Being Productive Using Mobile

People in industries ranging from business professionals to creative professionals are using mobile applications and work on tablets or smartphones. The days of big local storage are gone, with most tablets having a modest amount of internal storage. Cloud services and storage are now readily available and inexpensive. The best part of the services is that they have great apps for any platform you use and you can switch them seamlessly. It will enable you to be more productive and efficient. When it comes to productivity at work, Microsoft is doing its part to get its software on mobile platforms. Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint are now on Android and iOS and are outstanding apps. They have versions for iPhone and iPad on iOS, and both phones and tablets on Android. One downside to mobile devices is that you can have notifications for anything and everything. Turn them off, it is than simple. They are really just a distraction. Maybe keep the ones that are the most important but even then ask yourself if they are that important.

Remembering Names

I have often found myself being introduced to someone and then promptly forgetting their name. Then the conversation goes on and it gets to be too late for it to be polite to ask the other person's name. At that point, it is just embarrassing. Fortunately, there are ways to remember names. You should always use people's names in conversation. It will help you remember it and make the other person feel good. You should even use it before saying your name and then when you are saying good bye. If you associate their name with something about their personality of physical features, it will make it much easier for you to remember them. Try writing them dow later too, even a mobile application will do. Remembering names is one of the most powerful things you can do to make people feel important and to build meaningful relationships. Few things are a better use of your time and energy than developing this valuable skill.

Live With Passion

Go big or go home. To be more clear, there is no right or wrong way to live life. There is one rule though: live it with passion. The first step is finding out what your passion is. Once you've discovered your passion, you give it all you've got and get to know it inside and out. Your passion becomes a huge part of who you are -- a part of your identity. You have to become an expert in it and it doesn't matter what it is, whether it is web development or building something with your hands. As you embark on your life in your passion, be curious and always looking for knowledge and opportunities. You will be able to live without limits. And the best part about no limits is testing it out so even if you have a life plan, make sure that it is flexible and gives you room to explore. You better not keep all those wonderful feelings and ideas to yourself. Share your passion because someone who is enthusiastic is contagious and inspire someone to be more and do more and find their own passion.

Cloud Computing: Making Development More Productive

With cloud computing, we have the ability to bring the development team, QA team, and maintenance team of software development together. This will also improve the security of the systems because some of the issues are do to miscommunication. Before, there were separate entities doing the same thing just on different projects. Now, we can have an integrated team which will improve efficiency and productivity. The problem here is that agencies such as government have yet to implement this type of system. This is where DevOps comes in. If you have not heard of it, DevOps is the idea that we can have all parts of development in communication and collaboration with each other. Federal agencies can start up new projects more quickly, improve resource utilization, and reduce downtime - ultimately driving the innovation needed for real change. Just 22 percent of Feds are very familiar with DevOps today, but 60 percent say they can see DevOps in their agency's future.

Making Habits Stick

Change is both hard to make and happens all the time without you noticing it. If you want to change your habits, it is going to take effort and cannot just happen overnight. The first part is that you should consider your thoughts and what you say to yourself because they can influence actions. You could also plan ahead for things that might stop you from achieving that goal. By determining an excuse before it happens, it will render it useless and you will be able to find a way to counter it and be more prepared. Making new habits stick also means that you should start small and work your way up from there. And it doesn't have to be boring. You need to make it fun so that you will be more likely to stick with it. If you hate going to the gym, there are many different mobile applications that you could try for work outs and yoga. Finally, get some friends to do it with you so that you will feel more motivated and accountable.

Technology Shifts

Every decade or so, the world's computing platform change. First it was the desktop and then came the internet with all the web applications which actually made room for more hardware. The laptops and smartphones took center stage at that point. Now we are looking towards wearables and virtual reality, as well as augmented reality. The platforms are also changing industries such as transportation with Uber and Lyft. Unfortunately, business applications have been lagging behind the revolution. Most of the tools that small to medium businesses use are still stuck in the last decade. The fact is that more than half of the world's adults have a smartphone. This translates into a massive market. The lack of the innovation in this area also results in horrible customer service. Take the Comcast service for example. They are a company that provides media services and yet they cannot handle the customer service end of business. There are plenty of jokes going around about them.

Traveling the World

Have you always wanted to travel the world? What has been keeping you? The world is a fascinating place and traveling can open your mind. It can even improve your health because your stress will be lower since you are doing the things you love. It is definitely worth every penny spent because the memories are for life. To get started, there are so many great mobile applications that will help with planning and even during the trip. The best part is that you can travel and do things that are within your budget. There are tons and tons of resources to get you started. Sometimes planning the trip can be just as much fun as actually going. When set off on your adventure, make sure to have a camera and a journal to write down the experiences. Walk the streets of a new city, smile, and greet people. Be the kind of traveler you would fall in love with.

