Avoiding Too Much of a Good Thing

One issue some of us may face is overworking our bodies. While it is true that staying active and getting regular exercise is incredibly important, there is also a dark side to getting too much activity. Sometimes becoming addicted to exercise, movement, and activity can actually put extra stress on your body and mind. This can be especially true if you find a sense of validation from trying to work toward a specific body image.

 

Stress from attempting to accomplish these types of goals can cause a lot of stressors, not only in our minds but physically as well once that drive goes into action. Most people fail to realize that there is such a thing as overdoing it with their physical exertion. If you aren’t visibly injuring yourself, then it may seem like there is no problem at all in exercising your heart out.

 

Unfortunately, the things that we are experiencing in our bodies are often invisible. We do not get signs and symptoms of serious issues until it is too late, and constantly exercising releases stress hormones into the brain. It is important to make sure that you are not overloading your body with this type of stress, as it can ultimately be problematic for your heart and sometimes even your mood. Make sure that you are giving yourself a reasonable amount of rest so that your muscles can repair themselves and you are able to do things in a healthy way. 

 

It is always important not to put yourself to extremes in any situation. While there can always be room for improvement, there is also a lot to be said for enjoying things in moderation. You can still maintain a healthy lifestyle. Just do your best not to obsess about it and if possible, keep in mind the fact that your physical fitness is not a total reflection of your worth. It is okay to take things easy once in a while and still find value in yourself. 

 

While it is always important to stay active, everything that we do takes a toll on us. Constantly putting yourself through stressors that can easily be avoided is dangerous. Consider all of the stories you may have heard about people who are shocked by a loved one who is in peak physical condition having heart attacks or other health issues that we are often thought exercise is meant to avoid. It is possible those people are guilty of overdoing it with their exercise regimen.

 

The purpose of this article isn’t to discourage you from exercise. Being active is a vital part of living a healthy life. However, make sure that you are being active in a safe way, because too much of a good thing can easily turn into a bad one, no matter what it is!

 

Avoiding Processed Foods as a Stress Reduction Technique

Many people may not realize that when we eat, our levels of cortisol will rise. This is an occurrence that is relatively important; it helps our bodies to sort out the good things from the bad so that we know what we can use and which nutrients to absorb. Unfortunately, this is something that can actually be very bad for us when we are not consuming a proper amount of healthy foods.

 

When we eat processed foods, the levels of stress in our bodies will rise. It is dangerous because our cortisol levels will rise exponentially through the consumption of unhealthy and processed foods. It is important to try and remain conscious of the effects of each of the choices that we make. By consuming foods that will cause our stress levels to rise, whether we are aware of it or not, we are subjecting ourselves to major health issues, not only physically, but potentially emotionally. 

 

Have you ever been in a bad mood without really fully understanding why that is? Did you ever notice that you are feeling poorly and then examine the food choices you have made and realize that it is possibly related to your food choices?

 

Another thing to look out for are food sensitivities. If you have any sensitivities to foods, or food allergies, these things can cause your body to release stress hormones as your immune system is activated in an attempt to fight off the problem. This can leave you feeling moody and irritable, and cause inflammation in your body that you may not be aware of because it is not always physically apparent.

 

When our bodies are under duress, our moods tend to take a hit. Our bodies are very sensitive and more often than not, irritability and mood swings are often indicative of serious physical problems. If you look at the symptoms for many diseases, irritability and mood swings are often early warning signs. Our bodies know when something is off, and when our brains are producing an overabundance of stress hormones, it is a sign that we should be paying attention.

 

Do your best to grocery shop in a smart way. Make meal plans that include fresh and healthy food options. Rather than going through every aisle in the grocery store right away, consider simply going around the outside and purchasing a majority of fresh foods before heading into the processed food aisles. It is much easier to make healthy choices if you are prepared ahead of time!

 

While processed foods may seem like a convenient choice, consider the future. It may cost you much more than that to try to reverse the damage that these types of foods can cause the body, while prevention is as easy as making better choices. When they say that one ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, they aren’t joking! Avoid stressing your body out with processed foods and enjoy a healthier lifestyle today!

 

How Passion at Work Helps You Get Ahead

A recent study has discovered 88% of people are unhappy in their job. The other 12% experience joy and passion for what they do.

 

Are you in this 12%?

 

If not, you’re not alone. Sadly, a lack of passion does more than make the day drag. When you’re not enthusiastic about what you do, you’re simply not going to be as productive or even as successful at what you do compared to the individual who gets excited about their job. 

 

Don’t believe it? Consider these ideas on how passion at work will help you get ahead.

