If you are thinking: school days are over for me so, this does not apply to me you are wrong! As long as you have dreams, desires, goals etc. There’s always something to do. Have you being thinking of starting your own business? Then you should probably be doing some research. Would you like to see changes in y our community? Then you should join a local association that focuses on helping neighborhood.

Here are some tips that can help you maintain track of time and how well it is spent:

•Asses yourself, is your life leading towards your personal desires? What changes would you have to make? •Setting and defining goals in a timely manner •Scheduling your time; long term and short term •Schedule and limit your leisure time in order to avoid distractions

Spend your time well,

Kenia Morales

Four Steps to Success

There are four parts to effective assertive communication - Here is formula:

I feel ___________ when __________ because ________. I need ___________.

Step 1: “I feel” Start by expressing how you feel about behavior. Stick to one of five or six basic emotions: “I feel… overwhelmed, angry, hurt,” etc.

Step 2: “When” What specifically bothers you about behavior or situation? Examples: “When family expects me to do this every year,” “When it is assumed I will do it,” etc.

Step 3: “Because” How does behavior affect you? Examples: “I feel pressured to do something I really can’t do this year,” and “It makes me feel taken advantage of.”

Step 4: “I need” This is tough part for people like Mary who feel guilty simply letting others (especially family members) know what their needs are. “I need” has nothing to do with being selfish.

Instead, it means giving listeners a clear signal of what you want them to do differently, so they have an opportunity to change. Examples: “I need for dinner to be rotated among family.” “If everyone will bring a dish, I’ll cook ham,” and “I need my sisters to come early and help with setup.”

Applying Formula

Does formula always work? Of course not, but it works a high percentage of time and it gives you a better tool to deal with situations than anger – which rarely achieves desired results.

If it doesn’t work at first, try different variations using your own words. And keep at it. People often don’t immediately respond differently to your words because of previous established communication patterns.

Always make sure your tone conveys sincerity, clarity, genuineness and respect toward other and his or her opinions.