ReportWire

Tag: Health & Wellness

  • One Doctor’s Sleep Solution to Get Happier and Healthier | Entrepreneur

    One Doctor’s Sleep Solution to Get Happier and Healthier | Entrepreneur

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    In this ongoing series, we are sharing advice, tips and insights from real entrepreneurs who are out there doing business battle on a daily basis. (Answers have been edited and condensed for clarity.)

    Who are you and what’s your business?

    I’m Dr. Lloyd Glauberman, a Manhattan-based psychologist in private practice specializing in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders and relationship issues. Seeing firsthand how many psychological problems are caused or exacerbated by poor lifestyle choices, I sought to create a language for “health and wellness,” which would clarify and energize people’s commitment to themselves. This resulted in the development of Lifestyle Intelligence (LQ). To teach this new language, I created the LQ app, a cutting-edge program designed to give you a deeper understanding of your cognitive and behavioral patterns in order to make the necessary changes needed to live a healthier and happier life.

    What inspired you to create this business?

    I realized years ago that the way we think about health and wellness is broken. If it wasn’t, why would nearly half of U.S. adults be on track to be obese by 2030? The current system isn’t working, period.

    My true “aha” moment was when I read a study about brain health and sleep and learned that the brain cleans itself while we’re sleeping. I thought that this incredible discovery would be the catalyst that would “‘wake people up,” no pun intended, to take sleep more seriously and lessen the possibility of developing dementia in later life. But nothing changed, and I realized something had to be done. And while the whole ecosystem of LQ is vital to our health, our relationship around sleep is the centerpiece.

    If I could change one thing right now to improve our societal LQ, I would have all public middle schools and high schools start no earlier than 9 a.m. Children need a lot more sleep than adults do. So why are we knowingly harming the health of our children by programming sleep deprivation into their lives?

    Related: Watch the latest episode of “Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch” now

    What was your biggest business challenge and how did you pivot to overcome it?

    Introducing the concept of LQ was challenging because I am asking people to look at health and wellness in a totally new way. Part of the process was structural, figuring out how to deliver the content so it would stick. Sure, I could write a book, but the issue with going this route was the likelihood that people would skim through it and not retain enough information to catalyze deep understanding and ultimately lasting behavioral change. So, I created an app. This way I could build a relationship with the listener and guide the learning process so as to maximize the possibility of long-term success.

    However, I still had to figure out a way to deliver the information so it was adequate enough to generate a slow-down but would still appeal to the modern learner’s familiarity with technology. Ultimately, I landed on 3-minute daily tracks that didn’t allow the listener to speed up the learning and evolutionary process. While it takes longer for people to do the work necessary to begin improving their LQ, the feedback so far from those who have stuck with it has been positive.

    What advice would you give entrepreneurs looking to launch an app?

    Don’t be afraid to launch. Be okay with imperfection. Listen, learn, and adjust. First off, you have to believe in what you are doing. If you just want to make money, then you are most likely going to be disappointed because you need passion to stick with the process. Second, you need to anticipate a lot of slow, intermittent changes. You’ll take three steps forward and one step back almost the entire time. But you must have a plan to avoid analysis paralysis. It’s a cliché, but you could go down the tinkering and revision rabbit hole forever. Incremental improvements are key to app development as well as to Lifestyle Intelligence.

    Related: The First Female RV Company CEO on Bringing Ultra Luxury to Land Travel

    What does the word “entrepreneur” mean to you?

    An entrepreneur is someone who is willing to take risks and willing to fail. And when you do, which I have learned is an inevitable part of starting a business, you must have the strength and motivation to get back up and keep moving forward.

    What is something many aspiring business owners think they need that they really don’t?

    It may be counterintuitive, but unwavering confidence is actually something you don’t need. It is more than okay to feel insecure at times. In fact, it’s both normal and inevitable. You’ll actually grow your confidence and resilience when you understand this ebb and flow process. This sequence also helps with decision-making. You’ll be more open to feedback, and you won’t be held back by your ego. It’s a sign you actually believe in yourself and what you’re introducing to the world.

    Related: How This Wife and Husband Team Turned Their Hobby Into a Thriving Business

    Photo credit: Dr. Lloyd Glauberman

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    Entrepreneur Staff

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  • Transform Your Life — and Business — By Focusing on Health | Entrepreneur

    Transform Your Life — and Business — By Focusing on Health | Entrepreneur

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    What’s your daily schedule?

    I usually wake up around 5 a.m. so I can get some reading or writing done before my four kids get up. From there, it’s pretty much what you would imagine. A mad scramble to get everyone dressed and fed before they’re off to school or daycare.

    But after that, I don’t immediately start working. Instead, I head to the gym. I usually get back around 10:30 or so, down a protein shake, and then get to work around 11 a.m.

    You might think my schedule seems a bit off. People sometimes ask “How can you start work at 11 a.m.? What about your clients, don’t they want to talk to you?” Yes, they do, but I normally don’t take any client calls until 2 p.m.

    I’ll explain.

    Sure, I could go to the gym later on, let’s say during lunchtime. But I tried that in the past, and far too often something would come up that caused me to miss my workout. I’d feel guilty about missing my workout and annoyed that I had to skip it for something that wasn’t on my schedule for the day.

    As a result, I now prioritize my mental and physical health by scheduling work around my workouts and of course, my family obligations.

    And as you’ll discover during the most recent episode of the Launch Your Business podcast, prioritizing your health and wellness can become a competitive advantage for your business.

    Our guest, Dan Go, is a high performance coach for entrepreneurs and the CEO of High Performance Founder. After the early death of his mother, Go left a cushy corporate job to become a personal trainer and eventually brought his message of taking health seriously to entrepreneurs. Go’s theory is that taking care of your health is a way to transform your life — and your business.

    During our interview, we discussed:

    • How he’s making time to work out with a newborn, and how you can eliminate excuses as well.
    • Why water is your greatest ally when working towards health goals.
    • The surprising reason why doing less can actually help you achieve your goals faster.

    I’ll share a few of my key takeaways below.

    Related: Cozy Sweaters and Coffee Dates Can Boost Your Productivity — Here’s How

    Working out is not a frivolous extra activity

    It’s easy to think of exercise as an add-on that you’ll get to when you’ve accomplished your other goals for the day.

    Here’s the problem with that: If you leave exercise in the “maybe” category, you will constantly find other things that are more urgent or feel more important.

    “The biggest misconception that entrepreneurs have is the fact that they need to trade their health in order to make more wealth,” Go says. “From my perspective and from my experience, I found that if you neglect your health, you’re actually leaving some major monetary gains on the table.”

    Related: Sports Legends Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reece Want to Power You Up With Tastier and Cheaper Superfood Drinks. Who’s Thirsty?

    For consistency, start small and focus on the essentials

    When you’re getting started with exercise, building the habit is the first goal. So before you go out and buy a ton of workout gear or invest in equipment, start small.

    “The thing that I say to my clients all the time is, ‘You don’t even have to work out — just cross the door into the gym,’” Go says. He noted that high achievers usually show up (even when they’ve set low expectations for themselves) and get a few reps in.

    Even after you’ve built out a more robust exercise routine, you may need to cut back due to different life circumstances. When we recorded the interview, Go had just celebrated the arrival of a newborn, which meant he was adapting his routine to suit that season of life.

    “I’m doing the minimum effective dose at this very moment,” Go says. “I’m appreciative of the fact that I put the work in before that because there is something called maintenance and I’m not trying to gain a bunch of muscle or anything like that. I’m just trying to maintain my sanity and my body all at the same time.”

    Related: How to Start a ‘Million Dollar’ Morning Routine

    Drink more water

    I know this seems basic, but there are a lot of grown adults — particularly entrepreneurs — who run on coffee, soda or tea. If you’re feeling run down, it’s worth considering what your water intake has been recently.

    “Energy is currency,” Go says, “and a lot of people would be surprised at how much energy they can gain by being more hydrated.”

    Another perk that comes with drinking water is that you can use it to replace the habit of mindless snacking.

    Next steps

    Ready to learn more from Dan Go?

    Visit his website to learn how he helps high-achieving entrepreneurs get their ideal body with minimal stress.

    Sign up for his newsletter to discover how you can build your body and increase performance in four minutes or less.

    Follow him on Instagram and LinkedIn for all his latest updates

    And of course, listen to our full interview on the Launch Your Business podcast.

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    Terry Rice

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  • 8 Ways to Become the Exceptional Leader That People Actually Want to Follow | Entrepreneur

    8 Ways to Become the Exceptional Leader That People Actually Want to Follow | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Some people may have natural leadership abilities, but the hard work combined with that ability creates a true leader. Moreover, good leaders who are willing to do the work of continuous improvement can learn to become great leaders.

    Here are eight skills that can get you there:

    1. Practice self-awareness

    Awareness of oneself is how an individual consciously knows and understands their character, feelings, motives and desires. Through self-awareness, leaders can inspect and improve their behavioral patterns and, as a result, their contributions to successful outcomes. In addition, a high level of self-awareness opens the door to ongoing self-improvement.

    Related: Why a Self-Aware Leader Is a Good Leader

    2. Look past yourself

    The key to helping senior leaders become great is teaching them to look beyond immediate outcomes. In doing so, they become adept at seeing how their decisions and actions will play out in the next two fiscal quarters, at the end of the year, at the end of the next year, and beyond. Good leaders play checkers; great leaders play chess.

    Related: 9 Reasons Humility Is the Key Ingredient to Exceptional Leadership

    3. Embrace humility

    You are not the only one with great ideas. This means leaders must take an honest view of their own importance, which often requires an outside perspective to achieve it. It also means being humble enough to listen to and act on valid feedback, regardless of who offers it. It’s great when someone can offer truthful feedback in a friendly, constructive way. But even if the delivery is less than cordial, resist the temptation to “get them back.” Instead, focus solely on the core of the message, not the delivery,

    4. Maintain a beneficial schedule

    A beneficial schedule enables leaders to do their best thinking consistently. It requires the right amount of rest and time away from work — even thinking about it. It also means incorporating whatever is needed for a healthy body, mind and spirit, since they all work together.

