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  • Jenny Medeiros

    Jenny is a freelance writer in the areas of tech and productivity. She also enjoys writing unusual stories of success and giving tips to new freelance writers. You can read her useful ramblings on Medium. or find her on Twitter @JenMedWrites.
4 Subtle Signs You Had Toxic Parents and It's Still Affecting You
Family

4 Subtle Signs You Had Toxic Parents and It's Still Affecting You

Have you ever been going about your day and then suddenly remembered something from your childhood that, only now as an adult, you realize wasn't quite right?Sometimes it can be something innocent like your father joking that eating a seed would make a tree grow in your stomach. But other times, it's a case of emotional manipulation or childhood abuse that continues to affect you even today.Growing up in a dysfunctional family can lead to an equally dysfunctional adulthood. No matter how hard you try not to mirror your parents, there are triggers that can reignite the same negative behaviors in yourself.Studies show that unresolved trauma in a person’s life can negatively affect their children. Recreating such a toxic environment, especially when you have children of your own, is a constant fear that you shouldn't have to live with. However, you'll never break the cycle unless you admit to yourself that your past is still affecting you. Awareness is the first step to healing, so here are four signs to look out for:1. You're overly critical of yourselfToxic parents tend to be harsh critics and the fear of disappointing others never really goes away. You may have extremely high standards for yourself and sometimes go out of your way to accomplish something with the hope you'll finally earn your parents' approval.RELATED: 4 Major Ways Toxic People Can Decrease Your Brain’s PerformanceSpoiler alert: they'll never give you the satisfaction -- and that's okay. You have all the makings of a successful person and their approval didn't get you to where you are now. So you certainly don't need it to keep moving forward.2. You blame yourself for other people's unhappinessWhen your parents always blame their own anger and unhappiness on you, that constant sense of guilt can linger throughout adulthood. If you still justify other people's bad behavior at your own expense, then you're playing into your parent's belief that you are always to blame.You're not. Every person is perfectly capable of deciding on their own actions. Unless you've mastered mind control, their shortcomings are not your fault.3. You're a "people-pleaser"There's a difference between being a kind person and going out of your way to please absolutely everyone. When love and affection wasn't a constant factor growing up, you may find yourself seeking it at every turn as an adult.Buying things you can't afford, having trouble saying "no" and being overly-generous with your time are just some examples of this people-pleasing behavior. This will lead to you spreading yourself thin, feeling guilty, tired and generally unhappy.You will never be able to please everyone in the world and trying to will only burn you down. Focus on making yourself happy first.4. You repeat their words to yourselfWhen you hear something often enough, it becomes ingrained in your mind and can pop up without being prompted. When you grew up in a toxic household, the words that flash across your mind tend to be negative.The constant loop of negative thoughts can be exhausting and cripple your ability to take on new projects. Don't listen to them, they were wrong when you were a child and they're still wrong now.What you can do to break the cycleNo matter where you are in life, you're capable of breaking the toxic cycle. Your childhood doesn't have to send your own children to therapy later on. Remember that you are not your parents, nor do you have to be.The signs mentioned above are all behaviors that are learned over time and are hard to kick after so many years. But like with most learned habits, they can be replaced with better ones.RELATED: How to Get Ready for a Healthy Relationship After a Toxic OneWhen you catch yourself repeating the same harsh words as your parents, make a conscious effort to counter them with positive ones. For example, instead of telling yourself "you're doing it wrong", replace it with "you're learning a valuable lesson and you'll get it right next time". Do this with every negative thought, attitude, and behavior until being positive simply becomes second nature.Granted, putting a stop to repeating unhealthy patterns is a long-term effort. Just like a wound, healing from your toxic parents will take time. But as long as you remain firm in your efforts to correct yourself and be the person you wish you had as a child, your past experiences will cease to affect you and those around you. The first step is to take one.Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it.

