Why it’s equally important to have bad days as we have good days

by  in Lifestyle
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sad-looking pug

You might be feeling a bit down today. You’ve had a string of negative events happen and it feels like the world is against you.

We know the feeling.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in our little bubble and forget that everyone has good days and bad days. The thing is, it’s just as important to experience the bad days as it is to enjoy the good days.

When things are going our way, it’s easy to become smug and let our guard down. But it’s on those tough days when we need to be at our strongest. So don’t fret if things aren’t going your way right now. It’s all part of life’s journey.

Everything happens for a reason, and there’s a silver lining to every cloud.

Why are bad days essential to our mental and emotional well-being?

Bad days are essential because need them to help us process the good days. Think about it. If we only experienced good days, we would become too complacent, and too content. We would stop striving for more since we’ve already hit the jackpot.

Bad days remind us that life is unpredictable. They show us that no matter how good things are going today, tomorrow could be a completely different story. And that’s okay. Because it means that we’re constantly evolving, and constantly growing.

Without bad days, we would lose sight of the good things in life. We would take them for granted and not appreciate them as much as we should.

How can we reframe our thinking to see the benefits?

woman stretching while facing a glass window

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When you’re going through a tough time, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only person who’s ever felt this way. Like you’re the only one who’s ever had a bad day.

Sure, bad days suck. But they also force us to slow down, take a step back, and assess what’s going on in our lives. They allow us to reflect on our mistakes and learn from them. They help us connect with others who might be going through a tough time as well.

So the next time you’re feeling down, remember that you’re not alone. And that it’s okay to have a bad day every once in a while. It means you’re human.

What are some techniques we can use to cope?

Bad days are bound to happen. We can’t always be on our A-game, and that’s okay. What’s important is that we know how to cope with them when they do.

Here are a few techniques you can try:

  • Take some time for yourself. Relax, read a book, take a nap, or just enjoy some peace.
  • Talk to someone. Whether it’s a friend, family member, therapist, or even a pet, talking about your feelings can help you process them.
  • Do something you enjoy. Watch your favorite movie, take a walk in the park, or dine at that newly opened restaurant. Find something that makes you happy and helps take your mind off things.

We all have them—bad days. They might be because of something that happened, or they might just be one of those days where nothing seems to go right. But, the important thing is that we don’t let them get us down. Bad days remind us that we’re human. They make us appreciate the good days more. We wouldn’t appreciate the good days as much if we didn’t have bad days to compare them to. So, next time you’re having a bad day, remind yourself that it’s okay. Eventually, this too shall pass.

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Conquer your fear of rejection when pitching and selling your ideas

by  in Career and Enterprising
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man giving a presentation

Imagine this scenario: You have a fabulous idea for a new product or service, and you want to pitch it to your boss and colleagues.

You rehearse your pitch over and over in your head, but when the time comes, you find yourself stumbling over your words and tripping over your feet.

Rejection is a fear that plagues many people when it comes to pitching and selling their ideas. The thought of someone saying no can be daunting, and it’s often what keeps people from even trying. But what if there was a way to overcome that fear?

Let’s explore ways to conquer your fear of rejection when pitching and selling your ideas. We will also look at some tips for preparing for that big pitch. So don’t let fear keep you from reaching your goals—read on and learn how to pitch and sell your ideas with confidence!

The benefits of pitching and selling

When you pitch and sell your ideas, you’re putting yourself out there. You’re making yourself vulnerable. And that’s a scary thing. But what if we told you that there are benefits to pitching and selling your ideas? What if we told you that by doing so, you’re giving yourself a chance to succeed?

Here are just a few of the other benefits:

  • Learning more about your industry and its needs.
  • Building relationships with potential businessmen.
  • Establishing yourself as an authority figure in your field.
  • Gaining experience and confidence in pitching and selling.
Why do we get anxious when selling?

You’re probably familiar with the feeling. You’ve come up with a genius idea and you can’t wait to share it with the world. But as soon as you start to pitch and sell your idea, that sense of dread starts to creep in.

You start to worry about what the other person is thinking. You wonder if they’re going to think your idea is stupid. You get so wrapped up in your head that you can’t even focus. And before you know it, you’ve shut down and stopped functioning.

There’s a name for this phenomenon—it’s called anxiety. And it’s something that a lot of us deal with daily. But the good news is that there are ways to overcome it.

Overcoming your fear of rejection
man looking at his tablet

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You may be surprised to know that many people experience anxiety when pitching and selling their ideas. They feel as if they’re being judged, and they often worry about being rejected.

But if you want to be successful, you can’t let fear hold you back. You need to learn how to overcome your dread of rejection. And the best way to do that is to practice. The more you practice, the more confident you will become. And the more confident you are, the less likely you are to fear the pitching process.

