7 Simple Ways to Stay Positive at Work

Psychology defines attitude as a set of emotions, beliefs, and behaviors toward a particular object, person, or event. It involves a person’s perspective or mindset.

What does it mean to have a positive attitude at work?

There are times when it is crucial to have a positive mindset at work. Whether you are meeting with difficult clients or giving an important presentation to your supervisors, you need to solve problems with zestiness to arrive at a beneficial outcome.

Having and practicing a positive attitude is not about being blindly optimistic or avoiding negative scenarios. Instead, it means being realistic about people and situations at work, while acknowledging both failures and successes. With a positive attitude, setbacks are not interpreted as a sign to give up because they motivate the person to begin improvement and problem solving.

When you feel exhausted or disappointed because of constant work-related failures, it is harder to keep a positive attitude. Thus, you have to learn strategies to maintain a positive attitude at work. Maintaining this will enable you to stay productive, motivate others, and achieve your organization’s goals.

#1: INTERACT WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE

It only takes a few rotten apples to spoil the barrel. Surrounding yourself with co-workers who complain about everything can make you see the world in a different light. You might think that radiating your positivity can help change them, but that is not always the case. It is best to surround yourself with positive people.

Connect with people who ignite innovative ideas, enjoy their tasks, and who are interested in many things outside of work.

#2: ALTER YOUR VOCABULARY

Your overall work attitude can improve by adjusting your vocabulary. Consider replacing negative words with positive words in conversations and performance appraisals. Let your team members know what they are doing right and how they can improve in other areas rather than only focusing on what they are doing incorrectly.

#3: FOCUS ON THE SOLUTIONS

Focusing on the solutions will enable you to think of the best ways to address an issue. If you feel that a co-worker is not contributing to the team, consider assigning the person to a new task or offering one-on-one coaching.

#4: SMILE MORE

Smiling more often may improve your mood, according to studies. It can also help clients and co-workers feel more comfortable when interacting with you. Make an effort to smile several times throughout your workday.

#5: SHOW YOUR GRATITUDE

Appreciating others and extending your gratitude are priceless gestures that can impact a person. Selfless acts of kindness most often result in appreciation from your co-workers or your boss, which can make you both feel good. For instance, you can give a card or a simple gift to your co-worker who recently got married.

#6: REWARD YOURSELF

As much as you appreciate others, you must also reward yourself. Improve your attitude while at work by rewarding yourself when you attain milestones or small wins. For instance, you can take yourself out to your favorite restaurant after accomplishing a certain number of tasks throughout the week. Doing something you love can help motivate you to continue working.

#7: TAKE (MUCH NEEDED) BREAKS

Taking breaks during the day can help lessen stress and negativity. Go for a short walk during your lunch break or do some light stretches when you have time. To ensure that you have more time to slow down at the end of your shift, consider completing your complex tasks earlier in the day.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

If you are feeling immensely stressed, it may be beneficial to your mental health to take a day off work.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Financial Challenges of Wedding Preparation and How to Overcome Them

Weddings are notoriously known for being expensive and stressful.

Be prepared to plan for a year for an event that will happen instantly in a day. The possible options are overwhelming! Not to mention, countless wedding vendors are vying for your attention. You might want to brace yourself, because the average cost of a wedding in Singapore ranges between S$22,200 and S$52,800.

During the process of wedding planning, engaged couples often make financial mistakes that affect their future. Here’s how you can avoid these common financial challenges.

#1: NOT SETTING BOUNDARIES FROM THE GET-GO

Failure to discuss your financial boundaries can affect your other wedding decisions. The decision to unite as a family isn’t merely about spending the rest of your lives with your true love. It is also about the practical areas of building a future. You need to either rent a flat or buy a flat. Do you plan to have a baby in the next five years? Do you want to travel to Europe for your honeymoon?

It is important for couples to discuss the specifics and mutually agree on a financial plan. Know which funds are “ours”, “yours”, and “mine”. Decide which expenses should be paid for by the “ours” bucket (e.g., venue rental) and which part should come out from your “mine” bucket (e.g., wedding gift to your partner).

#2: BEING TRAPPED BY THE CONTRACTS

Let’s face it – weddings are a lucrative business! The contracts you have with the suppliers are binding. So, don’t simply sign on the dotted line without asking questions. Studying the contract will enable you to bargain strategically. For instance, you can remove unnecessary inclusions such as upgraded linens for VIP guests.

