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A New Study Just Revealed a Brand New Brain Booster - And It's Absolutely Free
Skills

A New Study Just Revealed a Brand New Brain Booster - And It's Absolutely Free

Keeping our minds in good working order is incredibly important – especially as we age. Dementia, defined as a loss of cognitive functioning severe enough to disrupt day-to-day activities, impacts around 55 million people worldwide. If that number isn't staggering enough, it's estimated that someone in the world develops dementia every three seconds.Researchers have been hard at work identifying risk factors of dementia in order to develop recommendations for prevention. Regular physical activity, managing your weight and keeping your blood pressure levels steady have all been positively correlated with lowering the risk of dementia.RELATED: Fearless Mom Throws Herself Amidst Danger To Save Her Daughter From Being AbductedRecently, surprising research found that regular self-reflection – taking time to sit and evaluate your actions and emotions through thought – helped improve cognitive function.Here's a look at how self-reflection can improve brain health and how to use it to your advantage.What Is Self-Reflection?(Unsplash)Self-reflection, as the term suggests, refers to the process of taking stock of your thoughts, feelings and actions. Self-reflection requires you to be aware of not only what you do or think but the potential reasons and motivations behind these thoughts and actions.Self-reflection can be done at a high level, evaluating your overall life trajectory from a bird's eye view. This type of self-reflection allows a person to visualize their goals and desires for the future and provides a sense of purpose to work towards.RELATED: Sensory Deprivation Tank: What Are the Benefits of ‘Floating’?At a more granular level, self-reflection can offer insight into our day-to-day responses and feelings. For example, self-reflection can be used to evaluate an interaction with a family member that left you feeling sad. Maybe this family member misunderstood what you were trying to say – or made you feel as though your opinion didn't matter. Looking at the situation and reflecting on what happened and why it made you feel a certain way allows us to learn and unlock parts of ourselves that give us a deeper understanding of why we are the way we are.How Does Self-Reflection Benefit Brain Health?(Unsplash)In a recent study published in Neurology, researchers wanted to further explore early findings that conscientiousness and purpose lower dementia risks.Because self-reflection is tied to both, researchers asked senior participants questions about their self-reflection habits to determine how frequently they take time to unpack their feelings and thoughts.RELATED: What Is the Google Effect, How Does It Hurt Your Mind – And What Can You Do About It?Those who reported engaging in self-reflective behaviors more often displayed better cognitive function and improved glucose metabolism, which is essential for fueling the brain.This discovery is an impactful one. While decreased physical capabilities may limit a person's ability to get the recommended amount of exercise or maintain a healthy weight in order to lower the risk of dementia, self-reflection is a habit anyone can partake in. However, it may take some practice to get the hang of it.How to Practice Self-Reflection(Unsplash)The idea of setting aside time to think about yourself may seem silly – especially for those who haven't tried it yet. But with a growing body of evidence that shows how beneficial it can be, there's never been a better time to try self-reflection. Here are a few tips for how to use self-reflection to benefit brain health.1. Start with question promptsSelf-reflection doesn't come easily to everyone. If you're unsure where to start, coming up with a list of questions that get you thinking can benefit your self-reflection process. A few thoughtful questions to consider are:What am I taking for granted?What goals am I working toward?What am I most worried about right now?What matters most to me?If an answer doesn't come to you right away, take some time to sit with it and reflect. You may be surprised at what thoughts and feelings these simple questions unlock.2. Find a comfortable spaceSome people may find it easy to practice self-reflection in any environment. But choosing a location to do so with intention can be beneficial to the self-reflection process. Take time to experiment with sitting in different parts of your home. You may find that self-reflection is hard to engage in when sitting at your kitchen table – but much easier when you're lying on your couch. Selecting a location with minimal distractions is also advantageous – such as sitting away from your TV or computer.3. Keep self-reflection constructiveTaking time to sit with your thoughts and feelings through self-reflection can be a healthy habit to engage in. However, sometimes well-intended self-reflection can start to skew negatively – especially when we become hyper focused on a certain worry or concern. RELATED: Open-Mindedness: 5 Practical Steps To Open Your MindIf you find yourself judging your actions in a way where you're constantly putting yourself down, pay attention to this pattern and find a way to break it. It may be necessary to step away from reflecting on a certain thought, feeling or action of yours until you can be more kind and understanding with yourself.4. Start a journalPutting pen to paper can help jumpstart the process of self-reflection and allow you to look back on the progress you've made. Consider keeping a daily journal and setting aside an allotted amount of time each day to write down what you experienced that day. How did your interactions with others make you feel? What activities did you partake in that made you feel healthy? What goals did you work toward? What are you grateful for today? Many people find self-reflection easier to do when there's an action like writing behind it, so you might want to give it a try.5. Seek help when neededIf you're having a hard time with self-reflection or if doing so has brought up something that's been hard for you to process, there's no shame in seeking help from a professional. Therapists often use self-reflection as a tool with their clients and can help guide your process so that it's beneficial rather than detrimental.Self Reflection's Brain-Boosting Powers(Unsplash)As dementia becomes more prevalent, engaging in activities that benefit our cognitive function is crucial. Whether you're a self-reflection novice or have dabbled inconsistently, making this practice a regular part of your daily routine can help keep your mind sharp. Though it may feel uncomfortable to do at first, sticking with self-reflection can be worthwhile.KEEP READING:Train Your Brain to Shed Distracting Habits and Concentrate Better

