VPN: Security matters and it offers a route to streaming services that may not be available where you are.

Productivity tools:

  • Project management software: TrelloAsana, or Todoist can help you stay organized and manage tasks.
  • Time management apps: FocusKeeper or PomoDone can help you stay focused and productive.
  • Communication tools: ZoomSlack, and Skype are crucial for staying connected with clients and colleagues.

Travel essentials:

  • Comfortable backpack: Carry your everyday essentials and laptop safely and comfortably.
  • Packing cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently and keep things tidy.
  • Travel insurance: Protect yourself from unexpected medical emergencies or travel disruptions.
  • First-aid kit: Be prepared for minor injuries and ailments.

Optional, but helpful:

  • Portable router: Create your own Wi-Fi hotspot if public networks are unreliable.
  • Offline language apps: Learn basic phrases and communicate in new languages even without the internet.
  • Travel accessories: Eye mask, earplugs, neck pillow, water bottle – for enhanced comfort on the road.

Remember: Customize this list based on your specific needs and travel style.

Some digital nomads might prefer tablets over laptops, while others might require specialized software for their work. Invest in quality gear that will last longer and avoid unnecessary frustration.

Bonus tip: Join online communities and forums for digital nomads! They’re a great source of information, support, and inspiration.

Conclusion:

The laptop lifestyle is a thrilling adventure there for the taking. So, step into the unknown, embrace the uncertainty, and write your unique chapter in the ever-evolving story of the digital nomad.

The world is yours to explore, one click at a time. However, remember this, it’s not about escaping the world, but about creating a life you truly love within it.

So, spread your wings, fire up your laptop, and chart your path to boundless freedom and endless possibilities.

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How to become a Virtual Assistant

How to become a Virtual AssistantIf you’re looking for a role that will allow you to work from home with some flexibility in terms of time commitment, then becoming a virtual assistant might well appeal to you. If so, you might be wondering how to become a virtual assistant.

Well, without further ado, let us explore today’s topic.

Summary:

In this post, I explain the six-step process for how to become a virtual assistant.

These steps are:

  1. Identify your skills and niche.
  2. Address any skills gaps.
  3. Invest in the right equipment.
  4. Set up your business.
  5. Start marketing your services.
  6. Get your first clients.

In more detail, the following is what you need to know:

The Six-Step Process:

Step 1: Identify your skills and niche

The first step to becoming a virtual assistant is to identify your skills and niche.

What are you good at?

What do you enjoy doing?

Once you know your strengths, you can start to narrow down your niche and target your services to a specific type of client.

For example, if you are a strong writer and editor, you could niche down as a content creation virtual assistant.

Perhaps you’re good at social media. Could you manage someone’s social media for them?

Alternatively, if you are organized and detail-oriented, perhaps you could become a virtual administrative assistant.

Essentially, it’s all about what you have to offer a client or clients and what you could best specialise in.

Step 2: Address any skills gaps

Now, you’re going to offer a professional service to clients. That means you must have all the necessary skills. Some you may have already; some you may need to acquire.

So, once you know your target niche, create two lists. The first list should be an inventory of the skills required. The second list should be an inventory of the skills you possess now.

Compare the two lists and identify any skills gaps.

Then you can start to get the necessary training and skills you will need to offer the best possible service.

There are many online and offline courses available that can teach you the skills you need to be a successful virtual assistant.

Some of the most important skills for virtual assistants include:

      • Time management
      • Communication
      • Customer service
      • Writing and Editing
      • Social media marketing
      • Project management
      • Basic accounting

Step 3: Invest in the right equipment

To be a successful virtual assistant, you will need to invest in the right equipment.

This will include a computer, a reliable internet connection, a headset, and a printer.

It’s worth getting top-quality equipment if you can afford it.

You may also want to invest in some software that can help you with your work and productivity, such as a project management tool, a customer relationship management (CRM) system, and a time-tracking tool.

Step 4: Set up your business

Once you have the necessary skills and equipment, you can formally set up your business.

This will include choosing a business name, registering your company, and setting up your finances, including business bank accounts.

You will also need to create a website to showcase your skills and experience.

