All posts by Deanna Ritchie

Right now, you’re probably planning for the holidays — both personally and professionally. What’s more, there’s a good chance that you’re winding things down so that you can be rejuvenated for next year. While there’s wrong with either, it also wouldn’t hurt to get a head start on next year’s calendar.

I’m in no way suggesting that you begin packing your calendar to the brim. But, if you want to be productive and organized, then definitely start planning ahead. In fact, successful people like “Shark Tanks” Robert Herjavec are big proponents of this.

Why Plan Your Calendar in Advance

Herjavec is known for mapping out his calendar at least a year in advance. ″[It] allows me to manage my time and prioritize,” he explains. “It doesn’t mean that everything on the calendar needs to be locked in, but it gives me an idea of where I’m going to be and when so I can maximize my time.”

He famously told Entrepreneur that he would meet with his assistant and kids’ school counselor when his children were younger. The purpose was to go through “each and every” school holiday and event they had off.

“Because of that, I never missed a swim meet. I never missed a school play. I never missed anything,” he said. “I’d fly from L.A. back to Toronto to be with my kids for one day. That’s the great thing about having your own business — the freedom to control your schedule and to do with it what you want.”

In addition to your personal obligations, you should also block out recurring tasks or projects with deadlines. The reason? Well, as the adage goes, what doesn’t get scheduled doesn’t get done.

However, the same idea applies to appointments that keep you healthy, happy, and productive. Again, if you don’t book them now, something else is bound to pop-up. So, to avoid potential calendar conflicts, I recommend that you add these to your calendar sooner than later.

1. Annual Physical

As the name implies, this is a yearly visit to your primary physician. At the minimum, they are going to check your vitals. These are usually the basics, like your blood pressure, heart rate, weight, and temperature.

However, they may also want to discuss your family’s medical history. They could also do additional blood work or testing, depending on your health background and history. And, this would be the time to bring up any health concerns or questions that you have.

Regardless if you’re in peak physical condition or have your head in the sand, this is an essential appointment. The last thing that you need is to have a health problem to become worse because you skipped your annual physical.

Additionally, depending on your gender, background, and lifestyle, you may also have to book further doctor appointments. These include dermatology, appointment, gynecological exam, or mammogram.

2. Dentist Appointment

The American Dental Association suggests that you get your teeth cleaned every six months. I know. You brush twice a day and floss. But, these regular cleanings help stave off cavities and gum disease.

Furthermore, your dentist is also checking for gum disease, tooth decay, or impacted teeth. Just like your annual physical, if you ignore any dental problems, they can become a painful and expensive experience. Even worse, it could lead to serious health problems, including brain or heart infections.

3. Eye Care Checkup

Do you wear contacts or glasses? If so, then you definitely need to see an optometrist regularly. What if you don’t? The hard truth is that as you get older, your vision just isn’t as good as it used to be.

That may not be a problem right now. But, if not addressed, it could result in gnarly migraines to getting in a car accident. Also, you’re going to be checked for things like cataracts and glaucoma.

The American Optometric Association recommends getting an eye exam at least every two years. After 40, however, you’ll probably want to do this annually.

4. Therapy Check-in

Did you know that 450 million people have a mental disorder? Of course, different models will require various treatments and timeframes. In most cases, though, you will probably meet either once a week or every other with a therapist in-person or via teletherapy.

Typically, this will be for a couple of months — usually 3- to 4 months. However, your course may take longer, depending on your needs and treatment. No matter the length of time, it’s imperative that you don’t neglect your mental health as it influences every aspect of your life.

If it’s an emergency, please call 911 or SAMHSA’s National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

5. Mentor Sessions

Most mentoring programs recommend that a mentee and mentor get together once a month. For some, that may suffice. But, for others, you may need to up that frequency.

For example, during your startup’s early stages, you may want to grab coffee once a week. But, as your business begins to take off, you may only catch-up every quarter. And, eventually, that may dwindle to just an annual event.

In other words, when establishing the relationship, you and your mentor will connect regularly. As time goes on, that may become less regimented. Just note that this would be something that you discuss in advance.

6. Legal Parley

“At first glance, this may not seem like a good way to keep costs down, but you’ll be amazed at how much it reduces the endless rounds of phone tag that plague busy entrepreneurs and attorneys,” writes Karen E. Spaeder in the “Where to Start Looking” section of Start Your Own Business.

“More important, a monthly five- or 10-minute meeting (even by phone) can save you substantial sums by nipping small legal problems in the bud before they have a chance to grow.” Overall though, you probably don’t need to meet with your lawyer unless you need legal advice for:

• Starting a business
• Bankruptcy
• Disability claims
• Wills and trust
• Divorce
• Criminal charges
• Car accident resulting in injuries
• Lawsuits
• Wrongful termination or discrimination

7. Financial Advisor Meeting

According to a 2018 survey by Northwestern Mutual, money was the dominant source of stress for almost half of Americans — 44% to be exact. Additionally, data from the American Psychological Association shows that money is the main stressor for Americans. “Regardless of the economic climate, money and finances have remained the top stressor since our survey began in 2007,” the results revealed.

Considering the uncertainty following COVID-19, I can’t imagine that this will change any time soon. I wouldn’t be surprised this gets even worse. As such, to protect your financial future, regularly meet with your financial advisor.

“While every investors’ needs are different, we recommend meeting at least once per year for a portfolio performance review,” writes Bruce Smith, CFO and Chief Compliance Officer at Premier Financial Group. “You’ll also want to speak with your advisor regularly about rebalancing your portfolio to avoid concentration, manage risk, and keep your investments well diversified.”

However, there are exceptions, most notably, life changes like marriage, death, illness, job changes, or the birth of a child.

8. One-on-Ones With Your Team Members

Whether you do this weekly or bi-weekly, the key is consistency. That may seem like a lot, but you can do this either in-person, by phone, or through electronic messages like email or Slack. Your primary reason for this is to check-in on your team and make sure that you’re on the same page.

After determining the frequency and meeting preference, this can be scheduled as a recurring event in your online calendar. For example, you could block out your one-on-ones on Friday afternoons. So, if you meet with a team member from 1 pm to 1:30 pm, you just need to schedule it once, and it will automatically be added to both of your calendars.

9. Updating Investors

Depending on what stage your business is in, this can vary. Some advise you to update investors every 4-8 weeks, while others claim that every 3 months is best. But, if they’re highly operationally involved, this could be daily.

