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Matt Crossman
What Is the Best Time to Go to Sleep?

I once conducted an experiment for SUCCESS magazine about getting up early. Every day for a month, I woke up at 4:30 a.m. intent to spend the “extra” time working on something I’ve always wanted to do but never had time for. 

I’ve done many experiential and/or stunt stories; this one was the worst, by far. I never got used to getting up at 4:30 a.m. Nor did I get used to going to bed at 8:30 p.m. I felt awful the whole month. It was drudgery. By the end, I drifted along as if in a fog.

After a lifetime of being bombarded with bromides about the value of getting up early, I never understood why I failed to adjust. I went through a similar, unintentional stretch this summer in which I repeatedly woke up at around 5 a.m. I walked through those days as if my head was full of cotton. Now, after spending the summer trying to improve my sleep, I finally get it: I am genetically predisposed not to be able to get up that early. 

That sounds like an excuse my kids would make up when they don’t want to get out of bed for school. But it’s not. If you’ve struggled with when to get up and when to go to bed, it’s possible you are fighting against your genes, much like I was.

“Everybody—every human on Earth—has a genetic, predetermined bedtime and wake-up time,” says Dr. Michael Breus (“The Sleep Doctor”), an author, speaker, clinical psychologist and fellow of The American Academy of Sleep Medicine. “It’s called your chronotype.”

That might be an unfamiliar term, but it’s a familiar concept. Early birds don’t go to bed early and night owls stay up late just because they want to. They have to, in a sense. Researchers believe as many as nine genes determine your chronotype. In his book The Power of When, Breus broke chronotypes down into four categories and prescribed ideal bedtimes and wake-up times for each:

  • Lions: Conventionally known as early birds, they are what Ben Franklin had in mind when he said “early to bed, early to rise.” Ideal sleep schedule: 10:30 p.m. to 5:30-6 a.m.
  • Bears: More people are bears than any other chronotype. They are why culture follows the schedule it does. Ideal sleep schedule: 11 p.m.-12 a.m. to 7 a.m.
  • Wolves: Commonly called night owls, they are creative extroverts. Ideal sleep schedule: midnight to 7 a.m.
  • Dolphins: Insomniacs and/or light sleepers who wake up feeling unrested. Ideal sleep schedule: 11:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

You probably can figure which one you are based on examining your life and comparing it to Breus’s descriptions. You could also take an online quiz or a genetics test. Breus also suggests asking your parents when they go to bed. 

As a solopreneur, you probably work from home and set your own schedule. Breus strongly encourages you to take advantage of that in determining when you go to bed and when you wake up. Set your sleep schedule according to your own biology, not what the culture demands. Put another way, if you struggle getting up early and you don’t have to, then don’t.

Not everyone can pick their own wake-up time. If you have a required wake-up time, your lights out, eyes-closed bedtime should be seven to nine hours before it. Whatever bedtime you pick—or whatever bedtime picks you—rule No. 1 is following it as best as you can. Go to sleep at the same time and wake up at the same time, even on the weekends. The wake-up time is especially important, Breus says, because it resets your circadian rhythm every day. 

“Regularity is king,” says Matthew Walker, a professor of neuroscience and psychology at UC Berkeley, the director of the Center for Human Sleep Science, and author of Why We Sleep, in a MasterClass video. “And it will anchor your sleep and improve the quantity and quality of that sleep.”

And an increase in the quantity and quality of your sleep will make your life better. In a TEDx talk, Breus told a story about a patient named Kate who was an extreme wolf. Her inability to adjust to a “normal” schedule hurt her personally and professionally. Like me during my 4:30 experiment, she was always exhausted. Breus prescribed a novel experiment—the reverse of mine: With approval from her family and boss, she adjusted her sleep schedule to 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. Her mood and work performance improved markedly.

Although most people won’t need such extreme changes, Breus says lining up your sleep schedule with your chronotype will yield results. “If you can follow those guidelines, life gets so much easier because your body knows what to do and when to do it,” Breus says.

Slowly but surely, I learned that this summer as I focused on improving my sleep. I used an Oura ring, a wearable device that analyzed my sleep patterns to determine the best bedtime for me (9:15 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.) and then encouraged me via push notification two hours before to hit that bedtime. 

I looked back at two months’ worth of my best sleep scores (80 or better, 18 times). In all but three, I fell asleep within the 9:15 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. parameter, and two of the misses were within four minutes (10:16 and 10:19; the other was 10:38). 

I also looked back at two months’ worth of my worst scores (70 or lower, 15 times). I hit my bedtime only four of those times. My big misses were often because travel made me late getting to bed. But sometimes, for no real reason, I stayed up late. I paid for it with poor sleep, which occasionally chased me for days in the form of low energy and sour moods.

As I learned to intentionally hit that bedtime, it became first a routine and then a necessity. Now it’s almost like I have to go to bed in that window. My body demands it. My sweet spot seems to have narrowed to 9:45 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. I’m still working on the ideal wake-up time. But I know for sure when it’s not: 4:30.

Photo by David Prado Perucha


Matt Crossman is a writer based in St. Louis. He writes about sports, travel, adventure and professional development. Email him at [email protected]


Pilate Wheels Review
The Pilates Wheel Review 2021 • Consumer Report! • Is it a Scam?

Pilate Wheels Review

The Pilates Wheel is a portable device you can use for your Pilates workout anywhere and anytime you choose.

If you think it’s not possible to make Pilates exercises more fun than they already are, the Pilates wheel is going to make you reconsider.

The ingenuity applied by its creator, Kristin Anderson, and her cofounder, Brain Abercrombie in producing a portable device capable of supporting all the movements of machine Pilates is amazing.

If, like me, you don’t have access to a fitness gym or the room and money to purchase and store a machine Pilates equipment, the Pilates wheel is a perfect choice for weight loss exercises.

Amazing reviews from Customers in 2021- Find out what they said!

Tini-  “I wanted to take a moment and say THANK YOU for creating a great piece of equipment! I could not wait to roll out (pun intended) the Wheel! It has received positive reviews in the short time I have had it. I am INCREDIBLY picky about the equipment I invest in.”

Michael K.- “It took me a bit to get the hang of it. I’m used to the reformer, but once I did, it was great! Super close to a reformer with seemingly more muscles involved in some ways because of the control of the wheel. Super fun.”

Kelly.- “I’ve had mine for a week and love it. I took reformer classes for over a year but just couldn’t afford them anymore. This is perfect for an in-home reformer experience. The videos are well done also”.

Sheila.- I love mine! I decided to take my “bigger” machine out last night since it has something similar to a jump board and it was a pain to put together. I like the convenience of the Pilates wheel. I can take it anywhere, it does not use a lot of space”.

Kay Talk.- “For years my Pilates Trainer has been urging me to get a Reformer at home. We truly have no place for one, except the living room. We cannot store one under a bed because our beds are: one platform and two with built-in storage drawers. Enter The Pilates Wheel. I found it easy to put together and easy to put out of the way, even into my car when guests come, because it is lightweight. The instruction videos start very basic and progress onward. I’ll have to hide it when young children are visiting, it is an attractive nuisance to kids, and I do not want them hurt or my Wheel abused. It won’t do the routines for me but following the videos persistently will benefit me and keep me toned, balanced, and strong when my trainer is away”.

Click Here to Know More Pilates Wheel Customer Reviews.

What is The Pilates Wheel DLX?

Pilate Wheels Review

There are two versions of Pilates wheels available for purchase. The Pilates wheel COR (Centre Of the Room) and the Pilates wheel DLX (Deluxe). The COR version supports all the basic Pilates exercises you need to go through your fundamentals.

After mastering the basic Pilates workouts, you will need to support your device with an anchor. This is where the Pilates wheel DLX comes in. The Pilates wheel DLX adds an anchor system you can attach under a door (that closes towards you) or any heavy object to give a complete reformer feel.

