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Tag: life hacks

  • 5 Lessons I Learned From Children That Helped Me Create an Apple Award-Winning Business

    5 Lessons I Learned From Children That Helped Me Create an Apple Award-Winning Business

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    When you spend most of your week with people from work, you tend to form a community. And with any community, you’ll find yourself facing many ups and downs along the way. During our years developing and pivoting mobile applications together, we’ve argued, laughed, broken up, and at times, cried.

    But during those trying moments, it’s often been the lessons I’ve learned from children that have helped me to keep going and ultimately led our team to create an app called Magic, which Apple chose as one of the best apps of 2017. Here are five insights I learned from children that helped us create this award-winning business:

    Related: 5 Ways Children Can Teach You How to Keep the Dream Alive

    1. Patience is a superpower

    “Are we there yet?” A common phrase uttered by a bored child on a long car ride. While this may be a tired trope, it’s no surprise that children are often impatient. To them, everything needs to happen instantly because they don’t understand the concept of time. So, whenever my twins would ask me this question, I would refrain from saying “no” and instead turn the conversation into an educational game.

    One of my business partners used to ask me every few weeks, “When will we become successful?” So, instead of answering his question, I used the same approach and tried to engage in conversations about our progress, how far we’ve come, brainstorm ideas on moving forward and what was still ahead. Instead of getting frustrated, this shift in my mindset reminded me of patience being a superpower — something that I had to develop if we were going to succeed.

    2. Make short-term goals

    LEGOs are one of the most popular toys among children because of how easy it is to be successful with them. All they have to do is follow the instructions, and each of their tiny pieces will eventually come together to form a larger construct in a matter of minutes, helping them to achieve their short-term goals faster. Combining small steps with instant results helps motivate children to keep going.

    This can be applied to business, as well. Instead of focusing on long-term goals, it’s essential to break them down into smaller chunks in order to keep the momentum going. For example, our team agreed to release evolutionary app updates every three months. Once we published the app’s new version, we would share it with the community, opinion makers and media to get feedback and improve the product.

    This strategy helped bring attention to our product, keep us motivated throughout the development process and helped us grow from a few thousand to a few million users. Overall, our team stays motivated when small successes arise from our short-term goals.

    Related: 3 Things My 5-Year-Old Cousin Taught Me About Entrepreneurship

    3. Don’t listen to what others say. Keep believing.

    My kids may use hammers to paint, kitchen appliances to play music or deodorant as a microphone to sing. At an early age, they had no established notional and social patterns of behavior. However, this allowed them to be creative and confident in their ideas, no matter what others said or thought.

    The same holds true in business — don’t listen to what others say, but keep believing and be confident in your ideas. When we first released Magic, many people said it would flop and never be a success. We didn’t let that stop us and kept pushing forward even through hard times, which paid off in the end. Whenever people around you doubt your ideas, keep in mind that Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer, laughed at the first iPhone model in 2007.

    4. Turn failure into motivation

    I’m always amazed at how stubborn kids can be when practicing what they love. For example, when I play soccer with my kids and fail to score a goal, my kids always cheer me on, saying, “Dad, don’t worry. Now you know what not to do. Just try again.”

    This lesson helped me realize that failure can be a great experience rather than something to feel embarrassed or ashamed about. This helped me to stay motivated even when hundreds of investors and journalists turned down our ideas. With every rejection, I worked to improve my pitch to make sure it was just right. Whenever we face setbacks or fail to reach expectations, I encourage our team to take those failures as an opportunity for learning, not only for ourselves but for the future of the company and how it could be improved.

    Related: 7 Things Entrepreneur Dads (and Moms) Can Learn From Kids

    5. Go through hard times together

    A child’s empathy is heartfelt and supportive. For example, when one of my twins falls down and starts crying, the other helps them get up, and they hug each other.

    This taught me the importance of team spirit and how support from your team can help you overcome any obstacle. Creating machine learning-based apps is based on a ton of research and development. Typically, only one of five hypotheses turns out to be true. I have been supporting our team members when they believed they tried all possible opinions, and within a few weeks, they usually found a solution that worked.

    By embracing kids’ spirit of creativity, confidence and teamwork, I’m able to stay positive even through hard times and use failure as an opportunity for learning, resulting in our team building an app with millions of users and even earning an Apple award.

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    Ashot Gabrelyanov

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  • How to Turn Setbacks Into Motivation

    How to Turn Setbacks Into Motivation

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Life would be a pretty simple ride if we never hit a simple bump in the road, a pothole that shot us off course or even a strike of lightning that left us dazed and bewildered searching for a way forward. In the moment, these incidents can seem monumental, overwhelming, perhaps even more than you can handle. But the truth is, you will almost always handle them, and you can come out the other side better for it. That is, if you view them for what they are, which are temporary setbacks that can actually make you a better, more motivated person.

    Let’s look at some professional examples. Imagine you’ve spent ten years building your resume as a software engineer. You have honed your chops and become extremely proficient in several programming languages while also learning to successfully manage people. You work for a small startup that has seen some success, but now you’re looking to move to a large, high-growth tech company that sets the bar for equity and cash compensation. You get in the door, interview repeatedly and are finally offered the job as an engineering manager. You love your new position and your team, but four months in, without warning, your company downsizes the engineering team by 50%. You haven’t done anything wrong, but you’re a part of the reduction in force. You’re confused, scared and don’t know quite what to do.

    In the current economic climate, this scenario isn’t only possible, it seems downright common. As a matter of fact, while writing this, I received a Google Alert about a large technology company reducing its workforce. But while this seems like a catastrophic blow to your career at the time, the truth is, it’s not a moratorium on you, your skills or your personality. It’s simply a result of circumstance. The key is to use it as motivation to propel you forward and not question your own self-worth.

    Related: Why True Entrepreneurs View Setbacks As Opportunities

    How I turned rejection into motivation

    I’m not a software engineer, so the hypothetical above is not about me (for those of you asking the question). But my career has not been immune to similar situations. I’ll give you an example from my days applying to law school. For some perspective, I was not an all-star undergraduate student. Let’s just say I enjoyed the distractions of college life and just did “ok.” So, when it came time to apply to law school, my decent GPA combined with a pretty good LSAT score made me very cautiously optimistic that I would get into a law school, but I wasn’t at all certain which law school. And I was even less certain about the caliber of the law school that might admit me. But as the admissions process started, I actually got into some really good law schools. My confidence grew, and I started to expect admissions rather than rejections.

    The only problem was, I was dead set on going to one particular law school. Regardless of the fact that it wasn’t the best law school I applied to, it was simply where I wanted to spend the next three years of my life. When the letter arrived, I was not only excited, I was overconfident. Based on my track record of admissions, I figured this one was a proverbial lay-up. The letter I opened, however, was not an acceptance. Quite the contrary. I was floored.

    I really didn’t know what to do, but after a brief period of professional mourning, I developed a plan. I hopped on a plane, flew down to the school, made an appointment with an admissions counselor and asked “What do I need to do to get into this school?” His curt and unemotional response was “There is nothing you can do to get into this school…” Yes, he literally said there was nothing, not a thing, I could do that would gain me admission.

    But after getting knocked down again, I flew home and developed a second plan. First, I called two of the schools that admitted me and asked if I could defer my admission for a year. They both graciously agreed. Then I inundated my dream school with correspondence. I wrote a letter a week for almost a full year explaining how badly I wanted to attend. I included pictures of me rock climbing, skiing and hiking with the name of the school emblazoned on my gear. I told them I wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. On the first day of admissions for the next year, I received a call. A different admissions counselor simply said, “You’re in … please stop writing us.”

    Incidentally, when I graduated and walked to receive my diploma, the same admissions counselor who told me that I would never get admitted actually congratulated me, told me he “knew I could do it” and offered a handshake. I less than politely declined. Looking back, that probably wasn’t the right response. Being gracious even in the face of indignity is always laudable. But hey, it is what it is.

    Related: 10 Ways to Move Forward After Suffering a Big Setback

    Setbacks are catalysts for taking big steps forward

    The point being, when I was knocked down by the unexpected, I didn’t allow myself to stay down. I used the rejection as motivation to push harder for what I wanted. At the end of the day, I’m sure I would’ve worked hard enough to be successful at any of the law schools that admitted me, but I also know I would have constantly wondered what would’ve or could’ve been. I didn’t want that regret. And more importantly, I didn’t want rejection to be the lasting emotion from my application process.

    It’s hard when someone tells you you’re not good enough, that you don’t matter or that you can’t be successful when you feel like you can. The key is to turn that rejection into motivation. Don’t sulk, don’t get depressed, and don’t put yourself into a shell. Instead, get angry. Not revenge type of anger, but motivational anger. Anger can be a positive force when it’s driving you to prove people wrong. Setbacks are going to happen. But when they’re the catalyst for taking big steps forward, they aren’t really setbacks at all.

    Related: 4 Strategies That Will Get You Through Your Entrepreneurial Setbacks

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    Collin Williams

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  • 4 Strategies for Building Deep Business Relationships

    4 Strategies for Building Deep Business Relationships

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    One of the most important books my dad ever gave me was Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty by Harvey Mackay. Mackay tells a story about a friend who got a call at two in the morning from someone he hadn’t talked to in more than ten years. The caller was semi-hysterical because his accountant had called him that afternoon and told him he was broke; his company couldn’t make payroll, and if he didn’t retrieve the checks he’d written, there was a good chance he would go to jail. He needed $20,000.

    Mackay’s friend offered to lend him a few thousand dollars, but he didn’t give him all he needed even though he could have. Why? Because the connection just wasn’t there anymore. Not only did this 2:00 a.m. caller not dig his well before he was thirsty, he waited until he was dying of thirst before he even broke ground.

    The premise of Mackay’s book is that it’s important to build relationships long before you need them. The biggest thing that resonated with me in the book was the concept that a network never sleeps. To this day, that is still a guiding concept in my life.

    Here are four simple strategies you can implement to go the extra mile and show people you are interested in getting to know them. Taking the time at the very beginning of a relationship will make the difference. These simple steps apply to building relationships in business and the rest of life as well.

