The New Year has come and gone. We celebrated 2018 and welcomed in 2019. With it, we created goals, plans, and resolutions. Most goals tend to slowly peter out as the weeks pass, so how do we accomplish what we set out to do?

Here are some techniques to help you reach those daunting goals.

#1. First, write down all the goals you want to accomplish. Slowly go through them and find ones that can be combined, put aside, and those that will build on top of each other. You want to start out with three goals that you can accomplish in 90 days. If you start out with too many goals, you'll lose track of what is important, and you'll get lost. With this comes neglecting your goals, feeling guilty, and then losing confidence that you can accomplish them.

Choose one most important goal, the one most vital to achieve, and then find two more that will help you reach that main goal.

#2. Second, write down the specifics of each goal and brainstorm how you will accomplish them. Write words, sentences and motivational quotes that have to do with your goals. Hang them around your home or office to remind you. Let family members, co-workers, and friends know what you are trying to accomplish. The more reminders you have the more likely you are to keep them.

#3. Third, turn these goals and resolutions into a habit. Every night or right when you wake up, write down the steps you will take that day that will lead you to your goal. Make sure to work toward your goal every single day. By doing this daily, it will become a habit.

#4. Fourth, break down your goals into small achievable tasks. Schedule three things you will do each day for your goal, setting aside 10 minutes a day for each of them.

The most important rule is to write down your goals. Write them down before you go to bed or right when you get up. Keep the paper, notebook, or journal with you all the time to keep you on track. When we write our goals down, pen to paper, our mind keeps them at the forefront. Also, allow others to help keep you accountable.

The achievement of our 2019 goals can only be accomplished if we really want to succeed and push ourselves to follow through. Hopefully, these steps will bring a successful and fulfilling year.

Recommended listening for goal-setting:

100 Ways to Motivate Yourself

Execution

Goal Setting

Good Strategy, Bad Strategy

The Magic of Thinking Big

Psychology of Achievement

Succeed

The Willpower Instinct

For more information, or for any questions or concerns you may have, contact us at dassi@3leafgroup.com. It's our pleasure to make your experience as easy as possible!

Emotional connections are stronger when auditorily consumed, versus watching it in a video format, reports a UCL study. Click the link above to learn more about how audiobooks are having a heavy impact on listeners' senses.

https://www.military.com/military-appreciation-month

Men are from Mars, women are from Venus.  We've heard this line before.  Sure, men and women differ in many ways – we express ourselves differently, communicate differently, and react to situations differently.  But if we'd all be a little more honest, patient, and understanding (ahem, ladies) – I think we'd expose some secrets about gender roles we may not have recognized before.

Gentleman – you're about to be exposed.   Here are top 10 secrets guys wished you knew (according to a group of psychologists studying gender roles, of course.)

  1.  Men Say “I Love You” with actions:  For the men of few words – actions speak louder than words.  Instead of actually verbalizing his love, your guy may take out the trash, fix the leaky sink, or set the table – just to show you he cares. 

2.  Contrary to popular belief – men take commitment seriously:  It may take them longer to build trust and feel comfortable, but once they are committed – most men are in it for the long run.  In fact, a recent study showed that 90% of married men claim they would marry the same woman again.

3.  He REALLY is listening:  Women often respond with “yes” or “I see” while listening to someone else talk.  Often times, men prefer to listen quietly – but don't worry, they're still listening - most of time ;)

4. Shared activities form bonds:  Men strengthen their relationship through activities rather than expressing or verbalizing their feelings.  Physical interaction like sports and intimacy make men feel closer to their loved one.

5.  Men need time to themselves:  Call it nurturing his individuality or blowing off steam.  Regardless, guys need time to themselves.  Encourage your man to pursue his hobbies – and give him the space he needs.

6.  Men learn from their fathers:  The good, the bad, and the ugly – guys learn a lot from their dads.  Whether they choose to follow in their footsteps or go the opposite direction – men are influenced by their father's relationships. 

7.  Men let go faster than women:  Women tend to dwell on negative experiences or arguments longer than men do.  If a woman wants to discuss last night's argument, the guy may have already put it behind him. On the positive side – here's to forgiving and forgetting!

