A reason to strive for a more fulfilling and well-rounded life is to maximize your personal happiness; which than becomes contagious.  This is like when the stewardess says put on your oxygen mask first and then help others. Your happiness can touch others and be passed along. Helping yourself to help others.

Have you ever seen a really happy little baby? Aww, juiciest cheeks and the biggest grin with the most contagious laugh. How can you see them and still be angry? I hope you can’t. I just can’t help but laugh and smile too. Even though I don’t get their joke.

Here in part 3, I want you to keep that baby and that contagious laughter in your mind as you read the next unconventional behaviors to get us on the path to a more fulfilling and well-rounded life in the series.

Keep thinking, “I am as contagious as a happy laughing baby”. “I am as contagious as a happy laughing baby”. “I am as contagious as a happy laughing baby”.

1. More Personal Interaction with Family and Friends:

It is a time honored tradition to spend time with family and friends during the holidays, weddings, graduations, and even funerals. We come together and talk about “old times” not realizing that we have let far too many work appointments and other things get in the way of creating new memories. We look at photos and talk about those who have gone on. Those of us with lots of friends and family, tend to take them for granted and forget there are many people who don’t have family and friends living nearby or in some cases not at all. Like the last surviving sibling.

People have relocated for work or are alone due to the loss of a loved, tomorrow is not promised to any of us. The question has been asked, who on their death bed said they wish they spent more time working? Even Ebenezer Scrooge changed. Taking the time to enjoy your friends and family. When you put everything before your loved ones, how can you expect them to be there for you? They can leave you during your time of need wondering where so-and-so is and why they have not come see about you.

To live a more fulfilling and well-rounded life, call those friends and family members you haven’t spoken to, for whatever reason. Reaching out and reconnecting will be great for you and them. All during the year be in close touch with those who have no family. You may not have many biological relatives, but there are friends we may be close to like biological kin. Work on developing at least one new friend a month. New people, new perspectives, new ideas, and best of all – new memories. There’s no time like the present to work on strengthening your relationships and increase your quality of life.

2. Revive the Art of Handwritten Messages:

Technology has made staying connected much easier, but much more impersonal. In the technology age communication has become emails, tweets, likes, shares, and text messages. Do you remember having friends and family over to barbeque, to watch the game, family movies night, or just for the enjoyment of good conversation and company? What about reviving the wonder through the lost art of sending handwritten notes and letters? A hand-created gesture shows the time you put into the right expression, your thoughtfulness, effort, and your love for them. Everyone loves to know others have taken great care and time in sending such a personal message. As time has passed and one day you go back through your box of memories, find that special handwritten note and the initial feeling of love comes flooding back to you all over again.

3. Volunteer More:

The proverb says it is better to give than to receive. Another proverb – a person may forget what you have done, but they won’t forget how you made them feel. Feelings are powerful and everyone’s are different. For a more fulfilling life, work to become that wonderful person that makes others feel special. By the act of donating your time and putting someone’s needs before your own can make all the difference in the receiver’s life. You receive too. The feeling of knowing you met the need of another is its own reward. Every good deed doesn’t need to be broadcast; donating blood to the local blood bank, sorting donate clothes to a local charity, donate your time tutoring youth, or a companion to the elderly.

Supporting others during their time of need, seeing the appreciation for your contribution big or small is priceless. What a way to make a powerful impact. Not only are you meeting a need you also get to enjoy a sense of accomplishment and pleasure that can only come from sincerely giving of yourself. Look at all you gain by volunteering: boost in your self-confidence, introduction to new experiences. Learn new skills, make new friends, and the inner joy that comes from the feeling of being a good human-being. Pick a cause that holds special meaning to you. Something positive you believe in.  

Need some suggestions on ways to give back visit:

- Volunteer with an organization like Friends Of the National Zoo (FONZ)
- Help assemble SHARE packages at a distribution center
- Volunteer to answer the phone or cook a meal for your local fire department
- Be a Candy Stripper at a hospital or nursing home
- Start a neighborhood watch or Home Owner’s Association (HOA)
- Parents and Teachers Association
… and many others.

4. Learn from Other by Listening:

Let’s face it, as brilliant, educated, and intelligent as you are, you don’t know everything and can always learn something new when listening to someone else. Younger people from older people as well as the older generation learning from the younger generation. Now this does not mean you have to agree with what they say, just respect their right to say it. There are times we should be quicker to listen and slower to speak. In some cultures, the wisdom of the elderly carries much weight, but to get the knowledge the youth must listen to gain the very beneficial nuggets of life experience that only time can give to a person. Why learn the hard way if you don’t have to? And you don’t always have to if you heed sound teaching. There’s a lot we can learn from each other. The key to making this work is to listen with open minds and without passing judgment. Really try and see it from the other side.

