Hazlitt, William

Tema: Morte
Nenhum jovem acredita que um dia morrerá

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Claudel, Paul

A felicidade não é um luxo: está em nós como nós próprios

@notiun

Cardoso, Miguel Esteves

A felicidade é não estar triste; não estar doente; não estar desempregado e não ser obrigado a pensar em todas as outras coisas que antecedem - e excluem, automaticamente, por questões básicas de necessidades - a consideração da felicidade. É entristecer com razão, mas sem resultado. Ser feliz é poder fingir, convincentemente, que se tem razão para andar triste ou não.

@notiun

Lispector, Clarice

Tem sentido correr tanto atrás da felicidade, será que basta ser feliz? Será que ser feliz é um estado de tolerância?

@notiun

Kundera, Milan

Tema: Amor
O amor não se manifesta no desejo de fazer amor com alguém, mas no desejo de partilhar o sono

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Shakespeare, William

Tema: Politica
O Demónio não soube o que fez quando criou o homem político; enganou-se, por isso, a si próprio

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Proust, Marcel

Tema: Desejo
Tudo o que foi um desejo torna-se um facto - mas quando não o desejamos mais

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Demóstenes

Tema: Pensamento
Pensa-se como se vive

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Balzac, Honoré de

Tema: Lei
A administração é a arte de aplicar as leis sem lesar os interesses

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Dantas, Júlio

O que foi sempre o amor senão a mais dolorosa, a mais voluptuosa das mentiras?

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18 “Mistakes” You Should Make And Never Apologize For

Ask any business owner and they’ll tell you that the only way to improve is to try and fail until you get things right. And believe it or not, life works the same way! Here are 18 “mistakes” you ought to shamelessly make, and never apologize for.

1. Not giving your job 100%

There is more to life than work. Sure, it’s what people say you need to do if you’re going to be successful. But it comes with a lot of side effects, not the least of which are burnout and general empathy.

Make the mistake of working for the weekend. Enjoy life outside of work. Who knows, maybe what you enjoyably pursue outside the office will be the key to your hefty and steady paycheck.

2. Staying out late the night before work

Ted Mosby says nothing good ever happens after 2 am. Nay, we say! How in the world are you supposed to find out when good things stop happening until you find the end? You have friends you need to spend time with, right?

Go build those lasting friendships and write those stories you’re going to tell your kids one day. Eventually you’ll settle down and you won’t want to stay out late anymore, so enjoy it while you can. A few rough mornings in the office are worth it.

3. Going after that risky opportunity

Ask any entrepreneur how they became successful, and their story will begin with taking a massive risk. It’s scary. People will tell you you’re wrong or naive all day.

And you very well might fail more royally than the prince himself, but in doing so you pursued something to its end with passion and fervor. That’s what matters.

4. Ending a friendship or relationship that doesn’t let you pursue your dreams

You’re a strong independent woman that don’t need no man! But seriously – people come and go; your mind stays. Do you really want to live constantly thinking “what if”?

Let’s answer that for you. You don’t. It doesn’t matter if you achieve great success. What matters is that you made a commitment to yourself, to fulfill your dreams, and you might find success along the way.

5. Spending all your money on experiences

Not everyone wants to work hard for 30 years, then settle down in a little house with a white picket fence. And that’s okay. It’s also okay not to save all your money. It’s okay to travel around the world with no certainty about where you’ll find income.

Spending money doesn’t mean you’re wasting it. You’ll only find out what’s really valuable to you by investing in yourself, so go have that unique experience!

6. Blowing off friends for some you time

Introverted or extroverted, everyone needs alone time. Even if your friends are going to some big party, don’t worry about missing out. Blow them off! You’re valuable, and time with yourself is important.

Indulge in some guilty pleasures. You deserve that bubble bath with a glass of wine and a Nicholas Sparks novel! You go, Glen Coco.

7. Treating Yourself

Money is a fickle thing. You, however, are invaluable. Splurge on yourself! Neglect responsibility and indulge in your hedonistic tendencies, because yes, those shoes do look great on you, and  yes, you will have a paycheck coming in later that week.

Life isn’t always about making the “right” financial choices. Yes, you’ll get older and feel the need to spend less. But don’t you dare feel bad about treatin’ yoself. You deserve it.

8. Neglecting to keep up with the latest trends

When was the last time that keeping up with Kardashians provided you with any lasting value? How bad will you really look at family gatherings if you didn’t hear the latest political banter? You can only learn and be interested in so many things everyday.

We recommend spending that mental power on topics you actually find interesting. Migration patterns of the Brazilian Horned Frog? Fascinating!