Are You Truly Happy? 3 Revealing Questions To Ask Yourself
Emotional Health

Are You Truly Happy? 3 Revealing Questions To Ask Yourself

Happiness is like a dream vacation. You don't always know where it is or how to get there, but you'll know it when you do.Except, unlike vacations, there are no fast and easy websites to tell you what makes you happy. The thing is, happiness isn't pulled out of a hat. You draw it from various aspects of your life like your career, hobbies, and relationships.Whether you consider yourself to be mostly happy with your life or think there is something missing (but not sure what), here are a few questions to ask yourself. You'll either happily conclude that you're on the right path or figure out how to get yourself on it.Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.- Mahatma Gandhi1. What's my first thought when I wake up each morning?What you do first thing in the morning can set the tone for the rest of your day. This is why successful CEOs have strict morning routines where they meditate, jog, pray, or simply enjoy a satisfying breakfast in peace.But before you pull on your running shoes or start shoving fruit into a blender, you'll want to make sure you're not already stressing over all your pending tasks. If your very first thought when you get up is along the lines of "Urgh, I have to do this today," then chances are you're not as happy as you could be.If this is you, make a conscious effort to make your very first thought of the day a positive one. Think about a loved one, the great breakfast you're about to have, something cool you can accomplish that day, or a fun activity you'll sneak in during break time. (It might help to write these things down where you'll see them when you wake up.)2. Are the goals I'm pursuing aligned with my purpose?According to the book The 100 Simple Secrets Of Happy People,"Goals are crucial to one’s orientation to the world and to life satisfaction."Make a list of the three main goals you're currently pursuing. If you can honestly say that they all give you a sense of fulfillment and keep you excited about life, then you can truly say that you're happy. (And yes, we all envy you.)If you're having trouble even making the list, then it's time to sit back and think about what you can do differently. Experiment with various interests and hobbies until you find something that "clicks". Make time for yourself to pursue something that helps you grow as a person. As Tony Robbins likes to say, "Progress equals happiness."3. Do I prioritize my own well-being?Do you treat yourself to good food? Do you make sure you get enough sleep? Are you making time to connect with the people you care about? These are the little things that make the biggest impact on your health and happiness.Granted, not everyone has the luxury of sleeping a whole eight hours or cooking a three-course meal after a long day. Not to mention, your mental health plays a huge role in your ability to do any of these things on a regular basis.You don't have to do all of these perfectly, but adding one more hour of sleep or texting a good friend can make all the difference. Arianna Huffington dropped everything when her lack of sleep caused her to collapse, so now she always gets a full night's rest. Self-care should always be a priority.Keep in mind that tiny changes have huge effects. Make a point to include one or two changes in your day to day until you can wake up one morning knowing you no longer have to pursue happiness – because you're already living it.Happiness shouldn't be a goal, it should be a habit.- Richard Branson

6 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Emma Watson to Become a Leader
Skills

6 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Emma Watson to Become a Leader

At just eleven years old, Emma Watson was launched into the public eye with her iconic role as Hermione Granger in the world-famous Harry Potter movie series.Since then she has brought to life dozens of other roles, from the carefree and spontaneous Sam in The Perks of Being a Wallflower to the bookish and determined Belle in Beauty and The Beast.While Watson always insists she’s quite different than her on-screen personas, she does share one thing in common with most of her roles: her love of reading.When she's not in front of the cameras, Watson enjoys nothing more than to get comfortable with an interesting book propped in her lap. She even runs her own book club and often shares recommendations on social media.Here are some of her absolute favorite reads for you to explore and appreciate for yourself.Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan CainIf you’re the type who prefers to listen instead of talk, work on your own, and dwell in the safety of anonymity, then "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" will resonate with you.From Dr. Seuss to Steve Wozniak, introverts have made some of the biggest contributions to society. Susan Cain delves into the history of successful introverts backed by hard facts and delightful anecdotes that will push every introvert to see themselves in a much more positive (and empowering) light.>> See it on Amazon.comThe Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz ZafónFor those gloomy days when you just want to settle in with a good book, "The Shadow of the Wind" is a choice you won’t regret.Set in Barcelona after the Spanish Civil War, a book dealer is launched into an unpredictable quest filled with the city's darkest secrets. If you’re into books about murder, love, and a touch of madness -- you’ll want to read this one.In an interview with Scholastic, Emma Watson expressed her absolute delight while reading this enthralling tale which instantly became her all-time favorite read.>> See it on Amazon.comA Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled HosseiniThis New York Times best-seller is one of those captivating stories that also brings to light real-life struggles.In "A Thousand Splendid Suns", author Hosseini takes you on a riveting journey with two Afghan women struggling to navigate a Taliban-dominated society.If this narrative sounds slightly familiar, then you might be thinking about Malala Yousafzai. Curiously enough, Emma Watson, a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, interviewed Yousafzai and they both agreed the book was "amazing". Watson then earnestly added, "It's a wonderful book.">> See it on Amazon.comI am Malala by Malala YousafzaiSpeaking of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize winner has a book of her own which serves as a powerful reminder that it only takes one person to inspire change in the world.Representing a global symbol of peaceful protest, "I am Malala" details the remarkable story of her unrelenting struggle for girls' right to an education. From the moment the Taliban took control of her hometown to the months of recovery after she was shot in the head.Before interviewing Yousafzai, Watson made sure to read her book to truly understand the amazing feat that led her to be targeted by the Taliban. Naturally, Watson recommends that everyone read the book to gain a new sense of empathy and help support the fight for equality and education for all.>> See it on Amazon.comMom & Me & Mom by Maya AngelouFor those who admire the extraordinary Maya Angelou, this book shares the most personal story of her life for the first time ever.In "Mom & Me & Mom," Angelou recounts the fraught relationship with her mother, giving you a peek into the struggles and triumphs lived throughout their complicated relationship. From being abandoned by her mother at the age of three to the years of reconciliation that followed, this book reveals how their unique mother-daughter connection influenced Angelou's identity and worldview.In Emma Watson's review of the book, she wrote, "This is perhaps the greatest window into what shaped Angelou as a writer and poet and a fitting end to a lifetime of amazing works.">> See it on Amazon.comJust Kids by Patti SmithThis is a book for the dreamers among us who revel in romantic memoirs filled with passion, art, innocence, and fate."Just Kids" offers a blast to the past with a poetic account of Patti's remarkable relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorp back in the 60s and 70s.In an interview with Vogue, Emma Watson admitted to always keeping this book at her bedside. "The book was so honest and brave.” She said. “I loved the way she sees the world. I really felt that life was more beautiful after I read it, and I felt more hopeful.”>> See it on Amazon.comWhy you should read these books tooSimply put, if you’re a fan of Emma Watson and good stories, then any of these books will result in time well spent.From empathy-building stories to family-driven tales, this short list offers you the chance to join Emma Watson in different worlds where you’re free to laugh, cry, or simply feel understood.Whatever your reason, we can all agree there's no better place to be than between the pages of a book. As Emma Watson describes it,Just like playing a song, picking up a book again that has memories can take you back to another place or another time.- Emma Watson

