Have you ever wondered why it seems easier to hold on to pain and misery than to let go or move on? Think about the seasons in your life when a love interest has chosen to walk away. You know the relationship has hit a dead-end or that, sometimes; it has become toxic, but a part of you still wants to hold on. The sting of their rejection seems unbearable.
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Maybe a business partner or a close friend betrayed you and stole an idea or cost you an excellent business opportunity. Years later, you are running your own business or have a superb job, and yet the pain of their betrayal seems to overshadow that. Instead of leaving your comfort zone and letting go of the pain of our past, you cling to it. Instead of freeing ourselves from what no longer benefits us, we hold on to it.

When you embrace change, you embrace growth. Knowing how to leave your comfort zone behind will help you uncover hidden talents and skills within yourself. When you embark on a journey in unchartered terrain, it forces you to learn to survive. You learn to adapt. Growth and evolution become close companions. You discover things about yourself that you would never have known if you did not have the courage to step out of your comfort zone.

You grow when you let go. In an unfamiliar environment, you unlearn certain habits and adopt new ones. You let go of things you believe to be true and become more open to new ideals. 
​
Leaving your comfort zone frees you from a place of limitation. It offers options and opportunities that open up our narrow view of life and how it works. Do not hold on for comfort. Let go for growth.

We hold on to situations that harm us and affect our overall wellbeing because somehow; we find comfort in our pain. It is easy for us to cling to the terrible experiences we had in our past because we find our identity in them. For some, their life story is not complete without the chapter of how someone walked away or how someone they loved died. Some people do not know who they are outside of painful events from their past or hurtful situations in their present.  

The concept of making new friends and meeting new people becomes more daunting as we grow older. Even though we have outgrown certain friendships from our childhood, we still hold on to them because they are familiar. We hang on to people who do not contribute to our growth because we are afraid that we will be alone. We justify their unacceptable behavior towards us because we need a reason to keep them in our circle, even if they no longer fit in it.

When opportunities present themselves for our growth, we turn them down in favor of what is comfortable. You shelve that application or that interview for a job that has the potential to stretch and challenge you so you become a formidable force in the corporate world. The opportunity to start something we are passionate about slides through our hands because we are afraid to make the move to pursue it. We dislike our job or the working conditions or our earnings, but we comfort ourselves because at least we have a job. So we drag ourselves out of bed every morning and make our way to work, all the while knowing that we have the potential to do better. Our comfort in the familiar does not release us to go out there and be great.

Leaving your comfort zone behind  is not failing. Many people hold on to people who no longer align to their vision. We cling to situations parallel to our goals and dreams.

When you have given something your best shot and it still cannot yield good things, then you are better off without it. Do not let the fear of what society thinks or what people may say keep you in situations that bring more harm than good. You are not a failure for walking out on unhealthy relationships. Knowing how to quit your job is not an indicator of some inadequacy on your part.

You cannot receive anything new unless you loosen your grip on the old that no longer serves you. There are many exciting opportunities on the other side of leaving your comfort zone.

Think about how wonderful it is to meet new people and make new connections. You can do that by leaving your comfort zone. Join a gym. Try out that new café. Travel more and learn new cultures. Unlock yourself from the prison of past connections that are hindering your growth. Apply for that new job. Start your own business. Attend a life-transforming seminar. Give yourself a chance to do the unfamiliar. Change is an agent of growth. It may seem scary to let go, but it allows you to explore who you are and what you are capable of. You will learn new things about yourself if you come out of your cocoon and spread your wings.
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Do not tie yourself to people or environments that drain you. Set yourself free by letting them go. 

When you embrace change, you embrace growth. ​Leaving your comfort zone will help you uncover hidden talents and skills within yourself. When you embark on a journey in unchartered terrain, it forces you to learn to survive. You learn to adapt. Growth and evolution become close companions. You discover things about yourself that you would never have known if you did not have the courage to step out of your comfort zone.
​
You grow when you let go. In an unfamiliar environment, you unlearn certain habits and adopt new ones. You let go of things you believe to be true and become more open to new ideals. 
Stepping out of your comfort removes you from a place of limitation. It offers options and opens up our narrow view of life and how it works. Do not hold on for comfort. Let go for growth.