9. Quitting your job without knowing what you’re going to do

Your parents may kill us for saying this, but, psst – it’s okay not to have a plan. Really. Yes, quitting your job is relatively serious. So is paying rent. But what’s the worst that can happen? Couch surfing while you live the bohemian lifestyle? Big deal.

If you’re completely unhappy in your current place of employment, quit! Figure out what you want to do later. Try for a bunch of odd jobs. Quit your job and moved to a new city with no plans, and you may just be all the happier for it!

10. Moving to a new city with no plans

Live a little. Experience the country, or different countries. Everybody grows up wondering what it would be like to randomly move off to New York, L.A., Venice, or London. Take the leap and go for it!

Worst case scenario, you meet a few sketchy people and have to freelance write to get by. Isn’t the potential pay-off and enjoyment of a world of new experiences worth the risk? Wrecklessly, go!

11. Dating that one person you know is terrible for you

You’re attracted to them for a reason. You know the situation won’t end well, but does that really mean you have to lose out on weeks or months of a good time?

Besides, it’s much easier (and more meaningful) to learn what you do not want in a significant other than it is to really conclude what you do want, day-in and day-out. Future you will be thankful.

12. Using free time to accomplish personal goals

You don’t have to feel bad about bailing on friends. You don’t have to get ahead on work. Maybe you simply want to read one book a week for a year, or build a business on the side, or visit every major city in the U.S.

People will say to use that time to boost your career. Nay! Pursue your goals! Achieve your dreams! And don’t look back.

13. Making a complete fool of yourself in public

Acting out probably isn’t going to be in anybody’s best interest. But making a complete fool of yourself teaches you one of two things: either you definitely need to never do anything like that again, or that it’s okay to come out of your shell a bit.

Sure, people will feel uncomfortable for a moment. But what if that one ridiculous moment is the key to relieving your social anxiety, enabling you to experience more things in life and achieve more of your goals without constantly worrying about failure? Would you say that’s worth a few laughs at your expense?

14. Taking an awful job

Something’s got to pay the bills, right? However admirable it may be to wait it out for your dream job, or for that one position you really deserve, sometimes you just need to take a lesser position.

Pros? Because you enjoy your job less, you’ll find more distractions throughout your day (usually other friends also unhappy with their jobs), and you’ll be more inclined to pursue things you love outside the office. Those little moments of friendly distraction will turn into tight bonds, and that time you spent on your dreams will become invaluable.

15. Trying something new

You’re right, raw squid does sound like a terrible idea. So does working in an industry you have no prior experience in.

But even just one try, just one attempt at something new, can do more than simply broaden your horizon. It could be a crucial next step to how you live the rest of your life. Fear not, and try often.

16. Getting a pet

They cost money, poop everywhere, and take up way too much of your time and energy. But aren’t they just the cutest? Taking care of a pet actually teaches you a ton, and not just if you’re ready for kids or not.

It teaches you to be considerate of another, how to organize your time, and to get into a routine (like when your cat jumps in your bed at 6 am every morning, meowing in your face to feed it).

17. Doing something for yourself despite others telling you not to

Your friends are right. Doing that one thing will end badly. But maybe you need to go through that to understand what’s bad about it, or if it’s really a bad choice at all. You can tell someone not to write a book all day, but that it will only be a waste of time and a failure.

Listening to you doesn’t bring them closure and understanding. People have to “waste” that time and try their hardest before they can come to grips with their poor choices. And then, they will know how to better handle things in the future.

18. Trying to live a life separate from your family

We all have to go through this at least once. Yes, we love our families. But dang, are we sick of them! You have to prove to yourself that you can make a go of it on your own and not end up in a van down by the river.

You’re going to make a ton of mistakes, and it’s likely going to be really difficult. But if you don’t try to do things on your own, you’re never going to learn about yourself, your place in this world, and all the wonderful things you’re capable of.

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8 Swift Judgments That Are Made When People Meet You Within Seconds

According to recent studies, people are inclined to form an impression of one another within just seven seconds of meeting them. So whether you are meeting a new boss, colleague or a potential buyer for your home, you have a limited amount of time in which to create a positive impression and influence favorable perceptions.

During this relatively brief period of time, people are likely to forge a number of important and specific judgments about your personality traits, values and level of success. Psychologists refer to this as “thin slicing,” and the impressions formed within nine to 10 seconds of meeting someone can be difficult to correct or override.

With this in mind, here are ten swift and initial judgments that individuals make when they first meet you.

1. If you’re trustworthy

Let’s start at the beginning, as research conducted at Princeton University has revealed that people determine the trustworthiness of others within a tenth of a second of meeting them.

This result was achieved by comparing two groups of students, one of which had 100 milliseconds to rate the competence, likeability, aggressiveness and trustworthiness of an actor based on their face. The second group had an open-ended amount of time to rate the same faces, and while the responses varied across three of these traits trustworthiness was ranked the same by both.

