3 Powerful Morning Rituals of Famously Productive People

3 Powerful Morning Rituals of Famously Productive People The way you abflug your day has a big impact on the hours that follow. Theres a lot we can learn from examining the morning rituss of famously productive people.The reason I like having a morning sicherheit is that not only does it instill a sense of purpose, peace and zeremonie to my day, but it ensures that Im getting certain things done every morning namely, my goals, writes Leo Babauta of Zen Habits.If youre like fruchtwein people, you perform your morning rituals somewhat unconsciously. But, the way you begin your day is really powerful. It sets the tone for the rest of the day. So, it pays to put some time, energy and thought into developing morning routines and habits that help you be your best professionally and reach your goals.1. Benjamin Franklin planned to do good.When it comes to productivity, its hard to find a better mentor than founding father Benjamin Franklin. His morning routine reflects his ambition as well as his desire to be a force for good in the world.A self-described morning person, Franklin famously said, Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. And, theres every indication that he followed his own advice.His daily schedule shows that we went to bed around 10 p.m. and woke between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m.5-7am Rise, welchesh and address Powerful Goodness contrive days business and take the resolution of the day prosecute the present study, and breakfast.A central part of Franklins morning ritual welches asking himself the morning question as he called it. What good shall I do this day? Then, at the end of the day his evening question left room for reflection when he asked, What good have I done today?After taking the resolution in the morning, Franklin moved on to a solid four-hour block of Work. From 8 a.m. to 12 noon he hunkered down and deliberately invested himself in a focused and extended period of productivity. There was also a shorter block of time reserved in the afternoon for the same purpose with a break to Read or overlook my accounts, and dine in between.Franklins morning ritual is a demonstration of the power of setting intentions and of putting extended time aside for focused work. Imagine how much you could get done if you followed a similar schedule.2. Oprah Winfrey takes time to connect.Oprah Winfrey has accomplished quite a lot over the course of her life and career. Examining her daily schedule helps to illuminate something about how shes done it.Oprahs morning routine begins around 7 a.m. and lasts until about 10 a.m. During that time, she brushes her teeth, takers her dogs out and enjoys her favorite espresso, I mix caffeinated and decaffeinated espresso with milk and a little hazelnut, and works out. Theres nothing particularly unusual about ansicht rituals, per se, but the way in which Winfrey integrates spirituality into her routine really sets it apart.Sometimes, the spiritual connections she makes as a part of her morning ritual are more subtle. Winfrey has preached the virtues of gratitude for decades, and it seems she observes the practice herself. As a part of her morning routine, she appreciates nature, the little things and the world around her.This morning, she toldHarpers Bazaar for a day-in-the-life piece, when I hit the blackout shades just after seven, the light was casting its golden glow over the green lawn, with the clouds and ocean in the distance. I watched three geese fly over the backyard and land in the pond. I hadnt even had a sip of coffee, but it was already a perfect day.There is also time set aside for deliberate spiritual practice.I have a series of spiritual exercises that I do every day, she continued. After readingGathered Truths, I check out Bowl of Saki on my phone its delivered to my inbox every morning. It contains the teachings of the Sufis, a Middle Eastern sect that believes all paths lead to God and that all religions are one, pointing to the same no rth star. Then I meditate. This morning, I observed 20 minutes of silence sitting in my breakfast chair. If it were warmer, I would go outside.Winfrey feels that gratitude and meditation can go a long way toward helping you to have a grounded and productive day. Do you integrate similar elements into your morning ritual?3. Churchill stayed in bed.The morning rituals of highly productive people are just about as diverse as the people themselves. If you arent a morning person, dont fret. Not everyone leaps out of bed at the crack of dawn to take on a 10-mile run.Winston Churchills morning routine famously involved him staying in bed for quite some time. He was productive during unterstellung hours, though.He awoke about 730 a.m. and remained in bed for a substantial breakfast and reading of mail and all the national newspapers,reports Eric Henning of The Churchill Centre. For the next couple of hours, still in bed, he worked, dictating to his secretaries.Churchill finally got out of b ed at around 11 a.m., bathed, and perhaps took a walk around the garden, and took a weak whisky and soda to his study.Alcohol before noon might not be advisable, even if it is of the weak variety. Still, Churchills morning routine worked for him.Is there anything that you do in the morning that works for you even though it may seem a bit odd to others?Looking for a new job? Find out how much you could be earning. Take the PayScale Salary Survey and get a free salary report in minutes.Tips for developing your own powerful morning routineTheres a lot we can learn from examining the morning rituals of highly productive people. But, in order to really benefit from this, youll want to integrate some of these practices into your own routine. Here are a few tips for developing your own powerful practiceStart early. One thing that seems to be true almost across the board is that productive people start their days early. At least, they dont sleep until noon. There are a lot of benefits to be ing an early bird. Getting going before the rest can help you get more done