Tuesday 12 December 2017

5 Things You Can Do In Your 10 Minute Pomodoro Break


If you have been wondering how to best utilize your break after a 25 minute Pomodoro session, here is a list of things you can do:

1.   Enjoy a cup of tea, coffee, snack, or a glass of water.
2.   You can invest the 10 minutes to a short session of desk exercise.
3.   A small session of meditation or a yoga Asan.
4.   Enjoy a hand or a neck massage.
5.   Clean up or perform a small organizational chore, something you do not dread or find cumbersome.

Leave your desk or work area, get up and walk around. Allow blood circulation. A short break will be refreshing and stimulates problem-solving creativity. Give your mind rest from tasks at hand. This will rejuvenate you for another Time management Pomodoro session. Let's Go!

I recommend you buy a Pomodoro timer with pre-set time (A perfect gifting idea too). It is available in other colors and different time intervals. You will not need to program it either. The timer has a loud alarm and a red light that will blink when the countdown is finished.

You can click the link provided to buy the timer, it will help me generate a small commission to run this blog page.

I hope you do follow the Pomodoro technique to be more efficient, creative, and make more time for yourself to relax. Let me know the way you use the break time and if it helped you.

Is The Time Management Pomodoro Technique for You?


What is Pomodoro Technique?

You must be wondering what is Pomodoro? The Pomodoro Technique is a well-known time management technique. It is easy to implement and can be used by anyone. You need just a timer, motivation and discipline to start using this technique.

The word ‘Pomodoro’ is Italian for ‘tomato’ even though it has nothing to do with tomatoes; the technique helps you focus on work, facilitates efficiency, inspiration, and productivity. In 1980’s, Francesco Cirillo developed this technique using a kitchen timer in the shape of a tomato.

The technique focuses mainly on break times to increase productivity, efficiency, and focus. Consequently, you should include work tasks along with breaks in your daily work plan.

In this technique, every Pomodoro session is a 25-minute work session, followed by a 5-minute break. After you complete 4 Pomodoros or work sessions, you can take a longer break of 20 to 30 minutes. You can use it to break down larger work sessions into smaller chunks.

I recommend you use the Pomodoro timer (click to buy in another window) to time yourself. They are fun and functional kitchen timer with preset-times in the plastic finish. It is available in various designs. You can use them for cooking, baking or homework help. If you buy using the link provided, it will help me generate some income to run my blog.

What happens in the Pomodoro technique?

When the brain sees a timer ticking, it works with a sense of urgency and a challenge to complete the task within the duration is created, and a reward at the end of the session - a 5-minutes break.

The technique allows two 5-minute breaks with a one-hour duration. This way the brain is trained to work for short intervals and does not get distracted.

Once you begin employing the Pomodoro technique, you will see an increase in your productivity, efficiency, focus, and motivation. Mind and body do not get burned out in this technique.

Who will benefit? Who can implement this technique?

The Pomodoro technique is for everyone who wishes to be productive, including those who procrastinate, cannot work long hours, including those who find it difficult to concentrate or focus.

Everyone can train their mind to work only for 25 minutes and then play hard for the next 5 minutes. You can exercise, play ball, a quick shower, a snack, a cup of tea or coffee, you can even give a nice warm hug to your mum, child, partner or pet.

During the five minutes’ break, any kind of physical activity reduces the chances of obesity that occurs because of sitting. It takes you away from your workstation, takes your mind off work for a short duration which helps refresh and your mind begins to work with the same fervor.

If you are a Student, Parent, a Writer, Lawyer, Developer, Teacher, Director or even a Manager, we all need to work with time rather than against it. It helps eliminate burnout, create a better work-life balance, manage or reduce distractions to achieve the maximum.


With the Pomodoro technique, you will learn to achieve everything you need to each day and save time in the future. To learn more click here to get a book on 'The easy way to do more in less time'.

Saturday 9 December 2017

Oh nothing! Just Hustling in Pursuit of Happiness

Why side hustle?

What’s a Side Hustle?

Everyone hustles (well, almost everyone!), but side hustle? This is new, and not so new. A side hustle may be something you are passionate about or a way to start your future business until it grows. It is a secondary revenue generator for your day job. And, everyone must have a side hustle. 

On weekends, Shawn teaches fitness and build websites. Francis sells vintage video games, he also designs t-shirts. I work as a part-time freelance writer for the internet. Even senior executives in a corporate, side hustle. Today, many of them consider one side income stream while staying in their corporate jobs.

How does a side hustle help?

