Living Life to the Fullest: How to Enjoy the Simple Things in Life and Improve Your Self Confidence

Every day on the way home from work I sit on the train and observe the goings on in the carriage around me.People, dressed in their constrictive little penguins suits, shuffle around so they don't have to sit next to one another or (God forbid) look at one another. 

Plugged into their little white earphones they are completely oblivious to anyone sitting around them. 

Carefully arranged bags make the seat next to them look just uninviting enough to deter anyone who might want to attempt sitting next to them. 

Since when have we become such a self involved and insular community? People are, for the most part of their day, shut off from all the amazing experiences around them.

The thing is this... It all makes me feel really lucky. Since I experienced my own quarter life crisis and started travelling life has become a completely different experience for me and has opened my eyes to world around. I really hope that others can experience the same kind of excitement about life as I have right now. 

Many people are scared to let go of their preconceived notions of what their lives have to be and they become depressed by it. I'm so fortunate that on my travels I have met so many other people who, like me, are experiencing life to the full. It gives me inspiration to keep on going.

There is also not just one way of going about experiencing life, which is partly what makes it so great.Even just taking a different route to work or watching less T.V and going for a walk can be enough for some people to shake off the shackles of their day-to-day stupor.

I really explored this concept this after attending some excellent courses run by Karma Jiga. Karma Jiga was a senior monk at the world-famous Samye Ling Monastery in the Borders of Scotland and the founder and Project Director of Rokpa Dundee. He opened my eyes to a lot of things including the theory of mindfulness and since then I would encourage anyone if they have any interest in getting rid of stress and living more in the moment to attend some meditation classes. They don't have to be religious if you have no interest and can be used as a really effective life tool for all sorts of things. Some of the most important principles were very straight forward: 

Take notice of the world; focus on whatever you are doing; commit random acts of kindness; be thankful for yourself and your life just the way you are. However, these are things that most people forget on a daily basis. Too many people spend their lives wishing their lives away. Psychology today also recently printed an interesting article on trying to live in the moment.

For some, maybe the way to reconnect is just looking a little harder at what is going on around them. A few weeks ago I went to see an exhibition by the artist Louise Hawson Who, In 2009 decided to spend a year exploring and photographing one new Sydney suburb a week. The suburbs of Sydney vary hugely from place to place and i think most people would be surprised if they headed out from the CBD to Auburn, for example, which has a high population of Islamic people and a plethora or Iranian, Turkish and Middle Eastern restaurants. 

Louise shares her experience here on her blog, 52suburbs.com.au She has now extended her project and is looking at suburbs around the world. I'd highly recommend her blog to anyone and it is a fantastic insight into some of the lesser known suburbs In the city.

For others, maybe the way to discover happiness is by travelling and I am so fortunate that I have so met so many other people who, like me, are experiencing the world though travel. For some really interesting blogs based on travel check out my section on fantastic blogs which will be being updated periodically. 

When I talk about my travels many people express how they WISH they could travel too but can't because of commitments or finances. I'm never sure exactly what to say to them except go for it! You will never regret the things you do... only those that you don't. For some more practical advice the other day I read a fantastic blog by The Nomad Grad who explains how she manages to finance a nomadic lifestyle... so now there are no excuses!

I'm aware this has been a bit of ramble but I hope it inspires people to go out there and start living... or at least let someone sit next to them on the subway without a grumble. Who knows what interesting stories they might have to tell or where it might lead you!

If you want to read more about the adventures that I have had since I decided to take that first step towards self discovery then read more at my blog: Scottish Nomad

http://scottishnomad.wordpress.com

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Following the 9 Steps to Financial Freedom

Now is the time to step up and achieve financial freedom! How many years have you been broke? For how many years have you been looking for a solution to bail yourself out of debt?
How many times have you thought that winning the lottery is the only solution to your neck-deep financial problem?

Many people are like you, there are hundreds and thousands of people all over the world who want to achieve financial freedom think that they do not have the resources to do so.

Being financially stable and free is not all about the money.
Learn from these 9 steps to financial freedom:

1. Change your way of thinking. Many people think that having a lot of money is the true measurement of success. And so, a lot of individuals are putting on a show.
For other people to think that they are successful and that they have a lot of money, they buy things that they don't need. Most are just a status symbol. They buy expensive things that are not really essential.

What happens next? They spend the rest of the year trying to earn what they owe to the bank. If you are like this, your entire life is tied to the bank. You earn basically just to pay off your debt.

2. Earn more than you spend. It is not a sin to live a modest life. It is not a crime to wear second hand shoes or to drive a 10 year old car.
Well, these 9 steps to financial freedom won't leave you living a fancy life if you can't afford it. Manage your earnings well by keeping more and spending less.