​You may not have been lucky enough to choose the right career from the beginning. You might wonder if there’s still time. Yes, there’s still time, but it’s important to make an effective plan for a 2021 Career Change. It’s necessary to be thoughtful, but you must also be a person of action.

MAKE A LIST OF YOUR STRENGTHS AND SKILLS.

• Unless you have a lot of money in the bank or a spouse with a great job, it’s important that your career change be successful. Now isn’t the time in your life to experiment on something with little chance of success. Your golden years are rapidly approaching.
• Make a complete list of what you’re good at and what you’re an expert at.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY?

• The path to success consists of combining what you enjoy with your skills and expertise.

 
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO LEARN?

• Any career change will require new knowledge. Have you considered the costs associated with a career change? Where can you get the training you need? Do you need to go back to school? Take an online course? Take a part-time job in the field? Put in time as an intern?

 
WHOM DO YOU KNOW THAT CAN HELP?

• You may have a friend, family member, or former employer willing to give you a chance in the career you desire. Assuming you’re at least 40, you’ve gotten to know a lot of people over the years. This is one of the advantages you have over the 20-something crowd. Leverage your resources.

 
CONSIDER BECOMING AN ENTREPRENEUR.

• This may be the only field that actually doesn’t care at all about your age. In the past, entrepreneurship required a brick and mortar store or office. That’s no longer the case. It’s easy to set up a business online at a minimal cost. Entrepreneurship is blind to your age.

 
ENSURE THAT YOUR FINANCIAL HOUSE IS IN ORDER.

• It can take a while to get back to your original income. Do you need to downsize your lifestyle? Do you have sufficient savings to make the leap to a new career?

​You can change careers after 40. However, the level of risk increases with your age. Ensure that you are able to handle the risks. There’s still time to enjoy a career that you love!

This is a poem by Bryce Angell; he is a cowboy poet. Angell was raised on a farm/ranch in the St. Anthony, Idaho area with approximately 75 head of horses. Horses remain an important part of Angell's life. Angell shares his poetry with Cache Valley Daily every Friday.

I am posting Bryce Angell's poem in this blog.

Source: https://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/archive/2019/05/24/cowboy-poetry-appreciate-your-job/#.Xy8aYShKjIW

​My father always told me

“Being lazy is a crime. 
So, when you’re out there on the job show up and be on time.”
​
His lecture was so familiar that I’d memorized each word. 
And listened so intently for advice I hadn’t heard.

He said: “The Great Depression left its mark as you can tell. 
Back then a job was ‘bout as scarce as snowball fights in hell.

And if you found a job, you’d be the lucky one for sure. 
Others weren’t as blessed, and they were hungry, tired and poor.

But some would rather go without, than being on the dole. 
Welfare was a nasty word.  Yet, hunger took its toll.

So, when they saw their little ones with nothing left to eat,
they’d humbly ask assistance, head down looking at their feet.

The desperate men would ask if there was work that they could do
to pay for any food or clothes, or bill that might be due.”

And then my father said,:

“You young ones don’t know how to work. 
Your parents hand you everything which drives me plumb berserk.

Next time you’re on the job and feeling like you’ve got it tough. 
Just take this little test and, yes, for you it might be rough.

Skip a meal and visualize there ain’t no food for free. 
Your job’s what keeps you eating.  Then try skipping two or three.

An empty belly makes a man appreciate a meal. 
Remember while you’re working how your stomach made you feel.

Your job is what you make of it.  So, try to make it last. 
You’re better off than all those men who grew up in the past.

And when you’re out there on the job.  Show up and be on time.  
Demonstrate some interest if you plan to make a dime."

BRYCE ANGELL

Praise and rewards can do wonders to bolster an employee’s self-confidence and morale. No one can deny the effect praise and recognition can have on people. Even with your family at home, there are many ways you can reward people for a job well done.
 
When you praise someone, you let them know you’re aware of their hard work. You acknowledge they’ve put forth a great effort to accomplish something and you’re celebrating with them for their accomplishment.

• Be sincere in your praise. Don’t praise a worker merely to make them feel better. If your praise is insincere, you may be considered manipulative and you don’t want to give that impression.
  
