mustaphaelhajj

[mustaphaelhajj]

Just published an exciting new article on the transformative power of applied AI in driving innovation and shaping the future of work. From automating tasks to enhancing capabilities and improving decision-making, this technology has the potential to change the way we do business. Click the link to read more and see real-world examples of companies leveraging applied AI to stay ahead of the curve.

#technology #ai #appliedai #futurework

[mustaphaelhajj]

As we countdown to the September 7th Apple event, fans of the iPhone are getting excited about the potential new features that could be included in the iPhone 14 Pro. This latest model is expected to have a better camera and a longer battery life, which are both much-needed improvements.

Every year around this time, anticipation builds for the newest model as we get closer to the apple announcement of their new phone lineup. The iPhone 14 Pro is shaping to be an impressive phone, and we can’t wait to get our hands on it! Here are five reasons we’re so hyped for the iPhone 14 Pro release.

THE NOTCH IS GONE!

Apple is set to unveil the newest iPhone, the iPhone 14 Pro, on September 7th. The most notable change on this phone is that the notch will be gone! Apple has been working on a new design that includes two cutouts on display – one for the front-facing camera and one for the Face ID hardware.

The components that allow Face ID to function are now housed in the notch, suggesting Apple might have to decrease all of that tech to make a notch-free iPhone a reality. In his September 2017 Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman revealed that the notch will be removed “in time for” the iPhone 14’s release.

Jon Prosser shared an alleged schematic of the iPhone 14’s display on YouTube. This gives us a first look at its possible display. While we won’t know what the next iPhone’s design will look like until it’s released, these schematics provide insight into what we can expect.

Apple will unveil more details about the iPhone 14 Pro at their event on September 7th. So mark your calendars and stay tuned for all the latest news!

ALWAYS ON DISPLAY!

iPhone 14 Pro is anticipated to finally have an Always-on-display function. The iOS developer @rhogelleim has discovered a behavior on the iOS 16 betas that hint at the always-on display function. @rhogelleim have noticed that once you press the off button in a simulated way, the widgets on the lock screen will dim, and only the clock remains visible on the screen.

This means that even when the iPhone 14 Pro is not in use, users can see their wallpaper and information, such as the time and lock screen widgets. When the phone is unlocked, it will return to full brightness.

It is still unknown how this function affects the battery life and screen burn-ins, but Apple fans are excited. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the September 7th event!

LTPO PANEL FOR THE FIRST TIME ON THE IPHONE!

The iPhone 14 Pro is rumored to have a new LTPO panel used for the first time in apple iPhone products. This panel is, in fact, a 120 Hz display with the remarkable ability to go all the way down to just 1 Hz allowing for a lot of gains on the battery life.

The market research agency Omdia (via ITHome) has reported that the upcoming iPhone 14 lineup will be equipped with both an LTPS and LTPO OLEDs panels from different manufacturers. Samsung will be supplying the LTPO OLEDs for the iPhone 14 Pro. At the same time, LG will be the leading OLED supplier for their standard iPhone 14, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

BOE is going to be supplying Apple with displays for Apple’s standard iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 products in 2022.

However, Samsung will be the largest supplier of OLED displays for Apple this year, and they will be the only display for the iPhone 14 Pro.

SIGNIFICANT UPGRADES FOR THE FRONT-FACING CAMERA!

The iPhone 14 Pro is coming out with some pretty significant camera upgrades. The Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo gathered information from his trusted inside sources that the front-facing camera will get a larger aperture. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple camera suppliers such as Genius and Largan for the lenses, Alps and Luxshare for the focus mechanism, and Sony for the camera sensors will create a new front-facing camera module to be used specifically for the iPhone 14 Pro. There are 2 considerable enhancements worth mentioning for the front-facing camera:

Larger aperture compared to the earlier iPhone 13 Pro model: a jump from f/2.2 to f/1.9 will allow for a shallower depth of focus, giving the user better pictures and videos. It will also result in a better low-light picture as the larger aperture will allow for more light intake to the sensor.

Auto-focus, which will bring sharper images across distances. This feature isn’t something new in the smart-phones world. Samsung has already had auto-focus on their selfie camera for already 7 years now. Starting with the Samsung Galaxy S8 back in 2017.

Are you an Apple fan who likes taking pictures and selfies using your iPhone camera? If yes, you will enjoy this significant boost to the front-facing camera coming to the iPhone 14 Pro.

HUGE MEGAPIXEL JUMP!

Even though Apple will not add any additional rear cameras on their to-be-released iPhone 14 Pro, it will make many changes under the hood. According to Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, Apple will bump a 48 MP primary camera on their upcoming iPhone 14 Pro. This is a significant increase compared to the 12 MP camera that Apple has been shipping their iPhones for many years.

It is rumored that Apple will use a 1/1.3-inch sensor in the iPhone 14 Pro model, which is larger than the 1/1.65-inch sensor Apple used in earlier models.

The sensor area will be 57% larger, so the rear camera module will also be larger. Apple will use a 4-in-1 pixel binning technology on the iPhone 14 Pro to generate better low-light 12 MP photos in terms of sensitivity and performance.

Apple will also upgrade their telephoto camera to a 7-element lens instead of a 6-element lens in their earlier model. That will give improvements to the telephoto pictures.

For Apple fans out there that are looking to record 8K videos on their iPhone, that will be possible with the iPhone 14 Pro.

SUMMARY

Apple has been hard at work over the past year gearing up to release some pretty impressive new features for their upcoming iPhone 14 Pro. We’ve seen that the iPhone 14 Pro will be a significant upgrade from earlier models.

=>Some highlights include a longer-lasting battery, an improved front-facing camera with auto-focus and a larger aperture, and a considerable megapixel jump for the rear camera. The iPhone 14 Pro will also be able to record 8K videos!

=>Apple fans are in for a real treat this year when the company unveils its latest and greatest smartphone model at their upcoming event on September 7th. So mark your calendars now and get ready to be blown away by all the iPhone 14 Pro offers!

#apple news #iphone 14 pro #tech news #iphone #Apple

[mustaphaelhajj]

I recently read a book about building a second brain. This is a system for managing information that you can trust. It will give you good ideas when you feel stuck. The second brain is reliable because it is organized by what is actionable instead of by topic or time frame.

Most people take a lot of notes every day. They try to organize their notes so they can find them later. But it's not always easy to do. Sometimes it's hard to remember where you put all your notes. Having your notes in a note-taking application can be helpful because you can find them more straightforward, but how often do you actually go back to these notes and use them for something that gives you progress in what you are doing? How can you get the most out of the notes you are taking and the knowledge and information you consume daily? How do you turn these notes into actions that help you achieve your goals?

The answer to these questions is what Tiago Forte tried to give in his book: "Building a second brain." The main idea behind this book is the PARA principle which stands for projects, areas of improvement, resources, and archives. This principle should help you organize your notes so you can get back to them when you need them without feeling overwhelmed.

When you organize a note by topic, source, or time frame, it becomes harder to find what you're looking for. You might never see that information again. However, when you organize information by actionability, finding the information you need becomes easier when you're ready to work on your goals.

Managing by actionability is like sending valuable information through time to yourself. This way, you can access it when you need it. Start by creating the following four sections of actionability inside your favorite digital note-taking application:

Projects (P)

Areas of improvement (A)

Resources (R)

Archive (A)

This principle is known as the PARA principle, which you can apply to help you organize your work digitally. In more detail, let's review the four parts of the P.A.R.A actionability organization system.

A project is a series of tasks you must do to achieve a goal. The tasks need to be done by a specific deadline. If you have any ideas or information that can help you with the project, put them in a folder for the project. When working on a project, it is helpful to open the folder notebook for that project and scroll through the latest notes. This way, you can see what you have done and start the project. Most people think their best ideas will come to mind when they sit down to work, but this usually does not happen. It is better if you have gradually captured good ideas in your second brain and review those ideas when you sit down to work on a project.

Reviewing what you have already captured is essential when you start a project. This will help you quickly get back into the project and avoid procrastination.

The second brain also has a section called Areas of improvement. It is where you can find digital notebooks on everything you actively try to improve or maintain. If you want to improve a skill or level up in an area of your life, go to the Areas of improvement section in your second brain.

Areas of improvement are long-term and open-ended, while projects are short-term and finite (For example: launching a new product).