    There are two specific benefits of keeping a beneficial schedule:

    • It fosters strategic and creative thinking. You can’t lead an organization if you don’t look ahead at different time horizons and think strategically about them. This is where creative thinking happens. Getting into that z one requires you to be physically, mentally and spiritually best.
    • It models healthy work-life balance. Many leaders look to the boss for how long they will work each day, when to begin work, etc. If you respond to emails over the weekend, everyone will think it’s the norm. The brain needs to rest and rejuvenate; working or thinking about work 24/7 is the exact opposite.

    5. Learn impulse control

    The ability to hit the pause button on emotion-driven impulses allows you to truly hear and digest what is being communicated by another person or within a group, respond with reason and intention, and logically document shared thoughts for further analysis. This skill enables you to think more rationally and deeply and consider all ideas – or combinations – to devise the optimal plan for achieving the best outcome. It also requires you to set your ego aside and really understand that finding the best solution is all that’s important.

    6. Meet people where they are

    Learning to listen and seeking to understand are common characteristics in all great leaders. The trick is lowering your own filters so you can stop making assumptions based on your perspective. A good coach can help you do this and provide tools to hone inquiry skills so you can ask great questions at the right times to bring others along — the kind of questions that don’t simply elicit information but provide a window into what makes that person tick.

    Related: The 6 Steps From Startup to Thriving Company Culture

    7. Speak kind truths and hear them

    Kind truths are important building blocks of trust in strong working relationships, which are essential to being a great leader. You can’t do everything yourself and be a great leader; you must achieve through others via collaboration and influence. How do you influence? By building trust.

    Examples of kind truths:

    • Call out the obvious. Call out the elephant in the room. Everyone already sees it, anyway.
    • Give direct feedback in a kind way. Refer to the action, not the person, avoiding “shame” language” – when the word “you” is used along with “should” in the past tense, i.e., “You should have known better.”
    • Speak clearly. Often, we try to soften our feedback, not wanting to hurt the other person. However, this makes the feedback muddled and unclear; kind truths are clear.
    • Invite and receive direct feedback. Most people are afraid to tell the boss where they can improve. Instead, ask them, “What I hear you not saying is…do you feel like this is true?” Say it in a non-confrontational, inquisitive way; you will be shocked when they say, “Yes, wow, that’s right.” The key is to do something about it then.
    • Act on the feedback. When someone gives you feedback, mirror it back, essentially asking what change they’d like to see. You can then speak about its plausibility and shape it to pinpoint exactly what needs to change or improve. Then, commit to doing it, with a date when you will check back with them on the changes they have seen. Then, set up whatever system works for you to make this behavioral change rapidly and permanently.

    8. Adopt reciprocity

    Reciprocity is the practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit. You can’t be a truly great leader if you do not give to others for their benefit. They are always giving to you; the higher your role, the more they are giving. Give back to them; give to everyone. All the great and successful leaders of our time did more than just take every beneficial thing that was given to them; rather, they gave at least as much, if not more, than they took.

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    Karen Brown

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  • How to Purge Toxic Emotions to Facilitate Healing | Entrepreneur

    How to Purge Toxic Emotions to Facilitate Healing | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    What are toxic emotions, and how do they prevent healing and moving forward? Toxic emotions are negative feelings that manifest within our bodies, minds and spirit. They become harmful when they lead us into a victim state, from which it can be challenging to get out and can cause mental and physical harm. Learning to control certain emotions is imperative, especially when moving on from divorce and other traumas to create a new and happy life.

    The most common negative emotions associated with trauma and difficult life situations are fear, anger, guilt, and sadness/grief. Experiencing these or other negative emotions is normal in most cases. For example, divorce is comparable to a death, and there is a significant separation between the “we” of the partnership and the new “me.” We had entwined our lives with one another, including dreams and a future, so when suddenly one is no longer part of a “we,” it can be traumatic and lead to toxic emotions. Similarly, any time we feel down, negative or unhappy in life, toxic emotions can keep us stuck and unable to heal. The lesson is to prevent the feelings from becoming toxic.

    Related: 12 Ways Successful People Handle Toxic People

    Since it is normal to experience negative emotions about trauma or difficult life events, the first rule of thumb is to let yourself feel them, whatever they may be. Grieve, feel angry, sad, hurt, afraid, guilty or lost…these feelings must be recognized. You might cry, punch a pillow, exercise hard, scream or whatever non-dangerous release helps to relieve tension caused by these feelings. If the feelings are dangerous, cause you to feel so helpless that you cannot function, or have thoughts of hurting yourself or another or of ending your life, you must seek professional help immediately.

    At some point – a time that can be different for each person – you must let go of these feelings and move forward.

    Fear

    This is one of the biggest emotions suffered by those going through trauma. It can also plague those who face difficult times, like losing a job or a home or the death of a loved one. Worrying about what a new life will look like post-trauma is easy. Where will you live? How will you pay the bills? In the case of divorce, a stay-at-home parent may have to return to the workforce for the first time in years, which is scary.

    Being alone is also scary — who will care for you when you are sick or need help? What about parenting responsibilities, the desire to ease the effects of divorce on children and coming up with a plan to co-parent amicably? There is also a fear of being alone for the rest of one’s life (this is especially true with women and even has a name).

    No matter what the trauma or life circumstance that leads to toxic emotions, when we feel afraid and stuck, it actually prevents us from being able to heal, and the longer we nurse this fear within our bodies, minds and spirits, the more troubles we may suffer, both physically and mentally. You may recall a time in your life (even childhood) when you were so afraid of something or someone that you got a stomachache or experienced other forms of stress — imagine what can happen over time when we let fear fester – it’s like an open wound that does not get cleaned and treated.

    Related: 8 Ways to Harness the Power of Fear for Personal Success

    Anger

    Anger is another common emotion experienced by those who experience trauma and big life changes. Since many people do not understand how to start the healing process, blaming others or the universe for their fate becomes easier. With divorce, many will blame the former spouse rather than start looking within for the answers. Blaming equates to a refusal to take responsibility for the self and one’s own happiness, leading to stagnation and the inability to heal and be happy.

    Anger zaps our energy, and it can lead us to a victim state. In this state, we believe everything happens to us instead of realizing we are the only ones who have control over our own lives, we become incapable of taking the reins and turning our lives around. Angry emotions can elevate blood pressure and lead to a plethora of physical and mental/emotional ailments, like poor focus and lack of energy, bodily pains and depression, rapid weight gain or loss, the desire to hurt oneself or others, extreme exhaustion, and lack of motivation, to name a few. This is not the way to heal or be happy.

    Related: 8 Toxic Personalities Every Successful Person Avoids

    Guilt

    Many traumas or difficult situations can lead to feelings of guilt. Divorce is one example, especially when we have been programmed to believe it is wrong or bad and that marriage lasts forever. Many have grown up with these messages from religion, culture or familial beliefs. Sometimes, we may not even recognize that what we have been taught, often throughout our lives, has a limiting effect on our thoughts.

    Guilt is normal when it comes to divorce, and it is important to let oneself feel it and recognize from where it comes so that we can change our mindset and accept that those lessons we were taught are not reality. This usually involves diving deep into the past, especially childhood traumas.

    When feeling guilty for being the “cause” of a trauma or major life change, that mindset must be examined and altered. Using divorce as an example, a marriage is a partnership, and even if one of the parties does things that do not support the marriage, there are still two people involved; both parties need to be working together in the relationship – all the time. Most marriages break down long before divorce is filed; one study indicated that the time frame is six years.

    Other situations and traumas can also lead to feelings of guilt, such as physical and verbal abuse. Many victims of abuse feel that they must have done something wrong to trigger the abusive behavior that is directed toward them, and this, along with fear (of retaliation, of being alone, of the partner going to prison, etc.), is the reason that many victims of abusive relationships do not leave.

    Sadness and grief

    These are the most common toxic emotions regarding trauma, loss and big life changes. For example, it is normal to feel sad and grieve the death of a marriage or a loved one. Embarking upon the healing journey will alleviate these feelings. Although they never go away completely, they will dissipate with healing, and it is possible to create a new life and be happy despite the circumstances or changes.

    Preventing negative feelings from becoming toxic is within our control, and we can learn how to overcome the barriers. Each step has many subparts that may require help from a divorce coach or therapist.

    Related: How to Turn Your Work-Related Stress and Anxiety into Accomplishments

    Steps to overcome negativity and toxicity to focus on healing

    1. Let go of people, ideas and situations that don’t serve you
    2. Get healthy – body, mind and spirit (healthy eating, exercise, breathwork, journaling, spending time in nature).
    3. Express gratitude (especially when you awaken and before bed. Think of at least 3-5 things for which you are grateful)
    4. Try something new by getting out of your comfort zone (take a class, volunteer, learn something – outside of the house, not from a computer)
    5. Focus on the present, not the past — the past is over, and nothing can be done to change it, so don’t waste energy on how it could have been if only…
    6. Replace negative thoughts and actions with positive ones, repeating until it becomes the norm – start telling yourself you are what you want to be by using affirmations, journaling, meditation and doing activities that make you happy; we are what we believe ourselves to be!
    7. Evaluate your support network and make sure you have the right people – many of those within our support networks do not truly support us. Those who love you need to respect your choices and not try to tell you what they think you should or shouldn’t do.

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    Rachel S. Ruby

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  • How to Harness the Power of Positive Psychology | Entrepreneur

    How to Harness the Power of Positive Psychology | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    The call for change has never been more resounding in a world of challenges and uncertainties. From technological advancements to environmental concerns, the trajectory of our planet and its people hinges upon our actions today. As an entrepreneur with a vision for change, you have the unique opportunity to uplift society and become the beacon of motivation that guides us all towards a brighter tomorrow.

    The ripple effect of positive psychology

    Positive psychology is more than just a buzzword; it’s a guiding philosophy that enables individuals to harness their inner strength and create meaningful change. Rooted in the belief that focusing on strengths and cultivating positive emotions can lead to greater well-being and success, positive psychology lays the foundation for personal and societal transformation.

