How to reward yourself by giving time and money to others this season....

From fancy cars and expensive clothes to fine dining and exotic vacations, there are many ways you can spend your hard-earned dollars. And there is nothing wrong with rewarding yourself for a job well done -- but what would happen if you rewarded someone else instead?
A recent study by Harvard Business School faculty and graduate students titled “Feeling Good about Giving: The Benefits (and Costs) of Self-Interested Charitable Behavior," explores the ways in which charitable behavior can lead to benefits for the giver. While the the concept that giving to others can make you feel good about yourself is not revolutionary, there are several more subtle ways that giving your money or time for a cause can benefit your psychological, spiritual and emotional well-being.

Here are five reasons to donate to charity.......
based on the research of the Harvard Business School as well as other experts and websites.

Donations are tax deductible

When you donate to a charitable organization or a non-profit group, the amount you donate is tax deductible. But not only is the money you give tax deductible, so are the amounts you spend on travel, parking costs and even convention and event fees that are related to the non-profit group, as long as you are not being reimbursed by the charity for these expenses.
 

Giving to charity may improve your sense of well-being

 The act of helping others can create an improved sense of well-being. Knowing that you sacrificed something such as time, finances or property in order to help others in need can give you a sense of purpose in life or work and inner satisfaction.

Supporting a cause can help keep you informed about issues of social injustice

When considering donating to a charity, many people tend to research the issues connected to that organization. As a result, you become more educated about social injustices around the world. You may discover new points of view and opinions on topics about which you were previously uniformed. This knowledge may position you to help increase the awareness of social problems among those in your sphere of influence from a balanced and educated standpoint.

Giving to charity out of spiritual conviction can strengthen your spiritual life

Selfless giving is a key component to many spiritual and religious belief systems. Recognizing that you have taken action in line with your spiritual beliefs by offering your resources to others in need can bring a sense of inner peace and contentment.

Volunteering with a charity may result in physical and social benefits

After donating financially to a charity or non-profit organization, you may feel an inner pull to become more involved with the cause by donating your time and skill as well. By volunteering, you have the opportunity to build your social circles while reaping the physical, mental and spiritual benefits from the labor you contribute to your favorite cause.

7 Things Great Entrepreneurs Don't Do

These days, everyone with a MacBook and a blog thinks he’s an entrepreneur. Well, here’s a little tough love for the entrepreneurial generation: Calling yourself a CEO doesn’t make you one and a small army of Twitter followers doesn’t make you a leader, either.

As a wise VC who’s name escapes me once said, “There are entrepreneurs and there are Entrepreneurs.”

Not to dash your hopes and dreams, but the truth is the vast majority of you simply aren’t cut out to be entrepreneurs or leaders. I know you don’t want to hear that, but it’s true. And the sooner you realize you’re not going to be the second coming of Mark Zuckerberg, the better.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s great to reach for the stars. As Robert Browning said, “A man’s reach should exceed his grasp.” But having grown up in the high-tech industry and worked with hundreds of real CEOs, VCs, and Entrepreneurs for decades, one thing I can tell you is the word has become so overused, it’s almost meaningless.

So while there is no one-size-fits-all model for true entrepreneurs, in my experience, there are some things they seem to have in common. This might surprise you, but what sets them apart isn’t some laundry list of attributes. It’s their actions. What makes them unique is what they do and, perhaps more importantly, what they don’t do.

1. They don’t think about work-life balance.
They’re mostly workaholics. What that means is their work comes first. It’s what they live for. They’re not freewheeling, fun-loving people who live for the weekend. They live to do what they love, and that’s work.
 
2. They don’t try to be what they’re not.
Probably the most damaging business myth to come along in decades is personal branding. You are not a product, and you can’t change who you are. Besides, real entrepreneurs don’t think about themselves. They think about their ideas and how to turn them into great products and services. And they deliver.

3. They don’t do it for the money.
They don’t whine about how hard they work for peanuts. They just do it. And because they’re passionate about what they do and focused like a laser beam, the money eventually comes, big-time.

4. They don’t have day jobs.
Great entrepreneurs don’t just dip their toes in the water. They jump in headfirst without a thought about the rocks below. They don’t do a little of this and a little of that. When they hit on something they think is really cool and exciting, they go all in.

5. They don’t give in to fear.
They don’t pay attention to those voices in their heads – you know, the ones that haunt you with everything that can go wrong. They’re not fearless, mind you. Nobody is. They just don’t let their fear stop them from taking risks. They do listen to some voices, though: the voice of reason and their instincts.

6. They don’t have grand visions.
While some do have grand delusions that they’re destined for greatness – a prophecy that’s often self-fulfilling, interestingly enough – for the most part, they generally don’t have grand visions for their companies. Zuckerberg, for example, wasn’t trying to create a company. He just wanted to rate the looks of fellow classmates.

7. They don’t have virtual mentors.
Most people follow all sorts of writers, bloggers and tweeters these days. That’s fine, but to get somewhere in life, to do great things, you have to have real mentors in the real world. Former Intel chairman Andy Grove mentored Steve Jobs. Jobs, in turn, advised Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin. Behind every great entrepreneur is at least one great mentor. A real one.

Most importantly, real entrepreneurs don’t call themselves entrepreneurs. They don’t do what everyone else is doing. They don’t follow the status quo, conventional wisdom or popular fads. They carve their own unique path. They’re leaders of their own destiny. That’s what drives them. And that’s why they succeed.

Read more: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/229725#ixzz2jrRpDKD8

10 Easy Ways to Minimize Stress

As if there aren't enough threats to your business, the biggest hazard may be one you can't see: chronic stress. Hiding in plain sight, this toxic saboteur can ruin the best-laid plans with a trip to the ER and a sinkhole of medical bills. You may think you're handling it, but that's usually an illusion, supplied by the adrenaline released by the stress response, which masks the damage to your body by giving you a sense you're powering through it.

Brian Curin, 39, thought he was managing risk well as president of the footwear retailer Flip Flop Shops, which has more than 90 locations. Yes, there was pressure, but he exercised and ate well. He did feel a little off, though, and had a faint ache of something resembling heartburn.

Curin decided to pay his doctor a visit. Blood work, a resting EKG and a respiration test were negative, but a stress test and an angiogram turned up a big problem: four blocked arteries, one of them at 100 percent--not what Curin expected at his age. Without open-heart surgery, he could have been dead within weeks.