The website should include some positive testimonials from people you’ve worked with, if that’s possible.

Step 5: Start marketing your services

You cannot be the solution to someone’s problem if they don’t know you exist.

So, once your business is up and running, you must start to market your services. There are many ways to do this, such as online job boards, social media, networking, and cold emailing.

When you are marketing your services, be sure to highlight your unique skills and experience.

You should also be clear about your rates and your availability.

Step 6: Get your first clients

Once you start marketing your services, you will start to get leads from potential clients.

It is important to qualify these leads carefully to make sure that they are a good fit for your business.

Once you have qualified a lead, you can set up a call to discuss their needs and how you can help them.

Be prepared to answer their questions and explain your services in detail.

If you make a good impression on the potential client, they may hire you for a project.

Once you have completed your first project, be sure to ask the client for a testimonial. This will help you attract more clients in the future.

Here are some additional tips for getting your first clients:

  • Network with other virtual assistants. They may be able to refer you to clients or give you advice on how to find work.
  • Offer free consultations. This is a great way to show potential clients what you can do and how you can help them.
  • Write guest blog posts or articles for industry websites. This will help you establish yourself as an expert and attract potential clients.
  • Get involved in social media. Join online communities for virtual assistants and participate in discussions. This is a great way to connect with potential clients and build relationships.

Conclusion:

Becoming a virtual assistant can be a great way to make a living from home.

By following these tips above, you can increase your chances of success.

I hope this article helps you. Good luck.

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5 very powerful quotes with reflections on their meaning

very powerful quotesIf you’re looking for some very powerful quotes, dear reader, then there are five great ones here for you today.

And I’ve added my reflections on what they all mean.

I hope you find the quotes interesting. Certainly, I did. And I hope my comments also add some value to you today.

Please feel free to pass them on to your friends.

Very Powerful Quotes:

1. Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly until you learn to do it well. ~Zig Ziglar

Even the greatest exponents of any skill you care to mention started as complete beginners. That’s a fact.

Whether it’s a great football player like Cristiano Ronaldo or a rock guitar god like Jimmy Page, they all had to start somewhere.

In the beginning, they wouldn’t have produced anything special, I am sure, although they may have shown some early talent, I guess.

Anyway, dedication to their craft and a determination to hone their skills is what would have taken them from being ordinary to quite extraordinary.

To be good, talent helps, of course. However, nothing matches dedication and determination if you are to excel at what you do.

If you want to be the best, you’ve got to get started, and then it’s all about practice, practice, and more practice.

Before you can be the best, you’ve got to pay your dues first.

The very best people will have spent thousands of hours developing their skills long before entering the public’s consciousness.

People who succeed have paid their dues and earned their success.

You don’t get anything for nothing.

What you get out is proportional to what you put in.

That’s the first law of achievement.

2. You’re never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. ~C.S. Lewis

Age is just a number. It doesn’t have to be a constraint on your life.

You’re not on the scrap heap just because you’ve reached 50, 60, 70, or whatever.

You can still learn something new, and there are still places to go and explore.

Perhaps you’re too old to play for Liverpool FC but that doesn’t mean you couldn’t get involved in football (or soccer, as many prefer to call it) in some way.

You may never be able to play the guitar like Jimmy Page or Eric Clapton but that doesn’t mean you couldn’t learn to play a musical instrument.

You may never win an Oscar but that doesn’t mean you couldn’t get involved in amateur dramatics.

And you may never outsell JK Rowling but that doesn’t mean you couldn’t write a book and get it published, or at least self-published.

With the Internet, eBooks, and social media, the opportunities for making your name have never been greater.

Today, you can write an eBook, self-publish it, and sell it on Amazon. I’m told that’s exactly how EL James of 50 Shades of Grey fame started.

If a book seems like a big step, then how about writing a blog?

WordPress is not difficult. I spent $100 on a one-day course to learn WordPress and I’ve never looked back.  And of course, knowing WordPress, you can set up a blog easily and quickly.

One of the advantages of age is that you’ve learned a lot along the way. So you can share your wisdom and experience.

You can make a real contribution if you want to.