 

The Pilates wheel DLX breaks down the Reformer and Cadillac to their fundamental components. Along with very a handy collection of resistance bands and hub rotating with smoother bearings, this potable device also packs;

  • 2-foot loops.
  • 2 handles.
  • Access to online instruction comprising of 15 thoroughly featured routines. With the options to live and on-demand classes.
  • A balance anchor
  • A nutrition guide
  • 2 anchor extenders

How does The Pilates Wheel work?

Pilate Wheels Review

The wheel is shipped together with helpful instructions that guide you through the simple steps to assemble it. The whole process takes a few minutes to complete. You also gain access to over 200 streaming classes.

The classes are hosted on the manufacturer’s website and YouTube, eliminating the need to search endlessly for instruction materials.

The Pilates wheel takes aspects of the reformer and Cadillac and simplifies them into a piece of equipment that is only 24” wide. The wheels have a 14” and are connected by a light foot bar when in use.

Both wheels rotate around a hub and allow you to raise or lower the foot bar just as you can on a traditional machine Pilates.

The addition of straps, foot loops, handles, and an anchor system increase the variety of body movement possible. The Pilates wheel is great for people who want to lose weight, keep a fit body, or work on their posture.

Why is The Pilates Wheel Effective?

The Pilates wheel captures all the capabilities of machine Pilates in a way that makes it possible for anyone to use it.

Its designers took aspects of the Reformer and Cadillac, boiled them down to their basic components, and created a portable piece of equipment.

There are fun ways to do everything. You can easily access instruction videos for any exercise on the Pilates wheel and work out anywhere you like. The Pilates wheel is completely adjustable and portable.

Click Here to Know More About Pilates Wheel.

What are the accessories in The Pilates Wheel?

The Pilates wheel makes it possible for you to work on your strength and movement. Purchasing a Pilates wheel gives you access to a complete system at a fraction of the cost and effort.

The equipment ships with functional accessories that support your Pilates workout needs, including:

  • Resistance bands.
  • Bar.
  • Handles.
  • Foot loops
  • Anchor straps.
  • Anchor extenders.
  • Balance staff.
  • Access to online instruction.
  • Nutrition guide.

Click Here to Get Pilates Wheel at a Discounted Price.

What is AeroPilates Reformer?

Pilate Wheels Review

The AeroPilates reformer is a version of the machine Pilates Reformer apparatus available for purchase. Reformers are among the seven classes of apparatus introduced by Joseph Pilates, developer of the Contrology system of exercises (an initial name for the Pilates workouts) designed to accelerate the effect of the mat method of increasing core strength. Apart from the Reformer, Joseph Pilates also introduced the Spine Corrector, Wunda Chair, High “Electric” Chair, Ladder Barrel, Cadillac, and Pedi-Pole. Each of these machines was designed to engage specific muscles while exercising the body.

The AeroPilates was designed to perform the movements of a Reformer.

Pilates Wheel VS AeroPilates Reformer?

Pilate Wheels Review

Some important considerations to make before choosing to go for either of the two are cost, portability, and ease of use.

Cost

If you are working with a tight budget, this is an easy choice to make. By comparison, the Aero Pilates Reformer is almost 3 times the price of the Pilates wheel.

Portability

The Pilates Wheel and AeroPilates Reformer are both arguably portable. However, the share size and bulk of the AeroPilates Reformer make it cumbersome to carry around or even store.

On the other hand, the Pilates wheel was designed for portability. You don’t always get the opportunity to tuck Pilates equipment under the sofa. You can start with a Pilates wheel. The wheels, bars, and resistance cords will fit neatly into your gym bag.

Ease of Use

This is another important consideration. Both devices are shipped with guides and several video classes to learn from. They also equally provide vibrant online communities and the support you need throughout your Pilates journey.

What is the cost of The Pilates Wheel and Aero Pilates Reformer?

The Pilates Wheel and AeroPilates reformer have different price tags. While the Aero Pilates Reformer can be described as bulky and expensive equipment, The Pilates Wheel is portable and affordable.

  • AeroPilates Reformer starts at $699.99.
  • Pilates Wheel costs $204.96 for the COR package and $264.96 for the DLX package.

Click Here to Get Pilates Wheel & Aero-Pilates Reformer at a Discounted Price.

Conclusion: Is The Pilates Wheel right for you?

Uninhibited access to all the things that help you improve your wellbeing and happiness is a vital component of modern life. The ordinary machine Pilates is bulky, complex, and expensive equipment that requires great effort to maintain.

Thankfully, the Pilates wheel’s creators’ modern and user-friendly approach has helped to address these concerns. The light and quieter modern design is an amazing feature, whether starting from the fundamentals of a Pilates workout routine or keeping your fitness as a seasoned athlete.

Related Topic: Bowflex Max Trainer M7 Review: Features, Program, Pros, and Cons

The Pilates Wheel ​​Reviews FAQ

Q: Is The Pilates Wheel safe to use?

The Pilates wheel is capable of functioning well on any surface. You can safely practice your Pilates exercises in any room without having to be within a studio or gym environment.

Q: What is the use of the resistance bands in the Pilates Wheel?

The resistance bands are important components of the Pilates Wheel. They make it possible to incorporate certain movements necessary for a variety of Pilates exercises.

Pilate Wheels Review

Q: Can I buy The Pilates Wheel and AeroPilates Reformer on Amazon or Walmart?

Yes, the Pilates Wheel and AeroPilates reformers are both available on Amazon and Walmart.

Q: Is The Pilates Wheel a scam?

The Pilates wheel was launched in 2018 after a successful Kickstarter campaign. Today, it boasts of a vibrant community of users with very favorable reviews.

Q: How much does it cost?

The Pilates Wheel is an affordable fitness device. The exact cost of purchasing one is, however, dependent on the version you opt for.

  • Pilates Wheel COR sells for $204.96 on Amazon and other retail stores.
  • Pilates Wheel DLX sells for $264.96 on Amazon and other retail stores.

The Pilates wheel team gives you the option to make 4 convenient payments of $49.99 for the COR package or $64.99 for the DLX package when you buy from their company website. You also get to enjoy their free shipping and 30-day trial policy.

Q: How long does it take to ship?

The Pilates Wheel is shipped like any other product available on Amazon or Walmart. Its portable and light design also minimizes any damage that may be caused in transit.

Click Here to Get Pilates Wheel & Aero-Pilates Reformer at a Discounted Price.

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Author: John V

John is an avid researcher and is deeply passionate about health and outdoor activities. When he’s not working, he writes research and review articles by doing a thorough analysis on the products based on personal experience, user reviews and feedbacks from forums, quora, reddit, trustpilot amongst others.

Have Great Day Everyday
Would You Like to Have a Great Day Every Day?

Have Great Day EverydayPin

Would you like to enjoy your day?

Would you like to have a wonderful day?

Would you like to have a good day at work?

You probably think that it’s impossible to expect having a great day, every day, but it’s possible, achievable and doable, even if you live a busy daily life.

Why?

Because it’s all up to you. Therefore, enjoying your day is possible and within your reach.

Envision a Great DayPinPin

Positive Thinking

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“Having a good day is not a miracle, it happens because you envision it ahead in your mind.” – Dorina Sasson

How to Have a Good Day

So, you want to make your day a good day. Here are the steps to turn your day into a wonderful day.

Step 1 – Become aware of the way you start your day

You need to be aware of the way you start your day.

I have prepared a few questions to ask yourself. These questions, and your answers, would make you realize how you start your day, and how to make it better.

If you change the way you start your day, you would be able to alter the course of your day, and have a great day, despite obstacles and problems you might face.

Question no. 1 – When do you wake up in the morning?

  • Do you wake up at the last minute in the morning, preparing yourself for the new day in a hurry and absentmindedly?
  • Or do you give yourself some time to prepare yourself for the new day, even if you have young children?

If you realize that you wake up at the last minute, and do everything in a hurry, then gradually change it.

Tomorrow morning, get up 10 minutes earlier, and after a few days, get up 15 minutes earlier.

Waking up earlier than you usually do, would give you ample time to prepare for the day calmly and with no hurry and tension.

You can also give yourself some quality time in the morning, when waking a little earlier.