The resources section in your second brain is your personal library of references, facts, and inspiration you will use to start future projects and improve an area of your life. If a project is like a meal you are cooking up on the stove and plan to have for dinner in an area of improvement notebook is like a big meal you're cooking in a slow cooker that you intend to consume during the week but don't know when you'll finish. A resource is like a spice or type of pasta in your pantry you can use to make your next meal.

The resources section of your second brain contains examples you have collected, which you can use for inspiration. You can have, for example, a marketing notebook titled "campaign ideas," where you have collected images and texts from advertisements you have seen over the past few months. You can reference this notebook when ready to start your marketing campaign.

The resources section includes helpful insights from the books, videos, and articles you encountered. You might use these when you decide to start a project. For example, suppose you are interested in trying intermittent fasting. In that case, you can capture strategies and guides in a notebook specifically for that project. Once you commit to intermittent fasting, the notebook becomes a project notebook.

Finally, your resources section contains helpful checklists and data from past projects that you can use for future projects.

An archive is where you put information that you don't want to forget but doesn't help with anything else. It includes completed projects, inactive projects, areas of improvement you're no longer interested in, and resources you don't plan on using for a while.

An archive is a place where you can store your old work and projects. It will help you to keep your system clean and organized. You can also find resources there that you might need in the future. It is vital to move completed or inactive notebooks into the archive so that you don't suffocate your second brain with notes you will never need again.

Don't worry if you put something in your archive and can't find it later. You can use keyword searches to find it quickly. Just scroll through your notes, and you'll find it. It is worth mentioning that Thiago Forte (The author of the book Building a second brain) has repeatedly found that people who build a second brain rarely return to their archive.

How to structure your productivity system

Now that the P.A.R.A principle is explained in detail let us look into how you can structure your productivity system using these principles.

Step 1: Determine what meals you are cooking on the stove

In other words, what project notebooks should be in your projects section of your second brain? Ask yourself the following questions:

What did I commit to finishing this year?

What work assignments do I need to complete?

Step 2: Determine what meals you have in the slow cooker

In other words, what areas of improvement notebooks should be in your areas of improvement section of your second brain? Ask yourself the following questions:

What do I need to do to have a successful career?

What do I need to focus on so my business is successful?

What do I need to focus on to be happy in my life?

Step 3: Determine what you want in your pantry

In other words, what resources do you want in your second brain? Ask yourself the following questions:

What do I want to research and understand better?

What examples can I collect to start a project soon?

What general lists do I frequently use and update? For example, a grocery list and a read and watch recommendations list.

After you have built your notebook structure of projects, areas of improvement, and resources that accurately depict who you are and what your priorities are, go through your existing notebook system and move the notes you use most and notes from the past month into your new second brain then put the remaining notes in your archive.

When you capture new notes, put them in a notebook folder at the top of your note-taking system. Then, when you have time, organize the notes in your notebook. You can delete or achieve most things in your notebook. But don't keep notes that don't help you with anything. That would be a waste of time.

Remember, your second brain is supposed to help you put information and ideas into practice. What's the point of knowing something if you don't use it to help others and make things you're proud of?

Conclusion

A second brain is a productivity system that can help you organize your thoughts, ideas, and work. It is based on the PARA principle, which stands for projects, areas of improvement, resources, and archives.

You can use this principle to structure your notes and build a productivity system that works for you. Remember to keep your system clean and organized so that you can easily find the information you need. And don't forget to move old or inactive notes into your archive so you don't suffocate your second brain with unnecessary information.

If you follow these steps, you will be well on your way to building a second brain that will help you be more productive and organized. And who knows, maybe you'll even find that your second brain is better than your first brain!

#second brain #productivity #learning #achieve your goals #growth #para principle

[mustaphaelhajj]

I was only 18 years old when I moved from Lebanon to Denmark back in 2004 to study Mechatronics engineering. Now 17 years after, I would like to share with you some of the things which were surprising to me, and I didn’t know about beforehand.

1. DANISH LANGUAGE IS VERY DIFFICULT TO LEARN

The danish language, according to most foreigners, is a challenging language to learn. One can ask the question whether it is the language which is difficult or it is because foreigners haven’t been trying hard enough to learn it? In my experience, it is a combination of both.

As I am originally from Lebanon, I am french educated and have always practiced both Arabic and the French language in school from 1st class until the end of high school. While the Arabic language has just three vowels, the danish language has at least 24 different vowel sounds. Spanish, for instance, has five vowel sounds, and german has 14 different vowel sounds. The fact is that for most foreigners or newcomers to Denmark, these vowels are close to indistinguishable. It is so indistinguishable that even linguists are not able to agree on precisely how many there are.

Another hurdle in mastering the danish language is the fact that Danes will have a hard time understanding foreigners speaking danish if their accent is off or if they mispronounced a phrase or missed a word in the sentence. English, on the other hand, is still a very understandable language even if the speaker has a rugged accent.

From my experience, the danish language is tough to learn from books and language schools. It is not impossible, but it takes a very long time to learn and master. Even after 17 years of living in Denmark, I still haven’t mastered the danish language completely.

Practicing danish with Danes is not easy; Danes are good at English, and as soon as they notice a foreign accent or have difficulties understanding their danish language, they will switch back to English. You can politely change back to Danish and try to formulate your sentence in a different way to keep the conversation flowing in danish.

My best advice for you if you want to master the Danish language is to push yourself out of your comfort zone and start using the danish language in everyday small talks, whether at work, school, supermarket, or restaurants.

2. MOST DANES IN THE AREA WHERE I LIVED WILL GREET YOU AND SMILE AT YOU WHEN PASSING BY

When I moved to Denmark, I have been living in a city called Sønderborg. The city is not so big, yet not too small, and has a population of about 27.702 as of January 2021. I loved this city. My dormitory room was so close to both the sea and the forest in this city, and I used to take a lot of long walks in the nature almost on a daily basis.

One thing that struck me was that almost always, whenever I pass by Danes in the forest or the streets, they will smile and greet with their famous greeting in the southern area of Denmark, “Mojn.”

It might be such a small thing, but this smile from people on the streets has always transmitted so much positive energy that I decided to adopt this habit. So since the first year for me in Denmark, I would always smile whenever a person is passing by and say hello. It reminds me constantly that we are all humans, and everyone can use a smile in their day.

3. MAKING DANISH FRIENDS IS REALLY DIFFICULT

Common amongst newcomers to Denmark is that they all feel that making danish friends is not easy. Many surveys and studies show that most expats and foreigners living in Denmark think it is challenging for them to make Danish friends. It is also one of the main reasons why many internationals choose to leave the country.

Danes are, in fact, very good friends. Their friendship is usually solid, highly reliable, and deep-rooted. You can always count on a danish friend being there for you. This is arguably also the main reason it is challenging to make danish friends. Danes takes friendship so seriously that they keep the total number of their friends under control. They don’t want to take on more friends than they can keep their deep commitment to.

Based on my experience, it is easier to make friends with a Dane who recently moved to the city where you live. Danes who are living in the same area they grew up in are very difficult to make friends with mainly because they would always be busy with their family and their old school friends.

Another good option is to join an association. That is how many Danes make friends. However, be prepared to find an association in which you are interested (Many associations are centered around sports), and be prepared that associations will be holding their events and parties in Danish.

4. DANISH TAX IS REALLY HIGH

Denmark is one of the most expensive places in the world. Residents in Denmark pay multiple taxes to the state and municipality, which is, on average, 45% of their income. Denmark is having the highest shares of taxes related to income and wealth, at 28,9% of GDP in 2019.

The most surprising part for me was that most Danes are very accepting of paying such high taxes on their income and wealth. While there are many reasons and possible explanations as to why that is, I think the main reason for this acceptance is how the welfare system is structured and working in Denmark. The state is well committed to providing a good and quality life to its people, which leads to Danes knowing that the collected taxes are being spent on valuable things.

The Danish welfare system provides many benefits to Danes. To name few:

Education: Denmark has an enviable education system in which tuition is free — including at university.

Student grants: Not only is the education free, but each university student can get a student grant of approximately 900$ per month from the state.

Health care: Denmark’s health law ensures access to free and equal healthcare for all residents in Denmark.

Pensions and elderly care: When citizens reach the retirement age, the welfare state provides them with a generous pension. As well as this, those who don’t have an additional retirement or any other income also receive additional benefits such as lower prices for medicine and lower tax rates.