So why not give it a go?

It’s never too late to become the person you really could be.

You’ve got a lot to offer. Please don’t keep it all to yourself. That would be such a waste, and there’s still an opportunity to leave a legacy.

3. With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts. ~Eleanor Roosevelt

Yesterday’s dead and gone. However good or bad it was, it’s now nothing more than a footnote in history.

So leave the past where it belongs – in the past.

Today is different.

At the beginning of a new day, anything is possible.

Learn from the past, of course, but don’t dwell on your mistakes, your bad luck, or the disappointing outcomes you wish had been different.

You can’t change the past, so focus on what can be achieved today and in the future.

Take strength from the present and think positive thoughts.

A positive mental attitude will carry you further than you think.

Remember: You’ll never have today again, so make sure you enjoy it.

4. Be miserable or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice. ~Wayne Dyer

Now, life may have been mean to you, dear reader, but so what? The reality is that life’s been mean to a lot of people.

However much life’s let you down, you’ll find that no one’s impressed with self-pity. No one wants to go to a pity party.

Self-pity is an unattractive quality, to say the least.

Everyone’s struggling with their own lives, so they don’t need your misery to bring them down even further.

If you want to be appreciated, then you have to be positive.

It all comes down to the choice you make. It’s better that you add something to other people’s lives rather than take something away.

You can choose to ignore your troubles and be positive, or not.

It’s a fact that your outlook, sunny or otherwise, will have an impact on how you’re treated by other people.

Cheer them up, and they’ll love you.

Make them feel depressed, and they’ll head for the hills the moment they see you.

So what are you going to be? Remember, it’s a choice.

You can be the person who makes people smile when you enter a room.

Alternatively, you can be the person who makes people smile when you leave.

That choice is yours, but I know which one I prefer.

5. The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, and whose presence calls forth your best. ~Epictetus

How often do other people put us down?

They belittle our ambitions and tell us we’re getting above ourselves.

You’re not good enough for that,” we’ll hear people say.

You don’t have the brains or the talent” will be another response.

Then you’ll be told, “Oh, people from your background can’t do that; it’s not for you.

Eventually, if you’re not careful, you start to believe it all.

And then you’re destined for nothing more than a life of mediocrity, just like those people who were putting you down.

And that’s the point.

The real issue is that they resent your ambition because they don’t have any ambition or lack the confidence to try anything new.

They dislike the idea of you going places and getting on in life because they’ve never achieved anything.

Their opinions are presented to you as well-meaning advice, of course. However, they’re jealous.

They deliberately put you down in the hope that you won’t achieve anything more than them.

So, don’t be fooled.

Surround yourself only with people who encourage your ambitions.

People who will offer you guidance to help you get to where you want to go.

Don’t allow negative people to put you off.

If you want to do something, then you have a go at it.

If you stick with it, you can succeed. Other people do, so why not you?

However, even if you don’t, it’s better to try and fail than never to have tried at all. At least you’ll know for sure whether something was right for you or otherwise.

Don’t allow the years to slip by with you wondering what might have been.

The message here is: Believe in yourself and keep company only with positive people. The negative ones will just do your head in.

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Very Powerful QuotesSo, dear reader, was this post worth a little piece of your time?

Did you enjoy reading it? Did you find the quotes inspirational?

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21 truly inspirational quotes that’ll make you think

21 TRULY INSPIRATIONAL QUOTESIf you’re looking for some truly inspirational quotes, then I have some great ones for you today, dear reader. So, take a few moments to be inspired.

And then, please feel free to pass them on.

