3 Tips To Forge Ahead Of The Financial Flop

I'm sure everyone reading this is bored of the doom and gloom, fed up of the whinging and frustrated with the economy. But are you sitting back hoping it all works out or are you forging ahead and keeping on track? Find out how to stay ahead of the financial flop now...

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3 Reasons Why People Don't Stick To Their Weight Loss Goals

Have you ever joined a gym and then lost the motivation to go? Or started a diet and given up after only a few days? If so, you're in the majority. However, with 49% of people overweight and unfit these are statistics you can't afford to ignore...

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Revealed: A New Approach To Boosting Your Career & Finances

It's amazing how so many people are keen to improve their career, finances or relationships but place very little importance on their health. You can't expect to have razor-sharp focus and the energy levels required to succeed in life if you don't spend time looking after the things that make you tick. Find out how to start getting results today!

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Are you in the 'Yes Trap'?

So many of us fall into the trap of saying yes to things that we should be saying no to. And when we're not saying yes we're spending time regretting not having the nerve to say no! Quite frankly it's exhausting...

Do you find yourself saying yes to: -

- Social invites that you don't really want to attend?
- Client meetings that take up too much time?
- Activities that you can't afford?
- Family requests that you find draining?

If you've fallen into the 'Yes Trap' where you're agreeing to things you'd rather not be doing it's time to set some boundaries. Follow these 3 simple steps and nail the nerve to say no: -

1. Hindsight is a great thing

Firstly learn from your mistakes and get to know yourself a bit better - it's important to recognise what motivates you to say yes even when you want to say no. Ask yourself -

- Why did I say yes when I should have said no?
- What was I fearful of losing or missing out on by saying no?
- Who did I want to impress?

2. Stand up for yourself

If you don't set boundaries you'll simply waste time and wind up feeling frustrated and unhappy. You need to determine a clear set of guidelines that help you navigate through making a decision so that you don't yes when you feel under pressure! Think about what's important to you and what you truly value in your personal and professional life. When you know what your values are saying no becomes a whole lot easier!

3. Buy yourself time

If you break into a cold sweat at the prospect of saying 'no' you need to create time for yourself to think clearly and objectively. First and foremost, when a request is made, don't answer immediately! Simply ask if you can respond or rsvp later in the day and then consider your answer in line with your boundaries and values. Give yourself time to make an informed and calculated decision.

What are you going to start saying no to? Post a comment - I'd love to hear from you.

How Much Is Criticism Costing You?

Criticism can be a costly business mainly because as humans we're rarely open to it and we tend to take it personally! So if you're about dish out a serving of the Big C make sure you have a smart plan in place...

Little Pointers That Will Save Your Popularity

It's all well and good being open and honest and letting people know what you think, but it's equally as important to ensure that your criticism is constructive so that you aren't seen as judgemental or overly negative.

Follow these simple tips to make sure your criticism is more than a personal ego boost: -

1. Avoid Unnecessary Criticism

It's important to make sure you recognise the good things that people do instead of focussing purely on their faults. Unnecessary criticism is simply a personal ego boost that does nothing other than give the criticiser a false sense of 'being a better person'. Avoid criticising where possible.

2. Offer Encouragement

If you need to criticise make sure it's sincere and that you offer suggestions for improvement as well as encouragement and recognition for the good things that have been done. By encouraging the good qualities in someone they will be more receptive to your comments and ideas.

3. Avoid Moralising

When people need correcting we shouldn't avoid doing it, however it's important to be professional at all times. For example, if you point out a mistake avoid adding any unnecessary judgements about how bad the person is to do it - this will only make them defensive and less willing to act on your suggestions.

Have you criticised someone recently? What strategy did you use? Or have you been criticised yourself? How did it make you feel? Post a comment and let us know.