Life Changing Tools

photo credit: EternalOPTIMIST photography?

Many people find the telephone to be a daunting - even scary - piece of equipment. Something about the idea of calling a person on the phone can create anxiety, nervousness, and even lead to a total fear of the phone. While you may not ever reach that extent, you may have some degree of telephone fear.

So how can you eliminate that anxiety, and become more confident on the phone? There are a couple of tricks, which can help you at home, at work, and throughout life in general.

1. Realize that you’re talking to a person. As obvious as this may seem, this is a common cause of anxiety for speaking on the phone. Many people create an image of an all-knowing, professional “presence” on the other end of the phone, and they lose the fact that they are simply talking to another human being…just like themselves.

The person to whom you are talking shares the exact same feelings, thoughts, fears, and emotions as you do. Don’t fool yourself into believing that they are somehow “better” than you.

2. Speak clearly. Nothing says “I don’t know what I’m talking about” than a mouth full of marbles on the other end of the line. It’s impossible for somebody to take you seriously when they can’t understand a word you’re saying. Enunciate your words - more so than when you speak in normal conversation. You will not only come across as intelligent, but the other person will recognize that it is worth paying attention to what you have to say.

3. Speak slowly, with a purpose. Brevity truly is the soul of wit. If you can’t break down your thoughts into short, pointed statements that convey your message, you risk trailing off into unnecessary tangents - and losing the interest of your new “friend” on the other side of the call. It’s also important to speak slowly, so that your message is sure not to be lost. But don’t drag your words - keep a good speed and keep on message!

4. Plan your calls as thoroughly as possible. If you’re calling to accomplish some goal (customer service calls, inter-office requests, etc.), it’s important to know what the purpose of your call is before you dial. Failure to plan out your call can result in longer conversations than necessary, or worse - failing to accomplish whatever you originally called about! Figure out any questions you need to ask while on the phone, ask them, and politely end the phone call. Mission accomplished!

This issue may seem a bit silly to you, especially if you grew up talking on the phone with your friends. But there is a real issue of phone anxiety - although it’s rarely every discussed. If you ever find yourself “dreading” a phone call, using the tips above will help you to overcome your anxiety and put your fears to rest!

photo credit: SuperFantastic

With so many different “experts” out there telling you that you need to exercise, it’s difficult to understand which exercises are worth the effort and which are just a waste of your time. Because after all, if you’re going to bust your butt, you might as well make it worth your while! So here are 5 exercises that certainly are NOT wastes of effort or time (with descriptions provided by my favorite muscle/exercise website, ExRx.net):

1. Squat - Though its main emphasis is on the glutes and quads, this exercise (which some call the mother of all exercises) involves many of your other muscles including the calves, hamstrings, and much of your lower back. Because of the instability that the movement requires, your body is forced to use a number of those “muscles you didn’t even know you had”. This helps to improve balance, strength, and muscle tone. Safety is paramount when attempting this move, which is probably most practical in its dumbell form. According to ExRx.net:

Stand with deumbells grasped to sides. Descend until thighs are just past parallel to floor. Extend knees and hips until legs are straight. Return and repeat.

2. Walking - Believe it or not, simple walking is one of the greatest exercises for the human body. Think about it - you were MADE to walk! Your body loves to walk…even if you may dread it. But in fact, walking has so many healthy benefits, you really should consider fitting it into your schedule.

In fact, it’s been shown that shorter walks are best for maintaining healthy body weight and lung capacity! No more excuses…sorry!

3. Push-Ups - Mainly an exercise for the pectorals and triceps muscles, the push-up (or press-up, if you prefer) is a fantastic way to develop a strong upper body and torso. With large benefit to the abs as well, the push-up is an awesome way to tone up the upper body and get that “beach ready” look. According to ExRx…

Lie prone on floor with hands slightly wider than shoulder width. Raise body up off floor by extend arms with body straight. Keeping body straight, lower body to floor by bending arms. Push body up until arms are extended. Repeat.

One of my favorite projects to come along in a while is the website One Hundred Pushups. It’s entire mission: to help you reach the goal of being able to do 100 pushups at a time. Pretty incredible goal - but very reachable with this awesome workout regimen! Check it out when you get a chance!

