7 Reasons Why Cell Phone is Bad for Your Child

I am sure your child, like mine, is using a cell phone all the time. It is not a good sign. The constant use of cell-phone interferes with the healthy growth of your child in many ways: 

1.      Life is about cell-phone and nothing else: According to The Wireless Issue in the August 27, 2012 issue of Time Magazine, 68% of the respondents have their cell phone next to their bed when they reply to this question: Where do you place your mobile device while sleeping at night?  It shows that it is with them day and night and life cannot go on without it. All things else are working around the use of cell-phone like doing household chores, cooking, cleaning, and studying.   

2.      Use of cell-phone as a pastime: Instead of spending time in the great outdoors, a cell phone is used instead to relax and unwind. This sedentary lifestyle is not a healthy trend. Sitting at home looking at the small screen encourages munching of junk food and getting obese and lazy.  Very often your child may not be using the correct words while texting. It is a bad habit and it discourages proper English usage.

3.      Develop poor eyesight: Since a cell phone user is looking all the time at a short distance, your child is likely to develop short-sightedness.    

4.      Non-active lifestyle: Everything can be done online from shopping to chit-chatting. Your child is more likely to be inactive. It is convenient but at the cost of a healthy lifestyle.   

5.      Not building real relationships: It is quick and easy to confirm friendship online. There is no way to find a person‘s authentic background. The image can be somebody else’s and the name is fictitious. It is also likely that the person has an ulterior motive in getting to know you.

6.      Affect health negatively: According to Wikipedia, on 31 May 2011, the World Health Organization confirmed that mobile phone use may represent a long-term health risk, classifying mobile phone radiation as a "carcinogenic hazard" and "possibly carcinogenic to humans" after a team of scientists reviewed peer-review studies on cell phone safety. Just imagine the harmful effect of carrying and using the cell phone all day and all night long.

7.      Doing two things at the same time: As reported in the same issue of Time Magazine, people use a mobile device while playing with their children, attending a party, eating at a restaurant, watching TV, and seeing a movie. These habits discourage focus and concentration and not really enjoying what you are doing in the present. It is a bad manner to use a cell- phone in the presence of others. In the same report, people use a cell phone while driving a car which is dangerous.   

What can you do?

       Encourage reading: Promote a reading habit, develop concentration and avoid multi-tasking, It is also an effective way to learn the correct usage of English. 

·       More outdoor activities: Walk or jog in the great outdoors to promote a healthy lifestyle. Enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Look far away at the greenery to build strong eyesight.

        Join a community and promote face-to-face interaction: Relationships on Facebook and Twitter are not real and may not be truthful. Join community projects and develop a genuine connection.

·         Without the device: The survey by Time Magazine recorded that 11% can go without it for an hour, 29% in one day, 19% in one week, and  34%  for several hours. How long could your child go without it? Challenge your child to focus on something else as long as possible.   

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5 Productive Ways to Go to Work

How do you go to work in the morning productively? There are 5 simple, yet effective ways to do so:

1.       Be prepared: Have you got the to-do list ready for the day? It is an important tool for you to manage your daily activities productively.  The tasks are written and important jobs are prioritized. You are ready to attack the first major task, which is also tough, of the day with full force and resolve. When you have planned and are organized you are in control.     

2.       Be energetic: Do not rush off to work without your breakfast. Have a nutritious breakfast leisurely. Enjoy eating without reading newspapers or doing other things. You need abundant energy to start a new day at work and not just a cup of coffee.

Never work before breakfast; if you have to work before breakfast, eat your breakfast first.

Josh Billings

3.       Be smart:  Dress smart and create a positive image of yourself before you step out of the house.  Impress others with a neat appearance and it tells them that you do your work just as meticulously as the way you look after your image. When you look good, you feel good and create a feeling of confidence in yourself.  

4.       Be on time: Show up on time or go to work early when you have more to do for the day. It is better than working late because in the early morning you can work more productively without distractions, disturbances, and interruptions. You know there are many people who cannot go to work on time and give a lot of lame excuses. Show to others that you are capable of self-management.  

5.       Be happy: There is nothing better than going to work cheerfully. Acknowledge and smile at people you meet. Signal to others that you are feeling on top of the world. People will know that you are responsive and approachable.  Work with happiness and you work productively.   

Go to work productively and you will have a great day ahead of you.  

10 Essential Skills for Success

You need multiple skills to manage every facet of your life. Success in business alone does not mean that you are successful in other areas of your life.  Here are ten critical aspects of your life to pay attention to:

1.      Communication skills: It is crucial to express thoughts clearly in writing and orally in order to get messages precisely and fully. You also need to be a good listener and when you are in doubt always ask questions to avoid misunderstanding. It is more effective to use simple words to convey ideas.   