in a focused and controlled way before the day even starts. That can do wonders for your mood as well as your productivity.Find some peace. Some people find that meditation helps them to start their day in a centered and peaceful way. Others enjoy connecting with nature. Or, others find that spending a few minutes with a pet can do the trick. The point is not to start your day in a rushed panic. Even though you have a lot to do, its best to get grounded before starting your work.Care for your body. Taking the time to eat a healthy breakfast will serve you well for the rest of the day. Prepare what you can the night before, if your morning time is limited. Similarly, if youre able to squeeze in a bit of exercise, it could help you to feel happier and more energized throughout the rest of your morning and into the afternoon. And, itll probably help you to sleep better at night, too.Be intentional.Benjamin Fran klin took the time to set intentions for the day (although he didnt call it that) first thing in the morning. Theres a lot to be said for outlining a few crucial objectives for the day before it gets started. After all, how can you get where you want to go if you never take the time to settle firmly on a destination?Do what works for you.At the end of the day, everyones a little different. Some people prefer to exercise in the evening rather than the morning because it helps them to transition from work to home, for example. So, these folks shouldnt work out in the morning. Similarly, youd be wise to do whats best for you in your own morning ritual. The trick is to be honest with yourself about which habits serve you and which hold you back. You might be in the habit of checking social media right away, for example. But, does that really help you to start your day on the right foot?Start the night before. Getting plenty of sleep is perhaps the most important ingredient to a producti ve and positive morning practice. So, be sure to go to sleep early and leave plenty of time for rest. Its easy to get up on the wrong side of the bed when the alarm goes off before youre really ready. Prioritizing your sleep helps the next day to run more smoothly. So, make a point to go to bed early enough that youll be ready to jump into your morning ritual when the time comes. Gina Belli--This story originally appeared on PayScale.

The Undisputed Truth About Should My Resume Be One Page That the Experts Dont Want You to Hear

The Undisputed Truth About Should My Resume Be One Page That the Experts Dont Want You to Hear Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for Should My Resume Be One Page In general, make certain youre spelling things correctly. Concentrate on specific approaches you used key job skills to create things better for your business. Possessing a well-formatted, clean and professional resume is a significant method to generate an amazing first impression, which will enable you to get the job which you are genuinely interested in. Start thinking about what you could cut entirely. The duration of your resume ought to depend on your experience and the sort of job that youre seeking. Then, as you start to submit an application for internships, jobs, or other opportunities, its important that you choose specific information from your master resume and tailor it as a way to cut it down to only a couple of full pages, based on your industry. A Resume writing specialist will be entirely knowledgeable in all locations that recruiters will want to review at any moment and for any particular function. An effective job search isnt a passive approach. You can begin by developing a spreadsheet. Social networking is a prime instance of a tool used for both positive and negative explanations. Utilize your judgment, and as always, you always ought to prepare several resumes for several varieties of companies. Youll find at least 100 examples. Should My Resume Be One Page for Dummies Your essays should convey your specific interest in the kind of nanotechnology research offered through NanoJapan. If you have sufficient relevant experience, training, and credentials of interest to the place to showcase on mora than 1 page of your resume, then do it. You might also want to reassess the NanoJapan Undergraduates page of our site to find out more about the experiences of NanoJapan alumni. Its fine to have 4-page collection of accomplishments. If youre, here are a few guidelines f or crafting a social networking policy. Read below for more thorough info on the length of time your resume should be, and strategies for making your resume the ideal length. See the next section for tips about how to create a one-page resume. When you are working to earn a one-page resume, but your information overflows onto another page, there are many means to shorten your resume. The Start of Should My Resume Be One Page Resume can be one page it is dependent upon how much experience youve got. Resumes dont need to be one page, but it normally helps. The Should My Resume Be One Page Game Job seekers can choose whether to send the complete document or only the first two pages to a prospective employer, dependent on the work opportunity requirements. Your email address wont be published. In the event you be effective in your application, you might be requested to bewerberinterview with the school. Just because youve got a three-page resume does not indicate you must inc lude all 3 pages of every work application. Obviously, you are going to make sure that the text isnt too crowded on the webpage and that margins are neat and orderly To maximize your odds of getting found in search engines, make sure your web pages incorporate common important words and phrases related to the item or concept being described on the webpage. In case you had someone else create your site for you and dont know whether they used text or an image of text in your brochure, attempt to choose a part of the text on the world wide web page the way that youd select a part of text in a Word document. If your headings are a rather large dimensions, consider making them slightly smaller.

