8 FINANCIAL HABITS THAT WOULD MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL

Habits define and make us so that is why it’s really important you have the right habit. To be successful financially, you also need the right sets of habits too. If you check the lives of all great men, they all have one thing in common – good financial habits.

Cultivate these 8 financial habits if you want to become successful

1. DON’T SPEND MORE THAN YOU EARN

With easy access to loans these days, it’s really tempting to spend more than you earn but this attitude won’t take you to the top. Spending more than you earn is a disaster. Ensure you keep your expenses below what you earn.

2. HAVE A BUDGET

Having a budget is important as it helps you stay organised. I talked about spending below what you earn earlier and you can only achieve that if you have a budget.

3. SPEND WISELY

Impulse buying isn’t a habit you should have. You should ensure you don’t shop for the sake of shopping. Before every purchase, carry out a research and you should also ensure you need the purchase you are about making.

4. PAY YOUR BILLS ON TIME

Paying your bills on time is another financial habit you need to cultivate. When you pay your bills on time, you ensure you don’t owe and you also know how much you really have left.

5. CHECK YOUR BANK BALANCE DAILY

When was the last time you checked your bank balance? Some only check it when they get paid weekly or monthly and this isn’t a right habit to have. Checking your bank balance daily helps you know exactly where you stand financially and this would help you avoid spending and regretting later.

6. ENSURE YOU PAY YOUR DEBTS

Don’t push paying your debts till tomorrow if you can pay it today. Paying off debts you have should be your priority as this ensures you become debt-free sooner rather than later.

7. HAVE AN EMERGENCY FUND

The importance of having an emergency fund is really important as it helps you when you have emergencies. It’s important you save for emergencies because you’ll never know ahead of time when an emergency would arise.

8. KNOW WHERE YOUR MONEY IS GOING

If you don’t know how you spent the money you earned last month, then you have a big problem. You should always know how much you spend and where your money is going because this helps you pinpoint cracks in your budget. You would easily discover leakages in your expenses if you know where your money is going.

15 Habits of Irresistible People

You know that person who seems to have a flair of good luck? The one who, even though isn’t drop-dead gorgeous, is always able to get whatever she wants? There is more to the outer beauty of these people. They light up a room when they walk into it. This type of person is able to accomplish much in life because of attitude, charisma, or something as simple as kindness. Their smile exudes confidence, compassion and joy. You may wonder what separates them from others.

Dr. Travis Bradberry, author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0, has researched and studied the emotional connection of people. He has recognized that there are basic characteristics that make some people more friendly and charismatic to others.

“When influential people speak, conversations spread like ripples in a pond. And those ripples are multidirectional; influencers inspire everyone around them to explore new ideas and think differently about their work.” Likeable people are conscious of how they treat others. They believe that “Few things kill likeability as quickly as arrogance.” Irresistible people don’t act as if they are better than you. They actually believe that you have the ability to succeed, and create the life that you want. But, what’s the secret to truly being this type of person?

HERE ARE 15 THINGS IRRESISTIBLE PEOPLE DO DIFFERENTLY:

1. THEY TREAT EVERYONE WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT.

Irresistible people don’t put others down. What makes them so likeable is the ability to treat a homeless person in the same manner that he would treat the CEO to a huge company. To this person, there is no class or status that separates anyone. We are all part of the human race.

2. THEY DON’T GOSSIP.

The charismatic person has no need to utilize gossip as their motive to partake in a conversation. They are always bringing in the best of themselves, and allowing others to shine. This is what makes them so generous in uplifting others. Gossip is a negative trait, and they have little tolerance for it.

3. THEY TREAT OTHERS AS THEY EXPECT TO BE TREATED.

Dr. Bradberry believes that these type of folks follow a healthy life rule that says you should treat others the way you wish to be treated. “But that rule is flawed because it assumes that everyone wants to be treated the same way. In reality, people have different desires and goals.”

The irresistible person understands this and follows not the golden rule, but the platinum one: treat others the way THEY want to be treated.

