Do you want to feel happier than you already are? Do you find that most self-help books are too long, detailed, embarrassing or complicated?
The simple solution is these 101 quick, easy and free ways to make you feel happy right now. They’ll help you get the big picture on how you can feel happier, and from there you can start to add more ideas of your own. Make sure you get your daily dose of happiness, because life’s too short to be miserable.
I’ve read enough self-help and personal development books to fill a couple of tea chests, and I’ve traveled all over the world in search of happiness and fulfillment. So now you don’t have too. Here’s the most important stuff you need to do to make you feel happier, all compressed into one quick list.
If you haven’t already had your happy fix today, or if you want to feel even happier, try these 101 quick, simple ideas, but maybe not all on the same day.
Please, dip in to these happy hints, try them out one by one and start to feel happier day by day:
1. Smile.
2. Connect with nature.
3. Surround yourself with positive people in person or online.
4. Do something you’ve always enjoyed.
5. Do something you’ve never done before but have always wanted to try.
6. Learn something new.
7. Smell something that makes you happy: a mandarin, your lover’s perfume, chocolate, you decide.
8. Reward yourself for your good habits.
9. Eat something that makes you happy, but not too much if it’s fattening.
10. Spend time with a good friend.
11. Touch something that makes you happy: a cat, velvet, the bark of a tree? Take time to notice.
12. Don’t worry now, worry later.
13. Say, or sing, something that makes you happy.
14. Challenge yourself, I dare you.
15. Look at something that makes you happy.
16. Stop procrastinating, do something.
17. Take a small step towards your goal.
18. Congratulate yourself.
19. Tell someone you love them.
20. Do a good deed.
21. Face your fears.
22. Read a book you love.
23. Get outside.
24. Spend time with inspiring people or read about someone who inspires you.
25. Clear out your junk, literally.
26. Let go of negative memories.
27. Dwell on positive things from your past.
28. Be creative.
29. Dare yourself to do something.
30. Give someone an unexpected gift.
31. Change your habits just this once, do something unexpected.
32. Watch the sunset.
33. Get up for sunrise.
34. Open a savings account.
35. Be active.
36. Plan for success.
37. Eat something healthy.
38. Trust your instincts.
39. Follow your passion.
40. Throw a party, or plan to soon.
41. Avoid drama queens and energy suckers, you know who they are.
42. Write stuff down, keep a diary.
43. Set a goal.
44. Clean your house, bit by bit.
45. Say no.
46. Spend a day alone.
47. Devote a day to family.
48. Pick up the phone and call someone you haven’t spoken to for a while.
49. Wear your favourite outfit.
50. Be present.
51. Go for a bike ride.
52. Do something you loved as a kid that you haven’t done for years.
53. Forgive someone, especially yourself.
54. Go slow.
55. Have a meal somewhere different: try a picnic.
56. Avoid advertisements.
57. Pick a bunch of flowers and put them in your house.
58. Ban all media for the day.
59. Let something slide.
60. Display a colorful fruit bowl and eat one or two pieces a day.
61. Be romantic.
62. Play a game: uno, monopoly, chess, poker.
63. Make a smoothie.
64. Have a siesta.
65. Do something you’ve been putting off.
66. Dream big.
67. Start small.
68. Seek out supportive and like-minded people.
69. Understand that all things come to an end.
70. Feed the ducks.
71. Persevere: pick up something you gave up on.
72. Start a new habit, a good one.
73. Look at yourself in the mirror, pick what you like best and flaunt it.
74. Seek sensuous activities and enjoy them.
75. Look for funny things and have a laugh.
76. Rest up.
77. Change your routine.
78. Take a photo, look back at old ones.
79. Stretch your body.
80. Meditate.
81. Write a mantra.
82. Focus.
83. Don’t buy something, see if you miss it. Put the cash in a savings account instead.
84. Notice what makes you happy and use it in sad times.
85. Ignore people who annoy you, stop being with them.
86. Play hide and seek with some kids.
87. Put a picture of something you want on your wall.
88. Tell someone your dreams.
89. Love yourself.
90. Be grateful.
91. Visualise.
92. Unblock.
93. Use your brain: try a crossword or suduko.
94. Make a good choice.
95. Acknowledge your feelings.
96. Go on a journey, long or short.
97. Talk to someone you wouldn’t normally connect with.
98. Be grateful for life.
99. Write a poem.
100. Teach someone something you know well.
101. Choose to be happy every day.
From In the Hot Spot from Annabel Candy
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Discover Your Life's Purpose in Around 20 Minutes
Another work week is drawing to a close. If you're less than thrilled by how you spent the last 40 hours, here's a quick exercise to help illuminate what you should be doing with your time.