    Imagine a world where everyone starts their day with gratitude, embraces challenges as opportunities for growth and extends kindness without hesitation. Adopting these principles can ignite a ripple effect that spreads far beyond your immediate circle. Your actions can inspire others to shift their perspectives, sparking a chain reaction of positivity that transcends borders and cultures.

    Related: Why Embracing a Positive Psychology Will Ignite Success in Your Business

    A journey of self-discovery and impact

    Mahatma Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” These words hold an eternal truth that underscores the transformative power of personal example. To become a motivational force that shapes a better world, you must first embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

    Start by identifying your core values and passions. What issues ignite a fire within you? Whether it’s education, promoting environmental sustainability or advocating for societal well-being, discovering your purpose will provide your endeavors with clear direction and profound resonance. Embrace continuous learning and development, as honing your skills and knowledge will empower you to drive meaningful change.

    Related: Why You Must Really Know Yourself Before Starting a Business

    Catalyzing change on a global scale

    Entrepreneurs possess a unique combination of vision, innovation and determination. This potent blend of qualities equips you to thrive in the business world and catalyze societal change on a global scale. Your entrepreneurial ventures can drive positive impact, channeling resources and creativity toward solutions that address pressing issues.

    As you build your brand as a motivational author, remember that your journey is intrinsically tied to the stories you tell. Share your successes and setbacks, your moments of inspiration and moments of doubt. Authenticity breeds connection, and by baring your soul, you invite others to resonate with your experiences and join you on your journey toward transformation.

    Harnessing the power of collaboration

    The path to worldwide transformation cannot be tread alone. Collaboration with like-minded individuals and organizations is pivotal to amplifying your impact. You tap into a wellspring of shared knowledge, resources, and inspiration by forming alliances with fellow change-makers.

    Reach out to other entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and community organizers who align with your vision. Collaborative efforts exponentially magnify your influence and allow you to tackle complex challenges that may be insurmountable on your own. Together, you can create initiatives that transcend borders and boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the world.

    The legacy of a motivational pioneer

    Your journey as a motivational author and entrepreneur isn’t just about the immediate impact you make; it’s about the legacy you leave behind. The seeds of positive change you plant today will blossom into a world where inspiration is the norm, where individuals are empowered to dream big and pursue their passions fearlessly.

    As your influence grows, your platform will become a vessel for nurturing and uplifting the next generation of change-makers. By mentoring and providing guidance to emerging entrepreneurs, you can ensure that the flame of positive transformation continues to burn brightly long after your time in the spotlight.

    Related: 8 Tiny Changes to Make Your Life 10 Times More Enjoyable

    Your call to action

    The world yearns for leaders who embody the change they wish to see. By embracing the principles of positive psychology, becoming an entrepreneurial force, and forging powerful collaborations, you are poised to be that leader. Your journey toward becoming a famous author specializing in motivation is not just about personal success; it’s about shaping a world where positivity, innovation and empathy reign supreme.

    Now, more than ever, the world needs individuals willing to step up, inspire and drive change. Your potential is limitless, and the impact you can make transcends boundaries. As you take each step on this transformative path, remember that you are not just shaping your destiny but the destiny of a world that eagerly awaits the light you bring.

    The time for change is now. Embrace it. Live it. Be the catalyst of a brighter future.

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    Brian H. Robb

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  • Healthy Smile: Get This Smart Toothbrush for Only $24.99 | Entrepreneur

    Healthy Smile: Get This Smart Toothbrush for Only $24.99 | Entrepreneur

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    Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

    Whether you’re talking to a prospective client, giving an important presentation, or just rallying your team in the office, your smile is an important part of how you communicate. In fact, PRNewswire reports that 68% of Americans say people who smile are more trustworthy, confident, and approachable, so keeping that smile bright and healthy is important.

    That’s where the AquaSonic Icon Toothbrush comes into play. This smart toothbrush might make your oral care a simple task rather than a chore to power through in the morning and night. Plus, you can get the AquaSonic Icon for only $24.99.

    Keep your smile healthy.

    If you’re looking for an opportunity to maximize your efficiency, you don’t have to look much further than your toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes like the Aquasonic have been proven to be 21% more effective in removing plaque after only three months of implementation.

    The Icon even improves upon older electric toothbrush models with a smart timer that vibrates every 30 seconds signaling when it’s time to move to a new section of your mouth. After two minutes, the brush shuts down. Even the battery is remarkably efficient, holding up to 30 days of brushing on one charge.

    When it’s not in use, you can keep your AquaSonic Icon on the magnetic brush holder so it’s easy to reach. Traveling professionals can also take advantage of the sleek travel case included with their purchase and enjoy optimal oral care even during business trips.

    Optimize your personal hygiene.

    If your smile can help grow your business, then taking care of it is as important as caring for your other professional assets.

    Get the AquaSonic Icon Toothbrush on sale for just $24.99 (reg. $39) for a limited time.

    Prices subject to change.

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    Entrepreneur Store

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  • Why Gratitude is the Missing Piece to Your Success | Entrepreneur

    Why Gratitude is the Missing Piece to Your Success | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In today’s rapidly evolving and competitive landscape, the quest to enhance productivity, bolster well-being and achieve enduring success is shared by individuals and organizations. The realm of positive psychology, often called the science of optimal human functioning, presents an invaluable reservoir of insights and evidence-based techniques that hold the key to unlocking our innate potential and steering us toward lives of fulfillment. This article delves into the profound and transformative influence of gratitude, investigating how it wields a constructive impact on both personal and professional accomplishments.

    Gratitude extends beyond the surface-level expression of a mere “thank you.” It resonates as a deep-seated human emotion that encapsulates a profound sense of appreciation, recognition and an authentic feeling of indebtedness for the people, experiences and blessings that embellish our life’s tapestry. Informed by an array of scientific studies, the cultivation of gratitude emerges as a catalyst for substantive enhancements across the psychological, physical and social dimensions of our existence.

    Our brain and well-being

    Delving into the neuroscience of gratitude, its practice ignites the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin in the intricate networks of our brains. These chemical messengers are intrinsically tied to the spectrum of emotions ranging from happiness to contentment. However, the significance of gratitude transcends mood elevation alone — it manifests as a force capable of diminishing stress, bolstering emotional well-being, augmenting our capacity to withstand adversity and contributing to a holistic surge in life satisfaction.

    Yet, the sphere of gratitude’s influence extends further. It intersects with our corporeal well-being, as scientific inquiry underscores its role in fostering healthier lifestyles. The tapestry of research underscores a link between gratitude and improved sleep patterns, a reinforced immune system, lower blood pressure readings and a reduction in symptoms typifying depression and anxiety.

    Related: 5 Unique Ways to Show Your Team Gratitude This Employee Appreciation Day

    Gratitude in our relationships and leadership

    Moreover, gratitude’s reverberations are profoundly echoed in interpersonal relationships. Catalyzing strengthens the bonds that connect us. It cultivates a palpable sense of belonging and interconnectedness. By fostering an environment steeped in gratitude, individuals are propelled toward nurturing positive, supportive spaces within their personal and professional interactions.

    Within the dynamic confines of the workplace, leaders who proactively infuse a culture steeped in gratitude awaken a wellspring of excellence within their teams. Through expressing appreciation and offering acknowledgment for the sweat and toil invested by employees, these leaders engender a potent sense of belonging, stoke the fires of motivation and nurture unwavering loyalty among the members of their teams.

    The spheres of teamwork and collaboration equally flourish within the ambiance of gratitude. Practicing gratitude within teams seeds an environment marked by heightened collaboration, fortified trust and an intangible feeling of psychological safety. Acknowledging and valuing the contributions brought forth by individual team members catalyzes the germination of a positive workspace—a landscape that naturally yields elevated employee engagement and subsequently, heightened productivity.

    Incorporating gratitude practices into strategies dedicated to personal growth spawns outcomes marked by their transformational significance. Whether it’s the conscientious upkeep of gratitude journals, reflective exercises that celebrate personal milestones, or the act of expressing appreciation for the learning avenues life affords, these practices collectively give rise to a tapestry of resilience, optimism and a growth-oriented mindset.

    However, the arena of gratitude’s influence isn’t confined to our internal dynamics alone — it unfurls its tendrils even into the realm of customer relationships. Enterprises that channel gratitude towards their patrons not only mold a positive brand image but lay the foundation for enduring customer loyalty, thereby paving a trajectory toward sustained success.

    Related: Why Gratitude Makes Leaders More Effective

    Gratitude and mindfulness

    Beyond scientific study and strategic implementation, gratitude is an accessible tool for individuals striving for holistic well-being. The practice of maintaining a gratitude journal stands as a formidable instrument to harness its benefits. By committing to jotting down three things we’re grateful for each day, our cognitive faculties are adeptly steered towards focusing on the brighter facets of life. This practice inevitably augments the sensations of happiness and overall well-being.

    Moreover, mindful gratitude ushers us into a realm of mindful presence. This immersive practice encompasses a meticulous savoring of the moments punctuating our everyday lives. The canvas for this practice is as expansive as it is varied, encompassing endeavors such as meditation or even the simple act of embarking on a gratitude-laden walk. Through these exercises, we cultivate an acute appreciation for the splendor and abundance that envelops us.

    Yet, the culmination of gratitude finds its zenith in its active expression. Consciously extending gratitude towards those whose lives have intersected with ours emboldens relationships, creating more profound connections and nurturing a palpable sense of community. This can manifest in myriad forms—be it a heartfelt note that acknowledges the impact another has had, an articulation of appreciation in spoken words, or even a small gesture that exudes kindness. In each instance, gratitude emanates as a powerful force capable of suffusing brightness into the lives of others.

    Even amid the throes of adversity, gratitude emerges as an unwavering ally. Navigating through challenging moments, the ability to discern and appreciate aspects for which we are grateful can radically transform our perspective. This shift in outlook empowers us with resilience, kindling hope, infusing strength and often uncovering silver linings amid trials.