"I was extremely lucky," says Curin, whose wake-up call prompted him to start a campaign, The Heart to Sole: Creating a Stress-Free America, to lobby for stress-testing at all companies and to support the American Heart Association's My Heart. My Life. program. "If something doesn't feel right, it's probably not. Get it checked out."

Long-term risk-taking and the demands of wearing multiple hats make entrepreneurs easy prey for chronic stress, which compromises the immune system, increases bad cholesterol and decreases the good kind. Bravado and busyness can keep entrepreneurs in denial mode until the paramedics arrive.
You're not much good to your business from six feet under. Keep the sirens at bay with these essential strategies.

• Pay attention to your body. Insomnia, heart palpitations, anxiety, bowel issues--they're trying to tell you something. See your doctor.
• Make stress-testing as routine as dental checkups.
• Cut stress by reducing time urgency. Every minute is not life or death.
• Identify the story behind the stress and reframe it from catastrophic to a new story: "Yes, I've got 300 e-mails, but I can handle it."
• Build stress-relief techniques into your schedule--meditation, progressive relaxation, exercise, a hobby.
• Set boundaries. Sixteen hours of work a day is not sustainable. Find the "just enough" point in a given day or project.
• Hire somebody. Doing it yourself can cost well more than the price of a helping hand.
• Step back. Brains have to reset every
• 90 minutes. Breaks increase mental functioning and interrupt stress.
• Get a life. The best stress buffer is a life beyond work. Remember that?

Read more:  http://www.entrepreneur.com

Dating Lifestyle, Guys: 10 Steps to Win Her Heart

When it comes to dating and seduction some men choose to give up. They think that talent for seduction is something that you are either born with or you never get it. It is true that for some men it comes naturally, but it can also be easily learned. The greatest secret of all the famous charmers in the world is that they truly admire women whose company make them feel happy. If someone’s presence makes you happy, and you do not know how to win her heart, here is a little help from a friend.

#1 – Power

A long time ago Oscar Wild had said:” Everything is about sex, except sex. Sex is about power.” Always keep in mind that the one who looses power falls for the other. Having power means to feel more in control, stable, to be sure that everything will be just the way you want it. It means that you know exactly who you are and what you deserve. You can spend time with her, get to know her, allow her to have all your attention but always be aware that there are other fish in the sea just waiting to find you.

#2 – Respect

A good piece of advice is to tell you that you should show her respect; a better one would be to tell you that you should show respect for all women. If you think that the simple opening of a door for her would make her suddenly feel love for you, then you are making a huge mistake. Respect for women is a way of life. It is your attitude and it can be noticed in every sentence that you say. Women are very intuitive about this stuff, so you better really mean it. You should be kind, even give her compliments, but only if you are honestly impressed. Also, you can treat her like a princess, but if she notices that you are rude to other women, you will totally fail. So, show honest respect!

#3 – Self-Respect

One of the biggest mistakes that men make is that once everything goes well, they are so afraid of loosing their partner that they are ready to accept grains of attention. Never accept that! If she has no time to speak on the phone properly, say that you will call her later and then do not call her for a while or even better, let her call you first. If she is in a hurry, no problem, you will be glad to see her some other time, when she finally has time to call you and talk with you without checking her mobile every couple of minutes. Also, never give up your insecurities, be confident about your qualities. She will treat you the way she perceives you, so let her see your better side.

#4 – Time

For most men, everything starts well and then they get lost. Usually, they are left wondering what went wrong. The reason for that is time. Never rush into anything, especially love. Take it slow, be cool, remember that you are still at the beginning and let her know that you are evaluating her as much as she is evaluating you. A common mistake is to relax and become too available. Continue with your obligations as usual, if you do not have them, create some. For example you can go out with your friends, women like guys who like having fun. Since you have earned her attention this is a great time to make her miss you. Out of blue, choose a few days not to call her. This will make her think about you and be happy once you are back.

#5 – Merits

Everything that comes easily goes easily. If she gets all your attention and feelings without any effort she will probably start thinking that she can lose you easily because she can get you back any time. Make her earn your attention, respect, time. The point is that she works a little harder than usual and always to be rewarded for nice behavior. That way she will respect what she has and the grass will never be greener in a neighbour’s yard.

#6 – Curiosity

If you are an open book to her you risk to become boring. Women like intrigue, romance and mysticism. Do not confuse this with any kind of lying; just do not confess every minute of your day. Also, do not get in details about her day because that gives away insecurity. A good thing would be to have some hobby that requires absence and concentration so you could not call and text all the time. If you are having a great time together she would definitely start missing you.

#7 – Looks

Take care of your looks. Always be clean, tidy, use a particular cologne that would remind her of you. The truth is that for most women, looks are not as important as confidence,which posses men who are secure about their looks. Go exercise; buy trendy clothes, anything that will make you happy. She might not suddenly notice the change of appearance but she will notice your self-confidence.

#8 – Flirting

Avoid the “friend zone”. Never be trapped to become a friend. There is a way out, but a very hard one so it is a much better option simply to avoid it. Never confess to her. No matter how close you are, she should respect you, so there is no need to explain too much. You are not somebody she can confess her deep secrets, you should become her deep secret. She should feel awe and respect and feel embarrassed to talk about things that are usually normal to share with friends. However, you should always be there for her, admire her and support her.

#9 – Friends

Her friends are really important and a sensitive part of the seduction. Most men fall in to the trap of trying to become close to her friends. There is no need for that; it is enough that they like you. When it comes to her girl friends, it would be really convenient if they would look at you as a good catch. This is very convenient because if they find you attractive they will make her realize that she wants you, then it is just the matter of time for the fire in her heart to start burning.

#10 – Less is More

Never make the first move. When you seduce always keep in mind that less is more. Like Mr. Big in the TV series, always keep her in the dark. Let her wonder, make plans, evaluate and then finally come to the conclusion that you are the one. Once you have completely realized the previous steps, she will convince herself that you are all she wants and you would not be able to convince her the opposite even if you wanted to.

10 Life Changing Tips Inspired By Rumi ( جلال‌الدین محمد رومی)

Here are ten life changing tips inspired by quotes from the great Sufi poet, Rumi:

 

1. Challenge Fear

“Run from what’s comfortable. Forget safety. Live where you fear to live. Destroy your reputation. Be notorious.”

 

2. Be Bold

“Do not be satisfied with the stories that come before you. Unfold your own myth.”

 

3. Have Gratitude

“Wear gratitude like a cloak and it will feed every corner of your life.”