Truly Inspirational Quotes (1-10):

  1. Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression. ~Haim Ginott
  2. Being considerate of others will take your children further in life than any college degree. ~Marian Wright Edelman
  3. Every man has three characters: that which he shows; that which he has; and that which he thinks he has. ~Alphonse Karr
  4. You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
  5. The measure of a man’s character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out. ~Baron Thomas Babington Macauley
  6. Clutter in our lives weighs us down emotionally. Have a good clear-out occasionally; you will feel liberated, and it will give you the confidence to move on. ~Roy Sutton
  7. A truly loving parent won’t be looking for payback from a child. The child’s happiness, self-confidence, and independence are the only rewards of good parenting. ~Roy Sutton
  8. The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realise that you control your own destiny. ~Albert Ellis
  9. If we want our children to possess the traits of character we most admire, we need to teach them what those traits are and why they deserve both admiration and allegiance. Children must learn to identify the forms and content of those traits. ~William J. Bennett
  10. My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success. She said that achievement is the knowledge that you have studied, worked hard, and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others, and that’s nice too, but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about success. ~ Helen Hayes Brown

Truly Inspirational Quotes (11-21):

  1. If you want it, don’t wish for it; work for it. ~Betsy Plumb
  2. Pay attention to those who disagree with you. ~Author Unknown
  3. Never underestimate the power of fear as a motivator. ~Lucius B. Wack
  4. We only truly realise what people do when they’re no longer there to do it. ~Elmer Trivitt
  5. Few things matter much, and most things in life don’t really matter at all. ~Author Unknown
  6. Done in the name of compassion is not the same as acting with genuine compassion. ~Joe Gilali
  7. You don’t have to be perfect. If you’re doing your best, then no one can ask any more of you. ~Albert Corker
  8. All behaviour is conditioned by the societies in which we live and the people we surround ourselves with. ~Tom Irwell
  9. We live in an age when idiotic ideas take precedence over what everyone knows to be common sense. ~Philomena Mangan
  10. Don’t sit back and wait for things to happen to you or for people to give you things. You’re not entitled to anything. ~Mark Billingham
  11. Success in life has nothing to do with qualifications. Find a way to add value to the lives of others. Then pursue it with commitment, determination, and a desire to deliver that value better than others do. ~Joseph Crosby

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30 corny one-liners you might just enjoy

corny one-linersLooking for some corny one-liners, dear reader? A few corny jokes to make you smile?

Well, I’ve got 30 of them today, just for you.

I can assure you that these are all full ‘groan’. However, I’m confident they’ll raise a smile or two in the process.

So take a few minutes, perhaps grab a coffee, and enjoy them all.

And if you do enjoy them, feel free to pass them on.

Corny one-liners (1-15):

  1. A steak pun is a rare medium well done.
  2. I hate German sausage. It’s the wurst.
  3. I used to be a tap dancer, but I fell in the sink.
  4. Time flies like an arrow, but fruit flies like a banana.
  5. I changed my iPhone’s name to Titanic; because it’s syncing now.
  6. Show me a piano falling down a mineshaft and I’ll show you A-flat minor.
  7. What did the Statue of Liberty say to the New Yorker? “You’re such a Big Apple!”
  8. Why did the bee go to the doctor? Because he had hives.
  9. What did the fish say when it hit the wall? Dam!
  10. Why did the mushroom go to the party? Because he was a fungi!
  11. What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear!
  12. I used to be a tailor, but I just wasn’t suited for it.
  13. I was looking for my missing watch, but I couldn’t find the time.
  14. What did the tree say to autumn? Leaf me alone!
  15. What did the ocean say to the sailboat? Nothing, it just waved!

Corny one-liners (16-30):

  1. Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything!
  2. What did the paper say to the pencil? Stop scribbling!
  3. Why did the bicycle fall over? Because it was two tired!
  4. Why did the chicken go to the séance? To get to the other side.
  5. What did the cheese say when it looked in the mirror? Halloumi!
  6. Why don’t oysters share their pearls? Because they’re shellfish.
  7. What did the monkey say when he found a banana in his cereal? A-peeling!
  8. Why did the octopus beat the shark in a fight? Because it was well-armed!
  9. I used to be a banker but then I lost interest.
  10. Why doesn’t everyone learn sign language? It’s pretty handy.
  11. I used to be addicted to the hokey pokey, but I turned myself around.
  12. Did you hear about the guy who invented Lifesavers? They say he made a mint.
  13. Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon? Great food but no atmosphere.
  14. Why don’t skeletons ever go out on the town? Because they don’t have any body to go with
  15. I couldn’t quite remember how to throw the boomerang, but eventually, it came back to me.