5. DAYS CAN GET REALLY LONG DURING SUMMER TIME AND REALLY SHORT DURING WINTER TIME

Another thing that surprised me quite a lot after I moved to Denmark was that days could get long during summertime (The longest day is on June 21st — 17 hours 40 minutes). Days will, on the other hand, get short during the wintertime (the Shortest day is on December 21st — 7 hours only).

If a person wants to watch the sunrise, for example, on the longest days of the year, one has to get up at 4:30 approximately. I got used to the long days during summer, but still suffer when it comes to winter as it feels like it is always dark.

FINAL WORDS

I have been surprised by many things since I moved to Denmark (mainly positively surprised). The longer I stayed in Denmark, the more I loved this country. It is a country I can truly call my home now. I hope my post and story have raised your interest in reading more about Denmark and visiting this wonderful country sometime soon.

#travel #lifestyle #denmark #experiences #culture

[mustaphaelhajj]

If you work with copywriting, communication, or marketing, you have probably come across tasks where you have to make a slightly dry and dull topic.

If you have been in such a situation, you also know that it can seem like an eternally unmanageable task, and you may have even felt that your creative abilities fell short.

But luckily, there is help to get if you struggle to make a topic exciting that to others may seem bland or difficult to understand. It is quite possible to make an academic text go from boring to catchy.

THERE ARE NO BORING TOPICS — JUST BORING SETUPS

Whether a topic is dull and dry depends entirely on who you ask. For some, an issue that is the most boring in the world can be super interesting for others. Therefore, we can still agree that there are some topics that at first glance are better suited to an article than others.

Therefore, here are five tips on becoming a master in writing alive texts on dry and dull topics. With these five tips in mind, it will hopefully also be easier for you to throw yourself over the writing task instead of shooting it into the corner for the third time this week.

To clarify the point, I use an example that I would venture claim that most do not associate with party and color — condition reports. A document that many of us come across one or more times in the course of our lives.

Although condition reports are an essential thing to keep track of when buying and selling a property or house, very few people associate the topic with enjoyable leisure reading; however, this does not make the information less critical when you need to keep track of all the reports before the house sale.

So let’s try to see if we can write a text about something as mind-boggling as condition reports, both easy to read and catchy.

1. ANSWER THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FIRST

So how do you write an exciting text about condition reports that makes people read even the driest details on the subject? It is first and foremost about how you present your content.

If we take the example of the condition report, start with the most critical first and save the heavy paragraphs for later in the text. Forget about throwing the statutory rules into the first lines. Instead, put yourself in your reader’s place and consider what he or she primarily wants answers to. For example, it could be:

What is a condition report, and what is it used for?

Why does the reader need to know anything about condition reports at all?

What consequences can it have if you opt-out?

So you need to answer the most important questions first and wait with the lengthy legal and technical details until further down in the text once the reader has warmed up. In longer texts, it can also be a good idea to add a table of contents because it can help the reader find what he/she is looking for easily and quickly, without the person having to read the entire text closely.

2. KNOW YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE

It’s a cliché, I know, but it’s unreasonably vital that you make sure you write the text for a specific type of recipient that you expect to read the text. It can help you to:

Avoid jargon and technical terms without explanation

Keep a consistent tone and language throughout the text

Use the language used by your recipients

So to go from a boring subject text to an exciting, informative text, you will most likely need to change the way you think about the text in the first place. For example, instead of looking at the product, think about your target audience.

Who are the people who should buy your product or make use of your service?

What situation are they in?

Why are they reading your text right now, and what do they expect to get out of it? For example, if they have found your text about condition reports, they are most likely in a situation where they either have to sell or buy a house.

In this case, you must tell your potential customers what a condition report is and what they can lose by not having it in a house sale. Of course, it should not be overdramatized, but it is perfectly okay to tell them the consequences of not using your service or your product.

In the case of the condition report, for example, it may impact whether the buyer will be interested in buying a home without a condition report. Therefore, always remember to keep your target audience in mind when writing your text. They need to know something about the subject, so find out what it is and be helpful.

3. AROUSE THE READER’S APPETITE WITH A CLEAR LAYOUT

There is almost nothing more confusing than clicking into a page where a wall of text greets you without a single break. It can make even the most hardcore readers click away from the page again. If the topic is a bit dry, a long wall of text only becomes even more daunting for the reader.

If you have a long, professional text about, for example, condition reports, it is therefore crucial that you add elements that can make the reading experience easier and more fun.

You can do this by inserting illustrative elements such as images that support the text, infographics, a table of contents that guides the reader through the text, videos, and informative subheadings.

Most people like illustrative examples because it helps to break up complex topics to relate to them more easily. Therefore, if your topic is dry, the layout can help you on your way to creating an exciting text.

4. REMEMBER THE CATCHY HEADLINE AND LOTS OF SUBHEADINGS

Headlines can quickly become something we do as the very last thing without really thinking about it. But if you are going to write a text on a dry topic, finally, do not forget the power of the headline.

Keep in mind that before people even read your intriguing text, you need to have them on your website, and you can often do so with an exciting headline.

Let us take the example of the condition report. For example, which of these two headlines would most likely make you click through to the article?

Five reasons why a condition report can be crucial to your home sale

Or

Information about condition reports

Of course, you should not lie or exaggerate in your headline, but you may want to put things a little on edge to pique people’s interest. Therefore, remember that the exciting text starts with a catchy headline.

In addition, it is a clear advantage to use many subheadings along the way. It has three clear benefits:

You help yourself break up the text and get a less heavy layout

The text becomes more accessible for the reader to scan, making it easier for the reader to find what interests him/her.

Good, descriptive headlines make it easier to break the heavy topic up into several easily edible parts.

5. LOWER THE LIST NUMBER

Even if you are an expert on the topic, you are writing about, and it is not certain that your readers are. It is important to keep in mind that the reader has most likely approached your page to get smarter, especially if you are writing about a complex or professional topic.

If you want to ensure that your readers do not immediately jump on to another page, you must write in an easy-to-read and exciting language.

Please use various language that makes it easy and fun to read your text, and drop the long sentences filled with technical language and heavy words. It will make it much easier for people to get to the bottom of your text.

BONUS TIP

Remember, remember, remember to make the text mobile-friendly. Most users today read everything on their mobile, and would it not be a pity if your exciting text about condition reports did not work optimally on the mobile?

It ruins the whole experience if the layout does not work, and it is something that quickly makes people click away from your page and on to the next one. Therefore, always make sure that your text works optimally on your mobile phone before you publish it.

Here are some things you can do to optimize your text to mobile devices:

First, be careful not to type too long blocks of text. Although a piece of text may not look long on the computer, it can quickly turn into a massive wall of text on the mobile device.

Break up the text with bullet points and put lots of distance between the paragraphs.

Ensure that all infographics, pictures, and videos work on the mobile and fit in the screen size.

Check that the text size is not too small or too large (this applies to body text and headings).

#marketing strategies #marketing strategy #marketing

[mustaphaelhajj]

The biggest regrets on the deathbed are typically about what you haven’t said or done earlier in your life. Australian Bronnie Ware knows this from her job, attending to the needs of those who were dying. She has published a book called “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying,” where she shares her inspiring and honest journey, which will leave you feeling kinder towards yourself and others, and more determined to live the life you are truly here to live.

In this post, I will share five things that you can do to achieve a happier life.

1. BE TRUE TO YOURSELF

Do what you feel like and not what others expect of you. It is your life, and neither your husband/wife, your children, your parents, nor your friends should decide how you live it. So many people spend way too much time worrying about what others might think of them. Stop it, instead put your worries aside, and live life the way you want to live it.

Practice stopping and asking yourself what you dream about and how you would like to spend your time — and then do something about it if you do not live as you wish. Many postpone their plans. “When the children grow up, I must…”, “When I retire, I must…”, “When I get a little more time, I must…”. But be careful with that. We never know when it’s too late, and there’s nothing worse than sitting back with a lot of dreams we never got to take time to fulfill.

Start living the life you want right away!

2. EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS

Show and tell people around you that you care about them. It may seem eager to open up, be honest and express your feelings, but it is essential to do — both for the sake of others and for your own sake.

Please do not take for granted that people intuitively know how you feel about them. If you love someone, tell them so. Be careful not to tie yourself up and pull yourself away for fear of being hurt. You will be hurt in the course of your life if you open up and allow others to get close, but if you do not, it can be difficult — and perhaps even impossible — to find happiness and love.

Everyone needs someone to share their sorrows as well as joys with!