Some contracts leave you financially responsible for empty rooms and chairs that you reserved for the event. This added expense can create a hole in your pocket. Be sure to read the contracts thoroughly.

#3: INVITING PEOPLE OUT OF OBLIGATION

It’s easy to get into the mindset of having to invite everyone from your secondary school friends to your second cousin whom you have not seen in a decade, but having a huge guest list may turn out to be a big financial mistake. As uncomfortable a conversation may be, you must decide together to only extend an invite to those people who you really want to be at your wedding.

Set clear rules about your guest list such as “no kids” or “no plus ones”. With fewer people, you will be able to maximize your wedding budget and assign your funds to more key areas including catering and venue rental. Best of all? You will only be celebrating this special occasion with the ones closest to you.

#4: FAILURE TO FACTOR IN THE UNEXPECTED EXPENSES

You have booked and paid for the flowers, venue, photographer, and catering. Everything on your list is accomplished and small details have been polished. However, unexpected expenses can come on the day itself. While paying for an extra person might not break the bank, before you know it, you receive a bill that you did not foresee. Thus, it is important to create some wiggle room and be ready for unexpected expenses.

#5: SPENDING MORE THAN WHAT YOU HAVE

Common wedding expenses that you must prepare for include

a. ROM and solemnisation fees,
b. Venue rental and banquet,
c. Photographer and videographer, as well as
d. Wedding party entertainment.

Many engaged couples splurge on their wedding because of this mindset – you only get married once. Coming from someone who has recently had her civil marriage ceremony, I am now planning to have our Church wedding ceremony. Sometimes, you do not get married once. Moreover, going into debt to wed is never the right foot to start your marriage on.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Having a realistic wedding budget can help you stay within your limits. Have a firm idea of how much money is available for your wedding. Then, create a wish list of the things that you would like to have. Prioritize your list while taking your current financial situation into consideration. There are no wrong or right priorities, just preferences to complete your special day!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Man Arrested for Allegedly Cloning Cards to Withdraw Cash from ATMs

A 27-year-old man has been arrested for suspected possession of cloned cards and equipment used for creating cloned cards. On Feb 7 (Tuesday), the police received a report that a cloned metal card was used to make a withdrawal at an automated teller machine (ATM). The name of the bank and other details were not disclosed. After follow-up investigations, Commercial Affairs Department officers determined the identity of the man and arrested him on Feb 16 (Thursday).

HE CLONED OVER 60 ORIGINAL PAYMENT CARDS

The police stated that the man is believed to have copied the card details from the magnetic stripes of more than sixty original payment cards. These details were later encoded into blank metal cards, which he had acquired online.

Moreover, he is also believed to have removed and transferred the Mastercard, Europay, and Visa chips to the blank metal cards. The police added that a laptop, blank metal cards, an engraving machine, a card encoder, two notebooks, a point-of-sale (POS) reader machine and some cloned metal payment cards were seized as case exhibits.

HE COULD FACE UP TO 15 YEARS JAIL TIME

An imprisonment term of up to five years, fine, or both could be sentenced to anyone found guilty of possessing machines and equipment, which are specifically designed or adapted for making any false instrument. Those found guilty of possessing a forged valuable security could face up to 15 years jail time or a fine.

POLICE INVESTIGATIONS ARE ONGOING

Details are being finalized as police investigations are ongoing. The police highlighted the importance of this matter as they take a serious view of any person who may have been involved in the production and possession of cloned payment cards. Perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

To protect yourself and your details from being copied, it is best not to share your card’s PIN to anyone. Additionally, you should avoid storing your card information on your phone. You can also set up a two-step authentication for online transactions. Stay vigilant!

Sources: 1 & 2

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6 Must-Have Beauty Products Under S$50

Despite the influx of new products that hit the beauty market each week, there are certain products that will go down in history as truly the best, complete with their devout followings. Many of these products start at affordable prices which fall under the S$20, S$30, and S$50 mark. Intrigued yet?

Although it’s easy to get carried away and drop by the nearest makeup store to spend the bulk of your paycheck, save your money on these cult-loved products that are worth every dollar!

#1: ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS CLEAR BROW GEL, S$18 MINI-SIZE & S$42 FULL-SIZE

This pocket-friendly Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel is lightweight and long-lasting. If you are waiting for a sign to grab it, this is it! Like a clear topcoat for brows, this brush-on gel sets the product and keeps the hair in place. You can achieve clean and polished arches in no time!