This will reduce the morning stress, and help you start your day feeling calm and relaxed.

Question no. 2 – How do you begin your day?

Are you tired, stressed and impatient in the morning, or do you wake up feeling calm, happy and motivated to begin your new day?

If you stay awake late at night, watching an meaningless program on TV, you’ll wake up tired and grumpy.

Therefore, I highly recommend you to make the right choice, and prefer a good night’s sleep, over any useless activity.

This will give you the inner strength to begin your day energized, and fully capable of doing your best during the day.

Question no. 3 – What type of thoughts fill your mind in the morning?

  • Do negative thoughts about the day occupy your mind?
  • Do you expect unpleasant things to happen?
  • Are you afraid that you might not succeed to carry out all your plans and obligations for the day?

Or maybe you think positively about the new day:

  • Do you have positive thoughts about your new day?
  • Do you expect to have a great day, even if you might encounter unpleasant situations.
  • Are you are determined to enjoy your day, even if things wouldn’t turn out exactly as you have planned, and people might be displeased with you?

It’s important to display a positive attitude during the day, no matter what you encounter.

I will not go into detail here, on how to adopt a positive attitude to life. However, I wish to say a few words about it.

Positive thinking is an optimistic state of mind, which sees the bright side both in positive and negative situations.

This attitude focuses on looking for solutions, rather than dwelling on problems and difficulties.

Positive thinking is a mental attitude that highlights the good and constructive in life, rather than emphasizing the negative.

Positive thinking is about BELIEVING IN YOURSELF.

And most important, it is about NOT GIVING UP, but going on, until reaching your goal.

I am not living in a fool’s paradise, expecting everything to turn out exactly as we plan.

I am very much aware of unexpected “surprises” we all encounter in the morning, and all along the day.

The purpose of step 1 is to make you aware of the way you start your day.

It also makes you realize what type of thoughts fill your mind as you wake up, and whether you expect your day to be a big flop, or you plan to make it a good day.

Positive thinking is an attitude you must learn and adopt.

the most beautiful dayPin

Step 2 – Count Your Blessings often, and Acknowledge that You Are Very Fortunate

After waking up in the morning, remain in bed for a few minutes, and count your blessings silently in your mind, or audibly, if you wish.

You can prepare a list ahead, and read it often, during the day.

Repeat your blessings slowly and attentively, not in a hurry and absentmindedly, otherwise they’ll have no impact on your inner being.

Counting your blessings is a wonderful way to make a positive impact on your day, because:

  • This step will uplift your spirit.
  • It will make you realize how many great things you have in your life.
  • It will make you care less about what people say.
  • This action would inspire you to deal confidently with any problem that might arise.
  • It will increase your ability to enjoy your day, rather than become stressed and unhappy.

We all have ups and downs in life. We might have difficulties, broken family ties, a demanding boss, stressful co-workers, and so on.

Yet, we MUST look for the silver lining, rather than focus on the difficulties.

So, start looking for the good things you have in your life, and count your blessings.

When counting your blessings, do not underestimate “small” things. You are lucky to have them.

Here is a short list of good things you have in your life, for which you should be grateful.

  1. You woke up and you are breathing – be grateful.
  2. You get out of bed by yourself, and can take care of yourself – it’s a fantastic day.
  3. You have one or more family member who loves you – Halleluiah.
  4. You have a working place to go to, and it pays your bills and mortgage – It’s excellent.
  5. You have love in your life, a wife/husband/ cute dog/ any pet – you are very fortunate.
  6. You have a roof above your head – it’s wonderful.
  7. You have a friend who cares for you, and you can call him or her any time you want, and have a heart to heart talk. – You are very fortunate.

And so on…

Make yourself a list, and count your many times a day.

I would like to reiterate and emphasize:
When counting your blessings, do not underestimate the “small” things you have in your life. You are very blessed to have them.

Your attitude Affects Your DayPin

“The type of attitude you choose to embrace, will determine the type of day you’ll have.” – Dorina Sasson

Step 3 – Imagine in Your Mind the Great Day You Are about to Have

You can set the course of your day, by planning and expecting a fantastic day.

You can make a decision not to allow obstacles, arguments, or difficulties you might encounter, to spoil your mood and your positive attitude.

Here is how to do it:

At night, while lying in bed, before falling asleep, imagine how wonderful your day is going to be.

In your imagination, see how everything is turning out okay, with joy and satisfaction.

This is just like daydreaming. Imagine a happy and satisfying day, and expect it to be as you have imagined it.

During the day, carry in your mind the mental image you have created, even though you might face obstacles or difficulties.

Holding in your mind a mental scene of success and happiness, would help you maintain calmness and a positive attitude, despite any unpleasant issues you might encounter.

We don’t live in a “perfect” world, where everything turns out exactly as we want. Most of us have a busy life with stressful situations, maybe an annoying boss, and multiple tasks we have to carry out each day.

The purpose of this step is to keep carrying in your mind the positive image of having a good day, rather than thinking on the negative issues you have encountered.

Step 4 – Repeat Affirmations about the great day you’re going to have today.

What are affirmations?

Affirmations are positive statements that describe in a few words the goal we wish to achieve.

When affirmations are repeated frequently, with intent and attention, they make a strong impact on our subconscious mind, and prompt it to help us get what we want.

Affirmations are powerful words, which motivate and help us achieve what we want in life.

Affirmations Are Seeds of SuccessPin

“Affirmations are small seeds of success that you plant in your mind.” – Remez Sasson

Why You Need to Affirm?

  • When you repeat affirmations often, you engrave them on your subconscious mind.
  • Repeating affirmations frequently, with positive feelings and a strong belief, motivates you to overcome obstacles, look for solutions and achieve your goals.
  • Affirmations motivate and inspire us to take action. They make us aware of opportunities, and help us change our behavior and attitude, in accordance with the words we are repeating.

How to Affirm

  • Affirm only with positive words.
  • Affirm with attention and a strong belief.
  • Affirm anytime, anywhere, and as many times as you want.
  • You can affirm silently or audibly. However, hearing yourself affirming, makes a stronger impact on your mind, than affirming silently.
  • It is most important to affirm in the evening before going to sleep, and in the morning as you wake up.
AffirmationsPin

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Here is a list of great affirmation for having a wonderful day:

  1. Good morning world. Today is a wonderful day. I’m smiling, I’m energetic, and I’m happy.
  2. I’m having a wonderful day today.
  3. Today is an amazing day, full of joy and positive outcomes.
  4. I choose to be content and feel satisfied under all circumstances.
  5. I am happy and satisfied with my life.
  6. Tranquility is my constant inner feeling.
  7. I am content with myself.
  8. There is always a positive and bright side to everything that happens.
  9. I am thanking the omnipotent power of the Universe for the great day I’m having.
  10. Day by day, my feelings of happiness and satisfaction are increasing.
  11. I see the positive and bright side in everything I do and experience.
  12. Today, I experience feelings of joy and contentment.
  13. I love and appreciate myself.
  14. I feel good about myself.
  15. I choose to love myself and live in peace with myself.
  16. I think positive thoughts about myself.
  17. I am beautiful, smart and talented.

Affirmations to repeat, when encountering an unpleasant situation:

  1. I am aware of the difficulty I am experiencing, and choose to take care of my physical and mental health, and remain calm, poised and smart.
  2. I am choosing inner peace and tranquility under all circumstances.
  3. My physical and mental health is my priority.
  4. I am taking good care of myself.
  5. What people think of me is none of my business. I’m smart, talented and content with myself.
  6. I love and appreciate myself, and I am proud of myself in every situation.

Have a Good Day Quotes

Read the following quotes often. These quotes will fill your heart with positive feelings, and help you understand that having a good day is entirely up to you, even if your road of life gets bumpy from time to time.