3. WORK LESS

Allow yourself to keep free and enjoy life. While it’s nice (and necessary) to make money, it’s rarely what makes you happy in the end. Some people are so busy toiling that they forget to prioritize their family and create memories with the people who mean the most to them. Even if you are happy with your job, ask yourself if it is what makes you most comfortable and if you need a new car and a big house. Maybe there is something more important than status, money, and job, and perhaps it’s time to prioritize your time differently.

Many people feel that their job defines who they are, but keep in mind that you — thankfully — are much more than just your profession, your results, and what you own.

4. BE KIND TO OTHERS

Modern man tends to be a bit selfish, and it’s good to be aware of — and try to change — if you want to work on your sense of happiness. Research shows that you will move faster in the job market and life if you are kind and supportive to other people around you. You will also get healthier and even live longer.

However, this does not mean that you should let people take advantage of your kindness and support, but as long as you can find a healthy balance, your happiness needs to be good to others.

5. LIVE IN THE PRESENT

We constantly focus on the future because we have ambitions and goals for life. But if you always focus on the end, your stress levels in the body will increase. So remember to get back to the present when you can — although it can be difficult when your thoughts wander off approx—50 percent of the time.

You can try meditating, going for a walk, or avoiding using your phone all the time. This way, you become more present in your relationships with other people, and research shows that you will also become more successful. Not just at work but also in your private life.

#happy life #happiness #mental wellbeing #mental health #health tips #health lifestyle #healthy life

[mustaphaelhajj]

You’ve probably tried it before. But, unfortunately, you end up on a website that you have not used before, and before you make your purchase, you must first research the site’s credibility and legitimacy.

Precisely this phenomenon is also known in behavioral psychology as social proof. More precisely, it refers to how consumers unconsciously make decisions based on the assessments and experiences of others.

This is something you as a company should use to your advantage. After all, if consumers find out that your business is credible, they are more likely to become regular customers.

This post will give you 4 great examples of using social proof that your digital marketing strategy can benefit from.

USER REVIEWS & RATINGS

Trustpilot has become a true consumer go-to when assessing whether a website is legitimate. Here it is possible to read concrete reviews from other consumers about their good and bad shopping experiences.

As a company, it may make good sense to refer to your Trustpilot profile. In this way, the consumer is given direct access to good reviews. At the same time, it creates trust in the company, as they help the customer become wiser about the overall purchasing experience.

However, Trustpilot does not guarantee good reviews. Therefore, it is equally important to take action on the bad reviews. Clarify to customers how you handle unfortunate situations so that customers feel in safe hands if problems arise.

The following is a good example of how to go around a bad review.

Source: business.trustpilot.com

CASE STUDIES

Case studies are one of the more in-depth, but not least convincing, forms of social proof.

This is an effective way to show how a company has created value through its work for potential customers.

Case studies are popular because you have the opportunity to attract new customers by sharing success stories.

There are several ways to share and highlight achieved results. For example, one can highlight them in a blog universe or dedicate them to a separate landing page.

The following is a good example of the latter tactic. By highlighting selected cases, the customer will get a more tangible idea of ​​the company’s product or service. And the more informed the customer feels, the better the chances of sales.

Source: Wasabifilm.dk

HIGHLIGHT YOUR USER BASE

We, humans, are herd animals, and therefore, we tend to follow the majority. To stress

the number of one’s user base is, therefore, another form of social proof.

If many consumers can vouch for a product or service, there will most likely be something about the talk. Here we are talking about the so-called wisdom of the crowds’ phenomenon.

For example, take this landing page from Ønskeskyen .dk (“Cloud of Desire in English” highlighting their +1 million user base signals to consumers that their service is reliable and efficient.

Source: Ønskeskyen.dk

EXPERT-BASED SOCIAL PROOF

Expert opinions are also not to be missed. The purpose here is once again to build trust, as well as appear knowledgeable to potential customers. These statements can come from individuals or companies and are a smart way to incorporate social proof.

As a company, you can be wise to highlight expert opinions or list well-known partners with a special status within the industry in which you operate.

If you work in technology or economics, this type of social proof is advantageous. Often, these topics will require a certain knowledge base, and here social proof can make the company’s legitimacy more tangible.

See, for example, this long page from LEI Service working in the financial sector. Here they have managed to use social proof in the form of expert references to impress the consumer and, not least, cement trust.

Source: leiservice.dk

CONCLUSION

Ultimately, any trade is associated with trust. The buyer must trust that the seller will deliver the expected product or service. There are countless examples of social proof used in marketing when McDonald’s boasted how many millions of burgers they had served for many years. When the doorman queues outside the popular disco, or when you choose the restaurant with the most guests, social proof is at stake.

Think about the answer to these questions when thinking about social proof. How do visitors to your website know that your company keeps its promises? Is it a real webshop at all, or is it a spoof from a distant country?

When the buyer cannot look the seller in the eye, several doubtful questions will arise. The answer to these questions might be a given for you — but not for the potential customer who has just landed on your site for the very first time.

#social proof #marketing #marketing strategy #marketing strategies #growth

[mustaphaelhajj]

Auto-generated content is programmed content, which is created via coding from a set of pre-defined templates. It is typically used to publish and index many pages in search results pages on search engines (SERPs). So naturally, not all auto-generated content can be defined as a “black-hat” tactic.

THE HARMFUL TYPE OF AUTO-GENERATED CONTENT

Google has provided a few examples of what is considered being harmful auto-generated content. These examples include:

Content is automatically translated without it being reviewed by a human before publication.

Content generated automatically from “scraping” of RSS feeds.

Collecting content from various sources and publishing it without making it unique or different from its original form.

Content auto-generated, based on a ‘Markov process’ which follows ‘Markov properties’ — therefore the name. This content is automatically generated using the pre-existing content, where new variables are created based on probability. It’s a bit like the familiar automatic and predictive feature of your phone when using auto-correct.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF AUTO-GENERATED CONTENT ON UX?

Google values content that is original, unique, and useful. This is to provide a good UX (User Experience). Conversely, auto-generated content gives end users a bad UX because it is most likely not original, unique, and useful.

Since this type of content often contains recycled information, the robots will have a hard time reading it. In addition, such type of content usually has an inferior quality and is poorly optimized. Thus, while websites may use auto-generated tactics to fill in pages with too little content to rank higher in SERPs, it can often have the opposite effect.

If your content does not impress the searchers and they find it deficient, they will certainly not stay on your site — at least not for a very long time. This will lead to a higher bounce rate and lower retention rate, which results in other pages on your website not being visited.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU AUTO-GENERATE CONTENT FOR YOUR PAGE?

Using software, tools, or applications to create content automatically can cause problems with Google’s Panda algorithm, which aims to tackle low-quality content. When this happens, your site will be penalized at the domain level, leading to a significant drop in site ranking on Google, which results in a decrease in organic traffic to your site.

To be completely clear, not all auto-generated content is harmful. Depending on your business, a mix of naturally created and automatically generated content may be ideal for creating and publishing content. For example, some companies with products across a wide range of criteria, which also collect data on the same products, need a portion of auto-generated content that acts as the skeleton where all other details and information are placed.

AN EXAMPLE OF “WHITE HAT” AUTO-GENERATED CONTENT

To make this example easy to follow and as concrete, as possible I will use a specific danish company called “Art and Design.” This company has auto-generated content and text to be used on its product pages.

They have done it somehow, which will not be penalized by Google’s algorithm concerning auto-generated content. They have used integrated software to auto-generate quality content with all the right prerequisites to rank on Google. That has at least ranked high on most of their site pages at least.

CONCLUSION

There are many companies and sites where auto-generated content may become a necessity. For example, the product composition and range can be too large and complex to create unique texts for each one. Therefore, in these cases, one can use online software tools to auto-generate content to streamline parts of that process.

#auto generated #marketing #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ai marketing #auto marketing #growth #self development

[mustaphaelhajj]

Your brain is the most important organ in your body, but it can fool you if you are not careful. For example, have you ever experienced difficulties focusing and think some days creatively? Or have you ever experienced working non-stop the whole day and still not finishing the task you are set to do?

This is your brain sending you signals about what it needs. The brain always has the best intentions for you, but its desires and needs do not always match what you would like to use it for. Luckily I am here to tell you that it can be trained to be sharper.

In this article, I will share three proven ways that you can use to be more efficient, more creative, and more focused in everyday life.

1. TAKE MICRO AND MINI BREAKS

When you take a break, the brain will have the time to digest information, make new relations, and clean up what it has been filled with. Therefore, you need to take many short breaks, even when you feel you are too busy for it.