 

Passionate People Focus

You can’t help but be intrigued by the things you’re passionate about. You can’t wait to dive in and see what makes things tick. This kind of focus enables you to see all the moving parts easily. It also keeps you more on task, and less likely to allow interruption as you hate to be pulled away from what you love. 

 

Passionate People Experience Less Stress

 

When you’re passionate, you’re just more relaxed overall. Why would you be stressing about doing something you love? Instead, you’re more likely to feel the satisfaction of doing what you love as you get stuff done. 

 

Passionate People are Creative

 

When you love what you do, you can’t wait to learn more about it. This interest in your work makes you more knowledgeable and more likely to notice things. This leads to more creativity in the course of your day.

 

Passionate People Get More Done

 

Passion is what wakes up a competitive spirit. You can’t wait to get things done just to see what comes next. All these things mean you’re putting out more work, and are much more likely to finish tasks over someone who isn’t passionate.

 

Passionate People Do Better

 

When you’re passionate, you’re going to be more interested in the details and will push more to ‘get it right’ just because you can. Being passionate means that you’re doing a better quality of work, which is, in turn, noticed by those around you. Hey, think about it. When promotion time comes, who would you rather move up, someone who hates their job and drags through the day or someone enthusiastic, quick to action, and gets the work done?

 

Passionate People Have Fun

 

Work doesn’t have to be drudgery. When you’re passionate, you’re interested in what you do. This interest makes the day just go faster. 

 

Passionate People Hate to Go Home at the End of the Day

 

This one should sort of speak for itself. When you find yourself wanting to stay and keep going with what you’re doing, you’re definitely in the right place doing the right thing. 

 

3 Irrational Reasons Why We Don’t Negotiate

Why is it so hard to ask for what we want?

 

We see other people do it all the time. Someone else gets a better deal on a car or really nails that raise. Life looks good for everyone else, while we’re the ones who seem to be going nowhere fast.

 

Why is this? Is everyone else just better at negotiating?

 

The reality is, if you’re not getting what you want, you’re probably not asking. In fact, about 2/3 of the population will not negotiate in a given situation, though it’s not for the reason you think. It isn’t opportunity holding you back, it’s fear. But can we truly be blamed? Fear can be a powerful motivator.

 

Let’s look at some of the irrational reasons why we don’t negotiate.

 

“I might be rejected.”

 

No one likes to hear “no.” In fact, it’s such a strong dislike, people will go way out of their way to avoid this kind of response. It’s why people break out in a cold sweat when they think about proposing to their special someone or would rather do just about anything to avoid asking for a favor. In the world of negotiation, this can be especially daunting because a ‘no’ here means you don’t get what you’re angling for. How do you get past this? Tell yourself it’s okay to hear ‘no.’ You won’t get what you want if you don’t ask, so you’ve got nothing to lose. 

 

“What will they think of me?”

 

Afraid you’re going to look bad if you ask? Our image is everything. Not wanting to look miserly or too much like you’re taking unfair advantage are reasonable worries. On the other hand, we tend to be our own harshest critics. Will the other person really look at you differently for asking? A salesman isn’t going to think twice about your asking, and your boss may respect you more for having the guts to ask. In the end, the more important question is, what will you think of you if you don’t ask?

 

“What if I screw this up?”

 

Nothing makes us kick ourselves more than the idea of losing an opportunity. On the other hand, if you don’t ask, you might be missing out on an even better opportunity. 

 

While these fears are irrational, there is some truth to the idea you need to think before you speak. Paying attention to who you’re dealing with should give you a feel for when to throw caution to the wind. In the end, even a missed opportunity isn’t the end of the world. There are always new things around the corner. Don’t let fear rule your life. You’re really braver than you think.

 

6 Steps to Negotiating Your Salary Like a Boss

Think back to the last job you got. What happened when they offered you the position?

 

If you took the salary offered, don’t feel bad. Approximately 60% of the population does (with the numbers higher if you happen to be a woman). What most people don’t realize is just how much leeway there can be in the amount they’re offered. In fact, most people who put themselves out there will actually gain a higher salary than initially offered. Some statistics state as much as $5,000 more a year!

 

With facts like that, learning how to negotiate a higher salary becomes crucial. Try these steps the next time you’re in this position, whether taking a new job or trying for a higher raise during your annual review.

 

Know the Base Pay Going In

 

If you’re not sure how much the position is typically worth, how are you going to know if you’re being offered a fair salary? Do online research before you even go into the interview. Have some idea what is typically paid for people in this position. 

 

Consider the Extras

 

It might be you’re not looking for more money so much as you’d like to see other bonuses such as extra days off, a better insurance package, or other benefits. Decide before you even start negotiations what perks are essential to you.