Increasing Productivity Now

There can be times when your productivity just walks out the door and you end up spending more time than you should on certain web development projects. I realize that there are plenty of online tips and tricks that are spewed out by the dozens. Here are a couple more but I will guarantee that they are tested and work to some degree. I guess you just have to find something that fits the way you operate. One of the easiest things that you can do is change your environment. Work in a different location or rearrange your office so that you are facing in a new direction. You could even bring in a plant or a fish bowl. When you break routines you essentially create new life. Habits are easy but there is no risk because habits are lazy. You cannot succeed stuck inside the traps of familiarity and comfort. To inspire your passion for work, make sure to schedule time for yourself. These changes in habits might take work but they are going to be well worth it.

Faster Streaming

If you are one of those people that love to stream movies or music, the worst thing you can see on your screen is that buffering sign. Having a faster internet is also necessary for internet phone service to have a good quality sound and video. Fortunately, there are a couple things that you can do that will increase your speeds without having to tinker with the web application. First of all, our lives and devices are more and more connected so make sure to check what else is one the network because that will slow you down. Just disconnect the devices that you are not using. Before you stream, go into your browser's settings and clear the recent history and all temporary Internet files to ensure you're allowing it to work unrestrained. If you are on a computer, you should try using an ethernet cable because the router actually tends to slow down the speed. You could also turn off the hardware acceleration because then your machine will allow applications to select hardware resource requirements instead of using the computer’s universal settings.

Your Brain on Tetris

Did you know that one of the best games ever invented is not even on a mobile application? Nope, it is not Candy Crush although it should be a close second. Tetris was created in 1984 and it is still going strong. There have been many different studies that looked at the brain and what Tetris does to it. Some of the reasons that it is so addicting is that it appeals to our natural desire to organize things, complete tasks and achieve goals. There's always a new block to consider and place in the game, which keeps your brain hooked. Studies have also pointed to evidence of Tetris being able to change the way people dream after playing it for so long. There is this idea called the Tetris effect which refers to the way that we think about the world around us. Have you ever tried packing your trunk or a box and found yourself thinking of the best way to place things with minimal empty space?

Show Your Trustworthiness

So you are running a software development company that just started up less than a year ago and you need clients. Like pronto and you do not know why the prospective people fall through. One of the reasons might be that you do not appear trustworthy regardless of the fact that you go a perfect credit score and are the best person for the job. Some of the things that could undermine the perception of your trustworthiness are where you put your hands and how you stand. Make sure that you keep your hands apart because clasping them sends a signal that you are hiding something or that you lack confidence. It also puts up a barrier between you and the people you are speaking with. Crossing the arms tends to communicate that your true feelings will remain undisclosed, and that you are not open for collaboration. When you lean in, you express the desire to be close. When you lean away, you could very well be seen as someone who is running away, disengaged, or avoiding contact. With a bit of practice, you will be able to get it down right and be able to get more customers.

The Gratitude Challenge: You Will Never Be the Same

I recently read an article about a guy who had a wrestling coach that never gave up on him and always pushed him to be better. He never thanked him until several decades later. There are people in everyone's life that deserve a simple thank you and we are just carrying it around with us like some museum piece. The challenge that he proposed is to make a list of 30 people that you are grateful for and for the next thirty days, take the time to contact them using whatever communication service works to say thank you. It does not have to be long or anything, just be direct. It will transform you, I guarantee it. You will never look at life the same way. You will feel better, lighter, and never again underestimate the power of a simple thank you. Another great aspect is that you will start looking for more opportunities to pay it forward. So, get up right now and give the first person a call.

Color of Your Office

It turns out that the color of the office really does matter and it impacts moods and productivity. There are plenty of research to back this up such as the resident study at the University of Texas. Even if you are working at a computer doing web development for most of the day, the colors around you can have a serious impact. Low-wavelength colors, like restful green and calming blue, improve efficiency and focus. They also lend an overall sense of well-being, especially for those that work long hours. While the color red is active and intense, it should only be used when something urgent is demanding the employees attention. Things that are painted yellow are energetic and fresh and it is thought to trigger creativity and innovation. That is important to keep in mind when developing a space for creative professionals.

Be More Mindful, Be Less Stressed

It may feel like the only reason we make to-do lists is to check things off of them. There is more that goes into them than that. When you get something done, you feel pride in accomplishing it and being productive. Instead of jumping to the next thing, take a minute to celebrate what you have done. It is the lingering in the moment of contentment from doing great that actually retains your focus and lowers stress. Stress also has to do with how you respond to different situations. It is important to trace your emotions back to the thoughts so that you can be in control of how you are feeling. Another great way to lower stress is to give without any conditions. It will remind the rest of the world that good things do happen and for no reason. You could also try having a meal without any distractions. I mean really savor the food and turn off all those communication services. Lastly, make sure that you laugh every single day. It will lighten the mood and you will feel the stressful tensions just slip away.

Eating Better: It is About Building Habits

How are those New Year's resolutions going? Are you still sticking to them? Many people have tried to be "healthier" in the new year. One of the worst things about this type of resolution is that it is very vague. It seems like it needs to specify how to be healthier physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Eating better is one of the best ways to get started. If you are one of those people that works in an office all day, either crunching number or taking care of content management systems for your client, you must have heard all the articles about what sitting will do to and your health. Add that to a horrible diet and we have a cocktail for disaster. First the easiest way to start to is to eat produce at every meal. Eating at least five serving a day will be a tremendous benefit to your overall health. When you need something to drink, make sure that you reach for water. It will be able to curb appetite and improve your metabolism. It is a great choice all around. If you do not like how it tastes, add lemons, mint leaves, or some sort of berries.

