In this issue of Friday With Friends I decided to focus on ladies only. I have always appreciated the female perspective and these five bloggers really have a lot to offer.

The [read the article] link at the end of each preview will take you to their blogs so you can finish the article and have a look around. I hope you enjoy their work as much as I do.

Boost Your Productivity in 50 Ways
by Celestine Chua

Looking for ways to increase your productivity? Do more things in a faster manner, and with better output? Here’s a list of my recommended strategies and tips to increase your productivity. Each of them has its own set of contexts where it works the best in, so apply them accordingly:

1) Get a head-start: Wake up early – Start off your day ahead of others. When doing your tasks, start it 5 or 10 minutes earlier than the time you specify. Because you are an extra step ahead, you will feel especially good about it and be motivated to run fast to keep your lead.

2) Get the big rocks in: Big rocks are your quadrant 2 tasks – the important but non-urgent tasks. When big rocks are in place, you can easily get the small rocks, gravel, sand and water into the jar. Much easier than if you tried to do it the other way round, isn’t it?

3) Hardest task first: Within your quadrant 2 tasks, work on the most hardest one when you wake up in the morning. With that out of the way, everything else becomes a breeze. [read the article]

How to Strengthen Your Ability to be Decisive
by Dr. Annette Colby

If you find that your will to choose is not fully developed, you feel out of control. If you have not learned to use your free will, you feel fragile and vulnerable. If you were brought up to obey others while denying and disowning your unique personal choices, you feel lifeless. If your will is ignored, suppressed, or hidden, pain will arise.  

Look closely at your own will. Is it frequently:

- Pushed around by the will of other people?
- Influenced by the opinions of others?
- Suppressed by your own feelings, such as depression, guilt, anger, or fear?
- Immobilized by inaction and lack of direction?
- Weakened by self-doubt?

Notice if you generally do what you wish, from the core of your being, because you have willed it, or does some other factor dominate? Do you mold yourself to the expectations of others? What happens when you tell yourself, “I can create my life exactly the way I want it, in all dimensions — body, work, family, relationships, community, and the larger world?” How does your inner voice respond? [read the article]

10 Reasons It’s Awesome Life’s Not Fair
by Lori at Seeing Good

You work yourself exhausted but your boss’ son gets a promotion. Your friend the smoker is healthy as a horse while you suffer from chronic pneumonia. Your wife has an affair yet somehow takes you to the cleaners in your divorce. Things happen all the time that contradict our hope that good things will happen to good people. Hard work doesn’t always bring rewards. Good habits don’t guarantee health or happiness. Giving love and respect doesn’t ensure you’ll receive the same in return.

You may say life’s not fair—and I think you’d be right. But how does it serve us to dwell on that idea? Who benefits when we indulge bitterness, frustration, or anger? Or perhaps a better question is: who suffers?

I say we see we take this unavoidable truth and appreciate it for the possibilities it provides. Life isn’t fair, but that’s awesome because:

10. It helps you get better at accepting what is. When you don’t get what you feel you deserved, you could easily get stuck obsessing over how it should have been. I know–I’ve been there. It doesn’t help change the situation; and it only makes you feel you worse. When you accept what is you have power to change both yourself and your reality. How amazing that unfair situations allow you the opportunity to practice acceptance.

9. It encourages you to ask yourself the question: “Do I want to be a victim?” Every day we have countless opportunities to blame other people for situations in our lives. We can curse everyone from the mailman to the president for somehow screwing up our day. Or we can commit to taking responsibility for our future, and learn to repeatedly assess how we can accept and improve our life.