Irrespective of how much you make a side hustle helps:
  • Reduce stress
  • Gives a sense of freedom
  • Make you happier (well in comparison to your job, I mean).
  • Generate revenue - Anything can be a side hustle if you plan well; they may be low maintenance but high revenue generators.
  • Hedge against uncertainties - Today, few jobs are available for an ever-growing population. Globally, the job competition is getting difficult and positions are harder to find. Side hustle works as a perfect backup plan.
  • Learn a new skill - Most entrepreneurial side hustles are an effective way to learn new skills.
  • Start and build a new network outside your existing network.
  • Brings exposure to a newer range of ideas makes you resilient and valuable to others over a period.
It helps build a strong personal brand. People with a side hustle come are across as innovative and ambitious, a leadership quality.

What can you do for a side hustle?

You can do anything for a side hustle.
  • Start and run a website, a blog site, social community, eBook etc.
  • If you have a skill, make use of it and build something of your own.
  • Consulting
  • Coaching
  • Creating a product or service
  • Speaking
Start slow and small. Work on it little by little and it will grow into something significant. For that, you must actually do it. Many side hustles can never be full-time jobs or entrepreneurial ventures.

Oh yes! Do not quit your day job. You cannot lose the goose laying the golden egg, it is your main source of income. Not every side hustle may work out as a full-time entrepreneurial venture. While some experiments may take off.
For instance, Pat Flynn, a successful blogger, and podcaster wrote about his optimistic future after being laid off. He had something to fall back on; his first e-book was a hit and brought in $7900/- that month. 
Companies often restrict their employees to work outside their full-time job. This was the reason I never thought of a side hustle. Many workplaces have comparable stipulations. You must ensure you are not breaking any contracts or rules with your current employer.

Why you must side hustle?

Here are my reasons. When I lost my job in 2007, I had no options to fall back upon (come to think of it, nor did my dad when he lost too.) At work, the young and smart had diverse skill sets and a likely side hustle. I realize it’s good to have options, though you love your job. One colleague had a Great Dane with plans to set up dog breeding as a side hustle which could earn him at least $1000.
A side hustle inculcates some new skills and enhances your outlook. It will earn you financial independence through small business. If you don’t have a side hustle, take some time to yourself. One weekend, just do something you love. You can maintain it if you feel passionate week after week. Moreover, you don’t have to work on it every day or every week, just spend two hours on a Sunday. But just do it because it may teach you something about yourself and makes your life purposeful.

Recommendations:
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one and complete a purchase, I will earn a commission. (Thank you for that!). However, this monetary relationship does not in anyway sway my recommendations, it’s something you should be aware of on this site and others online. As always, you should do your own due diligence before making any purchase decision.

If you really want to know more, I recommend you read this book on how a side hustle can change your lifeHere is another good read to find the quest that will bring purpose to your lifeGet it for yourself or as a gift for someone special and it helps me earn a small commission to run the blog.
So get going and start a side hustle in pursuit of happiness! If I can do it, so can you. Watch out for my next post on side hustle ideas. Good luck till then and tell me if you got a side hustle.

Friday 8 December 2017

34+ Affordable & Thoughtful Gifts for this Festive Season

Affordable gifts for the festive season
We are approaching the holiday season and the focus is on gifts. Gifts are an expression of love. The greatest gift you can give someone is your time. Giving opens the doors to receiving; give love to receive happiness. 
May no gift be too small, nor too simple to receive, which is wrapped in thoughtfulness, and tied with love. – L.O. Baird
Wouldn’t it be better if you give something that did not come from a store? A DIY gift sounds perfect; crafted with love and care. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Wrap fresh homemade or baked items like cookies/ fudge/ jam/ truffles/ granola bars/ chocolate/ pretzels.