    1. Learn Names

    The first step in establishing deeper level connections is to learn and remember people’s names. Make an effort to learn a name the very first time you meet them.

    I’m sure you’ve been in social situations where you have a neighbor that moves in. You might ask their name the first two or three times, but once they have lived there any longer than that—five or six months—and you still don’t know, it becomes awkward. It comes across as insensitive not to have taken the time to learn it.

    The same goes with teams and coworkers. When somebody first joins your team, you have the unique opportunity to get as much information from them as you can. Open up and be vulnerable, share, be empathetic, understand where they’re coming from, and try to learn all about them. Take notes and establish that deep connection early. If you wait too long to take this step, it becomes more difficult.

    2. Try 4, 3, 2, 1

    If you have ever found yourself at a networking event struggling to connect with the person you’re speaking with, or find it challenging to get beyond small talk, a technique I have used very effectively is called 4, 3, 2, 1. In short, you want to have 4 stories, 3 facts, 2 quotes, and 1 question ready at all times. You may not actually share all of these in every conversation, but having them ready to share eliminates the awkward silence in conversation and invites the other person to share more about themselves as well.

    4 Stories: Humans are hardwired to remember stories. Not only does telling a story let the other person get to know you, but when told well, it makes you memorable. Of the four stories you have ready to tell, one should be personal, one business, one should demonstrate a challenge, and the other should demonstrate a time you were successful.

    3 Facts: Think about three facts you are passionate about, that are not widely known, and that you think are pertinent and relevant to the kinds of people you speak with on a regular basis.

    2 Quotes: Memorize two quotes that inspire you and know who said them. Sharing these can be inspiring and even prompt further conversation.

    1 Question: The question should be one you can ask to anyone in the world. This could be a billionaire, or it could be a homeless person on the street. The question I like to ask is, “Knowing what you know now, if you had to do it over, what would you tell yourself twenty years ago?”.

    3. Ask the Right Questions

    Each person is unique. This is a simple statement, but the more you show genuine interest in your coworkers, your neighbors, your friends, and even your family members, the more likely they are to open up and trust you. Start with questions. What are their personal values? What are their strengths and abilities? Understanding another person’s true motivations can lead to a deeper level of trust. Knowing where others are coming from, and what makes them tick, allows you to better react and respond to their needs.

    One of the questions I love to ask when I am in a conversation is, What is giving you energy right now? It’s very open-ended, but when I can understand what matters to people personally, professionally, and in their family life, I know how I might be able to help that person in specific ways.

    On the business front, the more I can help a person achieve their goals, the more buy-in I will get as their leader. This is a give-first mentality. Helping someone will make them want to reciprocate.

    4. Send Handwritten Notes

    When I first started at Novartis, I spent a few weeks rotating through various departments to learn more about the company. As a global pharmaceutical company, there was a lot to learn. During training, a customer service specialist spent three hours showing me how Novartis’ customer service operates. Afterwards I wrote a short note to say thank you, expressing how much I appreciated her taking the time to help me get up to speed.

    A year later, I passed by the woman’s desk who had provided the training, and she had the card I wrote pinned up on her bulletin board. It touched me so much, because it had taken such a small amount of my time—no more than twenty seconds to write—but was so special that she still had it pinned up a year later.

    I realized then how much it matters to people when I take the time to show support and genuine gratitude. When I used to attend a lot of conferences, I would try to tap into the power of handwritten notes whenever possible. When I knew some prospects and clients were staying in the same hotel, I’d send them handwritten letters. Of course, the gesture stood out. After all, how often does somebody at the hotel bring an envelope or a small package to your room or call and say there is an envelope waiting for you downstairs? Each time someone received a letter from me at a hotel, they’d be surprised and delighted. I knew they’d remember that letter for a long time.

    The Art of Building Relationships Before You Need Them

    The art of building relationships before you need them is only step one; it’s the most superficial aspect of relationship building. These four strategies will help you create a meaningful connection, but they are just the beginning of your journey.

    After this step, you must continue investing in each relationship to deepen connection and build trust. Establishing deeper level connections requires maintenance and upkeep, but it’s one of the best things you’ll ever do, both for yourself and for your career.

    This article is excerpted from Bart Foster’s book, BusinessOutside: Discover Your Path Forward.

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    Bart Foster

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  • How to Make More Money in 2023, According to The FI Couple

    How to Make More Money in 2023, According to The FI Couple

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    It was 2017, the year before they got married, when Ali and Josh Lupo took a serious look at their finances — and realized they owed more than $100,000 in student loans.


    Courtesy of The FI Couple

    Despite working long, hard hours in human services, the couple was still living paycheck-to-paycheck, unsure how they’d afford a wedding or pay off their staggering debt.

    “So we started having that conversation of: ‘Is this what we want to do for the next 30 to 40 years, or do we want to start learning how to live differently?’ And that was where our mindset around money really started to evolve,” Josh tells Entrepreneur.

    The Lupos began tracking their expenses and saw they spent most of their income on rent and car payments, followed by food and dining out. Their first plan of attack? Implementing a strict budget: No date nights, no Netflix subscription, etc.

    But the extreme approach burned the couple out quickly, so they went back to the drawing board. They needed to find a creative way to reduce their largest expense: housing.

    Self-education led them to a solution (Ali emphasizes how many online resources, podcasts and books on financial freedom exist). If the Lupos purchased a multi-family home with a low down payment, they could dramatically decrease their monthly payments by renting out the other unit.

    So that’s exactly what they did.

    In the years since then, the Lupos have continued their journey to financial independence. They manage numerous streams of active and passive income, including their work as personal-finance content creators running the educational platform “The FI Couple.”

    If you’re ready to get your finances on track in 2023, read on for the Lupos’ step-by-step strategy.

    Define what success looks like for you

    The first step is the foundation for all the rest: Figure out your unique definition of success.

    The couple suggests considering what your ideal day and life look like. In other words, be clear about how financial freedom will allow you to do more of the things that make you happy.

    “Our life was ‘easier’ when our heads were in the sand, ignoring everything about our finances,” Ali says. “Our lives are more complicated and harder now because we’re more in tune with all of the responsibilities that come with this. But to have the power and autonomy over our time is worth all of it, so [you have to be] clear with your why.”

    Related: How to Train Your Brain and Reach the Highest Levels of Success

    Build a community that can help you stay the course

    The road to financial freedom can be a difficult one, but it’s even harder for those going it alone.

    Finding a community geared towards financial wellness can make all the difference, according to the Lupos.

    “Unfortunately, being financially savvy is not the norm,” Josh says, “and pursuing financial independence can get lonely because a lot of people aren’t necessarily living the same lifestyle. So whether it’s in person or online, having that community of like-minded people can be really inspiring.”

    Related: The Key Benefits of Building an Online Community

    Know your numbers: income, expenses, assets and debts

    Another critical move? Get thoroughly acquainted with the reality of your financial picture.

    As of September 2022, consumer debt in the U.S. was at $16.5 trillion, according to Bankrate. But many Americans are unaware of how much they actually owe: A 2019 survey from U.S. News found that one in five Americans doesn’t know if they have credit card debt.

    The Lupos stress the value of familiarizing yourself with all of your numbers.

    “So literally outlining and understanding your income, expenses, assets and debts,” Ali explains, “and having a crystal clear understanding of your financial situation.”

    Related: 5 Strategies for Entrepreneurs to Steer Clear of the Debt Trap

    Figure out how to lower expenses and increase your income

    Next up, consider how you might save and earn more money — “the two biggest levers a person can pull,” Josh notes.

    The couple acknowledges that increasing your income significantly can seem challenging at first, but the key is to get creative.

    “We decided to focus on how we could radically lower our expenses to increase our savings,” Josh says, “and doing so helped us pay off all the debt and buy real estate.”

    “If you’re able to increase your income and reduce your expenses, you’ll have more of a gap in between,” Ali adds, “and what you do with that gap is the key to becoming financially independent.”

    Never underestimate your earning potential either.

    “Coming from backgrounds in social work and human services that are historically lower-income opportunities, for a long time we identified ourselves as people [whose] value was a little bit lower and [thought] earning more just simply wasn’t in the cards,” Josh says. “In hindsight though, [the key is] getting around the right people and understanding different opportunity vehicles.”

    Related: 10 Ways to Make Money While You Sleep

    Consider which strategy makes the most sense for your lifestyle

    It’s not enough to brainstorm a solution and go all in — part of the secret is choosing an approach that aligns with your values and priorities.

    As fundamental as real estate investment has been to the Lupos’ success, the couple recognizes that it’s not for everyone.

    “The goal of financial independence is to have enough assets to pay for your overall cost of living,” Ali says. “So you have to [ask], What strategy makes sense for me? Do I want to invest in stocks? Do I want to invest in real estate? Do I want to be a business owner?“

    “We talk to people all the time,” she continues. “They say, ‘I want to buy real estate.’ But then we talk to them, and I’m like, ‘It doesn’t really sound like you want real estate. Because real estate’s not that passive — and it’s a little more hands-on.’ You really have to think about which investing strategy makes sense for [your] life.”

    Maybe the most important thing to keep in mind, though? Don’t forget to enjoy the journey to financial freedom.

    “When we first started out, it felt like a chore,” Ali says. “Through the process, we’ve learned that the journey to financial independence is more important than the destination and that it’s really important that whatever you do to get there is sustainable and you don’t sacrifice the quality of your life to achieve [your] goal. Because then once you get to the goal, what life do you have?”

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    Amanda Breen

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  • Navigate Uncertain Times With This Full-Proof Coping Mechanism

    Navigate Uncertain Times With This Full-Proof Coping Mechanism

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    These days, you might be feeling like the world you knew is slipping away from you. Like you have less control than ever before and events far bigger than you are whipsawing your life in directions you never thought you’d be heading.

    It’s ok. We’re all going through the same turbulent journey together. We’re all in one giant lifeboat in this great adventure called life. These are truly unprecedented times between a generational pandemic, a war in Europe, rampant inflation, scary talks of recession. But this is when truly strong people are built. When everything external seems out of control, it’s important to realize that the only thing they can truly control is ourselves. Once we understand this unchangeable truth we start to ease up and see that going with the flow is the optimal way to deal with the outside world.