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The Significance of Christmas and its Enduring Relevance

Significance of ChristmasFor those who celebrate it, Christmas is a time of joy, family gatherings, and the spirit of giving.

While rooted in Christian tradition and commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas has transcended religious boundaries to become a global cultural phenomenon.

This Christmas Eve, I want to delve into the significance of Christmas, examine its historical origins, cultural impact, and why it continues to be a vital part of human society.

Historical Origins and Religious Significance

The historical roots of Christmas date back over two millennia to what believers in Christianity regard as the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.

For Christians, this event signifies God’s incarnation as a human being to guide and redeem humanity.

This theological importance is at the heart of Christmas, making it a pivotal event in Christian liturgy. Christmas not only celebrates a historical moment but also symbolizes hope, peace, and God’s love for humanity.

Cultural Impact and Global Reach

Over the centuries, Christmas has evolved, absorbing various cultural traditions and customs. This blend of practices has made Christmas a unique tapestry of global cultures.

Traditions such as decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, and singing carols have their origins in different parts of the world yet have become integral to the celebration. This inclusivity and adaptability are key reasons for the widespread popularity of Christmas.

Moreover, Christmas has a significant impact on the economy, with industries like retail, entertainment, and food and beverage seeing a substantial increase in business. It’s a period that stimulates economic activity, creates jobs, and drives consumer spending.

Social and Family Bonds

One of the most profound aspects of Christmas is its emphasis on family and community.

It’s a time when family bonds are strengthened and people come together to celebrate, often bridging geographical and social divides. This emphasis on togetherness and love is a fundamental reason why Christmas resonates so deeply with people worldwide.

Additionally, Christmas embodies the spirit of giving and charity.

The act of giving gifts, rooted in the tradition of the Magi offering gifts to the newborn Jesus, extends beyond material exchange. It symbolizes love, kindness, and the joy of sharing with others, especially those in need.

This spirit of generosity and compassion is more relevant today than ever, in a world grappling with numerous social and economic challenges.

Personal Reflection and Renewal

Christmas is also a time for reflection and personal renewal.

It offers a pause from the hustle of life, allowing individuals to reflect on their lives, appreciate what they have, and set intentions for the new year.

This aspect of Christmas is crucial in an age marked by rapid change and people being constantly busy.

Enduring Relevance in a Changing World

Despite the commercialization and varying degrees of secularization, the essence of Christmas (peace, joy, and goodwill) remains relevant to people.

In a world facing challenges like inequality, conflict, and environmental crises, the Christmas message of hope and unity is more important than ever. It reminds us of our shared humanity and the power of compassion.

The Significance of Christmas

Christmas, with its rich history, cultural diversity, and profound messages, is more than just a holiday. It’s a symbol of unity, love, and hope. Its ability to adapt to different cultures and times while maintaining its core values is a testament to its enduring significance.

Christmas matters because it embodies the best of human values and aspirations, offering a beacon of light in a world that often seems dark.

As Christmas is celebrated each year, we are reminded of our potential for kindness, generosity, and togetherness, making the world a little brighter, one festive season at a time. 

Conclusion

If you’re celebrating Christmas over the next few days, dear reader, then I hope your life is filled with good food, good cheer, and the love and companionship of loved ones and friends.

However, if for you, Christmas is just another day, then I hope that wherever you are, life is peaceful and that you have food on your table and a roof over your head.

May life be kind to all readers, and may your life be all you’d like it to be.

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Change habits and you can change your life

Change HabitsIs your life not quite going in the direction you’d like it to go, dear reader?

Somehow, you can’t quite achieve the results you’d like to achieve. Would that be true?

In the video included here, Bob Proctor explains that the reason you’re stuck and can’t get the results you want is likely to be because of a paradigm.

And what’s a paradigm?

Well, Bob goes on to explain what paradigms are and how they are formed.

He also explains how change can be achieved.

If change is something you’d like to achieve, then this is a really interesting presentation; it is fairly short but worth watching.

I recommend it to you, so take a few minutes and check it out now.

Change your habits:

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What makes a great idea and why you should keep a journal

What makes a great idea.What makes a great idea? Now, that’s an interesting question, in my opinion.