Richard Branson Thinks Being More Like a Child Makes You a Better Entrepreneur
Skills

Richard Branson Thinks Being More Like a Child Makes You a Better Entrepreneur

Did you know that Richard Branson's favorite character is Peter Pan? It's no surprise considering his love for adventure and playful lifestyle. If there's an entrepreneur that is still very much in touch with his inner child, it's Branson. What may be surprising to you, however, is that Branson considers having a childlike attitude towards life can make you a better entrepreneur. Here's what being more like a child can teach you. Maintain a sense of wonder There’s magic in youth – a certain unmasked and undeterred vitality – which allows the young, and young at heart, to experience the world in all its colors. This is the opening line to Richard Branson's blog post titled, Why you should act more like a child. With it, he invites the idea that even as you get older, you should never let that youthful energy burn out. This isn't a call for you to start throwing food around or wear mismatched socks (although you could if you wanted to), but to firmly grasp onto that sense of wonder and curiosity that's so wonderful to witness in children. Try to always see the best in people and the silver lining in every situation. Look for questions where you thought you had all the answers. Being insatiably inquisitive is an entrepreneurial trait you'll notice in highly successful people like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Sarah Blakely. So do the same and never stop exploring. Overcome the stresses of adulthood Being an adult is stressful. There's no denying that. The bad news is that research shows stress can stifle your creativity, throw off your mood, and endanger your health. None of those are the makings of a successful entrepreneur. The good news is stress is one of the few things in adulthood that we have complete control over. Balancing work and play (or combining them, as Branson does) is a proven way to reduce stress and help you live your best life. Whether you sign up for a dance class, read a good book, or simply spend time with your loved ones – you should always make time for some joy in your life. Granted, children are always stress-free because they have no jobs or taxes to worry about, but they can still teach you a thing or two about using your imagination to make the most out of your life. Every hour of the day has at least five minutes to spare where you can send a funny text, make a call, or dream up a plan for the future. Life is about finding joy in the little things. Be a child and seek out the fun in every corner. Stop wasting time on unfulfilling ventures Branson once said, "Entrepreneurship is about turning what excites you in life into capital, so that you can do more of it and move forward with it." Finding what excites you in life is sometimes the hardest part. We jump between careers, jobs and hobbies, trying to find that magical activity we both love and have a talent for. The problem is not everyone finds it soon enough, we lose patience and do the worst thing imaginable: settle. "If you don't enjoy what you're doing then you shouldn't be doing it. It's that simple," says Branson in his blog post. Children don't do what doesn't make them happy, and that's something you can learn from them. Don't waste your time doing things that don't make your eyes light up or fill you with a sense of purpose. Even if your current situation doesn't let you spontaneously quit your 9-5 job, you can still connect with what makes you happy in your free time. Start small and gradually work that hobby up into your full-time venture. Prioritize happiness in business and in life According to CNBC, Branson's daughter, Holly, decided to take a break from medical school and intern at her father's airline company for a while. During her internship, she discovered that her father's child-like passion for seeking happiness in every area of his life reflected positively on his business. His employees were happy, which in turn made his customers happy. Holly writes that her father's motto has always been that "business should make lives better." Branson has successfully pushed that motto beyond Virgin Airlines and into the community. In 2004, he founded Virgin Unite where he spends his time supporting projects ranging from LGBT rights and drug policy reform to challenging climate change and the death penalty. In Richard Branson's case, he prioritizes bringing happiness not only to himself but to others. Your priorities may be slightly different, but science does show we are happiest when helping others. So, if you're indecisive on whether to move forward with a business idea or not, ask yourself if what you're about to do will make people smile. If the answer is yes, then do it. There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work than follow your passions in a way that serves the world and you. - Richard Branson

How This Millionaire Hollywood CEO Went from Struggling to Get By to Managing Superstars
Entrepreneurs

How This Millionaire Hollywood CEO Went from Struggling to Get By to Managing Superstars