We know this to be true or people wouldn’t still be quoting philosophers, academics, and scholars. Do they know something we don’t? Maybe, but we have to take the time to not only listen, but hear what is being presented for our learning. Who knows there may be some misfortune, pain, and heartache you missed out on all because you remember the advice of a trusted friend, family member, teacher, or a stranger. Also, it’s quite helpful in changing one’s life.
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Ok glad you are still with me through the first three of the four-part series of Behaviors for a More Fulfilling and Well-Rounded Life … look out for the final part in this series. If you missed part 2 in the series click here.
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OUR VISION
Our mission is to become a leader in small and medium size business consulting by providing our clients with business services that help them become more successful industry leaders.

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For a more fulfilling and well-rounded life we have to do a better job of claiming our stuff. It’s not always someone else, when you are the common denominator. You can’t always be right there are times you have to own your bad and selfish behaviors. Now don’t take this as me pointing the finger, as I write this I had to be real and take a look at things in my life and be willing to say “that was all me”. Each person has to realize we are responsible for maintaining our own personal happiness.

Time to take back your happy. Here in part 2, we are going to talk about how to do that. Moving into a more positive mindset can change your outlook on life dramatically. Who couldn’t stand to be a little happier?

1. No More Blaming Others:
We are adults and we are solely responsible for our own lives. Playing the victim is not empowering in any way. We always have a choice in how we change things in our lives. If things are not working in your current position, take a class for a new marketable skill to seek a promotion within your current organization or Invest in a professional to update your resume and seek employment elsewhere. Why sit there day after day blaming your supervisor or co-workers for you not being happy at the job. Is there some place you wish you could go, but your money is tight? We always have a choice to change our surroundings or go with the same as situations are not always favorable.

2. Forgive More:
If it were you that made that made the mistake you would expect the other person to understand. You can’t hold on every mistake someone makes against you. Sometimes it is truly not about you. They could have had other things on their mind and just did it without even realizing it. Every mistake is not life changing. Un-forgiveness is at the root of most relationship issues, no matter the relationship. Forgiveness can make all the difference in mending your relationships.

3. Save for a Rainy Day:
It has been said most people are only one paycheck away from homelessness. Sad, but in too many occasions true. There are a large number of Americans that don’t have a retirement fund or life insurance. Try to allocate some money from your monthly earnings to put in your retirement funds that allow you to have some sort of backup when you retire from your regular work or from the job you do. You should not only take some money from your monthly earnings from the retirement funds, but also from the bonuses you received on a yearly basis to be put into your retirement savings. These savings can be very beneficial for the upcoming rainy days of your life when you are short of it due to retirement or because of any disabilities or any other problem which you might have faced during your job or work period.

4. No Negativity on Social Media:
Social media is the place to be these days. Many people feel like when they are not on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google Hangouts, Instagram and others, they think they are missing something. There was a time when we would chat with people about their posts, but now it has moved toward more of collecting friends and becoming popular. Negativity gets attention and most people don’t mind posting negative and disturbing images for others. We are adults why are we sharing fight videos of teenagers? Being more responsible in creating good vibes on social media means moving toward eliminate sharing and liking disturbing, horrify, and negative information over social media. We are not only good citizens in the neighborhood where you like, you are a member of the online community where you can also make a positive impact.

5. Become More Disciplined:
​Ok, there are times when we just want to be lazy. There are areas in your life where you could benefit from more discipline. Junk room, disorganized office, always running late? There is a sign of lack of discipline somewhere. There are times don’t take control of the habits that adversely affect us. You said you were going to lose that 20 pounds, no cheat days and drink more water. You have a big project at work, start assembling the items you are going to need now so they are on-hand when the project begins. Initiative that saves time and shop for better deals is always in your favor. Your office is disorganized contact organization services for estimates and make the investment. The disciplined part is take the advice they offer on how to maintain your space to keep it in the best shape possible.

Get up a little earlier and go to the gym, no more excuses, or go to bed earlier. TiVo, DVR, and other services allowing you to watch the program later. Face it, it’s cable it will be on again, and again, and again. You really are not missing anything. Discipline is to improve the quality of your life so you can get more joy out of it. The act of discipline leads to less stress.
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If you like this and want to see what other behaviors for a more fulfilling and well-rounded life … part 3 is on the way.
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Don’t forget to comment, like and share this great content and help others.

Do you have questions? Contact us for answers. Do you have sound business advice?

