Personal Development for the Book Smart

1. If you don’t eat breakfast, make it your first new habit. It doesn’t have to be cold cereal or something prepackaged – try fruit, some quick scrambled eggs, or a bagel with cream cheese – but be sure to take advantage of this meal to start your day with high energy.
2. Try going on a gluten-free or vegan diet for a week to see how you feel. Research shows that over-processed grains tend to impede digestion, so avoid wheat and barley. You might experience a rise in energy levels and overall improved health.
3. Get cooking. Borrow some cook books from your local library, take some webinars, or just try out interesting online recipes. It’s much better for you than eating out.
4. Buy yourself a planner. You’re more likely to remember things if you actually write them down (no, typing doesn’t count). You might even enjoy the opportunity to check off tasks as you complete them – it gives you a sense of accomplishment.
5. Start a garden. If you don’t have a backyard, start it in a window box. Herb gardens are easy and they yield a lot of fresh flavor.
6. Once you have a garden, start composting. Your biodegradable waste products can act as useful fertilizer.
7. Become a volunteer. If you already do this, branch out to another location. You can choose from a wide variety of venues, such as nursing homes, children’s hospitals, animal shelters, soup kitchens, or Parks & Rec programs.
8. Take time every day to do something for yourself. Read for pleasure, make a cup of hot tea and relax, or get some sun on the back deck.
9. Work on your communication skills. There’s always room for improvement, so edit your e-mails for clarity and conciseness.
10. Go to your local home improvement store, pick out some paint chips, and tape them to your kitchen walls. After a week has gone by, choose a color and give the room a new paint job. Spontaneity and change are good for everyone.
11. Go to conferences and listen to lectures to stay current in your field of expertise. No matter how much experience you have, there’s no substitute for knowing what’s new.
12. Take up a new sport. Try free running, disc golf, or rock climbing. You won’t have to invest much in equipment, and the rules are easy, so you can focus on having fun and getting some exercise.
13. Learn a new language. Ancient Greek may be a “dead” language, but many English words are derived from it. Learning about the roots of words can improve your vocabulary and understanding of the English language.
14. Start saving for retirement now. This is one of those things that shouldn’t be procrastinated, no matter how many figures are in your salary.
15. Rearrange the furniture in your home. It’s a quick and easy way to change the scenery and beat boredom.
16. Start doing yoga. If you already do, try power yoga. You’ll get rid of the day’s frustrations, make your muscles happy, and feel more peaceful.
17. Clean out your closet and donate unwanted items to a local charity. You’ll have a lot more space and others will be happy to benefit from your generosity. An added bonus is the excuse to shop for new clothes.
18. Improve your vocabulary. Dictionary.com has a word-of-the-day section (do you know what aeromancy means?) and vocabulary.com has resources and fun daily challenges.
19. Listen to classical music while you work. Try theclassicalstation.org for free online streaming (no matter where you live) and knowledgeable DJs.
20. Become a faster typist. Online typing games are fun and help you improve your skills. You might even get work done faster, leave earlier, and beat the traffic.
21. Join or form a book club. The advantage of forming one is that you get to pick the first book.
22. Start an emergency fund. You never know when you might need a big chunk of change. Even if you never have an emergency, you’ve got another savings account.
23. Stop worrying about what other people think. That’s their business, and your business is being yourself.
24. Go to the nearest aquarium, aviary, or zoo and learn some animal facts. You’ll be surprised at what you didn’t know about giraffe tongues.
25. Stay on top of your oral hygiene. Brush and floss regularly to avoid painful visits to the dentist, and ask your dentist to recommend a toothpaste for your specific needs.
26. Send gifts to people you know. When you’re out shopping and see something that would make a friend smile, buy it and give it anonymously.
27. Improve the quality of the air around you. Get an air filter to keep irritating and potentially harmful particles out of your nose, airways, and lungs.
28. Decide what you want in life and go after it. Don’t be too picky about your choices – you know what you want, so get out there and chase it.
29. Pick up some self-development audio courses and listen to them in the car. Drive time is usually wasted, but it’s easy to make use of it.
30. Learn to play a new instrument. The piano is a great choice because it’s easy to learn, but difficult to master. Piano skills also apply to many other instruments, and you can even take piano lessons online.
31. Become a more informed global citizen: learn the capital of every country, take geography quizzes to fill in blank maps, and learn to match each country to its flag.
32. Enjoy the little things. New office supplies, a different flavor of coffee creamer, or a haircut can do the trick.
33. Clean out your car. Driving to work every morning in a cluttered vehicle is sure to start each day with unnecessary stress.
34. Do one thing every day that scares you. Consistency may be comfortable, but it won’t teach you anything.
35. Compliment other people. You’ll learn to see the best in them, and they’ll appreciate your kindness.
36. Go to a restaurant that serves a type of food you’ve never tried before. Jump in and order something that scares you.
37. Lift weights at least three times a week. You don’t have to join a gym; just buy a dumbbell and switch arms. For bicep curls, four sets of ten is the ideal amount to gain muscle mass.
38. Prioritize your daily tasks. Tackle the most important and difficult ones first, then the ones you don’t like. You’ll feel accomplished, and by the end of the day, you’ll be stress-free and working on easy, enjoyable tasks.
39. Become a mentor. You’re an expert in something that someone else out there wants to learn, so why not volunteer your time and knowledge?
40. Never “talk small” about yourself. Underestimating your abilities is an open invitation for others to do the same.
41. Keep plants indoors at home and at work. They produce extra oxygen, get rid of carbon dioxide waste, and brighten up the room.
42. Get to know your parents. Even though you grew up with them, there are a lot of things about them you don’t know. They’re wise resources, so take advantage of them.
43. Have an opinion. And not just any opinion – be well informed about what’s important to you, don’t apologize for being knowledgeable, and don’t be afraid to tell others what you think.
44. Leave your social networking sites alone for a week. Every time you’re tempted to click, call a friend and schedule some real face time.
45. Neutralize negativity. It’s easy to think you’re being “realistic” when you’re actually a pessimist, so try to see things as being even better than they are. What do you have to lose?
46. Get tasty antioxidants by eating dark chocolate. It has less sugar than most candies and can actually improve your health.
47. Enjoy your body and take good care of it. It’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own.