8. It reminds to appreciate what you have when you have it. It’s a harsh reality that you can lose anything at any time. Your boss could lay you off after a decade of loyal service; your husband could walk out the door even though you’ve been a faithful, loving wife. This tells me we need to cherish what we have at all times. And really, any reality that forces you to be present and grateful is a gift. [read the article]

Passion or Obsession?
By Giovanna at Imperfect Action is better than No Action

Passion is one of the most important keys to success in any arena of life. When you have passion in your life you wake up excited about your day. You make the right decisions, you get more done in less time, and things flow for you. If you harness your passion, people will believe in you, trust in you, and want to support you. No greatness can happen without a person’s passion behind it. But what exactly is passion? [read the article]

Who Will Take the First Step?
By Robin at Naked In Eden

Editor’s note: In this post Robin offers 10 answers to the question: “What do you do if someone hates you?”

1. When I feel hate from someone else, which almost never happens, I say to myself, “Although I’m not responsible for another’s choice to hate, is there anything real I might have done that I need to take responsibility for?”

2. Then I choose to look at the situation on a soul or psychic level. I like to distinguish what might be someone else’s feelings and what are mine. I can all too often and too easily feel another person’s feelings. So I like to separate their feelings from mine. It allows me to more clearly see the situation and let go.

3. I’ve always seen hate as a secondary emotion, the original or base emotion being fear. I’ve experienced life as two fundamental emotions: fear and love…with various off shoots from these two emotions. In many cases if we can get to the base emotion we can more readily understand what’s really happening. [read the article]

Benefits of Blogging – Becoming an Authority
by Kristi at Kikolani

Editor’s note: This post is the fifth in a series, where Kristi covers some of the many benefits of blogging.

What is authority?

I consider being an authority on a subject being someone that others can look to for solid, useful information. If someone is an authority on SEO, then you would know if you were having SEO related questions that this person would be the one to ask.

Do you have to know everything to become an authority?

Some people may assume that, because they may not be an expert on a subject, they cannot become an authority on it. I do not feel that is true. I think that an authority on a subject not only knows their subject, but also knows where to find information that they do not know. They continue to learn and expand their knowledge, as new information becomes available.

Consider someone who gained a master’s degree in a subject 5 years ago – at that time, they would have then been considered an authority on that subject. But if they have not maintained their education, chances are the subject has evolved. This is especially true in the areas of technology, science, medicine, etc. Their degree would be less valuable than someone who is either currently studying or gaining hands on experience in the same field today. [read the article]

Well, that’s it for this Friday with Friends.
Before you go, let me ask:

Did you find these articles useful?
Which ones did you like the best?
The lines are open!

Free updates via RSS feed or email

Related Articles:
Friday With Friends – June 19
Friday with Friends – May 29
Friday with Friends – May 15

Today I want to share three wonderful articles with you on subjects that directly affect the quality of your life. We are going to talk about money, productivity, and personal outlook.

In this challenging economic environment money is the focus of many conversations. Let’s begin by recognizing that money is probably the most emotionally charged inanimate substance there is. It has it’s own distinct energy.

For some, mixed feelings about money create internal conflict and confusion. This is a breeding ground for limiting beliefs that can interfere with the flow of abundance into our lives. But here’s the thing…

We all need money to function.

My friend and colleague Steve Aitchison wrote a very insightful article covering many of the different aspects of money, and the emotions that surround it. The article is titled: “The Energy of Money and How To Make More of It.” Here’s an excerpt…

“As I said in the beginning of this post we have been programmed to believe the pursuit of money and wealth is not good.  Get rid of this thought as quickly as you can for it will hinder you from making progress in your life’s goal to create more money in your life.  Money is the pathway to freedom for yourself and for others in your life.  You will have the ability to help more people by being wealthy than you will be by being poor.  Think of this for a moment.” [read the article]

About productivity.

Productivity is another area that lends itself to confusion. Is shear will power the secrete to increased productivity, or is there a more natural approach?

Personal development blogger Steve Olson helps us to appreciate the futility of trying to create by force in his article: “The Secret to Getting Things Done: Acceptance, Love, and Patience.” There is some valuable insight in this article that we can all benefit from. Here’s a taste…

We live in a culture where we are taught from our earliest days that problems are solved by the application of force. Popular culture action heroes and athletes delude us into thinking we can create a better world via physical strength, will power, and force. [read the article]

Your personal view of circumstances.

