How Music Affects Your Productivity

Music and Productivity

Music has a way of expressing that which cannot be put into words.

It is for this reason (and many more) that music is regarded as one of the triumphs of human creativity―but does music itself help one to create?

This is an important question to examine, because music has increasingly become apart of the modern-day work session.

The soldiers of yore may have faced insurmountable odds to the sound of trumpets, but we desk jockeys are typically left to fend off our piling inboxes with nothing more than iTunes.

With so much of our work now being done at computers, music has become an important way to “optimize the boring.”

Though it may be a fine way to avoid habituation, the question remains: does music actually make you more productive? More focused? More creative? Or is all that a placebo?

People like me need to know. For nearly all of my work sessions, I have music playing in the background. I once wrote 10,529 words on customer loyalty (how exciting) listening to nothing other than the SimCity 2000 soundtrack… and yes, more on that later.

Am I actively sabotaging myself, or is music spurring me to do better work?

Let’s take a look at the research.

Music helps make repetitive tasks easier

When evaluating music’s effectiveness in increasing productive output, one element to consider how “immersive” the task at hand is.

This refers to the variability and creative demand of the task — writing a brand new essay from scratch is synthesis work that demands a lot of creativity; answering your emails is mundane work that does not.

When the task is clearly defined and is repetitive in nature, the research seems to suggest that music is definitely useful.

A series of experiments has investigated the relationship between the playing of background music during the performance of repetitive work and efficiency in performing such a task. The results give strong support to the contention that economic benefits can accure from the use of music in industry.

More modern studies would argue that it isn’t necessarily the background noise of the music itself, but rather the improved mood that your favorite music creates that is the source of this bump in productivity.

This effect was seemingly made clear in this study, which showcased how assembly line workers displayed signs of increased happiness and efficiency while listening to music.

In a noisy workplace, music may be an escape

Despite the somewhat variable effects of music on the individual, one thing is definitely clear — a noisy workplace can end up halting productivity in its tracks.

Perhaps a pair of headphones may not be as distracting as some bosses tend to think:

Dr. Lesiuk’s research focuses on how music affects workplace performance. In one study involving information technology specialists, she found that those who listened to music completed their tasks more quickly and came up with better ideas than those who didn’t, because the music improved their mood.

Again we see that mood is the main argument made.

The idea that headphones might beat out the constant yapping of your office co-workers has caused somewhat of a debate due to the rising popularity of open offices.

While the open space may encourage more collaboration, the chatter can be too much for some people to handle — I know that when I’ve worked in an open workspace, I couldn’t focus on writing without my headphones.

Music seems to interfere with learning

When it comes to absorbing and retaining new information, distraction in any form is a huge no-no.

According a research, music is no exception. Participants had a much more difficult time recalling a complex task when they had listened to music.

Music demands too much of your attention—even when the sounds are subtle—to be listened to when you are trying to learn or analyze new information.

Imagine trying to “read above your level,” or reading material that is outside your expertise, while being pulled away by the sound of music. It makes an already difficult task nearly impossible.

Ambient noise may be the creative sweet spot

For those that do benefit in listening to music during creative sessions, an “ambient” presence of music appears to work best.

Researchers have shown that a moderate noise level can really get creative juices flowing, but that too much noise has the opposite effect.

This would imply that music with especially low-lows or especially high-highs should be avoided.

Deep basses and screeching synths might get you energized, but when listening and engaging in deep work, favor a more mellow sound.

Lyrics can be very distracting

For those low-immersion activities I mentioned above, music with lyrics can offer huge benefits. As an example, studies clearly show that listening to music can help us with intense exercise (anyone who’s ever been inside a gym could tell you that!)

But with immersive tasks, lyrics are especially destructive to our focus.

Since listening to words activates the language center of your brain, trying to engage in other language related tasks (like writing) would be akin to trying to hold a conversation while another person talks over you… while also strumming a guitar.

Lyrics might not have the same effect for creative tasks that don’t directly deal with “verbal architecture,” such as designing. This study that looked at software developers suggested that music helped their output while working; I would still argue that for any language-based task, you should steer clear.

Familiarity is best for focus

It may be beneficial to listen to music you are familiar with if you need to intensely focus for a project.

The reason being is that new music is surprising; since you don’t know what to expect, you are inclined to listen closely to see what comes next.