48. Read a biography of a person you admire. You’ll learn more about why you admire them and get some tips on how to adopt a similar lifestyle.
49. When tackling difficult tasks, divide them into manageable sections. This will make your work seem less overwhelming.
50. Go out to see a jazz band. It’s a beautifully relaxing genre of music that will have you tapping your foot and buying new CDs.
51. Adopt a pet from a local animal shelter. If you already have a pet, teach it a new trick (cats can fetch, too). Pets are great companions and teach you caring skills.
52. Stop buying unhealthy, expensive coffee drinks from the corporate world. Support local coffee shops or make your own, and avoid those flavored syrups.
53. Keep a journal. It’s a healthy outlet for creative ideas, lets you express yourself, and shows you how much goes on in your mind every day.
54. Go camping. If you don’t have a tent, find a friend who does and plan a weekend escape powered by granola bars and beef jerky.
55. Give money away. Sure, it’s important to save money, but it feels great to give. Choose a cause that’s important to you and make consistent donations.
56. Turn off the TV. Why just watch other people doing jobs they enjoy? You could be investing TV time in the interest of getting your dream job.
57. Buy a book on a topic that’s always interested you, but that you’ve never really learned about. There’s no time like the present.
58. Get help when and where you need it. If you’re new to something, chances are that someone you know can help you get started.
59. Take dancing lessons. You never know when you might need to spontaneously ballroom dance for impressive company. Plus, you’ll improve your coordination.
60. Don’t waste your time on jealousy. There’s always someone out there who is better at what you’re doing. Focus on what’s unique and positive about the way you do your job.
61. Drink enough water and eat your fruits and vegetables. Create your own food pyramid based on your specific nutritional needs and stick to it.
62. Finish what you start. If you begin to learn a new skill, re-decorate your bathroom, or even read a book, make sure that it gets done.
63. Take frequent breaks. Once you’ve completed a task, reward yourself with some time away from work.
64. If you’re holding grudges, let go. Forgiving the people around you for petty grievances will go a long way toward improving your outlook on life.
65. Buy tickets to an orchestra concert or opera. This is an experience everyone should have at least once in life.
66. Don’t worry about the future. Worrying is ineffective and can only hurt you.
67. Plan a trip to a foreign country. If life is a book, experiencing only one country is equivalent to reading only one page. Learn about and appreciate other locations and ways of life.
68. Get rid of one credit card. Having too many can spell disaster for your finances, so keep the number at a minimum (1-3).
69. Give aromatherapy a try. It can reduce stress and help prevent colds and other minor health problems. Lavender is a good choice for when you want to calm down.
70. Learn to laugh at yourself. Play Quelf or another zany board game with your family or friends – you’ll learn just how funny everyone can be.
71. Build others’ confidence. Ask coworkers, friends, or family members to teach you something they’re good at.
72. Pay attention to people who give you advice. You may not always want to take it, but it’s free wisdom from experience.
73. Find an interesting radio show that grabs your attention, then work it into your schedule. Try on “This American Life” for size or browse NPR.
74. Make your own business cards that advertise YOU, not your company. As a unique individual, you have assets beyond your job title, so why not acknowledge them professionally?
75. Sleep better and longer. Use a natural supplement like Melatonin (available at your local pharmacy) to relax before bedtime.
76. Take up a hobby to challenge yourself. Try online courses or local community college classes that demand creativity.
77. Set aside some “me” time and go to the spa, get a manicure (guys can get away with it), or indulge in new skin care products. A daily facial sunscreen means better skin later in life.
78. Stop making excuses. More importantly, stop believing your excuses, move past imaginary obstacles, and give yourself the full spectrum of possibilities.
79. Smile often. It will improve both your mood and your appearance.
80. Find the nearest art gallery, take a friend, and go browse through the paintings and sculptures. It’s a fun and edifying experience.
81. Become aware of your breathing. Use exercises to calm down in stressful situations.
82. Start eating organic produce. Pesticides and chemicals can damage your stomach lining and digestive tract, so try to avoid them as much as possible for your physical wellbeing.
83. Vary your routines. Try shifting exercise time from morning to evening. You can also be spontaneous with meal choices.
84. Don’t expect anyone else to support you. Take responsibility for your own life, wellness, and finances.
85. Get a professional massage. Muscle knots cause discomfort and massages can even help detoxify your body.
86. Find out which historical sites are in your local area. Read up on them, then go visit.
87. Watch your body posture. If you’re slumping, try to correct it. You can purchase an exercise ball and use it as your desk chair to improve posture.
88. Try living more sustainably. Conserve water at home by checking for leaks, watering plants with excess water from the shower, taking shorter showers, turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth, etc.
89. Buy a book of puzzles you’ve never tried before. If you’re a crossword junkie, try Sudoku, and vice versa.
90. Learn the constellations and set aside some free time at night to go stargazing in an unpopulated area. You’ll witness stunning beauty and escape the suburbs for some quality alone time.
91. Manage your e-mail account by creating folders and sorting messages as you receive them. Set specific times for checking it so you’re not constantly wasting time by keeping it open.
92. Go on a date. It doesn’t matter whether or not you’re already in a relationship; dates are fun and keep things fresh.
93. Drink organic milk. It lasts longer in your refrigerator and has more Omega3, vitamins, and antioxidants.
94. Join a public speaking society like Toastmasters. The skills you learn can apply to anything from acing interviews to playacting.
95. Organize a charity event. It can be anything from a yard sale (donate proceeds to a charity) to an elegant ball. Be sure to involve your friends, coworkers, and family.
96. Find value in yourself rather than in your belongings. You’re not defined by what you have, but by who you are.
97. Take a nap to replenish your energy supply. This can last anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes and will prevent you from crashing.
98. Avoid work overload. Your friends and family need to spend time with you, so don’t let overtime come between you and healthy relationships.
99. Remember compliments you receive. You may want to keep a collection of cards and letters of recommendation you’ve received.
100. Take good care of your feet. Wear shoes that fit and avoid footwear that causes you harm. Indulge in some insoles to prevent aches at the end of the day.
101. Be patient. Good effort isn’t always rewarded right away, but improving yourself is a worthy cause, so keep at it.

