Feeling Lost? Find Some Clarity and Focus

Clarity and focus are among the most important things that anyone can have in life. Most of us function at our best when we know what we want, what we need to do to get there, and what our next big step needs to be. When we’re lacking focus and direction, we can end up feeling downcast, restless and lost. If you’ve hit a point in your life when you’re not sure what your next move is, here are a few ways to get things back on track.

Image from Public Domain Pictures

Take Responsibility

When people feel lost, it can be pretty common for them to assume that clarity and direction will simply fall in their lap after enough time. Others simply roll into a rut of self-pity, wondering why other people were gifted with so much clarity and direction, while they missed out. These are both rooted in the assumption that focus is something that comes from somewhere outside. Although this assumption is understandable in some ways, it’s ultimately self-defeating and pointless. It may not feel like it now, but there’s nothing out there that can give you direction in life. You need to create it yourself. If you’re really not sure of where you want your life to go at this point, there’s no issue in staying open to different options. However, you shouldn’t let this go on for so long that you get stuck in a state of hesitation. Finding your path in life can be difficult, but the most important first step is realizing that it’s you who needs to find it.

Avoid Things Which Are Damaging to Clarity

Some attitudes, thoughts and actions we choose can make us feel clear and focussed in life. Others will make our outlook on life even more clouded and hazy. If you want to have more clarity and focus in your life, you need to cut yourself off from the things which are making this harder. If you’re hanging out with a lot of unfocused people, who are drifting aimlessly through the motions with no real direction in life, then consider spending less time with them. If you know you’re spending too much time watching TV, playing video games, surfing the web or you’re stuck in any other time-wasting habits, then try to cut down on this in increments. Numbing your mind with alcohol, drugs, and junk food can be very damaging to our sense of clarity too. If you’ve accepted responsibility for your life, and you’re still finding clarity hard to grasp, then it may be time to work more on your lifestyle. Seek out more focused friends to spend your time with. Work on your dietary and exercise habits, cut down on the alcohol, drugs, or other unhealthy substances that cause your mood to fluctuate. Getting into the habit of planning your day out and looking for the next big goal can also help to turn things around. I can’t guarantee that if you change your lifestyle, you’ll gain clarity and focus overnight. However, it’s certainly helped a lot of people in the past, and it’s worth a shot!

Reach Out for Help

Image from Flickr

Many of us hate the idea of asking for help in getting some sense of direction in our lives. With everyone seeming so focused and clear about where they’re going, admitting that you don’t have a clue can make you feel weak and embarrassed. I assure you that anyone who cares about you won’t look at it this way. Don’t be afraid to throw your hands up and ask for help! Talk to your closest friends and family who seem to have a clear sense of purpose, and ask them for advice. You may be surprised at how many of them have gone through the exact same phase as you! If you’re still not finding the guidance you need, you may have to look elsewhere. Talk to a life coach, counselor, or even a real psychic about the lack of focus which you’re going through. These people have a lot of experience dealing with problems just like yours, and will often be great at helping you find your way again. Religious mentors, old teachers and so on could also be an option. While reaching out for help can often be just what the doctor ordered, make sure you don’t lean on others too much. Remember my first point; that you’re responsible for your sense of direction in life. Help is great when it’s there, but there will inevitably be times when you have to stand on your own two feet.

Get $5 When You Sign Up For #Swagbucks

 

 We've reached the Holiday season - can you believe it? People are already preparing for Thanksgiving and getting ready to start shopping for the Holidays (if they haven't already begun)! Since this time of year in particular is a good one for having some extra money, Swagbucks is offering a $5 bonus to people who sign up through me this month!

Swagbucks is a rewards site where you earn points (called SB) for all sorts of things you're probably already doing online, like shopping, discovering deals, taking surveys, watching videos, and more! Then you can turn your gift cards into PayPal cash or gift cards to places like Amazon, Starbucks, and more!

Here's how you get your bonus:

1. Sign up using this link

2. Earn 300 SB total before 12/1. You'll get a $3 (300 SB) bonus for it!

3. When you do your holiday shopping, spend at least $25 through Swagbucks Shop* and you'll get another $2 (200 SB) bonus on top of the cashback you'll get from shopping.

That's it. It's super easy, and Swagbucks is for real. I use it myself, and I've earned [GIVE EARNED SB AMOUNT, WHAT YOU SPEND IT ON]

*You must receive your shopping SB before January 1st

Why Online Adult Education is the Hot New Thing

Heading off to college, getting your bachelor’s degree, and maybe even earning your Masters is an exciting time in life. But what if you are an adult returning to education? Perhaps you want to work towards gaining a postgraduate degree for better work opportunities. Or maybe even for your own self-satisfaction. As adults, we have more responsibilities than we used to. These include work, family, and financial constraints, all which make online learning more inviting. So today we’re going to look at the option of taking online courses to further your education.