8.  Men don't pick up on subtle hints:  When it comes to communicating with men, it's best to be direct.  Chances are they won't pick up on cues like tone of voice or facial expressions.

9.  Men respond positively to appreciation:  Compliment him, validate him, and appreciate him.  Men are more responsive and more willing to help when they feel competent and needed.

10.  Men stray when their needs aren't met:  Although men are committed, they need to be appreciated and assured that their needs are met.  If not – they will seek satisfaction from other sources.  That's why it's important to communicate and make sure that both yours and his needs are met.

 What do the guys think?  True?  Untrue?

 Rebuttals welcome... (be nice)

 Ladies…Opinions?  Speak now before YOUR relationship secrets are revealed:) 

Check it out right HERE!

Still confused? We love questions. Contact us with all your app queries at dassi@3leafgroup.com.

Females are changing the face of the game across the globe. From the recent #MeToo sexual assault and abuse awareness campaign, to the election of Danica Roem, Virginia's first openly transgender elected official, women are stepping up and making their voices heard about issues that affect us all.

Women all over are finding out it is possible to have it all, whether that's your dreams of balancing a life-changing career and being a mom too, or opening your own business.

Women bring value to both the home and the workplace alike in areas they differ from men. The most important part in going after your ambitions is discovering what sets you apart from the pack. Is it your passion? Is it your never-ending drive? Is it something softer but equally as valuable, such as your compassion? Your ability to peace-make? Your solution skills? Where is it that your skills shine?

3Leaf Group is committed to providing cutting edge titles of diverse topics relevant to the state of the world now, and that includes the topics that women are fighting for: equality and diversity. Scroll through our titles and you will find a wide range of diverse authors, from Colin Powell to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, John Gray to Linda Babcock. 3Leaf does, and always will offers a vast array of views so that you may be as knowledgeable as possible.

Is being able to juggle your home and work life really a myth? Between kids, work, relationships, and household responsibilities, it's no wonder that Americans feel they have no time to themselves. So whether you're commuting, exercising, or cooking, listen to an audiobook below - multitasking at its finest! - and learn the art of restoring balance in both your work and personal life.

http://www.3leafgroup.com/14m11/work-life-balance.html

Are you short-tempered? Quick to anger? Less than patient? We all have our vices. Instead of getting steamy - maybe it's time to reflect on some self-improvement. Patience, good listening skills, time management, and effective communication are crucial traits that'll steer you clear away from losing your temper. Do you agree? Check out our audiobook titles on self-improvement today!

http://www.3leafgroup.com/14m11/self-improvement.html

1st in a series of blog posts about Essentialism written by Greg McKeown. You will hear Ahron Katz of 3Leaf Group talk about how Esentialism is changing him.

Prioritizing your time may be difficult in the summer with work schedules, family gatherings, and fun excursions. Instead of spreading yourself thin - try to give 100% of your efforts on each task at hand. Prioritizing your time is not just for the office - it's for every day life as well. Here are some helpful hints according to Time Magazine to help you stay on task and focused -- even when the sun is shining and your jet skiis are calling your name.

1. Go over finances -- reassess your family budget 

2. Read (or listen to audiobooks of course!)

3. Review your project list - at home and at the office

4. Get ahold of your email overload -- minimize that inbox!

5.  Take a break!

6. Reconsider your overall professional goals - summer can be a time of reflextion too!

7.  Rebuild & reorganize your work enviornment (home desks included too)

8.  Give back -- if youre taking some time to reflect -- take some time to give back to your community as well. 

Click here to read the full article -- and maximize your summer - while still enjoying it of course. 

What's the golden rule for staying fit?  Be consistent.  We all know the real way to keep wait off and maintain a continuous healthy lifestyle is to remain committed and follow a consistent eating and exercise routine.

We also all know – this is easier said than done!  What about those who work full time, have kids, busy schedules, or all of the above?

How can one remain fit – despite a heavy work schedule?

Here are a few pointers according to MindBodyGreen:

1.   Set yourself up for success.  No one knows you better than yourself.  What are your temptations?  Make sure they are nowhere in sight.  Don't wait until you're absolutely famished and raid the pantry like you were a contestant on Survivor for 40 days.  Keep your stash stocked with healthy choices – and get rid of temptation at home.