These findings seem to confirm that the human brain automatically responds to visual stimulus when assessing trustworthiness, before an individual’s face has been consciously perceived.

2. If you’re confident

This is another of the eight unconscious impressions that are formed within seconds of meeting someone, and it is usually influenced by individual mannerisms and body language. Much of the data to support this was produced during a a famous communications study by UCLA professor Albert Mehrabian in 1971, with these findings remaining true to this day.

As human beings, we tend to evaluate confidence based on the way in which people walk and first initiate contact with others. Individuals who walk upright and with a purposeful gait give the impression of self-assuredness, for example, as do those who carry their head high and maintain eye contact.

Conversely, people who place their hands in their pockets or behind their back showcase a lack of confidence or certainty in their own ability.

3. If you’re high status

While it is well-known that the way we dress influences people’s perception of us, there has been less research into the precise impact that high-end, designer clothing has in the minds of others.

This has been explored in a recent Dutch study, however, which found that people wearing brand name clothing were considered to be higher in status than those who wore non-designer attire. While this may not come as a huge surprise, it is interesting to note the difference in clothing did not impact the perceived attractiveness and kindness of the subjects.

This seems to suggest that the impression is formed simply from the visual impact of the clothing and the perceived link between wealth and social standing.

4. If you’re successful

On a similar note, the findings of a collaborative study between Britain and Turkey also draw a strong correlation between the clothes that we wear and our perceived success as individuals.

More specifically, it showed the participants images of men in tailored suits for just five seconds, before presenting the same individuals in off-the-peg garments. Despite the body shapes and faces of the individuals being the same, the group overwhelmingly rated those in tailored suits as being the more successful. These findings also seem to reaffirm the link between wealth, clothing, and our social standing.

For anyone with the financial means who is attending a job interview or an important business meeting, tailored suits therefore offer the most effective way of forging a positive impression.

5. If you’re extroverted

While there are numerous physical factors that underpin body language, the handshake remains the most well-researched and discussed. Perhaps the most in-depth study was carried out at the University of Alabama, having been commissioned in 2000 and subsequently published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

This study revealed that a confident and firm handshake correlated strongly with specific character traits, including “openness to new experiences” and, most tellingly, extroversion. So those with a strong and purposeful grip convey openness and an overt sense of confidence, whereas those who do not give off feelings such as anxiety, uncertainty, and in some extreme instances, neuroticism.

The importance of a firm handshake has also been discussed in research papers, with a study conducted at the University of Iowa revealing that this has a greater influence than dress or appearance when forging an impression.

6. If you’re smart

We have already referenced the importance of eye contact when giving the impression of strength and confidence, although this also influences the way in which your intelligence is perceived. According to a 2007 study conducted by Loyola Marymount University Professor Nora A. Murphy, the ability to look your conversation partner directly in the eye is a key indicator of mental aptitude and smartness.

In her research paper, she wrote, “Looking while speaking is a key behavior. It significantly correlated with IQ and contributed to higher perceived intelligence ratings.” Additional findings also revealed that the ability to speak clearly and expressively was also important, as was the use of grammatically sound language. It is also believed that it is easy to create a false impression of intelligence, simply by manipulating these proven metrics.

7. If you’re dominant

Over time, popular culture has challenged the perception of baldness and afforded it a strong association with physical and mental fortitude. Bald Hollywood icons such as Bruce Willis and Vin Diesel have played a pivotal role in this transition, with their portrayal as tough, masculine, and physically dominant heroes extremely influential.

This is also supported by a number of modern day studies, which indicate that bald men (or more specifically those who have shaved their heads) are rated as more dominant than others with a full head of hair. These individuals are also seen as being taller and stronger than their authentic selves, enabling them to make a positive and potentially misleading first impression on others.

It is important to note that these findings highlighted a clear distinction between shaved heads and those who were naturally bald; however, anyone who is beginning to lose their hair may benefit from being proactive and removing it intentionally.

8. If you’re adventurous

There are a number of fascinating and unique travel experiences available in the modern age, from building igloos in the French Alps to Husky tours in Finland. These trips require a freedom of spirit and a keen sense of adventure, and according to research, it is possible to judge if others have these characteristics within seconds.

Thanks to the findings of a study conducted at Durham University, we can surmise that there is a strong link between the way in which people walk and their underlying sense of adventure. During the research, participants were shown brief video footage of 26 other students walking. Some of these had loose, fluid gaits, while other moved in tighter, less expressive movements.

After just a few seconds of viewing, the former were categorized as being slightly extrovert and adventurous, while the latter were labelled as anxious and potentially neurotic.

