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Tuesday, May 12, 2020

How to Stop Procrastinating and Complete Important Life Tasks

ProcrastinatingUncertainty can make it very hard to get things done. It’s very hard for us to deal with procrastination because we believe we’ll always have a lot of time to complete projects. The problem is that most people who put off projects often never complete them. If you take immediate action, then you’re more likely to stop procrastinating and finish projects.

Let’s assume that you want to ask for a raise from your boss. Your boss might not like the idea of increasing your pay, so you may end up worrying about getting in some kind of trouble for asking. One way to push through this form of uncertainty is to justify your actions in your own mind. If you know for certain that you definitely deserve a raise, then asking for increased pay shouldn’t be a problem. If you don’t feel that you deserve a raise, then the problem might be that you need to simply perform better at your job. Building your skills will increase your confidence, and you won’t worry about asking for a raise because it’s something you know you deserve.

How to Avoid Putting Off Major Projects

Sometimes we procrastinate because a job seems too difficult to complete. This is certainly a problem for many people when it comes to home design projects. You might worry that you’ll first need to clean up your home or move furniture. Some projects are much easier to complete than most people think. Installing floating wall shelves may first seem challenging, but one of these projects can be completed in just a few minutes. There are certainly much harder home improvement projects that take a lot more time to complete.

One reason we put off big home-remodeling projects is that we worry about working with contractors. If we don’t select the right contractor, then they may end up doing subpar work. If you conduct research, then you’ll feel more confident about working with an expert. Learning to ask the right questions is very important.

Procrastination and Personal Relationships

People often put off improving personal relationships out of fear. Communication is an important element of all successful relationships. Healthy relationships require time and effort. If you aren’t willing to put in the time needed to build a strong relationship, then things may get worse over time. Some uncertainty is always guaranteed, but you can improve your chances by telling the other person how you feel. You should never feel afraid to express yourself. Problems occur when people are afraid to speak their mind and inform others about how they are feeling. This is why many therapists recommend couples occasionally engage in arguments to work through their problems. If you don’t take time to work out your problems, then the relationship may permanently fall apart.

Dealing With Uncertainty

Part of the reason people fear uncertainty is that it makes us irrational. Successful people develop ways to cope with uncertainty. Developing the right strategies can make it easier to take action. Successful people remain positive at all times. It can be very tempting to become negative when it comes time to make decisions, but remaining positive can help uncertain people cope with dilemmas. Successful people deal with uncertainty by accepting the fact that there are some things they cannot control. Many problems might be much easier to deal with than you think. People can also cope with uncertainty by:

• Becoming more knowledgeable
• Taking small steps in the beginning
• Working on controlling their emotions

You will fear uncertainty a lot less if you know as much as you can about the thing you are worried about. Taking small steps is important because you may get overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be done. Just completing a little bit of work a day can make a seemingly impossible task manageable. Improving your emotional intelligence can help you reduce uncertainty. Many fears that people have are simply irrational, and people can dispel these fears by regulating their emotions. Try not to take action when you are in a bad mood. Avoid making rash decisions as much as possible. If you carefully design your project, then you’re more likely to know exactly what to do when it’s time to execute your plans.

Procrastinating–Sara Stringer is a freelance writer who most enjoys blogging about lifestyle, relationships and life as a woman. In her spare time, she enjoys soaking up the sunshine with her husband and two kids. Compensation was received for the editing and publishing of this article.

[Photos via Unsplash]

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Leave a Comment Filed Under: Advice Column, Health, sponsor spotlight

Thursday, September 26, 2019

The World of Social Media and How We Communicate

Social MediaThe world of social media has taken us by storm and everyone is jumping on the bandwagon. It allows many to voice our own opinions even when the public doesn’t ask for it. It doesn’t take much to sign up to any of the many social media platforms and begin a day of talking to whoever wants to follow you or like your comments. The topics can be on love, relationships, mental health, or what you ate in the last five minutes. Here are some things to keep people interested in your daily social media posts.

Consistency

There is nothing like finding a good social media post where you find yourself coming back for more to read. It also is not good when that post either disappears or you don’t hear anything from the author. If you are striving to have your voice heard, then you have to be consistent with your message. You’ll have to commit to posting several times a day or an hour. Followers come to either rely on what you are saying or depend on it for their own lives. Many look at posts as a way to get through problems in life or handle a tragic event. You’ll have to determine when to post on Instagram or your platform of choice. Your consistent opinions or advice can help your followers get through their day.