 

4. Take Action

“Why should I stay at the bottom of a well, when a strong rope is in my hand?”

 

5. Have Faith

“As you start to walk out on the way, the way appears.”

 

6. Embrace Setbacks

“If you are irritated by every rub, how will you be polished?”

 

7. Look Inside

“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”

 

8. Learn From Suffering

“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”

 

9. Don’t Be Concerned With What Others Think Of You

“I want to sing like the birds sing, not worrying about who hears or what they think.”

 

10. Do What You Love 

“Let yourself be drawn by the stronger pull of that which you truly love.”

 

What’s your favorite Rumi quote?

What It Takes To Become Young & Remarkably Successful?

Everybody wants to be successful, but exactly what does success mean?  To many people success simply means having a lot of money, or living in a big house, or driving a fancy car.  But are these things really success?  Or are they just indicators that someone has been successful?
Many people acquire the big house or the fancy car before they have actually obtained the level of financial success necessary to afford these indicators of success.

Success is not simply having things.  Rather, Success Is Living Your Dreams and Desires,

Whatever those dreams or desires may be.  Success is being the kind of person you desire to be, doing the things that you desire to do, and having the possessions that you desire to possess.
Here is what it takes to be young and successful.

1. Find a cause - First you must find a purpose, or define a vision for yourself because if you do not know where you are going, you will never get there. Get motivated by reading or sharing others successful people’s story be it in business or career as they will ultimately shape your vision and the cause you want to pursue. Find out what you are passionate about and what are your talents? Then ask yourself what the world need and how your talents can help solve a specific need. Lastly define what you want to be known for.

2. Surround yourself with great people - Many young successful people I have interviewed say that the most important step they took towards success was to change their surrounding and the people with whom they spend time. You are the average of the 5 people you surround yourself with most. Some people will tell you that you can’t achieve it, because they have a classic line that “success doesn’t happen to people like us”. Break out of that circle, out of that mindset that is holding you back and started spending your time with people who encouraged you thus you become more confident and start achieving things.

3. Take action - You can have the greatest ideas in your head, but if you don’t put them into practice, they become worthless. The true mark of success lies in having the courage to invest emotionally, physically and financially in your idea. There is an interesting difference between people that ‘design and talk’ about work and others that actually ‘build and create. What is preventing you from taking action? What ideas, visions, are you keeping for yourself? Write them down and design a schedule that will help you implement them, little by little.

4. Turn the bad into good - When you face a challenging situation or rejection, know that those challenges can be used to help you go even further. For example, some people will fail to pick your calls; an investment may not pay off e.tc. Understand that rejection is a part of our everyday lives and instead of dwelling on the negatives, learn how to find strength in the highs and the lows, ups and downs. Don’t fail to pursue your dreams because things didn’t play out the way you wanted them to. Instead, use those challenges and fears as motivating factors to help you succeed.

5. Never, ever give up - The true mark of entrepreneurs is their ability to never give up. You may have an idea and struggle to find significant funding and traction where potential donors tell you to your face that they are convinced in our vision and path. Such failures should help you know which direction to go to until you reach your goals. For each rejection, ask yourself, What can I do differently? What can I learn from this situation? Finally, say to yourself: I am bigger than this. Keep pushing. Keep striving. Keep facing the sun.

Source:
CareerPointKenya.

The Health Benefits of Red Wine

Can wine really improve our health and increase longevity? Scientists are beginning to say "Yes!" Supposing that the theory is true -- which wines give us the most bang for the buck?

Researchers have found that red wines rich in flavonoids are best for our health. Flavonoids are best known for their antioxidant qualities and help the body resist such maladies as allergens, viruses and carcinogens.

Red wines also contain anxioxidants, which help the body resist cancer and cardiovascular disease. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Syrah and Pinot Noir contain the highest concentrations of antioxidants and flavonoids.

Other red wines such as Merlots and red zinfandels contain fewer flavonoids, but more than most white wines. So, the best bet for drinking wine for our health is to stick to the dryer red wines.  Just because wine contains components that are central to good health doesn't give us a free rein to get plastered every night. Don't overdo it -- but adding a glass of wine to your daily diet can definitely make a difference to our health.

Paracelsus, the noted 16^th-century Swiss physician wrote, "Wine is a food, a medicine and a poison - it's just a question of dose." As with almost any food or drink, wine consumed in large doses can be a detriment to our health.

Most health officials agree that one or two four-ounce glasses of wine per day can be beneficial to men, while women should limit their consumption to one four ounce serving per day.
Cardiovascular expert, Professor Roger Corder, has spent years studying the evidence of health benefits from red wine. In his new book, "The Wine Diet," he says he is convinced that most of us should include red wine in our every day lifestyle.

Corder discovered what he eventually labeled the "French Paradox." Specifically, he wondered why the French have a lower rate of heart disease despite the fact that their diet was extremely rich in fats. He concentrated his research on the southwest portion of France, where life expectancy seemed to be highest.

Professor Corder discovered that the region produces very tannic local wines, which contain the highest procyanidin (antioxidant) content of any wines, worldwide. This led him to further research on the amazing medical benefits of red wine.

While wine may not be man's ultimate elixir or fountain of youth, it certainly behooves us to consider adding a glass of wine or two to our daily diet - and raise a "toast" to our continued good health.          

8 Things You Should Be Doing On Your Weekends

Here are some of the activities you should be doing on weekends for you to be successful and productive.

1. Make time for family and friends - This is especially important for those who don’t spend much time with their loved ones during the week.

2. Exercise - Everyone needs to do it, and if you can’t work out 4 to 5 days during the workweek, you need to be active on weekends to make up for some of that time. It’s the perfect opportunity to clear your mind and create fresh ideas.

3. Take vacations and avoid chore - Your weekend is time to relax. Have a few to-dos, which will take the minimum amount of time possible. Also, getting away for the weekend provides a great respite from the grind of an intense week at work.

4. Volunteer - The volunteer work provides a balance to the heavy analytical work one does all week and fulfills ones need to be creative. Participate in fundraising events as it is a great way to network and to meet others with similar interests. The visibility also helps in branding a successful person as philanthropic.

5. Plan - Planning makes people more effective, and doing it before the week starts means you can hit Monday ready to go, and means you’ll give clear directions to the people who work for you, so they will be ready to go, too.Successful people plan their month and year because “if you get stuck on short-term lists you don’t get anything big accomplished.