4. THEY HAVE HEALTHY BOUNDARIES.

Irresistible people don’t try to please everyone all the time. They know that there is a time and place for everything. They don’t give more of themselves. They have healthy ways of assisting and giving to others. But, they never run themselves ragged. These people take care of themselves. And, in that ability to sustain boundaries, they show a beautiful example of self-love to others.

5. THEY ARE GENUINE.

These type of people do not pretend to be someone they are not. What you see is what you get. They exude self-confidence. The irresistible person doesn’t have to have super-model looks, but she or he will walk into a room with such confidence that they shine. They know their worth, and never allow others to dictate how they should see themselves.

6. THEY HAVE INTEGRITY.

Albert Einstein said, “Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.” The person with integrity stands in their authenticity. They know what matters and this is passed on to others. They make you question your honesty, principles, and goodness. Integrity is one of the best characteristics that they teach others.

7. THEY SMILE AT EVERYONE.

The most powerful and attractive quality that an irresistible person has is their ability to always smile, in spite of whatever is going on in their lives. They bring forth laughter with their energy. These likeable people know that a smile is sexier than any outfit, stronger than any pill, and has the ability to break down negativity.

8. THEY ARE COMPASSIONATE.

The irresistible person is empathetic to others. They show compassion to animals, nature, and people. They know that one minute you might be on top of the world, and in an instant you can find yourself struggling. Being compassionate is not just about showing kindness to those you like, but also leaving the zone of comfort and stepping into places that the heart breaks into pieces. They take chances in loving others and they know it’s worth it. They help everyone. They wear their hearts in their sleeves.

9. THEY LOVE LIFE.

Successful and charming individuals love life. They are not exempt from heart ache, misfortunes, or challenges, but they know that life is priceless and it’s the only thing that is real. This life is for taking chances, loving, and helping others. They cherish every moment, and when they meet someone new, they make that person feel as if they are the most incredible thing in their day.

10. THEY BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER.

These people are huge human connectors. They bring like-minded people together. They want to help others succeed. If you are among these type of enchanting individuals, you will notice that they immediately display a sense of connection. They may become your own fairy godmother, helping you reach to the next level. They will immediately draw you a map to get to someone who can help you on your journey.

11. THEY TRULY LOVE PEOPLE.

This is a given. These happy people love people. The irresistible person is the one who coined the term “people person.” They love to be around others. They get inspired by energy and stories. The likeable individual has an ability to attract those who are ready to fly and conquer their own dreams.

12. THEY KNOW YOU MUST WORK HARD TO GET AHEAD.

The irresistible person may always wear a smile, but they know that nothing comes without hard work and some struggling. They work hard and succeed with an undeniable thirst for accomplishing their desires. They succeed because they don’t give up. And, when you are among this type of person, you also feel that ability to overcome anything ahead.

13. THEY LISTEN.

Dr. Bradberry says, “People like to know you’re listening, and something as simple as a clarification question shows not only that you are listening but that you also care about what they’re saying. You’ll be surprised how much respect and appreciation you gain just by asking good questions.”

The irresistible person has this innate ability to stare into your spirit and truly make you feel as if you are understood, acknowledged and loved.

14. THEY HAVE POSITIVE ATTITUDES.

In spite of all the challenges in life, these folks continue to have positive attitudes. They don’t feed into negativity. They don’t entertain the woe-is-me attitude from anyone. They avoid confrontations and always search for an optimistic answer to the heavy questions in life.

15. THEY ALWAYS SAY “PLEASE” AND “THANK YOU.”

The ability to show gratitude is a magic wand for the irresistible person. They know that compliments go a long way in the journey of life, but what truly makes others like you are the simple manners: saying “please” and “thank you.” These magic words are never misused, and they know exactly how powerful they are in making others feel understood, acknowledged, and accepted.

10 Habits of People With High Confidence

“Confidence can be described as a belief in one’s ability to succeed. Striking a healthy balance can be challenging. Too much of it and you can come off as cocky and stumble into unforeseen obstacles, but having too little can prevent you from taking risks and seizing opportunities – in school, at work, in your social life, and beyond.” – Psychology Today

Have you ever met someone who could just mesmerize you with their presence? With the way they talk, walk, stand up, sit down…you get the idea. Some people just exude radiant qualities that attract people. Some are utterly devoid of any perceptible inner qualities.