So start practicing today, and before you know it, you will be pitching and selling your ideas like a pro.

Creating a pitch that will sell

When you’re pitching an idea, you want to make sure that it’s going to sell. You want to paint a picture for the person you’re pitching to that makes them see how your idea can benefit them.

But it’s not always easy to do that, especially if you’re shy or introverted. You might find yourself getting tongue-tied or feeling awkward. That’s normal, but it’s not going to help you close the deal.

Prep and practice your pitch until it’s perfect. And then, when the time comes, own it. Be confident in what you’re saying and sell your idea with conviction. Remember, the person you’re pitching to wants to see how your idea can help them (or their company), not how amazing you are.

Practice, practice, practice
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It’s perfectly natural to feel a little tense when pitching and selling your ideas. After all, you want to make a good impression and you want your idea to be well-received. But it’s necessary to remember that practice makes perfect.

Try roleplaying with a friend or colleague. Or video yourself pitching and selling your ideas—this is a simple way to see where you can improve. And don’t forget to celebrate little successes and not mull over minor trips!

When it comes to pitching and selling your ideas, don’t let your fear of rejection hold you back. With the right mindset, you can approach any opportunity with confidence and come out on top. Start by preparing for your pitch. Make sure you know your material inside and out and practice until you have the speech down pat. This will help you feel more confident when it comes time to deliver. No one is immune to rejection, but that doesn’t mean you can’t succeed. Stay motivated and focused on your final goal, and don’t let a little setback stop you from reaching your ultimate destination.

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Set Up Your Money Goals Like a Boss

by  in Personal Finance
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“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

The first step is usually the hardest. However, you need to take the first step to live your best financial life. The longer you wait to establish your personal budget, the farther away your goals will be. Start by setting your money goals. Money goals include savings, investment, or spending targets that you hope to achieve over a given timeline. Money goals can give you a clear idea of why you are saving your hard-earned money.

Setting money goals is one thing but transforming these dreams into reality is another. Begin by giving your money a “job”.

#1: MAKE YOUR MONEY WORK FOR YOU

In the office, you have to accomplish tasks and finish them in the future. The same holds true for your money goals. What kind of life do you foresee for you and your family? Let money work for you!

Money goals are savings, investment, or spending targets you hope to achieve over a given timeline. Money goals do not have to be set in stone as you will revise them throughout your life.

#2: CATEGORIZE EACH MONEY GOAL

There are diverse types of money or financial goals. You can categorize each money goal as short-term, mid-term, and long-term. Short-term goals typically take six months to five years to complete. These goals include taking a vacation or purchasing a new washing machine.

Mid-term goals are accomplished within a period of five to ten years. It includes paying off your credit card debts and finishing a degree. Lastly, long-term goals take more than ten years to finish. It includes buying a new flat or saving up for your children’s education.

#3: SET A TIMELINE

You cannot achieve a goal overnight! Being specific helps make your goals more achievable.

If you have a toddler that is set to head into university by 2035, you must have a target date for your tertiary education savings goal. If you want to travel Europe for your 10th wedding anniversary, you must have a timeline that you are working toward.

#4: DO YOUR RESEARCH

Look for goal setting tips and resources online to stay on course. Money apps for goal tracking can be helpful too. Additionally, you can use old-school methods such as placing a vision board in your bedroom. Affix a collage of pictures that represent your money goals. If you see it, you believe it.

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Having a tangible representation of the future you are working toward can help you stay motivated. Whatever method you choose, know that it will all be worth it.

Sources: 1 & 2

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From love to little things: How to make each of your kids feel special

by  in Marriage & Family
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mother and son giggling

As a parent, sometimes you may feel like you’re not doing enough to make your kids feel special.

You love them with all of your heart, but sometimes it’s hard to articulate that in words or actions that they will understand.

Small gestures can mean a lot to kids, and showing them that you love and appreciate them is one of the greatest things you can do as a parent. Here are some simple ways to make each of your kids feel special, no matter what age they are.

Kids need attention

All kids need attention. It might seem like they’re vying for it all the time, but that’s because they’re constantly seeking affirmation from their parents.

They want to know that they’re loved, and they want to feel special. So how can you give them that attention? It doesn’t have to be anything big or flashy. Just a few small things here and there can make a world of difference.

Some ideas: Have breakfast together every morning. Hug them and tell them how much you love them before you leave for work. Dedicate time to just hanging out with them—no phones, no screens, just you and your kid.

Special talents should be celebrated

Each of your kids is special in its way, and you should celebrate their talents and achievements.