With familiar music, you know what lies ahead and thus the sound doesn’t become your primary focus.

While the “journey” of new music is certainly beneficial in other ways, you may want to tread a familiar path if you are using music to help get things done.

Music for Immersive Tasks: What Works?

Obviously “music that you like” should be given preference, but there are certain types of music that, from the research above, might be best suited to make us all more productive during immersive tasks.

I chose to look at this in particular because music for more repetitive tasks tends to be an “anything goes” situation: if Metallica helps you get through your inbox, turn it up until your neighbors complain.

In addition, most people tend to have a fairly wide range of music interests, so coming across or utilizing a certain type of music just for work isn’t out of the question — they needn’t always rely on what’s currently on their iPod.

Below, in order to introduce you, I’ll list the type of music, why it may be useful for you, and I’ll try to include some links on where you can find more.

Classical music (Baroque)

Why it works

Lacking in lyrics and often considered to be the apex of the craft, classical music is a popular choice for getting things done.

One study in particular made it very clear that Baroque-period tunes appear to have a measurable impact on productivity. The study only had 8 cardiologists as subjects, however all but one reported that the classical music had a notable improvement on their concentration.

Noting what we’ve discussed above, not all classical music is created equal here — the dramatic twists and turns of Toccata & Fugue in D minor might not be as appropriate as the more delicate sounds of Für Elise.

Where to listen

• Reddit thread, “I’m new to classical music, where should I begin?”
• Freely licensed files on Wikipedia
• Reddit’s r/ Baroque music
• Classical music for exams on Spotify
• Pandora’s Baroque station

Read more: How Music Affects Your Productivity

8 Benefits Of Peanut Butter That Will Make You Crave It More

Featured photo credit: Denise Krebs via flickr.com
Peanut butter is my favorite snack food. I love it so much that I buy it in a 4-pound jar (yes, really!) and gobble it up every month. I love the taste and the fact that you can pair it with anything – bananas, crackers, jelly, on a sandwich, on pancakes – try it! But now I’m so excited to learn there are tons of health benefits of peanut butter that make it even better for me to eat! For example, peanut butter:

1. Is a great source of protein.

If you eat two tablespoons of peanut butter, you’re getting seven grams of protein! Because it’s so full of protein, peanut butter is a very filling snack – this means you can eat less, but feel fuller, and for longer! Protein is also good for building and repairing muscles, which is really good, but especially beneficial if you work out a lot and strain your muscles. Eat some peanut butter on toast for breakfast, and you’ll feel satisfied until lunchtime!

2. Is good for your heart.

Studies show people who regularly include peanut butter in their diets are less likely to develop heart disease of type 2 diabetes than people who rarely eat nuts or nut products. You can still be healthy without eating nuts, but these studies show there is clearly a benefit of nuts that helps your heart. It might have something to do with all the other vitamins, minerals, and nutrients found naturally in peanut butter.

3. Gives you more potassium.

I love salty foods, don’t you? The only problem is, sodium isn’t that good for us. We have to eat it in moderation, but it’s hard because it’s so present in every food! Sodium can be bad for your cardiovascular system, but potassium can counteract the dangers of sodium. And, guess what? Peanut butter is an excellent source of sodium! Pair it with your salty snacks (in moderation!) and feel better about what you eat.

4. Is a source of healthy fat.

A lot of people think peanut butter is bad for you because it contains saturated fats. In reality, saturated fat isn’t as big of a toxin as people make it out to be. Peanut butter actually contains more unsaturated fat than saturated, which means it has “healthy fats.” I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but it’s true! A healthy body needs healthy fats like avocado and olive oil and… you guessed it, peanut butter!

5. Is an energy booster.

Since peanut butter contains a decent amount of protein and “healthy fat,” it has the perfect amount of calories to give you energy for your activities! Just another great reason to eat peanut butter for breakfast and get a good kick-off for your day!

6. Is rich in fiber.

Who would have thought, but those two tablespoons of peanut butter that give you seven grams of protein also give you two grams of fiber! You need a fair amount of fiber to ensure healthy bodily functions, but it’s nice to know you can get some from delicious peanut butter instead of just cardboard-tasting cereals.