3. Create passive income. If you learn to spend less, you will have more savings. You can use a portion of your savings to invest in a business. Another would be to invest in the stock market.
Instead of saving your money in the bank, your money can yield more interest in the stock market than in the bank. However, you should also realize the consequences of investing in it.
Look for a knowledgeable person who can walk you through how the stock market works so you'll learn.

4. Avoid swiping your credit card. Better yet, do not get a credit card. Credit cards will let you feel that you still have a lot to spend when in fact, you really don't.
It is wiser to carry cash, so you'll know how much is your spending limit for the day and you won't overspend.

5. As much as possible, buy only the things that you need and a little bit of what you want. Even if you're following the 9 steps to financial freedom you also need to reward yourself once in a while.

6. Increase your financial limit. When people think that a hundred dollars is enough, they stop striving hard when they have reached their target which is a hundred dollars.
But, when you think that your financial limit is a million dollars then you don't stop earning and doing your best until you reach that million!

7. Think Positively. Thinking positive attracts positive vibes. If you will it then, it will happen. It is a just a matter of conditioning.

8. Have self-discipline. Changing your way of life and redirecting your spending is a very hard thing to do. You need utmost self-discipline to succeed with that. Think of the end in mind to motivate you and help you discipline yourself.

9. Avoid that little indulgence. If you have disciplined yourself for so long, what will give you away is giving into little indulgence. When you feel that you are so deprived, go back to step number five of the 9 steps to financial freedom and reward yourself a little.
However, avoid giving yourself a reward before the time for the reward is due. These little indulgences will break your self-discipline.

Daniel Dwase is a well-known home business and financial freedom mentor who has helped thousands to earn money online. Get his FREE money-making step-by-step guide at Future-Success.org

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Learning To Be A Writer - The First Three Steps in Becoming A Writer

Becoming a writer is hardly a simple feat. To become a writer one must practice and work hard. It can be said that many writers are writers, but few of them know how to become a writer. The label "writer" is just simply a label, it is all the hard work and determination of reaching that status that truly gives the writer that makes them worthy of the title.

There are three simple steps that any writer can take that will enable them to achieve the title of "writer," while making them worthy of it. The first step to becoming a writer is to start to think of yourself as a writer. Many writers believe that they cannot be known as writers until they are published, but this is not true. Anyone who thinks of themselves as a writer, and writes on a regular basis should talk about themselves as a writer.

Many unpublished writers have the habit of saying they want to write, or saying that they write, instead of saying "I'm a writer. When learning how to become a writer, it is necessary for writers to realize that you don't have to be published to be known as a writer. Although, it may seem ideal for introductions and make it easier for others to see you as a writer, being published does not make one a writer. Writers should see themselves as people who write, and not as people who write for a living.

For most writers, being published is validation of their status as a writer and even the start of the path to success. However, there are many published writers who are not very successful, famous, or rich. Obviously, being published is a great way to show your work to an audience, and gain recognition, no matter how great or small. On the path to becoming a writer there are many who lose sight of the fact that they don't stop writing once they are published, so it is not wise to only write to be published.

There are many ways to start to think of yourself as a writer, and in this first step on the learning path of how to become a writer there are smaller steps that help you proclaim yourself as a writer. Firstly, take a moment or two to say the words "I am a writer" aloud to yourself. Then keep repeating them as many times as possible until you sense yourself starting to acknowledge that yes it is believable!. Next, find a specific place in your home for your writing. It can be a room, section of a room, or a studio. Now you are starting to think like a writer because you have your writing space.

It is also important to make the "writing space" as comfortable as possible, and to ensure it meets your writing needs. Of course it is important to get the proper writing tools, such as pens, pencils, notebooks, and a computer that is used specifically for your writing. Aspiring writers can also find lessons on how to become a writer in style books, which should be kept as a writing tool also. It is also helpful to befriend other writers, and read their work and others as a writer and discuss passages of books or chapters with other writers.

The second step to becoming a writer is to make time to write. When learning how to become a writer, novices will always be advised to make time for their writing. Many aspiring writers often mess up on this step, and although they want to be writers they slack on how much they write, You would not believe how many writers are left with unfinished works. It is important to set aside a particular time or day for writing and to stick to that schedule, because deviance from a writing schedule usually means unfinished work.

The final step to becoming a writer is by far the simplest. To become a writer it is imperative that you write. Writing is the simplest step to becoming a writer and the most important step. When learning how to become a writer, you must take some time out and write!

Paul Duxbury writes extensively on a wide range of subjects and has received many accolades for his writing. He has recently released How To Become A Writer [http://www.how-to-become-a-writer.com/]

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What is writing a book REALLY like?

Have You Got the Mindset to Make Money Work For You?