Maybe one of your kids is a whiz at math, or they can sing like an angel. Whatever it is, make sure you take the time to tell them how proud you are. Let them know that you think they’re amazing and that you’re grateful for their presence in the family.

When kids feel loved and appreciated, they shine even brighter. So start celebrating your kids’ special talents today—you won’t regret it!

Encourage independence
kids baking

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Kids love feeling like they can do things on their own, and they love knowing that they’re capable of handling things on their own. So start giving them some chores to do, and let them make some decisions for themselves.

It might be as simple as letting them choose what they want to wear for the weekend or letting them take over the kitchen for a day. Giving them a little bit of control will make them feel good about themselves and remind them that their opinions matter.

Verbal affirmations

One of the simplest (and most effective) ways to make your kids feel special is to give them positive affirmation. Tell them that you love them, tell them that you’re proud of them, and tell them that you believe in them.

Don’t underestimate the power of words. When we hear our parents say things like “I’m so proud of you” or “I know you can do it,” it makes us feel like we can accomplish anything. So go ahead and shower your kids with some verbal love.

Physical touch

Nothing beats a good old-fashioned hug.

You may not think that physical touch is enough, but it is. From the time they’re born, kids need to feel loved and safe. And what better way to show them that you love them than by wrapping your arms around them and giving them a little squeeze?

Not only does it make them feel good emotionally, but it has some pretty amazing physical benefits too. Hugging helps to release oxytocin, which is sometimes called the “cuddle hormone.” Oxytocin has all sorts of awesome benefits, like reducing stress, improving moods, and even helping to fight off infection.

All kids crave attention and love, and sometimes it’s hard to show each one of them that we care in the same way. But, thankfully, there are small things we can do each day to make our kids feel special and remind them that they’re loved. So take some time today to think of a small way you can make your kid feel loved and appreciated. It might be as simple as telling them you love them, making them breakfast in bed, or taking them on a one-on-one outing. No matter what you do, just make sure it comes from the heart. Because that’s what kids need—love and attention.

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How bragging about your work achievements can help you succeed

by  in Career and Enterprising
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four women in a business meeting in a cafe

You’ve just landed a new job and you’re feeling on top of the world.

You’ve worked hard for this opportunity and you’re determined to make the most of it. But as the days go by, you start to feel a little uncomfortable with all the bragging your coworkers are doing. It seems like everyone is talking about their accomplishments, and you’re not quite sure if it’s the right move to join in.

Some people might tell you that bragging is never a good idea, but they’re wrong. Bragging can be a powerful tool when used correctly. It shows that you’re proud of your achievements and it can help you advance in your career.

In this post, we will discuss the reasons why you should take some time to brag about your work achievements and how to do it in a way that won’t backfire on you.

Defining “bragging”

When most people hear the word “brag,” they automatically think of someone who’s excessively boasting and trying to make themselves look better than they are.

And while there’s certainly a time and place for that, there’s another meaning to the word that’s just as important: To share your accomplishments with others in a respectful way.

When it comes to your career, bragging can be a smart way to show off your skills and achievements. Share the facts without any embellishment, and make sure to thank the people who have helped you along the way.

How bragging can be a positive thing

Bragging can be a positive thing. It shows that you’re proud of your accomplishments, and it can help you build relationships and connect with other people. It can also help you establish yourself as an authority figure and boost your confidence. Just make sure that you do it in a way that’s respectful and unpretentious because no one likes a cocky jerk.

The benefits of bragging about your work achievements
a man in suit and tie

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When it comes to your work achievements, it can be tempting to keep them under wraps. After all, you don’t want to come across as self-centered, do you?

But what you may not realize is that bragging about your work achievements can help you succeed. Here are some of the benefits:

  • It makes you look confident.
  • It strengthens relationships with your bosses.
  • It shows that you’re proud of your accomplishments.
  • It helps others remember who you are and what you’ve done.
  • It can open up opportunities for promotion and advancement.

So next time you’re tempted to downplay your achievements, think again. Bragging about your work accomplishments can help you achieve even more success!

The best way to go about bragging about your work achievements

First of all, you should only brag about your work achievements if you’re genuinely proud of them. It’s not a good idea to brag if you’re just trying to cover up for a lack of accomplishments. 

Timing is everything! Bring up your work achievements when they’re relevant to the conversation. If you start yakking away at the wrong moment, you will just end up looking like a pompous fool.

When it comes to the workplace, it’s important to toot your own horn from time to time. Bragging about your work achievements can help you feel more confident, which can in turn help you succeed. Of course, it’s important to be humble, but there’s nothing wrong with feeling proud of what you’ve accomplished. So go ahead and brag—and enjoy the extra morale it brings!

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