Usually, you can shoot them an email. But, that ultimately depends on your relationship. Regardless, make sure to keep them in the loop if you need help, want insights, or build trust.

For those in the family that still eat meat — we’ve eaten the turkey and we’re full.  As soon as the Thanksgiving dinner is over, I want to rush and start decorating for next month’s holidays. This year with COVID-19, I want to skip to January first, or at least to vaccine first — whenever that is. But we’re keeping the Advent Calendar.

There are a lot of ways to celebrate and enjoy any holiday season. One holiday tradition that many families use is called “the Advent” calendar. The traditional Advent Calendar counts the days from December 1st to December 24th. But, what exactly is an Advent calendar? Where did it originate, and how are we using advent calendars today?

We’re hopefully going to answer those questions, and more, in the following article.

What is an advent calendar?

The word advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event. In Christian theology, advent refers to the next or second coming of Christ. But what exactly does this have to do with a calendar?

According to Got Questions, “Centuries ago, the importance of this event caused many Christians to feel that it was inadequate merely to mark off only one day on the yearly calendar for celebrating this incredible gift from God.” As a result, “they felt the need for a period of preparation immediately beforehand” to show their gratitude for the first Christmas.”They could then not only take time themselves to meditate on it, but also teach their children the tremendous significance of Christmas.”

This lead to the four-week period preceding Christmas that starts on the Sunday closest to St. Andrew The Apostle. Many people use an “advent calendar” to help people countdown and build excitement for a holiday on December 25.

As explained on DaySpring, “One window, page, or entry is designated for each day through Christmas Eve. Daily entries help tell the story, many with devotion or Scripture to reinforce the true meaning of Christmas for the whole family.”

The origins of advent calendars.

Historians aren’t exactly sure when people first began to celebrate Advent. Some historians believe that people in the 4th Century used this time to prepare for baptism when they converted to Christianity. Others claim that it was a little later and in the 5th Century when monks “began fasting thrice weekly in November, either to prepare for Christmas or Epiphany, during which new Christians were baptized each year.”

“But the timing of Advent was not routine until after Roman Emperor Constantine commemorated December 25 as Christ’s birthday during the fourth century. (The Eastern Church follows a different calendar, celebrating Christ’s birth on January 7.),” wrote Elizabeth Dias in Time.

The Advent calendars that we’re more familiar with appeared in the 19th Century. During this time, German Lutherans started to use lit candles or chalk marks on doors to mark the 24 days before Christmas.

“They first emerged in the mid-1800s as another tool to focus on the reason for the season,” adds Dias. “Before paper became readily available, many families used small candles or even blocks to mark each day approaching Christmas. Later, calendar doors opened to Bible verses that tell the Christmas story.” Over time, these paper doors would reveal images or objects like chocolate.

The first printed advent calendar.

Some people considered that the first Advent calendar was a handmade, wooden calendar made in 1851. In 1902, according to Weihnachtsmuseum, the oldest printed Advent calendar was a clock. “It is supposedly the ‘Christmas clock for children” from 1902 with rotating brass hand whose dial begins with 13 and whose panels mainly contain Christmas carol verses.

Just two years later, in 1904, a newspaper called Neues Tagblatt in Stuttgart, Germany, included an Advent calendar insert as a gift to its readers.

But in 1908, Gerhard Lang and his friend Reichhold opened a printing office. The cardboard Advent calendar influenced lang this his mother made for him as a child and began producing the first-ever printed Advent calendar. These calendars contained a small colored picture for each day in Advent. It was also Lang and Reichhold who came-up with the idea of adding small doors and windows to the calendars to help build excitement among children during the season.

Soon, other printing firms were manufacturing Advent calendars in the early 20th Century to meet demand. Unfortunately, the outbreak of World War I forced Lang and others to slow down production. But, production picked back up in the 1920s. Before World War II, Lang finally had to close his business for good. Having to close his company was a result of the combination of the rationing of cardboard and the Nazi ban on calendars that contained images.

The advent calendar goes international.

Thankfully, following the war, Richard Sellmer Verlag of Stuttgart was granted a permit from United States officials allowing his company to print and sell calendars once again in Germany.

By the 1950s, Advent calendars became increasingly popular around the world. President Dwight D. Eisenhower is credited for popularizing the calendar after Newsweek published photographs of him opening an Advent calendar with his grandchildren on Christmas morning.

Today, the company Richard Sellmer Verlag is still operating and supplies millions of Advent calendars to more than 30 different countries.

How advent calendars have changed with the times.

Although Advent calendars originally stemmed from Christian-themes, as the 20th Century went on, these calendars were marketed to assist children in counting down the days until Christmas. Nowadays, many celebrations in varying religions or holidays are accounted for with advent calendars. Celebrating all holidays, with all events and all religions is fun and might put a bright spot in the dim year.

For example, as Alissa Wilkinson notes for Vox, “The text accompanying the needlepoint Advent calendar sold by Lands’ End is typical of this marketing approach: ‘A little gift or treat every day can help kids get through the urgent days leading up to Christmas.’”

“Pockets in the calendar can be filled by parents with toys or treats, small gifts to satiate the excited child,” adds Wilkinson. Today, you can easily find Disney or Lego themed Advent calendars that used as marketing tools aimed at parents — for their children.

Advent calendars have also become common among “disposable-income-laden adults.” For instance, “there’s a calendar for Godiva chocolate, Diptyque scents, Ciaté London nail polish, and Revolution cosmetics. Or you can sample a variety of themed products: jerky, whiskey, gin, scotch, rum, craft beer, cheese, sex toys, and beard oil,” says Wilkinson.

That doesn’t mean that all Advent calendars have forgotten about their religious origins. There’s a Christian version called a “Jesse Tree” that combines the Christmas tree with an Advent calendar.

Interesting facts about advent calendars.

Want to know even more about Advent calendars? Here are seven interesting facts for you to enjoy. And, you may also want to use this knowledge to impress your friends and family throughout the holidays.

Start dates will vary.

Advent, according to most Western Churches, begins on the Sunday four weeks before Christmas Day. That means depending on the calendar for that year, the first day of Advent could be in late November or early December. In other words, Advent calendars do not always begin on December 1.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Advent is actually called the Nativity Fast. Because in most years, it begins in mid-November; it lasts closer to six weeks instead of four.

Sundays are very important.