  
• Give praise when it’s due. You cannot follow the old adage, “Better late than never,” when it comes to praising someone. Express your praise as quickly as you can when you see that someone has done something praiseworthy.
  
  
• Be specific about your praise. Sure, you can tell someone they did a great job, but what was so great about it? “Your research paper was direct, to the point, and full of facts,” sounds much better than telling them they had a nice paper.
  
  
• Praise them in front of others. Giving someone a pat on the back in private may make a person feel good for a few minutes. Recognizing their contribution or success during a staff meeting will extend that good feeling into days, if not weeks. There’s a double benefit to praising people in front of others: public praise may encourage others to work harder as well. 

​As with genuinely praising an employee or family member when they’ve done well, there are other ways to reward them without having to spend money.

Some people are happier and do much better work when they’re allowed to work on their own. Giving an employee more freedom can be an excellent reward.
 

• By giving your employees less supervision, you’re letting them know they’re trusted and you have confidence in their abilities.
  
• If you truly trust your employee to do their work without supervision, allow them the flexibility to work from home on occasion. Of course, whether or not you can allow your employees to work at home will depend on the work they do.

​Job titles don’t always have to mean more money. Sometimes receiving a title means more than getting a few more dollars in their paycheck. It shows that you’re pleased with their work.

​At your next staff meeting, present that person with a certificate. Create a bulletin board in the staff lounge that has photographs of honored employees to continue to recognize them for their good work. 

One of the best ways to publicly praise an employee is to write them a LinkedIn Recommendation. 

During the pre-Covid life, this could mean free passes to the movies theaters. Considering the new normal, you may consider a prepaid card for shopping. 

​Use some of these ways to reward people for a job well done. Not only will your team enjoy their job and the workplace much more, but you’ll find they’re more productive as well. Recognize and reward a job well done and your company will ultimately reap the benefits.

Most of us need a little boost every so often.May be you need to figure out how to stay motivated while working from home. May be it has nothing to with working from home. Perhaps you need to figure out how to stay motivated after a setback.

In any case, this report includes powerful tips to stay motivated. It also includes 3 actionable steps you can take right away and a list of suggested reading for those people who are looking for even more information.

Do you ever wake up in the morning, and the last thing you want to do is get out of bed? How about the mornings when you wake up, hop out of bed ready to take on the world? What's the difference between those two scenarios?  Motivation. 

​Motivation is what compels us to set goals, and more importantly - drives us towards them. Below is a snapshot of how Motivation is defined at Dictionary.com: 

Thesaurus.com suggests the following list, each as a motivation synonym.

​Read the tips below and use them to learn how to tap into the power of motivation.

1. Know What You Want
What is the point of motivation if you don't know what you want? Without having a clear vision of exactly what you desire, you won't be able to build up enough motivation to get through the obstacles you are sure to face.
 
2. Know Why You Want It
This step is just as important as knowing what you want. Why do you want to reach specific goals? What will it mean to your life? Think about all the people in your life that you don't want to let down. These are the "whys," and they are essential.
 
3. Set Goals That Excite You
It's beneficial to set reasonable goals that are easy to reach. I would never suggest stopping that. However, it can also help to set some relatively wild or audacious goals. These goals might seem out of reach right now, but the allure of reaching them in the future might motivate you in the present. 
 
4. Track and Measure Your Results
Tracking and measuring your progress is key to motivation. Learn about using tools to use to measure your goals. When you can actually see your efforts paying off, your motivation will naturally rise. If you don't track and measure, how else will you know if you are making profess?
 
5. Reward Yourself
If you are tracking your progress, make sure you reward yourself at least once daily. Rewarding yourself will ensure that you stay motivated. You are more likely to keep plugging away when you can see that reward getting closer and closer.
 
6. Use Your Social Circle
Building accountability through your social circle is a great idea. When you have a big goal you want to achieve, let the people in your life know. Besides them potentially helping you along the way, it will also make you more accountable. The funny thing is, we are more likely to let ourselves down than our loved ones. Revive your network and leverage the power of connecting with others.
 