Are you in control of your life, or are you just a victim of circumstance? This is a question that cuts to the heart of the perception we have of our own reality. This week my good friend Stephen Mills dove right into the deep end of this subject. His article: “Stop Being the Victim” is both powerful and straight to the point. Here’s a quote…

When you play the victim and expect others to come to your rescue, you are shutting yourself off from that tremendous power you have to make a difference.  You are creating a self-limiting environment for yourself.  You are failing to be 100% responsible. [read the article]

Well, that’s it for this Friday with Friends.
Before you go, let me ask:

Did you find these articles useful?
Which ones did you like the best?
The lines are open!

Free updates via RSS feed or email

Related Articles:
Friday with Friends – May 15
Friday with Friends – May 29

In this issue of Friday with Friends I want to share some truly exceptional articles from some of the most insightful writers around. My world is better because of their work and I want to offer you the opportunity enjoy them as well.

This week I have chosen 5 articles on a variety of subjects including forgiveness, happiness, productivity, and success. I think you will enjoy and benefit from each of these choices, beginning with 8 powerful tips on forgiveness…

How to Let Go and Forgive
Written by Leo Babauta of zenhabits

We’ve all been hurt by another person at some time or another — we were treated badly, trust was broken, hearts were hurt.

And while this pain is normal, sometimes that pain lingers for too long. We relive the pain over and over, and have a hard time letting go.

This causes problems. It not only causes us to be unhappy, but can strain or ruin relationships, distract us from work and family and other important things, make us reluctant to open up to new things and people. We get trapped in a cycle of anger and hurt, and miss out on the beauty of life as it happens.

We need to learn to let go. We need to be able to forgive, so we can move on and be happy.

This is something I learned the hard way — after years of holding onto anger at a loved one that stemmed from my childhood and teen-age years, I finally let go of this anger (about 8 years ago or so). I forgave, and not only has it improved my relationship with this loved one tremendously, it has also helped me to be happier.

Forgiveness can change your life.

Forgiveness does not mean you erase the past, or forget what has happened. It doesn’t even mean the other person will change his behavior — you cannot control that. All it means is that you are letting go of the anger and pain, and moving on to a better place.

It’s not easy. But you can learn to do it.

If you’re holding onto pain, reliving it, and can’t let go and forgive, read on for some things I’ve learned.

1) Commit to letting go. You aren’t going to do it in a second or maybe not even in a day. It can take time to get over something. So commit to changing, because you recognize that the pain is hurting you. [continue reading]

14 Timeless Ways to Live a Happy Life
Written by Alex Blackwell of The Bridge Maker

How we achieve happiness can be different for each one of us. Our passions, expectations, life experiences, and even our personalities all contribute to the level of happiness we experience in our lives. Some find happiness in their careers while others prefer the bliss found in their marriages or other intimate relationship.

No matter how you define happiness for yourself, there are certain universal and time-proven strategies to bring, and sustain, more happiness into your life. The following 14 timeless ways to live a happy life can be adapted and even customized to fit your needs. Over time, these strategies will become positive and life-changing habits that will begin to bring more happiness, joy and peace into your life.

1) Notice What’s Right
Some of us see the glass as being half-full, while others see the glass as half-empty. The next time you are caught in traffic, begin thinking how nice it is to have a few moments to reflect on the day, focus on a problem you have been trying to solve, or brainstorm on your next big idea. The next time you get in the slow line at the grocery store, take the opportunity to pick up a tabloid magazine and do some “guilty pleasure” reading. Take all that life throws out you and reframe it with what’s right about the situation. At the end of the day, you will more content, at peace and happy. Take the time to begin to notice what’s right and see the world change in front of your eyes.

2) Be Grateful
How many times do you say the words “thank you,” in a day? How many times do you hear these same words? If you are doing the first thing, saying the “thank yous,” the latter will naturally happen. Learn to be grateful and you will be open to receive an abundance of joy and happiness.