In the church, each of the four Sundays on the Advent calendar has a special meaning that is related to topics like the Prophets, the Messiah, or John the Baptist. Sundays are so important that some churches will not permit funeral masses these days.

The third Sunday, however, is called Gaudete Sunday, and it’s a time to celebrate the arrival of Christ. It’s common to hear the clergy preach about joy and redemption and for Christians to reflect on what they’re grateful for.

The color violet.

Many of us associate red and green with the holiday season. However, the time before December 25 is all about violet and purple. The reason? These colors represent repentance and fasting. As such, it’s typical for priests to wear these colors and decorate churches with violet.

Observants light candles within an advent wreath.

It’s been the tradition to place four candles within an Advent wreath during this period. The wreath was meant to symbolize the immortality of the soul. The candles represent the four Sundays of Advent.

Advent calendars don’t have to be actual calendars.

We may think of Advent calendars as physical objects that you place in your home. The truth is that they don’t always have to be what we consider a calendar. For example, in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, it’s a tradition to also have a calendar in the form of a radio show or TV show.

There’s also a musical Advent calendar app from Naxos and design and coding advice web in the digital 24 Ways Advent calendar, which dispenses design and coding advice over the 24 days leading up to Christmas. With the emergence of voice calendars, there are ways to use Alexa as an Advent Calendar.

And, there are some places around the world that stage living Advent calendars. One such location is the English city of Henley-on-Thames. The most expensive advent calendar.

The most expensive advent calendar.

For some reason, in 2018, Mondial Pink Diamond Atelier unveiled the most expensive Advent calendar in the world. This handcrafted piece took 18-months to create and contains “specially selected, natural Australian timbers and embellished with precious gemstones, gold, and silver as well as hand-made, crystal chandeliers.”

How much is this calendar worth? Just a cool $4 million.

The most massive advent calendar.

According to Guinness World Records, “The largest advent calendar is 71 m (232 ft 11 in) high and 23 m (75 ft 5 in) wide and was built at St Pancras station, London, UK, to commemorate the station’s refurbishment in December 2007.”

On the other end of the spectrum, students and members of the University of Regensburg’s micro-and nanostructures group built the smallest Advent calendar in 2007. How small? Well, it would take five million of these calendars to fill a postage stamp. How to start an Advent calendar.

How to start an Advent calendar.

If you want to start your own Advent calendar, you may come across two different trains of thought. The first is that you would start with the highest number and countdown. In other words, you would count back from 24 to 1. The second is the calendar would begin with one and work up towards the highest number.

“If we are to use the historical context, it seems that the proper way to work through an advent calendar is starting on with the box labeled: one,” writes Kaitlyn Wylde in a Bustle article. “The point of the calendar is not to countdown, but rather to count up towards the days before Christmas.”

“Think about it this way: if you were going to use candles for your advent calendar, you’d want to end up with 24 lit candles, not one,” adds Wylde. “So, work your way up through your print calendar.”

With that out of the way, you next want to find an advent calendar. “The simplest can be posted on the wall, the fridge, or anywhere in your home; others range from tabletop devotionals to themed and decorative choices,” states DaySpring. Depending on your taste, these can be traditional or modern calendars that have already been made for you.

Personalizing your Advent calendar.

If you’re into DIY, you can also make your own Advent calendar. It doesn’t have to be too complicated. In fact, you want to keep things simple. The key is to make sure that you have the correct dates that align with the current calendar year. After that, you can use boxes, envelopes, or holiday shapes to represent the “dates.” You can then decorate them and fill them with whatever you like.

There are also digital Advent calendars, such as MyAdvent. You can upload whatever images you like and then add your own voice message or video for each “date” of the calendar. You can then share your calendar with family, friends, employees, or customers via email, social media, or a unique URL.

Regardless if you’re creating your own physical Advent calendar or using an online version, you’ll also want to personalize it. For example, you could add events and activities to each day of the Advent.

The addition of an advent calendar to your holiday celebrations might be any activity that is already scheduled in your December calendar plans — such as holiday parties or movies on TV. It’s an effective way to prevent scheduling conflicts during the hectic holiday season.

Finally, you don’t have to wait until the holiday season to use an Advent calendar. You could apply the concept to count up to a family vacation or product launch at your business. Each day leading up to the big event could include items to generate buzz. Let’s say your family is going to the beach. The four weeks before departing each day of the calendar could consist of things like sunscreen, sunglasses, and flip flops.

Even if you consider yourself a homebody, you have to admit that vacations can be awesome. They allow you to experience new sights and sounds. You might also get to might new people of catch-up with people who don’t get to see all that frequently.

But, did you also know that vacations are beneficial to your health and well-being? According to the American Psychological Association, taking time off improves life satisfaction, physical health and reduces depression and anxiety. Moreover, a vacation can also make you more productive.

Still not convinced? Vacations can also help build resiliency and spark creativity. They’re also useful in helping you get back to a healthy sleep routine.

On the flip side, the average travel budget is about $2,800. Additionally, planning and organizing a trip can be stressful. And, you might need a break but can’t get away for an extended period of time.

Oh yeah. We’re also experiencing a global pandemic. As a result, there are travel restrictions, both nationally and internationally. I’m getting some things planned for during the holidays in case the COVID rears its ugly head to steal our holiday fun. Plan now.

So, is there a way to experience the perks of getting away without the cons? Yep. And, it’s called a staycation.

What exactly is a staycation?

A staycation is exactly what it sounds like. It means that you take a vacation while staying home or somewhere nearby. It’s said that this concept became popular around the Great Recession of 2008 since people needed a more affordable travel option.

In addition to being cost-effective, staycations are extremely flexible. I mean, you really don’t need much planning to stay in your robe all day or go for a short car ride. You can also design your own itinerary so that you can do what you want at your own speed.

Furthermore, it’s better for the environment since it’s keeping harmful GHG emissions in the ground. And, as if that weren’t enough, staycations also support your local community. And, they allow you to finally get around to those activities that you’ve been putting off — like trying out that new restaurant.

How to make the most out of your staycation.

1. Plan, but not too much.

Here’s the thing about a staycation. It should be relaxing. What’s more, it should be something that you could put together at the last minute if you want.

As such, don’t go overboard with planning. Instead, try to keep things as simple and stress-free as possible. Some suggestions would be:

• Leaving your schedule open so that you can take a nap whenever you want.
• Ensure that your home is clean and free of clutter — especially your bathroom so that it can be converted into a spa.
• Doing your chores, like laundry or errands, in advance so that they’re not distracting you.
• Changing the sheets to your bed.
• Having all the ingredients and pieces for a romantic or upscale dinner.