7. Fake It
Not feeling motivated or energetic today? Try faking it. This tactic won't work all of the time, but it could help you get through a slow morning or two. Pump yourself up with some music. Chug some coffee. Jump around if you have to. Anything to make yourself feel a bit more energetic.
 
8. Take Action
Have you ever sat down to work, and you just couldn't get started? Sometimes all it takes to give your motivation a little boost is to accomplish one simple task. Pick the single, most straightforward thing you can do towards any of your goals and do it. Most likely, this will motivate you to take on the next challenge.
 
9. Find Your Inspiration
People get inspired by different things. If you want to maximize your motivation, then you need to figure out what inspires you. Maybe it's a specific type of music. Perhaps it's a view from your house. It could be a motivational speaker or celebrity. Find out what inspires you and schedule some time to immerse yourself in it each day. YouTube is a great resources. Search for motivational videos.

• Think about all of your goals and desires. Now list why each is important to you. If you don't want to get overwhelmed, focus on one or two primary goals.  
• Keep thinking about the goals from the last tip. Now, think about how you can reward yourself for hitting milestones along the way. When is a good time for a reward? What is a good reward?       ​ 
• Find 2-3 things that truly inspire you. Maybe it's a TedTalk on Youtube. It might be a music playlist you can put on whenever you need it. Regardless of what it is, find what inspires you, and immerse yourself in it

• ​The Motivation Manifesto

1. Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life
2. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
3. Master Your Motivation: A Practical Guide to Unstick Yourself
4. Motivation Makeover: Rethinking the Reality of What Drives Us

Getting a college degree online has become a very practical reality, as we continue to move on through the worldwide COVID pandemic. Today there are countless options for getting yourself an online education, depending on your specific needs and goals. If moving on up is on your list of priorities, then an accredited degree may facilitate the process for you significantly.

Below are some key points to review when trying to identify the best online college programs that will suit your plans.

​Different people have different needs for getting an online education. Before you begin looking at universities, do some introspection to determine what kind of education you seek, how you can schedule your online education to fit into your routine, how much time and effort you are prepared to spare and whether it is personal fulfillment or career advancement that you aim to achieve through the course. Chances are high you will have to leave your comfort zone behind.

​If your new degree is related to your career, it will become even more significant next time you negotiate your salary, or next time you think about getting the raise you deserve. 

​The internet has an abundance of online education offers  for every conceivable purpose. So take the time to gather information about the options that suit you. Most schools provide free information kits on their education programs that can help you get a better idea of what’s in store if you choose to enroll with any of them. You have the option of conducting searches according to the type of courses you are interested in and college rankings. Make sure you have a clear idea of the program being offered before you invest your hard earned money and time into any one of them.

As with all offers on the internet, there is no dearth of scams that you need to be wary of when doing your searches for the right course. If you’ve heard about a course through a spam e-mail, steer clear of it. Fake degrees and credentials are plentiful and you’ll only be wasting your time, effort and money if you are not careful. ​

​Different online courses have different support services to offer their students. Many offer services like tutoring, reference links, library access, technical assistance, discussion threads, interaction with fellow students and a variety of other features. Depending on the kind of study aids that are likely to benefit you, make your choice based on the kind of facilities you can avail once you enroll for a course.

Accreditation of the school or institute that you enroll in, is of vital importance. After all if the reason you are pursuing further education is to advance your career, the degree you will be earning needs to be recognized by your employers or prospective employers.

There is a wealth of information available online regarding many different aspects of the education process, including how to apply for financial aid, how to choose the right college and more. Since the spread of COVID-19 and the worldwide pandemic, almost everyone is seeking to earn their degrees completely online. What many students fail to research however is the accreditation process, which is incredibly important . 

An accredited degree entails that you’ve received a certain level of quality in your education. There are many “diploma-mill” type schools on the internet that promise you’ll receive original degrees in half the time of a traditional learning institution. It has been reported that they make these claims in an attempt to enroll you. More often than not, you may be left with a degree that hasn’t been through the proper accreditation process. What’s more, all of the money and hard work you spent getting the degree is for naught, because a degree that isn’t accredited isn’t recognized as a legitimate proof of your academic endeavors.