Need Extra Cash? Try These Online Jobs and Side Hustles for Teens
Skills

Need Extra Cash? Try These Online Jobs and Side Hustles for Teens

If you’re a teenager looking to make money, now is an ideal time to find the right gig for you. With job openings at a record high, there’s a lot of work to go around if you’re looking for an in-person side hustle. The pandemic has also opened new opportunities, like running errands for at-risk people and new avenues for virtual work.One thing to note about finding side hustles is that some gigs may require you to be 18 or older in order to sign a contract. This applies if you were to become a delivery driver with UberEats, for instance, or if you were to sign up for gigs on a site like TaskRabbit. But working for yourself - or for people you know - typically doesn’t come with any age restrictions. Ready to find the right part time job for you? Let’s dive into the best side hustles for teens. Side hustles while you're still in school: from local fast food restaurants to running social media accounts Having a part time job can come with a number of benefits. First, there’s the financial part. Earning extra money can help you (and your family) feel more financially secure, give you opportunities to save up cash and allow you to buy fun things that your allowance doesn’t cover.Having a side hustle also gives you something to do. Sure, playing video games, scrolling through YouTube videos on your phone and chilling with friends is great. But if you’re looking for something more to fill your hours because you’re feeling bored or uninspired by life, adding in a part time job can give you a renewed sense of purpose. With the right motivation and creativity, instead of watching videos on YouTube, you could be creating YouTube videos for yourself or an influencer, and building important skills that are in high demand!Side hustles can help teach you responsibility. Having to be somewhere on time, complete certain tasks and generally be accountable are important skills to learn and practice before you head out into the so-called real world. Getting the hang of these skills as a teen will set you up for success as an adult, whether that is as a college student or a young worker. Having a side hustle early on is a good starting point, and will help you get ahead in the game of life. Side hustles in your neighborhoodWant to make more money? Good money, serious money? Become your own business. One way to make money is simply through helping out people in your neighborhood. While there’s definitely a ceiling on how much you can make—your customers are limited to people you know or to those who live around you—working for people in your ‘hood is a great way to start out with side hustles. You can either literally stack the cash, or build a bank electronically in a PayPal account. Especially if you’re a younger teen, working for people you know (including family members or neighbors) can be a good option because you don’t need to worry about any official age limits or contract stipulations. You’re just getting paid cash to do work people need. To get started, you can print up flyers explaining your new venture and tuck them into people’s mail boxes or deliver them door to door. You can set an hourly rate yourself or ask people what they are willing to pay you. (Either way, you’re sure to make money.) Here are some options you can try:Walking and watching people’s petsIf you love animals, consider dog walking or pet sitting. While there are pet daycare centers and dog walking apps, many people would rather trust their fur babies to someone local who they know. This is a fun way to make money and help people out at the same time.CaretakingIf you like kids, working as a babysitter could be a great option for earning money, especially if you’re willing to work nights so parents can go out. If your neighborhood skews older, you could also be an elderly caretaker and keep older people company by reading to them, having meals with them or helping them around the house. Plus, doing this can provide good experience if you want to be a camp counselor a little later on. Who knows!LandscapingIf you know how to mow the lawn (or you’re willing to learn), can shovel snow, rake leaves or pull weeds, you can earn money taking care of people’s yards. You can also offer to help with holiday decorating (or removing decor), painting, cleaning the garage—anything outdoors that neighbors could need help with. Running errands for peopleWith the ongoing pandemic, this side hustle has become even more in-demand. Offering to run errands for older neighbors and those with kids in particular can be really helpful to them and a lucrative way to make money for you. You can do it in person, or use the power of the internet and skip the trip to the store by shopping online. In person side-hustle jobsWorking for local businesses is another way to make money. These more official side hustles for teens are great additions to your resume because they show commitment and dedication to a traditional job. Your employers can also provide legitimate references for getting into college or for your next gig. Here are four options to think about:CashierMake a list of your favorite stores, from boutiques to tech outposts to food purveyors. Then, check to see if any of them are hiring. If you can, it pays to work somewhere you like to shop because employees can sometimes receive discounts. These local businesses may need more help than ever with the pandemic creating a service industry labor shortage. Food serverLikewise, think about which restaurants you enjoy eating in and see if there are any food service jobs you can apply for. From fast food to fine dining, there are a lot of options right now in particular for work. You can sometimes enjoy free meals on your shifts, which is another perk of these gigs.Tutor or coachIf you’re gifted in a particular school subject or sport, consider helping younger students with their skills. You can look for tutoring jobs through your school or the other schools in your area, or you can reach out to the parents of young people directly by posting on physical job boards around town or on Craigslist. Set an hourly rate that sounds like a reasonable price for your services.InternInternships are a great way to learn skills in an industry you might want to have a career in one day. Any legitimate business will pay its interns, giving you an hourly wage or a stipend. If you’re skilled at understanding social media, many companies look for young people to handle their accounts and this could be a great place to start. You can go from building a social media presence as an intern to becoming one of those social media managers yourself!Easy online side hustle jobsIf you have a computer, you can also make money right at home doing remote work. There are a number of online gigs and websites that need virtual workers, and it’s a popular business model for a reason. Check out these opportunities to see if one of these ways to earn cash would work for you:Working as a virtual intern or assistantIf you’re interested in interning, you don’t always need to be in-person to assist someone with their business. As a virtual intern or assistant, you can take calls, upload content to social media, take notes during Zoom meetings—you name it. This kind of job can also give you valuable experience in a field you want to break into as an adult. Creating contentThere are so many ways to create online content these days. You can start a blog and monetize it with ads. You can apply to magazine and website jobs looking for teen writers and create articles and social media content. You can start a YouTube channel about any topic you’re interested in. Finally, you can use social media directly and create content for Instagram and TikTok. While making money through these avenues isn’t guaranteed (save for a magazine or website gig), with hard work and constant hustle to create new content, you may just become the next big influencer in your free time.Designing printables and clothing If you’re talented at graphic design, you can list your designs on websites like Etsy. You can earn what’s called passive income by creating printable materials that people can pay to download digitally and then print out themselves. (Art for their homes, calendars, labels and stickers, etc.) You can also offer print-on-demand goods like mugs and t-shirts. Set your items at a reasonable price so you’re compensated for your time but also so people can afford your designs. You can use social media to promote your work, which can help you find more ways to make money through word of mouth.Reselling clothes, toys and home goods Selling any clothing, furniture or collectibles you no longer need or use can be a great way to make money. Sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are great for selling furniture, while Poshmark is good for selling your clothes. You can put up toys and collectible items on sites like Mercari or eBay. If you enjoy fixing things up and reselling them, you can even shop garage sales or Goodwill for great pieces and then resell them online. Selling photographsThere are a number of stock photo websites through which you can earn extra money for your photographs. If you have a talent for taking pictures, you can share your snaps on these sites and, when people want to use your images, you get paid a commission. The more photos you take, the higher the chance that you’ll be able to sell one of them. Plus, you’ll be able to build your portfolio while you make money. Doing odd jobsIf you only have time here and there for picking up extra work, you can use websites like Mturk and TaskRabbit to search for random jobs that people need done. By working on your own schedule, you’ll be able to complete the jobs you take on, meaning that you’ll make money without overextending yourself. Teaching virtual classes If you’re an expert about a certain subject or super passionate about a particular topic, you can teach a class and upload it to a website like Udemy. This is a good option if you’re not finding any in-person tutoring options in your area but you want to share your expertise. (FG Trade / Getty)Since these classes can be watched again and again (for a fee that gets paid to you), you just need to take the time to plan them and film them.Giving language lessonsYou can sign up to be an online language teacher, which is a great side hustle that almost anyone can do to earn money. Some websites look for English speakers, while others need bilingual speakers. Typically, you work with a student via webcam to help them hone their conversational skills, making this gig both fun and social, all from the comfort of your home. Transcribe interviews or videosYou can get hired by the hour to type meeting notes, interviews, videos, podcasts or any audio that someone needs to have a transcript of. All you need to do is be a fast and efficient typer and you’ll receive an hourly rate for your work. You can post on Craigslist that you’re available for work or search online job boards for people looking for a transcriber. Sometimes journalists and writers will need fast turnarounds, meaning that sometimes you can take on a gig and get paid on the same day. Taking surveysThrough websites like Survey Junkie, you can get paid for giving your opinion in various market research questionnaires. You won’t get paid a lot of money, but these surveys are easy to complete and can be done quickly. Be sure to check the age limit and other restrictions before you get started. What to use your side hustle money forThe aforementioned side hustles for teens can bring in varying amounts of money. But no matter how much you make, you’ll want to think about what to use that cash for. Here are some options that you should think about to make the most of your extra money:Taking responsibility for everyday expenses Many teens have side hustles simply to pay for their lives. If your family doesn’t have a lot of extra money, as is the case for many, many families, your side hustle will contribute to your family’s overall well being. This extra cash could be instrumental to making sure everyone in your home has enough food to eat and clothes to wear. There’s really nothing more important than being able to help provide for your loved ones. Adding to your college fundAs previous generations know all too well, student loan debt can be crushing. High interest rates and long repayment periods can keep people owing tons of money long after their graduation days. If you can help it, don’t plan on taking out loans for college. Use your extra money to create or add to a 529 college savings account. These accounts offer tax benefits, allowing you to pay for college, or even schooling before college, so you can hopefully avoid taking out loans. Investing any extra money If you’re looking to simply save money in a general savings account, look for a no-fee account that offers a high interest rate so you can earn money while your extra cash stays in the bank. You could also try your hand at the stock market in a very low-stakes way by putting money into bonds or low-risk mutual funds. This allows your money to grow while you’re not using it.Saving for something bigMaybe there’s something you really want: A car, a new laptop, a TV, a cool pair of sunglasses. Whatever it is, you can devote a portion of your paycheck to this item and save up to buy it. When you purchase something important for yourself, you’re more likely to really cherish and appreciate it. Paying off debtIf you have any current debt—a loan from your parents, credit cards or a car loan—you should use your extra money to try to pay off what you owe ASAP. If possible, you don’t want to start your adult life off with debt and getting this cleared to zero will help you start out with a clean slate.How to balance your side hustle with lifeWhen it comes to making extra money, you don’t want to work to overrun your life. You’re still technically a kid, after all. Sure, most teens can’t wait to grow up and enjoy all the benefits and freedoms of adulthood but—trust me—you’re going to miss the days of being able to use your age as an excuse to do less.So, when you choose to get a part time job or side hustle, make sure that you still have time for your homework and school responsibilities, because you don’t want your grades to slip after taking on too much at work. And try to build in some leisure time for yourself or with friends so that you don’t get burnt out. Being a teen can be exhausting and you don’t want your job to get so overwhelming that you can’t enjoy this unique time in your life. That said, building a side hustle can be a great advantage later in life, because those that can do it early will be able to more easily tap into that sense of motivation later in life, when you have more time to use it. The bottom line? When it comes to side hustles, balance is key. Hustle enough to make some extra cash and feel the sweet sense of accomplishment. But don’t hustle so much that you’re exhausted and can’t muster the energy to get your schoolwork done or hang out with friends. After all, you have the rest of your adult life to work and make money.