2. Go on a tech detox.

Turn off your phone. Keep the laptop in a desk drawer. And, avoid watching too much TV — the news, in particular, can be cumbersome.

The point of all this is to spend 100% of your staycation focusing on yourself and your friends or family; if you can’t go 100% off the grid, at least set some boundaries. For example, only responding to messages at set times or designating tech-free zones in your home.

3. Rest and unwind.

The main reason you’re taking some time off is to recharge your batteries. So, kick back and chill on your staycation. You can do this by diving into a good read, laying in a hammock, or just lounging around the house in your rob all day.

4. Get outside as much as possible.

It’s been found time and time again that spending time outside is good for you. Research shows that it raises Vitamin D and encourages you to get more exercise. Also, it makes you happier and improves your concentration.

So, instead of staying cooped up inside during the entirety of your staycation, get outside as much as possible. Go for a walk around your neighborhood. Hike in a nearby park, canoe, or sit by a body of water all-day — it’s been found that blue spaces are the secret to happiness.

Need some more ideas? You could go camping, even if it’s in your backyard, or take a short bicycle trip.

5. Learn something new.

You don’t have to spend your entire break relaxing or hanging out outside — unless that’s your provocative. You could also use this downtime to get around to learning something new downtime finally. Maybe it’s taking a cooking class, either in-person or virtually, or picking up a new habit.

6. Be a tourist in your hometown.

With our busy schedules, we hardly get to really know our hometown. I mean, how many times have you put off trying out a new restaurant, winery, museum, or whatever else you’re interested in.

Use this free time to finally get around to checking out those places you’ve been putting off. If the virus is still problematic, you can explore alternatives. Try visiting locations that are outside, like small concert venues or theatres. You might also consider virtual tours or just going for a leisurely drive.

7. House swap with friends.

Home exchanges have long been a popular and affordable way to meet new people while seeing the world. But, that was PC (pre-COVID). With that in mind, this might not be a viable option at the moment.

However, there is a similar concept that’s been taking off. And, it’s appropriately known as house swapping.

Instead of crashing at a stranger’s pad, you would spend a night or two at a friend or family member’s place. In return, they would stay at your home. The reason for this is that you can maintain your social bubble while staying somewhere other than your residence.

8. Unleash your inner child.

Whether you do this on your own, with loved ones, or your pet, playing has many benefits. These include stress-relief, warding off depression, and mental stimulation. It also keeps you young, energetic, and strengthens your relationships.

Need another reason? Science shows that unleashing your inner child will make you more successful, mainly because this encourages more divergent thinking.

Even better? It really doesn’t take much to do this. You could complete puzzles, play video games, or putting a Slip ‘N Slide in your backyard. Other suggestions would be skipping instead of walking or dancing to your favorite tunes.

You might also want to visit theme parks, play laser tag, or try geocaching. But, if you need some at-home activities, pick-up some coloring books or plan a family game night.

9. Break out of your comfort zone.

I don’t know about you. But, doing the same thing day-in and out is boring and redundant. And, if you’re not careful, it might just put you in a rut.

Now that you have the availability use that to your advantage by experimenting. Do something that scares you, like skydiving. Eat a new restaurant. Try cooking a new meal or exercise regimen.

Whatever you chose, right now is the best time to break out of your comfort zone and push yourself a little.

10. Volunteer.

Finally, use this time to give back to your community. Whether at a local library, food pantry, animal shelter, or retirement home, there’s a volunteering opportunity that will align with your values. And, accelerating your positive impact will make you feel pretty awesome at the end of the day.

Even if you consider yourself a homebody, you have to admit that vacations can be awesome. They allow you to experience new sights and sounds. You might also get to might new people of catch-up with people who don’t get to see all that frequently.

But, did you also know that vacations are beneficial to your health and well-being? According to the American Psychological Association, taking time off improves life satisfaction, physical health and reduces depression and anxiety. Moreover, a vacation can also make you more productive.

Still not convinced? Vacations can also help build resiliency and spark creativity. They’re also useful in helping you get back to a healthy sleep routine.

On the flip side, the average travel budget is about $2,800. Additionally, planning and organizing a trip can be stressful. And, you might need a break but can’t get away for an extended period of time.

Oh yeah. We’re also experiencing a global pandemic. As a result, there are travel restrictions, both nationally and internationally. I’m getting some things planned for during the holidays in case the COVID rears its ugly head to steal our holiday fun. Plan now.

So, is there a way to experience the perks of getting away without the cons? Yep. And, it’s called a staycation.

What exactly is a staycation?

A staycation is exactly what it sounds like. It means that you take a vacation while staying home or somewhere nearby. It’s said that this concept became popular around the Great Recession of 2008 since people needed a more affordable travel option.

In addition to being cost-effective, staycations are extremely flexible. I mean, you really don’t need much planning to stay in your robe all day or go for a short car ride. You can also design your own itinerary so that you can do what you want at your own speed.

Furthermore, it’s better for the environment since it’s keeping harmful GHG emissions in the ground. And, as if that weren’t enough, staycations also support your local community. And, they allow you to finally get around to those activities that you’ve been putting off — like trying out that new restaurant.

How to make the most out of your staycation.

1. Plan, but not too much.

Here’s the thing about a staycation. It should be relaxing. What’s more, it should be something that you could put together at the last minute if you want.

As such, don’t go overboard with planning. Instead, try to keep things as simple and stress-free as possible. Some suggestions would be:

• Leaving your schedule open so that you can take a nap whenever you want.
• Ensure that your home is clean and free of clutter — especially your bathroom so that it can be converted into a spa.
• Doing your chores, like laundry or errands, in advance so that they’re not distracting you.
• Changing the sheets to your bed.
• Having all the ingredients and pieces for a romantic or upscale dinner.

2. Go on a tech detox.

Turn off your phone. Keep the laptop in a desk drawer. And, avoid watching too much TV — the news, in particular, can be cumbersome.

The point of all this is to spend 100% of your staycation focusing on yourself and your friends or family; if you can’t go 100% off the grid, at least set some boundaries. For example, only responding to messages at set times or designating tech-free zones in your home.

3. Rest and unwind.

The main reason you’re taking some time off is to recharge your batteries. So, kick back and chill on your staycation. You can do this by diving into a good read, laying in a hammock, or just lounging around the house in your rob all day.