3) Remember the Kid You Were
Do you remember how to play? I’m not referring to playing a round of golf or a set of tennis. I’m talking about playing like you did when you were a child – a game of tag; leap frog, or street baseball when the bat is a broken broom handle and the bases are the parked cars. One way to find or maintain your happiness is to remember the kid you were and play! [continue reading]

Mono-Task and Work More Effectively
Written by Ali Hale for Dumb Little Man

A few years ago, “multi-tasking” was a big buzzword. When people wanted to sound busy, the common response was, “I am multi-tasking“. However, trying to write emails, talk on the phone, finish that big report and check Twitter all at the same time, is a sure recipe for doing all of them badly. Without focus, results suffer and thus multi-tasking has been relegated to a convenient excuse to procrastinate.

When you’ve got a difficult project to work on, you need to mono-task. Here’s a step-by-step mono-tasking plan to achieve true effectiveness in your work:

1) Step One: Switch Off Distractions
Whenever you sit down to work on an important task, you need to switch off any distractions. That might be the radio, television, Twitter, messenger programs and – most importantly – your email. Be honest, do you ever get emails that really can’t wait an hour for a response?

Constantly switching between different applications on your computer drains your ability to concentrate. You lose time whenever you switch – stopping to check your email breaks your concentration, and it can take several minutes to get back into the flow of what you were supposed to be doing. [continue reading]

The Productivity Map
by dragos of eDragonu – the choice of a personal path

Ever since I wrote The Productivity Trap article I felt there was something missing. The main point of that article was always valid, of course, but there was still a little bit of fog regarding the whole productivity concept. So, after taking some time to think it over, I came up with a productivity map, which made it clearer for me. Those of you accustomed with the urgent / important diagram will be instantly familiar with it.

Productivity Axis

There are 2 main axis of the productive citizen:

• goals axis
• discipline axis

Generally speaking, the goals are the motivators, the incentives, while the discipline is the facilitator for reaching those goals.

Goals are what are making us move forward, what makes us thrilled and enthusiastic. Goals is a technical term here, it can be substituted with dreams or passions. [view maps and continue reading]

What is Success?
Written by Kristi of Kikolani

I have seen this question posed on several other sites recently, mostly related to blogging success. So I wonder, in life, how do we define success?

It seems like, both in blogging and in life, people define success by numbers. As a blogger, the success is determined by the number of visitors per day, the dollar amount they can sell their ads, and the amount of diggs or tweets their posts received. As an author, the success is determined by how many books are sold, the number of positive reviews by large newspapers and magazines, and the number of movie offers that are made for their book. As a lawyer, the success is determined by the number of cases won and the dollar amount of settlement that is gained for their clients. As a family’s provider, the success is determined by the dollar amount of the salary he or she brings home, the dollar value of the home in which they live, and the amount of cars in their driveway.

But is that a real measure of success? Shouldn’t there be other things that determine if one is successful? Wouldn’t the quality of lives be different if there were other measures of success? [continue reading]

Well, that’s it for this issue of Friday with Friends.
Before you go, let me ask:

Did you find these articles useful?
Which ones did you like the best?
Do you have a recommendation?

Always be up to date with our RSS feed or email updates

With this post I am starting a new tradition called “Friday with Friends.” You see, every week I am exposed to some truly exceptional articles from some of the most insightful writers around. My world is better because of them and I want to offer you the opportunity enjoy them as well.

So beginning today, on at least two Fridays per month I am going to round up a few of the best and preview them for your consideration and enjoyment. I had to use a lot of restraint here because there were so many fine choices. I chose 5 that I think you will like beginning with…

Overcoming Busyness: Five Strategies for Keeping Life Simple
by Jeff Nickles at My Super-Charged Life

Will you take the time to read this?

Most of us probably feel too busy to pause for such an activity.  We feel rushed, hurried and behind.  Have you ever stopped to consider where these feelings come from?