100 Of The Best Questions To Ask People To Get To Know Them
Skills

100 Of The Best Questions To Ask People To Get To Know Them

Sometimes you meet someone, and you instantly click. There are no awkward pauses or lulls in the conversation – you feel like you've both known one another for much longer than you have.But for those less seamless instances where you're looking to get to know someone, knowing the right questions to ask people to get a conversation started is key. Maybe you're new at work and need conversation starters for a fun way to foster connections with coworkers. Or perhaps you're headed to a party where you don't know many attendees, and want to have some funny random questions to introduce yourself and set the mood. What kinds of questions to get to know someone are the right ones to start with? In her book Take Your Marriage from Good to Great, Terri Orbuch, Ph.D., suggests beginning with 'getting to know you' questions that are what she refers to as "breadth questions." These questions aren't overly personal, but also aren’t hypothetical questions either. Instead, they are questions that focus on a person's biological story: such as their family history, chosen career path and marital status. For example, you can ask what their favorite holiday is, or what the one food they could eat for rest of their life is. You can also ask what the best gift they ever received was, or even about the most ridiculous outfit they've ever worn. RELATED: The Most Powerful Questions to Ask Your Partner to Connect on a Deeper LevelYou can't expect to know every detail of someone's entire life, but these fun questions to ask people are a great place to start getting to know them. This article will also cover questions to ask people in the workplace, funny questions to ask people, random questions to ask, and questions to get to know someone fast.Whether professional or personal, platonic or romantic, present or past, relationships teach all of us valuable lessons, so it's worth our while to try to develop them. No matter what social outing you're headed to next, these “get to know you” questions to ask people will help you turn new acquaintances into friends. 20 Starter Questions To Ask People(ljubaphoto/Getty)These "get to know you" questions work well in just about any setting. An open-ended question invites more than just a one-word response and helps identify shared interests between those partaking in the conversation. Here are some questions to ask that encourage deeper dialogue within a group. Try asking these questions to get to know someone at an upcoming event or social gathering. If you had the option to live anywhere, where would you choose?What was the last movie you saw in theaters?What's your biggest pet peeve?How would you spend an ideal Sunday?Would you rather take a vacation to Alaska or Hawaii?What’s your most hated household chore? If you could hire someone to help with yard work, cleaning or cooking - which would you choose?What's your go-to karaoke song?What motivates you?What’s the most interesting thing about your current career path?If you won the lottery, what kind of crazy stuff would you do?RELATED: You’re Making Friends Wrong – Here’s How to Do It RightWhat's your favorite zoo animal - and are you a cat person or a dog person?What was the last book you read?Did you ever have a favorite family tradition that no one else does?Who do people say you look like?Do you have any siblings? What are they like? If a genie could grant you three wishes, what would they be?What's the worst gift you've ever received?If you could time travel, would you visit the past or the future?What's the strangest food you've ever tried, and what’s your favorite food? What's the worst hairstyle you ever tried?Workplace “Get To Know You” Questions(Ezra Bailey/Getty)Asking “get to know you” questions at work has plenty of benefits. Whether you're managing a team or working your way up the ladder, knowing and appreciating the interests and background of your co-workers can help foster teamwork, and creates a stronger team dynamic. It also makes showing up to work every day a little bit more bearable. Here are some get to know you questions to ask in the workplace that can go a long way in creating camaraderie. What's the worst job you had in your youth?What's the funniest thing that's happened to you at work?What's the one professional skill you learned the hard way at a past job?Are you an early bird or a night person?What's one job no one could pay you enough to do?What’s the best compliment you ever received?Who has been the best mentor during your career?What's one piece of advice you learned at work that's stuck with you?Who was the worst boss you ever had?What was the most complicated task you've had to handle at work? How did you accomplish it?RELATED: 3 Steps to Dealing With a Toxic Boss or Coworker ProductivelyIf you could change career paths, what would you do instead?What do you wish you could do more of in your current role?What show are you currently watching?Do you consider yourself creative? How long is your commute?What's your favorite way to celebrate your birthday? (Then, casually ask when it is and remember it!)Do you have any pets? Do you live with someone, and if so, which one is the clean or messy person? Are you more extroverted or introverted?Do you work better in an open office environment, or do you prefer closed-door concepts?Funny Questions To Ask PeoplePhoto by Eliott Reyna on UnsplashDid you know that making someone laugh makes you more likable? Laughter releases endorphins (those hormones in our body that make us feel good). When you make a person laugh, they associate you with these positive feelings. Comedy can be a helpful tool in establishing new friendships. Here are a few “get to know you” questions to ask that are sure to earn a good laugh – and lead to engaging conversation.Is cereal soup?Is a hot dog a sandwich?Are dumplings ravioli?What's the funniest pet name you can think of?How would you defend yourself during a zombie apocalypse? If animals could talk, which would be the rudest?What body part do you feel like humans are lacking?What's the most useless invention of all time?Who's the most underrated fictional character?What cartoon pizza do you wish you could eat?RELATED: Are You a Good Friend? These Tips Will Help You Become an Even Better OneWhat's a TV show from your childhood no one remembers but you?Would you rather have no hair on your head or an excessive amount of hair on your body?Have you ever fallen in public?What's the weirdest snack you've tried?What's the worst pickup line you've ever used or heard?What's a candle scent that should never be invented?Would you rather be a dragon or own one?How many 7-year-olds do you think you could fight off before they'd overpower you?What's the grossest food you ate, just to be polite?What's a strange family tradition you have?Random Questions To Ask(Petri Oeschger/Getty)If you've hit a lull in the conversation or want to change up the trajectory of the topic at hand, these are the questions to ask. Here's a list of random “get to know you” questions that are funny and telling. These questions to ask people might just make you the party favorite, so be sure to use them wisely. 