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Bio: Alexis Bonari is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at onlinedegrees.org, researching online college degrees. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

By Yee Shun-Jian

1. The more you chase, the more they run. Work on attracting (pulling) people to you instead of chasing after them.

2. Love is not about “finding your other half”. We’ve been misled to think that love is like addition… 1/2 + 1/2 = 1. No, no, no… Love is more like multiplication… so 1/2 * 1/2 = only 1/4. We need to work on ourselves, so we become whole on our own (do not need or rely on someone else to complete us)… when we do that, we begin to attract other individuals that are whole as well… Realize that 1 * 1 = 1

3. If you never ask, the answer is always no.

4. Money is just a means to an end. Sure, it’ll be great to have a lot of money but what we really want isn’t the money in and of itself… what we want is what that money can do for us… what it brings us.

5. There’s no use trying to logically convince a woman. You can’t change a girl’s mind unless you change her mood first. Wait… that works for everyone…

6. Besides “I love you”, the next best thing you can say to someone is “Thank you”. People love to feel appreciated. Why deny them such a wonderful feeling, by withholding two words that don’t cost you anything?

7. Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face… and don’t grab your crotch in public. You’re not Michael Jackson.

8. Facebook isn’t real life. Real life is when you go out and do crazy stuff. Facebook just reminds you of all those crazy stuff you did.

9. If someone slapped you, you get hurt once. If you keep replaying that movie of the person slapping you in your mind over and over again, you get hurt a thousand times. So when is NOW a good time to stop slapping yourself and start letting go?

10. Nobody likes doormats. Nobody respects doormats. Stop agreeing with everything I say. Have an opinion. It’s attractive.

11. Stop looking outwards for external things, people and events to fill up your inner void. You’re looking in the wrong place. The answer you seek is INSIDE.