1. “Every day is a good day; some are just a little better than others”.” – Jeff Garthwaite

Envision a Great DayPinPin

2. “Having a good day is not a miracle. It happens because you envision it ahead in your mind.” – Dorina Sasson

3. “I wake up every day and I think, ‘I’m breathing! It’s a good day.’” – Eve Ensler

4. “Every day should be a good day. People fool themselves that they’ll be here forever.” –Stephen A. Schwarzman

5. “I hope everyone that is reading this is having a really good day. And if you are not, just know that in every new minute that passes, you have an opportunity to change that.” – Gillian Anderson

6. “Every single day is a good day, no matter how bright or dark it is, because it always brings an opportunity to start a positive beginning in your life.” – Edmond Mbiaka

7. “Every day is a good day to be alive, whether the sun’s shining or not.” – Marty Robbins

Read the above ‘have a great day quotes’ and make them part of your life.

Related: Have a Good Day Quotes to Make Every Day Great

Tips to Have a Wonderful Day

Here are tips to help you have a wonderful and fantastic day.

  1. At night, when lying in bed, tell yourself a few times, how good it is to wake up early in the morning, relaxed and with positive thoughts.
  2. Focus on enjoying your day. Don’t anticipate unpleasant events.
  3. Trust yourself, no matter what people say, and believe that you can do anything you want, easily and successfully.
  4. Read a few inspiring quotes before you go to work. This always improves the mood and the way we feel.
  5. Find a quote you love, and write it down on your cellphone, then look at it from time to time.
  6. Expect a lovely day, a beautiful day, a day filled with pleasant surprises.
  7. Put a smile on your face from time to time. You will feel better, and people will treat you nicer if you smile.
  8. Listen less to the news, and more to your favorite music.

Have an awesome day my dear reader.

About the Author
Dorina Sasson has been trained in Louise L. Hay’s teacher training course, and is a certified teacher for “You can heal your life” study course, and “Love yourself, heal your life” workshop.

Lydia Sweatt
How to Overcome Self-Doubt and Become the Hero of Your Story

Have you ever felt like you weren’t good enough? That no matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t silence the negative self-talk that stops you from chasing your dreams? You might experience imposter syndrome, a nagging feeling that makes you doubt your abilities. Escaping that mind state isn’t easy, but millions of people have done it—and so can you. It starts with identifying who you want to be and letting go of the perfectionism crippling your journey.

In this episode of Brilliant Thoughts, SUCCESS People Editor Tristan Ahumada talks to Lisa Bilyeu, co-founder of Quest Nutrition and host of the Women of Impact show, about overcoming self-doubt. She and her husband, Tom, recently sold Quest Nutrition for $1 billion. Before that, Bilyeu overcame self-doubt to help grow the company and find her purpose.

You don’t reach success until you become the hero of your life. That’s what Bilyeu believes, and she made it a reality in three steps.

1. Envision your best self.

Bilyeu says all personal growth starts with one question: What does my best, most powerful self look like? It’s a challenging question because you can’t use someone else as a reference point. It’s not as simple as responding, “I want to be exactly like my mentor or an entrepreneur on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.” Upgrading your life is a deeply personal task. Every little tweak should be intentional enough to move you in the right direction.

Instead of modeling your life after someone else’s, identify what makes other people successful. Is it their confidence that propels them forward? Do they have more discipline than the average person? Whatever those superpowers are, write them down. Keep the list close by so that each day you can work on adopting those traits. 

In the meantime, be patient with yourself. It can take years to identify all the changes you need to make and master new habits. No matter what happens, know that each failure—and they’re bound to happen—isn’t the end of the world. You still have time to correct those mistakes and get better each day.

“Even if you want to be a nicer person—let’s just say that to keep it easy—you don’t wake up, and all of a sudden, you’re nicer,” Bilyeu says. “It takes time, effort and energy from repetitiveness to become that.”

2. Stop chasing perfection.

Did you know that perfectionism has more to do with ego than wanting everything to be perfect? Most people know that life has its flaws. But the ego has a self-serving agenda and tries to convince us otherwise. It pushes us to believe that if we try a little harder, everything can be perfect.

It’s impossible to grow with this mindset, especially when you’re facing self-doubt. The good news? Bilyeu says you can beat perfectionism with flexibility. When she’s facing a difficult challenge, reframing the situation quells those rigid, unproductive thoughts.

“I [went] from spending two days feeling bad about myself, letting a negative voice come in and hold me back, to the point where now, in real-time, I can say, ‘How do I want to respond to this based on the person I want to be?’” Bilyeu says.

Here are four steps to reach that point:

  1. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Real growth happens when you’re pushed outside of your comfort zone.
  2. Have a learner’s mindset. Take some pressure off of yourself by admitting that you don’t have all the answers. If you’re feeling like an imposter in a room of experts, ask questions. Give yourself permission to grow.
  3. Don’t create deadlines for your growth. Becoming your best self doesn’t need to happen by a specific date. It’s a lifelong process, so focus on the journey, not the destination.

3. Manage your emotions.

Before you get stuck in feelings of self-doubt, try to regulate those emotions. When Bilyeu started helping her husband with Quest Nutrition, she constantly asked herself one question: “What are the things I need to do right now to show up?” That often meant speaking up in meetings, even when she was immobilized by fear.

“I found being in those meetings extremely detrimental to my self-esteem…. You’re in a room full of people, and you have no idea what they’re talking about, and I felt bad about myself,” Bilyeu says. “Then I said, ‘Ok, you have a choice. You can keep coming into this room feeling bad about yourself, you can stop coming into this room or you can admit that they’ve got 15 years on you, and now you can start putting your head down and learning instead of focusing on the emotion you feel badly about.’”

Another part of emotional regulation is taking care of yourself. No matter how busy you are as an entrepreneur, eating well and exercising are two ways to stay in control of your emotions. It’s hard to make good decisions when tired or hungry, so creating healthy routines is vital. Bilyeu likes to lift weights in the morning (after resting well), and she’s mindful of how certain foods affect her body. 

Everyone has different needs, though. Be sure to learn your body so you can have an emotionally successful day, stay in control and slowly conquer the self-doubt that’s holding you back.


Lydia Sweatt is a freelance writer, bookworm, and bass guitar enthusiast. When she goes outside, a bicycle goes with her.


Top 10 Places to buy Pre-Owned Hermès Birkin bags
Top 10 Places to Buy Pre-Owned Hermès Birkin Bags

Top 10 Places to buy Pre-Owned Hermès Birkin bags

So you’ve seen the work of an iconic beauty that is a Hermes Birkin or Kelly purse and you’ve decided you have one. But where do you actually start?

There are a number of elements to consider, like the sort of leather you choose for your bag, the shape and size you need, craftsmanship stitching and style, and the Hermès boutique’s extensive waiting lists. Each of these considerations can influence your decision to buy a new or used Hermès bag.

In recent years, the market status for used Hermès bags has skyrocketed, and for good reason.

Because of the long lines sold at Hermès boutiques, many ladies are resorting to antique Hermes Birkin and Kelly bags. However, they choose secondhand Hermès bags for several reasons.

What is an Hermès Birkins bag and Why is it expensive?

What is an Hermès Birkins bag and Why is it expensive?Photo: editorialist.com

Hermès’s Birkin bag (or simply Birkin) is a line of tote bags.

The Birkin bag is named after the English actress and singer Jane Birkin. Due to its exorbitant price and long waiting lists, the bag immediately became a symbol of wealth and exclusivity when it was first introduced in the 1980s.

Birkins are among the most popular and rarest items among collectors.  The bag is sold from its purposefully high price, which has earned it the moniker “Veblen excellent.”

How Hermès Birkin bags are born?

The bag’s origins can be traced back to an actress named, Jane Birkin. The English actress was seated next to Jean Louis Dumas, the chief executive of Hermès, on a trip from Paris to London.

Jean Louis Dumas was noted for always having a wicker basket with her, which she used for anything from groceries to diapers. The lid of her famous basket slipped off when she tried to put it into the overhead compartment, spilling the contents all over the place. Jane lamented to her seatmate that she couldn’t find a weekend bag that she liked.

Dumas introduced himself as the head of Hermès, and the two spent the flight on the back of an aircraft sick bag sketching prospective handbag ideas. Jane was given the Birkin bag by Jean Louis Dumas a year later, a roomy yet stylish leather design suited for everyday usage.