6. Network & Socialize - Networking isn’t an event for a successful person, it’s a lifestyle. Wherever you go and whatever you do, you must connect with new people. Also, humans are social creatures so go out with friends and family, or get involved in the local community. You will find great satisfaction in giving back. For instance Board membership offers access to other successful folks.

7. Reflect - Truly successful people make time on weekends to appreciate what they have and reflect on their happiness and accomplishments. As Rascoff said, “weekends are a great chance to reflect and be more introspective about bigger issues.”

8. Meditate & Recharge - We live in a competitive and tough world. Classes and private instruction offer a tailored approach to insight and peace of mind through mediation. Also, manage your down time, get some new energy so that you are able to get much done at peak performance.

4 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism and Lose Weight

Metabolism is the rate at which the body turns carbohydrates, proteins and fats into energy for fuel. A healthy metabolism is essential whether you're trying to lose weight or just maintain. Exercising and eating healthy are the best ways to keep the pounds off, but there are a few things you can do to boost your metabolism and speed you toward your goal. (Compare them to these 5 Tips to Kick-Start Your Metabolism.)

Improve your morning routine

A great way to boost metabolism is to start early each day. Morning exercise has been shown to help regulate the body's internal clock and improve sleep quality.
Studies show that working out before breakfast persuades the body to burn fat for energy. Breakfast is important, however; so if you work out in a pre-fasted state, make sure to eat afterward, even if it's a small portion of lean protein like yogurt or an egg. This will jumpstart your metabolism for the day by triggering your body to begin burning calories. Early morning activity can have a big effect on your body's metabolic rate. (Read this first: Food Myths Busted: Skipping Meals Helps You Lose Weight)

Get the right type of exercise

All physical activities burn calories, but some are better than others for boosting metabolism. Strength training will help you build lean muscle mass. The more lean muscle mass you have, the more calories you burn simply to keep your body functioning—i.e., to maintain its resting metabolic rate.
Want to continue to boost your metabolism for up to 16 hours after exercising? Try longer and more intense workouts. They appear not only to burn calories but also to promote excess post-exercise oxygen consumption. Commonly referred to as the "afterburn effect," this describes a period when the body sucks up more oxygen than usual to repair itself after a hard workout. (Read EPOC, Your New Workout Best Friend.)
In one oft-cited study, test subjects who worked out vigorously for 80 minutes metabolized an additional 150 calories through the afterburn effect. (According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for an exercise to be classified as "vigorous," it must raise the heart rate to between 70% and 85% of its maximum rate.)
If you don't have  80 minutes to spend on a treadmill, try interval training. It can be done in a shorter time frame. Mix short bursts of light, moderate and vigorous exercise—e.g., walk for a minute, jog for two, then sprint for a minute. Do this over for 20 minutes. Most studies show that intensity and duration play the biggest roles in post-workout calorie burn. Try these three:

• Get Fit and Fast with Interval Training
• Boost Sport-Specific Conditioning With Interval Training
• High-Intensity Interval Training With the TRX Rip Trainer

Watch what you eat

If weight loss is your goal, obviously your best bet is to count calories and eat a healthy, balanced diet. Keep your meals full of lean protein, leafy greens and fiber. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed high-protein diets contributed to the building of lean muscle mass and promoted a corresponding boost in resting metabolic rates.
Some specific foods may play a larger role in boosting metabolism. Besides packing lots of antioxidants, green tea may speed up metabolic rate and help burn fat. Likewise, fresh grapefruit, coffee and dried red peppers have been linked to weight loss.
A study out of Arizona State University recommends including foods rich in vitamin C to boost metabolism and burn fat. In one test, subjects who were deficient in vitamin C lost 25% less fat during exercise. Again, peppers make the list of vitamin C-rich foods, as do kale, oranges, strawberries and brussels sprouts.

Don't forget to rest

When we talk about fitness and metabolism, we tend to focus on exercise and diet. But getting enough quality sleep also has an effect on our ability to burn calories. In numerous studies, people who got more sleep had lower body mass indexes. The leanest tend to average around 7.7 hours of sleep a night. Although it's unclear whether there's a causal relationship between the two, researchers studying diabetes have found that disrupted or irregular sleep inhibits the body's ability to process glucose, one of the most common forms of carbohydrate.

Source.
http://www.stack.com

How to Eat Healthy and Lose Weight

We know that excess body weight can affect health and athletic performance. Thankfully, you can lose weight with healthy eating—and amp up your game. Although healthy eating is often considered restrictive and pricey, in reality it's not. By devoting a little time to learning a few tricks, you can improve your dietary intake—and still keep a flush bank account.

Serving Sizes
First, learn what a serving size looks like. In our "supersized" world, many people don't realize how many calories they are actually consuming. That lack of knowledge contributes to weight gain (or inability to lose weight). Here are a few basics: a three-ounce serving of meat is the size of your palm; a 1/2 cup serving of rice, pasta and potatoes would fit in your cupped hand; and a serving of fruit is the size a tennis ball. (Learn more about plating portions.)

Protein and Carbs
Second, for each meal and snack, select a lean protein-rich food and a fiber-rich carbohydrate. By balancing your intake, you will be more satisfied—and therefore, need less to eat. Suggestions: one slice of whole grain toast, one tablespoon of peanut butter, one banana and a cup of skim milk for breakfast; a small apple and string cheese for a snack; a three-ounce serving of water-packed tuna, six Melba toasts and a cup of raw or steamed vegetables for lunch; one cup of Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup dried cereal for a snack; three-ounce pork loin, 1/2 cup rice, one roll, two cups mixed salad with two tablespoons of dressing and one cup mixed fruit for dinner; and a cup of ice cream for dessert.

Smart Budget Moves
Finally, use smart budget moves in your quest to learn how to eat healthy and lose weight. Buy items in bulk (less costly than small packages). Cook more than one serving of items like rice and pasta, and freeze them for later use. Pack snacks and meals for pre- and post-practice, so you won't find yourself hungry with only a vending machine or a fast food restaurant as options. Finally, a good plan will allow you to eat more often during the day, so you can avoid long periods without food. This will help decrease the amount you eat later in the day or late at night when you are less likely to make healthy choices.
With a little effort and attention, it is possible to learn how to eat healthy and lose weight.

Melinda Wells Valliant, Ph.D., R.D., CSSD, LD, is an assistant professor of nutrition at The University of Mississippi and the consultant sports dietitian for Ole Miss Athletics, a position she's held for nine years. In addition, she works with Premier Health Education to provide multidisciplinary health-related seminars to PTs, ATCs, strength coaches and athletes. She has educated a wide variety of athletes, many of whom have advanced to the professional rank in their sport.