Scooter Braun is the type of person you'd be wise not to second guess. Best known as the manager who, against all odds, took Justin Bieber from YouTube to superstardom, Braun is arguably one of the biggest managers in pop. Aside from Bieber, Scooter Braun is the founder of School Boy records and currently manages top artists in the music industry such as Ariana Grande, Kanye West, Carly Rae Jepsen, Martin Garrix, and Psy. But he wasn't always a powerful player in the entertainment industry with money to spare.Before all the fame and fortune, Braun was just a young boy getting into fist fights and dreaming of taking his basketball skills to the NBA. Driven by the personal quest to prove everyone around him wrong, Braun's perseverance led him from failed childhood dreams to an affluent lifestyle dedicated to "inspiring others to try".From having swastikas scratched into his car by vandals to making Time magazine's list of "100 Most Influential People," Scooter Braun's journey to success is filled with valuable life lessons, fresh perspectives, and Braun's resounding belief that, "the only real legacy in life is family and charity."This is his story.An educationScott Samuel "Scooter" Braun was born on June 18, 1981, in New York City to conservative Jewish parents. He and his three siblings were often told the story of how their grandparents had barely escaped the Holocaust and had fled to the US in the 50s. Their family history was a constant reminder that the world would not always be on their side.Braun learned this lesson soon enough when neighborhood kids would taunt him with anti-semitic slurs, a recurring situation which usually ended in fist fights. He also found a swastika carved in his family's car after he had been elected class president in high school.Nevertheless, Braun tried to lead a happy childhood. He developed a passion for basketball and would bury his nose in countless Superman comics. Although his biggest hero was his own father, who gave him a piece of advice he'd never forget.Braun recalls the day like it was yesterday. When he was just 14, his father pulled him aside and told him, "You're a liar." His father went on to say, "Because you’re so good at lying, you’ll probably go through life and be incredibly successful. But you’ll always know that you’re a liar. Or you could go the harder route and find the same success knowing that you did it with integrity."Young Braun didn't sleep that night. The next morning, he walked up to his father and told him he wanted to be a man of integrity instead. It was a turning point in his mind and a principle he continues to live by today.Selling fake IDs and promoting partiesAt 18 years old, Braun went to Emory University in Atlanta with the goal of earning a degree and playing his way into the NBA. While studying, he began to think up ways of earning some spending money. So he started his very first business with a friend, selling fake IDs to party-goers.Unfortunately, the partnership only lasted two months and Braun left a few weeks before his friend was caught for using his real name. Braun needed a new source of income that wasn't against the law, so he began going to nightclubs and organizing parties for them.His very first party earned him $800, a clear sign that he could actually make this work. He organized more and more parties in different nightclubs, making a name for himself as the biggest party promoter on campus and beyond. At this point, he had realized basketball wasn't his strongest suit, so he quit the sport and dedicated himself to the party business.Meanwhile, at college, his grades were dropping. Braun quickly consulted with an academic advisor on campus on how to manage his new career and his studies. The advisor bluntly told him his "chances of succeeding at both were one in a billion." So, when producer and rapper Jermaine Dupri asked Braun to become the head of marketing at his label So So Def, Braun said yes and swiftly dropped out of college.If you’re not going to do it to the best of your ability, then don’t do it at all.- Scooter BraunWhere it really beganAt just 19 years old, Scooter Braun was a star in his new role. His "crazy ideas" about using social media to promote artists weren't welcome at the label, though, and after a few years, Braun decided to branch out and go his own way.RELATED: The Power of Starting From the Bottom: Why Being Disadvantaged Is Your Biggest StrengthWith his funds quickly running out, Braun tried his hand at freelance consulting. Eventually, he scraped enough together to set up his own management company and began hunting for new talent on the internet. He soon stumbled across the rapper Asher Roth on MySpace. With no time to lose, Braun flew Asher out, found him a place to live and paid for his bills.In a similar fashion, while consulting for signer Akon, Braun came across a clip on YouTube of a 12-year-old Canadian kid singing at a talent show. He tracked down Bieber's mother and convinced her to come to the US with her son. Again, he set them up in a house and paid all their bills.Braun estimated he had enough savings to keep this up for about 14 months. But when the 11th month came by, his funds were already drained.A lucky break and a struggleWhile Scooter Braun worked day and night to promote Bieber to L.A. executives who refused to sign on a YouTuber, his other client Asher Roth walked in with a miracle.Roth's song 'I Love College' earned a publishing deal that saved Braun's failing company. In a Blueprint interview with Complex, Braun describes this turnaround moment by saying, "It just shows you how close success and failure lie."Braun also began making leaps and strides with Bieber, taking his YouTube following from 60,000 to 66 million. He eventually got the Canadian singer signed with a label and convinced Usher to be his spokesman.With passion and perseverance, Braun had successfully achieved what his colleagues at So So Def had long scoffed at. He had turned not one, but two independent artists from social media websites into world-renowned stars and has continued to do so with many others ever since.But his string of good luck didn't last long. When Justin Bieber turned 18, his personal life began to spiral with the help of drugs and misdemeanors. While many managers would have jumped ship at this point, Braun, who has the word "Family" tattooed on his wrist, was determined not to give up on him.RELATED: 3 Secrets to Persevering (When All You Want to Do Is Give Up)Gradually, Bieber began to rehabilitate himself and his public image. He found strength in his Christian roots and vowed to stay clean. With both Braun and Bieber coming from deeply religious backgrounds, Braun supported Bieber until he was firmly back on his feet again.Worst case scenario: you fail. No one is paying attention. Try again.- Scooter BraunBranching out beyond musicWith a solid reputation as a manager in the music industry, Braun began to set his sights on other endeavors. His company branched out into movie and television production and tech investing (including Uber, Spotify, and Dropbox). He even has a stake in a new comic-book movie studio called Mythos.However, the glamour of his current lifestyle hasn't distracted him from his real reasons for succeeding: his family and the ability to give back. Every venture he undertakes must align with a charitable cause or he simply won't do it.With this in mind, Braun partnered with his brother's nonprofit Pencils of Promise to build schools in developing countries. He is also known for organizing large-scale events to raise funds for hurricane relief. Most recently, Braun and George Clooney helped set up 'March for Our Lives,' a student-led demonstration in Washington D.C. advocating for stricter gun laws.Scooter Braun is undoubtedly in a place of privilege nowadays, but his family history has taught him that taking action and caring for our neighbors is more important than seeking riches. He continues to act as a "big brother" to his clients and has shifted his life's focus from work to his family.While his career has certainly taken a few surprising twists and turns, his belief in himself and his own potential to change the world continues to inspire others to do the same.Chasing what’s reasonable in life isn’t gratifying. Whatever is holding you back, just go for it because tomorrow’s not promised.- Scooter Braun