How can Hermès Birkin be so rare?

Hermès sets a limit on how many Birkin bags are sold to a customer yearly. This commitment to maintaining the bag’s exclusivity has paid off, as the gap in demand and access has resulted in a thriving resale market.

The bag is being sold at an expensive value is due to its limited availability, which is another factor. The total number of Birkin bags produced by Hermès each year is a closely guarded secret, but it’s thought to be approximately 200,000. Birkin bags are also sold in high demand among premium resale buyers.

Here are the places where you can buy a Pre-Owned Hermès Birkin bag:

① Collector Square

Collector Square has over 700 Hermès resale bags, which are inspected and authenticated by their expert Jérôme Lalande after being meticulously picked for their impeccable condition and desirability. Jérôme Lalande is known for his knowledge of all Hermès and exquisite leather goods, across all brands. He has been a Hermès employee for over two decades.

Collector SquarePhoto: collectorsquare.com

② Farfetch

Farfetch is a British-Portuguese online grandeur fashion retailer with over 700 stores and brands from across the world. José Neves, a Portuguese entrepreneur, started the company in 2007. It has offices in London, Porto, Guimares, Braga, Lisbon, New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, So Paulo, and Dubai.

FarfetchPhoto: farfetch.com

③ Madison Avenue

President James Madison was the inspiration for the street’s name. Madison Avenue’s overall success has been linked to its affluence in the sale advertising sector over the years. Madison Avenue has been regarded as a shopping destination for the world’s elite. It is well-known for its elegant clothing and jewelry.

Madison AvenuePhoto: madisonavenuebid.org

④ Leprix

LePrix is the only marketplace where many luxury businesses can buy and sell authentic coveted products. LePrix Wholesale (B2B) is the world’s largest and most trusted online Wholesale network for businesses to connect with worldwide suppliers, curated by the world’s best luxury specialists.

LeprixPhoto: leprix.com

⑤ L’ecrin Boutique

Maison L’ecrin Group manages L’ecrin Boutique Tokyo and L’ecrin Boutique Singapore at Palais Renaissance. Is a business that only deals with Hermès items. As a specialist company, they strive to earn and preserve the confidence and loyalty of each customer by utilizing extensive knowledge and extensive experience.

LecrinPhoto: lecrin. sg

⑥ Guiltless

Guiltless is a high-end extravagant reseller of preloved and off-season designer purses, shoes, accessories, jewelry, watches, and lifestyle materials. The term implies that both buyers and sellers would have a guilt-free experience. Because secondhand buying is still frowned upon in Asia, the premium shopping experience allows customers to search guilt-free.

GuiltlessPhoto: igafencu.com

⑦ What Goes Around Comes Around

The world-famous vintage retailer first opened its doors in Soho, New York, in 1993. It has since expanded its offerings to include the internet. The site debuted in 2016 with an online-only collection. WGACA has also partnered with physical stores around the world, such as Hong Kong’s Lane Crawford and Japan’s Barneys.

WGACAPhoto: whatgoesaroundnyc.com

⑧ Bagista

Bagista, a luxury business founded in Chiswick in 2014 and relocated to Chelsea a few years ago, is one of London’s leading resellers of second-hand luxury handbag brands.

Bagista meticulously curates its inventory to provide an eclectic mix of one-of-a-kind, vintage, contemporary, and classic pieces for you to purchase, sell, or swap. Celine, Prada, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci are among the brands represented. Each item is carefully evaluated for fake items and rigorously inspected for quality and authenticity before being shown in-store on its online web page.

BagistaPhoto: bagista.co.uk

⑨ Sellier Knightsbridge

The luxury consignment store and online platform for preloved luxury fashion bring together reputable re-sellers and a discerning clientele.

With famous followers like Millie Mackintosh and Nicola Hughes, Sellier has exclusive access to prized products like Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags. You can also promote items with Selliers.

Sellier KnightsbridgePhoto: sellierknightsbridge.com

With repeated lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic causing havoc, the founders decided to launch an online page platform to support their brick-and-mortar store during the closures, making it even easier for us to stick to our one-in-one-out new year’s wardrobe resolution – buy a new bag, sell an old one, and help make the fashion industry a little bit more sustainable.

⑩ Christie’s

Christie’s handbags and accessories auctions feature rare and unique pieces from the world’s most prestigious fashion houses, including Chanel, Gucci, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton. Explore this season’s deals now to find that sought item that fits your style, from vintage to contemporary.

Christies'sPhoto: christies.com

Along with Christie’s regular live auctions in Hong Kong, London, New York, and Paris, Christie’s Private Sales offers select collector works for quick purchase all year.

Their international team of experts is available to provide free and discreet appraisals of individual works or collections, as well as to explore private selling opportunities.

Tips in buying a Hermès Birkin Bags

Now that you are ready to start shopping for your first Hermès handbag and have a clear idea of how you want to buy it, you decided to have pre-owned bags. However, you need to check for fake ones so that you will obtain a legit, high-quality handbag, and one that complements your clothing! Here are a few pointers to assist you in doing so.

👜Condition of Hermes Birkin bags

While looking for an Hermès bag, many ladies turn to the second-hand market for a better deal, and the condition is the most important factor to consider when looking at used Hermès bags.

👜Color of your Hermès birkin bag

Many first-time buyers will stick to colors that go with everything in their clothing, such as black, beige, gold, or blue. However, one of the characteristics that distinguish Hermès brands is the large selection of colors available, many of which are unique to Hermès.

A black Birkin may be practical for your clothing, but a bright pink or red purse will stick out more and be harder to find elsewhere. If you choose to upgrade in the future, it will also maintain its status for longer.

👜Leather/ Skin of chosen Hermès Birkin bags

When purchasing a Hermès bag, it is important to understand your leathers. Each leather has its own distinct properties with various straps that each necessitates varying levels of care.

Clemence and Togo are two ordinary types of leather that have been textured to protect them from scratches and general wear and tear. Exotic skins like crocodile, alligator, lizard, snake, and ostrich require a lot of upkeep, but they’re worth it.

FAQs

How much is a Hermès Birkin bag?

Depending on the size and leather, the value of buying a Birkin is always increasing. For example, the Togo B35 is the same value as last year at $12,100, while prices for signature models made of the same leather have climbed by over 5%.

In the United States, the unshakeable traditional Togo B30 sold at $10,900, while the smallest member of the family, the Togo B25, costs $9,850.

The official price of the Birkin bags initially sold at $9250 and goes up to $13,200 depending on the type of calfskin used.

How Much is A Hermès Kelly?

The renowned Kelly, named after the Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, is another legendary Hermès model.

This purse is not only a sign of status and elegance but also a sound investment.

Kelly bags have increased in value by over 1000 percent in 70 years, and the cost of rare models made of ostrich leather is now extremely expensive.

However, we’re searching for something more grounded, such as classic Togo leather. This year, Hermès increased the value of the Retourne Kelly 25 centimeter model by more than 11%, bringing the official total to $9,350.

Again, its worth is largely determined by the leather used; for example, the price of a Sellier Kelly 28cm made of Epsom leather has climbed by about 3% and currently costs $10,700.

How much is the Cheapest Hermès Bag?

There are several affordable Hermès purses if you aren’t looking for a Birkin or a Kelly, but want to get your first elegant Hermès bag. Of course, they’d be made of basic leather and canvas, but it’s a major step toward creating a one-of-a-kind high-end line to be worn.

Let us introduce you to a wonderful Hermès Zip Herbag if you’re not willing to spend a fortune on a premium item merely to put it on the shelf.

It appears to be a Kelly bag’s younger sister. The purse’s body is always constructed of canvas, which makes it lightweight and durable.

The bag’s top handles, straps, and flap are all made of leather. The purse can be used regularly without fear of harming the valuable material. Herbag was created for everyday usage, unlike Kelly and Birkin, which are more collector’s versions.

On the Hermès website, the official retail value is $2,600.

How Much Is The Most Expensive Hermès Bag: Hermès Himalaya Cost?