1. What's the craziest thing you've eaten for breakfast?2. What's your most embarrassing story as a teenager?3. What's something you haven't been able to cook?4. What's your favorite way to spend time alone?5. Who was your best friend in school that you don’t see anymore?6. What hidden talents do you have? Or what is your most useless talent?7. What do you never leave the house without?8. What's the best thing that's happened to you this month?9. What's the best purchase you ever made?10. If aliens offered to take you back to their planet, would you go?RELATED: 6 Ways to Build New, Meaningful Friendships as an Adult11. What’s your favorite board game?12. What does your favorite wardrobe item look like?13. What's the oldest piece of clothing you have in your closet?14. What would your superpower be?15. If you could wake up with an unlimited supply of anything, what would it be?16. What name would you have chosen for yourself?17. If you could get away with a crime, which would you commit and why?18. If you could teleport, where would you go?19. Would you rather be the funniest or most intelligent person in the room?20. Would you rather lose all of your photos or all your money?Questions To Get To Know Someone FastPhoto by Jarritos Mexican Soda on UnsplashWe've asked interesting questions that can be asked in any setting, questions to ask people in the workplace, funny questions to ask people and random questions to ask people. Now, let's take a look at questions to ask to get to know someone fast. These open-ended questions may seem casual at first glance, but the responses will reveal more than you may think about the person you're getting to know.How would your friends describe you?It can be challenging to talk about ourselves or see our best qualities clearly. Asking these type of personal questions helps get to know a person through the lens of their friendships and gets them thinking about how others who value their time and presence perceive them. What advice would you give to your younger self?This “get to know you” question reveals a lot about someone's personal growth and development and can show how far they've come in their journey. What personality traits do you share with your family?Not only does this help you get to know someone's family makeup, but it also reveals how a person feels about the traits they share with a particular family member. This question opens up the possibility of a deeper conversation, depending on whether or not they're happy they've inherited this trait or are working to correct it. What are you most proud of this past year?Asking a get to know you question focused on recent accomplishments shows what a person values most. Putting a time frame on this question keeps the conversation relevant. RELATED: How to Build Strong Foundations in Order to Attract Friends of ValueWhat makes you feel accomplished?This is a great question to ask following the one above. We all have different motivators for what makes us feel accomplished, and finding out what generates that sense of accomplishment helps us gain a deeper understanding of what drives a person. What are the essential traits of a good friend?Whether you're asking this “get to know you” question to a new acquaintance, coworker or even someone you may already know pretty well, this question reveals the crucial values to a person regarding their relationships.What's the most effective way for someone to earn your trust?Trust is earned. If your end goal of getting to know someone is to establish a long-term friendship or relationship, having this information up front will help you strengthen that bond.What's on your bucket list?This question helps you get to know someone by taking a glimpse into their interests. Bucket list items could be financial goals like owning a home, traveling to an exotic place or adrenaline-inducing experiences like skydiving. Knowing the answer to this question helps you learn more about a person's hobbies and interests. What do you regret not doing this past year?We all have something on our list that we just haven't gotten around to doing. Asking this interesting question helps get to know what's important to a person and what their current barriers are to achieving what they wanted to over a year. Who are your newest family members? Whether it's by way of a wedding or a new baby, welcoming new members to your family is an exciting topic to talk about. This question helps you get to know a person's current family dynamic. RELATED: Social Exchange Theory: Psychology’s Most Powerful Relationship Hack, ExplainedWhich member of your family are you closest to?This “get to know you” question can inspire deeper conversation depending on the context behind why a person is closest to a particular family member. Perhaps they grew up in a single-parent household or were an only child raised with lots of cousins. Do you believe in second chances? Why? How a person responds to this question, when phrased this particular way, can be very telling. Maybe this person was offered a second chance, and it made a huge difference in their life trajectory. Or they offered someone a second chance, only to end up regretting it. When you're wrong, is it easy for you to admit it?No one likes to admit when they're wrong. But this “get to know you” question helps reveal a person's self-awareness on how they react when they realize it. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?We all have our insecurities, but how we face them says a lot about us. Ending the question with "and why?" invites the person to share how this trait may have held them back or impacted them in life, which can help build intimacy between two people.What's something spontaneous you've done recently?If you're getting to know someone who you'd like to spend time with again in the future, this is a great question to ask that will help inform future plans. If this person struggles to identify a recent time where they did something without planning it, you may want to ask and establish a plan to spend time with one another in advance, rather than reach out spontaneously.RELATED: How to Turn a Toxic Friendship Into a Healthy BondWhat's a movie or book that speaks to you, and why?Taste in movies and literature is subjective. This is an interesting question that will likely reveal a particular experience that the person shares with the plot or characters in the film or book, which can help you get to know them on a deeper level. Who's someone you can talk to about anything?Having a support system is crucial. Hearing a person talk about the go-to individual in their life who will listen no matter what helps to understand their personal relationships better. What are you most grateful for?This “get to know you” question helps you get to know what's truly important to a person, what they value and why. What's the most exciting thing that's happened to you recently?The answer to this question might be something small - like finding $20 in an old jacket - or tremendous, like an engagement or new job. If the person you ask this question to responds with "nothing ever exciting happens to me," encourage them to dig deeper.Growing up, who was your favorite teacher and why?Having a favorite teacher is a universal experience we can all relate to. This “get to know you” question may bring up a funny story from childhood or an impactful life lesson that has stuck with the person. In ConclusionSocial connection is essential to our overall health and well-being. Studies have shown that solid relationships correlate to a higher rate of happiness. However, as we get older, fostering new friendships and relationships tends to feel more difficult. Dale Carnegie, the author of How to Win Friends and Influence People once said, "You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you." Talking about yourself at a party or group setting will only get you so far, but expressing genuine interest in the lives of others goes a long way in establishing new social contacts, expand your network and grow your social circle. This is why having "get to know you" questions ready to ask can be beneficial. Asking “get to know you” questions can help get you interested in others to make new connections and grow relationships. Keep this list of questions to ask handy the next time you find yourself in a scenario where you'll be meeting new people – or have the potential to grow your social connections. You can make somebody else feel heard, and that curiosity will go a long way! Seize the moment.KEEP READING:50 Friendship Quotes to Appreciate the Value of a Real Friend