5 LIFE LESSONS WE CAN LEARN FROM KIDS

1) Unconditional love
Kids are free from social boundaries and prejudices, for them, strangers are friends, this is why we often need to tell children not to talk to strangers. Yes, unconditional love is something that we all used to know when we were kids. Children give without expecting anything back, they smile to strangers without asking themselves too many questions. They love you because they love you. You don’t need to prove anything!

2) They believe
Children have very pure heart, they aren’t acquainted with lies, betrayal or deception…They have strong, unwavering faith that all things are possible. They are able to believe anything! They believe in Santa Claus and Fairies…let’s learn to have faith from children and remember to believe in miracles…

3) No fear, no worry
Well, fear can be somewhat necessary for living, but only, the right type of fear: for example, the fear of fire will prevent you from placing your hand into a bonfire; but some types of fear (that we acquired with the time) are totally unnecessary: fear of what people might think, fear of rejection, fear of failure, etc…Kids are free of these needless worries and fears that might hinder the expansion of true potential and personality.

4) Children laugh and play
They dance, they sing, they laugh and play, but we, adults, often, take things too seriously. Sometime we even forget that life, actually, can be fun! Of course, maturity, in some measure, is important in many situations, but let’s not forget to take time to laugh and play, just as we used to do when we were kids.

5) Be present in the moment
Kids don’t have worries about the future and they don’t regret about the past. We should learn from them how to be present in the moment and enjoy life, as much as they do!

6) The sense of wonder 
Children are very curious, they have this amazing sense of wonder that makes their life so much more exiting, interesting and fun. Often, children bombard their parents with many questions, because they have the burning desire to learn new things every day. Let’s learn this powerful life lesson and wisdom from kids.

Top 10: Ways To Show Confidence With Your Body Language....

They say a picture is worth a thousand words; now picture yourself, a prospective client, walking into a board meeting or a party. How do you look? What message do you communicate the moment you walk into a room? What are your eyes, hands and shoulders saying? What information can people gather about you before you ever say a word? Never thought about it? You should. And you can start by perusing our top 10 tips to show confidence with body language.
 People read your body language, often via instinct and without thinking. It’s because our poses and postures are a great source of information. They reflect our mood and our confidence level. We stand and walk a certain way when we’re confident and another way when we’re nervous. In a glance, most people can discern if we’re apprehensive or outgoing, relaxed or aggressive. With a little practice, we can learn the tips to show confidence through body language so that we always appear confident, capable and ready.

No.10 Avoid your pockets
The first tip on our list of the top 10 tips to show confidence with body language is to keep your hands out of your pockets. We put our hands in our pockets when we’re uncomfortable or unsure of ourselves. And as long as you have your hands stuffed down your pants, that’s how other people will view you.
Instinctually we tend to hide our hands when we’re nervous; keeping your hands out in the open indicates confidence and shows people you have nothing to hide. Also, recognize that putting your hands in your pockets encourages slouching, which isn’t good. As an alternative, try putting your hands on your hips; it’s a far more confident posture.
No.9 Don't fidget
Fidgeting is a clear sign of nervousness. A man who can’t keep still, is a man who is worried, tense and certainly not confident. Your hands can be your worst enemies -- fight to keep them still and steady. You can definitely talk with your hands, but keep your gesticulations calm and under control. Also, when seated, avoid that rapid leg-vibration thing that some guys do.

No.8 Keep your eyes forward
Keeping your eyes level might be one of the trickiest ways to show confidence in body language. When you’re walking anywhere by yourself, it often feels natural to lower your head slightly and watch your step, but this posture communicates to others that you don’t want to engage in conversation or interact. And if you’re not careful, you might get into the habit of doing it all the time. Keep your chin up and your eyes forward, even when you’re walking down the street by yourself.

No.7 Stand up straight with your shoulders back
Standing up straight is one of the most important of our top 10 tips to project confidence through body language. It can be a challenge especially if you’ve been a sloucher all your life, but get over it. Standing up straight is perhaps the most important means of communicating confidence. Concentrate on pushing your shoulders back slightly when standing and walking. Nothing major, just a little. That one simple motion does wonders for your posture. Try it in front of the mirror -- you’ll be surprised how much more confident it makes you look.

No.6 Take wide steps
A confident man will never be described as “scurrying,” “creeping” or “sneaking,” so pay attention to the way you walk. If you want to show confidence with body language you want to take large steps. Wide steps make you seem purposeful and suggest a personal tranquility, which denotes confidence.

No.5 Firm handshakes
Another of our top 10 tips for showing confidence with body language has to do with the firm handshake. There are few things worse than reaching out your hand during an introduction and getting a palm full of dead fish. Don’t be that guy. Instead, grip the other person’s hand firmly and confidently. If shaking hands with someone you’ve already met, you might even consider the two-hand grab: placing your free hand on the other person’s elbow adds warmth and enthusiasm to the handshake. Just don’t get carried away. A handshake is not a contest. Don’t try to crush the other person’s hand and don’t hold on too long.

No.4 Proper grooming
Imagine yourself walking into a room, maybe there are lots of potential/your clients or maybe the room is filled with respected colleagues. Now consider your appearance: four days' worth of scruff, bad skin, hair crispy and pointy like a Backstreet Boy’s. The point we’re trying to make is that grooming is an essential component of communicating confidence through body language. You want your hair, face and even your smell to work for you, not against you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new products to find the ones that work for you.

No.3 Smile
Confident people smile because they have nothing to worry about. Try this as an experiment: smile at someone as you pass them on the street or walking around the office. Chances are good that they’ll smile back. Now wouldn’t you like to have that effect on people all the time?

No.2 Don’t cross your arms when socializing
Crossing your arms is a protective posture. We do it when we’re cold, nervous or on guard. Think of those big, burly nightclub bouncers, crossing their 26-inch pythons while standing guard at the door to a club. Do they look like guys you want to talk to, joke with or work with? No, right? Their job is to look intimidating. Your job is to look likeable, open and confident. So relax a little and keep your arms uncrossed.

No.1 Use contact to show appreciation
The pat on the back is a lost art. Don’t be afraid to pat a buddy or a colleague on the back when he or she delivers a perfectly timed punch line or nails the big presentation. Most people aren’t freaked out by a hand on the shoulder and they’ll likely be appreciative of your sign of affection and respect.
Good Luck and have fun...