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ABOUT US
Pharice Brown & Associates, LLC focuses on consulting aimed at increasing efficiency, creation of value and determination of strategy in both the public and private sectors. We manage corporate issues including marketing, business growth performance and administrative management.

OUR VISION
Our mission is to become a leader in small and medium size business consulting by providing our clients with business services that help them become more successful industry leaders.

We are socially active:
Friend us on Facebook
Tweet with us on Twitter
Link with us on LinkedIn
​
*** These are paid ads and Pharice Brown & Associates, LLC and its subsidiaries are not responsible for products or services. ***

Each year around January 1st most of us participate in the tradition of creating New Year’s Resolutions. We make them and after a few months they fall to the wayside. Commonly we commit to exercise more, lose weight, quit smoking, eat better, volunteer, reduce debt, anything of importance to us.  According to University of St. Thomas psychology professor, John Tauer, said, about 6 months into the new year more than 80% of people have fallen off the New Year’s resolution wagon. The plan is to meet the goals we set, but even if we fail value can still be found in setting goals any time of the year.
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No more resolutions, let’s try something new, interesting – important with a higher chance success rate. Something we can stick to.

In this 4 -part article I will share a few unconventional behaviors to get us on the path to a more fulfilling and well-rounded life and it won’t take a lot of effort:

1. Learn Something New:

From an entering college student to PhD, there is always room to learn something new. Many professions like: medical professionals, tax professionals, and realtors require continued education to stay current with their professional requirements. Life is a walking, living, breathing classroom full of learning opportunities that come to us every day. Never be afraid to learn something new. Is there something you have just been DREAMING about doing? Why not? Not sure of what to try:

Trade: carpentry, plumbing, electrical, automotive, interior design

Technology: MS Word, Constant Contact, QuickBooks, LinkedIn, Photoshop

Hobbies: pottery, build models, knitting, star gazing, photography

Creative: Writing poetry, drawing, clothing design, floral arrangements, music

Health: Meditation, Thai Chi, Yoga, Dancing, healthy eating, hiking

Business: Author, App Developer, Public Access TV Host, Professional Blogger, Child Development.

Choose a topic of deep interest to you. A subject you can get lost in.

2. Lose the Frenemies:

It’s time to leave those enemies disguised as friends behind. Those you find to be more of a stress than a blessing. Always complaining. Never happy. Not supportive of others. With these toxic people in your life you will be sick forever. The people known for picking fights in a peaceful environment, ones that mislead you and damage your self-esteem. The best medicine for these types of diseases, is a huge dose of stay away forever.

3. Forgive More:

Try a little empathy. If the shoe was on the other foot and you were the one that committed the act, what logical reasons would you have to make that particular decision. Again, if it were you. You would expect the other person to be understanding and sympathetic to your cause. You can also extend that same courtesy. This act can change your life and how you look at mistakes committed against you. The lack of forgiveness is where people get stuck and nurture dysfunctional relationships. Laying aside guilt and who’s right or wrong; moving toward forgiveness can make a significant transformation in relationships with others and the inner peace you will amaze you. Like a burden has been lifted, because it has. A little forgiveness goes a long way. A small gesture with a great impact.

4. Better Time Management:

Your most precious asset is your time, when used wisely you will get all the value out of it you can. Think of what you have done over the course of the day. Can you think of somethings you could have done if you stayed focused and didn’t get side-tracked? Don’t worry you are in good company. We all have been guilty of being less than productive. Knowing how you spend your time and making the most of opportunities will result in less stress, increased efficiency, and improved productivity throughout your lifetime. How many times have you made a rushed decision and then wished you took more time to think about it first? Buyer’s remorse? Now, this does not mean working day and night is the best use of your time either. When you hear “using your time wisely”, all it means is spend more time progressing on actions that meet a specific goal more then you spend goofing off.

Use this as an example: You have a business meeting early the next morning at 7, but you have to stay up and watch the clock go down to 0:00. So you stay up until midnight. You don’t have your clothes ready, you haven’t reviewed your presentation, or checked your equipment. You wake up late. You are now rushing to get ready and make a mad dash for the door. You run into traffic you need to call the office, you reach for your cell phone and realize you forgot it along with the presentation thumb drive. Now, I hope this has never happened to you. Keep in mind, if it can go wrong in some cases it will. With planning and good time management skills horrific scenario like that one can be headed off at the pass. In this case the best use of time would have been to be preparing for the next day while you are up watching the game. Wardrobe selection (try it on), shoes and socks all laid out. Check weather. Open your laptop and run the program from your thumb drive, proof reading for any last minute changes. I know you may miss an amazing play; they have a check coming in the morning – you may not. The practice of good time management can really make a difference in your life and an overall improvement in your mood.