In 2016, Hermès smashed the global record for the most expensive bag ever produced. At Christie’s auction, Himalaya Birkin 30 was sold for a whopping $300,168. So, what made it so unique?

The exotic leather comes first. It is made of extremely rare white Niloticus Crocodile hide with delicate natural color gradation. The bag’s smoky grey sides fade into a pearly white center reminiscent of the Himalayas.

Second, the hardware is expensive. It has diamond parts and decorations, as well as 18k white gold hardware.

However, a year later, this record was broken by a Hermès Birkin of a similar design. When an unnamed customer paid nearly $380,000 for the Himalaya Birkin, it was once again declared the most expensive handbag in history.

What Is the Cheapest Hermès Item You Can Buy?

Hermès, although being a high-end company with a high reputation and even greater pricing, yet has a wide range of affordable things.

Hermès does not require you to be Kim Kardashian nor to have a flight to Paris to shop. Apart from the fine and glamorous features of Birkin bags, ostrich wallets, and diamond purses, the design brand also produces home materials including interior textiles, towels, kitchenware materials, and lipsticks.

A bar soap, sold at $24, is the cheapest item on the Hermès website.

That’s a great option if you’re starving for something with the name ‘Hermès’ and comes in the classic orange box!

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Author: DLM Editor

Life tips and life hacks for happiness and prosperity.

Albert Einstein Quotes
42 of the Most Amazing Albert Einstein Quotes

Albert Einstein QuotesPin

Albert Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist, widely acknowledged to be one of the greatest physicists of all time.

Einstein is known for developing the theory of relativity, but he also made important contributions to the development of the theory of quantum mechanics. He is recognized around the world as one of the most intelligent minds ever.

Albert Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist, one of the greatest physicists of all time.

Einstein is known for developing the theory of relativity and making important contributions to the development of the theory of quantum mechanics.

Inspiring Albert Einstein Quotes

“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

Fear or stupidity has always been the basis of most human actions.”

“I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.”

“Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value.”

“No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.”

“A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness.”

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.”

“Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former.”

“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.”

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

“Imagination is the highest form of research.” – Albert Einstein
It is through the imagination that we invent new ideas and new theories. We can use the imagination to build new theories, and then work to prove them in the physical world.

“Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them.”

“I believe in intuitions and inspirations. I sometimes feel that I am right. I do not know that I am.”

More of the Best of Albert Einstein Quotes

“He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.”

“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”

“Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.”

“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?”

“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.”

“A happy man is too satisfied with the present to dwell too much on the future.” Albert Einstein
If you are satisfied and happy, you focus on the present, because you enjoy it. You do not feel the need to escape to the future by dwelling on it.

“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”

“The only thing more dangerous than ignorance is arrogance.”

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

“The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science.”

Albert Einstein Quotes about Life and Success

“The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer somebody else up.”

“The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.”

“Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts.”

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.”

“The man who regards his own life and that of his fellow creatures as meaningless is not merely unfortunate but almost disqualified for life.”

“Success comes from curiosity, concentration, perseverance and self-criticism.”

“Excellence is doing a common thing in an uncommon way.”

“A new type of thinking is essential if mankind is to survive and move toward higher levels.”

“Three rules of work: Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”

“Although I am a typical loner in my daily life, my awareness of belonging to the invisible community of those who strive for truth, beauty, and justice has prevented me from feelings of isolation.”

“The human spirit must prevail over technology.”

“The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.”

Short Albert Einstein Quotes

“Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.”

“Where there’s a will there’s a way.” – Albert Einstein
If you give up you get nowhere. If your will and desire are strong, you will always find a way to solve a problem, change your life, or achieve success.

“Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.”

“You can’t blame gravity for falling in love.”

“The only source of knowledge is experience.”

“I never think of the future – it comes soon enough.”

Albert Einstein Quotes

Quotes Directory> >> Albert Einstein Quotes

Debbie Biery
All You Have Is This Moment—How Will You Choose to Spend It?

My son, Jeffrey, came to visit me in Bellingham, Washington recently. We relaxed and connected and explored. We talked and didn’t talk. We ate good food and just enjoyed each other’s presence. 

What we didn’t do—what I see families so often do—is spend so much time living in the past that we forgot to enjoy the moment right in front of us. I get it. Being a parent of an adult child comes with reminiscing. You see the little characteristics that only a parent can see and it reminds you of the 5-year-old child they were seemingly only moments ago. Reminiscing is harmless until it isn’t—until it robs you of the very different but equally beautiful relationship you’re forming as two adults. Capturing these moments takes practice.  

Mindfulness has many names, but for this piece of the puzzle, I call it the moment mindset. The moment mindset empowers me—and you—to reclaim the seemingly small things and understand how they add up to big things. In each and every moment, we have the opportunity to choose: we can choose to receive joy or embrace negativity. We can choose to assume good intentions over bad. We can compliment ourselves instead of allowing negative thoughts free room and board. And every time you choose positivity and kindness and connection, you tell yourself that you’re worth it. Do that a hundred times, a thousand times, and you have a life filled with positive memories. 

These are some tips that worked for me. 

1. Recognize and log the times when you’re not in the moment. 

I always thought I was an in-the-moment person until I started tracking my thoughts and the times they wander from the present. It’s not that I often ruminate or wish time would move faster; it’s simply that I’m somewhere other than here. That’s not inherently unhealthy, but it doesn’t allow for presence of mind and over time, it becomes habitual. It allows us to trick ourselves into thinking that the past or future was or will be somehow better than the moment we’re in now. As you can imagine, that can wreak all sorts of havoc on your sense of peace and contentment. 

2. Begin to identify patterns and cues. 

Don’t think of your thoughts-logging task as a way to list all the things you’re doing wrong. The goal here is to identify patterns and cues for the times we stray from the present. Let’s give an example. If you notice that you think about a particularly sad holiday past every time you drink a cup of peppermint tea, you’ve identified a cue. Our senses can trigger powerful memories in ways that our brains can’t on their own. 

3. Gently correct course. 

There isn’t anything wrong with thinking about a less-than-stellar holiday. We all have painful memories, and without them, we wouldn’t truly appreciate and understand the power of joy. But if that memory robs you of the joy of this moment, it isn’t serving you. This isn’t about negative reinforcement. Mindfulness isn’t about judging ourselves for the thoughts we have or trying to stop the thought from appearing in the first place (that’s impossible, anyway). It’s about noticing the thought, separating ourselves from it and gently guiding our conscious back to the present. It’s going to be work, but it will be worth it. 

4. Carve out time for mindfulness. 

I love working out. I love the feeling of being absolutely exhausted after a workout. But I also know how crucial it is to work out my mindfulness muscle. There are lots of tools and techniques out there. For me, the Calm app works wonders because it’s ready whenever I need it and helps guide me through a mindfulness meditation. Sometimes I just need to press the reset button, so I step away for a quick five-minute guided meditation. Other times, I need a “full-body workout” and spend a good 25 minutes going through a stress-relief meditation. It’s hard at first, and you’ll find your thoughts wandering approximately every .02 seconds, and that’s normal. You don’t run a marathon in a day, and you don’t achieve mindfulness in a day either. 

5. Express gratitude often. 

I love a good sticky note reminder. It’s such a simple way to gently bring myself out of whatever train of thoughts has my attention. On my bathroom mirror, I might write “60.” Whenever I see it, I’m reminded that I have 60 seconds right now that I will never get back. I can choose to spend them however I want to. It’s innocuous on its own and it doesn’t pass judgment or give commands. It’s just a way to gently guide myself back to this moment and find gratitude for my life exactly as it is. 

As a planner, I love to think about and plan for the future. I have big goals that I plan on absolutely crushing this year and every year after that. I built my career on helping other people make a plan to crush their goals. The moment mindset isn’t about taking away from your plans for the future, it’s about celebrating the wonderful life you have now while planning to make it even better in the future. 

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With more than 20 years of experience in the real estate industry and a certified life coach, Debbie Biery is a firm believer in the power of communication, authenticity and self-awareness. She combines that experience with a desire to serve others and empower them to be the best version of themselves by helping them embrace failure and choose each moment as an opportunity for change and growth.