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This Is How Successful People Get Mentally Tough

Success is more of a mindset, rather than simply strategy. It takes some mental grit to go through defining obstacles and challenges. You have to understand that as much as you have a winning formula, you also need a winning mind. This is why successful people are mentally tough and can navigate their way through fierce hurdles to win. In other words they win battles before they are even fought.

1. They detach themselves

Engaging in every battle, whether physical, mental, or emotional can be exhausting. Successful people need their mental strength to fight essential battles. They detach themselves from the wrong confrontation in order to toughen up for the right challenges.

2. They are calm

They can wait. They don’t need to rush into a project or show any sign of anxiety. They are not dependent on the external, but are able to manage their internal personality. Perhaps this is why they are calm? They understand such calmness and patience is a way to get what they indeed want.

3. They are not afraid

They show courage. Mental toughness helps them prove their bravery and how much they are really willing to get what they want. Such resilience cowers their opposition, distilling the intentions of their supporters and loyalists. It also puts them in pole position to take on risks and reach success.

4. They are adaptable

They know that in the course of their journey they will meet obstacles and challenges. They also know that things and events surrounding them don’t stay static. They foresee, anticipate, and get prepared. They have to be flexible and willing to move with change to reach their destination. This is another sign of mental toughness.

5. They are not stressed out

Stress tends to take away all your positive energy and replace it with negative energy. This is why successful people minimize the factors that can cause stress in their lives. They don’t succumb to negative pressure and do not show incapacity to deal with stress if it appears.

6. They are prepared

Life is a case of constant worries, battles, and altercations. Successful people are always ready. They don’t make themselves victims of occasional crisis and unexpected twists. Like a grand-master in the game of chess, they are prepared to respond for whatever tragedy life will throw at them. They find mental toughness in being prepared.

7. They are focused

They see everything they pursue in the long term. They don’t play for the immediate. So whatever immediate distraction they face they can always look ahead, rather than be embroiled in the present.

8. They are in charge

They take absolute control of whatever hand they are dealt. They take full responsibility of shortcomings and successes. They do not delegate this charge to any other person. They are in charge and fully in control of themselves and those things they are responsible for.

9. They understand their strengths and weaknesses

No matter how able and willing you are, there are things you will never be in control of. This could be your weakness or limitation. People who toughen themselves mentally can accept those things they can take charge of and those things they cannot. They would rather not dwell on their misfortunes and on things that they cannot manage or do anything about.

10. They are positive

No matter how the world sees the outcome of any given challenge, successful people make themselves mentally tough fighters by staying tough and believing in possibilities. They are optimistic. They believe that the universe will somehow reward them and help them be successful in their work.

You should understand that becoming a mentally tough fighter doesn’t happen coincidentally. Instead, it takes the right initiative and constant practice in turning bad habits and wrong attitudes into something positive for successful growth.

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10 Difficult Lessons Everyone Should Learn In Their Twenties

Your twenties are a difficult time. Having just graduated high school a few years ago, you’d been convinced by society that you were ready to take on the world. However, upon graduating college a few years later you realize you’re no longer the oldest of the young adults; rather you’re the youngest of the old adults. With this realization comes a ton of other life lessons you’ll learn from. Here’s a list of ten difficult lessons.

1. Your worldview is flawed

When you were in college, you probably took a philosophy or ethics class, joined a couple protest groups, and thought you had all the answers to the world’s problems. When you get out into the real world, you’ll find things aren’t as cut and dry as you thought they were. Issues that seemed black and white when you were stuck in the bubble of your college campus actually have myriad grey areas that you never understood until you lived through them. Once you’re dropped into the real world, you’ll immediately realize you don’t know nearly as much as you thought you did.

2. You won’t always be right

Once you realize you don’t know anything, you’ll have to come to the realization that you won’t always be right. While in your twenties, you should start to see the world in a more objective manner than you had as a young adult. You’ll also realize that “being right” isn’t always the best case scenario. Sometimes it’s better to realize you were wrong and work on whatever issue is at hand, than it is to push forward under the false impression that you’re 100% correct in your assumptions.

3. You should never stop learning

Just because you’ve graduated from a prestigious four-year school doesn’t mean you have the right to stop learning. In today’s ever-evolving world, being a life-long learner is a prerequisite to finding success. Technology has made it easier than ever to continue your education in some way on a daily basis, whether through online courses or workshops, or simply subscribing to newsletters and podcasts. The second you take a break from learning, someone with more ambition will surpass you in knowledge, skills, and marketability.

