TIPS REPORT 47: BECOMING A BETTER WRITER

This report includes nine powerful tips and three actionable steps you can take right away. It also includes a list of suggested readings for those who are looking for even more information. 

This article is from a Series of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to receive a file with all 52 Reports at once, you can subscribe to my e-mail list.

TOP TIPS

The Internet and remote working situations showcase the need for better writing skills in the workplace. Companies conduct different business matters via email, while authors and online entrepreneurs put content out on the web. We all need strong writing skills to communicate our messages effectively. Whether you email clients and co-workers daily or dream of writing the next New York Times bestseller, becoming a better writer is possible with the following tips.

 

1. Write Daily

Writing is a skill. You might think of it like a muscle. Strong muscles require exercise, and strong writing requires daily practice. Consider setting aside time each day, say 30 minutes, and dedicate it to writing down your thoughts in a journal or drafting a professional blog post. The more you do it, the easier it becomes.

 

2. Read Daily

Reading what others have written expands your vocabulary and thoughts. You gain new perspectives that can enhance your writing. Read everything you can, even the hard stuff. Your brain is a muscle that will relish in the time you spend feeding it new ideas.

 

3. Develop a Writing Routine

Find the time of day that works best for you and make it a routine. For example, if you are an early bird, choose to write early in the morning before others awake and cause distractions. Night owls may prefer to write after the house quiets down.

 

4. Eliminate (or Reduce) Distractions

You may sit at your laptop, but distractions will quickly sway you from the task at hand. Turn off your phone, shut down all programs on your computer except for your chosen writing program, and eliminate as many distractions as you can. Then, you can work without interruption and make the most of your time.

 

5. Study Other Writers

Besides reading other writers and soaking in their thoughts, you can slow down and study how they put certain sentences together. For example, you could print out a blog post or article you resonate with and take a red pen to it. Look for those sentences or phrases that stand out. Study their techniques.

 

6. Utilize Outlines

You do not have to dredge up horrific memories of high school English and outlining your term paper. Instead, please keep it simple. Write out the basic plan with sections and one or two sentences describing what you want to cover in each. That’s it. Easy and Simple.

 

7. Revise, Revise, Revise

Daily writing is great. Ruthless revising is better. Remember that your first draft will not be perfect. To ensure ideas come across clearly and proper grammar and punctuation are used, determine to edit and revise your work with a stern eye for errors. You will find that the more you revise, the better writer you become as you learn from your mistakes.

 

8. Read Your Writing Out Loud

It may seem odd, but you slow down enough to catch misspellings, typos, and poor phrasing when you read aloud. If you shrink at this idea, ask a friend, co-worker, or family member to read your writing. A third party can point out things you may have missed.

 

9. Brush Up on the Basics

Most of us probably hated grammar in school. However, excellent writing depends on good grammar skills. It is a good idea to brush up on capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. Review sentence structures and learn to use concise language. Poor grammar can distract your readers instead of making your writing stand out.

 

FAST-ACTION STEPS

 

a) Choose a time of day that works best for writing and schedule it on your calendar. By making an appointment with yourself, you are sending your brain signals that this is important.

 

b) Pick a book and dedicate 10-20 minutes a day to reading. The goal is to broaden your horizons with great literature and other pieces that stretch you.

 

c) Do the work. Gathering ideas is good, but putting them into practice is better. So, grab your computer or go old school with pen and paper and get to writing.

 

FURTHER READING

 

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TIPS REPORT 46: BECOMING AN EARLY RISER

This report includes nine powerful tips and three actionable steps you can take right away. It also includes a list of suggested readings for those who are looking for even more information. 

This article is from a Series of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to receive a file with all 52 Reports at once, you can subscribe to my e-mail list.

TOP TIPS

When it comes to time management, we often say that we all have the same amount of time each day; it comes down to how we use it. While those are wise words, could there still be a way to get an edge? Becoming an early riser is one way we can gain an edge. We can't just create more time but getting up earlier can make it feel like we have. Those quiet mornings where you are alone with yourself, and your thoughts can be some of the most productive minutes of your day. If you struggle with getting up in the morning, consider these nine ways you can become an early riser.

 

1. Start the Night Before

The more you prepare the night before, the less stress you will have when you wake up. Think about what will make the morning less hectic. Would packing your lunch ease some of the morning chaos? Maybe placing your briefcase, purse, or other bags on a launch pad near the door helps.