Compiled by,
Makena Mugane, makena@dolphinsgroup.co.ke
Client Relations,
Dolphins Training & Consultants ltd,
Dolphins Group..

The 10 Commandments That High Achievers Never Break

For you to become successful in life, there are certain rules you ought not to break. Life itself is governed by principles, and it’s those principles that we embrace that determine whether or not we will attain greatness.

After looking at the lives of certain great men, I was able to come up 10 rules that high achievers never break. If you obey these rules, you will become a high achiever too.
1. Don’t compare your life to others and don’t judge them; you have no idea what their journey is all about.
Stop trying to be someone else. We all have our own distinct purposes in life. Be yourself always and become the best version of you. You are original, not a counterfeit.
2. Don’t act the way you are feeling. Instead, act the way you want to feel.
There is a saying that action precedes feeling. If you feel sad, act like you are happy, and you will eventually become happy. High achievers get disappointed a lot because they fail many times, but since they are highly-optimistic people, they see advantage in adversity and make the best of every situation.
3. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up your present.
You need to forgive yourself for every mistake you have made in the past. High achievers don’t go around beating themselves up for the mistakes they have made. Forgiveness is the first step to progress and only those with a strong heart can forgive themselves and those who have hurt them.
Move forward today and stop dwelling on the past.
4. Don’t answer ads that promise get-rich-quick schemes because it won’t be you who gets rich quick.
Believe me when I say this: apart from bonanzas, lottery, promos or TV shows, there is nothing you can do in this world that gets you rich in a jiffy. If it sounds too good to be true, then it most likely is.
5. You can’t do everything yourself, so get help along the way.
High achievers are people of great influence. Your level of influence in most cases determines your level of success. Make meaningful relationships and help others get what they want.
6. Don’t envy what others have; you don’t know how they got it.
They say that not all that glitters is gold. The truth is that you don’t know how he got what he has or the price he had to pay in exchange for it. Think about this before you envy somebody.
7. If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say.
High achievers don’t talk just because they have to say something; they talk because they have something to say. Most successful men are very careful with their tongues–they hardly speak out of turn or when it is unnecessary. Learn to talk less and listen more.
8. Be comfortable only outside of your comfort zone.
- Do something every day that scares you, and break your own records each day. This is the gateway to tremendous self-improvement. It is the secret of high achievers.
9. What others think of you is none of your business.
What matters most in life is your belief in yourself. People will always talk about you, and if they don’t, then you are probably not worth much. Ignore whatever anyone has to say about you and hold firm what you know and what you believe.
10. Never test the depth of the river with both feet.
This is very important. Don’t put all your eggs into one basket; you may never recover from it. Spread out your risks in life.
There is no way to succeed without taking risks, but its wiser and safer to take calculated risks.

Courtesy:CareerKenya

20 Simple Lessons To Learn From If You Have Life Regrets!

Do you have regrets in your life so far? Yeah, we all do, things we look back and think tour ourselves, why did I ever do that, why did I turn right instead of left?

I found this interesting article when I was doing my many round on the net and thought of sharing it with you.

“Life can hit you hard sometimes you have to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, use the hard lessons learned and move on.
Over the years I’ve had my own share of struggles, challenges, disappointments and failures and while I could’ve easily given in or given up I didn’t and it’s because of these lessons that I’ve been able to attain so much success in such a short period of time.








1. Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you.

2. If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now.

3. One of the greatest challenges in life is being yourself in a world that’s trying to make you like everyone else.

4. Someone will always be prettier, someone will always be smarter, someone will always be younger but they will never be you.

5. You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one.

6. Worry will not strip tomorrow of its burdens, it will strip today of its joy.

7. Don’t live your life with hate in your heart. You will end up hurting yourself more than the people you hate.

8. Refuse to lower your standards to accommodate those who refuse to raise theirs.

9. The real world doesn’t reward perfectionists; it rewards people who get things done.

10. The extent to which you can achieve your dreams depends on the extent to which you take responsibility for your life.

11. Jealousy is the art of counting someone else’s blessings instead of your own.

12. Don’t worry about what others are doing better than you. Concentrate on beating your own
records everyday. Success is a battle between you and yourself ONLY!

13. You can’t change what you refuse to confront.

14. You can’t make it to 2nd base with your foot on 1st.

15. It’s better to be alone then in bad company.

16. Fall in love when you’re ready not when you’re lonely.

17. There is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you and some will teach you. But, most importantly, some will bring out the best in you.

18. You have to create stability in your own life first before you can share it with someone else

19. You are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future.

20. You end up regretting the things you did NOT do far more than the things you did.

As you finish reading this list remember there will be challenges, stepping stones, stumbling blocks, and failures in life.
When you overcome an obstacle, find a solution and don’t give up because you will grow from it.  I challenge you to look back on your own life and share with me some of the lessons you’ve learned over the years.

[Courtesy. Under 30 CEO]

10 Ways To Be Wife Material..... [Must Read]

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Caroline Mutoko To Kenyans:Do Not Let The Terrorists Win!

 
Caroline Mutoko is arguably one of the most meticulous and influential Kenyan media personalities of all time. With over 300,000 likes on her Facebook her influence just gets stronger. The Kiss 100 presenter takes this platform to encourage fellow Kenyans saying:

 Scanning through the TV stations I've caught images of Kenyans go about their business. It feels good. We cannot agree to be terrorized. Terrorism is an effort to bring a nation to its knees. We cannot let the terrorists achieve the objective of frightening our nation to the point where we don’t conduct business, where our children don't go to school, where people don’t shop, where we don't walk freely in our own country, where we don't live our lives.

That’s their intention. Don't let them win. If we hide in our houses; if we cancel our events; if we don't go to school; if we don't do business; if we turn on each other, if we begin to nitpick at those doing their part to help - then the terrorists have won.

Source:
Ghafla.co.ke

LIFE IS A VICIOUS CYCLE

Bad things seem to happen to the same people over and over.

Bad things seem to happen to the same people over and over.

Soon as they get over a horrible phase and think it is time for champagne, the bigger, 'badder' brother comes knocking.

It is as if life is not about enjoying, but about fighting a terrible cycle of events that seems to evolve viciously.

That is the better stuff. Even worse, the vicious cycle transcends generations.

Can it get worse? Take a man who watched as his father repeatedly beat up his mother to a pulp.

This man, besides having constant bile against his father, would swear throughout his life how he would never lay a hand on a woman, no matter how hard that woman pushed him.