Top Computer Science Student Resume Guide!

Top Computer Science Student Resume Guide The idea here is to provide the individual youre going to be speaking to enough meat to ask a good question. The very last thing you desire is for your resume to let you down when youre actually the best suited pick for the job. There isnt any time for procrastination once it comes to getting your perfect job. Therefore, staying specific to the job that you are applying for is generally the best option. The Dirty Facts on Computer Science Student Resume Resumes arent the hottest files. You can also see Resume Templates. Depending at work, you may want to mention particular software that you know about. If you cant clearly communicate the work you do, you wont be regarded as a strong candidate, even when you come up with the right solution. Think about the skills you possess to assist you expand the amount of services that you offer. In the event that you were in the particular job for many decades, most of all, youre a modest ru sty about applying for tasks. If youre a high school student, take a look at the High School FAQ. Its fantastic in order to demonstrate the Hiring Managers which you were working hard during university and higher school years. Include Personal Projects If youre a student, you may not have anything to spend the job section of your resume. Create a master resume that will get the job done for a selection of positions. If youre just emerging from graduate school, your school research experience could be the initial and biggest item, but nevertheless, it shouldnt be the just one. It is possible to work in a large number of sectors based on your abilities and expertise. Every organization wants a computer engineer, regardless of what sector they work in. If youre a student thats studying computer science at a college or a university, you are probably looking to acquire an internship once possible to be able to develop your experience in your area and make it simpler for you to re ceive a job when you graduate. More on computer science student resume template You never obtain an extra opportunity to create an excellent first impression when you consider the work search. Working at a fast food joint is merely an enormous ways to begin your livelihood. You came to the correct place to compose your compter science resume. Be certain to mention volunteer work, particularly if it is linked to computer science. The Computer Science Student Resume Pitfall Bold each of your abilities and in regular letters, write the overall quantity of experience which you have with each skill. The actual folks highly praise our essay help site. Other students may get the classes, an exceptional matter at the exact period, and learn how to address difficult issues based on your own case. A number of students may gain from a break in between to lesson that the sum of strain and anxiety they can feel. Next to objective there has to be an overview of your skills so the hiring manager can be aware of your great possible right from the start. If you hear back from a business, youll be going through the interview approach. In case you dont track down a lasting job in the country, you could attempt to track down a temporary occupation. The more services you offer the better your odds of finding work. Using Computer Science Student Resume There are many reasons why you ought to prefer our services. The customer will know the cost of the order till they place it and enkoranvers it is definite. You must be well skilled and thoroughly trained in order to be successful in the competitive environment present around. Your orders will be carried out exactly as you desire. Ruthless Computer Science Student Resume Strategies Exploited Anyway, you can read the testimonials of our clients. In case you have any questions, please dont hesitate to contact me. If youd really like to find a job in Canada, then you will desire to be sure the standing ahead of obta ining a visa, whether you want a temporary or permanent visa. Its fast and simple to use. Our technicians will kindly answer all your questions. Filtering out resumes for mechanical engineers is quite straightforward after you start with those that seem strange. Recruiters get a lot of resumes and dont have the time to spend a quarter hour on each one. Many recruiters will choose whether to call you in for an interview dependent on the information and high quality of your CV.