Picture found on: Pixabay

Why Learn Online?

Online adult education allows flexibility and interactive study, straight from your home. It’s cost effective, means you can continue working and also set your own pace of study. Distance learning also means you can achieve your degree no matter where you live in the world. Not only is it a more affordable option, but because you have invested the money into your learning, you will find you are much more dedicated to reaching your goals. Undergraduate, postgraduate and professional levels of courses are all available for online study. And in an age of advanced technology, it means courses are far more interactive.

Things You Can Do When You're Feeling Blue

Image from Google

If you're having a bit of a hard time, it can be hard to lift your mood. When things go wrong, it's easy to get stuck in a rut and only look at the negatives. There is so much around you that can make you feel positive, though! It's the little things that can make a difference. By simply mixing up your routine and letting yourself have a bit of fun; you could completely change your frame of mind. You just need to cut yourself some slack and focus your energies on something super positive.

Watch something comforting

When you're feeling a little bit low, you need to put the serial killer documentaries away and watch something that will feel like a big hug. If you used to tune into Disney movie as a youngster, stick your favorite on and get cozy. If Gilmore girls is your thing, kickback and remember the good Stars Hollow times. If you like to be busy, you might, at first, feel like this is a waste of time. But it's essential you relax your mind.

Get your bake on

Not only will cooking something give you an enormous sense of pride, but you also get to eat it after. Trying new things in the comfort of your own home can be seriously soothing. The smell of a freshly baked cake is divine and sharing what you've done with other people will help you break the cycle of being quiet and sad. Treat yourself to a new cookery book and get baking!

Update your living space

If you haven't changed around your furniture in an age or you're a little tired of where you're living - a great idea is to invest in some new furniture. If you can't afford new furniture, a great idea is to visit http://www.mylightingsource.com/Quoizel_Lighting_s/1832.htm and give yourself a little light update. Whether you opt for a more soothing light bulb wattage or you make a feature with a beautiful light shade; the change will really perk you up.

Make some moves

As tempting as it is only to stay in bed and watch Netflix, it's essential that you do get outside for some fresh air. Moving your body, even a little bit can't give you a new lease of life. If you have a dog, give it a little walk and if you can, get yourself to a relaxing yoga class. Moving around will get the blood pumping.

Enjoy your own company

Doing things on your own can be incredibly satisfying. You might not feel like doing it, but wandering alone with your thoughts can be very eye-opening and calm. If you've had a hard time of late, you might need the space to clear your head. If you don't want to go to the movies on your own, you could take a trip to the seaside or visit a museum. Give it a go; you might not regret it and it could do you the world of good.

4 Vital Financial Habits To See You Through Tough Times

Credit

We all want to be in as good a financial position as possible. This is something which many of us are struggling with day to day. The trouble is often that we get into poor ways of behaving around money which then leads to further problems. This is how the vicious cycle is created, and it can be a real pain for many. Fortunately, however, there are ways out of this cycle. The trick is to try and forge positive habits instead. When these habits stick, you will find that some dramatic changes start to come about pretty fast. Let’s take a look at four of the best financial habits that you should be adopting today.

Budget For Everything

It is unfortunately easy for your finances be in a poor way if you are not entirely sure of everything that you are spending. This might sound basic, but so many people do not know fully what goes out of their bank account. If you want to be in a better financial position, then you seriously need to consider budgeting for things as much as possible. You should sit down once a week and work out exactly what you have to spend on what, and what you don’t. The trick is not to leave anything out. It is by leaving out even small things that you end up making big mistakes. Therefore, make sure you include everything you can possibly think of.

Learn How To Shop Around

Too many people have forgotten the art of bargaining. The fact is, if you want to be in a better financial position, you need to shop around. Shopping around is something which does take a lot of practice before you get really good at it. But it is essential if you want to make more of what you are getting, and to ensure your money goes further. Remember that this habit applies to practically everything that you might purchase. It might be finding affordable card insurance with great customer service or it could be buying a house. Whatever it is, spend some time shopping around to ensure you end up with the best deal.

Credit

Put Some Aside

Saving money is essential if you ever want to be in a better place permanently. With that in mind, remember the importance of putting some aside. There is a good rule of thumb, which is that putting aside 10% of what you take in is going to keep you level overall. However, putting aside any more than that is the way to get rich one day. It really does make a huge difference. Turn it into a habit which you do automatically, and you will notice a huge difference in no time.

Treat Yourself

Finally, remember the importance of treating yourself occasionally. There is no need, after all, to deny yourself of any such treat if you want to enjoy your life. Plus, allowing yourself the occasional luxury means that you are much less likely to get overly stressed about your finances. Ironically enough, treating yourself helps you to save money overall.

Credit