How to Overcome the Fear of Trying New Things (Again)

The new Year of the Rabbit is the perfect time to take the leap by learning or trying something new. You can take up ceramics, learn French, start a book club, plant a seed, go back to the dating scene, or try indoor rock-climbing. As for me, I have to learn how to drive again.

I started learning how to drive in 2016 and encountered several accidents in the first few years. As time passed, I became more fearful and started to avoid driving by myself. I do not want to quit just yet. I am slowly regaining the confidence I once had.

The thing that no one mentions about stretching yourself is that it really sucks sometimes. Yes, trying new things is exciting, but it can also be terrifying and embarrassing. Getting over the initial fear of trying new things and actually having fun is part of the journey.

On that note, here are four strategies you can apply to overcome the fear of trying new things.

#1: JUMP WITH THE RIGHT MINDSET

People tend to approach a new experience in two ways – wanting to learn a skill or wanting to master it. The former encourages the learner to make mistakes and figure out how to do the process while having an enjoyable time. While the latter finds delight in doing well, impressing others, and discovering their natural talent in something.

Learning a new skill and having the ability to laugh at your own mistakes takes off the pressure. Creating mishaps is part of the process. For instance, you want to finish a marathon. Running in under two hours can be your goal, but getting in shape and meeting new friends are worthy outcomes too.

#2: REMEMBER THAT IT’S OKAY TO NOT LOVE IT RIGHT AWAY

No matter what new skill you are trying to learn, it is more likely that you won’t have a blast at the beginning. Organizational behavior researcher Keith Rollag once highlighted: “From an evolutionary standpoint, trying new things, for much of human history, could have been dangerous. Your performance can have a big impact on your status.” Status affects our ability to get the resources we need to survive. The fear of trying new things was an issue of survival.

One of the challenges of starting new experiences, joining new groups, and meeting new people is the anxiety of being the newcomer. Not loving the process right away is not a sign that you have made a terrible mistake. Instead, it is part of being human.

#3: DON’T CONFUSE YOUR FEELINGS

Anxiety and excitement are two sides of the same coin. Ever notice that all these feelings manifest in the same way? Whether you are nervous or excited, you get butterflies in your stomach and sweaty palms. You pace back and forth. Notice a man in his first job interview and compare it with a man who is about to propose. Both men feel adrenaline coursing through their veins. The body interprets the high-stakes situation in the same way.

This just shows that the brain is creating the story we tell ourselves. Bringing awareness to this fact will help us to manage our feelings better.

#4: BREAK IT DOWN INTO SMALL PARTS

The best way to deal with your current situation is to break down a task into manageable steps. When Michael Phelps competed in the Beijing Olympics, he had to swim with visual challenges. His goggles began filling with water the moment he dove in the 200-meter butterfly race. He recalled the race in an interview with CBS News:

“They started filling up more and more and more. And about 75 meters left in the race, I could see nothing. I couldn’t see the black line. I couldn’t see the T. I couldn’t see anything. I was purely going by stroke count. And I couldn’t take my goggles off because they were underneath two swim caps.”

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Despite not being able to see where he was and where he was going, he counted the strokes. He bagged the gold medal in that race and broke the world record. Breaking down the task into several parts motivated him to finish the race. A person who is learning how to drive can start by learning the safety protocols and theoretical background of driving, before practicing in an actual driving course.

Learning takes time and your journey is uniquely yours.

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 Mind Tricks to Help You Stick to Your Budget

When it comes to spending less and saving more, it is tempting to bury our heads in Sentosa’s sand. The way we manage our finances today is entirely different from the way money was managed in the past. It is getting increasingly easier to spend money, and more challenging to save money.

When done right, budgeting can direct a series of clever financial choices to move you closer to the things you want out of life. Take the time to get this right at the start, to give yourself a massive advantage and benefit from the results for years to come.

Start by using simple brain tricks to help you stick to your budget.

#1: TREAT YOUR SAVINGS ACCOUNT LIKE A BILL

Consider your savings account as another monthly bill. Start by allotting money towards your fixed expenses, followed by assigning a certain amount towards your future. You can use this fund either for your retirement or your future goals, but do not go out and blow it on things you do not need.

Saving for your future is just as important as paying your other bills. When you treat it that way, you will develop a wealth-building mindset.

#2: MAKE SMALL BARRIERS TO CURB YOUR SPENDING

The convenience of online banking and banking apps cannot be denied. Your banking app can show you the movements of your funds in real time. Moreover, you have the ability to input your debit or credit cards directly onto your phone to experience fast payment processes. When there is no barrier between you and your money, it becomes easier for you to spend more.