4. You’re replaceable at work

Just because you have a job doesn’t mean you’ll always have a job. There won’t be any boo-hoo pity-party for you if you mess up big enough that your company can’t afford to keep you. It’s an unfortunate truth that job security is no longer a guarantee. You might even find yourself being replaced by a machine at some point in your lifetime. This is why you should continue learning and adapting to the world around you. Staying current in your skills is essential in order to make yourself as irreplaceable as possible.

5. No one owes you anything

Like I said, your sob story won’t get you anywhere in this world. Just because “it’s always been your dream” to work somewhere doesn’t mean that company will hire you. Even if you’ve graduated from an Ivy League school, you can’t just assume you’ll walk across the stage and step into a cushy career. Your degree simply shows that you have the drive and ability to work up the ladder from the bottom — which is exactly where you’ll start out. Being hired anywhere is a great opportunity. Don’t overlook an entry-level position because you think you deserve more.

6. Relationships are difficult

This lesson applies to friendships and romantic relationships. As you grow older, you’ll find it harder and harder to get together with friends you’ve had over the years. Although technology has made communicating with friends easier than ever, our busy world has made it harder and harder to get a bunch of your friends in the same room at the same time. Forging a romantic relationship is incredibly difficult as well. On top of all the hard work you’ll be doing to stay afloat in your own life, you’ll also need to put extra effort into making sure your relationship doesn’t get into a rut and end prematurely. Keep it fresh, no matter how hard you have to work at it.

7. Your decisions have ramifications

When you were young, you could afford to be pretty reckless without having to really pay for your actions. As an adult, every decision you make will either contribute to building you up or breaking you down. Even something as innocuous as scrolling through Facebook for an hour throughout your day means you’ve wasted five to seven hours of your week that you’ll never get back. On the other hand, using every minute of your spare time to read and improve your life will put you ahead of those who take frequent breaks.

8. Money is hard to earn

When you were younger and either lived at home or lived off college loans, money wasn’t really an issue. Even paying simple credit card and cell phone bills didn’t absolutely drain your bank account. You were actually free to use most of your earnings as you pleased. However, the second you’re thrown into the real world, this all goes away. You’ll realize the value of every penny you earn the first time you shop for your own groceries using your own money. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing though. You’ll also realize that money isn’t everything. Most importantly, you’ll realize that you can be just as happy without money as you were with it.

9. You don’t have forever to do what you want

Your twenties are an odd time. You’re just starting out in the real world, and still trying to “find yourself.” However, you also have bills to pay, so you’ll take any job you can if you haven’t found the dream job you love. That said, you shouldn’t let yourself become stagnant and stuck in a job you dislike, because the longer you’re there, the less likely it is you’ll be able to get out of it later in life. While it’s never too late to learn a new trade, every passing day puts you at less of an advantage. Get moving on your dreams as soon as possible, because one day it actually will be too late.

10. Life never gets easier

Growing up, you probably watched your parents go through every day like finely-tuned machines that never stopped moving. You never really thought twice about it. You might have figured that they were just used to the daily grind, and were just coasting along. As you grow older, you’ll realize that notion couldn’t be farther from the truth. You’ll realize you have to put your all into every single day you live, and go to bed exhausted day in, day out. Again, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it just means every day is a chance to do better than you did the day before. Lessons like this frame your life in a different context. Most importantly, you’ll realize you have even more respect for your hard-working parents than you did in your twenties.

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12 Common Phrases That Can Destroy Your Professional Image Unknowingly

There are certain actions that can hurt your professional career. In order to go the long haul with your career, you’ll need to steer clear of the wrong actions, comments, or phrases. You should be focused and disciplined, even if it’s tempting to use these kinds of excuses. Here are 12 phrases that have the potential to destroy your career.

1. “It has always been done this way.”

Things are never static. It is wrongful and uncreative to assume that doing things a particular or a singular way is the definitive way to getting the job done. Try look for ways to better a situation rather than look for excuses to stay on one track.

2. “There is nothing I can do.”

Of course there is something you can do—it is just that you are not inventive and willing enough. Using this kind of negative phrase could give off the impression that you are pessimistic, passive and despondent.

3. “That meeting was really bad.”

This is a personal opinion, and your opinion should be kept to yourself when it comes to these types of things. Plus, how can a meeting be really bad when you are in attendance? Perhaps you didn’t do enough to make it exciting and productive.

4. “Can we get it over with?”

This phrase means you are not willing to be bothered or engaged in such a business activity. Every issue that comes your way should be addressed with an optimistic attitude.

5. “You guys!”

Such phrase can be said casually during a friendly conversation, but not during a professional conversation. Phrases like this are slang, which could demean your professionalism. It would be best for you to use a phrase like “your organization” or “your team” instead.

6. “It’s not fair.”

Instead of complaining and whining, why don’t you deal with what made you feel treated unfairly in the first place? Nothing is actually fair in our world, and you have to be prepared for that in your professional career.