Blogger Steve Pavlina says that you can discover your life's purpose in as little as twenty minutes. To do so, complete the following four steps:
1. Take out a blank sheet of paper or open up a word processor where you can type.
2. Write at the top, "What is my true purpose in life?"
3. Write an answer (any answer) that pops into your head. It doesn't have to be a complete sentence. A short phrase is fine.
4. Repeat step 3 until you write the answer that makes you cry. This is your purpose.
Steve writes that "usually it takes 15-20 minutes to clear your head of all the clutter and the social conditioning about what you think your purpose in life is" and that you should expect to generate some repeats or similar answers. All this is fine so long as you keep on writing, even if your answers begin to resemble variations on "I don't have a purpose" or "Life is meaningless".
Also, it's not enough to react emotionally to an answer. You need to keep going until the emotion brings forth tears. If you feel the urge to quit, take a two minute break and then resume. According to the post, around 80-90 percent of those who try this method will reach their answer in less than an hour.
Understandably many people will doubt its efficacy, but if you're still searching for your purpose and have the time and inclination to try this out, let us know how you fare in the comments.
Discover Your Life Purpose in Around 20 Minutes (Lifehacker)
Blogger Steve Pavlina says that you can discover your life's purpose in as little as twenty minutes. To do so, complete the following four steps:
1. Take out a blank sheet of paper or open up a word processor where you can type.
2. Write at the top, "What is my true purpose in life?"
3. Write an answer (any answer) that pops into your head. It doesn't have to be a complete sentence. A short phrase is fine.
4. Repeat step 3 until you write the answer that makes you cry. This is your purpose.
Steve writes that "usually it takes 15-20 minutes to clear your head of all the clutter and the social conditioning about what you think your purpose in life is" and that you should expect to generate some repeats or similar answers. All this is fine so long as you keep on writing, even if your answers begin to resemble variations on "I don't have a purpose" or "Life is meaningless".
Also, it's not enough to react emotionally to an answer. You need to keep going until the emotion brings forth tears. If you feel the urge to quit, take a two minute break and then resume. According to the post, around 80-90 percent of those who try this method will reach their answer in less than an hour.
Understandably many people will doubt its efficacy, but if you're still searching for your purpose and have the time and inclination to try this out, let us know how you fare in the comments.
Discover Your Life Purpose in Around 20 Minutes (Lifehacker)
The 10 fatal flaws that can derail a project
The Harvard Business Review provides a list of 10 fatal flaws that can derail a project. Mike Lombardi interprets these flaws through the behavior and actions of Paulie Walnuts in the Pine Barrens episode of the Sopranos:
1. Lack energy and enthusiasm: Paulie had planned to take his mother to the social security office, so this job was an inconvenience.
2. Accept own mediocre performance: Paulie had a bad attitude before doing the job; he felt the job was beneath his stature in the family.
3. Lack clear vision and direction: Had no clear understanding of the task at hand, or how he would perform the task. (“What the f*ck is your plan? Mustard packs.” ) Decided to just “wing it.”
4. Have poor judgment: Dropped the Russian’s universal remote control on the floor, which started all the problems.
5. Don’t collaborate: Ignored Chrissie’s request to behave when first dealing with the Russian.
6. Don’t walk the talk: Walked in a circle in the Pine Barrens, which resulted in not being able to find his way out.
7. Resist new ideas: Paulie would not listen to Chrissie’s idea to stop in the Roy Rogers for a bite to eat.
8. Don’t learn from mistakes: The Russian was tougher than they first thought.
9. Lack interpersonal skills: Four years in the Army didn’t help Paulie develop a plan that would work.
10. Fail to develop others: “This guy can never come back to tell this story” were the words of wisdom Paulie received from Tony as this bad plan kept unfolding and unraveling.
1. Lack energy and enthusiasm: Paulie had planned to take his mother to the social security office, so this job was an inconvenience.
2. Accept own mediocre performance: Paulie had a bad attitude before doing the job; he felt the job was beneath his stature in the family.
3. Lack clear vision and direction: Had no clear understanding of the task at hand, or how he would perform the task. (“What the f*ck is your plan? Mustard packs.” ) Decided to just “wing it.”
