Life-fficient

8 Little Ways to Add Variety to Your Life

2013-01-19T11:37:00.000-05:00

They say "variety is the spice of life," but we know that it's all too easy to get stuck in a rut, especially when we are plugging away toward our goals (or chastising ourselves for not plugging away). Habits form within your time, and if you don't pay attention, weeks and months disappear into them. You work, come home, make dinner, and do whatever else you do, probably at the same times every day. You listen to the same songs. Even the other vehicles during your commute begin to look strangely familiar.

This familiarity isn't a bad thing. It's called a "comfort zone" for a reason. The critical requirement lies in not allowing yourself to get lazy. You mustn't fall into the trap of thinking that this is all there is to your existence. The world contains so much more.

And so, if you find yourself slipping, here are a handful of little acts to pull you out of your routine:

3 Writing Challenges You Should Try

2012-12-28T17:58:00.002-05:00

Many people have aspirations of becoming a writer. The profession seems to conjure a certain image in our minds. Freedom, intelligence, creativity - the writer seems to have it all. Who wouldn't want to be one?

But finding the time and inclination to actually write can be difficult. Our imaginations seem to leave out the parts involving hard work. Even when you commit and sit down to write, you can be paralyzed by the fear of the blank page. Writer's block strikes. What's a person to do?

Well, here are three writing challenges that can help.

Easy, DIY Halloween Decorations

2012-10-24T23:03:00.003-04:00

Halloween is only a week away, and many may be realizing the need for decorations. As I've written before, this is one of the few holidays that still welcomes home-made props and decor. Heck, from what I've seen, DIYers often outdo that which is available in retail. I'll take a good hand-crafted piece over any expensive, mass-produced ornaments.

This year, I'm using a vast array of goodies, some of which are exceedingly simple to make. Enjoy!

The Wisdom of P. T. Barnum

2012-10-10T20:55:00.001-04:00

Chances are, you probably don't know much about P.T. Barnum. Until recently, I knew little beyond his name. I'd heard of his circus success, mostly stories about his huckstering, but the man was a mystery to me. I knew nothing about his values.

This is why it was such a pleasant surprise when I found an ebook publication of some of his thoughts (The Art of Money Getting) on Project Gutenberg. It sounded interesting, and after reading, I came away with a much better idea of the man's values. Despite the book's title, it's an interesting read, and much of it is applicable today.

Here are some of the highlights:

How to Create

2012-08-14T21:45:00.000-04:00

Creation makes legends of the ordinary. It's the root of nearly every rags to riches story. Unfortunately, it is no easy undertaking. We all have some difficulty making something new, but it is this urge that fulfills us.

Tips for Home Buyers

2012-07-04T18:27:00.003-04:00

Deciding to buy a house is a big step in life. It is perhaps the largest single expense that you will ever take on (well, until you have children). You should go in with both eyes open.

Therefore, I thought I'd post three of the most important tips that I wish I'd known when I was shopping for a home. These have come to me slowly over the past five years, but are no less important than those more obvious. Hopefully, they will help you in your home buying.

Making Positive Changes Stick

2012-06-13T11:33:00.000-04:00

We all set out to improve our lives. It’s a common goal, but those actions do not always result in a permanent change. We try something, it sticks for a while, but then we slip back into our old, bad habits. We try to make a positive change, but it doesn’t last.

Well, here are a few tips to buck the trend:

TED Talks - Wisdom on the Internet

2012-05-27T00:48:00.002-04:00

I've been listening to TED Talks for a couple of years now, and am continually impressed at the quality of some of these speakers. So impressed, in fact, that I end up spouting TED knowledge in random conversations that I have both at work and at home. This resulted in some coworkers asking me, "what is it?" As I shared with them, I thought I'd share with those of you who do not know as well.

Home Sweet Home

2012-05-14T20:21:00.001-04:00

They say home is where the heart is. Well, it's also where the wallet is, and it plays a large role in determining your cost of living. Where you choose to call home can affect your expenses, salary, lifestyle, and energy consumption.

Thankfully, we have some choice in determining this very important factor of life, and making the decision hinges on our personal values. What is important to you, and what are you willing to do without?

Small Towns
Small towns are known as places to live the simple life. Less traffic. Less noise. They offer many advantages in comparison to larger cities, but they also have their own particular drawbacks. For example, prices are generally lower, but job availability and salaries are lower as well.