2.  Even a little exercise helps.  If you don't have time to put in two hours at the gym EVERY day – find 5 minutes here or there to flex your muscles on a “down” day.  This will help maintain your consistency during days you can't make a full commitment at the gym.  A few crunches here and there, a few squats on your coffee break, some leg exercises under your desk.  These will help maintain the hard work you've put in on other “on” days.

3.  Always have food available.  Back to #1, don't set yourself up for failure by binge eating because you're absolutely starving.  If you have long work hours, ensure that you bring healthy snacks to your desk and a full nutritious lunch. 

4.  Try your hardest not to cheat.  Not everyone is perfect, but if you're committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle despite your busy schedule – keep to your routine!

Yes, it's ideal to spend time in the gym on a consistent basis -- but for those of us who have long work or family responsibilities and are not willing/able to wake up at 4 am – try these helpful tips.  Bottom line:  Anyone can stay in shape if you put your mind to it! 

Despite all the hand-held devices, social media venues, and internet-enabled modes of communication, having a face-to-face conversation is still a crucial component of the working world.  Are face-to-face conversations still a part of YOUR work culture? 

What about your family life?  Do you spend more time emailing, Google sharing, Drop boxing, Instagramming, etc. etc.?  When was the last time you met your girlfriend for coffee?  Hopefully not too long ago. 

Why have people dropped human interaction with the art of “being alone, together” with their technology?  According to Sherry Turkle from The New York Times, “Human relationships are rich; they're messy and demanding. We have learned the habit of cleaning them up with technology…. FACE-TO-FACE conversation unfolds slowly. It teaches patience. When we communicate on our digital devices, we learn different (negative) habits.

The art of holding a traditional conversation is crucial to both your personal and professional life.  Here are a number of scenarios where face-to-face communication is the way to go:

•  When preventing or resolving conflicts
• When it is necessary or helpful to read non-verbal cues
•  When providing information on step-by-step or organizational changes
• When reviewing a performance appraisal with an employee or meeting for disciplinary purposes
• When exchanging confidential information
• When attempting to reach a negotiated agreement

Of course, when building a personal relationship or designating personal, one-on-one time with someone special – an in-person conversation may be the right call as well J

Talk to people – the real way.  It'll make both of you feel better and more accomplished. 

According to TrainingIndustry.com, more than 40 percent of the workforce works from home at least two days a week. Nearly 4.5 million college students will take at least one course online this year. Every worker that telecommutes saves the company $20,000 a year and studies show that telecommuting can increase employees' job satisfaction, improve work performance, and reduce stress.

It's no doubt telecommuting has its perks.  But the question is – can anyone do it?  Are all employees well-qualified to join the corporate pajama bash?  Just like certain skills are required for traditional job settings – there are certain skills that are ESSENTIAL to understand and master before an employee can be a true telecommuter.

Here are just a few suggestions:

• Ensure that your work environment is a healthy one.  Just because you're working from home, doesn't mean you can slack on sleep, exercise, or other healthy habits.  Treat your work environment like a true, professional one.
• Designate a specific area for work.  Bringing your laptop to the couch while watching the game may be enticing, but it's a sure way to get little work done.
• Keep your surroundings professional.  Unless it's an emergency – keep yapping kids or barking dogs out of the telephone conversation.
• Set a schedule.  Tell family and friends not to disturb you during your hours of work if you really want to get things accomplished.
• Check personal email, social networking sites, and internet browsing at set times.  It may be hard to avoid Facebook notifications when they pop up, but we all know how easy it is to get side-tracked.

These are just 5 of many qualities a successful telecommuter must undertake.  Discuss your telecommuting environment with fellow telecommuters and bounce ideas off each other. 

Bottom line:  A flexible workplace can be a positive experience IF it is treated with respect and professionalism.  

Optimism --  Apparently, it's innate. 

In 2011, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences concluded that optimism is rooted in the hormone oxytocin, known as the “lovey dovey” hormone – and that it is strengthened by receptor genes within one's genetic makeup. In other words – your genes can affect your positive outlook, happiness, and optimistic view about the world. 

So, does that mean – you either got it, or you don't?