    Related: The Power of Gratitude and Appreciation

    In the grand tapestry of our lives, the infusion of gratitude — both personally and professionally — unlocks portals to sustained success and holistic well-being. Supported by a wealth of empirical evidence, its transformative potency reverberates across mental and physical health, interpersonal relationships and overall life satisfaction. By embracing gratitude as a customary practice and cultivating an atmosphere steeped in appreciation within our workplaces, we engender environments primed for the blossoming of growth, collaboration and success.

    As individuals, let us embark on a voyage of gratitude, wherein we contemplate and celebrate the blessings and prospects that envelop us. As leaders, let us be astute to the profound potential of gratitude in galvanizing our teams, kindling personal and organizational triumph. As we immerse ourselves in the currents of appreciation, we tap into our reservoirs of boundless potential, cascading ripples of positivity outward, enriching the lives of those within our orbits.

    Embracing gratitude as the fulcrum for both personal and professional advancement catalyzes the unfurling of a world brimming with possibilities, fashioning a future that shimmers with fulfillment and brilliance for all who traverse its expanse.

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    Brian H. Robb

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  • She Was Scammed By a Crypto Cult. Now She’s Fighting Back. | Entrepreneur

    She Was Scammed By a Crypto Cult. Now She’s Fighting Back. | Entrepreneur

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    “If you don’t understand the intricacies of how cryptocurrency works, I beg you not to invest in it.”

    So says Jen McAdam, a Scottish coal miner’s daughter, who was one of the countless victims of the insidious OneCoin global cryptocurrency scam. As Jen explains in this week’s episode of Dirty Money, she invested her entire inheritance only to watch it disappear.

    But rather than staying silent out of embarrassment, Jen decided to fight back and successfully mustered thousands of victims from around the world to join her. She’s written a book on the experience called DEVIL’S COIN: My Battle to Take Down the Notorious OneCoin Cryptoqueen, and she works full-time through her online Victims’ Support Group to fight for retribution.

    Despite terrifying threats against her and members of her growing support groups, Jen says she will never give up the fight to help the millions who lost everything, in some cases even their lives. Jen’s story is heartbreaking, but her willingness to be open about her financial and emotional struggles, as well as her ceaseless desire to prevent others from falling victim to crypto schemes is truly inspiring.

    Thanks as always for listening. Please leave a review, rating and remember to subscribe to us on your favorite platform.

    Subscribe to Dirty Money on Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

    About Dirty Money

    Dirty Money is a new podcast series from Entrepreneur Media telling the tales of legendary scammers, con artists, and barely-legal lowlifes who stop at nothing to bilk their marks of millions. Hosted by Entrepreneur editors Dan Bova and Jon Small, the podcast takes a deep dive into the deviants behind the deeds.

    Related: ‘The Most Hated Man in America’ Where Is Pharma Bro Martin Shkreli Now?

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    Dan Bova

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  • A Nurse Turned $500 in Savings Into $100 Million in Sales | Entrepreneur

    A Nurse Turned $500 in Savings Into $100 Million in Sales | Entrepreneur

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    In 2013, Courtney Adeleye was working as a registered nurse and searching for a product suitable for treating natural hair.

    “There were not many brands that used natural ingredients and specialized in healthy hair growth at the same time,” Adeleye recalls. “So, I started mixing my own products at home and infused them with vitamins, nutrients and healthy ingredients.”

    Adeleye documented her homemade hair care routine on YouTube, and it wasn’t long before she gained a large following of people who wanted to know her secret — and purchase products from her directly. So, with just $500 to her name, Adeleye developed a few deep conditioning treatments and sold them to her fans.

    Those initial offerings would grow into The Mane Choice, Adeleye’s hair care solution for healthy locks, featuring formulas free from mineral oil, petrolatum, parabens, sulfates and formaldehyde.

    Adeleye says she sold $10 million worth of products from her home during her first three years in business, and within another two, she’d partnered with more than 60,000 retailers across the U.S. — achieving $100 million in sales and an IPO by 2019.

    Last year, Adeleye launched Olbali, a health-focused direct-selling company, to house her private brands, including The Mane Choice, Cool Coffee Clique, Foolproof Body and more.

    Related: How Private Equity Investors Gave This 17-Year-Old Beauty Brand a $100 Million Makeover

    Entrepreneur connected with Adeleye during National Black Business Month to hear more about how she overcomes the limiting perceptions Black-owned businesses often face and the 10 secrets that helped her see so much success.

    “I have been asked if my products are for Black women only despite having extensive diverse marketing.”

    Adeleye says she didn’t become a nurse because she wanted some people to live healthier lives — she became one because she wanted everyone to live healthier lives. The same is true of why she founded a beauty and wellness business.

    Her company’s products aren’t just for Black consumers, but for everyone who can benefit from them, Adeleye says.

    Courtesy of Olbali

    Still, all too often, Black founders are unfairly pigeonholed, and the Black-owned label can actually work against their businesses, according to Adeleye.

    “I create healthy products for people to help them live healthier lives,” she explains. “However, I have been asked if my products are for Black women only despite having extensive diverse marketing.”

    Research from McKinsey & Company highlights how pervasive the issue is.

    Like all businesses, beauty brands must stay connected with their core shoppers and pursue growth opportunities — yet “there’s also a persistent myth in the beauty industry that Black-brand products can only be sold to Black consumers,” per the report.

    Related: 6 Ways You Can Support Black Businesses Long-Term | Entrepreneur

    Adeleye says she “must be more intentional” when it comes to displaying diversity across her brands, ensuring her business can realize its full growth potential “on a mass level.” “My goal has always been to be diverse and inclusive,” she says. “So, being intentional is something that comes natural to me.”

    “You have to believe in yourself before anyone else will.”

    Adeleye says following 10 key guidelines helped her achieve her many milestones to date — spanning product innovation, marketing tips, social media strategy and more.

    Here’s what she suggests for entrepreneurs who are ready to level up their businesses:

    1. Be authentic.

    2. Don’t meet your customer expectations…exceed your customer expectations.

    3. If you don’t think you have a great product, you need to try again before releasing it.

    4. Informal content can be more powerful than formal content.

    5. Be a walking billboard for your brand.

    6. Engage with your customers on all platforms.

    7. Show up consistently on social media.

    8. Bring your brand to life (off social media) by doing grassroots events and activations.

    9. Invest more in your customers and micro-influencers versus macro-influencers.

    10. Fix the brand before you start to spend money on marketing. Great branding can exceed great marketing.

    Adeleye’s learned a lot over the course of her entrepreneurial journey, but perhaps her best piece of advice? “You have to believe in yourself before anyone else will.”

    “If you don’t believe your business is just as good or even better than the next business, it never will be,” Adeleye says. “There is no such thing as an oversaturated industry. I say, ‘An industry cannot be oversaturated if I am not currently producing in it.’”

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    Amanda Breen

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  • Don’t Let Your Ego Make You a Controlling Leader. Here’s How. | Entrepreneur

    Don’t Let Your Ego Make You a Controlling Leader. Here’s How. | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    I’m sure we’ve all had moments where we let our pride and ego get in our own way of success. I’ll be the first to admit that this has been something I’ve been working on.

    In a world where we tend to overly glorify the accumulation of fame, power and resources, we can often overlook the many principles and character traits that would allow us to be naturally attractive to these things. We tend to act from a forceful place as we often unconsciously pursue self-aggrandizement over self-actualization. From our ignorance, we learn to chase and hustle after our desires instead of working to become the people these things chase after. As a result, many of us unconsciously look to control and manipulate things, people and situations as we subconsciously feel inadequate in comparison to the ideals we pedestalize.

    In acknowledging these patterns within myself, I’ve seen that many of today’s leaders struggle with the same ways of thinking. Many of us take the exhausting, brute-force approach to getting things done without ever knowing how to make things flow and unfold naturally in our favor. Rarely are we taught how to live an inspired life and inspire others to take action under our charge. Many of us only know of and look up to forceful leaders who mask their insecurities with the self-inflating nature of their egos.

    Related: Why Mindfulness Is a Must-Have Mental Skill

    The art of letting go

    Transcending the ego to find genuine inspiration can be arduous for many people. We often grow up in environments that are not conducive to emotional intelligence and mental hygiene. Our caretakers and peers usually do not understand these things and thus unconsciously project their traumas and limiting beliefs onto us. As we also do not know any better, we internalize these things to perpetuate the same patterns that hold us back.

    To effectively let go of our limiting thought pattern, one must follow a simple three-step reconditioning program:

    1. Acknowledge that we hold a limiting thought pattern.
    2. Understand where the thought pattern came from.
    3. Adopt higher principles to live by and begin experiencing the opposite energy in our lives.

    Of course, following these steps is much easier said than done; it is the very nature of our egos to be blind to its ways and limitations. This blindness is why it is essential to practice mindfulness and critical thinking. By becoming more mindful of our patterns, we can open our minds to living with more creativity, flow and overall abundance. The following are a few ways to fast-track your journey toward effortless attraction and continuous inspiration.

    Adopt a meditation practice

    As a meditation teacher, I couldn’t recommend this enough. Practicing mindful breath awareness and zen meditation are great ways to increase our self-awareness. Studies often show how meditation works to reduce stress and anxiety. Beyond that, consistent practice also cultivates detachment from our thoughts and emotions.

    With this detachment, we can observe our consciousness to see that we are not our thoughts and emotions. Instead, we are the awareness that can witness, produce, and change these things with the proper understanding and approach.

    In practicing meditation, we also open ourselves to understanding the nature of our consciousness, thus enhancing our ability to empathize with others. As we know ourselves, we know those around us as well.

    Related: 7 Proven Ways Meditating Prepares You for Success

    Find an accountability partner

    Your accountability partner should be someone emotionally intelligent. Hire a good coach or therapist if you’re serious about this. A great accountability partner should be able to understand your situation and call you out when they see you’re unconsciously acting out of integrity. They should also have straightforward and time-tested systems and principles to get you the results you want in life.

    Develop your communication and conflict management skills

    While we are interfacing with the world, we inevitably will interact with other people. Social science research has repeatedly shown us how the emotional states we carry and communicate are often contagious to those we interact with. Being mindful of our speech and body language is paramount to deepening our relationships and expanding our leadership potential.