Your Own Worst Enemy

2012-05-02T22:50:00.001-04:00

Starting anything new is difficult, and the world doesn't make it any easier. There's no end to the roadblocks that could obstruct your path. Success requires all of the knowledge and experience at one's disposal.

But there's another obstacle that many must overcome, and it's the most difficult and relentless. It is always there, no matter how much we strive or excel. Worse yet, it's not outside, but in. That obstacle is ourselves.

Should You Buy Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)?

2012-04-18T18:55:00.000-04:00

There’s no question that Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) bulbs use a fraction of the energy that standard, old-style light bulbs do. Installing them can cut your electricity usage, which in turn can save you money. They also last longer than do standard bulbs. Seems like a win-win right?

Well, there are some considerations that you may want to investigate before fully switching over.

DIY: Painting a Faux Stone Floor

2012-04-09T23:10:00.001-04:00

When I bought this house, the front entry patio was covered by grey, outdoor carpet. I wasn't crazy about it, so I removed it. Unfortunately, the cement underneath didn't do much for my curb appeal either. It was cracked, painted red, and badly worn.

I needed to do something.

What will you do with your Earth Hour?

2012-03-31T10:29:00.002-04:00

Tonight, I invite everyone to celebrate Earth Hour.

It's a really interesting event, and has become a worldwide phenomenon. Earth Hour attempts to raise awareness of the impact we have on our environment. For one hour tonight, we ask that you turn off your electric lights and devices. Just flip a switch, and leave it for one hour.

Save Time at Meal Time

2012-03-28T19:57:00.000-04:00

It may come as a surprise, but what you eat can determine the amount of free time you enjoy. I’m not simply referring to the choice to make dinner at home or eat out. That trade-off is obvious (money for time). I’m speaking of the differences in home-made options.

Some meals require more work than others, not only in preparation, but also in consumption and cleanup as well. The more complicated a meal, the more likely it is to increase your investment of effort. Here, we’ll look at some of the ways you can save yourself from all that extra work.

Waiting for Opportunity

2012-03-21T10:43:00.000-04:00

Some people think that success happens to those who are lucky, but that’s really not accurate. Success doesn’t pluck you from obscurity without provocation. While chance certainly plays a role, individual preparation can make or break any opportunity. Without some applicable background, even the luckiest among us could waste a golden opportunity. We have to meet it at least halfway.

How do you prepare yourself for such an event? A few, key factors can increase the likelihood of your triumph. By understanding them, and fulfilling their requirements, you can be certain that your bags will be packed when your ship comes in.

Take a Break

2012-03-14T22:30:00.003-04:00

Determination is a virtue. It helps you to lay down a plan, and struggle through any barriers that get in your way. It is a fundamental key to success. Your determination provides for you when little else can.

There are times however, when even determination has its limits. We cannot fight every hour of every day. We need time off to rest and recharge our internal batteries. Sometimes, we just need a break.

Dreams Come True - Stories of Success #2

2012-03-09T11:21:00.000-05:00

While doing some book shopping, I ran across the work of the author Steve Alten. His story is one that kindles the dreams of any would-be writer. After reading it, I thought it would be a nice addition here. Perhaps it will spark something within you.

Steve Alten
In 1995, Mr. Alten wasn't unlike a lot of us (okay, except for a Ph. D. in Education). Beyond that, he ". . . had no prior writing experience, save for a masters thesis and dissertation, and no clue or contacts to help me get published . . ." He was simply a guy with the ambition to write a novel.

If his education seems daunting, try this. "I was broke, supporting (barely) a family of five." Sounds familiar now, huh?

How to Clean House

2012-03-03T14:35:00.000-05:00

I'm not in the habit of simply sharing links on this blog, but I found this article a couple of weeks ago, and it seems exactly the sort of thing I should share. The article is pretty comprehensive, has a lot of good information, and helps in a practical way. Besides that, I haven't written much about cleaning.

A Quicker Way to Clean House on Yahoo! Shine.

In essence, the article encourages a strategy for your cleaning, and offers advice on how to achieve a better result in less time. It covers areas of attack, as well as the items in your cleaning arsenal. A few, "Pro Tips" are also sprinkled in for good measure.

I was particularly pleased to see the tip about cleaning glass and mirrors with one wet and one dry cloth. I learned that long ago while working in a hotel. The wet cloth removes the spots and fingerprints, the dry one removes the "ghosting" effect of the wet cloth. It's sort of a "clean then polish" approach.