5 resolution mistakes every professional makes

5 entscheidung mistakes every professional makes5 entscheidung mistakes every professional makesEven if you arent the biggest fan of resolutions - per se - there is merit in self-reflection and self-awareness. No matter how you dice it, twelve months is a stint of time, and so much can change personally, professionally and in terms of your future goals or current lifestyle.When December 31 turns into January 1, many people feel - ahem, hungover - but more so, ready to make some sort of shift within their day-to-day that will bring them heightened happiness, success, and fulfillment. Many people feel empowered by this season of opportunity, but that doesnt mean they always approach the process in the most effective way.Good intentions are powerful, but when you dont apply the right strategy to meet your goals or resolutions, youll likely end up falling short and being disappointed. If you havent quite made it to the finish line in years past, let 2019 be when you finally hit the n ail on the head.Here, experts share the most common mistakes most go-getters makeMaking a resolution you cant track.Maybe youre the creative at your firm - always bursting with new ideas and innovative ways to solve an issue or move forward. Or, youre more focused on the big picture than the nitty-gritty.These are all valuable qualities, but without having any number associated with your resolution, career expert, entrepreneur and author Lauren Berger explains most people arent able to track their progress.She explains while anyone would love to close more deals next year - how many exactly? Even if you go above and beyond that number (or perhaps, dont meet it quite yet) - its better to put some sort of numerical figure so you can see how youre doing three, six and nine months in.Making a resolution you think you should make - instead of what you want.Sure, you want to impress your manager. Or, you believe you should be in a place career-wise that you arent (yet). In a world whe re an Instagram filter is applied neatly to everything, its tempting to compare yourself to others and feel pressured to live up to a specific standard.Entrepreneur Jessica Tatham knows this all too well, especially since branching out on her to found her company. Not everyone defines success in the same way, and creating resolutions that dont align to your personal values will make it less likely youll stick with it, she says. And if you do, it wont be an enjoyable process.This is why its essential to figure out what really motivates and empowers you, and allow yourself to go after that, even if it isnt status quo or traditional.Making a resolution with no strategy.After a solid two years of moonlighting as a freelancer while holding down the fort at a full-time gig, youre ready to take that leap of faith and do your own thing, permanently. Its a scary move- no matter how you dice it- but saying it wont make it so. Berger explains while plenty of talented professionals have killer skills and lofty dreams, they arent exactly schooled on how to create a detailed strategy to arrange at their intended destination.When youre serious about a resolution for any aspect of your life, you map out the necessary steps youll need to take and milestones youll need to meet to get where youre going.Berger says to put pen to paper (or open up a Google Doc) and write down your detailed strategy for each month, allowing you to cross out deliverables as you achieve them.Making a resolution theyre too afraid to change.Think about the type of person you dated and were attracted to in college. And in your mid-20s. Or, consider what you wanted to be when you grew up as a kid, or the clothes you wore in high school that you thought were totally rad. One of the wonders - and stressors - or life is how often it changes. Resolutions are no different, and Berger notes no one should be afraid to tweak or change at any point or period.Last year, I made a big resolution for the year. Hal fway through the year, I saw that I was clearly not on track to meet this goal so I tweaked the goal and made it more realistic for the end of the year, she explains. This doesnt make me a failure, this means I was on top of my goal-setting and planning.Making resolutions that apply too much stress.Though a constant quest for self-improvement and a lifelong dedication to learning is paramount to any successful career, if your resolution is causing you so much heartache and headache, you feel as if youre drowning. Its time to re-think it.Too often, we put a ridiculous amount of pressure on ourselves. This doesnt come from the outside world, but from our own self-doubts and criticisms, Tatham explains. When we do this, working hard feels too much like painful work and not enough like doing the things that we love.This doesnt mean your goal of the year should be easy-peasy, but it should be something you look forward to achieving - and one that keeps you focused on your hustle, inste ad of dreading it.

Tips on How to Find a Second Job

Tips on How to Find a Second JobTips on How to Find a Second JobWhen one paycheck isnt enough to pay the bills, it might be worth thinking about a second job. A second job will not only bring in some extra money, but it can also bolster your resume, and provide a means to transition to a new career. Whats the best way to find a second job? It depends on the font of job youre looking for, where you want to work, and how you want to supplement your income. It also depends on the flexibility of your schedule to accommodate hours of work, as well as the flexibility of your future employer. If it feels like money is tight, its not just your imagination. Real wages- the actual purchasing power of your salary once inflation has been taken into account- have been on the decline since 2006. For some people, a part-time second job might be the answer. Heres what to consider before you make the decision