    In particular, conflict management skills are essential to effortless communication. In a world where most of us either shy away from confrontation or are overly aggressive in conflict, learning how to effectively communicate our more complex emotions, give negative feedback and set boundaries are excellent skills to have.

    Regularly do things that challenge you to grow

    In exposing ourselves to new situations, we give ourselves the opportunity for self-discovery and reflection. Should these situations be particularly challenging, perhaps they can illuminate our unconscious patterns and faults to work on.

    For example, I used to be very socially anxious in college. I struggled with most of my relationships and knew I had to make significant changes if I wanted more from life. When I left college, I decided to become a salesperson to actively work on my social and persuasion skills. Doing so helped unlock massive leadership and income-earning potential for me!

    Hopefully, these principles and suggestions are insightful to you. May we live a contemplative life that takes us to our highest potential and service to those around us.

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    Jonathan Brierre

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  • Why Owning Your Decisions Is Critical to Your Success As An Entrepreneur | Entrepreneur

    Why Owning Your Decisions Is Critical to Your Success As An Entrepreneur | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    One of the biggest gifts I’ve had in my life has been my mentors. They’ve given me direction and advice that has gotten me where I am today. When I say there’s value in listening to others, I truly mean it.

    But there’s a big difference between taking great advice from people you respect and collapsing under interpersonal or social “shoulds.” This might look like getting the job your parents want you to get or following a career path you can’t stand because everyone tells you it’ll make you financially secure. Fearless leadership requires you to own what you want with no apologies.

    What it means to own your “wants”

    Owning your wants as a leader is synonymous with authenticity and self-awareness. It doesn’t require you to completely disregard traditions or the paths others have taken to find success. You can still deeply respect those. It just means you understand yourself enough to know what will fulfill you — and take accountability for obtaining that fulfillment for yourself. If you must go in a different direction than others to be happy or get what you need, don’t hesitate.

    Let’s pause on that idea of self-accountability for a moment. Some people make the mistake of interpreting self-accountability to mean that they must do everything independently. But no one successful has known everything or been able to do everything. The most successful people know their limits and are grateful to take help and delegate where possible. So, as you seek to take ownership of your true desires and goals, accept that it’s okay to build a team that can support you.

    Related: How to Give Constructive Feedback That Actually Empowers Others

    Why taking ownership is so hard

    Owning what you want can be hard — other people can be closed-minded or have their own goals. They can try everything to convince you that the path you want to walk is foolish, simply because they haven’t walked it themselves or don’t want you to get in their way by rocking the boat. Their efforts to dissuade you can do a serious number on your confidence.

    Then there are the logistical hurdles. How will you pay $100,000 when all you’ve got is $50,000? What if the certification you need isn’t offered for another year and requires you to relocate? Some will never own their dream because they don’t know how to overcome those problems.

    Finally, being self-aware is a rare gem — even though 95% of people think they’re self-aware, only 10-15% are. Maybe people haven’t had the chance to explore and figure themselves out. Or, perhaps they’re unwilling to break out of familiar habits, get feedback or reflect on what they believe. Either way, without self-awareness, it’s hard for a person to identify where they want to go and have conviction about that decision.

    Related: How Listening Can Help You Build a Culture of Trust in Your Business

    How to own what you want

    Looking at the three main issues that hold people back from owning what they want, five steps can help you go after what matters to you:

    • Connect with yourself. Techniques like mindfulness, journaling, trying new hobbies or getting feedback can help you discover who you are. Once you have a better sense of self, it’s easier to identify what will be meaningful or beneficial to you.
    • Define what you want. Do you build a legacy as a CEO over decades or move on every few years? Does being wealthy mean $100,000 a year or $1 million? The more clearly defined your goal is, the easier it is to understand the responsibility you’re taking on, assess what’s realistic and develop ways to measure progress.
    • Believe you deserve to achieve it. It’s common for people to get wrapped up in doubts or shame. When something good happens, they feel unworthy and mentally point out others who should get what they want instead. Accepting the belief you deserve to achieve as part of connecting with yourself silences this negative inner critic and the naysayers who might try to keep you stuck. The more justified you feel in pursuing the goal, the less likely you are to abandon it.
    • Figure out the steps necessary to achieve what you want. Most logistical issues can be figured out if you break them down into smaller action points. Mentors and teammates can help you consider alternatives and get the necessary information to move sensibly from one small point to another.
    • Take action. Even the most brilliantly broken-down plan won’t amount to much unless you do what’s on it. Face your fears and bravely confront each step, trusting you can sort through any bumps that might come up along the way.

    Related: 7 Tips on How to Manifest Success in Your Business

    Taking ownership is not easy, but it makes your soul rich

    Owning what you want admittedly is no cakewalk — doing your own thing and swimming against the current takes bravery. But taking on the risks of pressing upstream increases the odds that, in the end, you’ll be fulfilled. Because innovation and competitiveness almost always ride on the heels of a dream someone claimed and took pride in, don’t compare yourself. Just be honest about why you crave the path you do and take it.

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    Brendan P. Keegan

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  • A Drab Office Environment Kills Productivity. Here Are 3 Ways to Upgrade Your Workspace. | Entrepreneur

    A Drab Office Environment Kills Productivity. Here Are 3 Ways to Upgrade Your Workspace. | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    I was at my first well-being workshop and couldn’t stop hearing the irritating drip of the coffee machine at my workplace. This was a phantom noise that accompanied me even outside of office hours. Our instructor indicated we close our eyes and picture our work environments as a haven, one where we were free to be our most productive selves. But whenever I’d shut my eyes, all I could see were sterile walls and the cheap lighting at our corporate headquarters. There was nothing peaceful or soothing about this image, to say the least.

    “Your well-being is a reflection of your environment,” the instructor explained.

    I tried to visualize an oasis instead. What would I actually want my workplace to look like? I pictured a welcoming environment with lush plants lining the walls. Sleek and vibrant furniture. Inviting colors and spaces. I figured that if I couldn’t experience all of this firsthand, I’d at least use my imagination.

    This was more than 17 years ago, back when I was a programmer for a large company in New York. It was at that point in my career that I vowed to do differently if I ever owned my own business. People would want to come to work.

    Fast forward to this year, and I’ve been CEO of my form-building company for more than a decade. The memory of that workshop remains fresh even now. And I’ve worked tirelessly to ensure that my team doesn’t have to use their “imagination” to feel comforted by their environment.

    How environmental aesthetics impacts you

    In my new book Automate Your Busywork, I talk about saving your brain for the big stuff. And that involves looking after our overall well-being, including the places we spend the bulk of our time in.

    The environmental aesthetics of our workplace has a greater impact on our mood, motivation and productivity than we know. According to Vikram Rao at The Economic Times, our environment greatly influences our performance and mental framework. More than that, it encourages us to be happier and more efficient in all aspects of our lives. “A bright and cheerful space invariably uplifts the mood and productivity, and also has a beneficial psychological impact on employees,” Rao writes.

    “A quality workspace design leads to a less stressful and more productive atmosphere,” writes Forbes contributor Alan Kohll. “Employees need to feel comfortable and calm in their physical work settings to produce their best work.”

    Research from the Fellowes Work Colleague of the Future Report found that to enjoy good health in the future, we need to broaden our health focus from just gyms and restaurants to our lives as a whole. And one of the key areas is the office.

    The researchers also noted the following: “Globally, more people work in offices than any other work environment. And yet, this setting is becoming hazardous to our well-being. Unchecked, the office is set to present a significant threat to each nation’s future health, and ultimately, its productivity.”

    Avoiding the above, then, is instrumental for our teams to be at the top of their game. Here are some ways you can create a workplace that fosters greater well-being.

    Related: Creating an Engaging Workforce Through Thoughtful Office Space

    Invest in design

    If you’ve ever stared blankly at a sea of cubicles or a floor layout full of disorganized desks, then you clearly understand the way a space can affect us psychologically. We shudder at the chaos and feel our mood instantly drop.

    This is not the kind of mindset that leads to successful outcomes. That’s why, at my company, Jotform, design takes priority. We have plenty of natural light when you first walk in and keep furniture as uncluttered as possible to create a sense of harmony.

    Since founding my business in 2006, I’ve dabbled in different office designs. And I believe that investing in the right atmosphere inspires our teams to explore their creativity and come up with more innovative solutions. A concept I discuss at length in my book is how this kind of creative thinking not only boosts our levels of happiness, but it also improves our mental health over time.

    Providing a mix of multiple workspaces — including open space — helps eliminate a sense of monotony. You can also add modern amenities like a cozy lounge and a quiet room.

    Related: Is Your Work Environment Allowing You to Thrive?

    Incorporate natural elements

    There’s a reason why some of the greatest minds in history did their boldest thinking while outdoors. Studies have shown that natural environments or environments with natural elements enhance our creative performance. Researchers find that “Dealing with the daily work process and preparing and understanding new work problems could consume our directed attention, leading to attention fatigue.”

    By incorporating plants in your workplace, however, you can help minimize these effects. “A restorative environment provides a sense of escape from the usual, recovery from attention fatigue, and the potential to generate ideas through mind-wandering.”

    Making room for beautiful succulents in the workplace offers a respite from the daily grind. Aside from creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere, plants also help to improve the air quality within a space.

    Related: Albert Einstein’s Messy Desk Highlights The Surprising Link Between Clutter And Intelligence

    Cultivate a sense of home

    Since we spend a good portion of our time at work, it’s important to build a warm and inviting space where people can feel like themselves.

    When team members close their eyes and visualize coming into the office the next day, I don’t want them to picture a sterile and drab work environment. Offering an atmosphere that nurtures their creativity is one of the most valuable investments I can make, and it will yield some of the greatest rewards for days to come.

    Related: 7 Ways To Create A Healthy and Balanced Work Environment

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    Aytekin Tank

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  • You’re Not Lazy — You’re Burnt Out. Here Are The 5 Warning Signs. | Entrepreneur

    You’re Not Lazy — You’re Burnt Out. Here Are The 5 Warning Signs. | Entrepreneur

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    Entrepreneur burnout can land you in the emergency ward. Learn how to spot the signs now before it’s too late.