4. Get outside as much as possible.

It’s been found time and time again that spending time outside is good for you. Research shows that it raises Vitamin D and encourages you to get more exercise. Also, it makes you happier and improves your concentration.

So, instead of staying cooped up inside during the entirety of your staycation, get outside as much as possible. Go for a walk around your neighborhood. Hike in a nearby park, canoe, or sit by a body of water all-day — it’s been found that blue spaces are the secret to happiness.

Need some more ideas? You could go camping, even if it’s in your backyard, or take a short bicycle trip.

5. Learn something new.

You don’t have to spend your entire break relaxing or hanging out outside — unless that’s your provocative. You could also use this downtime to get around to learning something new downtime finally. Maybe it’s taking a cooking class, either in-person or virtually, or picking up a new habit.

6. Be a tourist in your hometown.

With our busy schedules, we hardly get to really know our hometown. I mean, how many times have you put off trying out a new restaurant, winery, museum, or whatever else you’re interested in.

Use this free time to finally get around to checking out those places you’ve been putting off. If the virus is still problematic, you can explore alternatives. Try visiting locations that are outside, like small concert venues or theatres. You might also consider virtual tours or just going for a leisurely drive.

7. House swap with friends.

Home exchanges have long been a popular and affordable way to meet new people while seeing the world. But, that was PC (pre-COVID). With that in mind, this might not be a viable option at the moment.

However, there is a similar concept that’s been taking off. And, it’s appropriately known as house swapping.

Instead of crashing at a stranger’s pad, you would spend a night or two at a friend or family member’s place. In return, they would stay at your home. The reason for this is that you can maintain your social bubble while staying somewhere other than your residence.

8. Unleash your inner child.

Whether you do this on your own, with loved ones, or your pet, playing has many benefits. These include stress-relief, warding off depression, and mental stimulation. It also keeps you young, energetic, and strengthens your relationships.

Need another reason? Science shows that unleashing your inner child will make you more successful, mainly because this encourages more divergent thinking.

Even better? It really doesn’t take much to do this. You could complete puzzles, play video games, or putting a Slip ‘N Slide in your backyard. Other suggestions would be skipping instead of walking or dancing to your favorite tunes.

You might also want to visit theme parks, play laser tag, or try geocaching. But, if you need some at-home activities, pick-up some coloring books or plan a family game night.

9. Break out of your comfort zone.

I don’t know about you. But, doing the same thing day-in and out is boring and redundant. And, if you’re not careful, it might just put you in a rut.

Now that you have the availability use that to your advantage by experimenting. Do something that scares you, like skydiving. Eat a new restaurant. Try cooking a new meal or exercise regimen.

Whatever you chose, right now is the best time to break out of your comfort zone and push yourself a little.

10. Volunteer.

Finally, use this time to give back to your community. Whether at a local library, food pantry, animal shelter, or retirement home, there’s a volunteering opportunity that will align with your values. And, accelerating your positive impact will make you feel pretty awesome at the end of the day.

The early bird catches the worm. I’m sure that you’ve heard that adage a million times. And, there is some truth to that. I used to think that if someone slept in — they were the worst slacker in the world. But — if we allow for differences in human beings — this may not always be true.

It’s been said that morning birds are more proactive, consistent, and aren’t rushing out the door. What’s more, it’s a pretty good time to exercise or find your muse. And, because the world is still sleeping, you’re more productive.

No wonder successful individuals like Ben Franklin, Tim Cook, Michelle Obama, Richard Branson, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson all rise before the sun. As such, there’s a belief that if you want to get ahead, you must follow in their footsteps.

Here’s the problem with that. Not everyone is an early riser. The reason for this is due to genetics.

“Biological differences between early birds and night owls exist,” Robert Matchock, associate professor of psychology at Penn State Altoona, told Fast Company. “The hormone melatonin, whose rise makes the body feel less alert, decreases later in the morning for night owls.” Larks also “have a higher core body temperature in the afternoon, which can be a sign of increased energy at that time,” he added.

So, instead of fighting against yourself, own up to being a night owl. When you do, you might discover your productivity will get a boost.

1. You don’t have to rely on an alarm clock.

“If you’re dependent on an alarm to get you out of bed, then you’re not getting enough sleep, and you’re at risk of all the negative consequences of that,” says Professor Russell Foster, director of the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute at the University of Oxford.

“In a perfect world, no one would use an alarm clock — we’d all wake up naturally having had as much sleep as we need,” adds independent sleep expert Dr. Neil Stanley. “Using an alarm clock means you are potentially going to wake up during a stage of sleep in which you are not designed to wake,” says Dr. Stanley.

In addition to being groggy, you’re essentially shocking your system. As a result, “the body will trigger a stress response to wake you, increasing your heart rate and blood pressure,” explains Professor Foster. And that’s certainly not good for your health.

Moreover, if you use your smartphone as an alarm, you’re probably going to get sucked in. That means as soon as you’re awake, you’re on social media or responding to emails. That’s no way to kick off the day.

When you follow your circadian rhythms, you don’t need to rely on an alarm clock. The reason? You’re sticking to your natural sleep and wake cycles.

2. You’re a workhorse.

There’s a misconception that night owls don’t get as much done as their morning bird counterparts. After all, while you’re still in bed, they’ve got a lengthy head start. However, researchers from the University of Liege in Belgium beg to differ.

Led by Christina Schmidt and Philippe Peigneux, scientists “had 15 extreme night owls and 16 extreme early birds spend two nights in a sleep lab,” explains Sharon Begley in Newsweek. “The two groups were separated by about four hours in their sleep patterns.” So, “if early birds were happy waking up at 7, night owls slept until 11, and early birds were ready to go to sleep at 11 while night owls had no trouble staying up until 3 in the morning.”

“An hour and a half after waking up, and again 10.5 hours after waking up, the volunteers had their brain activity measured by fMRI while they took a simple reaction-time test of their ability to maintain focused attention,” states Begley. “Both the early birds and the night owls were sleeping and waking whenever they pleased, rather than being kept on an artificial schedule.”

What does that mean? Night owls were found to be more mentally alert for longer periods of time after waking.

3. You have unique energy bursts.

If you’re a morning person, it’s typical for you to burn through your energy throughout the day. So, if you’re at your peak before noon, you’re exhausted at the end of the day. That’s not the case with night owls.

According to one study, night bored actually have an energy burst in the evening. More interestingly? It occurs naturally.

