Right Attitudes

Ideas for Impact

Nagesh Belludi

Ready to Pay Forward the Future You?

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Pay Forward the Future You - Delay Gratification My fitness coach always kicks off each session with, “Are you ready to do the hard things now and pay forward the man you’ll become?” It’s his way of reminding me that every day is a chance to invest in my future self.

Healthy eating and regular training pay off slowly, so it’s easy to lose motivation. Unlike quick fixes, long-term goals need patience and delayed gratification, which can be tough. It’s tempting to slack off when there are no immediate consequences.

Idea for Impact: Visualize success. Imagine how amazing you’ll feel in the future. Stick to the plan.

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Do We Have Too Many Middle Managers?

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Do We Have Too Many Middle Managers?

In Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work, HR Consultant Bill Schaninger, et al. argue that middle managers are essential to the evolving world of work.

What middle managers do is actually much more complex than what either executives or frontline workers do: They manage both up and down, and serve as translators in both directions. What kind of qualities and skills does the job require? Emotional intelligence, resilience, adaptability, technical skills, critical thinking, communication skills, being open to change, seeing the big picture, and managing both full-time and contract/gig workers. Everything they do deeply affects the work, the workforce, and the workplace.

True.

But many organizations are weighed down by too many middle managers. These layers of bureaucracy slow decisions and stifle innovation.

Why not cut the clutter? In today’s flat organizational structures, where employees are empowered to make decisions and manage projects independently, the need for numerous middle managers diminishes. Trim the fat.

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Let Others Shine

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Let Others Shine Got a brilliant idea? Share it freely and let others get in on the action.

Let them win. Let them look good.

Let them steal the spotlight and snag some of the credit.

Let everyone get a piece of the glory and bask in the collective success.

You’ll be amazed at how quickly things get done.

You’ll create a culture of collaboration that drives even greater achievements.

Idea for Impact: Help others win—when they shine, your own star rises faster.

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The World’s Shortest Course in … Delegating

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The World's Shortest Course in Delegating Delegation is crucial but tough for new managers. Here’s how to nail it:

  • Pass off tasks that aren’t your core job. Focus on what matters most. Delegating stuff you enjoy is the real challenge.
  • Trust your team. Let them handle tasks without micromanaging. Set clear goals and back off.
  • Match tasks with the right people. Hire experts, but also give team members chances to learn new skills. Build a strong team.

Always stay accountable for the final result, even if someone else does the work.

In short: Pick the right person. Define the task. Set clear standards. Stay responsible. Be patient and learn from mistakes. That’s how you delegate like a pro.

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  5. How Can You Contribute?

Does Money Always Motivate?

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Does Money Always Motivate? Most credible studies by psychologists and economists have indicated that money alone doesn’t accomplish much when you want to add motivation over the standard effort.

By and large, money contributes considerably to happiness as people move up from poverty. It contributes to happiness more modestly as income reaches the community’s norm. Beyond that point, money only adds a little to happiness.

People indeed welcome a raise and regret a decline. But most adapt to their change in circumstances, and the change doesn’t markedly affect their happiness over time.

This being said, ask people if they’re willing to change their job for a better one in virtually every aspect they can imagine—better environment, cooler technology, more exciting products, and broad scope for self-development—but with lower money offer, few would give in.

Idea for Impact: The money-as-a-motivator premise has some validity, but it’s not all-encompassing. For the most part, the dominant motivator for many employees is meaning—the prospect of learning and growing, engaging in stimulating work, and getting recognition for achievements.