    What is “going with the flow”? Is it a hippy term or some feel-good mantra? No! Going with the flow simply means separating what’s in your control from what’s not, and letting the uncontrollable unfold without judgment or exertion on our part.

    Guess what? It’s actually the most freeing thing in the world to know that the world is unchangeably chaotic. As Frank Herbert famously said, ” The mystery of life isn’t a problem to solve, but a reality to experience.” Imagine how boring life would be if it was already completely mapped out for us and we were following a set storyline like a character in a video game?

    Here are a few tangible ways to implement going with the flow into your life today.

    Related: Entrepreneurship Often Involves Uncertainty. Here’s How to Deal With It Productively.

    1. Control what you can control

    Going with the flow allows us to stay in the present moment and separate the essential from the non-essential.

    The best way to keep ourselves centered and smooth in our daily lives is a two-step question process.

    1. Is this something that’s in my control? (this question filters out the changeable from the unchangeable)
    2. What can I do right now to better this situation? (if it is in your control)

    I’ve found that asking yourself guiding questions during the day is the most effective way to keep yourself calm, focused and unmoveable in the face of thousands of thoughts and decisions that come our way each day.

    True progress comes from mastering variables within our control. It’s impossible to comprehend the amount of time we spend worrying and poring over fictional mental situations, trying to solve the unsolvable.

    By focusing purely on what we can control and letting go of the rest, we give ourselves freedom and space to operate to our maximum potential.

    2. Plan then relax about the future

    As human beings, we have an uncanny knack for subconsciously pinning our happiness on some imaginary time in the future. Guess what? Our future is shaped solely by what we do now. In the present moment.

    Once we’ve gotten stronger at going with the flow, the future doesn’t seem so scary because we’re living firmly in the right now.

    It’s definitely important to plan for milestones we want to achieve in the future, but if our happiness is always tethered to some other place and some other time, we’ll never be truly fulfilled.

    Enjoy the things that truly matter today like your health, your relationships, and the meaning behind your work.

    Related: The 1 Thing You Must Control to Be Successful

    3. Savor the present moment

    Former NFL linebacker Matt Mayberry puts it best, “One of the major causes of unhappiness is to not appreciate what we already have and focus our energy and effort towards what we don’t have.”

    We all have set goals we want to achieve in the future. It’d be silly not to have targets to aim towards that mold us into better, smarter, stronger human beings. The key is the balance between living in the now and taking time to intentionally plan for the future.

    Try this: Take a 20-30 minute walk at the end of the day and give yourself complete permission to think about the future. You might start out with worries about what might unfold. Try to consciously think about your goals and how you’re tracking towards them, or dreams you want to accomplish. The more you practice this the more you’ll start honing your focus toward positivity in the future instead

    The way you get to your dreams will take many winding paths. It’s not a straight line to the end goal, it’s a journey filled with pitfalls, ups, downs, and everything in between. It’s critical to go with the flow because that’s how you truly soak up the journey. All of the little experiences that happen on the way to the “finish line” are what you might look back on as your favorite parts of life.

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    Tracy Tilson

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  • Most New Year’s Resolutions Fail — But Here Are 5 You’ll Actually Keep

    Most New Year’s Resolutions Fail — But Here Are 5 You’ll Actually Keep

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    Every year, I make a bunch of lofty New Year’s resolutions, and every year I accomplish approximately zero of them.

    Lose 30 pounds. Write a novel. Increase my income 2x. Convince my wife to get a third cat. These all sound like good ideas at 11:55 pm on December 31st, but then life happens, priorities change, and my resolutions take a backseat to watching football games on my couch and enjoying the occasional apple fritter.

    But I am not alone in my New Year’s resolution dissolution.

    According to a University of Scranton study, only 8% of Americans feel they’re successful in keeping their resolutions by the end of the year.

    This isn’t because we’re all lazy or procrastinators. Many of us are just too ambitious with our aspirations. Not only do we bite off more than can chew—we choke on our hubris.

    But author and thought leader Amy Morin says there is a different way to approach New Year’s resolutions. Morin, a psychotherapist, and editor-in-chief of Verywell Mind, is an expert on what mentally-strong and disciplined people do. In fact, she’s written four bestselling books on the subject. Her Ted Talk is one of the most watched, with 22 million views on YouTube.

    Morin says we often sabotage ourselves by creating vague or unrealistic goals. I spoke with her on the podcast Write About Now.

    Here are some smart strategies for making, not breaking, resolutions in 2023.

    Related: Happy New Year’s Eve? Many Business Owners Think It’s The Worst Night of The Year. Here’s Why — And What I Told My Clients to Change Their Minds.

    1. Write your resolution down

    Rather than just starting all willy-nilly on January 1, make a realistic plan first. Most people start the New Year’s resolutions without a plan and then wonder why they failed.

    “Write it down. There’s something about seeing it on paper that makes it more real to us,” Morin says.

    She also advises saying your resolution out loud to your friends, making sure to be as specific as possible.

    “There’s some evidence that if you go around telling people like, ‘I’m gonna get a beach body next year,’ it’s almost like your brain thinks you already did it. So then you don’t put in as much effort,” Morin says. “It’s better if you talk to people about what you’re going to do to reach that goal, saying, ‘Here’s what I am going to do.’”

    2. Set 30-day challenges, not 365-day goals

    Morin is a fan of giving yourself mini, 30-day practical, achievable challenges rather than mammoth, year-long ordeals you’ll need more time to finish.

    “One of the problems with big resolutions is we think I’ll put that off until later, and then before you know it, the year’s gone,” says Morin.

    Better to give yourself a month to create some sort of change, whether that’s getting firmer abs or reading more books. Thirty-day challenges are easier to start and finish because you know they’re not going to last forever. They’re also easier to repeat.

    3. Take two minutes a day to be more grateful

    When I first heard this, I rolled my eyes a little. Gratitude is one of those New Age buzzwords like “abundance” that makes me a little dry heave-y. But Morin says gratitude is one of “the most underrated superpowers there is.” The simple act of acknowledging what you’re grateful for each day can make you happier, healthier, and even sleep better.

    In a study at the University of California, participants were asked to write a few sentences each week. One group wrote about things they were grateful for, and another about things that bothered them. After ten weeks, those who wrote about gratitude were more optimistic and felt better about themselves. They also worked out more and had fewer visits to the doctor than those who focused on things that pissed them off.

    4. Reach out to a friend every day

    “In today’s world, I don’t think we value social connection with our friends nearly enough,” Morin says.

    She recommends reaching out to a friend daily, even if it’s just texting them a funny meme. Some friends might not reciprocate, but most people will be happy to hear from you. “They’re looking for that in their lives,” Morin says, “and they’ll notice it puts them in a better mood.”

    Getting in touch with friends will also help recharge your battery. It’s far too easy to get so caught up in daily work stress, but making time for a friend puts things in perspective and makes you realize who and what’s important.

    5. Set realistic timelines

    If you’re aiming for something big, like writing a book or doing a Ted Talk, Morin recommends giving yourself a reasonable timeline.

    For example, if you want to write a book in a year, figure out how many days a week you would have to write, and how many words you would have to write a day to get it done. “And figure out how you’re going to keep track of this,” Morin says. It might be a paper calendar on your fridge or one of those desk calendars from the 90s. Something about having a physical thing where you chart your progress helps keep you on track and feel like you’re achieving something.

    No matter what your resolution is, Morin says don’t give up on it so fast.

    “You can always shift your resolution, come up with a slightly different plan, or figure out how to say motivated,” she says. “Don’t give up on it just because it’s not working out in the first couple of weeks or months.”

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    Jonathan Small

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  • 7 Lessons That All Entrepreneurs Must Know

    7 Lessons That All Entrepreneurs Must Know

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Recently I decided it would be a good idea to participate in a Kidnapping Survival Course. During the course, I would become trained in handling a real-life kidnapping, interrogation and being hunted for a day by professional bounty hunters.

    It sounds nuts, I know. So, why did I do this?

    One reason — to learn critical performance and stress management mindset and skills.

    I believe that mindset is everything. It can be the difference between success and failure. It can determine whether a business will grow from five figures to six figures, to seven figures and beyond. Mindset is essential for your success.

    I learned this specifically when I picked up my first business book in 2002 by Robert Kiyosaki. His timeless must-read book “Rich Dad Poor Dad” completely shifted the way I thought and changed my life trajectory. Since then, there have been numerous books, classes and workshops that I have invested in spending over $100,000 in education to upgrade my mindset.

    And that is precisely why I decided to take a kidnapping survival course. Realistically, I don’t think I will get kidnapped anytime soon. Still, I thought to myself, if I can learn to survive a kidnapping, being trained by the same people that train Navy SEALS, the CIA and the FBI, then I can control my emotions when a major crisis happens in my business. I can control my communication when working with customers, clients and my team.

    What did I learn & how does it apply to business?

    Related: 4 Leadership Lessons I Learned From a Marine Corps General

    1. Be prepared

    All entrepreneurs need preparation. Without preparation, you become more vulnerable. To survive a kidnapping, you must first be mentally prepared. To survive the ups and downs of business, preparation always helps us get one step ahead. No matter if we are preparing a pitch deck to ask for investment or if we are preparing our tasks for the week. You can’t control when you get kidnapped or oftentimes what is going to happen in business, but you can control your reaction and be prepared is essential to making that easier.

    2. Develop a plan

    As mentioned before, being prepared is essential, and planning is an important part of that. To survive a kidnapping, one must plan to evade those trying to capture them. Choosing undercover personas that blend in well with the environment and don’t stand out is essential. This is also essential in business. Robust plans can make our business operations run more smoothly and keep us operating more effectively. The more you can create an educated and detailed plan, the better your chances of success.

    3. Breathe

    This is the most simple underestimated lesson we learned. When a Navy SEAL gets kidnapped, they are trained to manage their breath. Why? Because breathing will manage your brain’s stress response. When you fear something, your amygdala reacts. Your heart rate and the levels of adrenaline and cortisol start to increase. If you can learn how to slow your breath down, it will control your heart rate and begin to wash away the stress hormones. It also improves brain functioning so we can focus better and make better decisions.