Highly Successful People Never Waste Their Energy On These 4 Things
Productivity

Highly Successful People Never Waste Their Energy On These 4 Things

There's a simple truth that applies to everyone: what you spend your energy on defines your quality of life.If there's one thing the super successful have in common, it's that they're much too busy to waste their time on anything that doesn't bring them closer to their goals. If you're peeking over the wall hoping to join the club of successful people, then a good place to start is mirroring their most important habits.This goes beyond carrying around a notebook like Richard Branson or meditating like Steve Jobs. We're talking about business-focused habits that force you to rewire your brain and take a closer look at whether your energy is fueling a liability or an asset for your future.To give you a clearer picture of what this entails, here's a list of four essential things highly successful people make sure to never waste their energy on.1. Hold grudgesElon Musk is quoted saying, "Life is too short for long-term grudges". While it's hard to let go of something that once negatively impacted your life, the more you turn it over in your mind, the more energy it steals from what's really important.You'll notice that successful people like Oprah and Bill Gates tend to take the high road on most matters in life. In almost every interview or statement, they're offering a kind word of advice or a positive nudge for motivation. Grudges are nothing but negativity, so the sooner you rid yourself of them, the better your outlook on life will be."Weak people revenge. Strong people forgive. Intelligent people ignore." - Albert Einstein.2. Think smallWhen Richard Branson and his wife discovered their flight to Puerto Rico had been canceled, they seemingly didn't have too many options. While the other stranded passengers were complaining, Branson booked a small plane and sold each seat for $39 to his fellow passengers to pay for the rental.Thinking big is simply what successful entrepreneurs do. While everyone else is scrabbling to offer a lower price or a slightly better service than the rest, big thinkers are focused on creating entirely new things that can change the world.Learning to think like a hotshot entrepreneur doesn't come naturally to most of us, but you can train your brain to think outside the box. Steve Jobs spurred his creative thinking by diving into all sorts of unrelated subjects, only to emerge years later with an innovative idea. "Creativity is just connecting things," he'd say.3. Complain and blame othersHighly successful people tend to believe that they are hundred percent in control of their lives and complaining only weakens their power and self-worth. They spare no time for complaining about what went wrong or blaming others.Tony Robbins once said, "Leaders spend 5% of their time on the problem and 95% of their time on the solution. Get over it and crush it".There's also a pretty good scientific reason why you should just, "get over it and crush it". According to The Huffington Post, complaining actually rewires your brain to view everything negatively and also increases the stress hormone cortisol. As you know, stress is nothing more than an obstacle and can quite literally damage your health.So scrap the blame game and the complaints to make way for less stress and a bright attitude. Life will never go as you expect and the best you can do is make the most of the hand you're dealt.4. Stay in their comfort zoneHere's a timeless quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, "It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan."With all the time and energy you've spent dreaming about what you could accomplish, you probably could've used to actually accomplish them by now. The fact is, staying within what you're already comfortable with is a great way to keep everything exactly the same. Now that's just boring.Highly successful people like our favorite Elon Musk are always willing to go all in, sometimes risking everything to get to the next level. Tesla or SpaceX would never have been created if Musk had stopped to think, "I shouldn't do this because I'm not an expert on electric cars or reusable rockets yet."So learn to leave your comfort zone. Take on new challenges, seek new experiences, and actively engage in uncomfortable scenarios that can potentially result in huge outcomes.Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do.—H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