7. “This is a silly idea.”

When did you become the most seasoned professional to condemn and affirm ideas? You can’t be judgmental and condemnatory as a professional. You have to offer an alternative or assert a recommendation rather than pushing an idea aside and saying it is silly.

8. “I am too busy.”

Such phrases could make the other person feel irrelevant. You do not have to act more important than something or someone else. Learn to foster positive relationship. Try saying, “Let us discuss this by 4 p.m. Could you perhaps stop by my office later in the day?”

9. “I will try.”

Such a phrase already signals a possibility of failure. It is better to admit if you can follow through or not. Also, using negative phrases could mean you are the kind of person who doesn’t commit him or herself to anything worth going for.

10. “You should have…”

This phrase is more of a fault-finding phrase rather than a problem-solving phrase. It sounds like you are thrilled about the person’s failure rather than his or her success. You shouldn’t try to make anyone feel guilty or judge them for their mishaps. Focus on how you can improve the situation by saying, “to ensure we get things done, make sure you bring this to my attention immediately.”

11. “The new guy/lady is so hot!”

This phrase can be taken for a sexual innuendo. It is okay to appreciate another person’s beauty or handsomeness, but that expression should not be done in a professional environment so as not to make others feel uncomfortable in the workplace.

12. “Do you believe what he/she said?”

If you are uncomfortable with what someone said or did during a particular situation, why don’t you confront the person directly and question their words or actions? You don’t need to gossip or make utterances about the persons action behind their back.

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7 Public Speaking Techniques To Help Connect With Your Audience

When giving a presentation or speech, you have to engage your audience effectively in order to truly get your point across. Unlike a written editorial or newsletter, your speech is fleeting; once you’ve said everything you set out to say, you don’t get a second chance to have your voice heard in that specific arena.

You need to make sure your audience hangs on to every word you say, from your introduction to your wrap-up. You can do so by:

1. Connecting them with eachother

Picture your typical rock concert. What’s the first thing the singer says to the crowd after jumping out on stage? “Hello (insert city name here)!” Just acknowledging that he’s coherent enough to know where he is is enough for the audience to go wild and get into the show.

It makes each individual feel as if they’re a part of something bigger. The same goes for any public speaking event. When an audience hears, “You’re all here because you care deeply about wildlife preservation,” it gives them a sense that they’re not just there to listen, but they’re there to connect with the like-minded people all around them.

2. Connect with their emotions

Speakers always try to get their audience emotionally involved in whatever topic they’re discussing. There are a variety of ways in which to do this, such as using statistics, stories, pictures or videos that really show the importance of the topic at hand.

For example, showing pictures of the aftermath of an accident related to drunk driving will certainly send a specific message to an audience of teenagers and young adults. While doing so might be emotionally nerve-racking to the crowd, it may be necessary to get your point across and engage them fully.

3. Keep going back to the beginning

Revisit your theme throughout your presentation. Although you should give your audience the credit they deserve and know that they can follow along, linking back to your initial thesis can act as a subconscious reminder of why what you’re currently telling them is important.

On the other hand, if you simply mention your theme or the point of your speech at the beginning and never mention it again, it gives your audience the impression that it’s not really that important.

4. Link to your audience’s motivation

After you’ve acknowledged your audience’s common interests in being present, discuss their motivation for being there. Be specific. Using the previous example, if your audience clearly cares about wildlife preservation, discuss what can be done to help save endangered species’ from extinction.

Don’t just give them cold, hard facts; use the facts to make a point that they can use to better themselves or the world in some way.

5. Entertain them

While not all speeches or presentations are meant to be entertaining in a comedic way, audiences will become thoroughly engaged in anecdotes that relate to the overall theme of the speech. We discussed appealing to emotions, and that’s exactly what a speaker sets out to do when he tells a story from his past or that of a well-known historical figure.

Speakers usually tell more than one story in order to show that the first one they told isn’t simply an anomaly, and that whatever outcome they’re attempting to prove will consistently reoccur, given certain circumstances.

6. Appeal to loyalty

Just like the musician mentioning the town he’s playing in will get the audience ready to rock, speakers need to appeal to their audience’s loyalty to their country, company, product or cause. Show them how important it is that they’re present and listening to your speech by making your words hit home to each individual.

In doing so, the members of your audience will feel as if you’re speaking directly to them while you’re addressing the entire crowd.

7. Tell them the benefits of the presentation

Early on in your presentation, you should tell your audience exactly what they’ll learn, and exactly how they’ll learn it. Don’t expect them to listen if they don’t have clear-cut information to listen for. On the other hand, if they know what to listen for, they’ll be more apt to stay engaged throughout your entire presentation so they don’t miss anything.