 

Try Outside Help

 

If you’re looking for a new employer, using a recruiter or headhunter might help you to gain a better salary range than you would on your own. They can also give you an idea of your value if you’re looking to renegotiate your salary where you are now.

 

What About Your Past Performances?

 

When talking salary, discussing your accomplishments reminds the potential employer of your value. This can be tricky to navigate, as most people don’t want to sound like they’re boasting. On the other hand, too much modesty won’t get you where you want to go either. Aim for somewhere in the middle for the best success.

 

Play Hardball

 

If you feel like you’re being severely undervalued, there comes a time when you need to stick up for yourself. Let the employer know you won’t do it for less than [insert specific amount you can live with.] If your skillset is particularly valuable, you’d be surprised at how often this works, or at least opens the door for further negotiation.

 

Use the Bottom Line

 

How have you saved the company money in the past, or increased sales? Money talks. Details like this go a long way toward reminding the employer of your value.

 

6 Tactics to Negotiate the Best Deal Possible

Nothing is absolute. When it comes to getting what you want, whether it’s the deal you’re trying to close or the car you’re buying, nothing is set in stone. You really can negotiate just about everything. 

 

Think about that a minute. You don’t have to pay the price listed whether you’re in a store shopping or talking to a vendor at a flea market. In fact, with the right tactics, you can negotiate the best deal possible, no matter where you are. 

Here are some tips to get you started:

 

Never Bother the Salesperson

 

To negotiate, you need to start with whoever is at the top. This means asking to speak to the store owner or the manager. The person in charge is the only one with the power to give you what you want. There’s no point in wasting time with anyone who doesn’t have the power to make a decision.

 

Put on Your Game Face

 

If you’re gushing about the product, you’ve already lost any power you might have had in the negotiation. A good poker face is essential. Never let on just how important something is to you.

 

Let Them Bid First

 

Negotiating is a game of back and forth. The trick? Never be the one to make the first move. Let them offer the opening price before making your offer. Then once you’ve put in your bid, wait for them to respond with a counteroffer before bidding again. Why? If you make the first bid, you might inadvertently start at a higher price than they were considering. Also, by taking turns, you never wind-up bidding against yourself, a tactic guaranteed to end in failure.

 

Lighten Up

 

Laugh. Smile. Keep things from getting too serious. Good negotiation happens when everyone is relaxed and enjoying themselves. This also has the benefit of keeping you from appearing too serious. If they think you’re not interested, they might offer up a better deal.

 

Try Email

 

Negotiating through another medium such as email slows down the process considerably and gives you time to really think about what you’re doing. It also provides a detailed record of the entire negotiation, so everyone is clear on the expectations and what the parameters of the final deal are.

 

Find a Training Ground

 

Wanting to negotiate something big and important like the purchase of a house or car? Spend some time practicing the art of negotiation. Flea markets, garage sales, and farmer’s markets are all great places to hone your skills. While there, watch how other people do it for additional insight.

 

In the end, you’ll be amazed at just how easy it is to learn how to negotiate to get what you want. With a little practice, you’ll be surprised at just how far you can go! 

 

7 Tips for Negotiating a Raise During Your Annual Review

It’s that time again. Are you ready? Most people look at their annual review with about as much anticipation as one would a root canal. No one truly enjoys the recital of the year’s successes, or worse, the failures. 

 

The worst part? The part of the conversation where money becomes the focal point of the discussion. In fact, more people dread this aspect of the review so much that they’ll take whatever is offered by way of raise without so much as a murmur.

 

While you’re certainly being agreeable enough, did you know you might be leaving money on the table? In fact, your annual review is the perfect place to negotiate a raise, setting yourself up for a significant earnings increase.

 

Here’s how to do it:

 

Document Everything

 

Your preparation for this moment should have started in the days following your last annual review. If you’ve done your homework, you’ve kept a record of what work you’ve accomplished, and all projects you’ve been part of, along with a list of your personal contributions to each. Weren’t quite prepared enough? Sit down and recreate as much of this material as you can in the days leading up to your review (and remember to start documenting for next year immediately afterward).

 

Know the Numbers

 

How much are others in your position earning, keeping in mind your experience and what part of the country you live in? Don’t know? Find out online. Knowledge is power.

 

Keep Your Ear to the Ground

 

How are other people’s reviews going? Listen for word about whether the expected raises were more or less for this year. 

 

What is Your Dollar Amount?

 

Using the information you have now, have a figure in mind going into the meeting. What amount would you like to see for the coming year?

 

Hold Your Ground

 

Once you’re in the meeting, don’t be afraid to use the information you’ve brought to the table to make your case. No matter what, don’t be combative, belligerent, emotional, or otherwise negative in your approach. Simply state the facts and go from there.