Shock and behold, he grows up to be an improved version of his father.

His children feel about him as he had about his father, but he is somehow blind to this. He fails to see himself in his children.

He is blind to the future and the fact that his children would probably grow up to be just like him and his father. How do you break this cycle?

And how is it that a child from a divorced background is always the first among his friends to divorce?

It is every child’s idea of heaven to have two parents living together in harmony and, naturally, a child who grew up with divorced parents would want to give his/her own child better.

They will spend time and energy looking for the right spouse, one who would do the distance of “till death do us part” with relative ease.

Two children down the line, there are divorce papers, court battles, and the vicious cycle makes its mark on yet another generation.

Do we become what we detest most? Does fate have a goal against all human beings – you know, just to prove who is boss, and expertly steer us towards the very path we repeatedly swear never to take?

Is the decision to be better people out of our hands?

Perhaps it is a genetic thing – like high blood pressure or diabetes; if it is in the family then you are at a risk of getting it and there is nothing much you can do about that.

These are musings triggered by watching enough people make mistakes, swear never to repeat them, then repeat them as soon as the dust settles, musings from watching many children of divorced people follow in their parents’ footsteps.

They are musings from watching enough people who witnessed their mothers’ agony from the fist of their fathers dish out the same to their spouses.

It is either genetic or we are generally a damaged race.
On a slightly lighter (ish) note, about six years ago I was in a matatu that was carjacked.

We were taken to a notorious outer Nairobi estate where we were relieved of all our possessions.

After that I swore never to set foot in that neighbourhood as long as I lived (forget the fact we were carjacked in a different estate and dumped in this particular one, but everybody loves to hate on it and I was joining the wagon).

As fate would have it, within months, I was living in this same estate as a happy wife and was not nagging the husband to move out.

Moral of my story: If you are to swear not to do something, do not do it too loudly lest embarrassment wash over you when you do exactly what you swore you never would.
 
by
cikukimani25@gmail.com

Want To Lose Weight? Try Eating A Big Breakfast

Many health experts recommend a balanced breakfast to start each day and new research from Tel Aviv University in Israel has shown that a ‘big breakfast’ diet can even lead to more efficient weight loss when compared to a big dinner diet.

According to their report in the journal Obesity, the Israel-based team found that when overweight and obese women were given a weight-loss diet with the same amount of daily caloric intake, those who ate more for breakfast than dinner tended to lose more weight than those who did the opposite and feasted at night.

To investigate the health effects of meal timing, the research team enlisted 93 obese women who were randomly placed into one of two groups. Both groups were told to consume a moderate-carbohydrate, moderate-fat, 1,400-calorie-a-day diet for 12 weeks. The first group was told to eat 700 calories at breakfast, 500 at lunch, and 200 at supper. The other group had a 200 calorie breakfast, 500 calorie lunch, and 700 calorie dinner. Both groups’ 700-calorie meals included the same foods.

At the end of the twelve weeks, the “big breakfast” volunteers had lost an almost of 18 pounds each, on average. They also lost three inches off their waist line. The “big dinner†group averaged a 7.3-pound weight loss and 1.4 inches of lost waistline.

The breakfast group was also found to have noticeably lower levels of insulin, glucose, and triglycerides throughout the day, which could eventually lead to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, added the researchers.

They also noted that the big breakfast group also had lower levels of the hunger-regulating hormone ghrelin, suggesting that these women were more satiated throughout the day than their counterparts in the other group. The breakfast group also did not experience blood glucose spikes that often occur after a meal. Some experts consider these jumps in blood sugar levels more harmful than sustained high blood glucose levels with respect to cardiovascular disease.

According to the researchers, the results indicate that proper meal timing should be considered when attempting to manage obesity, in addition to a regular exercise regimen and proper nutrition. The study authors also suggested that people minimize late-night snacking or mindless eating in front of the television screen.

One of the study’s authors – Daniela Jakubowicz, a diabetes expert at Wolfson Medical Center in Holon, Israel – has been espousing the virtues of a large breakfast for years and even has a diet book based on the principle.

In a review of Jakubowicz’s 2009 book “The Big Breakfast Diet: Eat Big Before 9 a.m. and Lose Big for Life,” Los Angeles Times’ critic Anne Colby noted that most women would lose weight on the diabetes researcher’s recommended 1,100 calories-a-day diet. Colby added that a major drawback of the plan is that it slightly runs counter to social norms.

“The main drawback to the big-breakfast diet would seem to be the fact that people eat not just to satisfy hunger or cravings, but as a social activity,” Colby wrote in 2010. “And dinner is when they typically gather to break bread. Sure you can order up a vegetable platter or salad while others are noshing on pesto pasta and pizza, but it takes commitment.”

Source: Brett Smith for redOrbit.com – Your Universe Online

9 Things a True Friend Would Never Do

An acquaintance has a little something in common with you and merely enjoys your company for a short time.  A fair-weather friend flatters you when the sun is shining and the birds are chirping.  A true friend, on the other hand, has your very best interests at heart and would NEVER…

1.  Criticize you for being flawed.

As flawed as you might be, as out of place as you sometimes feel, and as lacking as you think you are, you don’t have to hide all the imperfect pieces of yourself from a true friend.  They see your flaws as features that make you interesting and beautiful.
The quality of the happiness between two people grows in direct proportion to their acceptance, and in inverse proportion to their intolerance and expectations.  True friends love and appreciate each other just the way they are.

2.  Walk away when times get tough.

True friendship and good character is all about how a person nurtures another person when they are vulnerable and can give very little in return.  Thus, it’s not who’s standing beside you during good times, but the ones who stick by you through tough times that are your true friends.
So take note of who remains in your life when times get tough, especially the people who sacrifice the resources they have in their life to help you improve yours when you need it most.  Seriously, when you come out the other side of a difficult period in your life, look around you.  The people still standing beside you are your true friends.

3.  Discourage you.

Unfortunately, some who seem like your friends will try to hold you back from your full potential.  It may be difficult, but don’t let these negative imposters bring you down.  Don’t ever let your so-called friends turn your sky into a ceiling.  Beware of friends who try to belittle your ambitions.  Small hearts and minds always do that.  The greatest hearts and minds – the people you should spend time around – make you feel that you, too, can become great.
Remember, encouraging things happen when you distance yourself from discouraging people.  Doing so doesn’t mean you hate them, it simply means you respect yourself.  (Angel and I discuss this in more detail in the “Relationships” chapter of 1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently.)