7. Helps with weight loss.

Peanut butter is so delicious it seems more like a treat than healthy food. But after reading all the perks so far, it doesn’t seem like a stretch that peanut butter helps with weight loss, does it? Because peanut butter has good protein and fiber content, it makes you feel fuller longer. This means you’re less hungry, and you’ll crave less junk food or unhealthy snacks. Focus on the peanut butter, and you’ll eat less overall, and your weight loss goals will be easier to manage!

8. Packed with nutrients.

Think about all the excellent points you’ve already learned – peanut butter contains protein, fiber, potassium, and healthy fats. Additionally, one serving of peanut butter will give you 3 mg of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant. Also, you get about 49 grams of magnesium, which helps with bone-building and muscle recovery. But wait, there’s more! You even get small, but important, amounts of zinc and vitamin B6, which helps boost immunity.

Source:8 Benefits Of Peanut Butter That Will Make You Crave It More

15 Things Highly Successful People Do At The Beginning Of The Day That You Should, Too

What you do when you wake up in the morning sets the tone for the entire day.

And yet, if you are like most people, you spend it battling your alarm, anxious about what the day holds, distracted by things you know you should do later, yelling at your kids to hurry up, grabbing a quick cup of coffee, and then rushing out the door. You carry the shadow of these feelings with you throughout the day, and this limits your ability to be a successful leader.

Here are 15 things that successful people do at the beginning of the day to set them up for a great day.

1. They meditate to lower stress.

Did you know that the most stressful time of the day is actually first thing in the morning? This is when our cortisol levels are the highest, which is partially responsible for things like morning rage. Meditation can help you clear away these feelings and center your mind to start the day in a calm place.

2. They reflect on what they stand for.

To be a successful leader, you need to make decisions from your core set of beliefs and what character traits you want to cultivate. This may not always be easy to remember in the heat of the moment. Spend a minute or two each morning reminding yourself of these values, and what they mean to you: “I am kind; I am compassionate; I see the best in others; I make decisions quickly.”

3. They plan their day.

This can be done either the night before or the morning of. Check your list of To Dos and upcoming appointments, and figure out what are the most important actions for your day. Schedule them out, with a bit of buffer time. Make sure to plan only what will fit, and no more!

4. They check their email—but only for a set amount of time.

It’s important to check in with your team at the beginning of the day to make sure that everyone has what they need to have a fulfilling, productive day. However, don’t “fall” into an email pit and spend the whole morning on email: set a time limit (say, 1 hour) and address only the most important emails at that time.

5. They don’t get caught up in the drama.

You may find some incendiary emails in your inbox and be tempted to jump into the fray. Don’t. Remember, the beginning of your day is your time to set the tone for the day. Focus on the big-picture priorities and vision, and leave the drama resolution to a lower-priority time of the day, where it belongs.

6. They stretch.

We need our bodies to perform a variety of functions for us throughout the day, so give your body a stretch first thing in the morning to get it ready for what’s ahead. This is especially crucial if you are going to be sitting at a desk all day.

7. They pay attention to their partners.

Remember that your partner is preparing for their day, too. They might need a few words of encouragement from you, or a quick back rub to relax (see #1), and a few minutes of your attention can make all the difference in the world. Remember, “successful” doesn’t just mean at work.

8. They pick up after themselves.

There is something relaxing and recharging about coming home after a long day’s work to a clean home. While it may be tempting to leave that outfit you decided not to wear on the bed, or your dirty dishes on the counter, you will pay the energetic price for it later. So take the extra 30 seconds and straighten up after yourself.

9. They leave plenty of time.

If you start your day by rushing around and stressing out that you are going to be late, that will be the tone you set for the rest of your day. Is that really how you want your day to go? Instead, get up plenty early, honor your time commitments, and get out the door when you say you will.

10. They “plant the seeds” for tough projects.

Take a look at your schedule and anticipate what the most challenging parts will be. Start to mentally prepare yourself, and reflect on the open questions that need answering. Your subconscious brain will continue to think about these things throughout the day, and will often come up with solutions for you.

11. They take their vitamins.
For many people, the morning is the most consistent time of the day, and so lends itself well to doing daily tasks like taking your vitamins, or remembering to give your pets their medications.

12. They avoid distractions.
As tempting as it might be to pop in on Facebook or get that one remaining chore done, it’s usually a good idea to eliminate distractions so that you can focus on the important work of creating your day. Schedule time for those later.