to start looking. Should You Consider Getting a Second Job? Working extra hours at a new gig wont help your financial situation if you lose your primary job because of it. Before you even start looking for part-time work, make an honest and accurate accounting of how you spend your time right now. Keep a journal for a week or so, writing down everything you spend time doing each day. Think of it as a food diary, but for time instead of calories and nutrition. Write down absolutely everything- work hours, time spent cooking, cleaning, and doing household chores, plus time spent on leiaya and exercise. Then ask yourself if you can afford to give any of that up. If you find that youre spending five hours a day catching up on your Netflix, the answer might be yes if getting a second job would mean forgoing extra assignments that keep you in the bosss good graces, or letting your gym membership lapse, the answer might be no. And of course, if your employer has a policy against moonlighting, its not worth the risk of getting caught and losing your main paycheck. Is It Eno ugh Money to Be Worth Your While? The taxes you pay at your full-time job are largely invisible because the government takes its bite before you see a dime. Some part-time jobs will be the same way- the employer will deduct state, federal, and any local taxes, plus social security before you get your check. But even in that case, you could wind up making a lot less than youd planned. If you only have a few hours a week to work and your after-taxes paycheck doesnt amount to much, you could be better off clipping coupons or cutting expenses. Finally, if you work as a contractor, youll be responsible for your own taxes. Depending on your situation, you might decide either to adjust your withholdings at your primary jobor pay quarterly estimated taxes. Either way, your situation will be a lot more complicated than that of someone who only works for one company as an employee, and has taxes taken out. Will Getting a Second Job Offer More Than Money? Even if you dont stand to make a ton of cash from a part-time job, there are still reasons to do it anyway. A low-paying part-time job might be worth the investment if Youll gain skills or experience that will make you more employable or help you move into a new role or industry.Youll make contacts that could lead to professional opportunities down the line.Youll have a chance to try out a new role before making a total career change.Your present job doesnt fulfill a major need in your life, e.g. a chance to give back to your community or travel more or engage in a hobby that doesnt presently pay all your bills. Second Job or Self-Employment? Keep in mind that starting a small business or taking on some part-time gigs or side jobs are always options and your future employer could even be yourself if you want guaranteed flexibility and have the skills to become self-employed. Best Second Jobs Before you start a job search, check out this list of best second jobs to get some ideas of what you might like to do . Types of Second Jobs For some jobs, you can apply and work online. For others, when you will be working in a physical location, you may be able to apply online, or you may need to apply in-person or use your contacts to help you find a company that needs some extra help. With the latter type of job, looking for something as close to home or your first workplace as possible is a good idea. That will make it easier to juggle two jobs. Jobs generally fall into three main categories Traditional part-time employment, often in the service sectorSmall business enterprisesFreelance work Strategies for arranging employment in each of these sectors will vary accordingly. 6 Tips for Finding a Second Job Here are tips for finding a second job, including information on the types of jobs that make good second jobs, where to job search, options for starting a small business, and more ways to earn extra money. 1. Start With a Job Search EngineYou can use the job search engine sites to se arch for a second job by using keywords like online, work from home,telecommute, part-time,evening,weekend, freelance, and so on. You dont need to add a location when searching for online jobs, but add your city or town when searching for jobs where you will work on-site. Heres information on the top job search engines, plus tips on how to use them. 2. Find an Online JobIf you can find a decent work at home job, and there are some, it can be a great way to supplement your income. Heres how to find work at home employment, as well as how to research work at home jobs to make sure they are legitimate and avoid scams. 3. Find a Part-Time JobSome people can juggle two full-time jobs, but its tough. Working part-time at job 2 is a better option. Here are the best sites to use to search for job listings, tips for how to find and apply for a part-time job, resumes, and letters, and job search tips for part-time job seekers. 4. Find a Second Job In-PersonVisiting employers like restaurants, hotels, resorts, and stores in-person can be a good way to find a second job in those sectors. Introduce yourself to the manager and inquire about jobs. A polished appearance and an upbeat personality will be essential. Try to visit at non-peak times. 5. Use Your ContactsNetworking through friends, family, neighbors, and other contacts and inquiring if their firm needs help or if any of their associates might need some help is always a good way to find work. This technique will be particularly appropriate for small organizations which prefer to hire staff who come highly recommended. 6. Find a Freelance JobFreelance work like writing and graphic design can be secured using the same strategies as the small businesses, with the addition of tapping one or more of the many online sites dedicated to matching freelancers with freelance projects. There are a variety of apps you can use to help line up gigs quickly and easily.