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    Ben Angel

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  • The Power of Spending Time Alone | Entrepreneur

    The Power of Spending Time Alone | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    I was just relaxing on the hotel balcony listening to the ocean. Enjoying a moment of connecting with myself and nature, I was fully present in the here and now. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore created a soothing rhythm, and I noticed that my heartbeat began to sync with the sound. It was a cool experience — one that made me truly aware of my surroundings and my own existence.

    Wanting to stay fully present in that beautiful moment a little longer, I snuggled myself into a blanket and laid back down under the stars. It was pure bliss to fall asleep breathing in the cool ocean air and wake up to the breathtaking sunrise the next morning. I knew this experience was nothing short of powerful.

    Related: Why You Should Schedule Dedicated ‘Me Time’ If You Don’t Get Enough Right Now

    The benefits of spending time alone

    When you take time like this to be alone, you can truly hear yourself. It’s a chance to escape the noise and distractions of everyday life and listen to the whispers of your own thoughts. Many people shy away from spending time alone. Even the idea of facing your own thoughts can feel scary. But solitude is a chance to clear out the clutter that accumulates in your mind, gain clarity and reconnect with your true self.

    I recently took my second trip by myself. I used this undistracted time to create, read and write in my journal. I even got dressed up and took myself out to dinner at a nice restaurant. Immersing myself in the moment and soaking in all of my surroundings was simply amazing!

    You may find the idea of being alone strange or awkward. You might think that others will see you as a loser or an outcast for enjoying a fancy meal by yourself. But I disagree. Through the years, I’ve learned the incredible power of choosing to spend time alone. I’ve discovered that it’s not about being lonely or isolating yourself; it’s about nurturing your own happiness and well-being.

    During my solo adventures, I engage in activities that bring me joy. These experiences have allowed me to tap into a deep sense of gratitude. I’ve realized how fortunate I am to have the means and ability to enjoy the beauty of the world around me; whether it’s indulging in a delicious meal at an upscale restaurant, watching the sunset or simply taking a walk. The more granular you get with your gratitude, the higher you elevate your vibration.

    Gratitude and self-discovery are central themes in my alone time. This has been integral to me leading a more fulfilling life. I’ve dedicated time to learning who I am at my core. I’ve prioritized myself, paying attention to my own desires and needs as well as embracing curiosity and fascination for the world around me. In doing so, I’ve reignited the spark within myself and elevated my life and the lives of my loved ones.

    It’s easy to become distracted and overlook the amazing things happening in your life when you’re so focused on the hustle and bustle. You get caught up in the minutiae and the constant stream of thoughts that fill your mind. But when you carve out meaningful time for yourself, you can explore new ways of thinking and being.

    Related: Why Alone Time Gives Your Business an Edge

    When was the last time you truly spent quality time alone?

    Being comfortable in your own company is a superpower. It will feel awkward at first, but it is a necessary trait that allows you to rely on yourself for happiness, confidence and a sense of belonging. Learn to embrace solitude by starting off slowly. Go out to lunch by yourself. Try a new restaurant, and focus on your meal and surroundings, not your phone. Date yourself! Take a day to do something just for you that doesn’t include anyone else, and see how it feels. You may surprise yourself with how amazing it feels when you become the very company you desire!

    It’s important to remember that you need to nourish your own soul to have a truly fulfilling life. Don’t wait for experiences to come to you.

    Embrace the beauty of spending time by yourself. Find joy in your own company, and connect with the world around you. It’s time to let go of your fear and embrace the power of solitude. Take that step, and you’ll unlock a world of experiences and fulfillment that will transform your life!

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    Jessica Dennehy

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  • I Believe, Therefore I Can — How to Build the Self-Efficacy You Need to Start Your Own Business | Entrepreneur

    I Believe, Therefore I Can — How to Build the Self-Efficacy You Need to Start Your Own Business | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Why do you think so many people don’t own their own business? It’s hard, there are challenges, and this fact is undeniable. You may even be thinking to yourself that these challenges are ones only certain people can tackle. You know, the kinds of people who excelled all through high school and had the confidence to jump into anything head first. But what if I told you that the only thing that separates you from them is yourself? Ah, that’s obvious, you might be thinking. But let me challenge this notion a bit more. It isn’t you as a person, it’s your beliefs — those ideas in your head of what you can and cannot do.

    The only thing which differentiates that guy in high school who became captain of the football team and you is the fact he believed he could do it. That is all there is to it. The good news? You can do whatever you want, and it is completely in your control. Let me introduce the concept of self-efficacy.

    Related: Using the Power of Self-Belief to Create Success

    Self-efficacy: Your beliefs about you

    Let’s do a thought experiment together. Think of something uncomfortable to you. It might be getting back into the gym after some time. Or it could even be something like going out on a date. What makes it uncomfortable? Is it the activity itself? Actually, it’s your belief about what you can and cannot do. If you believed that you would be able to go back to the gym on day one and nail it, you would probably go.

    We all have beliefs about ourselves — some helpful and others that aren’t as helpful. This is called self-efficacy: your beliefs about your ability to do a certain task. When you don’t think you can do it, the task seems more daunting, and you put it off. It might even make you develop even more unhelpful beliefs about yourself because you now feel bad about your belief you can’t do it! But what if we flipped this notion on its head, and instead of thinking we can’t, we start thinking we can? This leads to challenging those beliefs you have about yourself.

    Beliefs are not truths — You define your truth

    Okay, another thought experiment. Think of a task you have perfected. Something you can do so well now which you couldn’t before. Even something as simple as the fact you can ride a bike would fall into this category. Let’s go back in time to the version of you who just started to learn how to ride a bike. What would they say? “I’m not very good at this” or “This is too hard” or any variation of these statements. But you did it, right? I guarantee 100% you have conquered something like this in your life.

    What does this mean? Your thoughts are not the truth, and the thoughts you have about yourself may not be the truth either. You have thought many unhelpful things of yourself throughout your life, which without your awareness, you have proven wrong. This awareness helps us realize that all the things we think about ourselves are indeed not facts. And it allows us some space to challenge these thoughts.

    Related: 5 Ways to Overcome Self-Doubt as an Entrepreneur

    Put your thoughts to the test — You’re in control

    So, you have identified that you have thoughts about yourself, some helpful and some unhelpful. You also know now that those unhelpful thoughts are not always true because you have proven it to yourself. So, how do we get you to challenge your present thoughts about yourself on what you want to do now? Here is a step-by-step approach on how to turn your self-beliefs around:

    Step 1. Identify the thought

    You can’t work on something when you don’t know it’s there. And I know, it’s uncomfortable to admit to yourself that you don’t think you’re smart enough or strong enough or whatever quality it is to start your own business. Don’t worry about this step, though. Remember: Your thoughts are not truths. When you say to yourself, “I realize I am thinking I am not good enough to start my own business,” also say to yourself, “It’s my thought, but it is not the truth.” You just need to know you’re thinking it to begin to tell that thought, “You’re wrong, I know I can.”

    Step 2. Externalize yourself from the thought

    Remember how your thoughts are not the truth about you? Guess what? They aren’t even you. We have thousands of thoughts come into our heads every day from all different sources. Maybe someone said something negative to you, and you contemplated it. It’s just a thought, it’s not you. Now you need to take that thought and give it a name. It just needs to have a label. You could call it anything. When you label something, you see it not as yourself. And then you can start to see it for what it really is. This is called externalizing — this is when you say my thoughts are not me, they are a thing I experience.

    Step 3. Challenge that thought

    Get that thought now, call it by its label, and analyze it. What validity does it really hold? Let’s say, for example, you have a thought that you’re not smart enough to start your own business, and this thought is called Not Smart. You are now going to tell Not Smart how not smart it is. What does Not Smart tell you? It might be telling you, “You don’t have the intelligence to do this.”

    “Okay, Not Smart, how do you know?” It might say back to you, “Well you remember how in your first job you got the least amount of sales in the team?” And you say, “So what?”

    Not Smart might say back, “Yeah, well how do you think you’re going to start a business then?” You just say back to Not Smart, “That’s true, that did happen, but why does one mistake mean I am going to make mistakes forever?”

    Keep challenging it! Keep saying back, “I haven’t even done anything like that since then, and it made me grow, and now I actually have so many skills to do what I want.” Or say back, “Okay, I don’t have the answers, so what? I can learn them. What’s stopping me?”

    The truth is that Not Smart or any of these thoughts are actually your mind trying to protect you. Your mind has a good ability to detect threats from the past and project them into your future to try and do what it seems to think is keeping you safe. If you did get the lowest sales in your first job, your mind will say, “Okay we need to avoid anything with business because this hurt you before, and I don’t want you to hurt again.” What you need to tell your mind is that “It’s okay, it’s not going to hurt me. This is actually what is going to bring me the most happiness in the end.”

    Step 4. Create a new narrative, and assign a new meaning

    It’s not enough to just tell Not Smart that it’s wrong — you’ve got to give it a whole new story to rewrite the old one. And this story needs to be exactly what you want it to be. Let’s give it a go together.

    So, Not Smart told you that you’re not intelligent enough to run your own business, and you proved to it that its logic is actually flawed and that you do have the intelligence. What you need to do here is create a new story on this narrative. It could go something like this: “I haven’t always been number one in my sales roles, but that is why I am going to prove to myself and everyone else that I can be successful and run my own business. I’m going to make sure I get the knowledge on how to do it because it’s accessible to anyone. I am going to use my previous failure to be my driving energy to succeed.”

    And there you go, you now have yourself a new narrative. Write it down. You need to have this written down, and you need to go back to it whenever Not Smart comes back up again. Go back to your new narrative, and feel your narrative in your body through your emotions. This is your new story now, and soon enough, it will become your new belief.

    Related: Believe in Yourself and Entrepreneurial Success Will Follow

    Just to end on a thought-provoking note, do you know the story about Beethoven? One of the most famous classical composers of all time was actually deaf. But he still composed. He didn’t just compose, either — he wrote his most famous piece of music at this time. What if he believed he couldn’t do it? Or what if he thought, “What’s the point?” Even without hearing, he still became one of the greatest composers in history.