21 Awe-Inspiring Facts Everyone Should Know About Princess Diana's Life
Celebrities

21 Awe-Inspiring Facts Everyone Should Know About Princess Diana's Life

Even though it has been a long 21 years since she passed, Princess Diana has remained firmly in the hearts and thoughts of people all over the world.She was a revolutionary Princess who refused to hide behind the walls of a Palace indulging herself in the luxuries of being a Royal. Instead, she used her immense influence to shine a light on forgotten causes ranging from mental health to animal rights.During her short-lived time as the Princess of Wales, she was known as a beautiful soul who touched the lives of many during her heartwarming visits to children and dying patients. Diana made admirable efforts to connect with those around her, but much of her personal life was marred by depression due in part to her failing marriage and the deep disapproval of the Royal Family.Even today, tributes are still being lovingly placed at her grave and in front of Kensington Palace where she lived. So now we offer a small tribute of our own: a collection of the most awe-inspiring facts about Lady Di to remind the world why she was truly the "People's Princess".1. She worked to destigmatize AIDSPrincess Diana's life revolved around so much more than just being part of the Royal Family. She was a passionate supporter of AIDS charities and regularly visited patients in hospitals across the country. She made sure the media captured her embracing them to change the public opinion that touching a person with AIDS was risky.Diana famously noted, "HIV does not make people dangerous to know. You can shake their hands and give them a hug. Heaven knows they need it."2. She raised awareness about leprosySimilar to her work with HIV/AIDS victims, Diana made a point to visit leprosy victims around the world and defy the taboo surrounding the disease.Queen Elizabeth II was reportedly against these sorts of visits and famously asked if she could support a "much more pleasant" cause instead. Fortunately, Diana was never one to succumb to the Queen's opinion and continued her mission to help those most in need.Today, her youngest son Harry continues his mother's tireless crusade and travels around the world spreading awareness and funding charities of his own.RELATED: 13 Signs You’re Way Stronger Than You Realize3. She campaigned to ban landminesIn 1997, Princess Diana decided to re-direct her constant media attention and led them to Angola to raise awareness on the issue of landmines.She famously walked through a former minefield during her International Campaign to Ban Landmines and drew attention to the lack of prostheses for victims. Her efforts won a Nobel Peace Prize a few months after her death.4. She was an activist for homeless youthDiana was an active supporter of over 100 charities during her lifetime, including Centrepoint, a charity which provides support and accommodation to the homeless.She became a patron of the charity in 1992, and would often say, "We, as a part of society, must ensure that young people – who are our future – are given the chance they deserve."5. She sold her iconic dresses to raise funds for charityWhile many celebrities wouldn't dream of parting with their luxurious outfits, Diana auctioned 79 of her iconic dresses shortly before her death to raise funds for AIDS and breast cancer charities. This was actually a suggestion by Prince William, who was 15 at the time.6. She stood up to the Royal FamilyPrincess Diana was known for rebelling against the deep-rooted traditions of the British Royal Family. She did this in seemingly small ways that shook the Royals but delighted the people.Of the many things she did, Diana was the only royal to ever work with AIDS charities. She dismissed having a royal nanny for her sons. She broke protocol and never wore lavish hats or gloves on her visits to hospitals out of respect for the patients. She was also the first royal to have a "common" engagement ring picked out of a catalog (this ring is now worn by Duchess Kate Middleton).7. She initiated a more equal wedding traditionAt her wedding, Princess Diana broke tradition and omitted the royal vow to "obey" her husband. This small act was unheard of and stirred up quite the controversy at the time. But Diana was a free spirit and a firm believer in equality, so she felt it was her duty to lead by example.Three decades later, her daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton did the same at her own wedding to Prince William. And Prince Harry and Megan Markle did the same at their wedding.8. She was an advocate for womenMore than just being a "gracious royal" to all, Diana had a genuine affinity for women and girls. She would visit centers and sit with female homeless youth, sipping from a mug of coffee while chatting with them about their lives. Nurses around her said she was "never patronizing" or detached, she truly cared about them and wanted to help them become strong women themselves.9. She defied the norm of a "royal wife"Diana's compassion for others was not to be confused with submissiveness. Through her cheeky humor, natural charm, and pointed statements to the press, Diana made sure everyone was aware she had a strong character and was not to be underestimated.This came as a surprise particularly to her husband, Prince Charles. He would invite her over to Buckingham Palace to "sit and watch him work", but she would bluntly decline and choose to spend time with the public instead.She also refused to "dutifully" turn a blind eye to her husband's infidelity and gave the now infamous 1995 BBC Bashir interview where she sparked the popular phrase: "three is a crowd".10. She publicly admitted to her flawsThere's no denying that Princess Diana is a role-model in many aspects, but she too had flaws and made questionable choices during her lifetime.While dealing with crushing loneliness throughout her marriage brought on by her husband's constant affair with Camilla Parker, Lady Di began to seek the company of others too. She later recognized her actions and admitted to having affairs in a BBC interview just before her divorce.RELATED: Rihanna Gets Vocal About Embracing Flaws, Uses Her Platform to Spread Message of Unconditional Self-LoveThere is certainly nothing admirable about having affairs, but it took a unique sense of bravery to admit this on camera, knowing it would be shown to the entire world and taint her worldwide reputation. If anything, it served as a reminder that she too is only human.11. She raised her sons against Royal customsAs with most areas of her life, Diana had a very hands-on approach to parenting. She was adamant in giving her two sons a "normal" upbringing. She would take them to school herself, indulge them with occasional trips to McDonalds and theme parks, and participate in school events along the other mothers. She also took them to homeless shelters and AIDS clinics to instill empathy in her young children."I want my boys to have an understanding of people’s emotions, their insecurities, people’s distress, and their hopes and dreams," she said.12. She always sent "thank you" notesDiana was all about the little details in life. She was known for sending thank you notes for even the smallest deeds and made sure to pass this habit onto her sons.Prince William quickly followed his mother's lead and would scribble small notes to their chauffeur to thank him for small things like showing him a fun video that day.13. She was open about her struggle with depressionWith the endless harassment of the media, the disapproval of the Royal Family, and the pain of her failed marriage, Princess Diana began to crumble under her mental health issues.In her autobiography, she confessed to having suffered from post-partum depression after having Prince William. This was made even more difficult by the fact that her husband was never around and the Royal Family simply turned the other way. Nevertheless, she was talked about it openly in the hopes that depression and mental health would be better understood and harder to ignore.14. She was one of the first public figures to talk about bulimia and self-harmIn a time where eating disorders and mental health issues were poorly understood, Diana took a major step in bringing these subjects to the public light.During her BBC interview with Bashir, Diana opened up about her battle with bulimia which began the week she got engaged the moment Charles called her "chubby". She also spoke of her history with self-harm and her multiple suicide attempts because she simply couldn't cope with the pressures around her.Her candidness about her own mental health gave hope to thousands of young women and girls who struggled with the same issues. It also led Diana to help women in similar situations with a whole new sense of empathy and understanding.15. She shared a connection with Mother TeresaDiana had a very special, personal bond with Mother Teresa. In 1992, Diana visited Mother Teresa's hospice in Kolkata, India and met with every single patient who was close to death. The two remarkable women would meet up at least three more times before Diana's death to discuss their vision for the betterment of humanity. Mother Teresa died just five days after Diana's fateful car crash.16. She opened the UK's first AIDS hospital wardIn addition to her admirable efforts to transform the public perception of AIDS, Diana opened the UK's first AIDS hospital ward in 1987.While it was important for the media to capture her touching the patients, hospital staff often reported that Diana would visit the ward "after hours" to spend time with the patients away from the flashing lights and prying cameras.17. She loved and supported the artsDiana dreamed of becoming a ballerina in her youth, but grew up to exceed the standard height and was forced to retire from her passion. Nevertheless, she pursued her love for the arts in any way she could. Diana even made an appearance as a ballerina at the Royal Opera House in 1985 as a surprise for Prince Charles.When Diana married and became too busy with Royal events for any dancing of her own, she continued supporting her passion from afar. She became an avid promoter of the Royal Ballet, along with being a patron of the Natural History Museum and also acted as president of the Royal Academy of Music.18. She was an accomplished pianistAside from her love of ballet, another little-known fact about Lady Di is that she was a classically trained pianist. Her favorite song was Giuseppe Verdi's Requiem and she would often play the piano to distract hospital patients from their pain and to delight children in orphanages.19. She adored being around childrenEven before the birth of her two sons, Diana loved being around children and showing them the love and kindness she felt the world needed more of.After Diana left school, she took on low-paying (but fulfilling) jobs as a nanny, youth dance instructor, and kindergarten teacher. Then when she entered the Royal Family, she spent much of her time visiting children's hospitals and orphanages.She was also a devoted godmother to her friend's daughter who was born with Down syndrome. Her friend recently revealed that Diana was a "huge encouragement" and told her to "Believe in her [daughter], love her and I’ll be there every step of the way."20. She was an animal activistBetween the hundreds of other causes she led, Diana was also heavily involved in protecting animals. She was openly against the hunting obsession passed through generations of the Royal Family.Her activism for this cause stayed with her sons who are known for campaigning against the ivory trade and the killing of endangered species. Prince William even banned all ivory artifacts from the Royal Palaces to support the efforts against elephant poaching.21. She always chose to follow her heartWhatever may be said about Princess Diana, no one can deny that she had a sincere and genuine interest in other people. Publicity was never the driving force behind her charitable actions and her passion for helping others continues to live on in her sons to this day.In the 1995 interview with Martin Bashir, Diana confessed that she never saw herself becoming queen and she'd like to be a "queen of people's hearts" instead. She also thought that the Royal Family wouldn't want her to be queen since she "leads from the heart and not the head." But Diana had no regrets and felt it was her duty to "go out into the world and love people".If you too are an admirer of the late Princess Diana, join us in honoring her by following her most simple yet powerful words of advice:Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.–Princess Diana

