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!

Annoying Tech

If you have to call and talk to customer service, it is rarely a human being, you are often subjected to hold music. In defense of this music, there is evidence that listening to music will make time seem to go by faster. But must we always be subject to such horrible music? The people in charge of the phone services should put more consideration into this hold music or just let us stew in silence about the cable bill. Second annoying aspect of tech is that every little gadget and device has its own charger. There really needs to be a universal charger because the average person carries at least two different devices. Once you start using a product with a lithium-ion battery, it starts to degrade. To keep the product from becoming obsolete before you’re done with it, batteries need to be easily replaceable.

Working From Home: Helpful Habits

These days more employers are becoming more lenient when it comes to choosing where you work. Before, people were chained to their desks at the office and that was the norm. Now, people can choose where they work and can even move around because of the advancements of communication services and mobile applications. They can remain just as productive and be a bit more happier with all that freedom. Being able to work from home can also have its downsides and there need to be some very important habits adopted in order to function at peak performance. Create a designated working space; it doesn't have to be a whole room, but it does have to be a distraction-free setting that isn't used for any other purpose. It might not be a good idea to work in bed or in front of the TV because you will be tempted to relax and get less done. On the same note, make sure to dress for going to work even if it is just to your home office. It will be helpful in setting the right mindset.