13. They think of what they are grateful for.
It’s easy to think about everything that stresses you out, but the truth is likely that you have far more things to be grateful for than you have things to be worried about. Remind yourself of this each morning by thinking of at least 5 things that you are grateful for. You will start your day happier and more confident that life really is good.

14. They drink water.
After not drinking anything while sleeping, your body is actually more dehydrated than you might think. Down a glass of water first thing in the morning, and you will be surprised how much that impacts your sense of physical well-being.

15. They make it all a habit.
Habits are all about efficiency. If you do the same routine day in and day out, not only will you get the results you want, but you also will spend less mental energy doing that routine because it has become automatic. That mental energy can be used for important pursuits in your life.

Which one or two items from this list will YOU implement in your mornings? Write a note and share.

Source: 15 Things Highly Successful People Do At The Beginning Of The Day That You Should, Too

10 Positive Psychology Studies to Change Your View of Happiness

“People wait all week for Friday, all year for summer, all life for happiness.”

In An Introduction to Positive Psychology, Dr. William Compton describes positive psychology as seeking “to make normal life more fulfilling.” It utilizes the scientific method (hypothesis, prediction, study, research, analysis) to understand the positive and emotionally fulfilling aspects of human behavior. It is the study of what actions, pursuits, and motivations best contribute to the good life.

I enjoy reading positive psychology. The more I discover, the more I am reminded that happiness is rarely found in material possessions or worldly pursuits. Our most fulfilled lives are discovered living for greater causes.

These pursuits are available to us regardless of our heritage, background, or socioeconomic standing. They are freely available to anyone who chooses to dedicate their lives to them.

10 Positive Psychology Studies to Change Your View of Happiness

1. From Wealth to Well-being? | Harvard Business School, 2009. While there does appear to be some correlation between happiness and income when basic needs are not yet met, people tend to overestimate the influence of wealth on happiness by 100%. Money does not lead to nearly as much happiness as people think it will.

2. Buying Experiences, not Possessions, Leads to Greater Happiness | San Francisco State University, 2009. The study demonstrates that experiential purchases, such as a meal out or theater tickets, result in increased greater well-being than material possessions. These experiences tend to satisfy higher-order needs, specifically the need for social connectedness and vitality—a feeling of being alive.

3. The Science of Gratitude | University of Pennsylvania, 2005. One of the greatest contributing factors to overall happiness in life is how much gratitude we show. And a noticeable difference can be experienced with as little as three expressions each day (“Thank you for…”).

4. Trust, Morality, and Oxytocin. Claremont Graduate University, 2011. Based on research findings, psychologists believe humanity’s trust, empathy, and morality increase as their levels of oxytocin increase. neuroeconomist Paul Zak explains the simple act of eight hugs a day can increase internal oxytocin levels and result in a happier you and a better world.

5. For a Better Day, Smile. | Michigan State University, 2011. People who smile as a result of cultivating positive thoughts can significantly and immediately improve their mood. Simply put, one easy way to improve your mood right now is to recall pleasant memories—and smile because of it.

6. The Dynamic Spread of Happiness | University of California, San Diego, 2008. In this significant study, people who were surrounded by happy people were more likely to become happy in the future. So if you want to discover more happiness in your life, make a point to surround yourself with joyful people.

7. Kindness Counts | University of British Columbia, 2012. In this study conducted at an elementary school, students who performed kind acts experienced significantly higher increases in peer acceptance. In other words, people who are kind to others are more well-liked. This contributes to their own personal popularity as they help other people.

8. People who Exercise on Work Days are Happier | University of Bristol, 2008. People’s moods significantly improve after exercising. They are also more productive and equipped to manage stress in their workday.

9. Is Volunteering a Public Health Intervention? | University of Exeter Medical School, 2013. Evidence suggests volunteering benefits mental health and even, survival. Donating time to causes you believe in not only improves well-being and overall life satisfaction but is also linked to decreased depression and a lower risk of dying early.

10. Spending Money on Others Promotes Happiness  | University of California Berkeley, 2008. This study suggests that how people spend their money may be at least as important as how much money they earn. Specifically, spending more of one’s income on others results in greater happiness. So go ahead, be generous. You’ll be glad you did.

Source: 10 Positive Psychology Studies to Change Your View of Happiness

A Journey Into Finding Your Life Purpose

What is your life purpose?