How CRM Increases Productivity In A Newly Formed Team
How CRM Increases Productivity In A Newly Formed Team

Most of you will probably have no idea what CRM is. CRM stands for customer relationship management. CRM is a technology that organizes and controls company customer connection, relation, communication, and exchange. This interaction controls and conditions the success of your business.

Like any other management, CRM also needs deep investigation and criteria choice. Moreover, you and your company should compromise to collaborate to make the whole thing work. Improved customer company relationships can open new collaboration opportunities and increase incomes.

Why CRM?

Customers are the most valuable patrons for business growth. Working constantly on developing the relationship between the enterprise and the client is the assurance of the company’s accomplishment. So why CRM?

Here are the reasons why CRM is so important:

CRM system keeps your leads and contacts controlled and arranged – this is a technique to systematize your clients. It is your choice how you do it. You decide the benchmarks.

However, if there is a doubt on how to do it, you can divide them into loyal audiences. New audiences organize your contacts according to their functions. For instance, you can catalog your contacts as customers, potential customers, suppliers, partners, and more.

You are in charge of your company and customer interaction – Your customers demand attention. Feeling neglected can make them uncomfortable. With a correct CRM, you can have contented clients and calm mundane.

An example of individualized attention towards the customers is a personalized email. CRM helps you get systematized information about your clients and use this information for the company’s sake.

How can CRM increase your Team productivity?

CRM is not only a customer relationship regulator. It also affects the team that accomplishes the task. The organization should be realistic. Coordinated teamwork will help achieve the goals in an optimal extent of time.

Here are some tips on how to increase team productivity:

1. Give a chance to smartphones and back-office

Smartphones are an essential part of the daily routine of any person. Your team is not an exception. Thus make their working perspectives more comfortable and give them quick and real-time access to the platforms. Once you have made your CRM mobile-friendly add a back office with essential tools, you can be sure that your team will be more productive with these tools.

2. Split the tasks

An effective CRM Management consists of dividing the tasks according to the operations. Your employees will have more specific tasks to complete. If a chore is clear-cut, it will be fulfilled faster.

3. Let the right person hold the fort

Making decisions is probably the most responsible part of the job. Find a professional who will be capable of guiding your team and make quick but astute decisions. Companies that trusted MBA admissions consulting professionals have better achievements than teams that chose without considering the decision-making capabilities of the leader.

4. Hit the nail on the head with reports!

CRM reports are standard. However, depending on your application or the platform you use, these reports can differ. Hit the nail with correct and appropriate reports.

Here are some reporting strategies you may consider:

    •  Pipeline report (includes sales funnel report and developmental report)
    • Sales achievement and activity report:
      by customers;
      by owners; or
      by sources, etc…
    • Report on goals (achieved, not achieved, future goals)
    • Your goals are likely to be achieved if you get into an even more detailed reporting system.CRM reports administer information about referrals, visits, refusals, website popularity, and more.

Benefits of CRM

We just talked about the team productivity increase by using CRM. There are more benefits, thus, to consider. Here are some of them:

1. Increase income

CRM helps you to classify your customers, suppliers, partners according to the chosen criteria. What does it give the company? Easy! It helps you to go directly to the most profitable clients, potential partners, and product suppliers.

2. Reduce expenses

If not for CRM, you will need your team to invert the process of customer selection, classification, and creation of an individual plan. All this work supposes the time and money that you save with a correct CRM process.

3. Satisfied customers

We all are customers at some point, and we like to be treated individually. It isn’t very respectful to feel like one of a bunch. However, a personalized email, a call make you feel more comfortable with the company and use their services instead of another one.

4. Collaboration and coordination

Having an organized list of contacts helps you find the most optimal collaboration and cooperation plans. There is a cataloged list of potential partners or the most loyal partners according to the collaboration history. CRM also helps to coordinate plans, projects, and preferences.

5. Data analysis

By starting a CRM, you also start data analysis. You can have plenty of information about your customers, but the information is useless if you do not access it or cannot access it. CRM gives you access to the reports and information in the database of your company.

6. Better marketing

Marketing is a complex process, and if it is not effective, the business loses in every sector. CRM can find out the past mistakes or wrong marketing efforts and give you tips to optimize future marketing practices.

Potential drawbacks of CRM

We talked a lot about the advantages of customer relationship management. Nevertheless, CRM has some potential drawbacks. Thus which are some disadvantages or issues to consider while talking about CRM.

1. Too broad

CRM does not have a clear-cut distinctive scope. Its extension is hard to define. This issue causes inconvenience with price and time spent on the management.

2. The cost

One of the inconveniences of CRM is the cost. As the scope of customer relationship management is so broad, it isn’t easy to make a budget for it. You can find CRM starting from 15 dollars per user, and it may seem reasonable. However, consider the quality of the management.

3. Bad CRM data can kill your business

Wrong scope or incomplete data and inability to anticipate the information can waste time and money. If the data analysis is not correctly interpreted, the outcome would be fruitless.

4. Difficult to choose

It is not easy to choose which CRM system to use. The market is full of CRM systems offering advertisements. There are hundreds of suppliers. Therefore, the choice should be done with the advice of a professional.

When Should You Start the CRM?

The goal of every business is to move forward. If your business is rising and your customers’ number is growing, it is the moment to consider a CRM. First of all, a CRM will organize your contacts according to the criteria you offer.

Before starting a CRM, you should be aware of some points:

          • Make sure you have the scope of your CRM. Do not waste time and financial resources on something you will not be able to use afterward. Invest in the areas you need or will facilitate your and your customers’ relationship.
          • CRM is not just software; it involves different IT factors.
          • Evolve your whole team in the project. Collaborative work can be a credential for productivity and effectiveness of the goal.
          • Many professionals advise considering a platform instead of a CRM pack.

Once you have decided on these issues, it’s time to start the CRM. Installing and managing CRM will reduce the overwhelmed schedule of your employees. You can guide their attention to fulfilling other activities and tasks.

There will be no need to spend so much time checking customer emails, answering phone calls, or checkup contract conditions as soon as you decide on the CRM type and start the installation, including the whole team in using the CRM. Once they are in, you can measure the productivity of the management.

The CRM process is having personalized interaction with each customer. To process this, your employees (your team) will need some tools. That is why while doing a CRM add all the necessary tools and ITs to facilitate this process.

Conclusion

To sum up, a CRM, in general, is a tool to organize your customers’ information, systematize the data, coordinate this information and create an effective report. Each of your customers can receive a personalized treat, and your marketing management can gain orders and be controlled. CRM offers control of your anterior management data and systematization of your contacts. Your contact information will be cataloged according to the criteria your company needs.

There are some issues to consider, like the scope of the CRM or the cost. However, there is a decision-making component to everything. Being a corporate leader necessitates the ability to make rapid and effective judgments. Some professionals can advise and guide you if you have any doubts.So, don’t waste any time and get started with CRM right away

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Author: Edita Hovhan

Edita Hovhannisyan is a careful and precise content writer, a passionate professor for her students, and a loving mom for her three children. She holds two university degrees. Her degree in English studies at the University of Barcelona and master’s degree in Teacher Training at the same University enhanced her personal and academic skills. Edita contributes articles about education and its methodologies. She is highly interested in new approaches to more effective learning and progress. Her targets are

Offended by What People Say
7 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t be Offended by What People Say

Offended by What People Say Pin

Do you often get offended by what people say about you?

Most people do!

We want people to like us, even people whom we don’t know. This craving to be liked is a strong desire.

However, in reality, it wouldn’t be wise to expect all people to like us all the time.

We dress in a way we believe people will like us, and often do foolish things to be liked, but this does not always work, and then we feel hurt.

There will always be people who will disagree with us, criticize us, and say some not nice about us. This is part of the human nature, and we need to accept it and not let this affect how we feel and how we react.

People love gossip
Most small talk conversations include some gossip about friends, colleagues, family members, or about famous people. But let’s be fair, often, it is not done in order to hurt. It’s due to curiosity.

