Watch What You Say Written by Jonathan R Taylor
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The simple habit of changing your vocabulary can have tremendous subliminal effects on your mind, allowing you to come up with creative solutions rather than running away or avoiding problems altogether. I always think back to one of my favorite examples - Thomas Edison. When asked about thousands of unsuccessful attempts to create incandescent light bulb, he said, “If I find 10,000 ways something won't work, I haven’t failed. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is often a step forward”. Imagine speaking so positively after failing not once or twice but 10,000 times! Find more of Jonathan's articles at www.careercalling.com/Archives.htm!
Jonathan R. Taylor, specializes in helping people in every stage of their lives to find more meaning and purpose in their work. He believes that to find that purpose and meaning, a person's interests, skills, passions, and goals must integrate seamlessly with their work. To get more great advice, subscribe to Jonathan's newsletter at www.careercalling.com!
| | The Difference Between “Need” and “Want”Written by Craig Nathanson
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• If you live in a “McMansion,” consider selling it. You could use proceeds to buy a smaller house in a less expensive neighborhood. That would leave you with no mortgage or a much smaller “nut” to make each month. Whatever size of your home, you can go a step further and use 100% of proceeds of a home sale as working cash for transition, then rent a house instead. Seeking advice of a tax attorney or a financial planner may be wise, particularly when you are selling your home or using it as security on a loan. But, do not let these advisers sway you from your core decisions. They are there only to give you advice on smartest way to pursue path you have chosen. • Consider part-time or project-based work in field you are moving out of to supplement your income during transition. Also, look generally to part-time work as a way to slow your burn rate. Ask each eligible member of your family to contribute toward supporting household. • Evaluate your home, car, and health insurance costs. Are you over-insured? Can you raise your deductibles? This often can reduce premiums significantly. Also, health insurance rates for small businesses, even those with one or two employees, are often more favorable than individual policies. • Take a look at what you drive. Is it a “badge” brand imported car? Is it a “suburban assault vehicle?” There are many presentable, economical cars with good long-term reliability that can be purchased used. Sell your status symbol and buy one of these other cars instead. You will save on car payments, gas and insurance. You will be better off minute you stop trying to impress people with what you drive. • Let your children fund a little more of their own college education. Student loans are not a lifelong burden, and in fact many successful people have paid for their education this way. So can your children. They will still love you. • Sweat small stuff. Look at every element of your daily spending and ask whether it is necessary. Do you have features on your phone service that you never use? How many videos do you rent every week? (They are free at local library, by way.) How important are those premium cable channels? How many pizzas did you order last month? How much do you spend every day on designer coffee, soft drinks, and fast food? How much do you spend on dinners at nice restaurants? Take a look at what’s in your grocery cart. How much of it is snack food or impulse buys that are both bad for you and a waste of money? If you still need a reason to quit smoking, $5-plus per pack you are spending ought to finally get you to give up that habit. Is your home well insulated, or does money in form of energy fly out window? Do you turn out lights when you leave a room? How much do you waste each year on late fees for credit cards or overdue videos? How necessary is each short trip you take in car? Can you combine trips, or make small, local errands on foot or on your bike, (which saves money and burns calories)? Make effort to evaluate everything you do. You’ll be amazed by amount of money you can save.
Craig Nathanson, The Vocational Coach, is the author of “P Is For Perfect: Your Perfect Vocational Day,” by Book Coach Press. He publishes the free monthly e-zine, “Vocational Passion in Mid-life.” Craig believes the world works a little better when we do the work we love. He helps those in mid-life carry this out. Visit his online community at http://www.thevocationalcoach.com where you can sign up for his next Tele-class coming up January, 26th.
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