    Related: How to Find Clarity Through the Conscious Breath

    4. Be adaptable

    During our kidnapping simulation, we stayed undercover the entire day while bounty hunters searched for us. We had to change clothes regularly to blend in. We had to hide when we were spotted and run when we were being chased. We had no control over when we would be under stress and had to react instantly. We were taught to remain completely adaptable. This is very similar to business. I can’t tell you how often entrepreneurs (myself included) get stuck on resisting change. Often it is the main reason why most businesses fail. It is important to plan well and follow your plan, but it is also essential to know when to adapt and shift.

    Related: Why Resisting Change Will Only Hurt Your Business

    5. Work as a team

    Throughout the kidnapping simulation, we worked in teams of three. We had 14 missions we needed to complete throughout the day while avoiding being caught by the bounty hunters. We did this without phones, the internet or money. The only thing we had to rely on was our training, our plan and our team. My team decided to start by planning who would work on each mission and how.

    The missions included getting someone to give us money for a bus ticket, translating a phrase into Russian or Portuguese and finding a free food and water source to survive. Like in business, we discussed a plan to accomplish each task to the best of our ability. All companies have some team and need to make daily decisions on what that plan will be and who will work to accomplish the mission.

    Related: Here’s Why Teamwork and Collaboration is a Must For You

    6. Learn to sprint

    While undercover, if a bounty hunter spotted us, they captured and handcuffed us to a bench or a pole. We then had to escape from the handcuffs in a downtown area while people were awkwardly staring at us. After being trained for a week to survive a kidnapping, I had my mind set on not getting caught.

    Toward the end of the day, my team was walking through an outdoor mall when a bounty hunter spotted us. We looked at one another and went on a dead sprint through the mall. This took us on a chase through the back rooms of various stores, racing through a parking lot and running circles inside a Macy’s department store. As you can imagine, the pedestrians thought we were running from the police. All of our team went in different directions. I thought I was in the clear and started to walk when a bounty hunter came around the corner at that exact moment. I began to sprint as fast as I possibly could. I turned another corner and dove behind a pillar of a building. Unfortunately, as the bounty hunter walked by, he saw my reflection in the window and captured me. He then handcuffed me to a bench and walked away with a smile. I spent the next few minutes embarrassingly picking the handcuffs while people were walking by and giving me the most awkward looks.

    Business is very similar. There are deadlines you will have to hit even when you don’t want to. You will often need to push your limits to accomplish impossible things. You will need to flat-out sprint and hustle with everything you have got, and the more prepared you are for these moments, the better you will be able to handle them when they happen.

    Related: 5 Comfort-Crushing Tips to Reach Your Goals

    7. All things are possible

    The last lesson was that all things are possible. If goals are dissected into a simple step-by-step process (make a plan), it is much simpler to take each hurdle and obstacle that comes your way. It seems nearly impossible to be kidnapped, handcuffed, blindfolded, duct taped, waterboarded, shocked by a stun gun, escape from bounty hunters and accomplish 14 missions in one day that most people would struggle with working on only one. But we did it, and we did it because we were prepared, planned, worked as a team, were adaptable, remembered to breathe and ran as fast as we could when needed.

    I firmly believe that anyone can build a business if they believe in themselves and their dreams. Learning to survive a kidnapping was just one way to reassure me that anything is possible if you believe.

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    Chris Reynolds

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  • Practicing and Believing These 5 Mantras Will Change Your Life

    Practicing and Believing These 5 Mantras Will Change Your Life

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    We all experience difficult struggles in life. Every day, people have disagreements at home, projects go sideways at work and we encounter setbacks with goals.

    Over the years, I’ve noticed that how quickly we rebound from these trials and tribulations is directly correlated with the beliefs and values we have about ourselves and life, as well as how we speak to ourselves. Believing, saying and practicing the following five mantras is incredibly useful when attempting to recover from any challenge.

    Related: 5 Mantras of Successful Entrepreneurs You Can Use to Improve Your Life and Habits

    1. I can do this. Things will work out.

    Whenever we’re experiencing any kind of setback or failure, it’s tempting to start to doubt ourselves more wholly. Our feelings can start to snowball and we can create a domino effect in our lives.

    We’ll start by focusing on that one client we didn’t sign or that one deal that didn’t go through and begin to conclude that “maybe I’m just not right for this job” or “maybe I shouldn’t even be doing this at all.” We can even get into imposter syndrome. Because of this negative thinking, we’ll often create a self-fulfilling prophecy and bring about more of the very thing we’re trying to avoid. Our negative thinking will cause us to have more failures and we’ll feel vindicated — which will lead to the next domino falling.

    The opposite works, too. Instead of concluding that all is lost after a setback, instead ask: “What can I learn from this? How can I use this to make me better?”Don’t think long about the one thing that didn’t work out. Instead, refocus your energy on the things that are going well.

    The more you believe in yourself and have faith in your abilities, the better you’ll rebound from setbacks. When we believe that things will work out, they usually do, especially when we’re dedicating consistent effort toward our goals. Continue to take steps toward them, no matter what.

    Related: 15 Ways to Drown Out the Destructive Voices in Your Head

    2. The past doesn’t matter. I can let this go.

    When we feel harmed or hurt, we tend to hang onto it for longer than we should. The past is written — it can’t be changed. If we’re reflecting on the past to help us learn from our mistakes, that’s one thing. Find the lessons, then move on with new insight and wisdom.

    However, we often don’t look at the past to guide us. We look back and dwell, which results in us staying stuck. Rehashing what didn’t go our way or venting about what someone else should’ve said or done rarely serves us. Our brains can’t focus on two disparate things at once, so anytime we’re ruminating on the past, we’re rarely focusing on what we can control in the present and how excited we are for the future.

    Instead, make a conscious decision to forgive others (and yourself) for mistakes. Sometimes people will say: “But it’s so hard to get over this!” Sure, it can be hard to let something go, but I guarantee you that you do have a choice in that. Choose to focus your conscious energy on who you are trying to become in the future.

    Related: 7 Ways Companies Can Harness Failure to Drive Success

    3. I’m sorry. I will fix this.

    When we’ve experienced conflict with someone, it’s not always easy to take accountability or responsibility and focus on the part of the situation that we can mend. We like to focus on what’s been done to us instead.

    We’ll often even say, “That wasn’t my fault.” Assigning blame elsewhere can feel good because it takes us out of the hot seat and helps us feel that our reactions are justified. This might feel good at the time, but it rarely serves us. Instead, have the humility to say: “You’re right. I did that, and I’m sorry. Here’s what I’m going to do about it.”

    When we do that, a few things happen. First, others respect us more. Second, we pull ourselves back into our circle of control and identify actions that we plan to take to improve things. Third, we lead by example and show others what it looks like to also do this. The result? We improve situations much faster and create a brand and reputation for taking ownership.

    4. I need help.

    Sometimes, it can be scary to ask for help. Many of us feel that if we’re capable and successful, we should figure out how to do it all ourselves. It’s nice to feel strong, and asking for help can make us feel weak. However, it takes a strong person to ask for help.

    Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it also wasn’t built by one person. Most people enjoy being asked to help. Don’t be afraid to find others around you who are better at something than you are or have strengths in an area you lack and leverage them. You don’t have to do it all yourself. Find people you admire and trust, then be vulnerable and say you could use some assistance. That’s part of building great relationships and it’s actually what great leaders and professionals do.

    Related: Asking for Help Might Be the Key to Your Success

    5. I made a mistake and that’s okay.

    All too often, we fear failure. We think that success and failure are diametrically opposed, but that’s not true at all — failure is part of success.

    There are few examples of highly successful people who didn’t struggle greatly or err numerous times on their journey. When we embrace mistakes, we tend to enjoy the journey of life far more. Mistakes often mean that we’re experimenting and trying something new, which puts us out of our comfort zones and makes us learn.

    Be willing to be uncomfortable and try new things, regardless of how poorly it might go on the first try. Plan to struggle and embrace it when you do. When you do that, you begin a process of growth and change. It’s hard to grow without being uncomfortable, making mistakes and having a few failures. If you truly want to evolve, then get comfortable with these things. The sooner you can adopt that mindset, the faster you’ll advance and the better you’ll feel doing it.

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    Amy M Chambers

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  • 4 Holiday Side-Hustles for Extra Cash

    4 Holiday Side-Hustles for Extra Cash

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    The holiday season is such a busy time that you might not think of taking on a side hustling gig. It’s the perfect time to do so because you are not the only one whose time is stretched to the limit. Everyone is going in ten directions at once; now’s your chance to step in, lend a hand, and make some excellent side-hustle money. Maybe you’d like to earn for that weekend getaway during the cold winter months or pay off those smoking-hot credit cards after your busy shopping season. Let’s look at some tremendous seasonal side hustles that also let you enjoy the fun of the holidays.

    Related: The Holiday Season Means More People Take on Side Hustles — the Difference This Year? They Don’t Plan to Quit Anytime Soon.

    1. Take your e-business live at a show or festival

    The holiday season is bustling with craft fairs and shopping festivals. Here’s your chance to combine a side hustle with valuable business research. My company, Hollywood Sensation Jewelry, has been an online business from the start. This year, my ingenious husband Anthony Hood suggested we participate in the Sunset Market, a huge outdoor market in Oceanside.

    Quite economically, we rented a booth, set up a tent and spent four hours selling Hollywood Sensation merchandise in public. I admit I had doubts about whether this would work for us, and I was even nervous about the public interaction. But, if you’ll forgive the pun, the results were sensational! We sold more than enough to offset our expenses. More than that, however, we got live feedback from real customers with whom we could speak one-on-one.

    If you have a product you’ve never taken out of the e-store, check your community calendar for upcoming festivals, conventions and fairs to get in on a new revenue stream and free market research. The cost of renting a booth will vary depending on the popularity and turnout of the event. I recommend starting small and scaling up if things go well. Be certain that you select an event that jibes with your brand. We might not want to take Hollywood Sensation Jewelry to a plumbing expo, but that sunset beach atmosphere was perfect for some glamor.