Think of your brain as a reservoir of attention. When you work for a long time, you empty your reservoir and find it difficult to concentrate. It would be best if you took a break to refill it. The longer you wait, the longer it takes to fill it up. When your thoughts start to wander away, or when you have to read a sentence several times to understand it, your brain gives you a signal that you need a break.

HOW TO TAKE MICRO AND MINI BREAKS?

A micro-break lasts 15 to 30 seconds. Take a micro-break every ten minutes and check if you have started showing signs of mental fatigue. Take a deep breath for few times. If you are sitting at a computer, look away from the screen and blink few times. If you still feel fresh and sharp, continue the work and check again in ten minutes. If you feel tired and confused, take a break:

A mini-break lasts between two and five minutes. A good rule of thumb is to take a mini-break at least once an hour. It’s a good idea that you move during this time: Get up from your chair, get a cup of coffee, or go to the toilet. Take deep breaths all the way down into your stomach, stretch, and relax your body. Pay attention to how your body feels.

Be careful not to take false breaks, for example, by checking your work e-mail during your break. It is best if you think of something completely different than work during your mini-break.

Tips to Get Started

Choose a day where you take micro-breaks every ten minutes. I would like you to register when you feel you are mentally tired. Don’t register it because you want to but because you are consciously checking the state of your brain.

You will get a lot out of taking micro and mini-breaks at regular intervals during your day, especially if you are at work, but start small with micro-breaks for a day, and you will notice how much more you accomplish when you stay fresh all day.

2. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR NATURAL BRAIN FLOW

The brain’s ability to learn new things, be creative and store information increases and decreases during the day. Most people can concentrate best during the morning hours, but for others, they concentrate better later during the day. When you utilize your brain’s natural flow, you get a lot more out of your time and manage your tasks better and faster.

HOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FLOW OF YOUR BRAIN?

Identify the period of the day when you usually concentrate best and reserve that time for your most demanding tasks. For example, if you are most clear in your head between eight and ten in the morning, this is where you need to book the time for the tasks that require deep focus, creative ideas, or strategic thinking.

Postpone less demanding tasks for later. For example, if you work in an office, resist the temptation to check e-mails when you show up in the morning. If you have to answer e-mails, limit yourself to replying to only one or two critical or urgent messages, and schedule the rest in the afternoon.

TIPS TO GET STARTED

Over the next two to three days, notice when during the day you feel mentally most clear. Then, choose a day in the coming week and book two hours in your calendar where you usually feel your brain is clear. Next, write down the tasks you would like to work on and set a reminder to book a new time in your calendar for the most demanding tasks/work.

3. PRIORITIZE BY IMPORTANCE

It may sound obvious that you need to prioritize your tasks according to the importance level, but again here, your brain has its way to play tricks on you. The brain loves to complete a task. So every time you complete a task, your brain secretly creates a little bit of dopamine, making you feel happy and satisfied with your achievement.

The more urgent and manageable a task is, the more your brain will try to persuade you to prioritize it. But, unfortunately, it means that you might end up taking the easy tasks that can be done quickly and delaying the most important and heaviest tasks to the last minute.

HOW TO PRIORITIZE BY IMPORTANCE

It would be best if you practiced being aware that long-term tasks are often the most important tasks. Start each day by categorizing all of your tasks by answering the following two questions:

Is this task critical, or is it less important?

Is the task urgent, or can it wait until later?

Give priority to the tasks that are important and urgent and to the tasks that important but less urgent. Remind yourself and your brain why these tasks should be on high priority. Visualize the result and take note of how good it feels once you get them completed. If you have time to spare, you can spend it on urgent tasks but not so important. Consider postponing or completely removing tasks that are neither important nor urgent.

GET STARTED

Start the next three days by spending five minutes categorizing your tasks. Then, work every day on at least one task that is important but not urgent.

You can expand the exercise with a priority list next week, next month, or even further ahead. Write down the most important tasks and projects and update the list once a week.

CONCLUSION

Our brain is a marvelous thing. It is a product of evolution, and through centuries, it has allowed humankind to achieve advancements in science, knowledge, art, and technology in very astonishing ways. Without a doubt, our brain’s capacity to think, reason, plan, invent, and create is immense.

Like with any other part of our body, we can train the brain to be sharper if we are conscious about what is happening and what we would like to achieve.

I have personally used these training techniques to make my brain sharper to deliver on everyday challenges in my demanding job. I was so surprised at how much more I could achieve by doing so, and I am sure that you will also achieve amazing things if you follow these practices.

#mental health #brain health #mental wellbeing #growth #self development #productivity #leadership #self care

[mustaphaelhajj]

Here are 7 things you can do to overcome jealousy and save your life and relationships.

Jealousy can be a lot to handle. It can totally ruin your relationship with your partner. The feeling is often very shameful, both for you and your partner. Fortunately, you can get more control over your jealousy. I am going to share with you seven tips on how to get in control of your jealousy.

Imagine you are invited to a party with your girlfriend. Many people are coming, and you are so much looking forward to the party. But underneath this big joy lurks jealousy.

What if your girlfriend talks to another guy for a long time during the evening? Or even worse, what if she dances with him? Close. Really close.

What exactly will you do about this feeling? Maybe you won’t feel like talking about it because you feel ashamed. Or maybe you are afraid that jealousy will make you do something stupid.

THAT’S HOW YOU TURN THE JEALOUSY DOWN

1. TELL YOUR PARTNER THAT YOU FEEL JEALOUS

The best advice anyone can give to you is to talk to your partner about your jealousy. When you are jealous, you easily get a lot of thoughts and unpleasant images inside your head. You imagine and think about things that you fear happening.

Say it! Say it straight: “I get jealous when…” Or: “I feel insecure because….”

I know very well that it is often easier said than done. It is an excellent idea to do. When you talk about your thoughts and feelings and put words on them, they become less dangerous and less heavy. You allow your partner to understand and reassure you. Maybe he or she does not know how you feel at all.

In short: Break the silence! Jealousy is only about you being so happy about your partner — and therefore fearing to lose him or her. You should not be ashamed of that.

2. AGREE WITH YOUR PARTNER ON BOUNDARIES

Maybe your partner is fine with dancing close to others. But it makes you feel insecure about where do you have him or her.

So talk to each other about your boundaries. Make agreements about what you both think is acceptable. Then you avoid hurting each other and maybe avoid becoming jealous.

It is also important that you come to a reasonable agreement. Find the balance so that none of you feel controlled by many rules and restrictions that you do not initially wish to agree to.

3. TALK TO OTHERS ABOUT YOUR JEALOUSY

Most people are ashamed of being jealous. Therefore, it can also be tough to talk about it. But do it anyway, because it will often help you. Find someone you are comfortable talking to.

You probably find that they also know a thing or two about jealousy — possibly they can even give you some good advice and share what worked for them or what they have tried.

4. WRITE YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS

An excellent trick is to write how you feel when jealousy creeps in. Try to put your thoughts and feelings into words — do it for yourself.

5. PRACTICE MAKING PEACE WITH YOUR JEALOUSY

Do you treat your jealousy like a cockroach or a really annoying fly? Do you think you should chase it away as soon as it sticks its face out?. It is perfectly normal to react this way. Unfortunately, it rarely helps to declare war on your emotions. On the contrary. The more you struggle with your jealousy. The more it hits you.

It is way smarter to give space for your jealousy. Allow yourself to feel that you are jealous right now. Think, for example: “Yes, I’m jealous right now. It hurts, but I can handle it… and feel better again!”

6. THINK ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE

It is important to find a good balance between accepting that you are jealous and avoiding that your jealousy will fill too much. Therefore, it often helps to find something fun and happy to think about.

Stay ahead of your jealousy. Do you already know that your partner is going on a wild weekend or a trip in the city, then why not make some appointments yourself?

Arrange, for example, a Play Station or board game evening with friends. Go out with your friends. Go fishing or hunting. It doesn’t matter what you plan or do, but what matters is that you get your mind focused on something else so that jealousy does not take control of you.

7. GET HELP ONLINE

Sometimes it is the easiest to talk or chat with someone you do not know. Get on any social media or chat platform where you can be anonymous and talk to others. There are also many online platforms where you can talk to psychology experts anonymously and get help.

REMEMBER: YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Many people struggle with jealousy. Some feel jealous once in a while, and others feel jealous almost all the time, even the point where it ruins their lives and relationships with other people and with their partner.