Properly accredited online diplomas ensure a student is receiving the type of quality education that is the standard among colleges and universities both online and offline. What’s more, accreditation holds educational institutions accountable for their actions, as well as ensures confidence. Holding original degrees that have been fully accredited by the proper governing boards ensures that your hard work has paid off, and will continue to do so in the future. What’s more, employers and other learning institutions will accept your degree without a problem, even if it’s been obtained online, provided it’s been accredited.

Accreditation is highly important for students for several other reasons as well. For example, students who wish to apply for financial aid can only do so if their school is properly accredited by the correct educational boards. Additionally, in order to transfer your credits to another educational institution that’s accredited, you have to receive a degree from an accredited school online. Original degrees are the only universally accepted proof of educational merit, and employers may question those who failed to receive a degree that was accredited.  Many potential students fail to understand the importance of accreditation.  They are misleading into believing that all online degrees are the same, however, this is extremely far from the truth.  Fake or instant degrees are virtually worthless in the eyes of employers.  Not only are they a waste of time, they are also a waste of your hard earned money.

The bottom line is that you must do your research thoroughly before committing to any online college, and ensure that the degree you will obtain is properly accredited through the correct state or regional boards. Doing so will save you a lot of money, time and hard work in the long run.

Does your house seem smaller since the pandemic started? Many families feel more cramped with 2 adults working at home, especially if you need to share your workspace with your partner.
 
This may be the first time you’ve seen their work habits up close or counted how many dirty coffee cups they leave behind in their wake. Even if you’re used to having an office mate, it’s a different experience when you don’t say goodbye and go your separate ways at quitting time.
 
Protect your relationship and your productivity by mastering the modern rules for couples who share a home office. Try these tips for setting up your workspace and interacting with each other.

1. Divide your space. Each of you will probably need your own desk or workstation. It will help you to stay out of each other’s way and reduce distractions. There will be less risk of accidentally carrying off each other’s files or losing items too.
   
   
2. Separate your stuff. Figure out which supplies and equipment you can share and which you’ll need for yourself alone. You can probably save money by having one printer and shredder. On the other hand, you may need your own phone line and storage space.
   
   
3. Enable privacy. How will you handle tasks that require quiet and concentration? Maybe you can write or attend Zoom meetings in your sunroom or kitchen. Maybe you’ll be more comfortable with your desks facing away from each other.
   
   
4. Create ambience. Design your office for maximum comfort and cheer. Give it a fresh coat of paint and display some artwork and photos.
   
   
5. Minimize clutter. At the same time, open space and tidy surfaces are more relaxing, so be selective about your furnishings. Cleaning up after yourself helps too.
   
   
6. Stagger your schedules. If possible, you might work different hours. That way you can count on a private office for at least part of the day.

1. Establish boundaries. Planning ahead will avoid many conflicts, but you’ll still need ground rules. Share the vacuuming and agree on where to set the thermostat.
   
   
2. Talk things over. Resolve minor annoyances promptly to keep them from escalating. Be open to compromises and keep your sense of humor.
   
   
3. Wear headphones. Volume levels are one of the most common challenges in any shared space. Find the best tech gadget to work from home. Noise cancelling headphones may help you keep the peace if you prefer different styles of music. You may also need headsets if you make a lot of phone calls.
   
   
4. Eliminate odors. Unpleasant smells can be as intrusive as noise. You may need to step outside if you’re snacking on pizza with extra garlic. Use neutral cleaning products or check to see that you both like pomegranate scented air freshener.
   
   
5. Stay focused. Maintain balance by using your home office for work and dealing with personal matters elsewhere. Save personal conversations for after hours.
   
   
6. Take breaks together. While sharing an office with your partner takes some effort, it can also be a lot of fun. Drink your morning coffee on your patio. Take your dog to the park at lunchtime for a long walk or outdoor concert.
   
   
7. Be considerate. Overall, treat your partner with respect and courtesy. It’s easy to drift into taking each other for granted, so remember what you like about them. Show your appreciation and look for ways to make their life easier.

 There are many advantages to working from home, and the trend will continue long after lockdowns and quarantines end. Learning to share office space will help you and your partner to enjoy your relationship and your remote work experience.