Essentially, this means that night owls get a second wind. And, because they’re recharged, they’re ready to keep on trucking.

4. You have a higher IQ.

A study conducted at the London School of Economics and Political Science shows that night owls are more intelligent. The study discovered that “more intelligent children are more likely to grow up to be nocturnal adults who go to bed late and wake up late on both weekdays and weekends.”

Furthermore, a separate study from the University of Madrid found that night owl “tended to score higher than morning people on inductive reasoning.” Often, this “serves as an estimate of general intelligence and a strong predictor for academic performance.”

5. You’re more creative.

Researchers from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan found that night people are more creative thinkers.

“Being in a situation which diverges from conventional habit, nocturnal types often experience this situation, may encourage the development of a non-conventional spirit and of the ability to find alternative and original solutions,” hypothesized Marina Giampietro, the lead author of the study.

Sometimes creativity is your best problem-solving tool.

6. You’re more successful.

Way back in the 1970s, a study out of Great Britain found that when compared to early risers, night owls “had the largest mean income and were more likely to have access to a car.”. But, does this still hold water?

Well, there are plenty of night owls who have thrived. These include former Winston Churchill, James Joyce, and President Obama. Other successful examples are Reddit Cofounder Alexis Ohanian, Pharrell Williams, Trevor Noah, and CEOs like Aaron Levie (Box) and Jonah Peretti (Buzzfeed).

“Although morning types may achieve more academically, night owls tend to perform better on measures of memory, processing speed, and cognitive ability, even when they have to perform those tasks in the morning,” notes the BBC. “Night-time people are also more open to new experiences and seek them out more.”

7. There are fewer interruptions.

Just like a morning bird, night owls don’t have to worry about noise and distractions. For instance, if your peak productivity hours are between 5 pm and 8 pm, everyone else has probably left the office for the day.

What if you work remotely? Because these are off-hours, you don’t have to be concerned about work-related meetings, emails, or Slack messages. Again, the typical workday is over for most people, meaning fewer obstacles interfere with your flow.

8. You’re more entrepreneurial.

Did you know that night owls are prone to risk-taking? The University of Chicago states that this is probably because of evolutionary strategies for finding mates. And, in case you weren’t aware, taking calculated risks is a common sign that you might be an entrepreneur.

9. You’re more capable of building genuine networks.

I have a family friend who is a headhunter. His main responsibility? Wining and dining talent and high-profile clients.

The reason he’s perfect for this gig is that he’s a night owl. He has the energy and stamina to book a late dinner and then showoff the town afterward. In fact, this is a common trait for night owls.

While morning birds are winding down or fast asleep, they have more opportunities to socialize after work. And, they still have enough time to engage in an evening routine before bed because they’re up late. No wonder night owls have larger night owls.

10. There’s a lot more flexibility.

Finally, you’re free as a bird. Think about it. You’re not tied down to midday meetings or a restrictive 9-to-5 schedule.

But what if you need to change-up your schedule? It turns out that night birds might be better able to adapt. The reason? They don’t need as much sleep as larks thanks to a genetic mutation.

“A wise man has to always listen to the peers he surrounds around himself. That’s why you surround yourself with other smart people. Captain Kirk keeps Mr. Spock right beside him.” — RZA. Here is how raising your intelligence will spark productivity.

The RZA was right. In fact, it’s not a well-kept secret that the most successful and productive people repeat the same sentiment of surrounding themselves with other smart individuals. Everyone from Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Russell Simmons, Dolly Parton, John Wooden, Marissa Mayer, and Oprah have at some point mentioned why they surround themselves with intelligent people. It challenges them and pushes them to change their perspective.

From my personal experiences, keeping the best minds around me has also helped make me become more empathetic, knowledgeable, and dare I say, intelligent? It has also guided me to live a more fulfilled and productive life.

As it turns out, your IQ can impact your performance and success. For instance, in 2004 research by Frank L. Schmidt and John Hunter, found that smarter people typically perform better at work. Why? They believe that the performance and productivity is better because if you’re smarter — you’re able to more quickly learn new skills.

Well, I might also add, that when I see the hustle of the really smart people around me — I kick into gear and work hard, hard, harder. Also, if you and I have really smart people around us — we can hurry and ask questions about work and tech — and they know the answers!

Other papers report that intelligence plays a factor in compliance, motivation, and educational attainment. And, some would even argue that it’s more important than emotional intelligence.

“Cognitive ability was more than five times more powerful than emotional intelligence,” wrote Wharton psychologist Adam Grant in 2014. “The average employee with high cognitive ability generated annual revenue of over $195,000, compared with $159,000 for those with moderate cognitive ability and $109,000 for those with low cognitive ability. Emotional intelligence added nothing after measuring cognitive ability.”

So, yeah. Having a high IQ can certainly have a positive influence on your life. But, how else can you increase your intelligence besides surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you?

What is intelligence and can it be changed?

Before going any further, I think it’s best that we define what intelligence is. Unfortunately, Neel Burton M.D. states that there “is no agreed definition or model of intelligence. By the Collins English Dictionary, intelligence is ‘the ability to think, reason, and understand instead of doing things automatically or by instinct.’” he writes. “By the Macmillan Dictionary, it is ‘the ability to understand and think about things, and to gain and use knowledge.’”

Burton adds that “what constitutes intelligence can vary quite considerably according to our values and priorities.” But, most can agree that there are two types of intelligence: crystallized intelligence and fluid intelligence.

Crystallized intelligence is the knowledge, information, or skills accumulated in your brain. Some might refer to this as cerebral knowledge. And, because it’s easily tested on standardized exams, it’s probably what we’re most familiar with in Western cultures.

Moreover, it’s also easy to improve your crystallized intelligence. In fact, if you’re reading, listening to podcasts, or absorbing new information, which most of us do daily, then you are raising this type of intelligence.

But, that’s not the case with fluid intelligence. With this type, you’re taking what you’ve learned and applying in order to solve problems or perfect a new skill. To put it another way, fluid intelligence is what you need if you wish to become more aware and innovative.

Can you increase your fluid intelligence? Studies show that it’s possible through practice and training.

Here are seven ways to actually raise your intelligence — which in turn will make you more productive.

1. Exercise.

As pointed out in a Forbes article, exercise can make you smarter by increasing your energy and sharpening your focus. Moreover, it can improve your memory, mood, and helps control impulse control. And, yes, when put tighter, all of this will make you a lean, mean productivity machine.