#2: TARTE SHAPE TAPE ULTRA CREAMY CONCEALER, S$22

Tarte’s iconic shape tape concealer gives your face the instant life it needs. The creamy formula helps create definition all over the face with ease, thanks to its applicator. It is also crafted with ingredients such as antioxidants, salicylic acid, and vitamins.

#3: RARE BEAUTY STAY VULNERABLE GLOSSY LIP BALM, S$33

Glosses by Rare Beauty come in gorgeous neutral shades and feel as hydrating as your favorite lip balm. Be sure to reap the effects of its lotus, gardenia, and white waterlily. The balm’s beautiful packaging is a plus too!

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: BENEFIT COSMETICS 24-HR BROW SETTER INVISIBLE BROW GEL, S$26 MINI-SIZE & S$47 FULL-SIZE

The Benefit Cosmetics 24-HR Brow Setter Invisible Brow Gel blows its competitors out of the water with its comb-like wand that achieves the lamination-like effect. One tube can take you a few months even with near-daily wear.

#5: SUPERGOOP! PLAY 100% MINERAL SUNSCREEN LOTION SPF 50, S$24

To ensure that you minimize your skin damage, do not forget to bring sunscreen lotion, or stick with you wherever you go. Supergoop! Play 100% Mineral Sunscreen Lotion can be reapplied every two hours or after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. Best of all? It’s fragrance-free, gluten-free, paraben-free, and sulphate-free.

#6: FENTY BEAUTY MATCH STIX MATTE CONTOUR SKINSTICK, S$49

Yet another Fenty Beauty best-selling product, the Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick comes with its light-as-air formula to help contour, conceal, and correct parts of your face. This buildable, creamy-to-powder stick has blendable finish that does not crease. Moreover, it comes with many shades to ensure that you use the ideal stick for your skin tone.

 

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How to Save Money to Grow Your KPop Merch Collection

Fangirls and fanboys show their love for their idols in different ways. While some fans show their loyalty by attending every concert, others show their appreciation by purchasing KPop merchandise. Buying albums is one of the best ways to support their idols as it will help the singers or bands to hit top spots in the physical and digital music charts.

To help you get started in buying and saving for KPop merchandise (merch), here is an easy guide:

CHOOSE EITHER OFFICIAL OR UNOFFICIAL MERCH

There are two types of KPop merch – official and unofficial goods. The former is released by the KPop star’s entertainment company. Official merch includes albums, photo books, lightsticks, concert items, and DVDs. A percentage of the sales will go straight to your idols. The latter is usually cheaper than the former. The unofficial goods are fan made and will support the fans’ small businesses. Unofficial goods include fanarts printed on shirts, mugs, stationery items, and keychains.

SCOUT FOR DISCOUNTS

Always keep a lookout for discounts on shops that offer KPop merchandise. Start by scanning online to see whether these stores have posted their recent promotions and events on their websites and social media pages. You can also inquire locally by asking physical merchants whether they have an upcoming promotion. Compare their rates to Singapore marketplaces to ensure that you get the best deals.

KNOW WHERE TO SHOP

KPop merchandise is available on international websites such as Amazon and YesAsia. Items are also available in physical stores such as Infinity Kpop (City Gate) and House of Kpop (Orchard Road). You must first identify the merchandise that you are looking for. Then, do your research on the prices offered by the physical and online stores. Choosing the cheapest places to purchase your desired items will help you save a considerable amount of cash.

MANAGE YOUR CASH

If you are planning to purchase the newest album by ENHYPEN or NewJeans, allot a specific budget by planning ahead. To avoid using your credit cards or borrowing money that is not yet in your hands, you can save up for the coveted item.

For instance, you are expecting that you’ll be getting your salary in a few days, so you decided to pre-order the merchandise and pay for it later. Once you receive your salary, you may experience cash shortage because of your fixed expenses. Having a plan helps avoid overspending and debts.

RESIST THE MARKETING TRAPS

Marketers want you to spend money by targeting their ads to the people who are able to shell out their cash in Kpop merchandise. They have this mentality of: “Don’t go broke but also buy, buy, buy.” It is the marketing department’s job to sell you items, even if you do not need them. So, do your best to resist the marketing traps.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

If your savings are not enough to fund your attendance at all the concerts or your eagerness to collect all your idol’s albums, do not let the marketers sway you. Find price-comparison websites to get the best deals before purchasing goods featuring BTS, Jessi, BLANKPINK, and so on.

Sources: 1 & 2

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