Originality

Try to post things that are original. It makes no sense to make stuff up as people will call you out and tell you what you’re doing. Originality rules and your followers will thrive on it because you are always giving them something new to think about. In order to stay original, you’ll need to keep yourself abreast of what is going on about the topic you are writing about. Don’t do anything halfway as it will be noticeable and people will get angry and post negative comments. Yet, don’t overdo it as you have to stand by what you are saying to the public. This means don’t try to be an expert on physics when you don’t hold a degree or have the experience. Read as much as you can on the topic you are talking about daily to give people fresh ideas.

Photos or Graphics

You can always insert photos in your social media posts to make valid points people can relate to. We are all visual learners at some point and social media is pushing that further. Pick photos that make sense and that you have permission to use. Most photos or even video clips that are funny have an owner. It’s not hard to find who owns what photo or graphic you want to post. If you do post without permission, then this creates problems for the entire social media timeline you’ve built in the last three to five years. This can be a daunting experience when people find out you really didn’t travel to Paris and those are stock photos.

Honesty

There is nothing worse on a social media platform you’ve been following for months than to find out everything is a lie. It’s not only the worst kind of lying, but it’s also that you knowingly did it on purpose. Some people get so caught up in the number of followers they have that their timeline goes from bad to worse. They are overwhelmed with the thousands of people that are living and breathing their daily words. However, not being honest in your posts cannot only get you banned from the platform, but you might also pick up a lot of trolls telling you about yourself. We’ve all seen these comments and most are not pretty, to say the least. You’ll be forced into hiding and trying to get on another platform if they will have you. Do yourself a favor and stay honest in all the posts you create.

These are some of the ways social media posts have changed how we communicate. There are things you can do to get better at it. Remain consistent in your posts and do it every day, if not once an hour. Stay original in your voice and do research on topics. Keep your posts honest and you’ll be successful in dodging the trolls.

Social Media–Sara Stringer is a freelance writer who most enjoys blogging about lifestyle, relationships and life as a woman. In her spare time, she enjoys soaking up the sunshine with her husband and two kids. Compensation was received for the editing and publishing of this article.

[Photos via Unsplash]

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6 Comments Filed Under: Advice Column, Entertainment and Media, Random Fun

Thursday, July 18, 2019

My Date With the DMV: Before and After

DMVI called this post “My Date With the DMV: Before and After” for a very specific reason…

Let’s start at the beginning of the day! There was such promise in that early-morning summer sunshine, and it practically radiated optimism directly from the blue sky. Everything seemed like it was coming together: I was up early (a rarity for me!) and all ready to leave the house by 10:30. Heck, it was a veritable #LetsDoThis hashtag come to life! Oh, yes, I was a woman on a mission!

My destination? The local DMV office! I had to get my state ID renewed because it, umm, expired in 2016. I know, I know — let the record show that I take FULL responsibility for my laziness here.

Now, maybe I was just being naive (story of my life sometimes!), but I thought this whole thing would be a piece of cake. You know, a one-and-done, in-and-out sort of situation. I mean, just look at my happy face in that “before” picture — I’m practically glowing with enthusiasm, don’t you think? I figured that I’d be out of there in 30 minutes at the most and have the rest of my day to enjoy…

Well, I’ve never been more wrong in my ENTIRE LIFE. There is nothing fast, speedy or quick about the DMV; they’re even slower than I am, and that’s saying something!

DMVThe place was packed — you’d think Shawn Mendes was in town for a concert. So I took a number — don’t remember what number it was exactly because, let’s be honest, I blocked out most of the experience! But I do remember that there were probably 40 or 50 people ahead of me!!

I waited. And waited. And waited.

Then, I was called up, which I thought was strange because my number hadn’t been called yet (I’d learn later that the elderly and disabled don’t have to wait), and for a brief moment, I felt another flicker of hope.

This was going to be a breeze!!

No, past Melissa, it’s not going to be a breeze. Not by a long shot!

Turns out, if your ID is expired for more than one year, then you need your birth certificate! Oops! I called Ms. Bear in a panic, and she brought it over — bless her heart, she even skipped Zumba!! Thanks, Mom!!

Think my adventure is over? Think again.

We had my birth certificate, but it was a copy of the certified copy — not acceptable!!

DMVWe left the DMV that day feeling very defeated!! We went home and, thankfully, found the golden ticket that is my actual birth certificate! But we were so exhausted from the day that we waited a day to go back. We thought it best to spread out the DMV fun.

All’s well that ends well, though, because a brand-spanking new, shiny ID is on its way to my house as I type this!

Whew!! That whole experience was certainly a time, wasn’t it?