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8 Fabulous Tips To Help With Small Talk

“How about that weather out there?” “Wow, the Yankees sure blew it last night!” “Looks like someone’s got a case of the Mondays!”

If you cringed after reading that last line, congratulations! You’re a human being, after all. Small talk is one of the more monotonous events in life that we all secretly hate, but we all go through to put on a good show to the world around us. However, small talk doesn’t have to be so one-dimensional. You just need to put in some extra effort. No friendships were ever forged because someone agreed that you hate the rain. Dig a little deeper next time someone engages you in mindless chitchat.

1. View everyone as a potential friend

If you saw your friend walking down the sidewalk, you’d be happy to see them. You’d engage in conversation about pretty much anything, and you’d be more than happy to do so. However, when a stranger engages you in menial conversation in the elevator, you probably feel a bit put off. Change your perspective. If you approach all conversations openly, you might end up enjoying small talk on some level.

2. Assume the best

Most people will only start talking to you if they’re welcoming and friendly. Why do we feel like it’s a such a hassle to talk to someone for two minutes while we both wait for a bus? The truth is, we’ve put up guards around ourselves to only let a select few people into our inner circle. By doing this, we inadvertently shut the door on so many other possible relationships. Even if you’ll never see the person next to you at the train station ever again, what’s the harm in letting down your guard and talking about nothing for a few minutes?

3. Skip introductions at first

At parties, you probably feel like you have to introduce yourself to people you’ve never met before. Of course, you want to meet new people, or else you would have stayed home, but it really isn’t that important to know someone’s name right from the get-go. If your friend is talking to someone you’ve never met, and that person says something interesting that you feel you can chime in on, go for it. Don’t worry about the fact that you don’t know each other’s names. There will be time for that later. Think about it:

4. Focus on the conversation

Even if you’re feeling stuck in boring chatter, resist the urge to take out your phone and check your Facebook feed. First of all, you’re actions speak volumes about the type of person you are. Secondly, you never know when the other person might say something that will completely pique your interest. If you shut them down from the start of what seems to be a boring topic that doesn’t interest you, you might end up missing out on some insightful and intriguing information or knowledge.

5. Make meaningful connections

There’s nothing wrong with taking stock of who you’re talking to (or who’s talking to you) and making a positive remark referring to something you notice about them. If someone is dressed to the 9s, tell them they’re looking sharp, or ask them what the occasion is. Chances are, something special is going on that they’d be more than happy to talk about. If they’re wearing a hat with your favorite team’s logo on it, give them a shout out (this really only works if you’re out of town, but it’ll make you both feel right at home for a short time). Basically, just make it clear that you genuinely care, and aren’t just using conversation to pass the time until something more meaningful comes up.

6. Be open and interested

Like I said before, it might be tempting to take out your phone or a book while waiting for a bus to give off the impression that you don’t want to be bothered. However, think of all the experiences you miss. Remember Forrest Gump? He’s literally telling his incredible life story to anyone willing to listen. Some people blow him off, but the ones that stick around have a story to tell themselves for the rest of their lives. You might not think you’re into whatever your neighbor is blathering on about, but if you take the time to listen to what they have to say, you might leave the conversation with a new hobby or interest.

7. Be enthusiastic

Even if you’re not intrigued by someone’s life story, at least humor them. Is it really so torturous to let someone have the spotlight for a short period of time? Chances are, if someone is droning on and on to a stranger about something that’s only meaningful to themselves, it’s because they don’t have anyone else to talk to. Ask them questions, even if you don’t really care what the answer is. But listen anyway. How would you feel if you had something to tell the world and were met with blank stares everywhere you went? Pay it forward, and the next time something good happens to you, feel free to let everyone know about it.

8. Put yourself out there

For introverts, small talk is torturous because we’re not good at it. However, the only way to get better at something is to expose yourself to it as much as possible. Leave your headphones at home, and your phone in your pocket. Greet everyone you come across with a smile, and be the one who engages others in conversation. The worst that can happen is you’ll get shut down by some Gloomy Gus who isn’t open to new connections. The best that can happen is…well, you could meet your future best friend, or wife. You never know.

Featured photo credit: Flickr via farm3.staticflickr.com

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Food Cures: 10 Foods To Lower Cholesterol Level

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. And it’s out modern lives that have led to this staggering statistic.

Americans are less physically active than ever before, and we have more access to fattier — think fast — food than ever before. This combination of a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet can lead to high cholesterol and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The good news, though, is that high cholesterol can be preventable and reversible with proper diet and exercise.

What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol in and of itself isn’t bad — in fact, our bodies need it for proper functioning. The problems arise when the ratio of good to bad cholesterol is off, and our bodies begin to build plaque inside our arteries.