4. Have poor judgment: Dropped the Russian’s universal remote control on the floor, which started all the problems.
5. Don’t collaborate: Ignored Chrissie’s request to behave when first dealing with the Russian.
6. Don’t walk the talk: Walked in a circle in the Pine Barrens, which resulted in not being able to find his way out.
7. Resist new ideas: Paulie would not listen to Chrissie’s idea to stop in the Roy Rogers for a bite to eat.
8. Don’t learn from mistakes: The Russian was tougher than they first thought.
9. Lack interpersonal skills: Four years in the Army didn’t help Paulie develop a plan that would work.
10. Fail to develop others: “This guy can never come back to tell this story” were the words of wisdom Paulie received from Tony as this bad plan kept unfolding and unraveling.
Seven Attributes for a Strong Career
Picked up these seven rules from an email that always seems to find its way into my inbox. I'm about 0 for 7 on these attributes but something to work towards, eh.
As I explain in my book, Work Strong: Your Personal Career Fitness System , a strong career is one with seven attributes. It's a career where:
1. You refresh and expand your expertise in your field of work so that you are always able to perform at the state-of-the-art;
2. You extend and nurture your network of contacts in your field and industry so you are always top of mind when opportunities come up;
3. You add ancillary skills (e.g., a second language, the ability to use a new software program) so that you are able to extend the contribution you make with your primary area of expertise:
4. You push out the limits of your comfort zone so you can work in the widest possible range of situations and circumstances;
5. You work with those individuals and organizations that will support and advance your career so you are always in an environment where you can succeed;
6. You volunteer your talent to community, social service or environmental groups so you can contribute to others' future as well as your own; and
7. You pace yourself with appropriate downtime and vacations so you preserve and reinforce your enthusiasm and commitment to doing your best work on-the-job.
As I explain in my book, Work Strong: Your Personal Career Fitness System , a strong career is one with seven attributes. It's a career where:
1. You refresh and expand your expertise in your field of work so that you are always able to perform at the state-of-the-art;
2. You extend and nurture your network of contacts in your field and industry so you are always top of mind when opportunities come up;
3. You add ancillary skills (e.g., a second language, the ability to use a new software program) so that you are able to extend the contribution you make with your primary area of expertise:
4. You push out the limits of your comfort zone so you can work in the widest possible range of situations and circumstances;
5. You work with those individuals and organizations that will support and advance your career so you are always in an environment where you can succeed;
6. You volunteer your talent to community, social service or environmental groups so you can contribute to others' future as well as your own; and
7. You pace yourself with appropriate downtime and vacations so you preserve and reinforce your enthusiasm and commitment to doing your best work on-the-job.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Multimedia Content Manager/ Producer
Do you have a passion for music and entertainment? Our client is a a well established brand who is launching a new product and they are presently looking for a Multimedia Content Manager/ Producer. This is an amazing opportunity to get into a company, but work within a new division that will have the start-up vibe. Looking for a go-getter, an entrepreneurial attitude and a take charge skill.
Looking for someone who has 5+ years of experience. working in multi-media platforms, MUST have experience in the youth culture (12-24 age range) and ideally pop music genres on a product launch. You will be working with user generated content as well as graphics and editorial and its distribution through various forms of media.
They want someone who is exceptionally organized, a strong decision maker, a multi-tasker and a team leader. Must be able to work under tight deadlines, have strong project management skills and be curious and creative.
Starts: As soon as they identify the right candidate
Looking for someone who has 5+ years of experience. working in multi-media platforms, MUST have experience in the youth culture (12-24 age range) and ideally pop music genres on a product launch. You will be working with user generated content as well as graphics and editorial and its distribution through various forms of media.
They want someone who is exceptionally organized, a strong decision maker, a multi-tasker and a team leader. Must be able to work under tight deadlines, have strong project management skills and be curious and creative.
Starts: As soon as they identify the right candidate
Monday, July 20, 2009
LEADERSHIP IMPROVEMENT IDEA...
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate,
A poet, a pawn and a king.
I've been up and down and over and out
And I know one thing:
Each time I find myself, flat on my face,
I pick myself up and get back in the race.
From “That’s Life,” Frank Sinatra
Dealing with adversity is never easy for anyone. All of us have faced struggles in our careers and personal lives that have challenged our resolved, our commitment and our true character. Seneca, the Roman philosopher, once said, “Things that are hard to bear, are sweet to remember.”