When they talk, they’re captivating. When you speak, they’re listening. There’s a mutual connection – not always in a romantic sort of way – that just leaves you wanting more of them.

Tony Robbins is an example of such an individual. Whether or not you happen to be a Robbins fan (this writer is not) doesn’t matter much. His cult-like throngs of followers are indicative of the man’s attractive qualities that appeal to millions.

Call it confidence, charisma, allure, charm, magnetism, etc.; some people just have that “it” factor that others love.

In this article, we discuss ten behaviors of people with a high level of confidence. Let’s get going!

10 HABITS OF PEOPLE WITH HIGH CONFIDENCE

1. THE RIGHT BODY LANGUAGE

Those with a high level of confidence exhibit this trait in the way that they carry themselves. This isn’t to say that confident people feel confident at all times, but they understand the importance of appearing that way. Furthermore, they know that posture strongly correlates with feeling – a mind and body connection.

2. A SINCERE INTEREST IN OTHERS

Many of us try to think of a response while someone else is speaking. We do so because “uncomfortable silence” is something that feels unnatural and unaccommodating – a byproduct of social pressure that is not accurate in the least. True sincerity lies in bypassing the need to sound interesting, and using that energy to invest in others.

3. BEING CURIOUS

Having a one-sided conversation is not interesting (or respectful) in the least. People who understand that everyone has a story, and takes this perspective with them, are more likely to attract others. Encourage someone to talk about themselves, and don’t sweat the details of what they have to say.

4. SHARING THE SPOTLIGHT

Confident people aren’t usually too concerned with being at the center. Forget the image of the high school jock in the hallway; the most confident men and women are also some of the most selfless. They’ll generously share the spotlight; heaping deserved praise onto worthy recipients and making an effort to lift the spirit of others.

5. HAVING A POWERFUL MESSAGE

Well, having a powerful message with the right purpose that is. Some personal stories are very inspirational (e.g. Tony Robbins, Kevin Spacey), and conveyed with a selfless and humble disposition. By all means, tell your story but try to contextualize it in a way that benefits someone else.

6. BEING AN ACTIVE LISTENER

According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, expressing interest and asking questions “caused participants to be more open to the idea of having a conversation with the speaker…and to judge the conclusions of the speech as more valid.”

In other words, talk less and listen more.

7. FORGETTING THE NEED TO BE RIGHT

Okay, more science-based stuff here. In a study conducted at Emory University, the brain’s primitive “fight or flight” response activates in proportion to their interest in the topic at hand. Simply put, the need to feel right is ingrained within the human brain, especially when passions are stoked – and this is true regardless of evidence or rationale.

The most confident people will suppress many of these primitive emotions; choosing instead to engage and sustain a conversation with someone regardless of their opposing viewpoints.

8. START WITH A POSITIVE MINDSET

Starting the day with a positive state of mind makes navigating the day much easier. We’ll begin conversations on a positive note, act more respectfully and sincerely, and leave a positive impact wherever we go.

Related article: 4 Behaviors That Hurt Your Confidence (And How to Avoid Having Them)

9. DISPLAYING VULNERABILITY

Contrary to what far too many people still believe, showing vulnerability is not an act of weakness. It is a very human act that is both charming and compelling. Being vulnerable has a way of establishing trust and revealing a sense of confidence. Displaying vulnerability also delivers a powerful message: that it’s okay to be less than perfect, and that we needn’t be so hard on ourselves.

10. SMILE!

No big surprise here. Confident people are more self-assured – and in many cases, happier – than other, less secure personality types. Even a slight smile will immediately lower many people’s guard; making them more willing to listen to what you have to say. They’ll also have an established sense of trust when it’s time for you to listen.

9 Things To Never Say To A Strong Woman

Wherever you go, you meet them. Strong women are in every town on the planet and they make up a diverse group. She can be anything and anyone she wants to be, so you’d better not tell her otherwise.