Why perfectionism gets in the way of joy

Why perfectionism gets in the way of joyWhy perfectionism gets in the way of joyThe otherbei day I visited my 84-year-old mother. She lives nearby in an assisted living center. Her room is on the third floor, in the memory unit.Despite being a Parkinsons patient and unable to walk, my mothers joymind is alert and sound. She chose the room in the memory unit because the ratio of staff to nicht auslagerbars is high. As a result, she receives excellent care.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreAs I took the elevator to her floor, my mind was elsewhere. Filled with things I wanted to accomplish. Goals for the day. Mental checklists.I scanned some notes in my little, leather pocket journal and considered how they would incorporate into an article I was working on.Then I thought about the new gym I was going to join, and how a new workout schedule would mesh with my creative commitments.In short, my mind was doing what it always does. Running full steam ahead. Juggling creative ideas and an insatiable appetite to achieve. To find success.The elevator door opened up. I walked down the short hallway and entered a security code into the wall panel, unlocking the door to the memory unit.In some ways, I unlocked the door to another world and a new perspective on the nature of joy.Meaning in an imperfect worldAuthor Iddo Landau has written a book titledFinding Meaning in an Imperfect World.Landau argues that people misunderstand what a meaningful life truly is.Some people have a tendency to fall into despair. They observe the vastness of the universe and conclude that their lives are inconsequential. Others compare their lives to famous people and figure they failed to achieve much.The mistake people make, according to Landau, is that a meaningful life need not be a perfect life. People fail to see the value in ordinary life.Illustrations by John Weiss.Our culture of celeb rity worship and wealth aufmerksamkeit doesnt help. We dismiss ordinary achievements, like planting a beautiful garden or volunteering in a soup kitchen. Compared to Martin Luther Kings achievements, or Gandhis life, such everyday endeavors seem small.A recentreviewof Landaus book in the Wall Street Journal asks the following questionDoes the life of a child with Down syndrome have less value than the life of a healthy child? Is a retail clerk leading a less meaningful life than, say, Elon Musk? A perfectionist would have to say yes and yes. But Mr. Landau wisely points out that its cruel and misguided to hold ourselves or others to this standard for meaning because it neglects each lifes inherent worth.The Wall Street Journals review ends with Landaus point that we should not beat ourselves up for failing to attain lofty goals. Rather, we should celebrate the value of an ordinary life well lived. In the same way you dont have to become a monk or nun to be a good Christian, you dont have to be a Shakespeare or Rockefeller to lead a good life.The allure of perfectionismEntering the memory unit, I was immediately face the face with a resident well call Helen. Helen doesnt speak a word, but her eyes beam with a kind of inner radiance. I have never seen her without a smile on her face.Helen ambled forward and gave me her customary hug. Everyone in Helens orbit receives a hug. Despite the fog of dimentia, she has descended into, she appears to be in a perpetual state of joy.Im aware that Helen is not who she used to be. No doubt, her family mourns the loss of who she was. Yet, I cant help but smile at her gentleness and tender happiness.Helens presence seems to soothe the confusion and untethered feelings that other residents face.My mother takes it all in stride. She enjoys the unexpected visits to her room from fellow residents. During one visit, a gentleman in a wheelchair rolled into her room. He smiled and proceeded to tell Mom all about his days of cattle rus tling. Then, with a wave, he trundled off down the hallway.Folks in the memory unit are well past lifes earlier struggles. They no longer compete for promotions, money and status. Apart from bits of memory here and there, they live mostly in the moment.The memory unit is another world. There is music, good food, laughter and games. Sometimes there is fear, but mostly the residents have returned to a childlike state.Visiting my mother and the residents in the memory unit, I had an epiphany. We dont need fame and fortune to feel joy. We make life harder than it has to be.Just as Iddo Landaus book,Finding Meaning in an Imperfect World,points out,a valuable life doesnt have to be a perfect life.Consider Helen, in the memory care unit. We lament the dementia that has blurred her reality, but for all we know, she may be happier than we are. She is no longer troubled by notions of success, or keeping up with the Joneses.As children, we live more in the moment. We play happily with other ki ds on the playground. We arent concerned with looks, position and possessions. We appreciate the simplest of lifes pleasures, like cupcakes, birthday parties and summer vacations.In childhood, the allure of perfectionism is forestalled. Temporarily, anyway. But before long, adolescence comes along, and we cave in to all those pressing concerns about looks, status, popularity, etc.It only gets worse in adulthood. We pretend not to care, but we do. Its only when sickness, old age or impending death come knocking, that we figure out whats really important. Namely, the simple joys of daily living. A nice cup of coffee. A good book. An unexpected visit from a good friend.The satisfaction of themindA buddy of mine invited me to a mens coffee group. We meet three times a week in the early morning to discuss life, current events and personal observations.At 52 years old, Im the baby in the