“The purpose of our lives is to be happy.”- Dalai Lama

A couple of years ago I was working so much I forgot about my health, family, and friends. Somewhere along the road of shooting to become a successful business owner, I lost track of what was most important. My dream somehow turned into a reality of being stressed out, overweight and unhappy. It finally hit me…

Work had become my life’s purpose.

Like so many other business owners, I started my business for a chance at freedom and the opportunity to be the master of my own destiny. I had visions of success and money, and with that, I believed I could one day finally be happy.

But the reality was I was not happy. I was miserable.

I won’t bore you with business concepts, but there is one important concept I learned that changed my life and I want to share it with you.

All great companies have four things: purpose, vision, mission, and core values.

I asked myself, why can’t I apply these ideas to my life? So I did, and here’s how you can apply it to yours.

Purpose

Your life’s purpose is the reason why you exist. It’s the reason for being.

Let me ask you again because it’s in my humble opinion, the most important question you could ever ask yourself – why do you exist?

In the past, if you asked me what my life’s purpose was- I would have told you it was to make lots of money. Believe me, there’s nothing wrong with making money, but for myself, I finally realized it was not the reason why I exist. It was only an enabler at best.

Finding your life’s purpose is very much about finding yourself. Life with a purpose drives you when you wake up each morning. But figuring it out takes time. After pondering and pondering with no answer, I finally asked myself the following questions:

1. What do I really want?
2. What makes me happy?
3. What gives me peace of mind and fulfills me inside?

Then all of a sudden it hit me! My life’s purpose was simply to be happy.

With this newfound realization, I knew this was the beginning of a new life. Now the question was what does being happy actually look like?

Vision

Your vision is what your life looks like when you achieve your life’s purpose.

Your vision should define your life’s purpose in detail. It is the manifestation of your purpose. In terms of goals, these are your Dream Goals – the biggest goals of your life. Think about it this way, if you cannot see it, how would you know if you were there? To help you see your vision, consider the following questions.

1. What does it look like?
2. What does it feel like?
3. What are you doing?
4. Who do you see?
5. Where are you?
6. What are your passions?

It took many weeks, but I eventually was able to define what happiness meant to me. I knew exactly how it looked and could describe it in detail.

My vision was to help people reach their goals and dreams, be a mom, enjoy every moment with my loved ones, and give back to the world.

That’s what being happy means to me. The next question was, how?

Mission

Your mission is how you fulfill your vision, and in turn, your purpose.

Think of your mission as a way to live your life, almost like a personal philosophy. It’s like a set of instructions that tells you how to do something. It’s supposed to be broad enough to give you room, but concise enough that you know exactly what you have to do each and every day. In terms of goals, these are your Now Goals – the goals you need to meet day in and day out.

Your mission aligns your daily life with your purpose. To figure out your mission, here are questions to ask:

1. How do you reach your vision?
2. How do you need to behave?
3. What do you have to do every day?
4. What should you not do?
5. What obstacles will be in your way?
6. How many options do you have?

I admit the questions above were difficult to answer. These were questions that would impact my life, and it was scary to know how many adjustments I needed to make in order to start living my life’s purpose. This was going to require me to change the way I worked and interacted with the world.

After many different versions of my mission, I finally came up with one…

“Lead with my heart, make positive change in peoples’ lives, and live gratefully every day.”

Your mission will keep you on track throughout the day – just remind yourself what your mission is when you get lost. For example, I have a tendency to let small worries turn into big worries that bring me down. So, when I feel myself getting derailed, I look to my mission and it reminds me to be grateful for everything in my life, big and small, which helps me refocus my energy and gets me back towards my life’s purpose.

Values

Your values are the principles and ideals that define who you are.

Everyone has values. They’re typically single words that describe everything about who you are and what you stand for. Values are learned and have been inside you since the day you were born. You learn values from your family, friends, school, work, government, community, and media.

Each person defines their values differently. Ask yourself these questions to help you figure out yours:

1. What characteristics describe you as a person?
2. Who are the people you love to work with?
3. What people do you want to be like, and not like?
4. What things in life will you not negotiate?
5. What do you believe in?
6. What makes you tick deep inside?
7. What do you truly believe in?

As for myself, here are a few of mine: joyful, humble, real, dreamer, committed, loving, strong, happy, and optimistic.

Finally, after many months, my life’s purpose, vision, mission, and values were all on one page!