From your Grandma who won’t take any backtalk to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, strong women are the backbone of the world. They bring the next generation into being and the weight of that tremendous responsibility rests on their strong shoulders.

Strong women are empowered, accountable, visionary, resilient and have high integrity. You’re dealing with a superwoman, and with that comes super responsibility. She has a to-do list a mile long and works harder than anyone you know to get everything done.

WHEN TO JUST BE QUIET

A strong woman always values your input. She respects your opinion, although she may not always agree with you. She’d rather work with you than against you, so, like a lawyer, she’s always prepared with her opening argument to help you see things from her perspective. If you can’t see eye to eye though, you’d better get out of her way.

Whether you know a strong woman or you are one, there are some things better left unsaid. Telling her any of these 10 things is going to rapidly escalate the conversation.

HERE ARE 9 THINGS TO NEVER TELL A STRONG WOMAN:

1. “JUST STOP.”

You can’t stop a strong woman, so why try? If she’s in the middle of something, you might want to let her finish. Whether she’s venting her feelings or working overtime on a project, she’s got energy and she’s going to use it. If she’s hard at work, either ask if she wants help or get out of her way.

If you tell her to stop and she’s midstream in speaking, that is going to be seen as rude. Try telling your strong woman that when she’s had her say, you’d like to add your views, and she’s more likely to wonder what’s on your mind. She’ll stop and let you have your turn.

2. “WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?”

Even if you think that she should have done things differently, this is certainly not the way to get your point across. It comes off as accusatory, and a strong woman is likely to take a defensive position in response. She had several thoughts on the matter, actually, and now you get to hear all of them.

3. “YOU’RE CRAZY.”

She may be emotional and you might not like it, but she’s not crazy. Strong women speak and act with strength. Interpreting her actions as crazy was an error in judgment on your part.

4. “YOU CAN’T.”

This one might be a good motivator if you need her to do something, because a strong woman will fight to do what she’s been told can’t be done. Just because you think it can’t be done, doesn’t mean that she can’t do it. She’s likely to show you a whole lot of “can do” attitude and back it up with action.

5. “WHY CAN’T YOU BE MORE LIKE __?”

Because she’s a strong individual woman like no other. Quit comparing her to anyone else. Strong women hold themselves to their own standard. She’s not like your old boss, girlfriend, lover, mother, sister, aunt or friend.

A strong woman can change, but she’ll do it for herself, not for you. Never tell her to be someone that she’s not.

6. “GET YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT.”

Her priorities are on her mind constantly. A strong woman puts first things first. Just because you aren’t her priority right now does not mean that she isn’t focused on what really is most important.

7. “YOU DON’T NEED THAT.”

As if you’ve never bought something just because you wanted it. A strong woman has the right to something that she just wants. She probably even knows exactly to the penny how her budget is able to afford the purchase. Just let her enjoy it and bask in the glow from her smile. Even better, make a note of her preferences and next time get it for her.

8. “YOU ASK TOO MANY QUESTIONS.”

Strong women ask because they have a need to know. Whether it’s to inform her strong opinions or to clarify what you said, never tell her to stop asking questions. She has a mind to learn and telling her to stop won’t limit her inquiring mind.

9. “CALM DOWN.”

It’s like poking an angry bear, throwing gasoline on a fire and pulling the pin on a grenade all at once. If you thought she wasn’t upset before, you haven’t seen anything yet. The strong woman that you just said this to is going to show you some powerful emotions.

Handling this differently is strongly advised. You might try “You seem very passionate about this” or “What do you think we should do about it?” Diverting her energy to focusing on a solution is fine, as long as she’s had time to express herself fully.

10 Signs You’re A Strong Woman Who Stands Out From Everyone Else

Strong women have such an impact on our lives that we can’t help but be moved by them. You may have been raised by a strong woman or had a strong female role model in your life that helped shape you into the wonderful woman you are today. If you identify as a strong woman, then you’ll resonate with the following traits about yourself and all the other beautiful strong women out there.