 

2. Get to Bed Earlier

Rising earlier doesn’t mean you can go to bed at your usual time and get up rested. Your body still needs the same hours of sleep, so plan on shifting your bedtime to accommodate your new rise time. If you need seven hours of sleep and want to get up by 5 AM, you should aim to be in bed by 10 PM.

 

3. Develop a Bedtime Routine

Parents understand the benefits of holding to a bedtime routine for their kids. Why not think about what you do each evening before you go to bed that helps relax you. Maybe you enjoy a warm bath or reading in bed to help you wind down. Train your body that these activities mean bedtime is on the horizon.

 

4. Avoid Screen Time Before Bed

The backlighting of phones, computers, and televisions keeps your brain busy even if you scroll through social media to relax. Instead, give yourself a media curfew to let your mind and brain wind down before bed.

 

5. Ease into the New Alarm Time

Setting your alarm two hours before your usual time to get up may put your body into shock. You may also find that you don’t make it two days before you are back into old patterns. It benefits many to slowly turn the alarm back by 15-20 minutes each day until they get to their ideal wake-up time.

 

6. Place the Alarm Across the Room

It is much easier to hit the snooze button if your alarm clock is next to your head. By putting it across the room, you force your body to get up and get moving, and you stand a better chance of staying up.

 

7. Get Out of Bed Right Away

It is easy to rationalize sneaking in just five more minutes. Soon, five minutes turns to ten minutes, and you are now oversleeping. Immediately getting out of bed sends signals to your body that sleep is over and it’s time to start a new day.

 

8. Establish a Morning Routine

Whatever you decide to do, you train your brain and body what is supposed to happen after jumping out of bed. You may include meditation, prayer, exercise, showering, and eating breakfast. You may find that your body does this routine out of muscle memory eventually.

 

9. Stick to the Plan Even on Weekends

For the best benefits, try to go to bed and get up at the same times seven days a week. You don’t have to jump into the same activities as on weekdays, but you can develop the early riser habit faster if you stick to it seven days a week. So, go ahead and enjoy a second cup of coffee while listening to morning jazz.

 

FAST-ACTION STEPS

 

a) Consider why you want to become an early riser. Do you have goals to accomplish, or do you want to ease the stress of your mornings?

 

b) Write down your reason for making this change to becoming an early riser and post it where you will see it. Knowing why you are making new habits can help when you feel frustrated.

 

c) Choose one tip to take action on. Maybe preparing your lunch the night before will save you from eating from the office vending machine the next day.

 

FURTHER READING

 

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TIPS REPORT 45: MANAGE RELATIONSHIP ANXIETY

 This report includes nine powerful tips and three actionable steps you can take right away. It also includes a list of suggested readings for those who are looking for even more information. 

This article is from a Series of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to receive a file with all 52 Reports at once, you can subscribe to my e-mail list.

TOP TIPS

Relationships come in many different styles. One thing remains the same – there will be times of doubt and worry over their state. Sometimes this concern is at the very beginning as you get to know one another. Other times, couples who have been together for several years may reach seasons where one or both question the solidarity of their union. The result is called relationship anxiety. It affects many couples, but it doesn’t have to rule (and possibly ruin) your relationship when you utilize these nine tips.

 

1. Identify What Causes Your Anxiety

Do you suffer from low self-esteem? Were your parents distant and aloof with you as you were growing up? Do you have a history of abusive relationships? Understanding what drives your anxiety gives you the upper hand in overcoming it.

 

2. Communicate Your Feelings Honestly

Sharing your fears and anxieties enables you and your partner to work together in your relationship. It also helps them see things from your perspective. For example, they may better understand why you get upset when they do not respond to a text for several hours.

 

3. Maintain Control Over Your Emotions

Reacting impulsively when your anxiety and insecurity levels rise places additional strain on your partner. It is better to resist the urge to make sure everything is okay, and instead, practice deep breathing, take a walk or call a friend for a brief chat.

 

4. Enjoy Today and Leave Tomorrow Alone

A lot of worries come from focusing on worst-case scenarios that have a low probability of happening. Concentrating on being in the moment and enjoying your partner or family member now builds fond memories and strengthens your relationship.

 

5. Remain Independent

It is easy to lose yourself as you build a relationship. Each party may want to compromise to show love. Your uniqueness brought you together. While there will always be some compromise for successful relationships, you should also encourage each other to maintain some independence and autonomy.