If you like this and want to see what other behaviors for a more fulfilling and well-rounded life … part 2 is on the way.
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Don’t forget to comment, like and share this great content and help others.

Do you have questions? Contact us for answers. Do you have sound business advice?

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ABOUT US
Pharice Brown & Associates, LLC focuses on consulting aimed at increasing efficiency, creation of value and determination of strategy in both the public and private sectors. We manage corporate issues including marketing, business growth performance and administrative management.

OUR VISION
Our mission is to become a leader in small and medium size business consulting by providing our clients with business services that help them become more successful industry leaders.

We are socially active:
Friend us on Facebook
Tweet with us on Twitter
Link with us on LinkedIn
​
*** These are paid ads and Pharice Brown & Associates, LLC and its subsidiaries are not responsible for products or services. ***

​Don’t forget to comment, like and share this great content and help others.

Do you have questions? Contact us for answers. Do you have sound business advice?

Send it to us for the opportunity to be a featured Contributor.

ABOUT US
Pharice Brown & Associates, LLC focuses on consulting aimed at increasing efficiency, creation of value and determination of strategy in both the public and private sectors. We manage corporate issues including marketing, business growth performance and administrative management.

OUR VISION
Our mission is to become a leader in small and medium size business consulting by providing our clients with business services that help them become more successful industry leaders.

We are socially active:
Friend us on Facebook
Tweet with us on Twitter
Link with us on LinkedIn
 
© 2016 Pharice Brown & Associates, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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*** These are paid ads and Pharice Brown & Associates, LLC and its subsidiaries are not responsible for products or services. ***

In previous articles we covered methods to increase your website traffic. But there are special occasions you may need to increase your traffic quickly like, a boost in views to promote a new product or service. You may be looking to implement your viral marketing plan with a deeply discounted offer. Let’s cover 3 easy ways to accomplish getting that needed visibility.
 
Use resources available to you:
 
Start with your email list. If you have a budget, you can also buy targeted traffic or start a Joint Venture (JV).
 
Google, or an alternative like Yahoo’s Overture, is a great place to buy fast and immediate traffic. Google AdWords is a go-to tool for generating web traffic. If you need help on AdWords, you can visit our post: AdWords 101 – Getting You Up and Running. For the more advanced users there are excellent eBooks on to have on hand as a desktop reference book. They cover the topic in different ways, including topics like how to avoid having your ad deactivated. Having a guide and a plan will save you a lot of lot time and wasted money. This is Pay Per Click (PPC) advertising. You set a daily budget for your campaign, when someone clicks on your link, your account is charged. When anyone searches your keyword, your ad can be seen on the right side of the page.
 
Be sure to track your campaign.
 
Here’s how to track your campaign. Say you purchase 3 ad space with 3 different advertising sources, pay the same price for all 3, then use the tracking software the advertisers give you to see which source is providing more results.
 
Finding out early where to spend your money to get to the best results will save you time and money.
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Use your email list. This is where your understanding of the sales processes comes. Really quick, a visitor is surfing the net and lands on your site, chances are almost certain they won' t be coming back unless you offer an incentive, latest newsletter, or something to bring them back:
 
You can start by sending promotional emails, twice a month and valuable information, industry trends, between your promotional offers.
 
The last tip is Joint Venture (JV).
 
Get other websites to send your message to their email list. You place your ad on their website, and pay them only when they close a sale. The split is a high as 50% or more. So to make this work for you know the value of the sale. Know what the price of sale should be factoring in the split. Make it easy for them to sell. Do the work for them, have a professionally prepared emails for them including the subject and body, set up the affiliate link they will use on their websites, and any other marketing collateral they can use. As much as possible, give them choices.
 
This is also a good way to network and find some new friends.
 
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Don’t forget to comment, like and share this great content and help others.

Do you have questions? Contact us for answers. Do you have sound business advice?

Send it to us for the opportunity to be a featured Contributor.

ABOUT US
Pharice Brown & Associates, LLC focuses on consulting aimed at increasing efficiency, creation of value and determination of strategy in both the public and private sectors. We manage corporate issues including marketing, business growth performance and administrative management.

OUR VISION
Our mission is to become a leader in small and medium size business consulting by providing our clients with business services that help them become more successful industry leaders.

We are socially active:
Friend us on Facebook
Tweet with us on Twitter
Link with us on LinkedIn
​
*** These are paid ads and Pharice Brown & Associates, LLC and its subsidiaries are not responsible for products or services. ***