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Inspirational Quotations #1064

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There are two kinds of fools. One says, “This is old, therefore it is good.” The other says, “This is new, therefore it is better.”
—William Ralph Inge (English Anglican Clergyman)

No art or learning is to be pursued halfheartedly…and any art worth learning will certainly reward more or less generously the effort made to study it.
—Murasaki Shikibu (Japanese Diarist, Novelist)

We are more disturbed by a calamity which threatens us than by one which has befallen us.
—John Lancaster Spalding (American Catholic Clergyman)

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
—Arthur Ashe (American Tennis Player)

Try not to get too depressed in the part of the journey, because there’s a professional responsibility. If you are depressed, you can’t motivate your staff to extraordinary measures. So you have to keep your own spirits up even though you well understand that you don’t know what you’re doing.
—Andrew Grove (Hungarian-born American Businessperson)

Nobody abuses us more than we abuse ourselves.
—Miguel Angel Ruiz (Mexican Spiritualist Author)

The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder.
—Ralph Washington Sockman (American United Methodist Pastor)

Patience in adversity, magnanimity in ascendancy, eloquence in assembly, bravery in battle, aspiration for eminence and engrossment in the scriptures are the self-evident attributes of great men.
—Subhashita Manjari (Sanskrit Anthology of Proverbs)

In a consumer society there are inevitably two kinds of slaves: the prisoners of addiction and the prisoners of envy.
—Ivan Illich (Austrian Philosopher)

Man is a gregarious animal, and much more so in his mind than in his body. He may like to go alone for a walk, but he hates to stand alone in his opinions.
—George Santayana (Spanish-American Poet, Philosopher)

An honest God is the noblest work of man.
—Robert G. Ingersoll (American Lawyer, Orator, Agnostic)

The test and the use of man’s education is that he finds pleasure in the exercise of his mind.
—Jacques Barzun (American Cultural Historian)

HISTORY: gossip well told.
—Elbert Hubbard (American Writer)

Words are like money; there is nothing so useless, unless when in actual use.
—Samuel Butler

Whatever is not nailed down is mine. What I can pry loose is not nailed down.
—Collis Potter Huntington (American Industrialist)

Don’t Keep Running Hard If You’re Not Making Progress

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Don't Keep Running Hard If You're Not Making Progress - Avoid Working Hard Without Progress Do you really understand how you’re spending your time?

A lot of folks think they’re putting more hours into strategic work than they actually are. Check your calendar from the past month. If you’re anything like the managers I work with, you’ll probably find it’s easier to justify your daily grind than to explain why you’re doing everything you shouldn’t be.

  • Make time audits a habit. Add up the hours you’ve spent on your strategic priorities. Was it enough? Most people end up scrambling with urgent tasks instead of focusing on what really matters.
  • Identify your top three priorities for the year and ensure you’re dedicating enough time to them each week. If you’re falling short, it’s time to cut back on other commitments, delegate more, and clear some space in your schedule for what truly counts.

Idea for Impact: Your time often drifts away from your intentions. Don’t just run hard without making progress. Get your priorities straight. Be disciplined with your time.

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  3. Make Time to Do it
  4. Begin With the Least Urgent Task
  5. The Midday Check

If Mindfulness Meditation Isn’t for You, Try This Focusing Exercise

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If Mindfulness Meditation Isn't for You, Try This Focusing Exercise Many folks who could seriously benefit from a bit of contemplative meditation somehow never quite get around to it. Mindfulness meditation offers real, tangible benefits, but like any skill, it requires regular practice. Without it, you can only expect minor improvements, which is where many people stumble.

If Mindfulness meditation seems too elaborate, here’s a simple way to start:

  1. Pick a regular daily task.
  2. Perform it at half the usual pace—slowly and deliberately.
  3. Tune in to the moment by observing your sensory experiences.

That’s all there is to it. There’s no need for intricate poses, calming playlists, or scented candles. Forget about searching for a zen-like sanctuary. Just stay present and plod through a daily chore.

For example, during a shower, slow things down. Turn the faucet gently and savor the sensation of the water on your skin and the temperature change. Then, pick up the shampoo and apply it to your hair with a deliberate, calm touch.

