You can skip college to get an excellent education these days. Many educational materials are readily available, often for free, and formal education is unnecessary in many circumstances. You can’t teach yourself to be a licensed teacher or physician, but there are many things you can learn on your own.You don’t have to attend school to learn about Egypt, speak French, train your dog, play the piano, or learn to weld. With the proper habits, you can learn just about …

There’s a time for work, a time for play, and a time for contemplation. Humans’ primary advantage over animals is their ability to contemplate. We can think about our lives, ourselves, and our situation.Contemplation is a tremendous power because we can use our experiences and knowledge to discover a more effective path through life.We can learn about ourselves, solve challenges, and become more powerful versions of ourselves. Contemplation allows you to notice the negative patterns in your life. It can …

When you grow up in a small community, you realize that helping others isn’t Something you do; it’s just how you are. Running errands, going to the shop for items missed on the shopping list, helping neighbors with their gardens, or cleaning their cars gives you a sense of belonging and purpose.In this modern, high-speed world, where it seems hardly anybody knows their neighbors, random acts of kindness are an excellent way to reconnect you with what’s essential in life.Random …

With all the modern technology we have for communicating with each other, even worldwide, most people have forgotten how to communicate clearly with someone standing right next to them. Listening has become a lost art.That’s too bad because knowing how to listen effectively can have many benefits. It can strengthen personal and professional relationships, help your marriage, and boost your career.Consider using these listening techniques the next time someone wants to talk with you:Please give them your undivided attention. Your …

If you’ve ever found yourself challenged by leading a meeting online, you’re not alone. According to a recent poll by the software company Slido, nine out of ten meeting organizers agree that virtual events present unique challenges.Imagine this scenario: one moment, you’re reviewing a spreadsheet, and the next, you’re pondering what to have for lunch. Perhaps you’re even tempted to sneak a peek at the menu of that new Indian restaurant nearby. Keeping participants engaged demands extra effort when everyone …

Meditation is an effective way to relax but is good for many other purposes. For example, if you’re trying to build your confidence, daily mindfulness practice may help.Self-confidence is an essential ingredient for happiness and success. It makes you feel more motivated and energetic, helps you reach your goals, and can even strengthen your relationships and enhance your health.Do you want to feel more confident about yourself and your ability to face life’s challenges? Learn how to use meditation to …

Regardless of how you feel about organized religion, there may be one tradition that you’d like to revive. A day of rest can spread happiness and peace.Years ago, many communities practically shut down or at least slowed their pace one day a week. Today, you may feel tired and overwhelmed because your weekends are just as busy as the rest of your week.Create your rituals to help you deal with stress and accomplish your goals. Start with these tips for …

While fictional, George Washington’s confession to chopping down the cherry tree resonates deeply due to its portrayal of integrity and accountability. From childhood, many of us learned the importance of owning up to our actions rather than deflecting blame onto external factors.However, embracing accountability can be daunting. Acknowledging our faults may feel threatening, as it exposes us to potential criticism and challenges our self-image. It’s tempting to shift responsibility onto external circumstances rather than face the reality of our actions.Yet, …

Many sources of career advice assume that you’ll be earning more money and taking on more responsibility. However, sometimes in life, you move in the opposite direction.It can result from forces beyond your control or a voluntary decision. The economy is still recovering from the pandemic. However, some industries had more difficult times than others and haven’t recovered or survived. Even if you love your job and your company prosper, you may seek a change.Whatever the reasons for resizing your …

You may want to turn your creativity into a career, but jokes about starving artists make you nervous. It is possible to make a living while making artWhether you’re a drama student trying to figure out what to do after graduation or a professional thinking about making a career change, you can do something artistic with your life.Find out how to channel your creative skills into a rewarding career.Getting StartedWhile many paths exist to develop a creative career, the first …