An easy way to crush your comfort zone

An easy way to crush your comfort zoneYour comfort zone will hold you back if you stand by and let it. You’ll see opportunities pass you by left and right. There are few things worse than looking back at your life and regretting not taking a chance because it made you feel uncomfortable. Don’t let your comfort zone control you – step outside of it. There’s really one trick to crushing your comfort zone.

Do things that make you feel uncomfortable:

 

I’m not suggesting that you rob a bank or do something illegal. Instead, pick something that you know you should do, but are reluctant to do because of fear. Some ideas:  Read more... (300 words, 4 images, estimated 1:12 mins reading time)

Read the full post (300 words, 4 images, estimated 1:12 mins reading time)

Quick Tip: Did I Miss Anything?

If there was one question that I knew would immediately infuriate many of my teachers and professors, it was this one. There were always people that missed class, would ask this same question (even though the instructor blew up at the last person that carelessly asked it) and get an earful. And rightfully so – it implies that it’s possible that nothing was missed which translates to the class or meeting is a waste of time. Even if that’s the case, it’s still impolite.  Read more... (222 words, 2 images, estimated 53 secs reading time)

Read the full post (222 words, 2 images, estimated 53 secs reading time)

Social Bookmarking

Social bookmarking allows internet users to share and organize links in a central location. Social bookmarking services have been around for over a decade but they’ve just recently become popular (over the last few years).

If you use any of these services, please feel free to bookmark posts from this blog. This is relatively easy to do thanks to the I Love Social Bookmarking plug-in. Simply hover over the “Share this” link at the end of the post that you want to bookmark and choose the service you use (if your service isn’t there, let me know and I’ll try to add it). If you haven’t used one of these services, you can still click on any of the links and then create a new account (they’re usually free).  Read more... (175 words, 2 images, estimated 42 secs reading time)

Read the full post (175 words, 2 images, estimated 42 secs reading time)

Why multitasking doesn’t work

In this day and age, people have so much to do that they are often pressured to multitask. Bad idea — at least the way most people multi-task.  If you start one thing and then receive a phone call and that call makes you start something else and then you get an email message that reminds you to do another small task, you’re not being efficient. Even if you eventually get all three tasks done, you’re wasting effort.  Read more... (349 words, 2 images, estimated 1:24 mins reading time)

Read the full post (349 words, 2 images, estimated 1:24 mins reading time)

Quick tip #4 – Prepare for a speech using audio & video

Whenever you’re giving an important speech (such as a keynote) it’s important that you practice. Practicing out loud in front of a mirror is good. Practicing in front of a test group (such as a Toastmasters club) will help you get some feedback.

If you really want to improve your speech quickly, record it. Audio only is fine because it’ll force you to improve the speech’s content. You can also listen to it in the car, at work, while you jog, etc… so you’ll have the content of your speech perfected and memorized. If you have the ability to edit audio and create CDs, that’s even better as you can sell the recording at the event.  Read more... (245 words, 2 images, estimated 59 secs reading time)

Read the full post (245 words, 2 images, estimated 59 secs reading time)

Quick Tip #3: Stagetime

If you want to quickly improve your public speaking skills, you need to get up in front of an audience as much as you possibly can. Each time you speak, you gain experience and expand your comfort zone. If you ask for and receive feedback, then you’ll improve even faster.

Toastmasters is good for this as it provides you with opportunities to speak. I recommend joining or visiting multiple clubs because you’ll address different audiences. You may get comfortable after speaking multiple times to the same audience so it’s good to mix things up. Also, different audiences will provide you with different feedback.  Read more... (198 words, 2 images, estimated 48 secs reading time)

Read the full post (198 words, 2 images, estimated 48 secs reading time)

Quick Tip #2 – Remember your Ideas

How many times have you thought of a great idea but were unable to recall the details when you were ready to act on it? Let’s face it, great ideas can come to us at odd times: while we’re driving, in the shower, or lying in bed. If we don’t take the time to note them right away, there’s a good chance we’ll forget them. In today’s tip, I’ll talk about a couple ways you can avoid this situation.  Read more... (551 words, 2 images, estimated 2:12 mins reading time)

Read the full post (551 words, 2 images, estimated 2:12 mins reading time)