Similarly, on a casual stroll, walk with purpose and at a slow pace. Pay attention to each step, listen to the birds, and appreciate the blooming flowers to stay grounded in the present.

By slowing down, you highlight the physical and sensory aspects of your actions. You’ll notice more details and experience the richness of even the simplest tasks. Slowing your pace shifts your focus, helping you become more aware of how you perform and coordinate your actions with intention.

When your mind starts to wander, slow down. Check in with what you’re doing. Refocus on the present. It’s surprisingly effective.

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  4. A Quick Way to De-stress: The “Four Corners Breathing” Exercise
  5. When in Doubt, Write it Out

Exploring Advanced Tools and Features on Leading Online Trading Platforms

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Exploring Advanced Tools and Features on Leading Online Trading Platforms

Diving into the world of online trading can be both exciting and overwhelming. With numerous platforms available, choosing one that offers the right tools and features is crucial for a successful trading experience. Modern ones come packed with advanced tools designed to enhance trading strategies, provide insightful market analysis, and help manage risks effectively.

These tools are not just for professional traders. Even beginners can leverage them to make informed decisions. This article will guide you through some of the most valuable advanced tools available on leading online trading platforms and offer tips on how to select the best one for your needs.

Using Advanced Charting and Analysis Tools

Charting tools are the backbone of any trading service. They allow traders to visualise market data in various forms, such as candlestick charts, line charts, or bar charts. Advanced charting features include multiple timeframes, customizable indicators, and drawing tools to highlight trends.

These tools help traders spot patterns, identify entry and exit points, and predict future price movements with greater accuracy. For instance, Fibonacci retracement tools and moving averages can provide significant insights into market trends.

Using Automated Trading Strategies and Algorithms

Automated trading strategies, often referred to as algorithmic trading or bots, can execute trades automatically based on pre-set criteria. These tools are invaluable for traders who want to take advantage of market opportunities without being glued to their screens.

Algorithms can be programmed to buy or sell assets when certain conditions are met, such as when a stock reaches a specific price or crosses a moving average. This reduces the emotional aspect of trading, allowing for more disciplined and consistent decision-making. It also enables faster execution of trades, which can be crucial in volatile markets.

Exploring Customizable Trading Indicators and Signals

Indicators and signals are essential tools for traders looking to enhance their market analysis. Leading providers offer a range of customizable indicators, such as Relative Strength Index (RSI), Bollinger Bands, and MACD. These indicators help traders assess market momentum, volatility, and potential reversal points.

Signals, on the other hand, can alert traders to potential trading opportunities based on specific criteria. For example, a website might send a signal when a stock’s price breaks out of a defined range, suggesting a possible trend. Customising these tools allows traders to tailor their analysis to their unique trading style.

Accessing Real-Time Market Data and News Integration

Staying updated with the latest market news and data is crucial for making informed trading decisions. Many trading solutions integrate real-time market data, including price feeds, economic calendars, and breaking news alerts. This feature enables traders to react quickly to market-moving events, such as earnings reports, economic data releases, or geopolitical developments.

Some even offer news filters that allow traders to focus on specific assets or sectors. Access to real-time data and news ensures that traders are never out of the loop and can make decisions based on the most current information available.

Implementing Risk Management Tools and Features

Risk management is a vital aspect of successful trading. Advanced solutions offer a variety of tools designed to help traders manage their risk effectively. Stop-loss orders, for example, automatically close a position when a certain price is reached, limiting potential losses.

Take-profit orders do the opposite, securing profits when a target price is hit. Many may offer margin calculators, which help traders understand the potential risk of leveraged trades. By using these tools, traders can protect their capital and ensure that their trading strategies are sustainable in the long run.

Navigating Multi-Asset Trading from a Single Interface

Trading across multiple asset classes-such as stocks, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies-has become increasingly popular. Leading providers allow traders to access and manage a diverse portfolio from a single interface. This multi-asset trading capability simplifies the trading process.