 

6. Avoid Letting Anxious Thoughts Write Your Story

Anxious thoughts may give rise to other emotions, such as anger, sadness, or despair. Emotions have a way of tainting reality, while facts share a different story. Try to avoid giving in to negative self-talk. Instead, work on replacing the narrative with positive self-talk. For instance, reframe “I am lousy at relationships” with “I am good at building strong relationships because I don’t give up.”

 

7. Focus on Gratitude

One way to combat worry and anxiousness is to be grateful. You are refocusing your mind on the people in your life that support you increase positivity in your life. Telling them how thankful you are for their love and support can also increase your emotional connection.

 

8. Do Not Seek Validation

Anxious thoughts lead to questions of worth and the need to feel validated all the time. Most of the time, your partner will not be available to give you the validation you seek at a moment’s notice. Also, requiring this constant validation can do more harm by creating a co-dependency. It is better to focus on other ways of handling your anxieties.

 

9. Utilize Your Therapy Sessions

Therapy sessions offer you the opportunity to work through your anxious thoughts. Your therapist will provide options for addressing your concerns, gaining clarity, and helping you develop strategies to manage your anxiety.

 

FAST-ACTION STEPS

 

a) Learn more about your anxiety and how it affects your life. Education empowers you to handle the rough patches and come out stronger on the other end.

 

b) Find ways to maintain your independence. You might schedule lunch with a friend every couple of weeks or keep up on a hobby you love.

 

c) Schedule a counseling session with your therapist. You will keep perspective on your anxiety issues while alleviating the pressure on your partner.

 

FURTHER READING

 

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TIPS REPORT 44: BENEFITS OF COMPASSION

 This report includes nine powerful tips and three actionable steps you can take right away. It also includes a list of suggested readings for those who are looking for even more information. 

This article is from a Series of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to receive a file with all 52 Reports at once, you can subscribe to my e-mail list.

TOP TIPS

It feels like we are currently living in a dog-eat-dog world. We are all so worried about ourselves that we fail to look at the bigger picture. It's almost like we no longer embrace a sense of community. Maybe we lack compassion? The problem is, compassion is a powerful emotion, and it has many benefits.

 

1. You Will Be Happier

Showing compassion to others isn't purely altruistic. When you help someone else, it boosts your own happiness. A study from Harvard showed that donating money can make you happier than using it on yourself.

 

2. Makes You More Attractive

Positive personality traits like kindness and compassion have been shown to increase people's perceptions of attractiveness. People rated headshots more attractive when they were attached to a trait like compassion.

 

3. Improves Your Relationships

Being compassionate is a key to solid relationships. Whether romantic or not, people will be more comfortable and receptive to you if you show compassion towards them and others.

 

4. Uplifts Your Community

Compassion isn't just powerful in your direct relationships. It can help uplift the world around you. Compassionate acts have a way of spreading like wildfire. James Fowler examined this phenomenon in a study that showed acts of kindness spread just as easily as bad.

 

5. Improves Your Mental Well-Being

Compassion isn't just about other people. We must practice self-compassion as well. Often, we find it easier to be compassionate towards others, than towards ourselves. Studies have shown that self-compassion is indisputably linked to an individual's well-being.

 

6. Boosts Your Self-Esteem

Compassionate behavior such as donating, volunteering, and helping people in other ways has been shown to increase both academic aspirations and self-esteem among teenagers.

 

7. Increases Health and Longevity

Compassion doesn't just boost teenagers' self-esteem. It has also been linked to improved mortality rates amongst older volunteers. Compassionate behaviors like volunteering address older people's individual and societal needs.

 

8. Helps You Resolve Conflicts

Life is full of conflict. No matter how much your try to avoid conflict, it is bound to pop up in your life. Compassion can help you address this conflict more effectively. You will find it much easier to put yourself in someone else's shoes when you can show compassion.

 

9. You Become Calmer

When you strive to be a more compassionate person, you will find that you are naturally more patient and get less irritated. You will find it easier to forgive small transgressions, and more issues will roll off your back.

 

FAST-ACTION STEPS

 

a) Do something compassionate for a loved one. Who in your life needs an out-of-the-blue pick-me-up?

 

b) Do something compassionate for yourself. When was the last time you did something just for yourself?

 

c) Do something compassionate for someone you don't know. Do you ever volunteer? Do you get involved in social causes?