4 Amazing Lessons On Life and Leadership You Can Learn From Bill Gates
Self-Development

4 Amazing Lessons On Life and Leadership You Can Learn From Bill Gates

At 13 years old, a skinny teen began working on his very first computer. He spent hours hunched over the machine, utterly entranced with what it could do. Before long, he had taught himself to code and developed a program which let people play tic-tac-toe against the computer. Fast-forward to his college days, the smarter than average 18-year-old dropped out of Harvard University to start a company called 'Micro-Soft' (Microcomputer and Software) with his long-time friend, Paul Allen. At the time, neither the boys nor their disappointed parents could have ever imagined that that company would become the world's largest software business. As you know, that teen was billionaire entrepreneur and outstanding philanthropist Bill Gates. With a knack for business and a passion for helping others, Gates is a living inspiration to budding entrepreneurs around the world. Here are some of his greatest lessons on life and leadership for you to learn from. Determine a goal and never stop In his commencement speech at Harvard in 2007, Gates told the graduating class, "Determine a goal, find the highest-leverage approach, discover the ideal technology for that approach, and in the meantime, make the smartest application of the technology that you already have…The crucial thing is to never stop thinking and working." Focusing on what you want and working towards it at every opportunity is the only way to reach your goals. No matter if it's a new company or personal improvement, you will only make progress by throwing your heart and soul into it and never looking back. Gates told the Daily Mail that he "never took a day off in his twenties." While you may already be past your twenties, working hard is not age-specific and far from being an excuse to give up on your dreams. "If you don’t build your dreams, someone else will hire you to build theirs." – Bill Gates Take big risks When Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard to pursue his wild business idea, he was gambling with his future. He took a massive risk but made it work through patience, careful planning, and perseverance. Not everyone has the luxury of taking such risks in life, but there is rarely a perfectly built bridge between where you are and where you want to be. There is always a leap to be made, and sometimes you just have to push your doubts to the side and jump. "To win big, sometimes you have to take big risks" – Bill Gates Pursue success, but remember those less fortunate Six months before his mother lost her battle with breast cancer, she wrote a letter to Gates' wife ending with the words: "From those to whom much is given, much is expected." Gates never forgot his mother's words and they led him to co-create the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He and his wife also partnered with Warren Buffet to create The Giving Pledge, a campaign to convince the world’s wealthiest to give away the majority of their fortunes during their lifetimes. Even today, Bill Gates spends his days working to fund admirable causes ranging from education to eradicating Polio. It's always refreshing to see a billionaire who isn't overcome with greed and prefers to share his wealth with those who are at a disadvantage. It serves as a reminder that money isn't everything in life. After all, what is a great leader if not someone who helps others grow too? As Gates puts it, "Until we’re educating every kid in a fantastic way, until every inner city is cleaned up, there is no shortage of things to do." Failure doesn't mean you won't succeed You don't revolutionize the IT world and become one of the richest people in the world without failing countless times along the way. When Bill Gates was 15 years old, he and his friend Paul Allen started their first business with a program that tracked traffic in Seattle. The venture was a complete disaster, but it never stopped Gates from innovating again with Microsoft just a few years later. Here's a quote from Gates you'll likely enjoy, "I failed in some subjects in exam, but my friend passed in all. Now he is an engineer in Microsoft and I am the owner of Microsoft." The lesson is to believe in yourself, stop comparing your life to others, and embrace the simple fact that failure is merely the first step towards success. The life you create and design for yourself is going to accumulate from the choices you make over time. Sure, there are unexpected things that can derail dreams. But we can control where we put our focus, and if we choose to put one dream ahead of another. - Bill Gates