Like all things in life, sometimes you have to work a little harder on something in order to achieve it.  If optimism doesn't come to you naturally, or wasn't given to you from mom and dad's gene pool, it is a worthwhile investment to try to improve upon.  There are a myriad of reasons why.  Some reasons include: 

• Research has showed optimism promotes longevity

• Reduces stress levels

• Increases productivity – leading to success at work

• Improves your social life and personal relationships

• Makes you proactive

• Helps you maintain an open mindedness toward change and improvement

• Promotes forgiveness

• Helps avoid depression 

If you're not a natural positive thinker – how do you become one?  Here are some tips from Ayo Olaniyan, a certified Unitive Life Coach. He is also an Accredited Professional Counselor with the Counseling Society United Kingdom. 

• Have realistic goals and expectations
• Always remember you are human with a lot of imperfections
• Acknowledge past events, but endeavor to manage the present with a view to creating a brighter future
• Don't fall into the trap of feeling hopeless.
• Be true to yourself
• Network with people who show optimism in their daily lives
• Believe in your dreams  

So whether or not you are a natural optimist – your personal and professional life will greatly benefit from looking on the brighter side. 

Wish someone gave you some sound financial advice in your 20's?

Listen up 20 something's.  If you want a cushy lifestyle down the road - try to hit these 5 financial milestones before you hit the big 3-0.

1.  Pay off credit card debt

2.  Start saving for retirement

3.  Establish an emergency fund

4.  Get health insurance

5.  Have a sense of career

Want the details?  Check out the full article and video on Yahoo! Finance.

What are your kids up to this summer?  Day Camp?  Beach trips? Carnivals? Long days at the pool?  For those of us still plugging away at the office while our kids are painting their toenails and sipping lemonade through a florecent twisty-straw, don't get discouraged.  You can still relate to your kids – and even teach them a thing or two this summer.  Ever think about how your experiences at work relate to your kids' summer vacation?    The two aren't as opposite as they seem. 

• Communication:  You're always encouraged to communicate effectively at work, and your kids should do the same this summer.  Have them communicate clearly to you where they will be, which friends they will be spending time with, and have them communicate about how they're going to communicate.  Cell phone?  House phone?  Walking home to check in?  A clear communication plan doesn't just happen at work.  It happens during long summer days when kids are playing and enjoying their free time and independence.  

• Time-Management:  You may feel swamped at the office and find yourself needing to prioritize tasks.  Kids may have this issue with summer plans.  Should I go to the beach with Hannah – or have a relaxing mall day with Zoe?  (if only we had those choices!  Our seem more alongs the lines of should I get this 75 page presentation completed ASAP or grab some lunch before I faint from exhaustion!)  This is an excellent opportunity to teach your children proper time management, choosing scenarios wisely, and prioritizing activities within their schedules.

• Creativity:  It may seem easy for kids to be creative in the summertime – but after a few weeks of little responsibilities and flexible schedules, kids may become bored or glued to the TV screen.  Just as we struggle to find creativity at work – kids may have the same struggles during the summer.  Have your kids create a list of creative games, places, or activities.  See how many fun ideas they can come up with on their own.  Are they facing an all-too-familiar mental block?  Have them get inspiration from others (without being too competitive or jealous), take a break and refresh their thoughts – then come back and ponder some more!

• Teamwork:  A family, just like an office – requires teamwork.  Children may have their own agendas; adults surely have their own as well.   How can a family mesh the two cohesively – especially when the lines of responsibilities and summer-time fun are blurred.  The answer is teamwork.  A family must view themselves a team – each member playing a different role with different expectations and abilities.  In order to gain fun or personal time – a child may need to pitch in with helping younger siblings, house   chores, or completing summer homework.  The same is true for adults.  Although we are busy with work and our pressing schedules – we should still remember to spend time with our kids, not resent their leisure summer schedules, and encourage them to manage their times wisely – and enjoy it too!

Unwinding is a crucial part to being a productive individual.  So, we ask our followers – how do you unwind?  Vacation or no vacation – are you continuously “plugged-in” 24/7 – checking emails, responding to texts, FB posts, tweets, Linked-In requests, other messages?  Or do you practice a “turn-off mode”?  No phones, iPads, screen-time, etc. while you're in an unwinding stage? 