10 SIGNS YOU’RE A STRONG WOMAN WHO STANDS OUT FROM EVERYONE ELSE

1. YOU HAVE UNMATCHED COURAGE.

If you’re a strong woman, then you stand up to face any challenge, no matter what it entails. A strong woman will also walk away from any situation that no longer serves her best interest, which also requires immense courage. You may feel the fear, but you push past it and stand tall in the face of adversity or danger, which makes you incredibly powerful and a force to be reckoned with!

2. YOU LOVE YOURSELF NO MATTER WHAT.

If you love yourself despite the mistakes you’ve made and your perceived flaws, then you’re most certainly a strong woman. Self-love takes immense effort and time in order to cultivate, and only the strongest of women know how to really love themselves.

3. YOU DON’T DEPEND ON ANYONE ELSE.

Independent women don’t lean on anyone else for their financial, emotional, mental, or physical well-being. It can feel scary to go out there on your own and conquer the world, but you don’t let the fear of failure stop you. You trust in yourself to get through any challenge, which makes you a strong woman.

4. YOU’RE KIND AND COMPASSIONATE.

‘Kind words are short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.’ – Mother Teresa

Strong women don’t consider kindness a weakness; rather, they see it as a very necessary part of their being which helps them to connect with others emotionally, and build others up rather than tear them down. Strong women don’t use their ego for evil, but for good. They see others as their brothers and sisters, and treat them as such.

5. YOU ALWAYS FOLLOW YOUR INTUITION.

Strong women don’t listen to any voice in their life but their own. They only follow their own gut, because no one knows better than them what they truly want and need in life. Your intuition speaks loudly, and you’ve learned how to quiet your mind and really listen to it.

6. OTHERS CONSIDER YOU A GREAT ROLE MODEL.

Other women and men look up to you for your wonderful personality, attitude, and treatment of others. People come to you for advice, or just to catch up and chat for a bit. They truly love your company, as you radiate happiness, wisdom, kindness, and strength.

7. YOU KNOW HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN HAPPINESS.

Strong women also don’t depend on others for their happiness; they create it. If you’re a strong woman, you don’t ever let other people’s feelings get you down. You also don’t let your own inner turmoils run your life – you rise above and make the best of this beautiful journey.

8. YOU AREN’T AFRAID TO SHOW YOUR EMOTIONS.

‘Never be ashamed of how you feel. You have the right to feel any emotion you want.’ – Demi Lovato

Strong women also don’t bash themselves or others for feeling and sharing emotions. They know that holding in emotions only creates more problems in the long-run, and hiding your true feelings just isn’t healthy. They speak their mind, let out their innermost feelings and thoughts, and then move on with their lives.

9. YOU ALWAYS BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.

Believing in yourself allows you to reach new heights in life, but only a strong woman knows that. They know that having faith in your abilities is essential to creating the life you really want to live.

Related article: 21 Things To Expect When Dating A Strong Woman

10. YOU SHOW OTHERS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND SUPPORT.

A study of maternal love in the brain as compared with romantic love revealed that brain areas that are active in romantic love are also active in maternal love. So, this means that based on the love your mom showed to you as a child, you have the foundation to show others this same unconditional love. We have so many wonderful role models all around us if we open our eyes, and the strong women that we know in our lives helped shape us into the strong women (and men) that we are today.

8 Types of Toxic People Who Poison Your Life

“When a toxic person can no longer control you, they will try to control how others see you. The misinformation will feel unfair, but stay about it, trusting that other people will eventually see the truth, just like you did.” – Jill Blakeway

From the moment we wake to the time we fall asleep, we’re inundated with negativity. Want to watch some TV? You’ll witness some toxic stuff. Work at an office? No doubt there’ll be coworkers who exude negativity – a common occurrence in the workplace. Toxic people are everywhere – and, unfortunately, there is no escaping that fact.

This constant exposure to negative energy can leave one feeling confused, physically drained, and utterly frustrated. It may even result in a bout of depression, anxiety, or manifest into other mental and physical symptoms.