But jealousy is a natural feeling, just like joy, tension, fear, stress, and love. You should learn to live with a certain amount of jealousy, even if it feels absolutely awful in some situations! The important thing, however, is not to let your emotions take over you.

FINAL THOUGHTS

For many people, jealousy can lead to difficulties controlling their anger. When feeling jealous and lose control of anger, you might say or do things you will regret afterward.

In the worst cases, jealousy can lead to violence. Violence can take two forms:

Physical violence where you beat your partner

Psychological violence where you behave as if you own your partner. For example, you decide who your partner may see, if your partner may go out alone or at what time your partner must come home.

If jealousy makes you physically or mentally violent, you must get help. Please schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist as fast as possible.

#relationship #jealousy #mental health #mental wellbeing #improveyourself #partner

[mustaphaelhajj]

Do you spend a lot of time in the car every day? Or maybe driving is a part of your job? Do you want to make the most out of your time?

— Then, practicing mindfulness is a good option for you. When practicing mindfulness, you will train your ability to focus and concentrate, become better at controlling your mind. Not least, you will be able to disconnect, so you have a more mental surplus, and you are ready to be present when you reach your destination, whether at work, at customers, or with your family.

TO BE CONSCIOUSLY AWARE AND PRESENT

In mindfulness, we train to be consciously aware of where we are with curiosity and openness.

With a mindful approach, you will be consciously aware of what is going on around you when driving through the intersection. You will know for sure that there is a green light, and you will be aware of all other things happening around you.

When you consciously bring attention to what is happening, your attention channel is filled with what is happening here and now. This means that there is not much room for thoughts about everything else.

A MENTAL BOOST

When you practice being present, it releases mental energy that has otherwise been tied up in unconscious thought processes. This gives you a greater mental surplus, for example, in the form of greater creativity, efficiency, and clarity. Disconnecting with a mindful break in the car is a boost to your mental well-being and an opportunity to “tap” into a deeper intelligence inside of you.

YOUR MINDFULNESS CAR PRACTICE – STEP BY STEP

Once you get into the car, make yourself aware of your intention to be consciously present while driving. Let there be an inner attitude of openness and kindness.

THEN YOU CAN:

Take few breaths while feeling the sensation of the breath.

When you have fastened your seat belt, and before your start driving:

Feel the sensation of the body against the car seat: the buttocks, thighs against the seat, and the back resting in the backrest.

The hands around the steering wheel

The foot against the pedal.

START THE CAR UP AND WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING:

3. Pay attention to what you see. Look through the windscreen and orient yourself in the mirrors

4. Listen to the sounds around you — inside and outside the car

WHILE DRIVING, YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF THESE THREE THINGS:

The body — Towards the car seat, the hands on the steering wheel, the foot on the pedal, your breath if possible)

You are seeing and being aware of what you see through the windscreen and when you orient yourself in the mirrors, looking over your shoulders.

To listen — to the sounds in the car and outside.

When you discover that you are not consciously present while driving; when your attention is occupied with thoughts, gently let go of them and bring the focus back to the body — possibly the sensation of the body as a whole, the breath, and being aware of what you see and what is taking place in your field of vision. And then listen to the sounds around you.

You can allow for some quality kindness and curiosity while being consciously mindful. It makes it less strained attention but a more open, alert, and at the same time relaxed concentration.

When you stop at the red traffic light, you can consider it a welcome opportunity to be present. Give a more significant part of your attention to the body, the seeing, and listening.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The body acts as an anchor, and you are the one who can bring the attention back if it wandered away with a stream of thoughts.

In the beginning, while training mindful driving, it is a good idea not to listen to the radio, music, etc., so that you can train in peace and quietness and not challenge yourself necessarily. As you become better and well-trained in being consciously present, you can leave the radio on and still have the same practice — consciously paying attention to the body, sight, and hearing.

#mental health #mental wellbeing #health tips #healthy life #health #healthcare

[mustaphaelhajj]

Are you struggling to come up with new ideas for your business? Do you feel like you’ve hit a wall and can’t seem to move forward? You may be experiencing a mental block. A mental block is a common obstacle preventing people from being creative and achieving their goals.

In this blog post, we will explore what a mental block is, the 5 most common types of mental blocks, and how to overcome them. We will also discuss the importance of self-care when dealing with mental blocks and provide resources for further information. So if you’re ready to start overcoming your mental blocks, keep reading!

WHAT IS A MENTAL BLOCK, AND HOW CAN IT AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS?

A mental block is a psychological phenomenon that can occur in individuals and prevent them from thinking clearly or achieving their desired goal. For business professionals, a mental block can prove to be a serious obstacle, preventing them from being able to think creatively or make decisions efficiently. In some cases, a mental block may even cause an individual to completely freeze up, rendering them unable to take any action at all.

Many different factors can contribute to the development of a mental block. In some cases, it may be due to stress or anxiety. For others, it may result from negative thinking patterns or previous experiences. It is also worth noting that mental blocks can be temporary or persistent, depending on the individual and the situation.

If you’re experiencing a mental block, it’s important to take action to overcome it. Otherwise, it could have a serious impact on your business. Mental blocks can lead to lost opportunities, decreased productivity, and even missed deadlines. In severe cases, they can even cause businesses to fail.

HOW TO IDENTIFY IF YOU’RE EXPERIENCING A MENTAL BLOCK

There are a few key signs that you may be experiencing a mental block. If you’re having trouble generating new ideas, if you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, or if you’re finding it difficult to focus on your work, these may all be indicative of a mental block. Other common symptoms include procrastination, indecision, and feelings of frustration or overwhelm.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, taking action is important to overcome your mental block. Otherwise, it will continue to impact your business negatively.

THE 5 MOST COMMON TYPES OF MENTAL BLOCKS

There are a variety of different types of mental blocks that can occur. However, some are more common than others. The 5 most common types of mental blocks are discussed below.

Fear of failure: This is one of the most common types of mental blocks, and it can be extremely debilitating. Individuals who experience this type of mental block may be afraid to take risks or try new things for fear of failing. As a result, they may miss out on opportunities for growth and advancement.

perfectionism: This is another common type of mental block that can be detrimental to businesses. Individuals who are perfectionists may have difficulty making decisions or taking action because they are afraid of making mistakes. This can lead to lost opportunities and decreased productivity.

negative thinking: Negative thinking is another common type of mental block. This occurs when an individual continually harbors negative thoughts about themselves or their business. As a result, they may find it difficult to be optimistic or take positive action.

self-doubt: This is another type of mental block that can be extremely detrimental. Individuals who experience self-doubt may find it difficult to believe in themselves or their abilities. As a result, they may miss out on opportunities to succeed.

procrastination: This is the final type of mental block that we will discuss. Procrastination occurs when an individual puts off taking action, even though they know that they need to. This can lead to lost opportunities and missed deadlines.

HOW TO OVERCOME A MENTAL BLOCK

If you’re experiencing a mental block, it’s important to take action to overcome it. Otherwise, it will continue to impact your business in a negative way. There are a few key steps that you can take to overcome a mental block.

Identify the cause: The first step is to identify the cause of your mental block. If you can identify the root cause, it will be easier to take action to overcome it.

Challenge your thinking: Once you’ve identified the cause of your mental block, it’s important to challenge your thinking. If you’re allowing negative thoughts to control your thinking, it’s time to change that. Instead, focus on positive thoughts and visualizations.

Take action: The next step is to take action. Even if you don’t feel like you’re ready, it’s important to take action. This will help you to move past your mental block and start making progress again.

Seek professional help: If you’re struggling to overcome your mental block on your own, it may be time to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can help you to identify the cause of your mental block and take action to overcome it.

Be patient: Finally, it’s important to be patient. Overcoming a mental block takes time, and there will be ups and downs along the way. However, as long as you’re taking action and moving in the right direction, you will eventually overcome your mental block.

TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES TO HELP YOU OVERCOME A MENTAL BLOCK

If you’re struggling to overcome a mental block, there are a few tools and techniques that can help.

Meditation: Meditation can be extremely helpful for clearing your mind and reducing stress. If you’re struggling with a mental block, try meditating for 10-15 minutes each day.

Visualization: Visualization is another helpful tool for overcoming a mental block. To visualize, close your eyes and imagine yourself taking the action that you want to take. For example, if you’re struggling to make a sales call, visualize yourself making the call and successfully closing the deal.