    Related: Unlike Many Things That Are a Lot of Work, Trade Shows Are Worth It

    2. Take your skills to the masses

    Do you have a knack for holiday décor? Fancy gift-wrapping? Event planning? Delectable baked goods? Well, not everybody does, and that’s why they need your services, especially at this time of year. Maybe you have a holiday cake or cookie recipe that gets rave reviews everywhere you go. Let folks at the office potluck and the church social know you’re available to bake one for them, too.

    Utilize social media to get your name out there as someone who can put up a beautiful Christmas tree (indoors or outdoors) and otherwise deck the halls. And don’t forget – while many people love to decorate for Christmas, almost no one loves taking it all back down again. Are you willing to do the untangling, repackaging and boxing of all that holly and mistletoe? Maybe you have a pickup truck and can haul away trees for responsible disposal.

    Sites like TaskRabbit.com let you create an account as a helping hand for a limitless variety of tasks and get customer reviews to build your reputation and bring in even more business. For example, TaskRabbit offers the following average costs for these services: “Party Clean Up” for $49-$80, “Toy Assembly” for $40-$99 and “Christmas Decorating” for $48-$86. You can even get paid to stand in line for someone else. I am not kidding!

    Related: 44 Profitable Ideas to Make Extra Money on the Side

    3. Reap the perks of a seasonal job

    Stores and delivery businesses always seek reliable help for the season. Showing yourself as an excellent seasonal employee means you can almost certainly be welcomed back the following year. And don’t forget – many stores offer their regular employee discounts to seasonal workers. If you’ve got your eye on an expensive purchase, you might get another 10% or more off the cost. My friend worked for five weeks at a home furnishings store and saved his family a bundle on new flooring and a refrigerator.

    Here’s another option: party companies are slammed this time of year, and they need people to prep, decorate, serve, check in guests, take coats, valet cars, conduct table games and clean up afterward. I have a friend who deals blackjack at holiday parties and enjoys it. She attends several fancy parties each year, hears the bands, meets fun people who are all having a great time and gets paid for doing it.

    Seasonal job salaries depend on your location, but here are some examples. On average, delivery companies pay about $16.00 per hour, warehouses about $13.80, and store gift wrappers earn around $12.00 an hour. When applying at retail stores with an eye on purchases, ask if their employee discount extends to seasonal help.

    Related: Start an Amazon Side Hustle and Earn Extra Money

    4. Be a sitter

    What do the holidays bring besides good cheer? Travelers! People have places to go and things to do, whether for an evening party, a busy shopping day away from the children or two weeks out of town. Ease their travel stress by being the person who holds down the fort. Reliable and friendly childcare, eldercare, housesitting and pet care take a load off everyone’s mind.

    It’s a relief to know someone is there to keep an eye on the house or check in on older relations to ensure all is safe. Once more, multiple gig websites let you register as a sitter (check out Rover.com or Care.com, for example). Or, get established in one neighborhood as a terrific house — or pet-sitter, and you’ll get more offers. Word gets around on the homeowners’ websites fast, and having multiple gigs in the same neighborhood adds to your convenience.

    Enjoy your holidays

    A holiday side hustle is more than just a way to supplement your income. Getting out into the holiday atmosphere is a great way to enjoy the season’s spirit, ease the stress for others and help create wonderful memories. Of course, giving is better than receiving, but if you can do both simultaneously with a holiday side hustle, that’s quite a reason to celebrate.

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    Mary Hood

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  • 3 Ways to Achieve Superhuman Focus in 14 Days

    3 Ways to Achieve Superhuman Focus in 14 Days

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    Regardless of what goals you want to achieve in 2023 and beyond, there is one skill you’ll need above all else.

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    Ben Angel

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  • 5 Things Every Entrepreneur Should Do This Holiday Season

    5 Things Every Entrepreneur Should Do This Holiday Season

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    With the holiday season upon us and the end of another year quickly approaching, it can cause frenetic feelings about wrapping up final projects. On the other hand, it may offer a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come since January.

    Most of us fall somewhere in between, and it can be easy to lose focus as December 31 approaches. However, this holiday season, carve out time to tackle a few to-dos that will set you up nicely for the year ahead, give you space to think about what you’ve already achieved and prepare you for 2023.

    Related: 5 Things Entrepreneurs Should Focus on During the Holidays

    1. Write three goals you want to accomplish

    Whether you have ongoing monthly or quarterly goals, it’s wise to set three larger goals you want to accomplish in the new year. Consider if you want to switch direction come January or build upon what you’ve already created. Start big. Then, create a strategy with individual milestones to get you where you want to be.

    In business, most goals are attached to revenue but consider alternative perspectives as you plan for the future. What kind of client or service growth do you want to achieve? Do you want to attract a different type of audience? Do you want to add a new skill or certification to your repertoire? Perhaps a goal is to speak at an event or become an influencer in your industry. Whatever you want to achieve, attach your motivating “why” to each goal and map out tangible steps to make it easier to envision.

    Related: This Simple Brain Hack Will Help You Achieve All Your Goals

    2. Declutter your schedule

    Adding new goals and plans to 2023 means you must make room by decluttering your current schedule. The end of the year is an excellent time to review your ongoing meetings and commitments and evaluate where they can be trimmed or deleted altogether. Every entrepreneur knows time is a precious commodity, so to avoid getting burned out, make sure your calendar is full of things that help your growth.

    Simple changes may be to change a weekly meeting to twice a month or shorten regularly scheduled hour meetings to half the time. Take a look at all the organizations — both online and in-person — which may be taking up time with little to no return on investment. Also, consider areas that limit your productivity. Social media is always a common distraction. Although, for many, it’s necessary to maintain a presence online. To keep it a helpful tool (rather than a place for mindless scrolling), schedule specific times when you’ll post and check your channels. Then, step away from social media for the rest of the day.

    Related: 10 Ways to Declutter Without Going Minimalist

    3. Review your budget

    As with decluttering your schedule, take a look at your budget and consider areas that can be eliminated. Are there programs or tools you’re no longer using? Have you put off canceling the free trial on apps or subscriptions that can be better invested elsewhere or budgeted in another way?

    Additionally, auto-pay makes it easy to forget where we spend our money. Take stock of all business auto-payments and see if any can be deactivated. Also, consider other business expenses like online courses, educational or networking events and client meetings. Where do you receive the most value? Weigh each individually to determine if all the resources you’re currently using are still as helpful as they once were. If not, get rid of them and know they’ll always be there should you need them again.

    Related: 5 Ways to Build a Business Budget for Maximum Success

    4. Make a list of all the things you’re thankful for

    Gratitude is the free, quiet booster to success. Plus, it’s easy to obtain. While waiting for your morning coffee to brew or before you dive into answering emails, jot down three things you’re thankful for. Take extra time to reflect and expand your list during the holiday season. Creating a daily gratitude habit isn’t just something to make you feel warm and fuzzy; it can help you focus, increase efficiency and create an abundance mindset.

    Numerous studies illustrate the positive effects of gratitude on the brain. It changes the brain’s makeup and can help us feel more engaged and appreciative, leading to greater productivity, optimism and overall better mental health. Consider the benefits of what starting your day with gratitude could do for your outlook, especially compared to the frenzy we often find ourselves in first thing in the morning.

    Related: Cultivating Gratitude and Happiness Will Boost Your Business

    5. Take time for yourself

    There’s been a cultural shift over the past years from the hustle mentality to a state of self-care. However, for entrepreneurs, sometimes it’s not so easy to slow down. Many times there is no one to delegate work to, which means there’s a difficult balance to sustain a steady workload. Nevertheless, it’s always necessary to take time for yourself. It can seem overwhelming for some, so you’ll have to be intentional in how you want to use the time. Put it on the calendar. Make it a priority.

    Good physical and mental health are two things that are easy to take for granted until they start to fail us. When taking time for yourself, these areas should be at the top of the list. Plan it out, whether it’s a workout at the gym, a walk around the block or a few minutes for stretching and meditation.

    Putting it last on the list means it’s not likely to happen, and burnout could be around the corner. Add time for play and enjoyment into your weekly schedule as well. Essentially, time for yourself, planning or relaxing, must be part of your daily list of to-dos, and what better time to start than the holidays?

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    Kelly Hyman

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  • These Teens Will Change the Way You Decorate for Christmas

    These Teens Will Change the Way You Decorate for Christmas

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    It shouldn’t be hard to keep Christmas ornaments where they belong — on your tree. But every year without fail, many people find themselves picking up their decorations off the ground, the result of flimsy hooks or pet interference.


    Courtesy of Ornament Anchor

    But teen entrepreneurs Ayaan Naqvi, 13, and Mika’il (Mickey) Naqvi, 15, have come up with an innovative solution: Ornament Anchor, the patent-pending loop and pull that securely fastens Christmas ornaments to their tree — and withstands the cats, puppies or toddlers who might try to bring them down.

    The Ornament Anchor, which is available in four colors to suit any aesthetic, has already proved to be a major hit this holiday season. The multi-million-dollar business boasts more than 500 reviews on Amazon, and the Ornament Anchor is stocked in more than 500 Lowe’s stores.

    Entrepreneur sat down with the Naqvi brothers to learn how an idea for a school project led to two Shark Tank appearances and the highly successful product that launched their young entrepreneurial careers.

    Related: 5 Priorities for Young Entrepreneurs

    “The first year we made about $5,000 in sales, which to me and Ayaan was crazy at the time, being just kids.”

    It all began when 10-year-old Ayaan had to come up with an invention for a fourth-grade project in 2018.

    “I was thinking hard,” Ayaan says. “I had a bunch of different ideas, but nothing really stuck until I saw my dog Zara — she walked by a Christmas tree and her tail was wagging, hitting all of our ornaments [off the tree]. And that’s when I realized there’s never been an invention that is used to help save your ornament from falling off your Christmas tree.”

    Ayaan went on to develop the prototype. He unveiled it at the school fair, where it was met with enthusiasm from classmates, parents and teachers.

    That’s where the story ended for the next couple of years — until Mickey remembered his younger brother’s “genius idea,” and following in their parents’ entrepreneurial footsteps, the boys decided to make a real go of it.