How to Give Advice Without Seeming Patronizing
Skills

How to Give Advice Without Seeming Patronizing

It’s tempting to offer words of wisdom to those in your closest social circles, but it can be a delicate balance between giving advice and sounding like a “know-it-all.” Even if your advice is encouraged or welcomed, it still can be tricky to pick the right message without seeming patronizing. It’s even more complex to offer your advice if it’s not requested.We’ve asked communications pros and relationship experts to share strategies to get your advice across without the message coming across as demeaning. Here's how to give advice without being patronizing:1. Ask permission firstThe first is to respectfully ask the person if they want your advice. “This is an example of boundaries,” says Carrie Krawiec, a licensed marriage and family therapist at Birmingham Maple Clinic in Troy, MI. “Asking permission also gives the other person the power to accept or decline.” Furthermore, asking for permission conveys empathy and willingness to help, but also an awareness that your help may not be welcome and there is a dilemma in sharing. “Be aware of the others body cues like eye rolls, sighs or disinterest and stop when you can see it’s unwanted,” Krawiec adds. If you are told “no,” it’s best to respect that and not offer your advice.2. Make sure you’re giving advice for the right reasonsBefore diving in to help, it’s worth a pause to make sure your intentions are in sync. Are you giving advice to be supportive or is it a response to your own emotional reactivity? If you realize you truly want to help, then move forward with your thoughts. “I find once we feel our emotions the idea of giving advice transforms into offering unconditional guidance,” says Sherianna Boyle, author of Emotional Detox: 7 Steps to Releasing Reactivity & Energizing Joy and Emotional Detox for Anxiety.3. Be mindful of your toneIt’s not just what you say, it’s also how you say it. When you're giving advice to someone, tonality and body language are often just as important as the message being delivered. “You'll want to keep the tone light and have the conversation flow casually as any other one would, to keep the recipient from becoming defensive,” suggests Beverly Friedmann, content manager with ReviewingThis. “If your tone comes across as either pitying or judgmental, you'll likely come across as patronizing.”4. Drop the judgmentThe topic at hand can vary but when you give advice or help to someone, it's extremely important to remain free of any judgment, says Friedmann. While most of us don't think of ourselves as judgmental, we all hold certain biases (conscious or not) that may impact how your conversation goes. “If you give advice using judgmental phrases or tonality, your recipient will not only never get the message you may very likely come across as patronizing as well,” she adds.5. Avoid Psychoanalysis Try and keep the advice exchange on point. “Even if you have a background in psychology or are a licensed therapist, it's important to make a distinction between psychoanalysis and personal advice,” continues Friedmann. If you're offering guidance to a friend or family member, it's best to keep it light and try and avoid speaking to their "inner child" or about potential past traumas. Sticking to the topic at hand and your points without passing any judgment or attempting to analyze them will ensure you don't come across as being patronizing. “Therapy is best limited to the professionals in an in-office environment,” she adds.

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Ariana Grande, Including Keeping Her Ego in Check
Skills

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Ariana Grande, Including Keeping Her Ego in Check

You know her from her super-high ponytail and impressive vocals — but there’s definitely more to Ariana Grande than you realize. At the age of only 25, she’s considered one of the world’s top recording artists, with many of her hits topping the Billboard 200. What’s even more impressive is the fact she can do everything from pop to trap, and her fan base stays dedicated. Grande’s won Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album, alongside a Brit Award, two Billboard Music Awards and three American Music Awards. She also uses her voice for activism — speaking boldly and brazenly about women’s and LGBT rights. All of this superpower — on and off the stage — has landed her on Time’s most influential people in the world lists in 2016 and 2019. Billboard also recognized her as "Woman of the Year" in 2018. Did we mention as of February 2019, she’s the most followed woman on Instagram with 155 million followers? Her net worth of $50 million continues to grow. Here’s how Ariana Grande balances all of the magic:She manifests her dreamsAsk any new life guru, astrologer, or life coach and they’ll shout from the rooftops just how important it is to adopt a manifestation practice. As the name suggests, this is when you visualize (and, more importantly, believe and trust) that those things you want are on their way to you. Most of the planet’s most successful business leaders, athletes, and performers have perfected this way of thinking, and well-- the ducks seem to line up in a row for them. Grande is no different — in fact, she’s been a fan of this idea since she was a kiddo. “When I was 6 years old, I just kind of decided that’s what I’m going to do with my life, period,” says Grande, who grew up in Boca Raton, Fla. “I manifested it. I knew I would. There was never really a doubt in my mind,” she told Billboard. If you want to test it yourself, create a vision board by cutting out words and images from magazines that you inspire you. These should be different aspects you think are missing from your life — like a relationship, the career you want, traveling opportunities — that you can look at every single day, and manifest them. She stands her ground, when necessaryThere’s a difference between being someone everyone likes to work with — and being an egomaniac. Though women are often given a bad rep for standing up for themselves or taking authority, men aren’t given the same character label for doing the same. Grande, a feminist, doesn’t let anyone or anything stand in her way — but she does it professionally. As she told Billboard, it’s often a shock to those she works with, and it gives her the respect she’s earned and deserves. “I’ve politely walked out of sessions before. It has happened. I’m a small girl. People tend to underestimate that. And then I sit down and comp my own vocals and can produce my own session, and they’re like ‘Oh, I didn’t know you could do that.’ I’m like, ‘Believe it or not, there are plenty of tiny women that can do this.’” Perhaps Grande says it best when she urges other people to be who they are, and not what’s expected from them: “you can be adorable and brilliant. You can be friendly and silly, and yet strong and indestructible. You can be professional and present and also sexual and fun.”She ignores the norms — and does her own thingWhen you’re rising through the ranks of whatever industry you choose, there are certain steps that everyone has gone through. You start here, you move up there, you do this then, and then you do that. But just because there is a historical record of how things were that doesn’t mean they have to keep on being that way. Grande is the shining example of that: her dream was to be a singer but to put music out the way a rapper does. “I feel like there are certain standards that pop women are held to that men aren't. We have to do the teaser before the single, then do the single, and wait to do the preorder, and radio has to impact before the video, and we have to do the discount on this day, and all this shit. It’s just like, ‘Bruh, I just want to fucking talk to my fans and sing and write music and drop it the way these boys do. Why do they get to make records like that and I don’t?’ So I do and I did and I am, and I will continue to,” she shared in an interview with Billboard. She keeps her ego in checkConsidering she’s worth $50 million (and counting), it’d be easy for Grande to let money get the best of her. But while she’s confident, she also wants to ensure her ego never gets out of control. This keeps her humble, focused — and ready for every new stage of her career. To do this, she practices gut and mental checks to remain aligned. As she told KIIS 1065: “If things are upsetting you, make sure your intention is correct like “why is this bothering me? Am I giving into my ego? Or is this a real problem? It’s very stressful going from a person who loves to sing, dance, perform, and make music to a person who is literally material for people to write blogs and dissect you. If I were to worry about that, that would be me giving into my ego. I try to not see it.” She does what’s good for her mental healthIf her hit song "thank u, next" doesn’t illustrate her feelings toward dating, then consider this about Grande: she protects her mental space. This doesn’t just mean in relationships, but in every aspect of her life. Especially as a creative, naysayers can have a major impact on your sense of self and creativity. That’s why she thinks carefully about who is in her life — and who shouldn’t be. It’s the advice she gives her millions of Instagram followers, too: "I just wanted to say hi and remind you guys to protect your peace and your energy and to not forget to take care of yourselves and protect your space. I just want to make sure that you don't run yourself to the ground, exhaust yourself and remember to protect your energy and do things that are good for you."For more Daily Habits:Daily Habits to Steal From Keanu ReevesDaily Habits to Steal From Robert Downey Jr.Daily Habits to Steal From Kate MiddletonDaily Habits to Steal From Bradley Cooper

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Richard Branson, Including Accepting Failure
Skills

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Richard Branson, Including Accepting Failure