2.      Manage emotions: The most important thing is to choose happiness. You must enjoy what you do every day or else you will be miserable.  Learn to work, play and live in the moment. Happiness is getting into the flow of what you do.

3.      Decisiveness: Take prompt action as soon as a decision is made. Do not regret later that you have missed a golden opportunity to take action. Do not worry about failures or mistakes. They are all part of the learning process in order for you to progress and grow. 

4.    Technical skills: Be an expert in what you do. You are valued because of your specialized knowledge. Be flexible and receptive to new ideas and changes. Be alert and adaptive to technology advances. Share with others what you have learnt.  

5.    Self-management: You may be able to run a business well, are you capable of managing your own life?  Be productive in your daily activities. Living a balanced life between work and family is a very important part of a successful life. Be an early riser, go to work and attend meetings on time. Keeping promises and meeting deadlines are the way to earn trust and respect.   

6.     People skills: Be respectful of differences such as race and religion. Be cooperative and build working relationships with co-workers. Provide support and offer help whenever necessary. Be approachable, responsive, courteous, cheerful, and diplomatic when dealing with others. Uphold harmony at home and enjoy peace of mind.   

7.      Time management: Manage time and do what is important in your life. Follow your dreams and goals. Planning and organizing is the right way to reach your objectives.  Prepare a to-do list in the evening for the following day to work efficiently and effectively. 

8.      Problem-solving: Be accountable and responsible; don’t blame others when things do not work out. Be resourceful and innovative to overcome problems. Adopt a positive mental attitude and take initiative to look for solutions. 

9.     Personal finance management: The objective of personal financial management is financial freedom.  It is about living within your means and avoid getting into debt. It is also about the smart and wise use of credit cards. Savings is the key to grow your money so that you can invest later and build wealth. Wealth is responsible for three areas of your life: emergency fund, children’s education, and your retirement.

10.  Self-care: Drink water throughout the day, eat nutritiously, taking breaks while at work to sustain your concentration and energy.  Sleep well at night, take time off to relax and unwind.  Exercise daily is an effective way to manage stress and regain your sanity.

What other important skills are essential for a successful life? 

5 Reasons to Think of Solutions Instead of Excuses

It’s not about excuses, it’s about finding solutions. 
Jeff Van Gundy

Do you look for excuses when you don’t exercise or eat healthily? When you cannot get something done, the easiest way out is to give excuses, but it does not solve the problem. The wise thing to do is to look for a workable solution because it offers many advantages:   

    

1.      Just as creative: Looking for a convincing excuse is just as creative as looking for a solution. Why not focus on an answer to solve the problem? The effort is the same, but you get to solve a problem. The longer you procrastinate the more difficult it is to overcome a problem.     

2.      A problem is an opportunity: It is especially so at work. Instead of throwing the problem at your boss, be resourceful to attack the problem. You will get more than just solving a problem, you build self-confidence. Your boss will regard you highly when you report a problem you have noted and solved.    

A problem is a chance for you to do your best.

Duke Ellington

3.      Be responsible: You are responsible for the outcome in whatever you do; you can’t blame others or your circumstances. Admit it that it does not work gracefully and do it in a different way.  

The most important thing to do in solving a problem is to begin.

Frank Tyger

4.      Be a solution provider: A problem gives you a chance to learn and grow. You also gain the respect of others when you are able to come up with solutions to their problems. Happiness is giving.

Problems are to the mind what exercise is to the muscles, they toughen and make strong.  Norman Vincent Peale

5.      A positive mindset: Looking for solutions to problems is a positive mental attitude. Instead of dwelling on a problem, you direct your energy looking for a way out. It is a productive habit.

Believe it is possible to solve your problem.  Tremendous things happen to the believer.

Norman Vincent Peale

It is wise to direct your anger towards problems--not people; to focus your energies on answers--not excuses.

-William Arthur Ward

Are you looking for excuses or solutions for all your troubles?

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5 Ways Cell-Phone is a Stressor

The journal of the American Medical Association has published an article entitled Effects of Cell Phone Radiofrequency Signal Exposure on Brain Glucose Metabolism. According to the article, the dramatic increase in the use of cellular telephones has generated concern about the possible negative effects of radiofrequency signals delivered to the brain. While it may or may not affect your brain, I have identified 5 areas that it is stressful to use a cell phone:

1.     Get your 24-hour a day:  In an article, Cell Phones Raise Stress, researchers say the findings suggest that cell phone technology may make people more accessible but at a psychological cost. There is no dividing line between work and home life. It is indeed stressful because you can be reached on job-related matters any time anywhere.