    So, in 2019, they filed their patents and attended local Christmas and crafts fairs to see how their Ornament Anchor would be received. The goal was to determine if they had a viable product on their hands; they needed to hone in on its best selling points and target demographic.

    “We wanted to go out in front of real people and hear real feedback on our product,” Mickey explains. “And that’s what started off the first year — and the first year we made about $5,000 in sales, which to me and Ayaan was crazy at the time, being just kids.”

    Related: Small Business Owners Are Getting a Head Start on the Holidays

    Image credit: Courtesy of Ornament Anchor

    “As kids, it’s terrifying to be going up against five millionaires, trying to pitch your ideas.”

    A big break for Ornament Anchor came in the form of not one but two Shark Tank appearances, in 2019 and 2021, a milestone few other entrepreneurs can claim.

    But the opportunity to participate in the show was “literally a dream come true” for the Naqvi brothers, who say the program was their favorite growing up — even playing in the background when they were fulfilling Ornament Anchor orders in the early days.

    And it was a once- (or twice-) in-a-lifetime experience.

    “It [was] completely different than anything else [we’ve] ever done,” Mickey says. “And as kids, it’s terrifying to be going up against five millionaires, trying to pitch your ideas.”

    The Sharks provided the young entrepreneurs with useful feedback but ultimately didn’t offer them a deal either time. And although it was hard for the boys to return to school empty-handed a week later, appearing on the show taught them a lot.

    “The main thing that [our] family took away from Shark Tank was that even if they say no, even if it looks like there’s no chance, even if you got rejected by basically your idols, that doesn’t stop you,” Mickey says. “You can keep going. That’s what we did. And now we are more successful than we’ve ever been in our lives.”

    Ayaan agrees.

    “The biggest takeaway for me is to always have a Plan B,” he says. “Before [Shark Tank], it was always like, this is definitely going to happen. And then that experience [taught us] you have to be prepared for anything. You never know what’s going to happen.”

    Related: Do You Have a Plan B? If Not, It’s Time to Make One.

    “We want to see if we can get into more retail stores, maybe expand to different ideas for Ornament Anchor, but there’s a lot to come.”

    And the teens did persevere — ultimately setting their sights on Lowe’s.

    “So what we actually did was go into our local Lowe’s and make a video talking about why we think the Ornament Anchor is a perfect fit for Lowe’s,” Mickey says.

    Ayaan interviewed customers inside the retailer, demonstrating the product and gathering feedback. Afterward, Mickey edited the footage together, and the brothers sent their video to Lowe’s in December of 2021.

    “We even took pictures of spots in Lowe’s and mocked up what we thought the Ornament Anchor would look like if it were in Lowe’s,” Mickey says. “Shout out to my mom for that one.”

    The brothers’ efforts paid off: Lowe’s agreed to stock the Ornament Anchor in more than 500 of its stores.

    “We’re doing amazing in Lowe’s,” Ayaan says, “and hopefully we can keep it up. We want to see if we can get into more retail stores, maybe expand to different ideas for Ornament Anchor, but there’s a lot to come.”

    Mickey agrees, adding that next year the goal will be to expand Ornament Anchor’s retail footprint even further. In fact, the Naqvis are already in talks with a few more stores for 2023 rollouts.

    But Ornament Anchor’s online sales have also exceeded the brothers’ expectations.

    “Because Ornament Anchor is a demo product,” Mickey explains. “You can demo it super easily. It’s literally just a zip and you hit the ornament, and people are like, ‘Wow, what is that?’ So it works really, really well for Facebook, YouTube and Google ads. So next year we want to pump a lot more cash into ads and improve our online strategy.”

    @ornamentanchor I forgot to post this #ornamentanchor #sharktank #lowes #entrepreneur #business #christmas Aesthetic Girl – Yusei

    Related: 5 Steps to Building Your First Online Sales Funnel

    “It’s always been in our blood to be entrepreneurs.”

    Naturally, balancing school, business and life is one of the biggest challenges that comes with being young entrepreneurs.

    But the Naqvi brothers wouldn’t have it any other way. They’ve gotten a taste of entrepreneurship — and they don’t want to give it up anytime soon.

    “It’s always been in our blood to be entrepreneurs,” Mickey says. “I’ve been exposed to being an entrepreneur, and I can’t get enough of it. So I genuinely don’t know what else I would do with myself if I wasn’t starting a business or running a business.”

    Ayaan agrees, noting that although they intend to take Ornament Anchor as far as they can, they have no shortage of business ideas in the pipeline.

    And when it comes to advising other budding entrepreneurs on how to transform their business ideas into reality? Simply getting started is the most important thing, Mickey says.

    “Get in the weeds and start trying to figure out, Okay, how do I run a business?” Mickey explains. “And the great thing is in our time we have things like YouTube or Google where you can just search something up and somebody will tell you how to do it. And if you’re ready to put in the hard work, anybody can do it.”

    Don’t hesitate to ask for help either, Ayaan suggests.

    “If you need a little help, it’s always good to have a mentor, whether it’s a parent, teacher or another adult you can trust,” Ayaan says. “They have a lot of experience. They’ve lived life longer. So they can help you with a lot of things.”

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    Amanda Breen

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  • What Is ‘Grey Rocking’? Use It This Holiday Season

    What Is ‘Grey Rocking’? Use It This Holiday Season

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Although the holiday season brings people together and can be a time to reconnect and enjoy the company of family, friends and colleagues, it can also be a time of great stress. This is especially true for introverts or those who are looking to avoid conflict. In a group of dynamic personalities, it’s just not always possible for everyone to get along.

    Sometimes spending a few hours with people can feel like a few weeks, and this dynamic is multiplied when there’s a narcissist in the group. They might seem well-intentioned, but deep down they thrive on creating chaos and conflict. Who wants to deal with that over the holidays?

    If this is an issue that you’ve dealt with in the past, or if you see yourself dealing with it in the future, it’s time to learn about “grey rocking.”

    Related: 3 Reasons Why Narcissists in Your Organization are Impossible to Evaluate

    What is grey rocking, and when can you apply it?

    Grey rocking is named after an object that most find boring. The concept is that when someone you are looking to avoid is interacting with you, try to become like a grey rock. Make yourself as uninteresting and dull as possible. This will be unappealing to someone with narcissistic traits, and they will move on to interacting with someone else at the gathering.

    Narcissists strive to interact with people who exhibit personality and are responsive to their demands. When someone exhibits themselves as a metaphorical grey rock, the narcissist will realize that they can’t manipulate the person because they hold no power over the dull personality that is being exhibited.

    The grey rock method is also useful against bullies, including those in the workplace.

    Related: The 4 Most Toxic People at Work—And How To Handle Them

    Does the grey rock method work?

    First and foremost, it’s important to understand that you can only control yourself. You will not change the narcissist or their outlook on life. However, this method can help you avoid them.

    If used properly, grey rocking will work for some time. In terms of avoiding narcissists and toxic people, the method is highly effective for all of the reasons laid out above. People who exhibit the negative characteristics of a narcissist or bully thrive on interacting with people who respond to their words, both visually and verbally, which allows them to manipulate their behavior. When someone is a grey rock, they aren’t interesting or exhibiting any of the feedback that these negative people want to achieve. This will make a narcissist miserable, and they will move on to someone else.

    However, it is also important to note that the grey rock method is not a cure-all. It is simply one method for avoiding toxic, negative people. The method can also become less successful if it is over-used.

    Related: How to Recognize and Work With Narcissistic Leaders

    What are some benefits of the grey rock method?

    When it comes to the holidays and interacting with family or coworkers, it’s just not possible to entirely avoid the people you might not speak to the other 11 months of the year. Therefore, grey rocking becomes useful in keeping the peace and avoiding conflict.

    Other benefits of grey rocking include less stress, less anxiety, feeling empowered, better emotional health, better mental health and realizing that you can set boundaries.

    What are some negative effects of the grey rock method?

    Even though grey rocking is a strategy meant to be used to avoid toxic people or uncomfortable and negative situations, there are some possible side effects of using the strategy.

    If used too much, grey rocking could lead to loneliness and withdrawal. Even though this is purposeful behavior, it does result in less interaction with people. This can lead to negative mental health consequences. It’s important to be mindful of this fact — too much isolation can result in loneliness and depression.

    And although grey rocking can be successful in moderation, if you use the strategy too often against the same person, they could realize what is going on. This could lead to the opposite effect of what you are looking for — the bully could realize they indeed do have power over your life because they’re forcing you to behave differently than you normally would.

    If you use the grey rock strategy and find that you are experiencing negative mental effects, make sure to seek professional help.

    Related: Your Narcissism Is Killing Your Employees’ Productivity. How to Avoid the Pitfalls.

    What if the grey rock method doesn’t work?

    There are several alternatives to avoiding people, conversations and situations a person doesn’t want to be in. The grey rock method is one strategy, but you can try other techniques as well.

    You could try to avoid the individual or group of people, though this will be especially hard during the holidays. If forced to be around the narcissistic individual, you could try setting clear boundaries for the conversation, being assertive and perhaps even being confrontational about the narcissist’s behavior if the situation calls for it.

    There are risks for these strategies as well, just as there are risks for using the grey rocking method. Use the strategy that you feel best suits your situation and the dynamic personalities that have to be dealt with this holiday season (and in the future).

    Related: How to Deal with a Toxic Coworker

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    Ryan Droste

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

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

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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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  • 5 Simple Ways to Overcome the Fear of Missing Out

    5 Simple Ways to Overcome the Fear of Missing Out

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    If you’re digital-savvy, you’ve probably experienced FOMO (fear of missing out) every once in a while — from feeling inadequate to comparing yourself to others. Social media is a FOMO enabler. In fact, a study shows that the dual nature of online personas is one of its drivers. Let’s face it: We live in a day and age where it’s all about comparisons, competition and stepping your best foot forward in projecting an image. While what others post online is a mere illusion, it still plays a tricky game in our heads.