    Now it’s time for you to make your own history and start that business you have been dreaming of. Trust me when I say this, and I really mean it when I do: There is nothing stopping you but those funny little beliefs you have about yourself. Make your own story, and rewrite your future. You’ve got this.

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    Mikey Lucas

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  • How to Pursue Your Creative Ideas While Prioritizing Your Well-Being | Entrepreneur

    How to Pursue Your Creative Ideas While Prioritizing Your Well-Being | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Natural-born entrepreneurs are often bursting with creative ideas, new innovative thoughts and — more often than not — pretty enormous dreams. We can’t help it. For better or worse, it is how we are wired.

    One of the first characteristics of an entrepreneur is our curious nature. Think about it: How often do you wake up at 2:45 a.m. with a new idea that you want to start immediately in the morning? I’ve been there hundreds of times — really, you should see my notes app on my phone! Entrepreneurs love ideas. We love building on our ideas over and over again, hoping to create something bigger than we can even imagine. We say things like, “I’m building for the future” or “I’m planting seeds for growth” every time we pile on some new project. It’s exhilarating — until it’s exhausting.

    At some point, the go-go-go nature of our ideation patterns can begin to feel heavy or burdensome for some of us. So the question is, how much of this “planting of seeds” is really just the burying of ourselves in heaps of work that may be hindering our ability to actually grow and succeed?

    Related: Why Entrepreneurs Need To Prioritize Their Wellbeing As They Launch And Run Businesses

    We’re already busy

    Small business owners need to always be planning for the future — how else will their business grow? It’s an integral part of business ownership. Everyone wants to succeed. Planting seeds for growth, for example, spending on marketing or public relations, recruiting top-tier talent, attending networking events and so on, are extremely important. But how much time is being spent on planning for these activities versus the amount of time entrepreneurs spend on everything else necessary to run the show?

    A recent study showed that 39% of business owners are already working over 60 hours per week. And you better believe those work weeks are packed with all the stress and pressure that every business owner struggles with, from employee concerns to client concerns and everyone’s favorite, “economic uncertainty.” Maybe cash flow is tighter. Maybe bills aren’t being paid as fast. It stinks. This, however, should not stop that creative, tired mind from coming up with fresh ideas.

    But what if I miss out?

    The conundrum is that we fear letting these good ideas go to waste. Or that if we don’t pursue the new ideas, we’re risking not achieving the success we’d surely have if we were to make it happen. As a fellow entrepreneur with high hopes and dreams, I refuse to enable dream-killing. It’s not in my DNA. I believe every and all dreams can come true. I also believe that nothing is possible if we aren’t well enough to take it all on.

    My mother used to say to me, “You can’t fill a cup from an empty well.” It took me years to fully grasp what she meant. Then one day, while I was running my first business back in 2016, I had a complete meltdown. I hadn’t been sleeping much, I was under so much pressure having two children under two, and I had a list of things I wanted to do with the business. And I cracked under that pressure. I ended up in the ER, thinking I might’ve failed at everything — motherhood, marriage and entrepreneurship. It dawned on me then that I was DTM (doing too much) and I had not dedicated any time to filling up my own well so that I would be able to give from it.

    Related: How to Find Balance When You’re a Startup Founder

    Finding balance

    Fast-forward to now. My current business is thriving. My children are the best of the best (I could go on, but this would end up being another 15 paragraphs!). My marriage is as strong as ever. But most importantly, I am full. I am full of energy, joy, ambition and yes, ideas. The difference between now and then is recognizing when to admit that I am full and to only take on what I can. We have to make an effort to discover new ways to manage our stress and emotional well-being, or it will rule —and ultimately ruin — our lives. However, managing that stress and sometimes realizing you can’t control everything isn’t easy for us. As entrepreneurs, we would rather play by our own rules. I still struggle with how to properly maintain that balance between spilling over with ideas and keeping myself well. It takes practice.

    Earlier this year, I had huge plans to take the business to new heights. It was project after project. Except, this time, I had the strength to say, “One thing at a time.” I started keeping an organized list of ideas prioritized by importance, relevance and urgency. And I’ve allowed myself room to really focus on one seed in my garden of ideas.

    This is the kind of advice you’ll often get when going to a therapist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. Focus on the things that matter today. The more we get caught up in the things that may affect us tomorrow (or six months from now) the more we lose sight of the moment in which we can make a real impact as an entrepreneur.

    Don’t stop. Pace yourself.

    You must continue planting seeds. I will fight for this, always. But before that, you must not bury yourselves in work for the sake of saying, “I did it.” Your loved ones won’t care what you did if it breaks you. We chose this path of entrepreneurship for various reasons, be it for financial freedom, flexibility or to make an impact on the world. We are in control of our destinies. And if we remember that fact and hold ourselves accountable, not only to our businesses but to our whole selves, we will always be capable of making the impossible extremely, undeniably and wildly possible.

    Related: 8 Self-Care Tips From Wildly Successful Entrepreneurs

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    DeAnna Spoerl

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  • How to Improve Your Relationships — Both Personally and Professionally | Entrepreneur

    How to Improve Your Relationships — Both Personally and Professionally | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Almost everyone I know wants a better relationship with someone. Usually, it’s a spouse or significant other, but many of us also want better relationships with our direct reports, boss or peers. At home, we often want better relationships with our parents, kids or friends.

    Lately, as I’ve coached clients, I find myself giving some of the same advice repeatedly. Here are the top four practices that have consistently resurfaced in my conversations with clients.

    Related: How Can Entrepreneurs Improve Their Personal Relationships? 8 Experts Weigh in.

    1. Think about “love” as a verb, not a noun

    All too often, we talk about “love” as if it’s a noun. Something to be found, something that happens to us. The most successful people I know don’t view love as a noun; rather, they treat it as a verb. They practice it. Don’t wait for others to do things that make you feel love. Proactively choose love. Act lovingly. When we show others love, it’s amazing how much more we simply feel love. Love, like happiness, is something that we can create ourselves. Ask yourself, often, “what would a loving person do right now?” Whatever the answer is, do it.

    Recently, I had a difference of opinion with my partner, David, before we both started our workdays. For most of that day, I didn’t feel much love toward him. In the late afternoon, however, I realized that I could simply choose to love him. Typically, David does our grocery shopping. That day, even though I felt angry and frustrated over our discussion that morning, I got in the car and headed to the grocery store myself. I knew David had a busy day planned and doing all our grocery shopping that week would greatly help him. By the time I returned home, I already felt much more love for him.

    2. Regularly ask (and talk) about feelings

    So often, when there’s a difference of opinion, we forget to both ask about feelings and share our own. Saying: “I feel alone, hurt, disappointed or surprised because of X” is much different than saying: “I don’t like it when you do X.” For most of us, talking about our feelings is like emotional oxygen and psychological air. When we get to talk about our feelings, we often feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Hearing about someone else’s feelings and sharing our own reminds us that we’re on the same team, not opposing sides of a battlefield.

    After hearing the feelings of others, it often makes sense to paraphrase or repeat back what you heard; this is a way of checking for understanding. You might say: “It sounds like you’re feeling betrayed because of this; is that right? Gosh, I’m so sorry to hear that. That must be so difficult.” Don’t forget to both ask how others feel and also share your own feelings. Once feelings are on the table, it’s amazing how quickly we can move toward solutions.

    Related: Dealing With Feelings: How to Be an Emotionally-Aware Leader

    3. When you screw up, apologize authentically and genuinely

    We are human. We all make mistakes. When you do, apologize, but do so genuinely. First, get specific. Don’t just say: “I’m sorry for what happened Saturday night.” Instead, let the other person know you’re truly sorry for exactly what happened by stating it, out loud. Also, take the time to (once again) state how you imagine (or know) the other person feels. Acknowledge how your behavior affected them.

    Finally, make a point to commit to change. Talk about what you’ll do to ensure that the same thing won’t happen again. You might say: “I am so sorry that I was late to our appointment and kept you waiting for 25 minutes. I can see I didn’t respect your time, and this made you feel like I don’t care about our relationship as much as you do. I value our relationship very much, so that’s not going to happen again. Going forward, I’m going to set an alarm before I need to leave for our meetings, and also put a reminder on both my personal and professional calendars.” Additionally, taking the time to apologize in person or over the phone (instead of via email or text) can carry a lot of weight. This shows the relationship really matters to us, and we’re serious about our apology.

    Finally, don’t make excuses or blame outside factors for what happened. Sure, the weather or traffic might’ve helped cause your tardiness, but citing those things in your apology only shifts responsibility away from you, and what you’re wanting to show is that you’re ready to take accountability and own it. So, remain focused on what more you could’ve done; not anything else.

    Related: The 3 Most Important Phrases In the Entrepreneurial Vocabulary

    4. Recognize and respect your differences with others

    All too often, people say things like: “She shouldn’t have done this. I would never do that.” We tend to think that our way is the right way — or worse, the only way. Don’t fall into this trap. Beliefs, values and paradigms are not all universal. Remember that the person you’re interacting with probably learned different social norms than you did when you were growing up.

    Avoid judging those who don’t share your default ways of behaving. Instead, get curious. Take the time to ask questions and learn about why someone does what they do. Then, respectfully talk through your way of doing it (and your why). The best relationships are ones where two people or a group decide together, as a team, what the established norms and rules for the relationship should be.

    When we practice these four things in relationships, our relationships not only work better and last longer, but we’re also able to move through conflict more quickly. Many people who follow these four practices find their relationships can withstand more conflict or confusion, and misunderstandings are easily recoverable.

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    Amy M Chambers

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  • Yelp Says the Early Birds Are Taking Over Dining | Entrepreneur

    Yelp Says the Early Birds Are Taking Over Dining | Entrepreneur

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    According to research conducted by Yelp, 2023 appears to be the year of the early bird.

    In its 2023 State of the Restaurant Industry report, Yelp found that 10% of all diners were seated between 2-5 p.m.

    The 4 p.m. slot more than doubled from 2% in 2019 to 5% in 2023, according to the study, with 6 p.m. being the most popular reservation time, making up 20% of daily reservations.