We stumbled upon this article by Baratunde Thurston – a New York Times Best-selling author and CEO and cofounder of Cultivated Wit, a creative comedic digital agency and product development company.  It's about unplugging and leaving the internet, temporarily at least.  Now, we're all for technology and cutting-edge training tools, but we're ready to listen to someone's insight regarding better lifestyles and healthy habits.

Check out Baratunde's article Here 

This holiday season, you will no dobut be wrapping a multitude of gifts – for your kids, nieces, nephews, cleaning lady, hair stylist, etc.  The list goes on and on.

While you're investing in scotch tape, wrapping paper, and ribbons – let's remember to invest in something greater than ourselves. 

Looking to organize an office event OTHER than a holiday party?  Think about charitable projects that can be organized in the walls of your own office.  CBS News came out with a few bright ideas for office-charity projects this holiday season:

• Auction Off a Day Off – Divide your office into teams and have each team fundraise for a specific cause using a trusted online fundraising tool like GoFundMe.  The team with the highest number of proceeds will win – you guessed it – a day off!
• Sell Admission to Casual Friday – Have everyone in the office vote for a charitable cause – then have employees donate to that specific cause.  The employee who donates the most money gets to wear jeans to work for one day… or maybe more...
• Hold a Food Drive – Offer a Superb Prize – Think of something enticing and worth competing for – perhaps the top parking space for one year?  Click Here for some food drive ideas and inspiration. 
• Incorporate a “CEO – Serving the Staff” Day – Have an executive serve lunch to her employees in exchange for a donation.  If you work in a very small company, have the boss host a lunch or dinner at her home - for a donation, of course. 
• Help Clothe Other Workers – Have a friend or relative struggling to dress properly for work or an interview?  Dress for Success and Career Gear are both excellent organizations that provide work-appropriate clothing for those in need.

Who knew – the holidays at the office could mean more than just pot-luck and gift wrapping.  Put your creativity to work and scheme up some exciting charitable projects! Good Luck!  

When you're working out – you can be one of two people:

That person so focused on their workout they don't need any pleasurable distractions like a rockin' music playlist, or a downloaded series of Dancing with the Stars or Downtown Abbey.  These people just enjoy listening to their own huffing and puffing and feeling every intricate sweat drop fall down their face.  They like the sound of their feet tapping along the pavement – or slamming onto the treadmill.

Weird... I know.  I personally can't relate.

Then there's the other population of exercisers who enjoy a good ole distraction – music, the news, a TV show, etc.

Let's talk about music.

Listening to music while you're exercising can extend your work-out, build motivation, add enjoyment, and make you feel good. According to David-Lee Priest, PhD, a health psychologist and researcher at London's Brunel University, "fast music especially, provides us more information to process, which may distract someone from the physical sensations of fatigue and block signals to stop exercising."

One interesting idea is to begin your workout with a slower pace tempo and build up to a faster song as you intensify your workout and begin to move faster. 

Also, remember not to pump up the volume too loud.  Experts warn that high-intensity music coupled with high-intensity exercise can cause temporary hearing loss.  During exercise, blood from the inner ear rushes toward the working muscles, making you more susceptible to hearing damage.

I guess that means don't sacrifice your ears for getting other parts of your body toned.  If you can't hear others compliment on how good you look – what's the point in exercising, right? (Kidding!)

Bottom Line:  Do what's best for yourself when it comes to working out.  Enjoy your music – or that TV series you can't live without.  Whatever makes you happy, more efficient, and more willing to exercise and maintain your health.

Click Here to check out 3LG's titles on Fitness/Health.  (We don't recommend listening to music/watching TV while you're viewing a fitness DVD.  We're all for multitasking... but that's a bit too much).

Oh – and recommendations for great songs are welcome!

As Meg Ryan stated in “You've Got Mail” – “Don't you just love a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils?!” 

It's back to school week for most parents.   Are you ready?  Are your kids ready?