 

Ask for a Plan

 

Still got a ‘no’? Talk to your employer about what needs to happen to gain the desired level of salary. Make a timeline and ask for another review somewhere down the road to revisit the issue after you’ve made those changes.

 

Make it Official

 

Once you have a plan in place (or better yet, a promise of a raise) make sure you have the details in writing. This doesn’t have to be some long official document. Even a quick memo sent to HR and your boss should suffice. Make sure to include any details that came out in the discussion.

 

7 Tips to Become a More Successful Negotiator

Who’s looking out for you?

 

In a world where getting what you want is entirely up to you, being a skilled negotiator is crucial to your success, whether you’re angling for a raise or trying to get an outstanding deal on a used car. Sadly, negotiation isn’t one of those skills we’re taught as children. The good news is, it’s never too late to learn how to be a more successful negotiator. You can start with these simple tips:

 

Do Your Research

 

Before you do anything else, you need to know the facts about what you’re negotiating for. If you think your job is worth a raise, first look up what the salary generally is for your position. If you’re looking at a used car, find out what other cars of that make and model typically go for. A little knowledge goes a long way.

 

Listen

 

A negotiation takes two people, both of whom generally want something. Start paying attention early on to what the other person is saying. Getting a feel for where they’re coming from will be to your advantage. 

 

Speak Up

 

Never be afraid to ask for what you want. The trick is to remember there’s a fine line between being assertive and aggressive. Be careful about how strong you’re coming on.

 

Take Your Time

 

The temptation is to close the deal quickly and to take what you can get. Here’s where you need to pull back a little. It’s okay to take time to think about the offer. You also will want to go over the terms and conditions carefully before making a final decision. 

 

Know When to Step Back

 

Remember, you can always walk out of the negotiation. Stick to your guns, especially when you know you’re in the right. When you’re willing to leave the table if you’re terms aren’t met, it shows you mean business.

 

No Weakness

 

The minute you start thinking of the other person as a bigger and stronger opponent, you’ve already lost. This is not the place to show weakness. Instead of worrying about your own shortcomings, concentrate on theirs. How can you use that information?

 

Remember the Give and Take

 

Don’t give up points unless you’re getting something in return. When you concede too much, you’re building up your opponent and setting a poor precedent for future negotiation.

 

Remember the trick is not to let things get personal. At the end of the day, if you knew what you wanted and feel like you looked out for yourself, and then you’ve come out a winner.

 

7 Ways to Negotiate a Lower Price on Anything

There are certain places where you’re almost expected to negotiate. No one goes into a car dealership expecting to pay the sticker price. Places like flea markets and rummage sales actually price things with the idea of negotiating built-in. But did you know you can negotiate a lower price on almost anything?

 

Read on to find out how. 

 

Figure Out the Details

 

When doing your homework, ask these four questions:

 

1) What’s the usual asking price?

2) Why is this person selling?

3) What is the seller cost? 

4) What are other people selling this for?

 

When you want to negotiate, having this kind of knowledge is power. Here’s where you find the vulnerabilities and figure out just how hard you can push. 

 

Make Them Speak First

 

When you’re ready to negotiate, don’t say anything until you get their asking price. It might be the figure in your head is higher than the number in theirs. Once you have this number, you now have something to work with as you make your counteroffer.

 

Bid Low…REALLY Low

 

Don’t look for the middle ground when making your counteroffer. Go much lower than you think you want to pay. The natural inclination is for the next person to make an offer by deciding a number between the two offered. By calculating this carefully, you’ll wind up paying either what you were hoping for, or if you’re fortunate, even less than you’d initially thought you would.

 

Figure Out the Limits

 

Did you do your homework? If so, you probably already have an idea on just how low the other person can go. They typically can’t drop below cost, no matter what. 

 

Shut Up

 

Consider using silence as a negotiation tool. When you don’t respond immediately to their offer, the other person will generally get a little nervous. They might start talking to fill up space. They also might begin making concessions. 

 

Add Some Add-Ons

 

Still not happy with the final price? See what else they can throw in for free to sweeten the deal. You’ll be amazed at the extras you can pick up.

 

Leave

 

No one wants to lose a sale. The moment you start heading for the door, the other person starts to worry. They might call you back to give you what you want after all. Use caution, however, as you have to mean it when you leave. There’s no going back once you employ this tactic.

 

Overall, it’s not hard to get what you want from someone else, provided you’re willing to stand your ground and play a little hardball. Keep in mind, though, this kind of negotiation should also be fun. Looking at things as a game will help you to keep your perspective and not take it personally if things don’t wind up going your way.