Affirmations: Affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to yourself. They can help to change your thinking and improve your self-confidence. If you’re struggling with a mental block, try repeating affirmations to yourself each day.

Time management: Time management is another helpful tool for overcoming a mental block. If you’re struggling to take action, it may be because you’re trying to do too much at once. Instead, focus on taking one small step at a time. Break down your goal into smaller tasks and focus on completing one task each day.

Support system: Finally, it’s important to have a support system in place. If you’re struggling to overcome a mental block, reach out to your friends and family. They can give you the support and motivation you need to keep going.

Mental blocks are common, but they don’t have to hold you back. If you’re struggling with a mental block, take action to overcome it. Use the tips and techniques above to help you overcome your mental block and start making progress again. *Content provided by Business 2 Community*

THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-CARE WHEN DEALING WITH MENTAL BLOCKS

Self-care is essential when you’re dealing with a mental block. When you’re experiencing a mental block, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and stressed. This can make it even harder to overcome the mental block. To avoid this, focusing on taking care of yourself is important. Make sure to eat healthy meals, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. Taking care of yourself will help you to reduce stress and feel more capable of dealing with your mental block.

When you experience a mental block, it can be hard to focus on anything else. Your mind is consumed with the thoughts and emotions that are preventing you from moving forward. This can be extremely frustrating and discouraging. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Mental blocks are common, and many people have struggled with them in the past.

The most important thing is to take action. Even if you don’t feel like you’re ready, it’s important to take action. This will help you to move past your mental block and start making progress again. The next step is to focus on positive thoughts and visualizations. Visualize yourself taking the action that you want to take. For example, if you’re struggling to make a sales call, visualize yourself making the call and successfully closing the deal. By focusing on positive thoughts and visualizations, you’ll help to increase your self-confidence and motivation.

CONCLUSION

Mental blocks can be common, but they don’t have to hold you back. If you’re struggling with a mental block, take action to overcome it. Use the tips and techniques above to help you overcome your mental block and start making progress again. The most important thing is to stay positive and focus on your goals. Remember that you’re not alone, and many people have struggled with mental blocks in the past. Seek out support from your friends and family, and remember to take care of yourself. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take some time for self-care. This will help you to reduce stress and feel more capable of dealing with your mental block.

#mental health #mental wellbeing #self care #self development #healthcare #health #healthy life #health tips

[mustaphaelhajj]

I am going to share with you 10 habits that helped me be more productive at work.

I have been looking for ways to be more productive and efficient at my work for the past 15 years. During these years, I have researched and tried different things. Some have worked for me, and others showed to be ineffective. What works for me might be different than what works for you.

I have learned over the years that what worked best for me was the smallest behavioral adjustment. Do not underestimate the difficulty of introducing such adjustments in your life. It took me a lot of determination and hard conscious work to reach there.

As a disclaimer, I do not promise you that these new habits will work for you, but I am sharing what has worked for me. I can definitely say that I am way more productive and efficient today than a few years back, and I am continuously looking for new ways to be even more productive.

If you are an ambitious person like me and would like to achieve more in a shorter time, please read this article. I would also appreciate it if you share any good ideas or habits which have worked for you as a comment. I will make sure to give it a try in the coming months.

1. START YOUR DAY IN A POSITIVE WAY

You have probably heard it a thousand times before, here you hear it again. Starting your day with a healthy breakfast makes you productive and full of energy from the early morning onwards. Vary your diet and avoid eating the same thing for lunch every day. Taking care of yourself, your body, and your brain provides a lot of energy and focus throughout the day.

Start the day with a positive mindset. You can neither change the weather nor the traffic. You can only change your mood.

2. BE FRIENDLY AT WORK

Happy employees are good employees. Make friends with your colleagues. You already spend most of your day with them, and it makes working life more valuable and increases motivation.

Therefore, also spend time on small talk in the office. It is not a waste of time; it is an investment in well-being. See the positive and valuable in your colleagues, and they will respect you more.

Share your good experiences with your colleagues. It will not only strengthen your social bonds but will also force you to notice the positive moments. Smile and always be welcoming. It is contagious, and it will automatically bring your own mood up.

3. STOP MULTITASKING

Yes, you read it right! Do only one thing at a time. Multitasking three tasks at the same time mean that none of them are solved efficiently. Our brains have a natural limit to how many thoughts we can focus on at a time. Avoid mistakes and concentration failures by taking one thing at a time. At the same time, it will stimulate your creativity.

4. REMOVE TEMPTATIONS

Whether it’s social media, e-mail, working with more than one screen or device, noise from the surroundings, etc. Go if necessary for a short walk of five or ten minutes or try to work concentrated in intervals of five to fifteen minutes at a time with a few minutes break in between.

Avoid skipping actions by involving others in your own commitments. For example, your boss or your employee. Sometimes it can be a motivating factor to accompany your responsibilities with consequences or rewards.

5. MAKE A LIST

To-do lists help a lot against skipping actions. Make, for example, a list before you go home from work, listing five goals you would like to achieve the next day. In addition, have another list where you note down three personal goals you would like to achieve.

It could be, for example, buying a birthday present for your relative or booking a cinema ticket for the weekend. Remember to set only realistic goals and avoid letting the list cover the entire week. If you cover the entire week, you increase the risk of getting stressed.

Make each goal concrete, clear and simple. I will give you some examples below:

Call the boss regarding X

Send an e-mail to Y regarding a new customer

Talk to the sales team about Z

If the list becomes too inaccurate, it will work against you and cause you to stress rather than help you. Keep the list short and to the point, and do not spend more than five minutes making it.

6. ORGANIZE YOUR DESK

Organize your desk. There is no right way, but there are many small changes that can help you on your way to being more concentrated and motivated. In fact, your desk can be crucial to whether you get more energy or less energy at work.

Keep an eye out for paperwork. Are those the same sheets that have been lying there untouched for a month? If that is the case, having them on your desk is probably more overwhelming than helpful.

Keep the desk as empty as possible. Something that has worked well for me is keeping an inbox for all new tasks and an outbox for those I finished. You can take advantage of that by getting your desk ready for the next day by the end of the day. It provides more tranquility when you meet up at a well-structured desk in the morning.

7. KEEP CONTROL OF TECHNOLOGY

Technology can cost you as much time as it saves you. If there is something which you cannot get to work, ask for help. Otherwise, a lot of your valuable time is wasted.

Remember that your e-mail is a typical time waster. Avoid having your inbox skipping action, which takes your concentration away from more important tasks.

Turn off your e-mail notifications if you are working on an important task that requires your complete concentration.

With a simple and fast search on google, you can find several apps which block e-mail notifications and help you lower your stress levels throughout the day, and increase your concentration level.

Some e-mails evoke an automatic aversion in our brains, often because they require us to answer no or take a hard decision. Therefore, we easily avoid them. A good tip is to answer these e-mails with either a phone call or a physical meeting. Here you can better explain yourself without spending a lot of time formulating the perfect e-mail.

8. MOVE MORE AND TAKE BREAKS

When working on complex or hard tasks, it is often a good idea to go away from them for some time. Getting up or walking around pumps more oxygen into your brain and gives you additional energy and concentration. You can, for example, make it a routine to sit and work for twenty minutes, after which you get up and work for ten minutes, after which you move for a few minutes.

This cycle keeps the energy level high. Use, for example, a stopwatch or smartwatch to remind you to take small breaks when working.

Very few of our good ideas arise when working at our desks. Instead, we often get our best ideas when doing something completely different. Running, driving the car, taking a shower, eating lunch, etc.

Take breaks even when you are working on a large and important project. Without creativity and energy, the result is not going to be optimal. Breaks make you effective! Relaxing and even taking a small nap allow your brain to see things from a new perspective and in new contexts.

9. KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR POSTURE AND BREATHING

Be relaxed and de-stressed. Try to be aware of your posture and breathing when working. It will reduce your stress level and increase your brain’s efficiency.

10. THE ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS

Based on research, Business Backer has made a list of tiny changes which you may not have anticipated that can improve your productivity. You can, for example:

Put a plant on your desk. It may sound banal, but the green color actually stimulates your brain and your productivity.

You can also use scents, such as peppermint oil to stimulate your brain’s ability to work effectively. Fragrances — and especially peppermint — enhance your cognitive performance (Disclaimer: I have never tried this one yet)

Your ability to concentrate is actually improved by chewing gum.