    Related: Restaurants Are Adding ‘Inflation Fees’ to Customer Checks

    The Wall Street Journal and The Today Show spoke with business owners and patrons who back these stats. Noting that New York City’s theater industry is falling in line with the early-to-bed-trend, more and more shows are starting at 7 p.m. (as opposed to 8).

    “Traditionally people would say that’s a bad idea. Don’t do a show that early, because people won’t have time to get into the city from the suburbs,” Alexander Donnelly, who runs the theater division of production company PRG, told WSJ. “Now, we’re seeing this desire to get home earlier and get out of the city as quickly as possible.”

    Courtney Lorenttz, general manager of the New York City restaurant Ilili, told Today: “We’ve seen a huge decrease in guests that are dining later. That 10 p.m. guest is not coming anymore.”

    A diner at the restaurant identified as Judy said that eating on an earlier schedule has improved her health. “I sleep better and actually have lost weight,” she said.

    Related: Why Most Restaurants Featured on ‘Kitchen Nightmares’ Fail

    People might be eating earlier, but that doesn’t mean they are eating less. The Yelp study reports positive trends for the food and beverage industry, citing new business openings up 10% from April 2022 to March 2023 compared to the previous year. Yelp says that pop-up restaurants account for a big part of that increase, up a whopping 105%. What began as a cost-savings tactic during the pandemic, pop-ups have continued to share a space and equipment with breweries, bars, and sometimes other restaurants, according to the New York Times.

    Researchers have found that eating earlier dinners has numerous health benefits, like limiting weight gain and spikes in high blood sugar levels. The only trick? Sitting down to a healthy dinner at 5 and then not eating a party-sized bag of chips when you are plopped on the couch and starving at 10.

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    Dan Bova

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  • Struggling in Franchising? You Need to Think Bigger. | Entrepreneur

    Struggling in Franchising? You Need to Think Bigger. | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    A few years ago, I was speaking to some friends and colleagues about a vision I had for a new franchise restaurant. I told them the brand had a unique concept and could quickly be on track to 1,000 worldwide locations. The responses were fairly consistent: incredulity and laughter. And these people were supposed to be my friends!

    The brand we talked about was The Halal Guys, a company I work with. After an extremely successful 2022, one in which the company opened its 100th location — and with 300-plus more in development — it was tempting to then ask them, “Who’s laughing now?”

    The plan was aggressive from the jump: We’d target the 50 largest markets in North America, then go international. Most of those major metro areas are covered now, and international expansion has begun with the UK and South Korea. Pulling this all off as quickly as we’d envisioned seemed impossible to a great many, but that ambitious mindset worked.

    Here are some essential strategies I’ve applied in the course of taking more than 10 such brands worldwide.

    Related: 5 Strategies You Need to Build Your Brand

    Think positively

    There’s nothing a failing person likes to see more than someone else fail. So, it’s okay if someone doesn’t see your vision: It wasn’t their vision anyway, it’s yours.

    My story about The Halal Guys isn’t an outlier. When you’re building, many people are going to root for you to tank simply because they aren’t winning, which often means that they’ll give you bad advice, encourage you to back off and/or withhold a helping hand. That’s why it’s so important to think positively about your brand’s potential and growth plan. Because challenges arise for young franchises daily, and panic doesn’t put money in the bank.

    When I was helping PayMore through its initial franchise launch, it seemed that we couldn’t sell to anyone. Despite great unit economics and a scalable business plan, many thought its buy-sell-trade model seemed too much like a pawn shop, and in truth, we weren’t doing the company any favors by presenting it like one.

    Still, there was no panic. We stayed positive and altered our presentation. It’s been a little more than a year now since we launched franchising, and over the last two months have completed more than a dozen deals encompassing 60-plus units. Put simply, positivity paid off.

    Think aggressively

    It’s important to have brand standards, but it’s also important to know when to bend them. You may be dead-set on only allowing multi-unit deals, for example, but the right single-unit deal can get the ball rolling for a stagnant brand, including attracting good press, which could lead to a multi-unit franchisee down the road.

    Also, think about how you can incentivize franchisees to expand their territories because encouraging them to embrace affordable conversions could lead to quicker growth (keep in mind that this requires having the right design and brand standards in place). Thinking aggressively means being prepared to act fast when opportunities arise, so plan accordingly when building your business strategy.

    Part of thinking aggressively is thinking big: Don’t be content with small, steady growth if your concept can handle rapid expansion. Don’t be afraid to go for it.

    Related: As a Leader, You Need to Be Both Positive and Aggressive

    Think beyond yourself

    Building a brand that aims to be a household name is a lot easier with a solid team in place. I’ve always enjoyed getting my hands dirty, and I’ve never worked harder than I did for real mentors and with other people who have taught me about the industry.

    Case in point: I’m working with a new brand out of Chicago called Cilantro Taco Grill. Their story is inspiring — run by a family of first-generation immigrants from Jalisco, Mexico, who built the restaurant as a tribute to their father and as a celebration of the authentic flavors they grew up with. They’ve dominated the quick-service Mexican scene in Chicago, in part because their business plan was born out of familial love. The company’s story and standards are authentic, and its food tastes better because of that.

    This is just part of why it’s so vital to share your goals, and even more so to share your success. Team members should also be in line with the business plan and where the brand is headed — should be thinking positively and aggressively right alongside you. Of course, that requires the right workplace dynamic: People naturally invest themselves in people who take care of them, so incentivize success, offer quality benefits and provide a comfortable workplace.

    Related: Why Are Companies Still Holding Back on Investing in Employees’ Development?

    Think about the future

    The goal for any franchisee should be to get wealthy, certainly, which involves building towards an exit. This business, like virtually all others, is about growing an asset that has the potential to sell at peak value. That’s why you need to be positive, prioritize aggression and focus on building a team — with the very possible goal of attracting a buyer. A profitable five-unit franchise chain that sells at eight times its yearly income could potentially set you up for life — a return most other industries can’t offer in a comparable timeframe.

    You shouldn’t be looking to create a job — heck, you can go find a job. Your future in franchising should be building generational wealth — for your family, your kids and yourself.

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    Dan Rowe

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  • Why You Need a “To Don’t” List to Be a Great Leader | Entrepreneur

    Why You Need a “To Don’t” List to Be a Great Leader | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Are you one of those business owners who tend to create a never-ending stream of to-do lists? Maybe you even draw those little squares next to each task and feel a bit of a dopamine rush each time you check off another box.

    To-do lists are such simple but effective task tools for busy entrepreneurs. Of course, in today’s digital world, you might not be putting pen to yellow pad, opting instead for a scheduling or time management application. Whether high-tech or old-school, to-do lists serve a very important purpose in the life of an active business owner. They keep us on track, on task and on time.

    Many of the more organized folks among us carve out time each evening to plot the coming day and prepare their to-do lists accordingly. However, that level of systematic mapping is not for everyone. Many successful people I know maintain a remarkable to-do list in their heads and tackle these tasks as they have the time. The reality is, in one form or another, all business owners have a running to-do list. And those lists can be overwhelming at times.

    That is the dirty little secret about to-do lists. While they might feel comforting in that they allow us to gauge our progress related to our pending tasks, they mask the fact that many of those activities have no business being on that list in the first place. And when I say many, I really mean most.

    So perhaps it is time for a different kind of list.

    Related: 3 Traits Every Successful Entrepreneur Should Have

    You’re not supposed to do it all

    I had a wonderful associate at The Alternative Board, the late great Steve Davies. He was in the office one day and noticed that I was drowning in an endless sea of tasks; my exhausting to-do list was truly unrelenting. I will never forget how Steve looked me straight in the eye, pointed at my list and said, “As the CEO of a global organization, you shouldn’t be doing half of those things.” I knew he was right, but nobody had ever mentioned it before.

    Steve helped me to get things under control by insisting I put together what he called a To Don’t List. He made it really simple. And it was a pivotal moment in my leadership journey.

    Creating a To Don’t list

    Steve explained that I should keep a piece of paper or notepad in the top drawer of my desk. Then came the self-awareness part. He said that whenever I caught myself doing a task that I probably should not be doing, or that could be done more efficiently by someone else, I needed to pull out that sheet of paper and write the task down.

    I want to be clear here. The items added to my To Don’t List were not there because they were below my pay grade. They were not beneath me. They were simply tasks to which I didn’t add any particular value and prevented me from executing higher-level strategic objectives for the organization. So they were prime candidates for delegation.

    Then it was time for some reflection. Once a week or so, I was to review that list and pick one or two items just to stop doing. It was scarier and felt a little more daring than it sounds. I asked myself, who could do this better? Someone internally? Should it be outsourced? Or perhaps the task held such little value that it should be eliminated.

    This was a big step in the right direction. Slowly but surely, my To Don’t List allowed me to spend less time on the things that weren’t really important and more time on the things that required my attention. Throughout the years, it has helped me increase my productivity tremendously.

    Related: You Don’t Have to Go It Alone. It’s Time to Let Go and Let Others Help.

    Tasks for your To Don’t list

    Every business owner is different, as is what is required of them to run a thriving company. But here are some common items you might consider as prime candidates for your own To Don’t List.

    Administrative Tasks: Particularly if you have a secretary or executive assistant, consider delegating the preponderance of scheduling and routine paperwork to someone else.

    Daily Ops: Unless yours is a small business that lacks the staff to conduct day-to-day operations, like inventory or order processing, leave those tasks to your team – and refrain from micromanaging them while you are at it.

    Technology Troubleshooting & Maintenance: If you have an IT team, consider them your resident experts. They likely don’t need substantial input at a technical level, although you are likely still required strategically.

    Routine Decision-Making: Your organization needs your vision. They need your leadership. What they don’t need is for you to oversee every minor decision — delegate decision-making authority to trusted managers.

    Employee Supervision: It is not your responsibility to babysit your team. They are professionals who are capable of performing their jobs without you breathing down their necks, so let them.

    I sometimes wonder if my colleague Steve realized how positively and profoundly his simple advice on creating a To Don’t List affected me as a business leader.

    I hope it works for you too.

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    Jason Zickerman

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