Why is it that we live in such a rich country, yet most people are not rich? At school we are not taught a financial education, or even how to manage cash, we were taught how to work for money but not how to make money work for us.

Also at school we were taught to memorize. When doing an exam you would study for a bit and normally memorize all your notes the night before. If you had to sit that exam a year later you would probably fail because you would've forgotten the information, so it's not really learning is it? Memorizing, and putting into practice are two different things.

For most people, they're also afraid to step out of their comfort zone to try new approaches or strategies to get what they really want in life and end up sacrificing their time and money to a cause they have no interest in. Are you dedicated enough to step out of your comfort zone and make a difference in your life?

Another reason why people won't step out of their comfort zone and have a go in life is their focus. They're not focusing on their destination, for example as Jamie McIntyre explains it, "When driving, do you focus on your destination and where you're heading or do you focus on the bugs on the windscreen?" Those bugs are related to fear and pain. When you mention investing to the un-educated or those without the right mindset, they have the fear and pain of losing money. For most people the need to avoid pain is greater than the need to gain pleasure.

Another point of mention is mindset. In particular, the mindset of the majority of people around money. Most people delude themselves when it comes to money. They think money will solve all their problems, hence the reason why many people buy lotto tickets. But look what happens to the majority of those who actually win lotto, most are worse off three to seven years later.

They never had the mindset to make money work for them. They had more money than their personal development. You only have to look in some trashy celebrity magazines and you'll more than likely find a movie star, rock star or sports star stuffing up their life because they've had more money than their personal development. Mindset is 80% of what it takes to be financially independent, 20% is strategies but without the mindset you'll never implement and fully take advantage of the correct wealth building strategies.

Everyone has so much fear and panic at the moment because of the share market, but for those with the right mindset and education will see massive opportunity. You only have to look at the big players like Warren Buffet, who is among the richest people in the world, to see the great opportunity available. He recently invested over six billion dollars into one of the heavily beaten down global investment banks.

Some people are too fearful, they're afraid of something which has happened to either themselves or someone else they know, but what's the point of dwelling on the past. Would you go flying down the highway looking in the rear view mirror? Hopefully not, so why would you do it in life?

Also, the general cultural belief system around money which the majority of Australian's subscribe to will hold most people back and that is "if something sounds too good to be true it normally is". But if you never take a chance on something or take on any risk in your life, what are you going to be stuck doing for the rest of your life? More than likely you will struggle, whinge and complain about lack of time and money.

Greg Suggate is an accomplished Stock and Options trader and Entrepreneur. Although having a Diploma of Financial Services he has no interest in working in the Financial Planning industry. His goal is to demonstrate to those less fortunate about the benefits of financially educating themselves. To find out more about Greg and to purchase his e-book package detailing his personal trading strategies, visit [http://www.optionsrevealed.com/]


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How to Take the First Steps Towards Financial Freedom

Bills, bills, bills. There's more month than money. I can't afford that. And on and one. We've all experienced a lack of funds. How we respond to the situation is what matters. Do we face the problem or bury our head in the sand.

The first step towards your financial freedom is to do an evaluation of your debt. This is where you have to be brutally honest. Look at all your expenses. Mortgage or rent, insurance, taxes, food, car payments, and credit card bills. List everything . Start with the monthly recurring bills, like your mortgage/rent and car payments. And the everything else.

Now you know what you spend every month and you know what your monthly take home pay is, so are you a "victim" of deficit spending? Are you going deeper into debt every month? If the answer is yes, then you need to take action to turn it around.

You'll need to look at your fixed expenses and see if there is anyway to reduce those. A mortgage or rent payment is probably fixed, but you may you may be able to shop your insurance. Call a few companies and get some quotes. The same is probably true for your car. I could tell you to sell your car if you have a loan and buy a clunker for cash, but that isn't practical. It often takes as much to keep an old car going as it does to make car payments. But you can shop around for car insurance. There are some deals out there.

Next, you'll need to look at your credit card statements. Are you making minimum payments? If that's what your doing, you will be in debt forever. It takes about 8 years to pay off $1000 with minimum payments. You need to find a way to pay more. You also need to stop using the cards. Cards are play money. Try to buy things for cash. When you have to count it out, you often will realize you just don't need the item. Then, try to negotiate your payments with the card companies. Try to get the interest rates lowered or if you have some extra cash, try to buy out the balance. More and more, card companies are looking to clean up their books, so it's worth a shot.

Finally, everyone has their personal Starbucks. Mine was a bottle of Coke and an apple pie in the middle of the afternoon. Cost about $3.00. Yours might be a Starbucks or a Dunkin Donuts or whatever. I also brown bag it for lunch. I can eat lunch everyday for a week for about $12.00 as opposed to about $5-6.00/day for fast food. By eliminating my treat and bringing lunch, I saved about $100.00/month, $1200.00/year. That started my journey to financial freedom and it can start yours.