2.      Distract your attention to drive: The phone always rings when you are behind the wheel. You have to pay attention and listen because it could be something important. You are caught between driving and listening to the incoming call.  

3.     Interrupt you while you focus on your job, in a discussion or meeting: It is another nuisance while you are in the flow for work. Of course, you can switch it off while in a meeting or discussion. There could be an urgent call or message from home and delaying responding to the call it can spell disaster for you.   

4.     More ad messages: There is no escape from advertisements. You are forced to check incoming messages in case it has something to do with your job. Very often, advertisers are trying to reach you.  

5.      More urgent matters to attend to: When your boss calls you on your cell phone, it means there is an urgent job to take care of. It raises your heartbeat and you don’t have a choice. Do you dare to switch off your cell phone after work?      

To regain your sanity, turn off your cell phone when you go to bed. You need to sleep with peace of mind and start a new day with energy and a fresh mind.

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10 Negative Words to Avoid

In life do not allow negativity to hold you back. You may have failed or get rejected in the past; it does not mean that you are doomed. You will be much wiser to learn from the past and you can start all over again in a different way. When you are determined and you persist, you will succeed eventually. Here are ten common negative words to erase from your thinking and replace them with positive ones: 

1.      Failure: As long as you do not give up hope, you will not admit defeat; you will try and carry on until you achieve success. Failure is only when you stop trying. 

Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.

Henry Ford

2.      Unlucky: Are you prepared? Have you been working harder and smarter? You will be lucky to get what you want in life when you are ready.

3.      Overwhelmed: Do you plan ahead and get organized? Trying to do too much in a day can be stressful. Recognizing important tasks and giving priority to getting them done is the wise way to work. Procrastination is the main reason why you have so much to do because work gets accumulated over time. Taking prompt action is the way to get things done.       

4.      Listless: Are you feeling lazy, having no energy and without enthusiasm. It is likely that you have been sitting around all day long without moving your body. Exercise is the way to be zestful and alert. 

5.      Rejected: Do you worry about rejection? When you need something you have to ask for it. You may or may not get it. Without asking you don’t even stand a chance of getting it. You have nothing to lose by asking.  

6.      Useless: Thinking of your weaknesses will get you nowhere and make you even weaker. Instead, identify your strengths and capitalize on it. Do the best you can with what you have and make a difference in your life. You never know it may turn out to be a roaring success beyond your wildest dream.

7.      Can’t: This word carries the most destructive force. When you think you can’t, you are beaten before you begin. Face challenges creatively and do what you need to do. Standing still is hopelessly defeated.

8.      Doubtful: Hesitate to act? Not sure of the outcome? Things cannot be perfectly planned. Just get started, keep going and adjust to stay on course. 

9.      Depressed: Do not choose to be sad. It creates negativity. Choose happiness and you will look at life from a positive perspective and be confident.

10.  Envious: Do not compare, be happy and contented as what you are with what you have. Improve yourself and make progress every day is the way to live life.

Are you thinking of these negative words? Change your thinking and change your life for the better.

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7 Effective Ways to Cope With Unemployment

The U.S. unemployment rate is at 8.1% with no clear sign of improvement. What do you do when you are suddenly retrenched from a well-paid job? You have been working in a company for more than 20 years and you are given a house and a car plus other benefits. Here are practical ways to face such a challenging situation:

1.      Spend only on what you need: Previously you were able to spend more than necessary and went on vacation overseas. Now you have to cut back and spend only on essential items.

2.      Live frugally: You have to live in your own small house and adjust your lifestyle. You will have to send your children to attend a school which is less expensive without suffering quality of education. It is also necessary not to buy more expensive clothing and to spend less on holidays.  

3.      Accept a lower-paying job: Accept an offer from your good friend who is willing to help you out.  The job may be paying so much less than what you used to earn and it involves a lot of traveling. It is just good enough to maintain your family‘s livelihood.    

4.      Be happy with what you have: Learn to appreciate what you have and be content with your present situation. Things could be worse. 

5.      An attitude of gratitude: Instead of a why-me attitude which leads to anger and resentment, be appreciative of people who lend you a hand in time of difficulties. Think about the new job which keeps you afloat.    

6.      Continuous learning: Continue to educate yourself and update your skills. Learning new things keeps your mind alert and sharp.

7.      Be prepared for opportunities: When you focus on upgrading yourself, you stand a better chance when an opportunity knocks on your door. The most important thing is to take care of your health, look at the bright side of things and continue to look for a better job.   

Coping with trying time requires resilience, courage, resolve, and determination. Tough time will not last, tough people, do. 

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