You know him as Richard Branson, the iconic leader behind Virgin Airlines but his technical title? Well, it’s a mouthful: Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson. Nope, he’s not a royal — but pretty much as close as it gets. As one of the most well-known business powerhouses who takes a revolutionary approach to everything he touches, he’s earned his recognition. Believe it or not, his conglomerate — The Virgin Group — owns more than 400 companies, with his latest venture attempting to bring space travel to the masses. Branson's been an entrepreneur all of his life, initially launching a magazine at the age of 16, and then a mail-order record business post-college. His career took off when he opened a chain of record stores called Virgin Records in the '70s. By the '80s, he developed his airline and eventually, his music label.Buckingham Palace knighted the English-born Branson in the year 2000 for his "services to entrepreneurship," and in 2007, he was named one of Time’s most influential people in the world. With a net worth of $4.1 billion — he’s among the richest self-made billionaires on the planet. Here, a few of Richard Branson's habits, rituals, and values he abides by, day-in and day-out:He writes.In a blog for Virgin Airlines, Branson got nitty-gritty about his day. Though he definitely subscribes to some of the same regimes that the top leaders adopt, like getting up early and a structured day, he also lets his creativity flow freely. When he’s not responding to emails or taking calls, he catches up on the news, which inevitably inspires him to write blogs: “I find myself speaking out more and more about the things I cannot accept — like the failed war on drugs, mistreatment of refugees, prejudice against the LGBT community, or the fact that the death penalty still exists despite being proven to not deter crime. But my blog is not always filled with calls to action. No two days are the same: one day I’ll be writing about conservation, the next I’ll sharing family photos from Necker Island, and then the following day I’ll be offering business tips to help young entrepreneurs find their stride.”Even if you’re not leading a mega company — or a tiny one — getting your thoughts out helps you to understand your own mind. And it will lower your stress levels, improve your focus and give you power over worries or anxieties. He takes notes for everything -- on paper!If you ever showed up to a meeting early in your career without a pen-and-paper in hand, you may have been sent back to your desk by a manager. Sure, most work has gone digital these days, but there is still something effective — and satisfying — about physically writing notes. In fact, many leaders (including Sheryl Sandberg) are known for this ritual. Branson is one of ‘em. “Regardless of where I am or what I’m doing – perhaps with the exception of kitesurfing or swimming – I always have a notebook on hand. My secret ‘life hack’ has also been to write it down! I can’t tell you where I’d be if I hadn’t had a pen on hand to write down my ideas as soon as they came to me,” he wrote.He listens to everyone about everything.In an interview Branson's daughter Holly did with CNBC, she shared how her father is an expert listener. In fact, it’s something he taught her to value in her own career. He doesn’t just take notes from the wealthiest or the most successful — but literally anyone and everyone, even strangers. “Listen as much as you speak, or listen more than you speak. There are a lot of great things my dad has found by listening to everyone,” she continued. “If he is sitting on Virgin Atlantic he will sit and chat with the customers and ask, ‘Do you have any advice for me? Do you have any tips? Is there anything you don’t like today? What can I change?’” Branson's desire to reap feedback is tied to his ultimate goal: make the planet — and its people — better, happier, and healthier. As he wrote on Virgin’s blog: “I feel that fulfillment and purpose are very closely linked. Most people feel the most fulfilled and happiest when they are having a positive impact on those around them. Business should be a driving force in creating a better world, so if you can combine your entrepreneurial skills with a social purpose, you can have a great effect on the world.”He focuses on living.To build an empire, create products and tools that make life easier for millions, and to always be photographed with a big ‘ole smile on your face, you have to love life. And that’s exactly what Branson tries to focus on: living each day. When you’re a billionaire, it definitely seems a bit easier to enjoy the ride, but more responsibilities add more pressure, and learning the fine juggling act of it all has proved instrumental for Branson’s psyche. “I don’t really separate work and play — it’s all living. This doesn’t mean I’m always working, it means I’ve learned the art of balance,” he wrote. “It’s so important to carve a little time for yourself to breathe. I find the best way to do this is to make a cup of tea and take ten minutes to reflect. Often this time sparks new ideas as your mind wanders, or helps you find solutions to problems that have been bugging you. I find that taking a break helps me rest rather than give up. If you burn yourself out, you’re no good to anyone.”He believes mistakes are a part of the game.You may or may not remember 1994, but here’s a refresher on one of Virgin’s biggest failures: Virgin Cola. Doesn’t ring a bell? That’s because it was a major flop. As Branson wrote on Virgin’s blog, they drove a tank through the streets of New York, smashing through a wall of Coca-Cola cans, making for some headlines. They thought they could drive sales far past Pepsi and Coke — but they bombed. In fact, he said it was one of the biggest mistakes in the company’s history. Does Branson let it get him down? Nope, he takes it as a learning opportunity — and smashes forward. And he hopes to pave the way for others to do the same. "Perhaps the biggest positive to come from Virgin Cola, however indirectly, was the launch of Innocent Drinks. Co-founder Richard Reed, a former employee at Virgin Cola, was inspired by his experience, and later started selling his own smoothies with a couple of friends. He now heads one of the biggest, most purposeful drinks brands in Britain. And it’s very satisfying to know that he got his start at one of our Virgin businesses,” he wrote.

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Bradley Cooper, Including Going With His Gut
Skills

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Bradley Cooper, Including Going With His Gut

Noted for his versatile and captivating performances, dedication to cancer-research, and his dreamy blue eyes, Bradley Cooper is one of the most beloved American actors and filmmakers. Recently, his acting, directing, and singing in A Star is Born has made him a household favorite — but he’s been blowing away audiences for decades. His films have grossed an impressive $7.8 billion worldwide with many iconic hits including Wet Hot American Summer, Limitless, The Place Beyond the Pines, Silver Linings Playbook and American Sniper. He takes a break from dramas from time-to-time to take the lead in comedic favorites like Wedding Crashers and The Hangover. To date, he’s been nominated for four Academy Awards in three years — becoming only the tenth actor to ever do so. With an estimated $100 million net worth and a long career ahead of himself, there’s no doubting this star is, well, just being born. Here, some of Bradley Cooper's daily habits to consider for your own lifestyle:He takes his work personallyCooper is often praised for his believability as his characters by completing encompassing and emobiding their quirks, ticks and dynamics. To act convincingly and with ease, he tries to get as close as he can to the character. As he told the New York Times — it’s personal. “Once you get that fire inside you to tell the story, everything’s personal. So, you have to bring up everything. Whenever you create a character, at least for me, you have to find anything you can to tell the truth, right? So, yeah, you’re always working off of yourself.” One way he makes sure he’s fully investing is imagining his role as if it were real. This makes it easier to connect and to commit to the lines, the scenes and the experience. When asked his trick for success by 60 Minutes, Cooper explained: “By believing I’m him. That’s how I do it. If I’m acting like I’m him or I don’t quite make that leap of faith, there’s no way you’re going to believe it.” What’s the lesson for professionals who aren’t on camera? Go against the traditional advice — and make your job personal. Find what makes you passionate and connected, and make it your investment. He shows others what he’s capable of — not the other way aroundWhen you’re hired for a new job, you know your job description. This includes what’s expected of you on paper, but doesn’t really illustrate who you are or how you’ll perform. When Cooper is selected for a role, he knows the character, the pay, and so on — but he makes a point to do it his way. As he sees it, no one tells him who to be — that’s his choice. And frankly, every professional’s. “People don’t really know how to look at a person. “Because you’re like, ‘I have these big dreams, and I feel these things.’ Is that all wrong? Like, shame on anybody that’s going to tell you who you are. That angers me. It’s like, someone’s going to tell you who you are, what you’re capable of. Like, what?” he told The New York Times.He betters himself so he can be better at workCooper has been outspoken about his struggles with drugs and alcohol — and has been sober since 2004. The breaking point was at a party when he bashed his head in, not once, but twice. After spending the night at the hospital, he realized how much he needed to recover and change his life — and he’s never looked back. He makes every effort to become a better person every single day, thanks to his sobriety. "In the way that if— the one thing that I've learned in life is the best thing I can do is embrace who I am and then do that to the fullest extent, and then whatever happens, happens. The more steps I do to not do that, the farther I am away from fulfilling any potential I would have,” he told GQ.He goes with his gutBlame it on growing up, going through difficult periods, or frankly, growing tired of keeping up with the Joneses, but everyone reaches a point where they listen to that little voice inside of them. For Cooper, it’s his gut — and it’s something that he never ignores. “... just go with your gut... The loudest voice that's a contrarian is usually me, and all these little moments of confirmation, that voice should just shut up, allows you to just do what you're supposed to do while you're here,” he told Fandango.He invests in the future while remaining presentFor many professionals, staying in the moment feels impossible. After all, those who chase after success try to think one step ahead so they’ll get there faster than everyone else. For Cooper, though, being able to remain in the present with a forward-thinking attitude has served him well. In fact, investing in longer-term projects have been more fulfilling. As he shared with NPR, he spent four years on his hit movie with Lady Gaga. “And the one thing that I know in the future is: It's worth all the time to dedicate, even if one piece of art comes out of it in a half a decade, that would still be incredible as long as I can feel like it's the movie I wanted to make, which is this movie. So I guess having a child, and having a family of my own — which is a miracle and something I've always dreamt of — has opened me up even more, I guess, to the day, and to be present.” For more Daily Habits:Daily Habits to Steal From Keanu ReevesDaily Habits to Steal From Robert Downey Jr.Daily Habits to Steal From Kate Middleton