group. Most of the guys are in their seventies. Youd think a bunch of old guys would talk about health issues, but surprisingly, our conversations have been varied and enlightening.Beyond talk of family and current events, these guys share experiences from their present and past. Im impressed by how well travelled several of them are, and what they learned from their experiences.My father always told me to take the time to talk with older folks. Ask them questions, hed say, and learn from their wisdom.Society today celebrates youth and beauty, but the langerzhlung statesman Cicero had this adviceGreat deeds are not done by strength or speed or physique They are the products of thought, and character, and judgment.In contrast to todays fixation on beauty, youth, and perfection, Cicero offered the following wisdomWhen its campaigns of sex, ambition, rivalry, quarreling, and all other passions are ended, the human spirit returns to live within itself and is well off.Then Cicero added this last bitThe satisfaction of the mind are greater than all the rest.You neverrestSuccess.com publis hed a helpful article titled9 Reasons Why Perfectionism is a Bad Thing.Heres what they came up withYou are never doneYou are stressed and discontentYou dont take risksYour creativity is suffocatedYou strive to keep everyone happyYoure highly critical of othersYou cant delegateYou personalize everythingYou never restI can definitely relate to number nine, You never rest. My creative compulsions and desire to achieve, grow and succeed are relentless. Not to mention, exhausting. Every time I push the envelope to be perfect in one area of my life, another area invariably suffers.The self-help gurus and personal growth experts, however well-intentioned, dont help. They tell me to get up insanely early, read thousands of books a week, take cold showers, declutter, and hack every facet of my life. Then Ill be perfect and happy.Yeah, sure. Except, that level of self-absorption would leave precious little time for the important stuff. Like long talks over coffee with my wife. Or killing an e ntire Saturday reading a Jim Harrison novel, slowly, because I like the way he writes. Or binge watching mindless episodes ofThe Flashwith my son.Sometimes, the time wasters in life are more important than we realize. My son is more likely to remember our day ofFlashepisodes over some viral article I wrote.Maybe the perfection gurus should revisit number one You are never done. In other words, it never ends.Maybe a touch of imperfection, here and there, is how we keep sane?Writer Jessica Stillman, inInc.com, had this to say about perfectionismThe consequences of this incessant sense of failure and worry are grim. Being this sort ofperfectionistcan contribute to serious health problems, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, fatigue and even early mortality. Or in other words, you can stress yourself into an early grave.Perfectionism isnt all bad if you approach it properly. Setting high personal standards and working toward goals in a pro-active manner is a good thing.Givi ng your best effort is fine. The problem is when you take it too far. When you become neurotic and endlessly obsessed.Writer Jennifer Kromberg, inPsychologytoday.com, wrote the followingbeing a perfectionist isnt about things being perfect its about thinking thingsneedto be perfect and vigilantly pursuing it. Emotionally, this means that instead of living your life in a place of self-acceptance,perfectionistsare on a continual treadmill chasing the elusive feeling of having everything in their lives be right.Perfectionism has to be managed. If you get carried away with it, youll probably burn out. So much of life comes down to balance and moderation.Our souls atnightA few years ago, I was prowling the fiction aisle of a bookstore when I discovered Kent Harufs splendid, spare novel,Our Souls at Night.The novel is about Addie Moore and Louis Waters, a widow and widower. Each knew the others spouse, and they lived next door to each other. They come together, platonically at first, to o vercome mutual loneliness. To get through the nights.The novel examines themes of aging, second chances, and whats truly important in life. It was made into a decent movie, staring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. Heres the trailer for the filmTheres a scene in the book when Addie says the following to LouisI do love this physical world. I love this physical life with you. And the air and the country. The backyard, the gravel in the back alley. The grass. The cool nights. Lying in bed talking with you in the dark.Just two elderly people who discover they are still able to grow and learn. No need for perfectionism. No need for life hacks, recommended reading lists or early morning routines.The pleasures and rhythms of everyday life are enough.Every time I visit my mother in the memory unit, and every time Helen gives me a quiet hug, I remember to slow down.I try to let go of perfectionism. I embrace the joys of daily life. And I repeat this little mantra to myselfLife as it is, isenoug h.Before yougoIm John P. Weiss, fine artist and writer. Get on my free schmelzglas listhereto receive the latest artwork and writing.This article first appeared on Medium.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

100+ icebreaker questions for interviews + beyond