Place a barrier between you and your emotional shopping tendencies. Whether you are keen on putting a long passcode on your banking app or using two-factor authentication for your online banking, you will be less tempted to spend when barriers exist.

#3: GAIN CONTROL OF SMALL, FREQUENT PURCHASES

Your small, frequent purchases add up. Every time you buy a coffee or eat out, your ability to save decreases. It might not seem too much at the moment, but it adds up to a significant amount. Track your expenses by writing down every small purchase per month. This will increase your awareness and help motivate you to cut down on your spending.

You might be shocked to see the number at first. However, you will be able to recognize why you are struggling to save.

#4: WAIT 15 MINUTES BEFORE MAKING A PURCHASE

As you are walking down the aisle of the nearest grocery store, you find it difficult to resist the promotions from left to right. Control your spending by giving yourself 15 minutes to ponder about your potential purchase. Giving yourself 15 minutes will allow you to resist your impulsive purchases.

If you can, it is even better to wait for a full day or a week before making purchases. Remember that having a waiting period is the best way to train your brain.

#5: GO OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

We are creatures of habit. This is why people resist changing their insurance provider, telecommunications provider, and so on. There is a desire to keep everything the same and anything different can be perceived as a loss.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

However, staying in our comfort zone means that we are paying more for services than we need to. Pushing yourself out of it will allow you to shop for the best deals. Start with reassessing your mobile plan, before moving to your utilities, insurance, and other providers. Revisiting these plans on a yearly basis will ensure that you are maximizing your hard-earned money.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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6 Ways to Fine-Tune Your Lifestyle

Being financially responsible is vital for your health and your financial life. Spending less than what you make each month entails that you live within your means. For many Singaporeans, it is a lot easier said than done.

Start with small financial changes to alter your lifestyle!

#1: TRY BACKWARD BUDGETING

Write down your income and start subtracting each monthly expense. If you get a negative number, you are spending more than you make. You need to cut back. Focus on reducing your expenses to fit your income.

#2: SAVE FOR LARGE PURCHASES

People often use credit cards for large purchases that they cannot afford entirely, such as a new air conditioner. It is best to set aside some money each money until you have saved up enough to buy it outright. Do not purchase something that you cannot afford to buy.

#3: WAIT FOR SALES

12.12 is right around the corner! Save money on your favorite brands or large ticket purchases by waiting for sales. You can often predict when an item will be discounted. Perhaps, a new model will come along. Take advantage of year-end sales!

#4: ASK FOR A LOWER PRICE

Sometimes, all you need to do to save cash is to ask. If you are a long-term client who has never made an overdue payment, you may be entitled to a loyalty discount. Affordable vacation packages can also be offered to you once you ask for flexible travel plans.

#5: PAY WITH DEBIT OR CASH

Leave your plastic cards at home. Try to buy things that you can afford using cash or your debit card. Be strategic and calculate your moves. Consider apps to automatically put money in your savings every time you use your debit card.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#6: STOP KEEPING UP WITH THE TRENDS

Trends come and go. Resist the pressure to have the same material things as the people around you or the people you see online. You may be able to use credit cards and loans to fake wealth for a brief period, but you will pay for it later. That is more painful.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Neighbor Disputes: 5 Ways To Peacefully Manage Them

As I moved to three places in three years, I have had my share of difficult neighbors. You may love your home but getting stuck with awful neighbors can have you thinking of moving out. Here are some tips on dealing with rude, nosy, or difficult neighbors without causing too much drama.

#1: KNOW THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF NEIGHBORS

From nosy neighbors to dangerous neighbors, there are diverse types of neighbors that you need to watch out for. Red flags exist for a reason. Do your best to weigh whether the situation needs to be managed or not. Let us illustrate through the “richer than you neighbor”.

The “richer than you” neighbor refers to the people whom you try to keep up with. These people parade their flat renovations, new car, and shiny gadgets. Despite doing nothing wrong, you may start to brew feelings of jealousy or inadequacy.

Remember that you do not know the whole story. Focus on the qualities of your home that make you happy. Revel in pride as you take care of your indoor garden. Focus on these positive things and stay contented with what you have.

#2: CREATE A LOG OF QUESTIONABLE BEHAVIORS

The truth is, we are not aware of all our actions. Your neighbor may not be aware that he or she often blasts the volume of their television or that you can hear them scream at each other. Make a documentation of the offending behaviors to help your case when you need to present it to the housing board or the property owner.

Store a log of the offending behaviors and take a note when it happens. Add any communication you and your neighbor have had regarding the problem. Do not forget to write what you have discussed.