 

FURTHER READING

 

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Unlock the World: The Power of Language and Cultural Connection

 Discover the importance of language learning in connecting with people from different cultures around the world. Learn some tips for learning a new language and explore the linguistic features of different countries in 'The World in Your Hands: A Guide to Every Nation.'

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Are you tired of the same old tourist destinations and looking for something new and exciting to discover? Look no further than "The World in Your Hands: A Guide to Every Nation." In this book, you'll find hidden gems from around the world that offer a unique perspective on a country's history, culture, and natural beauty.

Let's take some example of  a journey to some of the lesser-known but fascinating destinations that you can learn about in "The World in Your Hands:"

1. The ancient city of Petra in Jordan - This stunning city is carved into the rock and is a testament to the ingenuity of the ancient Nabateans who built it.
2. The quaint town of Chefchaouen in Morocco - Known as the "Blue City," Chefchaouen's buildings are painted in shades of blue, creating a picturesque and serene atmosphere.
3. The pristine beaches of Palawan in the Philippines - Palawan boasts crystal-clear waters, lush green forests, and stunning limestone cliffs, making it a true paradise for nature lovers.
4. The ancient ruins of Tikal in Guatemala - This Mayan city is nestled in the heart of the jungle and offers a glimpse into the history and culture of this fascinating civilization.

see the series here

These are just a few examples of the hidden gems waiting to be discovered in "The World in Your Hands." With information on every country's history, culture, language, and nature, you can find hidden treasures in every corner of the globe.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure and uncover the hidden gems of the world with "The World in Your Hands: A Guide to Every Nation." You can purchase your copy through this link [https://yellowcornbooks.blogspot.com/2023/03/collection-world-in-your-hands.html]. Happy exploring!

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TIPS REPORT 43: BE A LEADER PEOPLE WANT TO FOLLOW

 This report includes nine powerful tips and three actionable steps you can take right away. It also includes a list of suggested readings for those who are looking for even more information. 

This article is from a Series of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to receive a file with all 52 Reports at once, you can subscribe to my e-mail list.

TOP TIPS

Be it a coach, teacher, or boss, most of us are lucky enough to find a leader we are proud to follow. The type of leader that we would do anything for. They inspired us, challenged us, and enriched our lives in long-lasting ways. However, we have also had "bosses" that we only follow because they have the title. We all know what that can be like. When it is your time to lead, what type will you be? If you want to be a leader that people want to follow, try incorporating these nine characteristics.

 

1. Offer a Clear Vision

You need to have a clear vision of what you expect to accomplish. Besides the clarity this grants to yourself, it also comforts and guides your team. If you aren't even sure what you want to accomplish, how will your team know?

 

2. Listen to Your Team

Listening to people's ideas, suggestions - and yes - complaints, is important for any leader. It's important to act on them as well. When people know that you listen and respond to their suggestions, they will feel more comfortable following you.

 

3. Delegate And Get Out of The Way

You don't have the time to manage every little detail. Delegate tasks to the people you think are best suited, and let them work. This shows trust in your team and that you respect their ability. You can check in to make sure there are no issues but don't hover.

 

4. Empower People

Empowering people helps them feel more responsible and important. Giving people responsibilities or challenging them to develop solutions helps them feel more engaged with the team. When people feel engaged, they often perform better. More empowerment and better performance are enticing reasons for someone to follow you.

 

5. Embrace and Share Your Passion

Most people aren't naturally inclined to follow people who are dour or completely unexcitable. It's much more enjoyable to follow people who aren't afraid to get excited about what they are doing. Being passionate about your goals - and not afraid to show them - will make you much easier to follow and support.

 

6. Make Decisions & Take Responsibility

A leader needs to lead. You have to make decisions - even the tough ones - and live with the results. Don't hide behind your team if you make a bad decision. Take responsibility and develop a plan to fix it.

 

7. Show Your Appreciation

It seems almost silly to write this, as it seems like basic decency. However, many leaders need to hear this. You've likely had a boss who needs to hear this. When someone does something nice for you or accomplishes something important - show your appreciation. This doesn't have to be a big reward either; a simple acknowledgment will often mean the world to someone.

 

8. Exhibit Integrity

If you don't walk the walk, no one will listen to you talk the talk. People find it much easier to follow people with integrity. If you are dishonest, unreliable, or otherwise exhibiting a lack of integrity, people will be less inclined to follow you.