Here are 5 helpful back-to-school hints for parents with returning students: 

• Ease into Bedtime:  Sure, those 9:00 pm bike rides are fun in the summertime – but you should start buckling down on bedtime one week before school starts.   This way, the kids will be acclimated and well rested when school begins
• Discuss the Homework Routine:  If your children had homework last year – encourage them by reminding them of a great job they had done the previous year.  If homework is new to your kids, explain the homework schedule by outlining the time and place homework will be done.  Some good rules of thumb are trying to finish homework before dinner – and not allowing TV until all homework is complete.
• Visit your New School:  If your child is entering a new school or new building, be sure to swing her by for a visit before school starts.  If this isn't possible, try to schedule a playdate with another child who will be entering the same school as your child.  Beginning the year with some familiarity with the building or with fellow classmates can be very helpful.
• Get those School Supplies:  Hey, school supply shopping could actually be enjoyable!  Make a special date with each child individually.  Perhaps you could even schedule a special lunch date with that child after buying all of their school necessities.   This makes kids feel special – and completely obliterates sibling rivalry.
• Talk About It:  While you're out school supply shopping, discuss with your kids some of their expectations or fears about starting the new year.  Share some personal memories of your own!  Remember to be honest, but positive.

As for those without kids – or those with grown kids, don't fret we have some pointers for you as well.

As everyone shuffles into the “back to school mode” try to maintain a fresh perspective on your job functions as well.  Be a better communicator, stay positive, and try to give a helping hand to your colleagues.  Whether or not you have fond memories of going back to school yourself – it's always encouraging to have a fresh start and a positive outlook in whatever you are doing. 

They call me...the plant killer. 

Although my relationship with plants can be likened to a killer shark preying on its helpless victim, I find gardening to be an intriguing, beautiful, and rewarding experience (when done correctly, which I have yet to accomplish). 

Any green thumbs out there?  Here are some front yard landscaping ideas from Better Homes & Gardens that are sure to give your yard a makeover and your gardening confidence a boost. 

• Try Pebbles & Plantings:  Lay dark gray pebbles surrounded by paving stones for a no-mow, easy-care landscape accent.  Placing a series of irregularly placed, large-scale pavers offers a minimalist, artistic path
• Design a Bountiful Bed:  Wondering how to deal with a narrow flowerbed?  Try a grouping of perennials and annuals, which provide pops of color and easy maintenance
• Create a Zen Oasis:  Build an Asian-inspired garden with design ornaments, mulch, and evergreens
• Paint a Brilliant Canvas:  Mix ornamental grasses with beautiful maple trees.  These choices offer beautiful foliage, little care, and can withstand harsh weather
• Go Beyond the Garden Gate:  A simple, elegant fence not only contains a beautiful garden, but it separates single rows of daylilies and more diverse plantings closer to the house
• Fuse Elements for a Low-Key Setup:  Try mixing a solid surface with loose gravel.  If plants and trees provide overwhelming bolts of color -   let sleekly styled lawn chairs serve as a focal point
• Reach for Grand and Graceful:  A combination of shrubs and trees, specifically willows, help create a striking and vibrant color pallet.  Shrubs can be formally shaped or left to grow in its own form
• Make a Little Nook in the Woods:  Transition between tall plants and groundcovers for diversity and beauty -  add solar-powered landscape lighting for a peaceful, warm feel

While I'll personally stick to the pre-grown planters from Home Depot and cross my fingers to keep even those alive – I hope you true gardeners will take these tips to heart and create the beautiful yards and spaces I enjoy seeing – and in truth, wish I could create myself :)

While we're on the subject of greenery, check out the 3Leaf Group titles on healthy eating, green living, and environmental concerns.  Don't forget, an audiobook makes a great gardening companion…

June is a month marking beginnings and ends – weddings, graduations, anniversaries.  It's not really about the occasion – it's what we do with it.  Although graduation refers to the end of one's scholastic journey, we use the term “commencement” which refers to beginning and starting – not ending.  When one's formal education ends – one's professional life beings. 

If only we had this attitude for all aspects of life.  Remember Closing Time by Semisonic? “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end”.  Let's think of some “beginnings” and “endings” in life – and how they relate to one another.