2. Donate time/ products/ services to those in need.

3. Wood/ marble serving board/ spice rack/ coasters.

4. Knit/ fabric/ ceramic tile coasters.

5. Handmade fabric scrap keychains or bookmarkers; embellish them with buttons or sequins.

6. Homemade scented candles by recycling graphics designed tea tins.

7. Design a photo book or a decorative photo collage (curate photos from social media).

8. Gift ornaments add colour to brown paper packages.

9. Design a family tree.


11. Create designer hand warmers.

12. Create a life-changing journal/ notebook (De-stress, plan, and manage life).

13. Unique tea/coffee wreath/ Christmas tree.

14. Rock/ Marbles/ Pebbles doormat.

15. Make a crochet scarf.

16. Patchwork throw blankets.

17. Polish old jewellery.

18. Compile a cookbook of their (and your) favourite recipes.

19. Handmade fabric/ felt cell phone holders.

20. Splash neon paint/embroider on a dull umbrella and brighten up the day.

21. Turn a funky placemat into a clutch.

22. Handmade pack of affirmation cards to uplift their spirit.

23. Wellness goodies compile one with bath salts, handmade soap, body butter, and tea.

24. Adorn a leather belt or a classic purse with souvenir pins.

25. Decorate a handbag or a tote bag with charms, fabric tea roses, or decorative rivets.

26. Turn a fancy button or earring into unique jewellery (rings).

27. Stitch a reversible apron.

28. Ornamental bottle stoppers/ Corkscrews (Click the link for ideas).

29. Nail art kit.

30. Designer table runner, you can use any fabric (Click the link).


32. Beads/ thimble necklace.

33. Print designs/ old photographs on printer friendly fabric to design cushions/pillows (Read here how to print).

34. Design kitchen magnets using vintage brooches (Click the link to see how).

Other Ideas (updated 9 January 2018)
35. Happiness Jar (Read how to make Happiness Jar)

36. Nursery pillow

37. Applique work 

38. Make a poncho.

Bonus Tip:
Convert these ideas into a side hustle. Read my post on 65 side hustle ideas and unknown side hustles too.

Recommendation
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one and complete a purchase, I will earn a commission. (Thank you for that!). However, this monetary relationship does not in anyway sway my recommendations, it’s something you should be aware of on this site and others online. As always, you should do your own due diligence before making any purchase decision.

Supplies you may buy to make the gifts:
Mason Jar (for cookies, happiness jar)
Beads
Cotton tote bags (pack of 6)
Corks and bottle stoppers (pack of 30)
Thimble (pack of 10)

Table runner fabric


Charms


Printable fabric


Jewellery Making Kit


River Rocks


These ideas are affordable and guaranteed to please your loved ones. The ideas are endless, so get cracking and shower them with your love.

If you haven't thought of anything yet, these work perfectly as last-minute gifts. I will be updating this list often with more ideas. Which one is your favourite? Any other ideas, share them with me. Enjoy the festive season with loved ones.

Thursday 7 December 2017

Color(s) of the Year 2018 - Let's Paint!

Color of the year 2018
Colors speak louder than words. As we are close to the end of 2017, the ‘green’ mood lingers (the 2017 Pantone Color of the Year). There are many colors to match the general mood – black, burgundy, tan orange, even soot grey. The verdict for the year 2018 is here.

The color corresponds to originality, visionary thinking, and wellness. It represents the future, the imagination, and dreams, while spiritually calming the emotions. Ultraviolet color often relates to the fantasy world with the need to escape from the practicalities of life.

Benjamin Moore sees a warm, seductive tone, and enveloping hue of red, ‘Caliente’ to be precise. As a vibrant, charismatic shade of red, Caliente is strong, radiant and full of energy.

A beautiful warm pink. You can transform the feel of your home with Heart Wood in different ways. It can be calm or cozy, energetic or relaxed.

It is a cool, tranquil, spruce blue inspired by nature. The versatile ‘In the Moment’ is a soothing, restorative combination of blue, gray and green. The color is perfect for interiors and exteriors. In the moment seems the ultimate for traditional, modern, coastal and global decor.

Deep Onyx is a classic and timeless staple. It is a no-fuss shade of black; encourages a “less is more” approach to décor color. You can use it on an accent wall or as an alternative to white paint on doors, trim and cabinets.

Let me know which is your favorite!

Wednesday 6 December 2017

Bag Lucrative Freelance Jobs: Hone Your Writing Skills

Hone Your Writing Skills

Freelancing is making its way as a desirable job for obvious reasons. It offers perks one cannot expect from a regular job. And, presents new avenues for those in need of the exposure.

Budding writers need to struggle for a rewarding freelance writing job. One that showcases and improves their writing abilities while attracting a good pay.

In the beginning, I stumbled upon avenues like online academic writing. I realized ghostwriting, web content writing, press releases are promising options.

Today, I learn every day and inch towards being the best. I look for ways to improve my writing skills by reading. I believe I have a foolproof way to improve writing skills. Here is a step-by-step process, I follow and hope you will find it helpful.

1. Brush Up Your Basics
“Brush up your basics like you do your hair.”
You need to understand the basics of grammar and spelling. Your grammar may be perfect, but it helps if you go back to the basics every now and then.
Learn to write good sentences
Choose flavored words
Write in active voice, avoid passive voice
Avoid fillers, adverbs, and prepositions
Compose smooth transitions and flow

Create a writing structure; it helps organize and channelize creativity. It makes your writing more systematic and comprehensible. You will find, it often helps to create a “zero draft” or ‘brain dump’ before you draft your work.