But what are the best ways to deal with adversity? Like anything we do in life, there are guidelines to follow to make sure we correctly deal with the problem at hand. Here are some basic rules of dealing with adversity as the leader:
1. Always remember that no matter how good or how bad things are, they are going to get better.
2. Believe in yourself, because if you don't believe in yourself, then why should others believe in you? You cannot lose confidence.
3. Never, ever, ever give up! Churchill is right!!!
4. You only have one life, so make it the best you can possibly make it. Every day, make it a small goal to improve in one area of life -- learn one new thing.
5. Do not, under any circumstances, let everyone else talk you into doing stuff that you know you should not do. Never let ambition or money take away from your principles.
6. If you do find yourself folding under stress and are finding life a bit of a struggle, seek help from a person you trust. Do not be afraid to call a friend, to call someone for help.
7. To succeed, you need something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you. Search for your passion, search for your love of life.
8. Be persistent and resilient. When you are tired and you feel you cannot go another step, reach deep inside and press on. Persistence will always win.
9. Success in life is not a destination, it is a journey that you define, not others.
10. Life is about Love, Inspiration, Faith and Endeavour and giving back to others.
In keeping with our Greek theme today, Sophocles' play, Philoctetes, includes a great passage that talks of dealing with struggle and adversity:
So hope for a great sea-change
On the far side of revenge.
Believe that a further shore
Is reachable from here.
Believe in miracles
And cures and healing wells.
- Mike Lombardi
A poet, a pawn and a king.
I've been up and down and over and out
And I know one thing:
Each time I find myself, flat on my face,
I pick myself up and get back in the race.
From “That’s Life,” Frank Sinatra
Dealing with adversity is never easy for anyone. All of us have faced struggles in our careers and personal lives that have challenged our resolved, our commitment and our true character. Seneca, the Roman philosopher, once said, “Things that are hard to bear, are sweet to remember.”
But what are the best ways to deal with adversity? Like anything we do in life, there are guidelines to follow to make sure we correctly deal with the problem at hand. Here are some basic rules of dealing with adversity as the leader:
1. Always remember that no matter how good or how bad things are, they are going to get better.
2. Believe in yourself, because if you don't believe in yourself, then why should others believe in you? You cannot lose confidence.
3. Never, ever, ever give up! Churchill is right!!!
4. You only have one life, so make it the best you can possibly make it. Every day, make it a small goal to improve in one area of life -- learn one new thing.
5. Do not, under any circumstances, let everyone else talk you into doing stuff that you know you should not do. Never let ambition or money take away from your principles.
6. If you do find yourself folding under stress and are finding life a bit of a struggle, seek help from a person you trust. Do not be afraid to call a friend, to call someone for help.
7. To succeed, you need something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you. Search for your passion, search for your love of life.
8. Be persistent and resilient. When you are tired and you feel you cannot go another step, reach deep inside and press on. Persistence will always win.
9. Success in life is not a destination, it is a journey that you define, not others.
10. Life is about Love, Inspiration, Faith and Endeavour and giving back to others.
In keeping with our Greek theme today, Sophocles' play, Philoctetes, includes a great passage that talks of dealing with struggle and adversity:
So hope for a great sea-change
On the far side of revenge.
Believe that a further shore
Is reachable from here.
Believe in miracles
And cures and healing wells.
- Mike Lombardi
Monday, July 13, 2009
WEBSITE CONTENT ANALYST - FULLTIME FREELANCE
Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY
The Content Analyst is a vital and HIGHLY analytical FREELANCE resource to the WebCollage Creative team who responsible for analyzing and creating the structure and flow of client content areas that will be syndicated on our retail partner websites. Leverages exceptional quantitative, quantitative, critical and analytical thinking skills. Reports to the Creative Director.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:
Analyze websites to determine the most appropriate content for syndication.
Design the structure, flow, and layout of repurposed content.
Create and revise relevant documentation, including site maps, schematics, wireframes, content matrices, and functional requirements.
Skills
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Self-motivation with a strong sense of personal accountability
Exceptional time management skills and the critical ability to prioritize to meet conflicting objectives
Ability to deal with rapidly changing organizational issues and anticipate/forecast customer demand
Confident executive presence and ability to work cross-culturally in a diverse, fast paced, hi-tech environment
Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to establish cross-functional multi-level relationships
Strong customer service orientation combined with the highest quality assurance standards
Open, flexible, honest and collaborative teaming skills that build and sustain unshakeable relationships
Detail, process and metrics driven to achieve goals
Ethical standards and personal integrity
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:
1-2 years experience designing interactive products as a Content Analyst, Information Architect, Interaction Designer, Experience Designer, Usability Analyst, Requirements Analyst, or Technical Writer (and related fields).