• Career change (voluntarily or involuntarily) --> opportunity to meet new people, learn new concepts, face new challenges
• Moving to a new location (city, state, even country) --> new perspective, test your resilience, appreciate your adaptability
• Marriage/Anniversary (being something greater than just yourself) learn to share your life, bask in the joy of another, reflect on accomplishments
  
• Birth of a child (end of personal freedom!) --> sacrifice for another, pass on traditions and heritage, feel proud to be a role model, experience unconditional love

Am I forgetting something? What endings have you found led to a new beginning?  Success in life is not based upon experiences, but how we handle those experiences.  Don't let your experiences lead to an end – have them create a new beginning.  The same holds true in the professional world.  When one door closes – another one always opens somewhere.

I'll leave you with Closing Time – and a link to our fabulous audiobook catalog filled with inspirational titles on living life to its fullest, maintaining the proper perspective, and learning from life's experiences. 

Semisonic - Closing Time

3Leaf Group Audiobook Library

Looking for inspiration?  Look no further.

It's April. 

Some of you may have enjoyed a recent get-away over spring break – others may be planning a big family summer vacation.  There may be a sad few that fall under neither category, but we're not going down that road....

Whether or not you are planning a vacation this year – travelling is something you should pencil into your schedule sometime in the near future.  Traveling, especially traveling abroad offers unlimited benefits physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Traveling gives us the opportunity to disconnect from regular life, while increasing our knowledge and widening our perspectives.  Traveling exposes us to new experiences and helps us build lasting memories with loved ones.

Adventurous, imagination caps – ON!  Worrisome, money-concerned caps— OFF! 

Let's take a look at the New York Times top 15 Places to Visit in 2012.  (The Article lists the Top 45 – so if you have your SUPER-DUPER adventurous cap on, Click Here to read the rest of the list)

1. Panama – Go for the canal, stay for everything else
2. Helsinki, Finland – Design. Design. Design. Aesthetics fuel a new cool
3. Myanmar - Back on the tourist map after being off-limits for years
4. London - The Olympics! The Queen! Charles Dickens turns 200!
5. Oakland, California - New restaurants and bars beckon amid the grit
6. Tokyo - With some tourists slow to return, greater opportunities for those who do
7. Tanzania - Coming into its own as an upscale safari destination
8. Chilean Patagonia - Proof that adventure doesn't have to mean roughing it
9. Lhasa, Tibet - New luxury hotels bring respite — and controversy
10. Havana, Cuba - The Cuban capital is once again within Americans' reach
11. Moscow - New cultural venues add a dash of the sacred and profane
12. Glasgow - Zaha Hadid takes on a Scottish waterfront
13. Puebla, Mexico - International mole festival. Need we say more?
14. San Diego - With breweries and brewpubs, a sunny heaven for suds lovers
15. Halong Bay, Vietnam - New ways to visit a natural wonder in Southeast Asia

All of these locations would most certainly expand your mind and body let alone, offer an incredible time! 

Unfortunately, the reality bug is biting harder these days and we are forced to consider budgetary restrictions. Just remember, when planning the ultimate vacation the four primary areas of expenses are airfare, accommodations, food, and site seeing.  There are many strategies to lowering the cost in all of these categories.  Book tickets at less popular times of the year or pack your own food instead of constantly eating out.  Even site seeing isn't as expensive as people assume it to be.  According to GoBudgetTravel, if you were to visit 6 out of 7 “New Wonders of the World” such as the Taj Mahal or the Great Wall of China – it would cost less than admission for one adult at Disney World.

Bottom line:  Stop whining and start living!  Travel is more affordable than you think.  The memories and experiences you gain from traveling are priceless.  Just keep that adventurous cap on – and you'll be going places – no pun intended :)

**If the concept of "Stop Whining and Start Living" inspires you – it just so happens to be a title in our audiobook library!  It doesn't directly refer to traveling - but in her book, Dr. Laura Schlessinger helps folks conquer the temptation to retreat from living life to the fullest.  Check it out!

Emotional well-being is a hot topic in the healthcare world.  But what about emotional health in the workplace?  According to the American Institute of Stress, 60 – 80% of accidents on the job are related to stress and 40% of staff turnover is related to stress.  Furthermore, depression alone is estimated in economic terms to reduce workplace performance by 40%. 

Ever heard of presenteeism?  It's like absenteeism, except it refers to employees who remain present at work when they are stressed or ill – thereby reducing their productivity 2 to 3 times.  In other words – they're physically present, but emotionally and psychologically absent. 

Who wants that??

