Assertiveness

When I was younger I struggled with this. I always took a passive approach to things. With the thought that I deserve what I get. Instead of being ASSERTIVE and going after what I wanted. This is no way to live your life. Getting what you want can be as simple as asking for it. But if you sit back and are passive you may never get those things you want.

Here is another great article about Assertiveness
ASSERTIVENESS - Click here

Communication Skills Quiz

How are your communication skills? I came across this quiz online. It's only 15 questions and takes less than 5 minutes to complete. So, of course I take the quiz and to my surprise I scored a 48 out of a possible 75 points. I guess I will be working on communication in the near future.

Check out the site. There are some interesting articles on a variety of topics.

Communication Skills Quiz

Bruce Lee Inspires

Art of Finishing

Are you someone who starts projects or begins something but never finishes? I am.

I'm constantly starting projects and coming up with new ideas. And being involved in the world of design, I will scrap a project in the middle.

I began thinking "what can I do to cure this self inflicted ailment?". So, I scoured the internet for solutions. I really didn't find much to fix this problem. So what did I do? I gave up.

Thats when it hit me! Some things are better left unfinished. I realized that some ideas are just bad ideas. Some projects deserve to be scrapped. Throughout a work week or day I have dozens of ideas. I couldn't possibly implement all of them. I engage in design projects all the time and half way into it I realize...its crap!

So don't feel guilty. It's my experience the ideas or projects I do complete or follow through on are worth finishing.

It might take hundreds of ideas before finding one thats worth pursuing. The key is to keep going.

Sleep for Success

Most students and adults are sleep deprived, causing marked reduction in their productivity, concentration and quality of work, as well as an increase in moodiness, stress, accidents, illness and shortened life span. Recent medical research proves that sleep deprivation literally “makes you stupid, clumsy, stressed out, unhealthy and will shorten your life.”

To be a peak performer you need to be fully alert, in a good mood, and cognitively sharp. You must be able to concentrate, make critical and creative decisions, communicate persuasively, and be productive all day long. None of this is possible without quality sleep. Furthermore, healthy sleep has been proven to be the single most important determinant in predicting longevity. It is more influential than diet, exercise or heredity-but our modern culture has become a study in sleep deprivation. We must learn to value sleep, yet most of us know very little about the incredibly varied activity that occurs during the course of each night, and how it affects health, happiness and performance.

Tips to getting good sleep:
1. Stick to a sleep schedule. Try to get up at the same time each day. Even on days off.
2. Pay attention to your diet. Don't eat late and limit caffeine intake.
3. Create a bedtime ritual. Personally I like to read in bed for a short time. That usually puts me right to sleep.
4. Stay active throughout the day. Make an effort to do something physical each day.
5. Manage stress levels. Do something to take your mind off the daily grind. I like to sit back and get caught up on my sportscenter to unwind.

Literal definition of success

suc-cess-ful

Adjective

1. Having achieved or achieving success

2. Having attained position, wealth, honors, and the like

3. Resulting in or attaining success

Synonyms: advantageous, ahead of the game, champion, fortunate, fruitful, lucky, lucrative, noteworthy, triumphant, victorious, wealthy

Who are you?

"Sun Tzu for Success" is writer Gerald Michaelsons practical interpretation of Sun Tzu "Art of War". This is a great read for all walks of life. This book has advice for any person looking to better themselves in any area of focus. So much valuable information in this book. I just love it.

My favorite part of this book is the section "Who are you?". Think about that! How can we be ready for success if we haven't discovered ourselves? Self-Knowledge is the foundation of success.