The best type of physical activity? Cardiovascular fitness can increase verbal intelligence by a whopping 50 percent. They also perform better on cognitive tests.

2. Get enough sleep.

Some people like to boast about how much they get done by sleeping less. In reality, a lack of sleep destroys your productivity. That’s because it leads to cognitive interference. As a consequence, the cognitive interference can impair everything from your decision-making to the ability to form long-term memories to difficulty focusing on work.

To ensure that you get a good night’s rest, you need to keep a consistent sleep-wake schedule. More importantly, you should implement a relaxing evening routine. During this time, limit your exposure to blue light and do activities that help you unwind, like reading. When it’s time for bed, make sure your room is like a cave. That means it should be cool, dark, and silent.

I find that the Calm App helps me. Also meditation — with Calm app has made me feel supported in this journey.

3. Improve your relational skills.

Relational Frame Theory, or RFT, can be a complex theory to grasp. However, it’s merely how we relate one concept to another through language.

Recent research shows that relational frame skills training intervention has the ability to not only improve IQ, but also numeric and verbal reasoning. To strengthen this skill, partake in activities like comparing amounts and objects.

You can also learn a new language. Besides improving this skill, it can also help you become more attuned to auditory information while blocking out things that aren’t relevant. To achieve this, try out language learning books, apps like Duolingo, taking a class, or traveling abroad.

4. Meditate.

Meditating is one of the best things that you can do for mental and physical health. But, did you also know that it can also boost your IQ by 23 percent? And, according to another study, meditating for just 20-minutes for 4 days can improve cognition and working memory,

What’s the reason behind this? Well, there are actually several of them. Most notably, meditation balances the light and right brain and increases plasticity. It also gives your brain the chance to rest and recharge, boost intuition, and advance EI.

Best of all? It doesn’t take much of a time or monetary commitment to meditate. You can use apps like Headspace (it’s good – I usually use Calm), to guide you or simply practice mindfulness where you close your eyes and focus on your breathing.

5. Engage in stimulating conversations.

“In real life — outside the computer or mobile phone screen,” suggests Larry Kim. “The art of conversation requires that we think on our feet, and conversing with someone smarter than you can be a fantastic exercise in quick thinking as well as an opportunity to learn something new,” he adds. “Seek out interesting people and engage them in conversation, however brief.”

I would that you find opportunities to break out of your inner circle and converse with strangers — like when traveling. Besides opening up the possibility of meeting a new friend or business acquaintance, this can boost your confidence and challenge your perspectives. It can also improve your social skills and allow you to learn new and exciting information.

6. Seek novelty.

“It is no coincidence that geniuses like Einstein were skilled in multiple areas, or polymaths, as we like to refer to them,” writes Andrea Kuszewski for Scientific American. “Geniuses are constantly seeking out novel activities, learning a new domain. It’s their personality.”

In fact, the “one trait out of the ‘Big Five’ from the Five-Factor Model of personality (Acronym: OCEAN, or Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism) that correlates with IQ, and it is the trait of Openness to new experience,” adds Kuszewski. “People who rate high on Openness are constantly seeking new information, new activities to engage in, new things to learn—new experiences in general.”

But, what exactly goes on when you seek novelty? “First of all, you are creating new synaptic connections with every new activity you engage in,” explains Kuszewski. “These connections build on each other, increasing your neural activity, creating more connections to build on other connections—learning is taking place.”

Secondly, “novelty can also release dopamine. Besides kicking “motivation into high gear,” it also “stimulates neurogenesis—the creation of new neurons—and prepares your brain for learning.”

“Always look to new activities to engage your mind—expand your cognitive horizons,” suggest Kuszewski. “Learn an instrument. Take an art class. Go to a museum. Read about a new area of science. Be a knowledge junkie.”

7. Play games.

Finally, you can raise your IQ by playing games. Of course, you have to select the right types. For example, chess is a proven way to connect the brain’s hemispheres. Other games that can improve your memory, focus, vocabulary, and visualization are crossword puzzles, Scrabble, Sudoku, and a good, old fashioned Rubik’s cube.

If you prefer to go digital, you can try playing the numerous cognitive games over at Lumosity. Or, you could play video games that involve puzzles or complex strategies. Your mom might not thrilled about this if you’re a kid — but I found video games an incredible way to connect to my kids.

Video games really help me concentrate, move faster, and think differently. You won’t find me bashing these tools — they’re incredible. How I wish I’d had some of these when I was a kid. And, research shows that video games can make you more intelligent.

They can also improve collaboration, working memory, and increase the white matter associated with greater cortical connectivity.

Conclusion

Right now we are in a really weird time. I call it the “covid-riot-economy-election collection,” CREEC for short –meaning “up-a-creek.” Hang on however you can. Build your endurance to this stress however you can. Be better than you can be — and let’s make this historical time count for something great.

While trying to think of ways to vent at work and make it productive — the idea came across as petty. I sure envy anyone who has never had to vent. I believe that it’s just a natural response to anything from unrealistic deadlines to handling toxic individuals. And, while it may feel cathartic at that moment — there’s an obvious dark side to any venting as well.

“Venting is kind of like an out-loud ruminating that can keep us stuck in negativity and the negative emotion longer rather than noticing it, letting it go and then being more solution-focused,” explains workplace psychologist Christine Allen told Moneyish. “In general … (complaining) tends to make people feel worse and not better. It tends to make the person that they’re complaining to feel worse as well.”

Moreover, because this can put us in a negative state, this adds stress — which is never good for your productivity and health. It can also put a strain on relationships and put your career in jeopardy. I mean, if you badmouthed employees or customers on social media, then why would they continue to support your business?

Even worse, venting can become addicting. “The more you vent, the more it becomes a habit,” wrote Nadine Greiner, Ph.D. in a previous Entrepreneur article. “When it becomes a habit, you’re acutely attuned to the negative things in life.”

“Since your brain is now more primed to register stressors, it is more challenging to appreciate the more calming or positive facets of work or life,” Dr. Greiner added. “Instead of letting stress become a habit or an addiction, you can choose what to focus on and what to talk about.”

On the flip side, getting something off your chest can also be a good thing. Here are six ways that you can productively use venting to your advantage.

1. Compose a “hot letter.”

You don’t have to be a history buff to know the impact that Abraham Lincoln had on the country. But, did you know about his “hot letters” method?