#3: DO YOUR RESEARCH ON THE RULES AND REGULATIONS

Whether you live in an HDB Complex or a Condominium, there are a set of guidelines dictating tenant behavior. Check your housing contract or do your online research to know the rules and regulations of your place.

For instance, playing loud music after 10 pm is not allowed. If your neighbor is in clear violation of these rules and regulations, you will have a stronger case when you go speak to them.

#4: COMMUNICATE POLITELY AND DIRECTLY

Before going to the upper management to raise your disputes with the neighbors, try to speak with them first. Give your neighbor a chance to fix the problem and hear him or her out. If you are not comfortable with face-to-face confrontation, you may leave a note or send an email to highlight what is going on.

Be polite and direct to let your neighbor know what affects you. Try not to use accusatory language, which can put your neighbor on defensive mode.

#5: DO NOT REACT IN THE MOMENT

The best advice that I received was to put some space between the incident. Do not react in the heat of the moment, because you might do something wrong. Avoid saying anything that you would regret in the future.

Image credits: unsplash.com

Take time to figure out what you want the resolution to be. Your goal is to express what happen and solve the problem together. Compromise if needed.

Sources: 1 & 2

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6 Tried & Tested Tips To Save Money On Shopee Singapore

E-commerce became a staple part of our lives due to the aftermath of the global pandemic. Personally, I only understood the Shopee craze in the recent months. Shopee is a Singaporean multinational technology company, which focuses on e-commerce.

For those who are not familiar with Shopee, it is an online marketplace that can be accessed through their website or their app. What separates it from the rest of the e-commerce websites is its interactive platform.

Save more money on your next Shopee shopping by following these tips.

#1: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SHOPEEPAY

Sometimes, Shopee vouchers may require you to use its digital wallet called ShopeePay. ShopeePay often offers a higher percentage of cashback compared to non-ShopeePay vouchers.

If you are skeptical about using ShopeePay, you can simply transfer the exact amount you need for payment. ShopeePay lets you withdraw the leftover cash back into your bank account directly in case there are leftover funds.

#2: SHOP DURING EVENT SALES LIKE 8.8

For those who are not familiar with the event sales, online marketplaces have monthly sales on dates like 8.8 or 11.11. On top of the regular sales during occasions such as Christmas, you can enjoy discounted items with additional cashback in the form of exclusive Shopee vouchers.

Not to mention, Flash deals also occur during this period. It is up to you to make the best purchase for your family. The August sale is on 8.8, which is Shopee’s National Day sale.

#3: CHECK OUT THE SHOPEE MALL

If you want to invest on authentic products from your favorite brands such as Olay, adidas, or Samsung, you can go to the Shopee Mall. The Mall is a dedicated space that allows its users to request for a free return of product within its allowed period. It has a free shipping option too, which you can get if you meet the shop’s minimum spending requirements.

#4: DO NOT MISS THE FLASH DEALS

Look out for the Flash deals that happen throughout the day. These deals offer incredible discounts with products costing as low as S$0.50. As these are usually hourly sales, you can set reminders within the Shopee app.

Several stores (including big name brands) have constant deals too. Just click the dedicated deals section on the stores’ pages.

#5: APPLY VOUCHERS BEFORE CHECKING OUT

Vouchers replenish daily. Claim your vouchers to your heart’s content. Brands offer exclusive vouchers such as free delivery with a minimum amount of spending. You can follow these shops to get updated. Just remember to avail and apply the free delivery vouchers.

Best of all? Users are allowed to apply multiple vouchers upon check out. Enjoy more discounts when you apply the vouchers. You can claim as early as 12 AM.

#6: COMPARE THE TOTAL PRICES

As I was looking for an arts and crafts activity online, I was mesmerized with the colorful beads in the Diamond painting. Diamond painting is a new arts and crafts activity that fuses the dynamics of Paint By Numbers and Cross-stitch. It uses beads that correspond to numbers or symbols on the canvas. Since I am a beginner, I opt to search for affordable practice kits on Shopee. Two shops offer the cheapest prices. I decided to compare these two by clicking the “Add to Cart” button.

Image credits: pixabay.com

When you sort your results by price, the lower priced items will appear on top. Naturally, you will gravitate towards the cheapest ones. However, you must include the costs of shipping fee. The product price may be cheaper, but it could end up more expensive when you factor in the shipping fee. For instance, I can buy a cheaper Diamond painting kit in an overseas shop, but it will cost me more due to international shipping rates. Some merchants offer lower shipping fee or provide free shipping so, get the total cost of the purchase.

Sources: 1 & 2

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