It all starts with small steps. Take them and build on them and soon you will be on your way. Plan your work and work your plan.

Did you find this helpful? If you did and would like to view some free videos on the subject, visit my website.

[http://www.TheSuccessfulMaverick.com]

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Simple Start With Amazon FBA

Amazon created something called Fulfillment By Amazon which works a lot like eBay, but in my opinion, is MUCH better.

For a while, eBay was the only place to sell things online. eBay is great, but it requires a lot of work on your part: sourcing, listing, shipping, customer support etc.

If you plan sell to online, then you should strongly consider Amazon's fulfillment program called FBA. FBA stands for "Fulfillment By Amazon" which makes it a fulfillment company. A fulfillment company provides storage and shipping services for their clients' products. FBA is unique because Amazon is also the marketplace for those items so they have an active interest in seeing the items sell. What makes FBA even more extraordinary is that its items are also eligible for Amazon's shipping promotions including Free Super Saver Shipping and Amazon Prime.

It is important to understand how FBA works and how other businesses are using FBA.

Amazon buyers use Prime so they get free shipping. They easily spend more for things like spices, coffee, tea, socks, toilet paper, towels, detergent, etc. They spend much more because they absolutely TRUST Amazon. This is good for sellers because it means that you will make more and sell more.

Amazon is a master of internet commerce and has set the bar very high for their customers, vendors and owners. Customer service is critical for them and we are tapping into this using Fulfillment by Amazon. You as the product seller no longer have to deal with the customer service after the sale. You simply keep sending more products to Amazon and they take care of the rest.

This article will only cover only setting up your Amazon account for FBA. We will go more into sending your products to Amazon, storing and shipping your products at Amazon, and managing your FBA inventory in upcoming articles.

1. Open an Amazon Account

If you have never purchased nor sold on Amazon and do not have an account, simply go to the Amazon website and click on the Selling on Amazon link at the bottom of any page.

2. Set Up Your Amazon Account

Once you have an Amazon selling account, contact the Amazon customer service department to set up your account for FBA. Having an actual FBA rep on your account will help you with any issues in the future. The rep will actually walk you through your first shipment.

So if you get this far, you have done your initial due diligence and you have an FBA account.

I'll be back soon with more hints to get you moving forward with Amazon FBA!

Learn how you can sell your products on Amazon FBA by visiting [http://www.dropshipcompanion.com]

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Working From Home Is Like an Island, Where You Start Talking to Yourself

Isolated in your Micro-Business?
Working from home often means you are at home for hours at a time with little contact with any other person. We take for granted the huge number of personal and business contacts we make everyday as employees for other organisations.
Instead of being left isolated and a great way to boost small advertising budgets is to develop your own networking strategy. Too often home business owners talk about relying on word of mouth sales to generate sales, but then do nothing planned about getting them to work.

Scan your local newspaper
Look for community events that are free or very cheap that might have some of your customers or clients attending. Take the time to try and book one in each month.

When you attend take some business cards with you and decide how many you will hand out before going back to your isolated workplace.
This is a great way to stay connected with the local community and build your home business awareness.

Find your local business network
Even in small regional towns there will be a collection of business owners that have started their own network group of like minded individuals.
Attend a meeting and really consider joining. It is worth a small outlay for this form of advertising and networking. This way you will become aware of any changes in your local business area.

Turn to the Online Community
The power of social media for networking is vast in our time and any home business owner that is not active in at least one or two platforms is missing out.
"Caution needs to be taken when online as you are not meeting them face to face and this has its own problems. Social media networking does not serve for all your networking as you need to keep your personal interaction skills as well."
Be very selective about which blogs, forums and social arenas you choose to participate in as your comments will last almost forever. This form is a very cost effective way to advertise your home based business if managed correctly.

Go for a walk
Wait for a nice day to go for a walk. Not only will this help clear your mind and give you a chance to leave your computer, but if planned properly will build more networks for your home based business.
Take at least 50 business cards with you, dress appropriately and map out a walking route that takes you along shops or businesses you haven't visited before.
As you go past each business, have a look to see if they would be suitable to know as a supplier, client or alliance partner. Then walk in and introduce yourself and what you do.
Start talking and the rest will happen naturally.

Information supplied by Paul Baker
Over twenty years of business development & change management strategies successfully used in National organisations across Australia. The focus is on continuous improvement of business systems to stimulate growth through our principles of Initiate, Inspire, Innovate.
Customer-centric focus using our extensive experience in consumer behaviour and business process operations to find ways to help business owners manage their organisations.

Avatar Business Intelligence

avatar@startingbusinessadvice.com.au

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