Whenever Lincoln got frustrated with someone, like General George Meade, he would compose an angry letter. However, he never sent the letter. Instead, he either burned it or filed it away so that there wouldn’t be consequences.

Here’s one example of such a letter he wrote after Meade disobeyed his orders:

“Maybe I ought not to be so hasty. It is easy enough for me to sit here in the quiet of the White House and order Meade to attack. Still, if I had been up at Gettysburg, and if I had seen as much blood as Meade has seen during the last week, and if my ears had been pierced with the screams and shrieks of the wounded and dying, maybe I wouldn’t be so anxious to attack either. If I had Meade’s timid temperament, perhaps I would have done just what he had done. Anyhow, it is water under the bridge now.”

Here’s what’s fascinating about Lincoln’s thought process here. Writing what he felt was a safe and healthy way to vent. More importantly, this allowed him to put himself in other’s shoes. In turn, this helped him develop empathy.

More recently, it’s been found that writing by hand is beneficial for both our body and mind. How so? Well, it can improve comprehension, unleashes creativity, eases anxiety, and enhances focus. Any journal writing seems to take the edge off of most things for me.

2. Take a walk.

You’ve probably come across this advice numerous times. But, there’s a good reason for it. Going for a walk outside allows you to back away from the situation and clear your head. Additionally, being surrounded by nature has a calming effect.

But wait. There’s more. Research shows that walking for just twenty minutes a day could lower your risk of developing depression by a third. It can also improve your overall cognitive function and decreases fatigue. Furthermore, a Stanford study found that walking increased a person’s “creative output” by an average of 60 percent.

3. Share your frustrations with a challenger-listener.

There aren’t too many times when venting can be helpful. However, research by Kristin Behfar, Ph.D., did find an exception, sharing your frustrations with a challenger-listener.

If you’ve dabbled in marketing, you may be familiar with the term. If not, here’s the jest. “In marketing, the idea of a challenger customer is that you don’t learn something from loyal customers who are already buying your products,” explained Behfar. “You learn from those who are resisting your strategy and rejecting your assumptions.”

“People really do believe that as listeners, they have to make people feel better. That’s just not true. There’s a big difference between being supportive and being helpful,” Behfar added.

“It’s counterintuitive and a little uncomfortable. When people come to us upset, our initial reaction is to comfort them. What we found across all our studies, no matter what you say, no one felt better. But you can help them solve a problem, which eventually leads to them feeling better,” she said.

“One reason why people vent so much is because it can be a good way of making sense of your problems,” Behfar continued. “You need to talk to other people to make sense of problems. It’s not an informal or formal grievance procedure.”

Unfortunately, most of us don’t seek these individuals out. We usually turn to those we trust. That’s a problem because they will only confirm our feelings.

Behfar recommends picking someone who can help reappraise the problem and shift preconceived notions. “The challenger listener gives you a jolt, a little nudge, to rethink,” she said.

Take a moment to think about why you are bugged about something. Take another moment to calm down. Take another moment to challenge your thinking. Find a friend or mentor who thinks differently than you do. Learn to respond to others in the way you want them to respond to you — and ask them to help you with your thought process.

4. Minimize your impact.

Growing up, I was close to my mom’s sister. As I got older, though, we drifted apart. There’s no bad blood or anything. It’s just that he’s a complainer and it got exhausting over time.

Before you vent, take a deep breath and think about the reputation you want to be known for. I’m sure a lot of words come to mind, such as “innovator” or “leader.” I doubt, however, that “complainer” is also included.

Additionally, studies have found that negativity is contagious. I don’t know about you. But, I don’t want to be dragged down by someone else’s pessimism.

Instead, when you do have to vent, Katie Douthwaite Wolf suggests doing “it with as little impact as possible.” That means not pestering the same person and reducing how often you gripe. Additionally, it’s making sure that you’re in a private setting.

“Or, create physical limitations for yourself,” adds Katie. “One of my co-workers and I, for instance, recently made a pact that we would only vent to one another if one of us physically walked over to the other person’s office, and we talked behind the closed door.” That’s effective since “this makes sure no one else overhears the venting.” And, “it really makes me think twice about each of my complaints—does this certain annoyance really warrant a trip to her office, where I’ll be distracting her from her work, just so I can vent?

It’s a simple approach. I’d also add that this may even give you more variety. Let’s say that you’re hung up on one particular issue, like dealing with unruly customers. Discussing this privately with different team members provides you diverse recommendations on how to address the matter.

I have learned something. Nothing makes a person angrier than to tell them to “calm down.” Another is, “lower your voice, please.” Merely continuing the conversation in a straightforward, non-threatening manner will usually accelerate your positive impact on the situation.

5. Balance the negative with the positive.

“In many (though not all) situations, it’s better for you to discharge negative emotions than to keep them bottled up inside,” explains Leon F Seltzer, Ph.D. “Whether it’s sorrow, anxiety, anger, or frustrations in general, repeatedly holding in what may need to come out has been related to compromised health—physical, mental, and emotional.”

In addition to the immediate relief you’ll feel, this helps restore your equilibrium. More importantly, you’ll be able to move on.

At the same time, you need to balance this with the positive. Through positive venting, you’ll be able to “release your frustrations productivity,” writes Lynne D’Amico in Force of Mind, Song of Heart: Shaping Consciousness, Connection, and Compassionate Cooperation. You’ll also be able to “deepen connections with others without having to criticize or make an absent person-object wrong.”

For example, maybe you have a team member who has trouble managing their time. While they are usually able to meet deadlines, there have been a couple of instances where they did not. Understandably, this made you angry. But, instead of belittling them, try to help them solve their time management problems.

6. Take action on solutions.

“Problem-solving makes you feel better, but getting things off your chest alone doesn’t make you feel better,” Behfar advises. So, whether you’re offering advice or soliciting it, have multiple solutions ready to solve the problem. After that, you need to take action. It’s a guaranteed way to avoid complaining just for the sake of it.

I know. That’s easier said than done. But, you could use this 10-step process from Brian Tracy to put your plans in motions:

• Change your language about the problem from negative to positive.
• Define the situation or problem clearly.
• Use critical thinking to approach the problem from several different directions.
• Clearly define the ideal solution to the problem.
• Pick the best solution to solve your challenge.
• Prepare for the worst possible outcome and how to overcome it.
• Measure your progress.
• Take complete responsibility for your decision.
• Set a deadline for when things should be solved.
• Take action and solve your problem.