Taking things personally
If you take too personally what people say to you or about you, you will be unhappy most of the time. That’s foolish. Why should you suffer, if someone said something you didn’t like? Forget it and move on.

You might say it’s impossible to ignore or forget. It’s possible, though this requires some training.

Why do you choose to let other people’s words affect how you feel? Why do you give them this power over you? Why allow others to pull your strings?

You shouldn’t take anything too personally. It’s not worth it.

Here are 7 reasons why shouldn’t worry about what people say to you or about you.

Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Be Offended by What People Say

I would like to point out a few reasons why you shouldn’t dwell on what people say about you. Understanding these reasons would help you stop taking things too personally and worrying about what people say about you.

When you learn to stop being offended, you gain peace of mind and become able to control your reactions and your life.

Emotional DetachmentPinPin

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Stop taking everything too personally and becoming upset by what people say and do.
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1. People don’t always mean what they say

Often, people say something in a jest, or without meaning any harm or criticism.

Sometimes, it is the wrong use of words. At other times, people might hit a weak spot without realizing it. In these instances, anger and resentment are out of place. You just hurt yourself and the relationship with these people if you let anger arise in you.

2. You overhear criticism and assume it’s about you

At times, you might hear people criticizing or making fun of someone, and you wrongly assume that it is about you.

Often, people carry resentful and hard feelings toward others, and spoil relationship, due to wrong assumptions and wrong information. Do you think it’s reasonable?

You should be certain it is about you, instead of starting with negative self-talk, sulking and being resentful.

3. You cannot control what other people think

Realize that you have no control what people think and say, and that’s ridiculous to always strive the be the good boy or good girl in the eyes of other people.

It’s okay to have differences of opinions, different beliefs and different expectations.

4. Criticism is part of human nature

No matter what you do, you will not avoid criticism. There will always be someone who would find fault with you. However, this is not a reason to break relationships.

Even your best friends and the people who love you, might sometimes criticize you. That’s okay, and you need not take it personally.

If you allow yourself to be offended, and keep thinking about their words, you hurt yourself, hurt others, and spoil relationships.

5. Take what people say to you or about you as an opportunity to improve

Sometimes, what others say about you is true, and therefore, getting angry is out of place. Thinking about what they said, and realizing that they are right shows maturity and is a big step toward moving forward and making progress.

Use criticism is a mirror to your weaknesses and negative habits, and as a stepping stone to improve.

6. If you allow yourself to be offended you encourage people to continue offending you

In certain circumstances, feeling offended, and taking things personally, might encourage certain kinds of people to continue badgering you, and even making fun of you.

They interpret your behavior as weakness and vulnerability, and get joy from annoying you. Don’t fall into this trap. Stay calm, do not react angrily, and show maturity and discipline.

If you don’t play their game, they will let you be and stop pestering you.

7. Abstaining from reacting shows inner strength and maturity

Abstain from reacting angrily, conducting negative self-talks, and dwelling on hurt feelings.

You might object and say that’s tough or impossible. Yes, it’s not easy, but absolutely possible with some training.

Here are a few tips:

  • Take a few deep breathes before saying anything.
  • Wait a few seconds before reacting.
  • Delay your reactions for a few seconds.
  • Direct your thoughts to something else, to something funny or entertaining.

If you exhibit some self-discipline and self-control, you show inner strength and maturity, qualities that people respect.

An Effective Tool

If you wish to handle this issue effectively, stop taking things personally, and stop getting offended by what people say, you need to develop a certain degree of emotional detachment.

It is the most effective tool for letting go and becoming free from anything that inhibits you and holds you down.

There are various situations in life, where it is most useful and worthwhile to display emotional detachment.

This is useful when you are in stressful situations, in the company of stressful people, when negative emotions overwhelm you, and when you tend to take things too personally.

In these situations, emotional detachment enables you to stay calm, control negative reactions, and avoid being adversely affected by other people’s moods, anger and state of mind.

Emotional detachment is a most useful tool to free yourself from negative thoughts and negative feelings.

This topic is well handled in the book Emotional Detachment for Happier life.

Emotional DetachmentPinPin

Learn How to Stay Calm and Poised in Stressful Situations

Stop taking everything too personally and becoming upset by what people say and do.
Get the Detachment eBook

Fantasy Football: A New Virtual Game for Everyone
A New Virtual Game for Everyone

Fantasy sports were played by over 45 million adults in the United States in 2019, and their popularity is growing. According to a recent forecast, the global fantasy football business will be valued at over $1 billion by 2026.

Part of that success is down to platforms such as DraftKings, one of the favorite destinations for fantasy football players. They provide gamers and sports enthusiasts with a wide range of game options and stats, research, and guidance, all supported by cutting-edge technology.

If you’ve always wanted to win the Super Bowl or are curious about the fantasy football craze and want to try it out, keep reading.

To play fantasy football, you must first create a virtual roster of real NFL players, which will compete against other people’s rosters for points based on the stats of all players in the real games.

Importantly, it doesn’t matter what the ultimate score is in any of the games; all that matters are the stats for your fantasy team’s individual players. So far, touchdowns and catches have gone nicely. Fumbles and sacks, terrible.

Finally, it’s termed “fantasy” football because the chances of the typical NFL fan becoming a coach and coaching an all-conquering Super Bowl squad is, let’s face it, a pipe dream. Although we all believe we are capable of doing it.

Easy to understand

You don’t have to be a football expert to play fantasy football; in fact, one of the game’s appeals is that it can be played by anyone, regardless of skill level. You only need a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, as well as an internet connection, to get started. If you need assistance or have any questions along the route, there is lots of online information that will explain everything you need to know.

Register your team

First and foremost, you must create an account with a fantasy football platform provider such as DraftKings and name your squad. Follow the on-screen directions to join up and get started.

Fill your roster

After you’ve joined a league, you’ll hold a draft with the other players in that league to select players to fill your team’s roster for the season. Players that aren’t selected in the draft can be added later, but you’ll have to cut others to create room. Remember to draft all of the appropriate positions to have a complete club roster.

Trades

After the draft, the only method to add players to your squad is to trade with another club owner in your league. Trades don’t always have to be a straightforward one-for-one swap; they sometimes involve numerous players, especially when an exceptional player like Patrick Mahomes is involved.

Trading takes time and patience, but it’s also a lot of fun as you assemble your roster, especially if you’re in a friend league. Remember that in normal NFL.com leagues, all trades must be finalized by November 26th or Week 12th.

Pick your team

You select a starting lineup from your player roster each week, which typically includes a quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, a tight end, a kicker, a defense, and a FLEX. In most leagues, the flex player is a running back or wide receiver. However, this varies by league. If you don’t remove injured players or players whose team is on a bye week, you’ll miss out on a chance to score some points.

Point Scoring

Points can be earned on offense, defense, special teams, and kicking, but mistakes can also be costly. Different leagues have different scoring systems, so make sure to look into it before choosing your club. The good news is that you won’t have to do any math because it will be done for you automatically.

Week One

During the NFL season, your fantasy teams compete against each other in the same way that the real teams do. The real-time stats of your chosen players are transformed into those all-important fantasy points when they compete against another squad from your league. It’s as easy as that: the fantasy team with the most points wins the game that week. The goal is to win as many games as possible and advance to the playoffs with your squad.

Week Two and beyond

The following week, you’ll select a team from your roster of players, taking into account injuries, byes, and poor form, and play against another team in your league. Depending on your fantasy league, this will go on until Week 14 or Week 15. The clubs will decide the fantasy playoffs with the best win-loss records. The league champion or Super Bowl winner is determined by who wins the remaining playoff games. This commonly occurs in Week 17.

The Dallas Cowboys take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 9th to kick off the NFL season. If you don’t pick your team at least five minutes before kickoff, no points will be awarded to any players on your roster from those teams.

Fantasy Football can be as complex or as easy as you want it to be, which is one of the reasons it’s such a fun game to play. It’s also a lot of fun. So give it a shot, and I’ll see you in the Super Bowl.