How is it that one idea can be successful and another idea less so?

Why has the iPhone been so successful, yet once-popular smartphones like the Blackberry have disappeared?

How do you know when one of your ideas might make a big difference?

The importance of timing

A key ingredient for a great idea is timing. Ideas are a dime a dozen. The trick is to know when one of your inspired thoughts is right for its time and, therefore, how hard to push it.

If you’re too far ahead of other people’s thinking, that inspired thought you believed was a great idea will only be ignored because it won’t resonate with people.

If you’re too far behind, then it will be ignored because they’ve seen it all before or something else is already doing it better.

However, if you can hit that sweet spot between the two extremes, then you can generate value from your idea because it will solve a problem or capture the imagination of the people who are ready for it.

An idea whose time has come is a truly great idea. Though coming up with one is not so easy, of course.

Good ideas are valuable

Great ideas are rare, so they become very valuable. And that value is why it’s worthwhile to constantly seek out great ideas.

Should you decide the world is not quite ready for your inspired thinking, don’t worry. The world not being ready now doesn’t mean the world will never be ready.

Keep a journal and make a note of all those flashes of inspiration. And add your journals to your library. Never throw your journals away. Go through them occasionally and see what ideas you’ve had for which the time might now be right.

Keep a journal

The real message today is: KEEP A JOURNAL.

Your journals could be a source of pure gold in the future, so make sure you buy quality notebooks that you can add to your library as you fill them with your thoughts and inspiration.

By keeping journals, you’re creating value. Value starts with a good-quality notebook, so it’s worth investing in quality.

And never, ever dismiss your ideas. They may not work today, but one day they may make you a fortune.

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15 inspirational quotes on things that really matter

5 inspirational quotes on things that really matterToday, I thought it might be interesting to explore some inspirational quotes on things that really matter.

When our lives are busy, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters.

We sometimes get absorbed in things that we think matter, but eventually, we realise that they don’t.

In my opinion, the thing that matters most in life is people. And by people, I mean family and friends.

Human beings are social animals, and we need people. Without family and friends, we have nothing.

Well, that’s what I think, but what do others think?

Here are 15 great quotes that will get you thinking about what matters. I’m confident you will appreciate them, dear reader.

So, see if you can work any of them into your day.

Inspirational quotes on things that really matter (1-5):

  1. Nothing matters very much, and few things matter at all. ~Arthur Balfour
  2. It’s not what you look at that matters; it’s what you see. ~Henry David Thoreau
  3. The summit is what drives us, but the climb itself is what matters. ~Conrad Anker
  4. It is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established authorities are wrong. ~Voltaire
  5. I’m having fun. I’m being myself. I’m doing what I love. That’s all that matters. ~James Charles

Inspirational quotes on things that really matter (6-10):

  1. The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy – it’s all that matters. ~Audrey Hepburn
  2. It doesn’t matter where you are coming from. All that matters is where you are going. ~Brian Tracy
  3. It matters not how a man dies, but how he lives. The act of dying is not of importance; it lasts so short a time. ~Samuel Johnson
  4. Happiness is not so much in having as sharing. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. ~Norman MacEwan
  5. The man who does not work for the love of work but only for money is neither likely to make money nor find much fun in life. ~Charles M. Schwab

Inspirational quotes on things that really matter (10-15):

  1. The greatest tragedy for any human being is going through their entire lives believing the only perspective that matters is their own. ~Doug Baldwin
  2. If life be short, then moderate your worldly cares and projects. Do not cumber yourselves with too much provision for a short voyage. ~Author Unknown
  3. Focus on what lights a fire inside of you, and use that passion to fill a white space. Don’t be afraid of the challenges, the missteps, and the setbacks along the way. What matters is that you keep going. ~Kendra Scott
  4. The person who tries to live alone will not succeed as a human being. His heart withers if it does not answer another heart. His mind shrinks away if he hears only the echoes of his own thoughts and finds no other inspiration. ~Pearl S. Buck
  5. If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep even as Michelangelo painted, Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well. ~Martin Luther King

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