Sadly, the number one source of negativity (by a longshot) is other human beings. Without properly dealing with such individuals, these folks can have a poisonous influence on anyone and everyone – and this is often their very intent.

Toxic people come in all different forms: loud and quiet; angry and calm; intelligent and dull; eccentric and “normal”…and so on. Identifying a toxic person is not always simple, as many of these types are masters at manipulation.

In understanding the different types of toxic people, we can effectively prevent or resolve any real or potential conflict. Identifying the problem is the most important step in solving it, and toxic people are no different.

HERE ARE EIGHT TYPES OF TOXIC PEOPLE (AND HOW THEY CAN POISON YOUR LIFE):

 1. THOSE WHO ALWAYS CRITICIZE

For some odd reason, many toxic people gain something by incessantly critiquing others. Chalk it up to poor self-image; the need to feel superior, or whatever – the reason behind it doesn’t matter; this behavior is as unacceptable as it is toxic.

We all need people in our lives that will “tell us what we need to hear, not what we want to hear.” Such dialogue is called “constructive criticism,” and is intended to leave us better off. Toxic criticism does just the opposite, and should never be tolerated.

Such people need to hear that their behavior is unwelcome and offensive, and then go about your day.

2. THOSE WHO WASTE OUR TIME

Toxic people often seek out attention wherever they can find it. Others may just devalue your time; completely oblivious to the fact that you’ve got things to do. Both groups of people are toxic.

People that waste time for no other purpose than to waste time are toxic; this requires us to set clear boundaries and to stand our ground.

3. THOSE WHO CONTINUALLY DISAPPOINT US AND OTHERS

As fallible creatures, we’ll certainly disappoint others at one time or another. Perhaps more than one time – and that’s okay; unless disappointing others becomes a usual habit. Then it’s toxic.

If someone in your life is repeating this hurtful cycle, it is time to do one of two things: (1) tell them you won’t allow it to continue – and if it does, (2) get that person out of your life.

4. THOSE WHO ALWAYS SEEM TO “SELF-REDIRECT.”

Many toxic people have a penchant for self-centeredness. Anything and everything seemingly revolves around them – and it never stops.

“Self-redirectors” can be deciphered by their “taking” (as opposed to “giving) outlook on relationships. If it doesn’t benefit them, to hell with it. Most toxic people of this nature never change…so just let them go.

5. THOSE WHO ARE OBVIOUSLY INDIFFERENT

The fifth sign pertains to people we choose to keep in our life, regardless of their attitude of indifference. When we love/like/care for another human being, and our feelings are not reciprocated by that person, it’s a hard blow.

“Time heals all wounds” is an axiom that certainly applies in this case. You can’t force another person to care. Perhaps the best option is to let go and ride out the pain.

6. THOSE WHO PROTRUDE EXCESSIVE JEALOUSY

It’s okay to be a bit envious of a person from time to time. However, when someone is always jealous, it’s tough to be in their presence.

First, they’re almost never grateful for what they already have – and they make this known. Second, they’ll often vocally insult and disparage people who achieve any modicum of success. Finally, should you garner some accomplishment, it makes you an instant target.

Needless to say, those who are excessively envious are toxic. Time to reconsider any relationship with this person.

7. THOSE WHO ARE CONTINUALLY NEGATIVE

This is self-explanatory. People attached with the “Negative Nancy” label are seemingly always upset at something or someone. They’ll exude a sense of pessimism even if it seems completely unwarranted.

Related article: How to Avoid the Mindset of Toxic People

These people are extremely poisonous because negative energy is potent and permeating. We’re much more likely to develop a negative state of mind in the presence of such people.

We need to get out of their presence.

8. THOSE WHO “PLAY THE VICTIM CARD.”

Refusing to take responsibility; constantly arguing with others; holding onto grudges; shifting blame to an innocent person. These are all common attitudes and behaviors of someone with a victim mentality.

Not only is this an obvious indicator of an immature mindset, but it also has a toxic effect on others. Nobody wants to be close to someone who refuses to take accountability for themselves.