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Keanu Reeves, Including How Tragedy Motivates Him
Skills

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Keanu Reeves, Including How Tragedy Motivates Him

There’s something about Keanu Reeves, don’t you think? Lovable on camera, no matter what role he’s portraying, he’s been beloved by men and women since the 1990s. This actor, director, producer, and musician is best known for his work in The Matrix series, as well as the Bill and Ted franchise and the John Wick series, and thrillers like Point Break, Speed, and The Devil’s Advocate. He’s frequently praised for his versatility and his believability across many genres and sectors. Surprisingly, this household name has never received a nomination from the Golden Globes or the Academy Awards — but he continues to produce, act and create art in many mediums. With a networth of $360 million, he’s definitely doing something right — and has some habits to match his genius that you can steal:He gives in returnWhen you reach a certain level of wealth, like Reeves, there are a few ways you can go about finances. While some invest in their future or in the generations behind them to come, others try and give strangers or charity a helping hand. Reeves chooses the latter, spreading his wealth whenever possible — even at a hotel, according to an interview with Rolling Stone. The humble star is frequently seen riding the subway in New York and is known to make his charitable donations through a private charity so as not to call attention to himself. In April 2019, Reeves made headlines for assisting fellow passengers during a grounded flight.Reeves also made headlines for his approach to his payment for The Matrix sequels: he renegotiated his contract so that crews got a share of his fee — costing him tens of millions. When he performed in The Devil’s Advocate, he took a pay cut so producers could hire Al Pacino. While having an influx of dough makes it easier to give back, it’s a smart lesson in understanding how much you actually need versus what is killing your joy. He owns his quietnessReeves has a reputation of being quiet on set — something many actors have talked about after working with him. Not only is he extremely dedicated, but he tends to keep to himself, improving his craft without the input of others. Constantine director Francis Lawrence shared with Time his experience working with Reeves: “Do I really know Keanu after working with him? No. I know things about him: he's hardworking, he's generous, he's a sweet, sweet guy. But it's all just sort of on the surface." Even his manager, Erwin Stoff, who has been managing his career since Reeves was 13 years old, describes him as a shy person. He has a way of keeping himself away from other people. You may be like Reeves — more of an introvert, rather than an extrovert. Or you could be the opposite. Whatever the case, the lesson here is indulging in the quiet and learning how to spend time in your craft by yourself. You never know what wonders you’ll find there.He’s self-determinedIt’s pretty much a given that to be successful, you have to be able to hold yourself accountable. Reeves is a testament to this truth, considering he’s often labeled as persistent and of course, stubborn. The Matrix stuntman and John Wick co-director Chad Stahelski clearly likes working with Reeves. Stahelski says his level of dedication is incredibly rare. “It has nothing to do with being lazy or work-shy. It's a choice. It's about what level of commitment an actor or an actress is willing to make for a project. Keanu's all or nothing. He's willing to give up six months of his time to train for a role. Some people would try and get another film in, or work two. When I first met him he'd had surgery and he was doing kung-fu in this big, cold warehouse with a neck brace on. I knew he was a serious guy. That set the standard for the rest of our relationship. That YouTube footage is four months' worth of three-gun training. In a non-movie way, what Keanu is doing in that video is competitively impressive. Real guns, real bullets, hitting real targets. If you told him to go learn how to crochet, he'd go and be an expert in that. That's just what he's like,” he told Esquire.He lets death — yep, death — motivate himIt might sound a bit morbid but the truth is, we’re all going to pass one day. And for Reeves, that is reason enough to live big right now. As he put it in an interview with Men’s Journal: “You’re gonna die — make stuff.” Reeves has seen more than his fair share of personal loss in his life, including his girlfriend and their baby two decades ago. It took Reeves a while to understand that like everyone else, he’s aging — and if he wants to "keep on, keepin’ on," he has to push forward, no matter what. “I'm all of the clichés, and it's embarrassing. It's all of them. It's just, 'Oh my God. OK. Where did the time go? How come things are changing? How much time do I have left? What didn't I do?’” he told Esquire. He always fights for his careerOne of the most important career lessons to remember is the importance of being your own biggest fan. Since ultimately, you’re responsible for yourself, this is a powerful mantra to have — and one that Reeves embodies. He’s had plenty of disappointments, but he stands up for what he knows he deserves. "You're always fighting for a career," Reeves told Esquire. "I mean, there's a few people who [don't have to worry]…No: you're always fighting for a career."