Familiarity with user-centered design principles
Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Visio)
Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills
Familiarity with Adobe tools (Photoshop, Illustrator) a plus
Technical skill proficiency using MS Office software applications including Powerpoint, required
WORK SCHEDULE AND CULTURE:
Preference will be given to candidates who are able to work a flexible schedule and interested in a long-term freelance assignment
WebCollage is a Business Casual workplace located in Midtown Manhattan’s Fashion District with easy access to/from NY Penn Station and Subways.
To be considered for this FREELANCE career opportunity at WebCollage, please email your resume including a cover letter communicating your interest, skills, experience and compensation history to:
EMAIL: Careers@Wholetalent.com
Please reference the Job Title, Organization Name and Location in the subject line of your message when applying by email.
Company Description
WebCollage www.webcollage.com is the leading Web content integration platform for manufacturers and their channel partners — retailers, VARs and distributors. Using WebCollage's patented, turnkey solution, manufacturers extend their Web product marketing content to all of their channel partners and address the challenge of how to optimize the selling and marketing of products via the Web. WebCollage benefits manufacturers and channel partners alike with measurable bottom-line results including higher conversion rates and larger overall order sizes. Founded in 2000, WebCollage is a privately-held company headquartered in New York, NY, and backed by Sierra Ventures, GSI Commerce, Inc., Cedar Fund, and Gilde IT Fund.
Additional Information
* Applicants with recommendations are preferred.(You have 0 recommendations)
* Referrals through network preferred.
* Local candidates only, no relocation (Greater New York City Area).
* No third party applications.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Content Analyst is a vital and HIGHLY analytical FREELANCE resource to the WebCollage Creative team who responsible for analyzing and creating the structure and flow of client content areas that will be syndicated on our retail partner websites. Leverages exceptional quantitative, quantitative, critical and analytical thinking skills. Reports to the Creative Director.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:
Analyze websites to determine the most appropriate content for syndication.
Design the structure, flow, and layout of repurposed content.
Create and revise relevant documentation, including site maps, schematics, wireframes, content matrices, and functional requirements.
Skills
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Self-motivation with a strong sense of personal accountability
Exceptional time management skills and the critical ability to prioritize to meet conflicting objectives
Ability to deal with rapidly changing organizational issues and anticipate/forecast customer demand
Confident executive presence and ability to work cross-culturally in a diverse, fast paced, hi-tech environment
Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to establish cross-functional multi-level relationships
Strong customer service orientation combined with the highest quality assurance standards
Open, flexible, honest and collaborative teaming skills that build and sustain unshakeable relationships
Detail, process and metrics driven to achieve goals
Ethical standards and personal integrity
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:
1-2 years experience designing interactive products as a Content Analyst, Information Architect, Interaction Designer, Experience Designer, Usability Analyst, Requirements Analyst, or Technical Writer (and related fields).
Familiarity with user-centered design principles
Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Visio)
Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills
Familiarity with Adobe tools (Photoshop, Illustrator) a plus
Technical skill proficiency using MS Office software applications including Powerpoint, required
WORK SCHEDULE AND CULTURE:
Preference will be given to candidates who are able to work a flexible schedule and interested in a long-term freelance assignment
WebCollage is a Business Casual workplace located in Midtown Manhattan’s Fashion District with easy access to/from NY Penn Station and Subways.
To be considered for this FREELANCE career opportunity at WebCollage, please email your resume including a cover letter communicating your interest, skills, experience and compensation history to:
EMAIL: Careers@Wholetalent.com
Please reference the Job Title, Organization Name and Location in the subject line of your message when applying by email.
Company Description
WebCollage www.webcollage.com is the leading Web content integration platform for manufacturers and their channel partners — retailers, VARs and distributors. Using WebCollage's patented, turnkey solution, manufacturers extend their Web product marketing content to all of their channel partners and address the challenge of how to optimize the selling and marketing of products via the Web. WebCollage benefits manufacturers and channel partners alike with measurable bottom-line results including higher conversion rates and larger overall order sizes. Founded in 2000, WebCollage is a privately-held company headquartered in New York, NY, and backed by Sierra Ventures, GSI Commerce, Inc., Cedar Fund, and Gilde IT Fund.
Additional Information
* Applicants with recommendations are preferred.(You have 0 recommendations)
* Referrals through network preferred.
* Local candidates only, no relocation (Greater New York City Area).
* No third party applications.
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