    From episodes of anxiety to damaged self-esteem, the negative effects of FOMO on a person are insurmountable and could lead to long-term problems. But just like any other challenge, there are ways to navigate and manage this sinking feeling of inadequacy. Here are five ways to let go of FOMO:

    Related: 5 Smartphone Tips to Overcome FOMO

    1. Focus on yourself and your own activities

    When we were kids, our teachers used to say “eyes on your own paper.” Back then, the context felt strictly pointing to our own homework and exams. But in retrospect, it resonates as focusing on your own journey and building tunnel vision. This line is still as universal as it used to be — only now, as adults, we’re constantly reminded to put ourselves above everything else — from our strengths, weaknesses and challenges to our unique opportunities.

    Occasionally checking out what and how other people are doing for personal inspiration is healthy. After all, we need our heroes to drive us to get where we want. But the relentless comparisons offer nothing but toxicity. Keep in mind that comparisons yield nothing but empty outputs — it gives you no real value.

    It’s wise to constantly remind yourself that every person has a different path, pacing and set of circumstances. You will get there eventually on your own terms and in your own ways.

    2. Be present in each moment

    Sometimes we get too caught up in reaching a certain goal that we forget to relish our own efforts in getting there. You know what they say: The real prize is the rainbow, as well as the pot of gold at the end of it. Stay present in each moment, focus on your process, think of ways to improve in each step, and let tomorrow be an opportunity to take valuable action.

    Related: How to Beat FOMO and Live a Healthier Life

    3. Take a social media break

    One of the most effective hacks for letting go of FOMO is taking a social media break. Whether it’s muting your apps altogether or simply turning your phone off for a day, the wonders of social media detox are unparalleled for a mental and emotional reset.

    Technically, the online world doesn’t exist, yet people spend too much time, energy, effort and emotions on something as abstract as social media. Take a day off to spend time with your friends, walk in the park, eat at your favorite restaurant or check up on your loved ones. The best way to declutter your mind from the pressures of the digital community is to exist in the real world.

    5. Keep calm and carry on

    Give yourself a break. Keep in mind that you’re human, not AI. Don’t beat yourself up if you feel burned out. Taking breaks to unwind is just as important as grinding hard at work. And in an era where mental health awareness is paramount, the most crucial key to self-fulfillment is self-care.

    Related: You Can’t Do Everything, and If You Try to You’ll Do Even Less

    FOMO wasn’t a thing until 2004 and was extensively used throughout the last two decades in the heyday of social media. Arguably, it’s a self-inflicted phenomenon that was manufactured by the media until everyone bought it. Is FOMO real? It sure is. But is it innate to humans? No, so take it with caution. The trick here is to filter noise — not everything you see in the media is relevant to you, no matter how tempting it is to think that everything matters. At the end of the day, rely on your willpower to brush things off that bear no importance.

    The takeaway here is that FOMO is inevitable in today’s modern age. However, remind yourself that you have the upper hand in controlling it. Maneuver your path; don’t let it take over you. Be the driver of your vehicle, put in the hard work, and focus on the road you’re on.

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    Omri Hurwitz

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  • How to Find Inspiration Everywhere

    How to Find Inspiration Everywhere

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Just like lightning strikes at random, so does the opportunity for inspiration that can spur your business or further your leadership skills. Whether you are actively seeking it or taking a break to reset your mind, there are always opportunities to revisit what you have experienced and glean insightful takeaways. For example, one of the best pieces of inspiration came from a simple conversation with my 9-year-old daughter. More on that later…

    If you are actively seeking opportunities for inspiration, here are some particular ones that have inspired me as a co-founder and CEO.

    Related: 22 Successful Entrepreneurs Share What Inspires Them to Keep Going

    Books

    As an avid reader, I have found a lot of inspiration from books. When you’re in a leadership role, absorbing ideas from others not only opens your perspective and inspires you to change the way you work but can also reinforce your intuition and validate your initial thoughts. Some of the standout books that I have read include:

    • The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz — a must-read for emerging and veteran entrepreneurs, this book candidly discusses the pros and cons of running your own business and key lessons every CEO should learn.  
    • The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson — this book helps you identify what matters to you. As your company grows, what is the most important to your business, and where can you make an impact? If you stay true to those two values, it helps you filter out the rest of the noise and remain focused on succeeding and bringing your business to fruition.
    • The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle — another book on culture, as it is vital to a company’s overall success — especially in the current market that we are in today. This engaging book inspires us to transform how teams operate so they can perform together more efficiently.

    Related: 3 Books That Will Make You 6 Figures  

    Movies

    Sometimes you’ll find that inspiration comes when you take the time to unwind. Recently, I sat down to watch some TV with my family, and two documentaries we watched have stayed with me:

    • All or Nothing: Arsenal (available on Amazon TV): Aside from being entertaining as it is all about my favorite sport, soccer, watching Mikel Arteta’s leadership in bringing his team to the front of the Premier League was inspiring. Mikel doesn’t compromise on his or the club’s values, and his passion for the sport inspires his squad to perform at the next level. As leaders, we should all proudly showcase our love for what we do to lead by example and inspire our teams.
    • Kiss the Ground (available on Netflix): This documentary, centered on finding a solution for our climate crisis, uses compelling data to illustrate how a simple solution — dating back hundreds of years — can help address our climate crisis and create healthier food for people. My takeaway from this as an entrepreneur was three-fold: first, there are always opportunities to evolve and rethink the status quo to devise a solution to a problem. Second, look back to history to see what was successful and why. Lastly, look at the larger picture to ask yourself: what impact are we making on humanity and this planet?

    Related: How to Get Over a Burnout and Find Inspiration Again

    Other

    My final note of a place I found unexpected inspiration came from my daughter, who was nine at the time. This image had come up during the workday, and I was looking at it at home and contemplating the correct answer. As it illustrates, are there four bars, or are there three?

    She took one look at it and said that both characters in this image were right without hesitating. The answer isn’t about who is right or wrong but their perspective and how they interpret it. That simple revelation from her has stuck with me throughout the years: my main takeaway was that communication is essential and, in life and business, many scenarios are not “right or wrong” — the important thing is that even if you disagree with them, listen to the other’s reasoning to come to an understanding of their point of view.

    At the end of the day, whether you actively seek it or take a break from the hustle of life and enjoy the moment, you can find inspiration everywhere. Take a moment to reflect upon the content you consume or the conversations you have had, and you will become a more well-rounded character.

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    Jurgi Camblong

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  • A Simple Brain Trick To Guarantee Success

    A Simple Brain Trick To Guarantee Success

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    As entrepreneurs, most of us are goal-driven, and we’ve learned how to set clear, juicy goals and then break them down into game plans of smaller projects and tasks. The challenge comes when it’s time for you and your team actually to follow those game plans.

    After the thrill of setting that awesome goal comes the day-to-day work that is often not so exciting. So how do you keep yourself and your team moving forward? How can you stay on track and consistently hit your daily, weekly and quarterly goals? One of the answers is in the simple brain hack that psychologists call “implementation intention.”

    Related: Brain Hacks to Boost Motivation and Beat the Work From Home Blues

    What the research shows

    A psychology professor at NY University, Peter Gollwitzer, first coined the term in the 1990s. He realized that many people set goals, but not many achieved them because they didn’t take the action they needed to take. Dr. Gollwitzer showed that the difference was not just motivation, as some people were highly motivated and still didn’t do what they needed to do. But people were much more likely to reach their goals by figuring out “pre-determined goal-directed behaviors” and turning them into habits.

    Rather than just coming up with a strategy to achieve a goal and then breaking it down into tasks, Dr. Gollwitzer found that people were more likely to succeed if they trained their brains to choose to do the things that they needed to do by using “if-then” statements (you can also use “when-then” statements).

    He and his colleagues ran over 400 studies using every type of goal — quitting smoking, voting, healthy eating, exercising and even using condoms! All the studies showed that implementation intentions made a massive difference in the results people got.

    Related: Setting Measurable Goals Is Critical to Your Strategic Plan (and Your Success). Here’s Why.

    Get to your goal using “when-then”

    How does it work? For example, let’s say that you want to grow your business and that getting lots of 5-star testimonials will help. So, you decide to get 100 testimonials this quarter (about eight per week), and you’ll get them by calling 20 past clients per week, just four every day.

    Sounds simple, right? But this kind of project easily gets lost in the shuffle. You mean to do it; you know it’s important, but other things that seem more urgent pop up. Eventually, you might even forget about
    getting those testimonials completely.

    With implementation intention, you start with the statement, “When _________, then I will ______.” You not only say what you will do but also give it a specific time and place. In this case, you might say, “When I get to the office, and before I even look at my emails, I’ll call four past clients for testimonials.” This tells your brain exactly when to be ready to make the calls. It sets up your energy and focus. By doing it over and over, your brain is automatically triggered to sit down and make calls as soon as you walk into your office.

    James Clear talks about this in his book Atomic Habits. He points out that setting up implementation intention keeps you from deciding whether to do something every single time. You don’t need to be super motivated that day, and you don’t need to use your willpower to get yourself to do it. You just do it because, after a while, it would feel weird not to do it, just like not brushing your teeth before bed would feel strange.

    Related: Your Problem Isn’t Laziness

    Overcome obstacles using “if-then”

    Implementation intention also helps you pre-plan for obstacles you might encounter and helps get you through them. Say you know that your morning calls will often get interrupted by team members who need your input. You know something like this is bound to happen, so before it does, you figure out, “If ___________, then I will ___________.”

    “If I get interrupted, I will ask the person (unless they are bleeding to death) to give me 15-20 minutes.” Or maybe you decide, “If I get interrupted in the morning, I will close the door and eat lunch at my desk to make my calls.” The strategy you use to handle the obstacle is up to you. The point is that you already have it figured out and know exactly how to stay on track despite anything that tries to get in the way.

    Athletes have used this for years. Marathon runners know they’ll run into “the wall” at about 18 to 20 miles. Rather than getting blindsided, they figure out ways to handle it before the race. They’ll slow their pace and take some sports gel. They’ll pay attention to the cheering crowd or focus on a certain mantra. They don’t try to figure out how to deal with the wall when it’s happening. They have a plan, so it doesn’t throw them off their goal.