It enables traders to diversify their investments without the need to switch between different platforms. It also allows for better portfolio management and the ability to capitalise on opportunities across various markets. Having all assets in one place makes it easier to monitor performance and adjust strategies as needed.

Tips for Choosing the Right Trading Platform

Selecting the right trading solution involves considering several factors. First, ensure it offers the advanced tools and features that align with your trading style. Consider its ease of use and check for access to various asset classes if you plan to diversify.

Evaluate reliability, including uptime and speed, customer support, educational resources, and all associated costs like commissions and fees.

Advanced tools and features on online trading platforms are essential for anyone looking to succeed in the competitive world of online trading. From charting tools to automated trading and social trading features, these tools provide the necessary support for making informed decisions and managing risks effectively.

Practical Tips for Living More Meaningfully: Book Summary of ‘Happier Hour’ by Cassie Holmes

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Practical Tips for Living More Meaningfully: Book Summary of 'Happier Hour' by Cassie Holmes

Achieving happiness has always been a quest for many, often entailing various pursuits and expectations. One perspective gaining traction is detailed in our article ‘The Suprising Power of Low Expectations’. Buddhists believe that by expecting less, one can appreciate more, finding joy in the simplicity of everyday life. This notion dovetails perfectly with insights from Cassie Holmes’ Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most, which emphasizes the profound impact of how we allocate our time on our overall happiness.

An overview of Happier Hour

Before Happier Hour was published, Cassie Holmes dedicated her time to studying the relationship between time and happiness at the UCLA Anderson School of Management. It was her groundbreaking research on this topic that led to the birth of the book. Essentially, her thesis was that more free time doesn’t always mean more happiness. In fact, a survey of more than 21,000 Americans carried out as part of the study found that free time and well-being were positively linked until about two hours of free time, and began to decline after five hours.

Holmes contends that a big part of our happiness comes from our intentional thoughts and behavior, and Happier Hour is a research-based roadmap for how to organize your time more intentionally to be happier. Holmes’ bestselling book can be found under the career and growth audiobooks category on Everand. The digital library’s extensive collection of titles focused on personal and professional growth includes an ebook version as well, narrated by Holmes herself. Whichever format you choose, you’ll learn lots of strategies to boost your own happiness, some of which we’ve compiled below.

Key lessons from Happier Hour

One concept that Holmes addresses is time poverty, defined as the sense of not having enough time to do what you need to do or want to do. A national poll reveals that nearly half of Americans struggle with time poverty, leading to feelings of stress and decreased job satisfaction. Holmes also found that this can impact physical health and degrade our relationships. To combat feelings of time poverty, she suggests identifying and protecting time for the activities that matter. This can be done by tracking how much time you spend on certain activities during the week, and identifying how satisfied you feel from that time. Doing so will give you a better sense of what truly matters, allowing you to carve out precious time for activities that bring a sense of purpose.

Holmes also introduces the concept of time crafting, where one consciously designs their day to include meaningful activities. For example, if you face daily commutes to work, rather than wasting time scrolling through your phone, Holmes suggests listening to an audiobook or podcast you love. Research shows that daily commutes are typically the least enjoyable times for workers, but by intentionally curating this time, you can score points on your happiness scale.

Lastly, Holmes drives home the importance of balancing work and leisure. More specifically, she teaches readers to treat the weekend like a vacation. Science confirms that even short breaks can boost your happiness, and it doesn’t require actually having a vacation. Holmes found that when people were randomly assigned to treat the weekend like a vacation and others to treat it like a regular weekend, those with a vacation mindset enjoyed their weekend more and were happier. Interestingly, it wasn’t about drastically changing how they spent their time-the mindset simply helped them feel more present.

Ultimately, Happier Hour offers a transformative approach to time management, emphasizing the connection between how we spend our time and our overall happiness. By adopting Holmes’ strategies, readers can expect to find greater joy and fulfillment in their daily lives.