4 Powerful Tactics To Feel Confident When You're Secretly Inexperienced
Skills

4 Powerful Tactics To Feel Confident When You're Secretly Inexperienced

We've all started things that we didn't feel fully prepared for. Whether it's a new job or a project you've been planning for months, it's common to feel like you're not ready or even not the right person for it.Many entrepreneurs have felt this way at the beginning of their journey. Richard Branson dropped out of school to start companies and charter planes he didn't have the money for yet. Sara Blakely set out to create her first shapewear company without an ounce of sales or marketing experience. They and countless other entrepreneurs fit the wise old saying, "successful people start before they feel ready."It's not easy, but you can reach your own definition of success too, even when you feel like a failure waiting to happen. Here are a few proven ways to boost your confidence and set yourself on a course to make big things happen.Prepare what scares you the mostWe fear what we don't know. If your knowledge is scarce on an upcoming task, you're going to feel like you're not ready to tackle it.Before billionaire Mark Cuban launched his first company, he devoured manuals, books, and every magazine on technology he could find. “I tell people all the time, the one thing in life you can control is your effort,” Cuban says in a blog post.If you're drowning in feelings of inadequacy, pluck up the effort to learn more about what worries you the most. Watch videos, read books, check blogs on other people's experiences, talk to people who have done it before. Once you know more about it, you'll find that you feel much more capable to take on the challenge yourself.Although be careful not to overdo it. Preparation can easily slip into procrastination or "analysis paralysis," where you're so busy overthinking that you never actually take action. Set a reasonable timeline for yourself and make sure you stick to it.Take note of your achievementsWhen you're plagued with perfectionism, impostor syndrome, or just nagging anxiety, it's easy to brush off your successes as insignificant or "just luck."This is why it's so important for you to take note of your wins, no matter how small they may be. It could be a compliment someone made about your work, a review from a former co-worker, or a personal goal you achieved in the past.Make a list of them and hang it up where you can always see it. Whenever you feel that sinking feeling in your stomach and start thinking about how you're not good enough, read that list and remind yourself that you are.Reframe your mindsetThere's always a way to turn a negative thought into a positive one. Instead of, "I don't know how to do this," think to yourself, "I don't know how to do this yet."When Elon Musk started SpaceX, he was clueless in many areas surrounding aerospace engineering. So he called in the experts and tried to learn everything he could from them. He asked questions, took notes, and recalled them if he needed more information. This drive to continuously learn is one of the reasons Musk has gone so far in life.So take the pressure off by reminding yourself that it's impossible to know everything and all you can do is keep learning. Every new opportunity is a chance to learn something. Everyone starts somewhere. There is an African proverb that reads,"If you wish to move mountains tomorrow, you must start by lifting stones today."Strike a power poseThis is an odd one, but it's a known fact that important figures must be mindful of their body language when in the public eye. Imagine if the president gave a speech with his arms crossed while staring at his shoes. Not really the confident leader you want to see, right?In a TED Talk, Harvard Business School professor Amy Cuddy detailed the benefits of "power posing," or changing your body language in ways that can make you feel more confident.From politicians to Oprah, you don't have to look far into their photos to see a pattern in how they position their bodies to appear firm and powerful. One pose that pops up often is the famous "superhero pose," where you stand tall with your chest out and your hands on your hips. Doing this for just two minutes every morning can set a more confident tone for your entire day.You can also tweak your body language in more subtle ways while at work or in a meeting. Avoid crossing your arms, keeping your head down, or hunching over. The more you spread yourself out, the more empowered you'll feel. Keep your body language open and confident to nudge yourself into feeling the same way.Understand that mood follows action. The way to change your mental and physical state is to take the action first, not wait for your emotional state to change first.Looking for more resources? Check out our confidence quotes.