12. The iphone is great… it can help you do a lot of things. But it can’t give you a hug when you’re feeling down. So stop fiddling with your iphone when you’re out with your friends… unless you’re coding the “hug me when everyone’s gone” application.

13. Spend time with your family. Take your parents out for meals and movies. It doesn’t cost a lot… but it makes them really happy.

14. When you stay EMO, you’re telling the right guy/girl who comes along: “I’m not ready for your love because I’m still upset about what the wrong guy/girl did… run along now… I’ll catch up with you in 20 years tops!”

15. Nobody owes you anything. I repeat… nobody owes you anything!

16. In 5 years, you’ll look back and laugh at the biggest problem you’re having now.

17. If you aren’t happy single, you won’t be happy in a relationship. Another person only magnifies your problems. You’ll project all your unhappiness on the poor guy/girl and he/she is going to leave you and you’ll reaffirm to yourself that you suck. Happiness doesn’t start with someone else… it starts with you.

18. Love yourself first. How can you hate yourself and expect someone else to love you?

19. Stop reading about other people’s success stories and idolizing them and start doing what it is you are supposed to do to create your own success story so others can read about and idolize you.

20. Figure out what you want… otherwise others will just string you along to accomplish what THEY want.

21. Once in a while, do the opposite of what that little voice inside is telling you. See what happens.

22. The media is full of propaganda. Don’t believe everything you come across in the newspapers and on tv.

23. There is no magic pill.

24. Nobody’s zooming in on all your perceived flaws and judging you because of that except yourself. Seriously, most people won’t notice your beer belly until you tell them about it.

25. Don’t always try to be the hero. You can’t help someone who’s not willing to help themselves.

26. Most people equate attention to love… that’s why we’re always doing silly things to get attention.

27. Don’t be so afraid of death that you stop living and going after your dreams

28. We are so used to taking things for granted. Stop, just for a second, to admire the beauty that surrounds you.

29. At the end of the day, no matter what you do, you’ll have critics. Just do what you love and what makes you happy, and be thankful there are people who care enough to talk about you.

Photo by jurvetson

When people think of effective leadership qualities, they tend to think of powerful voices, relentless ambition, and high intelligence.

And they would be right to do so because undoubtedly, leaders who possess those traits are effective indeed. Yet, something that is often overlooked during discussions of what makes a good leader is the capability of a leader to listen to his or her team members.

Being a good listener is not something many people immediately associate with leadership.

After all, we do not remember the likes of Queen Elizabeth I of England because she was a good listener – however, there is strong evidence of her reliance on the counsel of her advisers.

Listening skills were important to leadership back in the 1500s, and those same skills are still important today, even if you are not the ruler of an empire, but rather of a business team.

The team members of leaders can generate great ideas and bring important oversights into the light. One leader may be capable of managing many aspects of a project, but he or she cannot possibly keep up with everything that a project covers.

However, the many people involved with a project are capable of keeping an eye out on all of the various things that need to be addressed.

If you are a leader, listening to your team members can help you to learn important things that can improve your project or make its completion more efficient.

However, simply demanding that your team talk to you while you sit back and soak it all in is not enough. You have to also listen in a way that puts your team members at ease.

This means that you should never talk in a condescending manner or insult any points that a team member may bring up. That does not mean that you have to heed the advice of your team, either; it just means that you have to take the time to hear it.

It is inescapable that you may be subjected to faulty ideas or complaints brought up by some people working with you, but do not react in a brash way.

Instead, hear the person out and nod every so often to show that you are paying attention to what is being said. After the person has finished presenting his or her case, calmly explain the reasons why you disagree with him or her.

By doing this, not only will you prevent having team members loathe working with you, but you will also show your team that you respect their opinions, even if you do not agree with them.

In showing that you respect your team, your team will be quick to respect you in return. A team that respects its leader is far more willing to work harder and more diligently than one that does not respects its leader. In this regard, taking the time to cultivate your listening skills is a worthwhile effort.

This guest post is contributed by Katheryn Rivas, who writes on the topics of online universities.  She welcomes your comments here: katherynrivas87@gmail.com

Recommended Resources:

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You

Leadership 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know

She was blind in one eye… holding two packets of tissue paper in one hand and offering it to everyone and anyone who walked past her.

Most just rushed right by, as though she wasn’t even there. I acknowledged her presence…

“How much (are you selling these for)?” I asked.

“$1,” she replied.

I dug into my pocket and pulled out some spare change.

“Here you go,” I said as she passed me the tissue.

She looked at me with intense gratitude.

“Thank you… Thank you…” she muttered quickly. I smiled at her.

Another passerby stopped and asked “How much?”

She continued to look at me with her one good eye as I disappeared into the crowd..

“Thank you… Thank you…” I replayed the scene in my head.

It doesn’t take much to make someone’s day. Maybe we could all do it more often… And maybe then, the world would become a happier and more lovely place.