The 6 Most Valuable Career Skills of 2019 -- And How to Develop Them
Skills

The 6 Most Valuable Career Skills of 2019 -- And How to Develop Them

Though you likely haven’t thought about those New Year's resolutions in a while, 2019 is nearly half-way over. With another lap around the sun charging fiercely ahead, it’s a good time to do a gut check on how you’re doing. What were those goals you set for yourself? Or more specifically: your career? Even if you haven’t been promoted or quit your not-so-great gig (yet) — there are ways you can evolve as a professional by investing in your skill set. This forever-evolving aspect your productivity and purpose in the office includes both technical and interpersonal proficiencies, and is something to revisit at least once a year. As career expert Wendi Weiner explains, “These can be a mix of soft and hard skills that lead into one's personality as well as core skills that a professional learns on the job such as business development, sales execution, or relationship management. Career skills are industry specific but also broad in nature as skills are often transferable from one role or one industry to the next.”As the calendar pages continue to turn, here, leading career experts provide their best recommendations for the most valuable career skills to invest in for 2019.1. Versatility and IntegrityIf there’s one certainty you can depend on, no matter what date it is, it’s change. As millennials make up more and more of the workforce, they’re challenging traditional norms and paving the way for a new definition of upward mobility. That’s why Weiner says, more than anything, companies are looking for employees who are versatile and can roll with the punches, so to speak. “Companies are always evolving due to a changing economy. This is extremely important for technology-based companies or startups,” she explains. With this dynamic workforce, more and more are working remotely — whether from a WeWork or a beach in Thailand somewhere — which puts a new onus on self-motivation. Because of this, Weiner says versatility must come with an aptitude for teamwork and integrity. “There is a need for employees to be collaborative and have a strong sense of integrity when it comes to working afar and being honest about the work being done,” she adds.2. Relationship-buildingSay what you want about the trite advice about the immense importance of building your relationships, but they’re on point.As career expert for Monster.com Vicki Salemi explains, this soft skill impacts every aspect of your career and your ability progress. Consider how you interact with your boss, your colleagues, your employees, your clients and even virtual assistants, if they’re part of your gig. Salemi challenges professionals to consider how well they not only nurture and build, but repair in-office dynamics. No matter if you want to move up in your current company or switch to a new one, how you create and foster relationships with others will make or break you. After all, it’s simple: people want to work with — and hire — those they like. 3. CreativityChief brand and engagement officer at EHE Health, Joy Altimare reminds professionals that creativity is part of everyone’s job description — not just writers, producers, and art directors. As she puts it, this soft skill is rooted in your ability to think through multiple lenses when creating, building, and innovating. “It is an inspiring concept that requires one to look beyond the fundamentals of one’s job. Don't just think about the utility of your job, think about the contribution you’re making to the team and your organization,” she adds.4. Running effective meetingsLately, there’s been plenty of talk on the importance of meetings: how many are necessary to meeting goals and client expectations -- and how many waste everyone’s already-limited time. Especially for those at a manager level, exercising your best judgment rather than accepting every invite -- and encouraging your employees to do the same -- is a special skill for 2019, according to career expert Elizabeth Whittaker-Walker. More to the point, you should be rethinking how you approach and strategize for the meetings you do need to have. “When meetings are absolutely necessary, it’s critical to know how long to spend on each agenda item, which things to bring up at what time, and how to effectively budget time to align on next steps, and so on,” she continues. “Part of planning an effective agenda is being clear about the goal and desired outcome, which helps you to know if a meeting even needs to happen. Could the matter get resolved via e-mail, a quick phone call or even a text message, instead?”5. Tech Aptitude No matter where you live or what you do, the likelihood that you’ll use a computer is pretty much a guarantee. With few exceptions, every level -- from entry to executive -- is expected to know their around a digital landscape. “Employees need to have the additional training and aptitude for workforce productivity and success. This means understanding data privacy, tech, and digital marketing,” Weiner continues. “Companies are interfacing with clients online and virtually, so the ability to build strong relationships through relationship management in a virtual network is also a key skill.”6. OrganizationBallpark: how many emails did you send and receive today? What about meeting invites? Phone calls? Have you thought about those notes you took a day ago — or typed ‘em up yet? Most professionals feel pulled in many different directions with deliverables here and follow-ups there. Your ability to stay on top of — and better yet, ahead — of the many demands of your gig will set you apart, according to Salemi. “It’s important to be able to prioritize work efficiently, and part of that means sorting through an influx of information,” she continues. “Productivity and time management also fall in this bucket — to succeed in 2019, know what to focus on and accomplish, especially as deadlines approach.”

Can This MasterClass Turn You Into a Business Genius?
Career Growth

Can This MasterClass Turn You Into a Business Genius?

The internet has been a boon for distributed learning. First came opportunities for self-directed research, like Wikipedia and Investopedia. Soon enough, actual higher learning institutions opened up online shops, allowing students to enroll from across the globe. The latest iteration of online learning focuses on personalized instruction in specific fields, offered via outlets like MasterClass.Though the site offers classes from dozens of experts across multiple subjects, entrepreneurs will likely be most interested in former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz’s MasterClass in business leadership.What’s A MasterClass?MasterClass is a website that offers anyone access to lessons from some of the best minds in their fields. The instructors tend to be extremely high-profile: Think cooking lessons from chef Gordon Ramsay, acting lessons from Natalie Portman, or music production tips from Timbaland.MasterClass offers multiple access plans. For $180 per year, you can stream their entire catalog of classes, which as of now boasts 50+ celebrity instructors. Some (but not all) classes are offered a la carte, though that usually comes at a steep markup. In all cases, the classes are streamed in short-ish, easily digestible video segments.Who Is Howard Schultz?Howard Schultz is a world-renowned businessman, best known for his role as the CEO of Starbucks, which he held from 1986 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2017. He’s also a former owner of the NBA’s Seattle Supersonics, and was heavily involved in the team’s sale and eventual move to Oklahoma City.Most of the modern touches you associate with Starbucks -- the rewards program, the mobile payments, the innovative coffee drinks -- were Schultz’s brainchildren. His second stint as CEO came at a time when the company was experiencing rapid growth, but only because they were opening so many stores; same-store sales were flagging. By closing weak stores, calling for technological upgrades, and retraining the entire company, Schultz got the company back on the path to organic growth.What Will I Learn In The Howard Schultz MasterClass?The Howard Schultz MasterClass focuses on business leadership from what feels like a high-level perspective. Here’s the course listing:Jump InValues and Profits Are Not EnemiesBe CuriousDon’t Pioneer. Disrupt.Focus and Get in the MudFind the Right InvestorsCoffee BreakOverinvest in CultureHire a Values-Based TeamDon’t Manage. Lead.Cannibalize YourselfReal Leadership: What Do You Do in Crisis?OnwardAs you can see, it’s pretty pie-in-the sky stuff, more a collection of guiding principles than specific business advice. The course is structured in such a way that entrepreneurs will find the A-Z nature useful, but people in current managerial roles should still find plenty to get out of it.All told, the 13 videos span 90 minutes. (It should be noted that chapter 7, “Coffee Break,” is literally Howard Schultz showing you how he makes his favorite French press coffee.)Howard Schultz MasterClass Pros And ConsShould you sign up for Howard Schultz’s MasterClass in business leadership? Consider the following to decide for yourself.ProsHoward Schultz is world-renowned as a successful business executiveThe course takes a holistic, high-level approach that could apply to any businessHoward provides insights at all phases of a business’s lifecycle, making it useful for both budding entrepreneurs and seasoned managers.ConsIt’s extremely high-level, not technical. If you don’t have a formal business education, a 90-minute course won’t teach you the basics of finance, accounting, and managementHoward Schultz only has one perspective. If you’re truly looking to become a business leader, you’ll probably have to supplement this course with classes and books from other business icons like Jack Welch and Carl Icahn.It’s expensive. Right now, the Howard Schultz MasterClass is only available as part of the all-access package. If his MasterClass is all that interests you, $180 is a lot of money for 90 minutes of Howard Schultz talking (and making) coffee. But if the rest of the catalog interests you, it could be a great value.If you decide it’s for you, you can sign up for the class here.