I agree it will be a terrible piece of work. However, having a draft in the mind is not good enough. Pen it on paper and build a good piece upon it. Edit it to make your piece perfect. It will help de-clutter your brain, lets creativity flow, and enhances your writing.

Online resources like Grammar Girl and Merriam Webster are helpful. If you think a workshop will be helpful, join one. Click the links or search for online workshops or writing workshops near you.

2. Read and Research
“If you don’t have the time to read, then you don’t have the time (or tools) to write. Simple as that.”- Stephen King (American author)
Today, in my free time I read all that I can lay my hands on including books, blogs, and social media posts. Reading adds fuel to fire, nurtures perceptions and gets the creative juices flowing. When I began as an article writer, I did research on relevant topics. Because of my passion for in-depth study, I got academic writing offers by clients.

Research and reading sprees help me when I face difficult or unknown topics. It keeps me updated, introduces me to new writing techniques, styles, and methods. This brings lucrative options and offers to take my writing career forward.

3. Write Regularly
“Write regularly, whether you feel like writing or not, and whether you think what you’re writing is good or not.”- Anne Lamott (American novelist)
Write every day, maybe a blog, a diary, or scribble something even if it looks ‘shit’. You must learn to pour your thoughts on paper and make it a habit. Initially, I found it straining, as I had to force myself to pen a few lines. Sometimes it was difficult when I would search for words and phrases to express myself. This could be due to low vocabulary or because I was not clear headed.

Today, I am incomplete without writing. It has become a habit. Now, I notice an improvement in my writing. Sorry, but there is no shortcut as ‘practice makes man perfect’.

4. Keep Pace with the Times
“Keep pace with the present. Take a trip to the moon. Envision the future.”- Uta Hagen (American actress)
Stay apprise on the current affairs to polish your writing skills. Keep track of what is happening around. Everybody wants to hire someone who is familiar with the trends. ‘Old is gold’, however, if you are not aware of the trends, your content will not be original or innovative.
Update your skills, implement them, and add value. Once you improve your writing skills your content will come across fresh. Learn different writing styles and presentation techniques.

It helps keep track of what the readers like and are likely to accept. You can change your style to attract readers as a freelance writer. People will follow you ‘only’ because of your writing style, your tone, and fresh interesting way of delivering a message.

5. Write a Journal
“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.”- William Wordsworth(Poet)
Yes, keep a ‘writing journal’. Maintain a ‘list of writing topics or ideas’. These can-do wonders to improve your writing skills. Journals are effective means of channeling your thoughts when they clutter your head. You can look back at them when you face a writer's block or are contemplating thoughts and concepts.

Flip through it time and again; it will bring your attention to mistakes and helps you avoid them. List your to-do tasks or references for topics and words to organize your mind. It helps you focus on important tasks.

6. Originality and Innovation
“You were born original, don’t die a copy”- Ben Mikaelsen (Bolivian American writer of children's literature, Touching Spirit Bear)
No content on the internet is 100% original. You may come across content that looks like a copy of something you read elsewhere. The key is to develop your thoughts and ideas. Challenging! Yes, it is. Coming up with fresh and original content is rewarding. This will help you in gaining a good reader base. At the same time, it will land you some lucrative freelance writing jobs.

7. Study the Masters
“Most chess players know, thanks to the study of master games, that two bishops are stronger than two knights or than bishop and knight, though very few know the reason for this advantage and how to turn it to account.”- Richard Reti (Austro-Hungarian, later Czechoslovak chess grandmaster and chess author)
You can learn to write by studying the masters and stealing proven style and technique. Study the magazines and learn to write attention-grabbing headlines. Read children’s books to learn to talk about difficult topics using simple words. Pay attention to words used in reports, reviews, and novels and make a note of them in your journal.

You can also study direct mail and sales copy to polish your persuasive writing skills. Practice empathy in your content by adding some live examples. You can include rich details or borrow authority by including quotes (like I did) and stats. Share information nuggets your readers will love. Nourish your content with ideas, advice, comfort and some inspiration.

8. Expressive Style
“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.”- Rachel Zoe (Fashion designer and editor)
As time flies by you will develop your own unique style. If you follow the golden rules to write better:
Use short and simple sentences for better clarity in writing.
Use simple phrases as it grabs the interest of your reader.
Avoid long and elaborate sentences.
Use words and phrases anyone can recount.
Do not use difficult and flowery (ornamental) words.