Needless to say, I’ve learned my lesson about the DMV. The moral of this little stressful story? The DMV is not like a drive-thru fast food restaurant. Better block out an entire day to devote to the experience. Oh, and don’t wait THREE years to renew your state ID… xoxo

[Last photo via Unsplash]

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Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Why It’s Important to Send Handwritten Letters

Handwritten LettersMost communication these days takes place through email, text messaging and social media. It would seem that traditional methods like a pen and a pad have all but become obsolete. There’s no denying that sending and receiving messages instantly is convenient in this fast-paced society, but these methods are also very impersonal. Handwritten letters, whether to your mom, dad, significant other or business contacts, will forever have meaning that far exceeds any other form of e-communication. Here are 6 amazing reasons why…

It Boosts Happiness

Writing has a therapeutic effect on people. When you hand-write letters, whether it be a love note to your fiance or a letter of thanks to your parents, expressing those feelings with pen and paper can help boost your mood. You’re essentially channeling positive energy as you pour out your heart to those closest to you. It can help you remember what to be thankful for in life and appreciate those relationships dearest to you.

It Makes It Personal

There is a time for auto-generated content and quick messages via text or chat and then there’s a time to send a personal message. Even in business, handwritten letters can take on a whole new meaning. Sending out a newsletter via email to your customer base may be fine for updating them on the status of your business, but if you’re thanking them for their support, it gives off a better impression if you write a note of thanks complete with your signature. Why? Well, your customers know that handwriting takes time and the fact that you’re willing to take time out of your day to draft a special message, stamp it and mail it to their residence says a lot. You don’t have to write everything, look for customized stamps to handle your return address or logo, but hand-write the rest.

It’s a Confidence Builder

Have you ever done something to someone you care about and wished you had the courage to let them know you’re sorry? A handwritten note can give you that confidence you need to say the words your mouth won’t let you utter. You can dig deep down and say, “I’m sorry. I wish I did more; I’m here for you now” and send the letter through the mail.

It Sparks Creativity

Writing requires you to utilize your cognitive, visual and motor skills to complete. As it takes more thought and energy to hand-write a letter than it does to send a text or chat message, it pushes you to tune other things out and really connect with your mind.

It’s a Physical Reminder That You Care

Handwritten letters are precious to receive. They require your undivided attention, creativity and innermost thoughts to complete. When your letters are received, it is a tangible reminder to the recipient that you care. It is something they can look back on years from now and remember a special time in their lives.

It Lets Unplug

If you’re focusing on writing a letter to your long-distance relatives or a gratitude letter to the love of your life, all of your attention will have to be devoted to writing. You won’t be able to draft a meaningful letter if you’re distracted by the television, computer screen or your smartphone. Thus, having some extra time to unplug can be great for your health.

People have been handwriting letters since the beginning of time. Though faster mediums have replaced the pen and pad, there’s still nothing as authentic and special as jotting down a message the old-fashioned way. Whether you’re writing a letter to friends, family members, blog supporters, customers or a significant other, the process can be very therapeutic.

Handwritten LettersSo, don’t be afraid to say thanks, “Thinking of you“, “I’m sorry” or “I miss you” through the snail mail. It’s gestures like these that let others know just how much they mean to you. Now, get out that pen and paper and get to writing those handwritten letters!!

–Sara Stringer is a freelance writer who most enjoys blogging about lifestyle, relationships and life as a woman. In her spare time, she enjoys soaking up the sunshine with her husband and two kids. Compensation was received for the editing and publishing of this article.

[Photos via We Heart It]

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Thursday, January 18, 2018

On the Value of Simply Listening to Someone

Listening to SomeoneI shared this two years ago on Facebook and it’s even more true in light of the past 4 months. The truth is, sometimes people share things and AREN’T looking for advice. Sometimes, they just want people to listen. It seems like such a simple and insignificant gesture, but listening to someone is an incredibly powerful thing!

Don’t be the person that swoops in with unsolicited advice. It’s not helpful. Trust me. In fact, it just makes people more hurt and confused. Sometimes, not everything can be fixed, even though that’s our first instinct is to solve problems right away. We can’t solve everyone’s problems, but we do have the power to ease their burden and fears. We can take some of the weight off their shoulders just by listening.

So, the next time someone comes to you, sit down with them. And just listen. It’ll help them more than you could ever know… xoxo

P.S. What I’ve learned about family closeness…

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So About What I Said is a daily blog that covers relationships, disabilities, lifestyle and pop culture. I love to laugh and have been known to overshare. I also have an unabashed obsession with pop music, polo shirts, and PEZ dispensers. Read more...

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