We all have to clean sometime. Take a look at this article, and pick up a little more wisdom. Maybe you've been going about your cleaning all wrong, or maybe you'll find your knowledge reinforced. In any case, enjoy.

Here's to your spotless home.

Take a Leap Day

2012-02-29T09:45:00.000-05:00

Today is February 29. Leap Day. It's a day that most other years don't have. Thanks to our wonderful calendar, it's something special.

It's too bad Leap Day isn't celebrated. You'll never find it listed amongst the upper echelons of national observances. It's no Christmas or Halloween. Yet - chronologically, at least - it's more precious than either.

Every four years, we're given an extra day. This day, like all others, is ours. We can make it productive or depressing, bland or special. It's our choice.

But it can be more than that. It can be the day that you finally take the leap. You know the one. Use this day to stop procrastinating, throw caution to the wind, and jump into that new situation for which you've been longing.

Submit that story for publication. Build that new garage. Talk to the cute girl in accounting. Whatever you decide to do, whatever you've been holding back on, this day is your springboard. Leap, and see how far it takes you. You may land softly or with a thud, but at least you'll know.

Opportunity is waiting. Hop on.

Microwave Potato Chips

2012-02-26T00:02:00.000-05:00

The idea of making my own potato chips has always intrigued me. When I saw these instructions posted on Instructables, I figured I had to try it. Who wouldn’t want that satisfying crunch with less fat and little work?

And I do mean little work. Basically, you cut a potato into this slices, arrange them on a microwave-safe plate, and nuke them until they are crisp. As I have sometimes inadvertently dried food with too much microwaving, this seemed like a cinch.

Battling Self-Doubt

2012-02-20T21:28:00.000-05:00

Anytime you create something, be it writing a novel, making art, or even cooking an elaborate meal, there's a nagging voice in the back of your mind. This voice tells you that your work is not good enough. It says your writing is cliched, your art is second-rate, and your food tastes bland. It is your self-doubt, and it can be pure evil.

You're not alone in listening to this demon on your shoulder. Nearly everyone hears it at one time or another. If you strive for something, it's almost inevitable.

Don't Heed
The voice pretends to care for you. It says it wants to keep you safe. If you don't try, you won't fail. That's the voice's logic.

But if we don't try, we won't succeed either. Stephen King, arguably one of the most successful authors of our time, threw away his first attempt at Carrie, the book that launched his fame. He listened to the voice, and it almost cost him dearly. Have you judged your own work this harshly?

Retire Early

2012-02-13T21:08:00.000-05:00

Work. For some, it falls into a peculiar category of obligation. We know it's necessary, it may even be good for us, but that doesn't make it any easier. Work can be . . . well, work.

So, why do we do it? Why do we spend at least eight hours a day away from our families, friends, and hobbies? It's important to think about the reasoning behind this investment. Most take it for granted, but understanding your relationship with the office can help you to better utilize the time. Work becomes a means to an end, and less of a four-letter word (not literally).

A Good Night's Sleep

2012-02-06T23:06:00.003-05:00

I've recently found how important a good night's sleep actually is. It is amazing. Poor sleep can leave you groggy all day and unable to function. You feel drained, like you are ill, but nothing's wrong.

The amount and quality of sleep has been shown to alter hormone levels, affecting energy, weight, appetite, and possibly aging. Therefore, it's a good idea to understand your sleeping needs. Trust me, it is simple to slip into a destructive new routine, and not know it. Your sleeping environment can make all the difference in your everyday performance.

Free Documentaries Online

2012-02-02T21:25:00.000-05:00

Television isn't all vapid sitcoms and over-the-top reality shows. A lot of quality content fills the airwaves, but who has the time to watch it all? Nothing may be on when you need it, and when you are otherwise occupied, a treasure trove of wisdom spills from the "boob tube".

Thankfully, the web has provided a solution to our problems. Now, we have a resource full of entertaining, enlightening, dramatic, and thought-provoking programs, all available when we want them. What could be better than that?

Here are a few of the best online sources of documentaries (Oh, yeah. They're free):

How to Finish Anything

2012-01-29T18:33:00.001-05:00

A lot of people are project starters. They get a new idea, feel fired up, and start working. Progress is easy, because they are making something out of nothing. For the first few days, or weeks, their enthusiasm is boundless.

After some time however, the enthusiasm fades. Progress becomes more difficult, and seems trivial compared to the work yet to be done. The project languishes, or is abandoned altogether. The original idea slowly dies.

Does this sound familiar? Well, it doesn't have to be this way.