 

9. Learn How to Communicate

Communication is crucial for any leader. Quite often, persuasive communication can attract followers on its own. Good communication includes an ability to inform people while also inspiring them. If you can manage that balancing act, you are well on your way to becoming a leader people want to follow.

 

FAST-ACTION STEPS

 

a) Make a list of all the leaders in your life that you can remember. Think about teachers, politicians, bosses, etc., that touched your life. Organize your list into two columns: good and bad.

 

b) Think about good leaders. What characteristics, traits, or actions made them good? Which could you adopt?

 

c) Now, think about the bad leaders. What characteristics, traits, or actions made them bad? Which will you have to work on avoiding?

 

FURTHER READING

 

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TIPS REPORT 42: BEHAVIORS BLOCKING YOUR SUCCESS

 This report includes nine powerful tips and three actionable steps you can take right away. It also includes a list of suggested readings for those who are looking for even more information. 

This article is from a Series of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to receive a file with all 52 Reports at once, you can subscribe to my e-mail list.

TOP TIPS

Success means many different things to many different people. You ask ten people what their definition of success is, and you might get ten different answers. The common denominator is that most of us are striving to achieve it. No matter what the definition, success is something we all crave. Craving success is one thing, achieving it is another. The number one obstacle in our path to success is ...us! If you exhibit any of the nine behaviours below, you might be blocking your path to success without even knowing it.

 

1. Making Excuses

Making excuses is one of many ways we can self-sabotage. If you are constantly making excuses about why you can't do something, why you failed or blaming other people for your lack of success, it is time to take a long look inward.

 

2. Doing It All Yourself

Are you the type of person that needs to control every single detail? If so, you might be blocking your road to success. While self-reliance is typically a good thing, trying to do everything yourself is likely going to stall your success. Let go, delegate the minutiae and focus your efforts on high-impact actions.

 

3. Giving Up Too Easily

Life is essentially how we spend our time between obstacles. No matter who you are, you are going to have to deal with setbacks, failures and other obstacles. How you respond to these obstacles will define your success (or lack thereof). If you just give up in the face of difficulty, you will never achieve your goals.

 

4. Fear Dictates Your Decisions

Fear is an important evolutionary emotion that keep us safe. Don't be ashamed to feel it. However, you can't let it dictate all of your decisions. Success requires bold thinking and action. There will be times that you must ignore your fear and step out of your comfort zone.

 

5. Too Much Multitasking

Multitasking was all the rage about a decade ago. It sounds great, you get to accomplish more things all at once! The reality is, you aren't accomplishing more, you are just spreading your focus and energy thin. Would you rather do 5 things poorly, or accomplish one thing perfectly? That is often the trade-off you make when multitasking.

 

6. People Pleasing

Being able to get along with other people is a wonderful trait that will get you far. However, there is a difference between being personable and being a pushover. You need to make sure that you balance your affability with a backbone. To start - practice saying "no" more often.

 

7. Hitting the Self-Destruct Button

Sometimes self-sabotage can do more than stall your success. Sometimes it can be downright dangerous. Leaning on self-destructive habits to get through your day is not healthy. If you are relying on drugs, alcohol or any other serious bad habit, you need to talk to a professional. It isn't just your success at stake.

 

8. You Yo-Yo

Sometimes you care, and sometimes you don't. Sometimes you try, and sometimes you don't. You are excited about your goals this week, but won't even think about them next. If any of that seems familiar, you might be "yo-yoing". Success requires consistency. If you want to succeed, you can't be all in one moment, then not care the next.

 

9. Beating Yourself Up

Did you read through this list and then berate yourself for any behaviors you exhibit? This needs to stop. Everyone has issues and everyone makes mistakes. You can't beat yourself up for this. If you fail at something, try not get lost in thoughts of "I failed, I'm no good". Instead, ask yourself what you learned from that failure and move on. Treat yourself as kindly as you'd treat your best friend.

 

FAST-ACTION STEPS

 

a) Are you making any excuses? Think honestly about your life. Are you making any excuses for your lack of success?

 

b) How can you face it? Once you have identified an excuse you are making, create a plan so that you can address it.

 

c) Take one micro-step towards your goal. Now that you have a plan, take a simple step towards achieving it. This step should be something so simple you can do it right away.

 

FURTHER READING

 

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