Use headphones with noise cancellation to eliminate the noise around you. Persistent noise can have serious consequences for your health and not least your concentration.

CONCLUSION

It can take really long time to build new work habits, but small changes can lead to great results. Try it for yourself and focus on the initiatives that work best for you. The most important thing is that you commit to the effort and define your own goal.

And remember that you are a human being just like everyone else; once in a while, you will forget the actions you define or not have the time to think about them. This is perfectly fine.

#productivity #self development #motivation #growth #influence #leadership

[mustaphaelhajj]

Being interrupted constantly can be very frustrating, especially when you are trying to focus. It can become even more frustrating if you have difficulties saying No. It will steal your time and attention from the important tasks and work you are doing, and you will not accomplish what you are set to accomplish. The consequences of not saying no can be very serious as it can cause a decline in your job satisfaction and, in the worst case, causes stress.

There can be many reasons why it is difficult to say no, but usually, it is about fear of what it will mean for your relationship with others. Will your manager perceive you as a lazy person? Will your employee be offended, perhaps even angry? Will saying no create a conflict? Some struggle with guilt if they have said no and are nervous about being too dismissive. Fortunately for you, some strategies can help you say no without any bad consequences. Of course, it depends a lot on how you do it, and in this article, I will take you through 4 strategies that will help you with that.

Read more on my blog!

#productivity #stay productive #self development #improveyourself

[mustaphaelhajj]

We all have desires. We all dream of what we would really like, but very few people do anything about their dreams. Instead, we kill them with bad excuses.

A goal is bigger than a dream. A goal is a dream that is planned, and action is how you get there.

HE DIFFERENCE IS WHETHER YOU ACHIEVE IT OR NOT!

Unfortunately, the vast majority do not control their own lives. Instead, life and circumstances govern them. Without planning and visions, we have no control over where we end up and what we achieve.

A wise man once said, “You can’t hit a target you can’t see.” That sounds logical enough, right?

Do you have clear, written goals? If not, you have no control over how your situation looks like in ten years, for example. But, on the other hand, the people who succeed in making their dreams come true have planned and worked hard towards their goals.

DROP THE EXCUSES

Drop all the excuses and take control of your life. Whether you have 12 children living at home, have only one leg, or are seventy years old, there are no excuses.

If you can’t abstract from the excuses below, you are yet another of those persons who sit back, goes to a job you are really not fond of, eat the usual dinner at 17:46, watches the same miserable episode of a series on TV, and goes to bed at 22:21, hold your vacation at the same place and makes the same spaghetti dish as always.

Maybe you have ended up in a situation where you are “satisfied” with your life but still feel that life has more to offer.

HERE ARE THE MOST COMMON DREAMS KILLING EXCUSES:

I am not good enough

“ I would like to be an engineer, but I am not smart enough,” “I would not succeed even if I tried,” “I lack experience or education.”

Security

“Things are fine as it is now, so why do anything about it?”, “I know what I have, but I don’t know what I can get it.” It’s one of the most miserable phrases and bad excuses to live a boring life!

Competition

“There are far too many persons better than me,” “There are many others who are better than me at this.”

Family responsibility

It’s probably the worst excuse of them all. “I can not. I have a family that needs to be supported” “I worry about what would happen to my kid if it does not work.” You are locked in, and your dreams cannot come true because your family prevents them. What a pity for you!

WHAT CAN GOALS BE?

Goals can be to get all your debts paid, buy a house, buy that cool car you always wanted or maybe be self-employed and open your own company? Maybe it’s watching less television, being a better person, spending more time with the family, or getting a new job? How about a trip to the Amazon jungle with the whole family for eight weeks?

HOW TO PLAN YOUR GOALS

First, imagine your future in three areas—work, home, and social. By splitting, you prevent getting confused, and it helps you see “The big picture.”

Then force yourself to answer the questions: What do I want to achieve with my life? What do I want to be? What does it take to satisfy me in life?

I will make this easier for you. Look at the form below and answer these questions and add some additional questions if necessary. Remember it must be written down on paper and hanged somewhere you see every day.

YOUR GOALS IN 10 YEARS:

Work:

How much money will I make?

How much responsibility do I want?

What job title do I want?

Home:

What standard of living do I / my family want?

What kind of housing do I want to live in?

What kind of vacations will I take?

Where do I want to live?

What car do I want?

Social:

What kind of friends do I want?

What interests or hobbies do I want?

Which social groups do I want to be a part of? (For example, volunteer football coach or other)

Once you have decided what the future should look like, you must take action. For example, let’s assume you would like to earn 10 thousand dollars per month. Is it realistic that you can get this salary in the job you have now? If not, what kind of job do you need? Where are there better opportunities to achieve your goal?

If the goal requires you to find another job in another company, start looking for another job. If you cannot get the desired job immediately, then look for a job in a company where you would have better promotion opportunities later. That’s good planning!

If you work as an accountant but would like to be a model airplane mechanic, join a model airplane club, buy a model aircraft and the necessary tools. Have fun in the model aircraft club, make new friends with the same interest as you and offer to repair the other model aircraft when they break down.

The result can be that you improve your social life, spend more time on what you find exciting, and continuously get better at repairing model airplanes, allowing you to quit your current job to make a living from being a model airplane mechanic. That’s good planning!

THE PSYCHIC INFLUENCE

Something mental also happens to you when you plan. If you have your goals defined, written, and memorized; You will automatically continuously make choices that bring you closer to your goals.

An example could be that your goal is to move from your apartment to a house in 5 years. If you are then offered a larger apartment in 1 year, you will automatically reject the offer even if it’s a great deal! Otherwise, you deviate from your goal, and suddenly you let coincidences control your life, which is not the point.

People who have not planned the future would probably accept the offer, and thus luck controls them and not the other way around.

ACHIEVE THE GOALS BIT BY BIT

Goals can be long-term and to stay focused, it is important to have sub-goals. Let’s assume that three years from now, you would like to go on a trip with the family to the Amazon jungle for 8 weeks. You start by figuring out the cost of such a trip. If the price is 6000$, you must plan how to save it up. 6000$ in 3 years corresponds to saving 167$ per month.

Make sure that the amount is transferred to a saving account from now on! These are milestones and provide focus and motivation to achieve your goal. Talk to your manager at work and inform him that you want 8 weeks’ vacation 3 years from now because you are going on a long vacation with your family.

In addition to being assured that you can take time off from work, you have now informed others about it, and that will put you in a situation where you are motivated to achieve your goal. In addition, your manager and colleagues will probably ask you regularly about your upcoming vacation, which will help keep you focused on it.

If you have a family, of course, plan it with your partner. Maybe together you can find common goals and achieve them.

If you would like to read more in-depth on this topic, I can highly recommend reading “The Magic of Thinking Big” by David J. Shwartz.

Get started on your goals already today!

#self development #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #achieve your goals

[mustaphaelhajj]

A good leader dares well to turn the mirror towards himself. Because if you do not do it every now and then, then there is a real risk that it will go completely over your head if something does not run as it should. Because you play the biggest role in ensuring that your employees and the workplace work well.

We all need habits as they help to build routine and security. So good practices are excellent. On the other hand, your bad habits can be extra nasty when you sit at the end of the table. Because they not only have consequences for yourself — they also have implications for your employees and their motivation and well-being. Where the positive actions and habits help to foster a culture of respect and trust, negative behavior can create mistrust and low motivation.

Therefore, you as a leader must regularly give your habits a thorough overhaul. And this is not about how many times you have your fingers in the candy drawer during a day. According to management expert Elizabeth Lyle, on the other hand, you need to spot these four habits.

Read about these 4 habits on my blog!

#leadership #bad habits #responsibility #self development #improveyourself

[mustaphaelhajj]

“I have without a doubt chosen the right candidate.” That thought has probably roamed many leaders in hiring rounds or in appointing resource persons. As a leader, you will sooner or later hire the wrong employee. Research indicates that we are affected by various biases that mislead us when deciding who to hire. Read here about 11 different biases and how to avoid them ‘hitting’ you.

One of the most important tasks of a leader is to build the right team. It means that you get to recruit the right people when you need to hire new managers and employees and that you get to appoint the right people to, for example, lead projects or coordinate cross-cutting collaborations.

However, several biases can play a trick on you and lead to you — even with the best intentions of pointing out the most qualified — not being able to act informed and rational when choosing who to hire or promote.

Read more on my blog!

#hiring #recruitment #leadership #responsibility #self development