I assert that most of it is just a bad habit that we have let take root in our lives.  The stress and anxiety that results from habitual busyness wears on our health, relationships and enjoyment of life.  It robs us of much that is truly good and creates joy.

Overcoming busyness is a worthy goal we should all pursue!

How do you start simplifying and overcoming busyness?

Overcoming busyness requires a little discipline.  You have to bust a cycle of behavior that has become a habit.  This can be difficult, but these strategies will help.

1.  Start small and learn to calm yourself

I challenge you to take 5 minutes to be still and quiet.  This will likely be harder
than you think.  Find a place where you can be alone with no distractions.  Be sure the television and radio are off.  Sit in a chair or on the bed, close your eyes, still your mind and just sit there for five full minutes.  Increase the time each day until you can spend a full 30 minutes in this calm state.  This is detox for your busyness! [continue reading]

The One and Only Motivator for Success
by Hani Al-Qasem at Pick the Brain

How many times have you had these thoughts: “I need to go out there and do it” or “I should go to the gym more than once a week” or “I ought to wake up thirty minutes earlier to revise my presentation” or any other ‘could’ve’, ‘would’ve’, should’ve’?

If you’re like me, you’ve probably had many of these thoughts. But how many of them did you actually commit yourself to in the long term?

More than likely, not enough!

You know you should go for this, you ought to do that, or you would like to do the other. But the ‘knowing’, the ‘ought to’ and the ‘would like to’ are not going to make things happen.

Why haven’t things changed the way you wanted them to? Why haven’t you committed to going to the gym more than once a week, or why haven’t you gotten up thirty minutes earlier to revise your presentation?

The answer lies in motivation: The skill of getting yourself to take action to achieve your goals, no matter what.

The great thing about life is that you can learn, develop and master the skill of getting and staying motivated, so you can accomplish the things that you have always wanted. [continue reading]

10 Best Ways to Harness the Power of Questions
by Luciano Passuello at Litemind

Our brains love questions. They have the power to engage us and to shift our mindsets. They drive knowledge and growth, and fuel both creativity and critical thinking. Here are 10 ways to ask questions more intelligently you can start using today.

1. Questions for Creative Problem Solving

One of the most effective ways to approach any problem is to ask questions about it. The greatest thing about questions is that your brain automatically starts working on them as soon as you ask them. Not only that, but it’ll keep working on them in the background, when you’re not even aware of it. [continue reading]

How Your Style Affects Your Dreams
by Alex Fayle at Someday Syndrome

When people talk about style, they often mean fashion. Lady Gaga has a stylist. The Jonas Brothers have a stylist. You don’t need a stylist. You just need to know what your style is.

By style, I mean the way you approach work and life. Are you an outgoing person? Are you on the shy side? What drives you? Are you interested in making enough money to buy that cottage? Do you live to help others?

Knowing what type of person you are is the most important step in figuring out what you want out of life. If you don’t know how you approach life then you have no idea which path will work best for you.

Let’s take a look at how different styles affect each of the Someday Syndrome variants. [continue reading]

How to Generate Any Feeling, Instantly
by Glen Allsopp at PluginID

What would you say if I told you that there was a technique you could use to help you generate any feeling in a matter of seconds? What If I also said this only requires a simple exercise for a few days to be effective for weeks? Whether you think it’s possible or not, there is something you should try, and I’ve been having a lot of fun with it recently.

In my quest to help as many people as possible, I often try to learn new methods that I think may benefit individuals. For example, it wasn’t till I started writing this blog that I decided to try meditation, noticed its benefits and wrote a guide. The technique is actually something I have learned through studying NLP and is just one of the awesome ideas I’ve came across. [continue reading]

Well, that’s it for this Friday with Friends.
Before you go, let me ask:

Did you find these articles useful?
Which ones did you like the best?
Should I continue to do this?

Always be up to date with our RSS feed, or email updates