    Related: 5 Things About Overcoming Adversity That Athletes Can Teach Entrepreneurs

    When I started coaching, I realized that many of my students hit a wall about three months in. They were learning and implementing different marketing strategies. But these strategies take some time, so they didn’t see any results yet. We learned to warn them ahead of time. “Hey, you might not see results for 4-5 months. That doesn’t mean you aren’t on track. If you’re doing the work, results will come soon.”

    Then we help them with “if-then” strategies. “If you feel stuck or discouraged, then call in
    during office hours.” An implementation intention is a brain-hack tool that helps you take the steps you need to take whether you’re feeling motivated or not. You set up the implementation intention by saying what you’ll do and precisely when you’ll do it, and you pre-plan how you’ll deal with obstacles to stay on track.

    James Clear wrote: “Anyone can work hard when they feel motivated. It’s the ability to keep going when work isn’t exciting that makes the difference.”

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    Krista Mashore

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  • 3 Crucial Misconceptions About Manifestation

    3 Crucial Misconceptions About Manifestation

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    I bet you’re sick of being told that: “you can manifest anything your heart desires…if you just buy this twelve-step program!” There are many people out there who prey upon our common misconceptions about manifesting and the law of attraction.

    It’s big business!

    Life Coaching has been the second-largest growth industry in the US for twelve consecutive years and is estimated to be worth around $2 billion!

    It is no wonder that people will do anything to “bottle” this information and sell it to a market. How do you know what you’re being sold is the truth, though? It’s very easy to palm off any shortfall as a result of something you did wrong.

    Here, then, are three common misconceptions about manifesting and the law of attraction. By bringing these to your awareness, you’ll have a better idea of whether or not a particular practice, program or modality is right for you.

    Related: How Meditation Can Transform Your Business

    1. Manifesting is a purely passive process

    Whenever I see someone tell a tale of how they wrote themselves a check and stuck it on the fridge, only for them to receive a million dollars sometime later (Jim Carrey, I’m looking at you), it gets my back up.

    Not that this isn’t possible, but it paints a picture of this being the only necessary action. Worse yet, some claim that meditation or prayer is all that is required. “Focus on what you want. Hold it in your mind’s eye, and it will appear for you!!”

    No! These are all beneficial practices — please don’t misunderstand what I’m saying, but only so far as they better inform your actions.

    Without taking any action — nothing is going to show up for you. Per definition: when something manifests itself, it simply makes itself known to the physical world. This could be climate change, an electoral outcome or a million dollars landing in your account.

    The point is that these things already existed, and the moment they became a physical reality is what we call “manifesting.” Action is still very much required.

    Related: Stop Planning and Take Action

    2. The cookie-cutter approach

    This is a huge reason why so many of these programs “fail” to work for the vast majority of people who buy them. It’s not that they don’t work, but they only work for the creator of the program and anyone else who just so happens to be already aligned with it.

    Very few actually take the time to recognize that we are all individuals and tailor themselves accordingly.

    If you come across any such program that doesn’t start by trying to get you to analyze who you are and what you’re about: don’t bother. You’ll most likely hit a brick wall and give up under the misconception that it must be your fault for “not getting it.”

    Related: 11 Mindset Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

    3. Manifesting and the law of attraction are purely esoteric and mystical practices

    This is nonsense. There is a lot of scientific data, research and theory to back up our ability to manifest or attract consciously chosen outcomes in our life.

    Even anecdotally, if you cast your mind back to something you set your mind to, however mundane it may seem, you already know how it works. It could be as simple as thinking you want a cup of coffee. All the actions required to manifest that coffee in your hands are simple, but you still have to go through them.

    The same is true of becoming a millionaire. The steps might be more complicated (or not), but the process is the same.

    In the case of manifesting a million bucks: the problem most folks have is that they’ve never done it. You’ve made coffee before; that’s why when you get up from your desk and embark upon the ‘journey’ to barista town, none of it overwhelms you.

    You’ve made coffee before — more times than you can count. So manifesting yet another flat white causes no anxiety whatsoever.

    However, things get tricky when it comes to generating sums of money that are outside of the usual purview. You’ve never done it before, and you know that most haven’t either. You’re in uncharted territory, and your subconscious ‘lizard brain’ does not like it!

    It’s a subject for another day, but suffice it to say: your subconscious has one job to do, keeping you safe. Though prehistoric, it doesn’t understand logic or language and operates on the assumption that change equals danger. It is this that the unscrupulous prey upon.

    They know full well that you’ve never made a million dollars or found the love of your life. If you had, you wouldn’t need their course after all. They can exploit this to get themselves and their programs off the hook by essentially insinuating that you “just didn’t get it.”

    Don’t be fooled.

    Instead, recognize just how mundane the law of attraction is and how much of an everyday occurrence manifesting is. You can create a dream life as assuredly as making that cup of coffee.

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    Daniel Mangena

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  • The Top 5 All-Time Best Productivity Hacks You’ve Never Heard Of

    The Top 5 All-Time Best Productivity Hacks You’ve Never Heard Of

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    Want to combat chronic procrastination? Use these top five productivity hacks to put an end to this debilitating nuisance.

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    Ben Angel

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  • 3 Rituals to Help You Build Resilience and Beat Stress

    3 Rituals to Help You Build Resilience and Beat Stress

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    I was watching Good Morning America recently and saw a segment in which they recommended people take short breaks in between work tasks. The program cited an analysis in the journal PLOS ONE showing that “microbreaks” during the workday increase energy and decrease fatigue.

    This is the essence of the recovery methodology I’ve learned from research and personal experience, dating back to my days as a teenage lifeguard at Jones Beach in New York. We focus on practicing what I call resilience rituals and how they help us combat depletion, exhaustion and burnout while rebuilding resilience.

    The forces driving us toward burnout are chronic stress (driven in part by being constantly engaged online), multitasking and forgetting to tend to the needs of our bodies and minds. The results can be catastrophic for our health and wellbeing, but there’s good news: Resilience rituals, if practiced regularly, can help us recharge, rejuvenate and perform at our best.

    Related: 7 Keys to Developing Resilience

    When I was a lifeguard, we made dozens of ocean rescues each day, but there was one rescue that failed when we were unable to find a swimmer who went down in the rough surf. From that tragedy, we vowed to make sure that would never again happen on our watch. To make good on that vow, our lifeguard crew had to learn to become more capable and pivot in the face of a serious tragedy. To ensure everyone was performing at their best, we started taking more breaks and spelling each other.

    Today, I call that concept the toggle method — a way to recharge energy and boost resilience.

    How the toggle method helps recharge resilience

    For a long time, people have defined resilience as our ability to take a hit and bounce back. The person who was able to produce the most, endure the most stress and be the first in and last out of the office was considered resilient. Trying to live up to that old paradigm is one reason so many people are exhausted, near or past burnout.

    You can’t endlessly absorb stress and take the hits of uncertainty and anxiety and keep coming back stronger. It’s like fighting a rip current. Instead, I believe resilience is about recovery. It’s the process of recovery that ultimately enables you to bounce forward, rather than just bounce back.

    Practicing resilience rituals allows you to toggle between periods of focused energy (the “E-Zone”) and periods of focused rest and recovery (the “R-Zone”), like a light switch toggles between on and off. Taking breaks throughout the day allows you to toggle between your E-Zone and your R-Zone — using intermittent rest, recovery and regeneration as a tool to increase productivity and performance.

    When you toggle back and forth between those two states often enough throughout the day, you find that it increases your capacity to focus. This allows you to get more accomplished throughout the day with less exhaustion, less depletion and less risk of burnout. Over time, this also helps you build higher levels of resilience.

    Related: Want to Prevent Burnout? Start Building Resilience Now.

    Toggle menu

    So, how can we regenerate in ways that increase our longevity, capacity and sustainability, whether as individuals or as teams? We’ve developed a “toggle menu” of things people can do during the day to reset, recharge and rejuvenate. Some activities can be done in less than one minute, while others can be done in 30 minutes or less. Here are a few to try:

    • Legs Up the Wall: This is my ultimate go-to for energy in the afternoon. Rather than drink coffee or eat a candy bar, try lying flat on your back with your legs vertically up the wall, with your body in the shape of an L. You can do this for as short as 20 minutes with your eyes closed, with or without meditation. Set an alarm because you could literally drop off to sleep! After 20 minutes in that position, you’ll either wake up or get up restored. It feels like taking a multi-hour nap without the grogginess. You’ve taken pressure off your back and legs. You have better circulation and blood flow. You’ll feel mentally, physically, emotionally, and maybe even spiritually restored. When I do this for 20 minutes in the afternoon, I find my capacity matches my best productivity hours in the morning.

    • Zone 2 Cardio Walk: The impact of walking cannot be ever overstated, especially if you walk after meals. Walking helps regulate your biochemistry to lower your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, and increase levels of dopamine and serotonin in your body. Take one or more 20- to 30-minute walks during the day, and you will likely feel better. A Zone 2 Cardio Walk is a little different because you breathe through your nose and keep your mouth shut while you walk, so you are not talking to other people or talking on your phone. By breathing in and out through your nose, you create more of an aerobic experience with more benefits to your cardiovascular system. It’s a combination walking/breathing exercise you will find restorative and beneficial to your sense of wellbeing. If you walk after eating, you gain the benefit of increasing metabolism and assisting your digestion and assimilation of what you ate.

    • Hand/Ear Massage: Your ears don’t typically get a lot of touch, and massaging them can be a bit of a state change. This is an area that has been shown through research to produce a change in the way neurons fire in your brain. So, when you are sitting at your desk feeling tired, close your eyes and massage your ears up and down for about 60 seconds. You can also try massaging your hands between your thumb and index finger. Little toggle rituals such as this can have a big effect!

    Related: 5 Reasons Science Says You Seriously Need to Take a Break

    There are many ways you can give yourself breaks throughout the day to recharge your energy and reboot your resilience. Try taking quiet time for meditation, gratitude and prayer to start and end your day. Set reminders on your phone to help you remember to unplug for a bit each day. Experiment with different activities of various durations and see what works best for you.

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    Adam Markel

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