Hi all my loyal followers, In keeping with my development I have started a new business selling Men’s accessories. What started as a project for my University degree has now turned into a cool online shop.
Maybe you are looking for a gift for a male friend, brother, father or partner. Maybe you need an accessories to match your outfit, we have a large range of accessories and adding weekly.
Please help support at www.manlymensaccessories.com
Tip #29 – Don’t Swear
Need I say more. I understand why people have the need to swear. However, swearing is a choice, and the better option is not to swear. There is no need for it; it makes you look cheap and smutty. As a leader or manager, you are not setting a good example. Set a good example and choose to create a culture of respect for others and do not tolerate swearing.
Tip #30 – Don’t Take it Personally
One of the fundamental tools to have in your emotional toolkit is resilience. We often hear in business terms such as “Its not personal it is only business “or “Try not to take things personally”. I know from experience that this is not as easy as it sounds. However, as I have been searching for a new opportunity, I have learnt not to take rejection personally. Instead, I have used rejection as a strength and a lesson to learn and grow and get better for the next interview.
You see, a rejection is not a personal attack on you. This was put into context by a job I just missed out on recently. The hiring manager told me there were over 140 applicants, and they have to narrow it down to the top 10, which I was in the top 5. She said I would be perfect for the job, and the decision was tough, but in the end, they only had 1 job.
For the first time ever, I walked away from the rejection with a sense of pride as I knew I did my best. The best part was I had not worked in a role like this before, so to be in the top 5 to me was impressive.
A recruitment agent said to me that getting a new job is a numbers game and to keep trying, keep applying and with each unsuccessful attempt, you will get better at the interview process and eventually land the job that is right for you.
Tip #31 – Eat Clean
I have mentioned this a few times in my previous post but thought it a perfect one to share as a Tip, because of the benefits of eating clean. I have discovered lately that not all healthy food tastes bland. I gave up all processed food to see how clean I could eat for the next three months. Therefore I can only eat raw foods, such as Fruits, Vegetables, Meats, Eggs, Coffee and Water. I use lemon, salt, olive oil and Turmeric to season my foods. The benefits so far have been incredible- Fat is melting away, my digestive system is clean, and I feel awesome.
Tip #32 – Buy the Best Suit you can Afford
My first suit was a $100 suit from a cheap clothes store, and when I look back, I cringe at how bad that suit was. But hey, it was all I could afford at the time, and it served its purpose. However, it made me look cheap. After admiring my mentors, I noticed one thing that they all had in common. The suits they wore looked great, and they looked professional in them. I discovered that the more expensive a suit is, the better it will fit you and look on you and the more confidence you will feel.
My next suit was $400 and fitted much better and looked great. I then upgraded to $600 and then an $800 suit. Suits in this price range look amazing and feel really great to wear. Of course, I could only afford the last suit as my wage had increased, But money well spent.
Tip #33 – Be Persistent
Don’t give in to laziness or disappointment. Keep moving toward your goal as consistently as possible. If you set your mind on achieving your objectives every day, this attitude will become part of your personality. Preserve in everything you do. Remember that practice makes perfection, and perfection makes you the expert. One of my motivations for writing this blog is learning to touch type. Writing the blog takes extra time to type without looking at the keyboard and typing with accuracy. I want to touch type over 60 words per minute (WPM). Currently, I am at 33 wpm with 100% accuracy. All I need now is to learn to spell, LOL.
Tip #34 – Take Full Responsibility for your Actions
Do not blame other people when you make an error, own up and own the mistake. You must always take full responsibility for your actions. Do not blame others for your bad situation. You are responsible for how your life is, blaming others is not the best way to overcome it.
Tip #35 – Be Proud of Who you Are
No matter your size, shape, colour, race, or sex, you should always be proud of who you are and where you have come from. Never let anyone tell you, you are not good enough, smart enough or anything negative. We all have had some type of struggles in life, and maybe some of you still do. However, these struggles only make you stronger, so embrace the hard times and find your strength to carry on. You are so worth it.
Tip #36 – Acknowledge
When someone does something for you or someone at work does a good job, make sure you notice and acknowledge them. Do not let the opportunity to praise or thank someone go by.
Tip #37 – Never Humiliate Anyone
No matter the situation, never humiliate someone. If a person or child has made an error keep your cool, and when given a chance, quietly and in private, have a chat and help them if needed. If you humiliate someone, they will hold a grudge against you.