When we refer to cholesterol, we are actually referring to the conveyance mechanism that moves cholesterol through our blood stream. This mechanism is made of lipoproteins that bond to cholesterol and move it around our bodies.

HDL, the good cholesterol, cleans arteries of excess cholesterol while LDL, the bad cholesterol, can cause plaque buildup. This plaque buildup, called atherosclerosis, reduces blood flow and may cause heart attack or stroke.

Foods That Lower Cholesterol

As much as poor diet can contribute to high cholesterol and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, a proper diet rich in certain cholesterol-lowering foods can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

It’s as easy as switching out unhealthy ingredients in recipes and Incorporating these 10 foods into your diet for good heart health:

1. Oily Fish

While the term “oily fish” may sound counterproductive in reducing plaque in our bloodstreams, fish like salmon are low in saturated fat and high in omega-3s. These fatty acids are actually good for your heart.

Omega-3s help reduce inflammation and lower triglycerides. Adults should have two 3.5 ounce servings per week for optimal benefit.

2. Nuts And Seeds

Walnuts, almonds and flax seeds also contain omega-3 fatty acids. One ounce of nuts or seeds per day will provide many health benefits.

Not only will they help reduce inflammation, but they may help you maintain a healthier weight and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Try to get 1 ounce of nuts or seeds at least five times a week.

3. Oatmeal And High Fiber Foods

Soluble fiber found in oatmeal, beans and prunes helps to reduce the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed into your blood. Just 1.5 cups of oatmeal for breakfast is a great way to get the daily recommended amount of fiber into your diet.

You can also add oatmeal into your baking by making oat flour. Simply grind the oats in a food processor and you have a high fiber flour than can be used in place of wheat flour.

4. Avocados

Avocados are a good source of another heart-healthy fatty acid known as MUFAs, or  Monounsaturated Fatty Acids, and they help lower levels of LDL — the bad cholesterol. Add some slices of avocado to your salad or try this guacamole recipe.

Just make sure you aren’t eating greasy chips with your dip. Use fresh veggies instead.  Stick to half an avocado per day though, because they are calorie dense.

5. Olive Oil

Olive oil has antioxidant properties and is good source of MUFAs. Two tablespoons per day are recommended, and they can be added into your diet via salad dressings or as replacement for butter or margarine.

For a double dose of MUFAs, try this creamy salad dressing made with avocados and olive oil.

6. Oranges

Oranges contain pectin, which is a fiber that helps reduce cholesterol. The potassium in oranges may also help lower blood pressure by offsetting salt intake.

If you are going to get your daily dose of orange in juice form, make sure to select high pulp content because pectin is found in the pulp. Aim for one orange a day to get optimal benefits.

7. Alcohol

The right kinds of alcohol in moderation have been known to increase HDL — the good cholesterol — which helps clean plaque from your arteries. Red wine in particular offers heart-health benefits because it contains the antioxidant, resveratrol.

Limit yourself to one glass a day, though, and choose healthier cocktails when it comes to your alcohol consumption. Making a red wine Sangria with high fiber fruits such as apples and oranges will give you the combined benefit of both alcohol and fiber.

8. Kale

Kale is a heart-healthy super food. It has antioxidants, fiber and omega-3s which are all good for lowering cholesterol. Kale also contains glucoraphanin, which helps keep plaque from building up on your arterial walls.

Making kale chips is a fun way to incorporate this plant into your diet. Not only will you get the benefits of eating kale, but it will keep you from snacking on a less healthy food. Find other recipes that will enable you to work one to two cups into your diet several times a week.

9. Pomegranate

Antioxidants fight a process called oxidation. Oxidation of LDL is what starts the plaque buildup inside arteries. The polyphenol antioxidants in pomegranate are unique because not only do they prevent plaque from forming, but they can also help clear plaque that has already formed.

Pom Wonderful is a company that makes it very convenient to get pomegranate in either fresh fruit or juice form, and eight ounces a day is recommended.

10. Green Tea

Green tea is rich in an antioxidants called catechins — which have been shown in clinical studies to not only lower cholesterol but to help reduce body fat as well. Black tea also has catechins but has more caffeine than green tea.

So try swapping out your morning coffee for a black tea, and sipping on green tea instead of soda in the afternoon. Having several cups a day will reap the most benefit.

Eating foods that fight inflammation, prevent or reduce oxidation, clean your bloodstream and reduce the amount of cholesterol that can build in your arteries will greatly increase your heart health and decrease your chance for heart disease.

Even if you have already have high cholesterol, adding these foods to your diet can reverse the process and get you on the right track. It’s never too late to be good to your heart.

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