For the first time in a long time, I felt new again. I felt like the storm had cleared and everything that was dark and hazy was replaced with light and clarity.

Here are a few personal examples of how it has changed my life:

• When I wake up, instead of waiting for the day to be over I am eager to go make an impact.
• I look forward to seeing my loved ones instead of complaining about why they want to hang out.
• When something doesn’t work out I know I will not give up because I have a purpose to pursue.
• When the world is pulling me in a million directions I look to my mission to get me back on track.
• When I get stuck in a difficult dilemma, I look to my values to determine the answer.

Living a life of purpose is a lifelong process.

As the Dalai Lama once said, “The purpose of our lives is to be happy.”

And I agree because at the end of the day all we have left in life are our stories to tell.

What’s your life purpose and how are you going to get there?

Source: A Journey Into Finding Your Life Purpose

Salary Negotiation: The Best Way to Ask for a Pay Raise

Pay Raise Just Ahead

Sure, we all want to earn more. In particular, if you aren’t getting regular enough pay raises, you might actually be losing money to inflation. But, sometimes it’s tough to know the best timing and etiquette for negotiating your salary.

Here’s how to take your paycheck from meager to mega:

Know What You’re Worth and Ask a Bit Higher

Start by figuring out the average range for your position. Don’t immediately ask for the salary you’re hoping to get; ask a bit higher. After all, your boss will likely try to negotiate you down. Norman Lieberman, a California-based salary expert, and coach suggests walking in with a very specific number in mind. By proposing a higher number, you can “split the difference” between your current salary and your asking number. For example, if you’re currently at $50,000 and want to be making about $55,000, ask for $59,500.

Talk Specifics

Lieberman suggests that you enter the negotiations with a very specific number to show that you’ve put a lot of thought into the process. An even number, he says, might make it appear that you just pulled a figure from thin air.

Sell Yourself as an Effective Employee

Set up a meeting in advance rather than grabbing your boss on her way to a meeting and stammering, “By the way…” Start by telling her how much you enjoy working for the company, and be prepared to explain why you deserve a raise. Talk about your recent accomplishments and how the company is benefiting from them. Whether or not you’re currently looking for a raise, always keep a private journal of your accomplishments. “So often,” Lieberman says, “people forget what they’ve done.”

Ask yourself these questions to quantify your contribution to the company:

• Have you saved your company time or money? If so, how much?
• Have you added to company profits through a client you brought on or an initiative you proposed? How much did you make the company?
• Have you exceeded the metrics your boss set when she hired you? (i.e. You were hired to increase web traffic by 100% but your projects increased traffic by 250%)
• What kind of projects have you taken on beyond the scope of your job?
• Are you the person that covers for your boss or someone else in the blink of an eye?

Be sure to bring any documentation of these numbers, whether in a chart, graph, or spreadsheet form.

Prepare to Be Turned Down

Be confident and ready, but also consider your strategy if your request is denied. Remember to remain gracious and dignified, no matter what happens. If your boss says that a raise isn’t right at the moment, think about whether there is anything else you can ask for, such as flexible work hours, profit sharing, paid time off, or tuition reimbursement.

Agree on a Time to Revisit the Topic

Remember that “no,” is usually “no for now.” Agree on a time to revisit the topic with your superiors, whether it’s three or six months. It goes without saying that, in the meantime, you’ll want to work as hard as you can so you don’t give anyone a reason to say no.

Be Prepared for Possible Hostility

Most bosses will respect employees who know their own value enough to ask for a raise. As long as you come in confidently and prove your point eloquently, there should be no harm done. However, before going to this meeting, make sure that you really do deserve a raise. If you ask for a raise when your boss is already unhappy with your work, be aware that she could use this as an excuse to finally cut the cord.

If You’re Really Not Ready for a Raise

There will also be times that a raise just isn’t in the cards for you, says Lieberman. Perhaps the fault lies with the company culture or a reluctance to change, but you simply haven’t done anything that warrants a raise. If that’s the case, be honest with yourself. Shift your focus to creating new initiatives and excelling at your position. Consider asking your superiors, “Is there anything more I can do to add value to this company?” When you feel like you have truly made a difference, revisit the topic of a raise.

Asking for a raise can be highly nerve-wracking, but experience has shown that the highest salaries often go to those who know enough and have the confidence to ask.