Failure: From a Better Perspective

Failure will happen, do not deny it. In fact, I would be extremely worried if it did not happen, because how else would you be able to learn? There are a lot of things that you can take away from a failed web development project or a business idea. The first thing that you need to realize is that it is a learning opportunity that shouldn't be repeated if learned correctly. There are other things that you can get out of it such as seeing your passions more clearly and even uncovering new skills. There is a sort of pruning effect going on when you are able to really focus in on your passions. In the process, you will be learning new such as the fact that you didn't know you have the strength to do something. Failure will also make you check your blind spots because not checking them ended up with you having issues. You will also be able to grow elephant skin. You will be able to withstand haters. Lastly, when you do succeed, it will be that much sweeter.

Going Paperless

There are a couple things that you can do to get rid of paper completely and make everything electronic. It might be a good idea to cut down on paper for somethings but it feel that it might be better to have certain documents on paper. No matter how great the software development is, there is always the possibility of hacking and it can be absolutely disastrous if the wrong people get their hands on your information. One of the ways that you can get rid of paper is by scanning the receipts with your phone. I am sure that there is a slew of mobile applications just for this very purpose. After you are done scanning all those receipts, you can scan documents. They are not new because many of the multifunction printers have them. Though, you can get a specialized scanner that comes with amazing software for organizing all of those documents. Some of the best aspects of going digital is that you will be saving paper and in turn trees, not to mention that your documents will become fully searchable. There is not better time than now to get rid of all that paper.

Creating Luck

I have found that luck is not just something that happens, you need to be able to create the right circumstances for it. First of all, it is important to network and build relationships. For this, learn how to use the different communication services so that you will be able to communicate on any platform and with anyone that you meet. Another circumstantial aspect is to be positive and surround yourself with positive people. This will enable you to be resilient and resistant to the effects of stress that hard times can bring. You also need to have a clear mission and game plan which will help keep you more focused on your goals. Just remember, failure is going to be a part of life and it is ok to be imperfect because making adjustments and updates are also part of it. You will learn the most from those failures and setbacks. Challenges are there to make us grow and make ourselves be better. With that being said, take on something challenging like web development. It is a great skill and chances are that you will be using it sometime in the near future.

Software vs Hardware

The tech industry has seen a recent shift in the demands of consumers. Before, there were gadgets dedicated for their single purpose. Now you can see just how many devices have been destroyed by the smartphone and mobile applications. The future of tech may not be in flashier, more powerful hardware, but instead in services enabled by clever software development. The gadgets matter, but only if they allow for software that can create useful, perhaps groundbreaking services that work across all our gadgets. This design will enable improvements over time using updates as well as letting users pick their device on which to run the software. Gadget makers need to be putting their focus on the software instead of the hardware in order to survive in the market.

Healthy and Happy in 2015

Have you heard of the 7 minute workout? You heard that right, 7 minutes, not ten. There is new research that has evidence for the effectiveness of the short workout. You should look into the mobile application for the workout if getting in shape is at the top of your list. One of the most convenient ways to get that short burst in is to take the stairs. Instead of being in that elevator, just take the stairs to where you need to go. Also, if you live within walking distance of your work, it might be beneficial for you to walk to work. It will save money and gas. While you are trying to get healthier, eliminating meat from your diet can be a bit extreme so you could start by swapping out the meat in one meal for beans, nuts, or grains. It is great for the planet and even better for you because it lowers your chances of many different chronic diseases.

Declutter Your Digital Life and Start Fresh

As far as New Year's resolutions go, this might be one of the best things that you can do. First of all, it is important to upgrade software and mobile applications. It will contain many important security fixes. Also, your programs will be running much faster. Just imagine what you can do with all those extra minutes. Another aspect to decreasing the clutter is to be able to cut the cords. It might be hard at first but let me tell you from experience, I cannot believe that I did not do it earlier. It has saved me so much money and hassle. As far as communication services go, you can use the internet and your cell phone. Do you really need a land line anymore? And if there is some show or movie that you want to watch, first check your library and then check out services like Netflix or Hulu. Lastly, it is important to tackle that inbox. There are great services that let you unsubscribe from emails that are creating too much clutter.

Resolutions: Doing It Right

It seems like we have been coming at this issue completely the wrong way. With the new year, we feel that it is a great time to start fresh and set new goals for the year. Oddly enough, only 8% succeed with their new habits. People are great at figuring out what it is that they want to change but then we get stuck at the next step. We can identify that we want to lose weight, get better at our job, learn web development but even with a plan people seem to fail. The key here is to ask yourself what is holding you back and be able to identify it. The inquiry may bring up things that you didn't realize about yourself, and could help you to identify what you should have been doing all along. They can help us to figure out what the obstacles to our dreams are. Your plan should also be in the form of if/then statements so you know what to do when an obstacle is thrown your way. Happy changing!