Tip #38 – Be a Good Example
People watch what you do more than they listen to what you say, Be someone worth emulating. Do not ever think that a job is beyond or above you. If you expect someone to do a task, make sure you are also willing to do it. There is usually only one job I won’t do, and that is clean up vomit. Therefore I would not expect anyone else to either. I have always given people an opportunity when they have gone over and above their core duties. Be that person, and many options will open up for you as well
Tip # 39 – Be Vulnerable
Be willing to share your failures as well as your successes. Others will relate to you. They will understand that they are not the only ones with challenges. Do not be afraid to ask questions even if you think they are silly and that you should know the answer. It is always good to clarify. Being vulnerable is not a sign of weakness it is a sign of strength.
Tip #21 – It is Never Too Late to Start a University Degree
Completing a University degree for the first time later in your life can have many benefits. Firstly, they are easier to complete, depending on the degree topic. It would be expected that you have lots of experiences and skills behind you, which will help your success. Furthermore, most people I know who have completed a degree usually did this straight out of high school, and many say they will never go back. Doing a degree or even a second degree later in life can help you in your career where you are now, because the same degree completed 30 years ago is vastly different from the same degree today.
Doing any higher education course has the benefit of NOW. The most UpToDate information and skills are learned, helping keep up with your competition the younger person vying for your position.
Tip #22 – Poor Man Pays Twice
There is a reason luxury items cost a lot of money; they last the distance. I remember when I was younger, I bought an expensive t-shirt from a high-end luxury boutique. It was not my intention to pay that much for a T-shirt, but I was so embarrassed I did not want to look like I could not afford it and purchased it. However, what I realised was that one T-shirt lasted over 10 years and still looked great. When I have bought cheaper clothes, they do not last this long, and I have had to buy them 4 times. Hence poor man pays twice.
Tip #23- Give Your Full Attention
A few years ago, a lesson I learnt was that when someone requires your attention, stop what you are doing and focus your attention on that person. This includes putting your phone down or looking up from the computer. Concentrate your attention on the person shows a lot about you as a leader/person. It shows respect. If you can’t stop what you are doing, acknowledge the person and let them know you will be with them as soon as possible. This is especially important for children. If you continue to ignore people, they will stop seeking your attention. They will seek the attention of someone else, don’t ever let that opportunity pass you.
Tip #24- Go to Bed Early and Rise Early
The National Sleep Foundation guidelines advise that healthy adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. Babies, young children, and teens need even more sleep to enable their growth and development. Therefore, for optimal performance, get the recommended amount of sleep each day. I recommend going to bed early and rising early. Our metabolism starts to slow down sometime in the late afternoon. We tend to get tired around 3pm to 4pm, decreasing our attention span and concentration. This is why many schools finished at this time and high-risk jobs such as a construction worker.
To get the best out of yourself go to bed early, sometime between 9pm – 10pm and rise around 4am – 5am. Rising early when the rest of the world (except for shift and night workers) is still asleep is a magical time. You are very alert, there is often an eerier silence as the roads are quiet and the birds have not yet quite woken up, the sun is also still sleeping. Many successful people swear by this routine. It may take some getting used to but give it a try and reap the benefits of at least 3 hours of uninterrupted silent time. You will achieve more in those 3 hours than you will for the rest of the day.
Tip #25 – Give Yourself More Credit
There is nothing more damaging to your self-esteem than telling yourself you are not good enough. We are all equal; we just need to give ourselves more credit. Think about everything you have achieved or succeeded in life that is worth giving yourself more credit for. Do not sell yourself short, do not let anyone tell you, you are not good enough. Keep your head up, and be confident in your abilities. Sometimes and in some situations, whether it be a job or relationship, it is not the right fit, don’t settle just accept that it is not the right fit for you and move on.
Tip #26 Spend Time With Your Kids
Do you have kids? If so, put aside some uninterrupted time each day to be with them. You can learn so much from kids, but most importantly, you have the opportunity to teach and nurture a child. From my experience, this can be one of the most valuable gifts you can give your kids. Kids want and need your attention, and if you do not provide it to them, they will seek it from someone or someplace else. Work is work and will always be there, but your kids won’t be kids forever. Put your phone down, switch it off it you have to. Be present at every moment and spend as much time as possible.
Getting outdoors or away for a short break is beneficial to your health and your relationship with your family. Try leaving all electronics at home and turn the phone off. Do not let life pass you by and wonder how you didn’t get time to play with your kids.
Tip #27 – Give Pro Bono Work or Volunteer
Volunteering or using your expertise to help someone never goes unnoticed. Besides the great feeling, you get from the act. Volunteering can bring you a wealth of new skills, new contacts, and can even lead to new job opportunities. There are many ways you can volunteer just look for a cause you are passionate about and get in contact with your local organisation. Furthermore, having volunteered on your resume looks more favourable to potential employees.
Art of Personal Development 