100+ icebreaker questions for interviews + beyond100+ icebreaker questions for interviews + beyondWhat welchesyourfirst AOL screen name?Networking with a group of strangers is so easy, said (alfruchtwein) nobody ever. In fact, finding commonalities with an entirely new group of people with fresh nametags stuck to their lapels can be a real challenge. Enter icebreaker questions.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraIcebreaker questions are more than small talk. These are targeted questions that usually require a moment of pause to consider- and answer. Typically, icebreakers yield entertaining and interesting answers. The goal of icebreaker questions is to loosen up a group of people- so that they can get comfortable talking to each other. Since we are all about expanding oursoft skill sets, likecommunication, we decided to put together a list of icebreaker questions- and we got a litt le carried away.Delight your audience at your next meeting, networking event, or family gathering by preparing a few icebreaker questions to get conversations rolling Here are 100+ icebreaker questions. Lets get to bondingPro-tipThe right icebreaker questions can be great for interviews. However, since there are manyillegal interview questions, make sure that youare not crossing dangerous boundaries. Questions around age, gender, religion, or race are illegal. Make sure your icebreaker questions are not inappropriate in an interview setting. If there is any doubt, stay away from icebreaker questions during an interview.EXPERIENCE ICEBREAKER QUESTIONSHow many states have you been to?What was the name of your first pet?Whats the longest flight youve ever taken?Whats your favorite family tradition, past or present?Whats the longest distance youve ever walked/run?What is the best trip you ever took and why?What was the first record you ever bought?What color was your childhood bedroom?W hats the scariest ride youve ever been on?Who was your role model as a kid and why?When did you first feel like an adult?What is the last natural body of water you swam in?What was the hardest class you ever took?Whats a fact about you that nobody would guess?Whats the worst misspelling of your name youve ever seen?What was the first concert you went to?What was the last concert you went to?Where is the strangest place youve ever fallen asleep?Do you have any strange or regional names for things where you come from?PERSONALITY ICEBREAKER QUESTIONSIf you had to create a slogan for your life, what would it be?What was your childhood nickname?What is the last show you binge-watched?Whats something that everyone else seems to love- that you dont understand?If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?What three words describe you best?What always makes you laugh?Whats your first memory as a child?What is the best piece of advice youve ever received?Do you collect a nything?What celebrities share your birthday?When was the last time you turned your phone off or left it at home?What was the first thing you remember saving up money to buy on your own?What three words would your best friend use to describe you?When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?What is the scariest fear youve ever conquered?What physical thing (hurricanes, bugs, heights) scares you the most?Would you rather have a small dinner fete with your 5 closest friends or a giant party with everyone you know and love?Do you love or hate surprises?Whats the best gift youve ever given to someone?What quality about yourself would you like to pass on to your child?THEORETICAL ICEBREAKER QUESTIONSIf you could invite three people to dinner- living, dead, fictional, or real- who would they be?If you had a paid year off work, how would you spend it?What does your perfect ice cream sundae look like?If you could read one book over and over for the rest of your life, what wo uld it be?If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible?If you could travel to any time period (backward or forward) where would you go?If you were an animal, what would you be and why?If you could guest star on any television show, what would it be? Who would you play?If you could instantly learn any skill, what would it be?If you were an Olympic athlete, what would be your sport?If you could (safely) visit any planet, which would it be?If you could commission any artist (living or dead) to create art for you, who would you choose?FAVORITE THINGS QUESTIONSWhat are your top three favorite songs ever?Whats your favorite movie and why?What is your favorite television show and why?What is your favorite way to unwind?What is your favorite book that was read to you as a child?What is your favorite book you read in school?What is your favorite book as an adult?What is your favorite cuisine?Who is your favorite comedia n?Whats your favorite sports team?Whats your favorite cereal?What was your favorite Halloween costume you ever wore?Whos your most/least favorite Disney princess? We know you have one.Whats your favorite comfort food?Who is your favorite actor/actress?THIS OR THAT QUESTIONSDeep sea or outer space?The Beach Boys or The Beatles?Hogwarts or Middle Earth?Thunderstorms scary or thrilling?Spring, summer, fall, or winter?Salty or sweet?Yoga or running?Coffee or tea?Cat or dog?Day or night?Pancakes or waffles?Rain or snow?Train or plane?Ski, snowboard, or surf?Beach or mountain?Cook a meal or clean up after a meal?Hamburgers or hot dogs?Friends or Seinfeld?Steve Urkel or Kimmy Gibler?Chocolate or vanilla?Water or milk?Breakfast or dinner?Comedy or drama?Hot or cold?Halloween or 4th of July?PHILOSOPHICAL QUESTIONSWhat would you like to be known for?What do you think is the greatest invention in your lifetime?What is one life lesson you will never forget?Whats your personal heaven?What are yo ur parents best qualities?What, in your opinion, is a fundamental characteristic of a good person?Do you believe in luck?What do you think dreams are?There are now 25 hours in a day- how do you spend the extra hour?What was the best part of your day today?What is typically your favorite part of a day off from work?Do you have any great icebreaker questions you like to use?Let us knowand well add them to the listThis article first appeared on Careercontessa.com.