Readers find it difficult to comprehend ornamental words. Impress them with short and crisp passage related to the topic. You will create an engaging narrative by telling the reader what you want to tell.

9. Do Not Oversee Editing
Read more, write less.

This is the mantra. For that, you must proofread and edit your content. This will polish and sharpen your writing skills and your piece. You can choose a partner to edit and proofread. A fresh pair of eyes will do good. They can help weed out unnecessary words and phrases that clutter your writing.

You can use Hemingway editor to check the readability score. It helps take care of the passive voice, clear away hard to read sentences and make your writing simpler.

If you can describe something in 20 words instead of 100, do it. Proofread as you write; it is effective in forming sentences. It helps structure your writing better. However, do not forget to edit and proofread after you finish writing. Look for other errors in punctuation or grammar.

If you do not have someone to read, use tools like Grammarly, Ginger, and Slickwrite to double check your content. Have a friend or kid read it to check the flow of your content.

10. Read Out Loud What You Write

Reading what you write will improve your writing skills. "Will Strunk (The Elements of Style) got out of this predicament by a simple trick: he uttered every sentence three times."  This helps in many ways:
Determines whether you have been able to convey your message.
Omit needless words, proofread, and edit content.
Learn to express yourself in a better way.
Identify areas that need improvement.

You will find your content straying and the first draft is very different from the final copy. Reading will help you to identify where you lost track.

Here is the masterly Strunkian elaboration on the nature and beauty of brevity:

Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that the writer make all sentences short or avoid all detail and treat subjects only in outline, but that every word tell.

These are all tried and tested methods to hone your writing skills. Hope you found something for yourself to improve upon. If you follow these ten secret techniques, you will see a marked difference in your work. You have the talent, so get behind your desk and inspire your readers.

Recommendations
You can read these books (click the link for pdf) and diligently apply the lessons you learn from these books.
The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. (Click here to buy)
Bird by Bird: Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott.
The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person's Guide to Writing in the 21st Century by Stephen Pinker.
The Getaway Car: A Practical Memoir About Writing and Life by Ann Patchett

Have you got any other techniques to hone writing skills? Your thoughts and comments matter.

Saturday 2 December 2017

How Can You Discover Your Talent And Purpose In Life?

Discover your talent and life's purpose

How can you discover your talent and purpose in life?

Your talent is God's gift to you, what you do with is your gift back to God. Use your talent as a vehicle in your life, fuel it up with passion where potential is your destination.

The answer to the above question is surely not simple. Let me try to present what I have learned, know, and understand. My advice is:


1.     You have to keep trying, you will never know if you do not try.
2.     Look inwards, asking for advice is good, but listen to your heart and mind. Ignite your talent with primal cues.
3.     If you 'do' (hustle) something, it may or may not click, it may be terrible in the beginning. so, discover what really matters.
4.     Improve on it. Unwrap the gift and unleash the talent, you will see your life's purpose.
No one will lay the path in front of you. It is good if you feel lost sometimes. Go out and get what you want. Nothing is instantaneous, it is about getting a feedback and improving (action), constantly.

You can't just 'think' your way into finding your life's purpose; you have to 'do' your way into it. You must hustle. Look into your heart, listen to it and you will find the true purpose and passion.

Discovering talent + Hustle (Action) + Passion = Life's purpose

It is simple. Discover your talent, nurture it and then apply it in your life. Make your life meaningful.


Discover your life's purpose
  1. As a child, what were you passionate about?
  2. What makes you smile?
  3. Is there anything that makes you forget the world around you?
  4. What makes you feel great?
  5. If you did not work or have a job, how would you occupy yourself? Are you good at something?
  6. Is there any issue closest to your heart?
  7. What topics you repeatedly bring up to talk about with your closest friends or loved ones?
  8. What challenges, difficulties, and hardships have you overcome and how?
  9. Have you created a bucket list?
  10. Do you have a dream and want to pursue?

Write your life's purpose (mission)
When you write your life's mission, here are three questions to help you:

  • What do you want to do?
  • Who do you want to help?
  • What value will you create?
Have I helped you discover your life's purpose? I’d love to hear about your mission. Share with me in the comment section.

-Inspired and Adapted from Arpan Roy's answer to the question on Quora

Freelancers - Who Moved My Cheese?

Freelancers, Who moved my cheese? I am sure you have read the book by Spencer Johnson, if not, click here to read .  Now, back to my b...