4. Lunges - While this may be one of my least favorite exercises, there is a reason: they work. Targeting your quadriceps directly with help from the hamstrings and calves, the lunge is an extremely effective workout for your lower body. Do enough of these and you’re sure to feel it in the morning! Here’s how to execute the proper lunge:

(Holding dumbbells straight down at your sides), lunge forward with first leg. Land on heel then forefoot. Lower body by flexing knee and hip of front leg until knee of rear leg is almost in contact with floor. Return to original standing position by forcibly extending the hip and knee of the forward leg. Repeat by alternating lunge with opposite leg.

5. Ab Bicycles - Give yourself 10 to 20 seconds of doing this exercise, and before long you will start feeling the burn. And boy, does it BURN. Ab bicycles are incredibly effective at giving you that washboard stomach you’ve always dreamed about. I love these things…and man do I hate them.

With these five exercises, you’ll be sure that your workouts are not in vain. So what’s the best way to create a workout regimen from these exercises? Stay tuned…that’s coming very soon!

1.”I love you” - It may seem a bit cliche, but this is such an important phrase for a more fulfilling and satisfying life that it needs to be number one on the list. While we all seek true love, it may come easier for some than for others. But whether you are in a serious relationship with a significant other, or are still looking for that special somebody, we all have someone who loves us. Parents, grandparents, spouses, children, friends…the list goes on and on. Of course, all types of love are not equal. But what is important is to recognize the love in your life - in its many, many forms - and to return that love in every way possible. While sometimes it’s best to say the words, you can always say “I love you” through actions. Make the effort to “say” this phrase everyday - to everybody who deserves it.

2.”That’s OK.” - Forgiveness. One of the hardest things a human being can do. But the ability to let go of the unimportant things in life is one of the most liberating experiences you can have. You’ve heard it before: “Dont’ sweat the small stuff.” My favorite part of that line is actually the second half: “…and it’s all small stuff.” When it comes down to it, the things we get upset about are almost always trivial, useless, and small. If you can learn to forgive these minor (and sometimes major) annoyances, you will free your mind from the shackles of grudges and anger. Learn to say “That’s OK” the next time you find yourself upset. Challenge yourself - even if the circumstance is really difficult, just try to say “that’s OK” and move on. The more you practice, the easier it becomes. And remember, if you fail your first couple of attempts, that’s OK.

3.  “After you.” - Learning to put others before yourself is another difficult task, but has a remarkable way of making life easier and more fulfilling. Of course, I don’t mean that you should ignore your own safety, health, and well-being; I simply mean that you should take a step back from your view of the world and understand that you are just another individual in a sea of other individuals. Even though we wish it could be, we all know that it really is NOT “all about you”. And while some people choose to barge through life as if they were the only ones alive (a very rude and selfish attitude), I have found that it is best to understand our place in this world…and one great way to get a good perspective on reality is to put others ahead of myself. “Look out for others” may be another way of stating this, but the idea remains the same. Be polite. Be conscientious. Be a good samaritan. Be on the lookout for situations where you can put others ahead of yourself. And as I said, this phrase should be used within reason!

4. “Trust me.” - There are few qualities more respectable than trustworthiness. When a person can be trusted, and the world KNOWS that he or she can be trusted, it opens up a whole new level of possibilities. If you can be trusted, your family and friends will hold you in very high regard - and will look to you for guidance and security. A person who holds committments is a rare figure these days…which is why your life will be made easier for establishing trustworthiness. But be careful - enough “slips” can easily ruin a solid reputation in a flash! Trust yourself and others will trust you.

5. “Thank you.” - I’ve always believed that there is one thing that EVERYONE is looking for on a daily basis: appreciation. Whether it be for holding a door on a rainy day or for finding a way to cut costs and improve production…people want to be THANKED. Usually, all that’s necessary is the actual phrase. Be sure to thank the people around you when they help you out in any way. Make them understand that they are appreciated. Even tell them: “I really do appreciate your help.” It goes a long way! Sometimes, however, people would rather have some kind of “reward” for their actions. A simple “thank you” might not do it…but you be the judge. Be thankful for the fact that you woke up this morning. For the fact that you have a brain so you can read this blog every day! Be thankful for those around you…the people who make you who you are. Be sure to let those people know what they mean to you.

These “phrases” are simple ways to make your life easier, and improve the quality of each and every day you’re given. Try to implement them into your daily life, and you will not only feel better…but your life will markedly improve in many different aspects. Go ahead…give it a try!