At 3Leaf Group, we've been preaching work-life balance for years.  The true definition of work-life balance is having the feeling of achievement and enjoyment in a day's work.  It is important to be productive, busy, and accomplished – but those components will only succeed if they are balanced with relaxation, reflection, and personal care.  After all, we are people – not machines.  Man was created with the innate desire to toil, cultivate, and produce, but he was also created with emotions, a conscious, and emotional and psychological needs.   Even God rested on the seventh day.  Can't we find time to rest as well?

It is important to find ways to remain productive, while still carving out personal time and ensuring emotional well-being.  Here are five tips in achieving work-life balance:

1.  Build down-time into your schedule:  Make sure to plan personal time into your week whether it's a date night, time with friends, or enjoying a special activity that will help you recharge.

2.   Avoid people or activities that sap your time and energy:  Stay away from people with a negative attitude and avoid talking with gossipers during your break time.  "Many people waste their time on activities or people that add no value” says Marilyn Puder-York, PhD, a psychologist and executive coach in New York and Connecticut.  We often get sucked into these habits that are making us much less efficient without realizing it.

3.   Reorganize your errands:  Try to consolidate your household chores and errands.  Perhaps schedule them all at a convenient time – or better yet, delegate chores so you are not stressed with all the household responsibilities. 

4.   Exercise, exercise, exercise:  Physical activity is proven to boost emotional and physical health -- so get moving!

5.   Remember that a little relaxation goes a long way:  Take a power nap, make small goals for yourself instead of large ones, indulge in a 10-15 pleasure like taking a bath, reading a magazine, or taking a stroll around the block. 

Do these sound like attainable goals?  I think so.  We're all trying to find the right balance of work, pleasure, and family responsibilities.  If you're interested in learning more about work-life balance, visit our extensive audiobook library.  We provide hundreds of titles all related to work-life balance.  Whether you're looking for stress management, smoking cessation, a guide to yoga, or parenting guidance – we've got what you're looking for.  Remember, productivity is not only measured by your output at the office, it is also measured by your sense of accomplishment and enjoyment from home and work achievements.    

Would you get a divorce in order to telecommute? I would hope not, but apparently 5% of Americans would. According to CBS Moneywatch, a survey of 2,630 adults found that there are quite a few things that people would be willing to give up in order to forgo the daily commute in favor of working from home:

Daily showers: 12 percent
Social media: 34 percent
Texting: 30 percent
Chocolate: 29 percent
Smartphone: 25 percent
Shopping: 20 percent
A salary increase: 17 percent
Half of vacation days: 15 percent

Not willing to give up these essentials -- but still pining for an out-of-office experience? Satisfy your telecommute craving with audiobook training or downloadable software on the go or at home....anywhere but your desk.

Here's a way to get work done on your own time -- without sacrificing hygiene, luxury, or most importantly, your spouse :)

Today, work is about harnessing brainpower regardless of time or space. Work no longer refers to where you go, but more importantly -- what you do. Take it at home or take it on the go -- just do it -- wherever you may be.

...And be prepared to show something for it.

It's almost February 1.  An entire month has passed since the inception of our ground-breaking plans to better ourselves. 

Anyone making progress?

I've often heard complaints about the gym being too crowded during the month of January.  Too many people believing they'll stick to an exercise routine that will actually help them shed the 10-15 lbs. they've been meaning to shed for the past 10-15 years. 

If you have met with success or at least maintained consistency on your road to improvement – good for you.  As for the others, well, there's always next year.    

So what makes New Year's resolutions so exciting?  What's all the hype about? Change. Improvement. Advancement.  Everyone is up for a little change.  Especially when the change is for the better.  The idea of starting with a fresh slate is always enticing and encouraging. 

So, if you're having a difficult time sticking with your goals don't get discouraged.  Break down your goals into smaller, attainable steps - or set up landmarks along the way.  Reward yourself for reaching the small accomplishments.  Don't get discouraged. Working out 3 days a week instead of every day for the rest of the year is probably a more attainable aspiration. 

Change is exciting – but you have to work hard for it – consistently.  If your resolution was to pound the gym – I hope your sneakers aren't already accumulated dust.  Bottom line, don't get burned out.  After all, it is only February 1.