4.  Hold a grudge over your head.

Some people will refuse to accept that you are no longer who you used to be – that you’ve made mistakes in the past, learned from them, and moved beyond them.  They may not be able to stand the fact that you’re growing and moving on with your life, and so they will try to drag your past to catch up with you.  Do not help them by acknowledging their begrudging behavior.  Let go of their negativity, find peace, and liberate yourself!
A true friend never holds the unchangeable past against you; instead, they help your repair your present and future.  If someone relentlessly judges you by your past and holds it against you, you might have to take matters into your own hands, and repair your present and future by leaving them behind.

5.  Lie to you.

When you keep someone in your life who is a chronic liar, and you keep giving them new chances to be trusted, you have a lot in common with this person – you’re both lying and being unfriendly to YOU.
If you know someone who avoids the truth by telling you only what you want to hear, they do so for their own benefit, not yours.  They are not a true friend and they don’t deserve to be treated as such.

6.  Pretend like they have all the answers.

If you think about the people who have had the greatest positive effect on your life – the ones who truly made a difference – you will likely realize that they aren’t the ones that tried to give you all the answers or solve all your problems.  They’re the ones who sat silently with you when you needed a moment to think, who lent you a shoulder when you needed to cry, and who tolerated not having all the answers, but stood beside you anyway.
Don’t look for a friend who will solve all your problems; look for one who will face them with you.  (Read Tuesdays with Morrie.)

7.  Take from you without giving back.

You deserve to be with friends who make you smile – friends who don’t take you for granted – friends who won’t leave you hanging.  When you notice that a friend is always taking from you without giving back, you might need to distance yourself from them for a while.  If they care, they’ll notice.  If they don’t, you know where you stand.
You should want to give, but you shouldn’t be forced to always give more than you get.  If you feel like you are being taken advantage of, respect yourself enough to confront the situation.  This doesn’t mean you have to stop being friends with those who you feel are at fault, but you need to evaluate your friendships and realize where to draw the line when you give yourself to certain people.

8.  Bully you.

It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but just as much to stand up to your friends.  Sometimes bullying comes from the most unlikely places.  Be cognizant of how your friends treat you, and look out for the subtle jabs they throw.  When necessary, confront them or distance yourself from them – whatever it takes to give yourself the opportunity to grow into who you really are.
Life’s too short to be hanging around people who try to control and manipulate you.  Anyone who does so is not a true friend.  Gain your independence by taking off the shackles and freeing yourself from these bullies.  (Read The Mastery of Love.)

9.  Make you feel like you’re burdening them.

True friendship is never burdened with stressful promises and obligations.  What true friends do for each other should be done because they care and because they want to do them.  Period.
So don’t chase people.  They don’t need to be chased.  If someone is a true friend and wants you in their life, they’ll make room for you.  You shouldn’t have to fight for a spot.  Never, ever force yourself on someone who continuously overlooks your worth.

Afterthoughts

A true friend who understands your tears and troubles is far more valuable than a hundred friends who only show up for your smiles and joys.  Because a true friend accepts who you truly are, and also helps you become who you are capable of being.
Friendships like this require more than just finding the right person, they also require you to be the right person.  When someone believes in you enough to lift you up, try not to let them down.  True friendship is a sweet responsibility to be nurtured, not an opportunity to be exploited.

Your turn…

What would you add to the list?  What’s one thing a true friend would never do?  Leave a comment below and let us know.

Dump Your Expensive Girlfriend, Advices Chris Kirubi

She is Expensive? Dump her!

Are you a young man who’s aspiring to accumulate wealth and make a name for yourself? Well, Capital FM chairman and business mogul, Chris Kirubi has some wise counsel for you.
In his weekly podcast on business tips#AskKirubiThursdays the magnate gave tips on how to generate capital to start business by developing a saving culture. Kirubi comprehends that most young people live beyond their means as the first things they want to buy when they get money is purchase is a BlackBerry or an iPad.
Demanding women is also an issue that Kirubi dwelled on saying that the choice of girlfriends also determines whether you are to make it or not. He specifically points out men who have pricey girlfriends who want to be wined and dined at expensive establishments and to get showered with gifts in form of watches, cars and clothes.
He reckons that such individuals have a very difficult time trying to save or invest.
Kirubi says, “Spend less, save more and accumulate wealth and money that you can freely spend in

Revealed! Early Traits Of Becoming An Entrepreneur

I was reading an interesting article yesterday on Sunday Nation written by Sunny Bindra where the author says as a country we have become a nation of glorifying ‘tenderprenuers’ at the expense of the real entrepreneurs.

If you are lost as I was, a tenderprenuer is someone who masquerades as a legitimate businessperson while using political contacts to secure lucrative government contracts.



What follows is quick money, life on the fast lane, big cars, media coverage because hey, you are now one of the successful people in the country…people want to know how you did it…people want the same kind of success that you have…people envy you endlessly….if only people knew the shenanigans you employed to be where you are today.

But the people to be put on pedestals are none other than entrepreneurs who put on time and a lot of effort into their startup companies which later flourish to become companies to reckon with.
Can you know if you were born to be an entrepreneur? Is it something you can know when you are young or is it something which dawns on you one day when you have searched far and wide for a job but can’t find one and now you are like, “Uh, maybe I should try being an entrepreneur and see how that goes…..”
According to a new study by German and Swedish researchers, they found out that in comparison to people who did not found businesses, entrepreneurs were more likely to have displayed anti-social behaviour in their adolescence!

Here are some of the characteristics an entrepreneur might exhibit:
•    staying out later than allowed
•    Absenteeism
•    cheating in exams
•    getting drunk
•    smoking marijuana
•    shoplifting
•    loitering in town in the evening

Can you believe it! Do you write mwakenya? Skip classes? Smoke pot? You my dear friend could be exhibiting an entrepreneurial trait which you need to explore and see where it will take you. I kid you not!
The research also goes ahead to say that entrepreneurs often engage in “productive rule breaking” It suggest that mild acts of rebellion in the adolescent years could be a precursor to that useful skill.
What are your thoughts on this interesting research?

By Tabitha Makumi

A Real Man Never Hits A Woman!

Physical abuse is a very touchy subject. Many women experience it, but none deserve it. It is a senseless and heartless act and is a sign of a true coward. 

Women are already faced with the day to day challenges of being a woman and to have added pressure from a careless figure of a man is totally unnecessary.

It is a very hurtful thing to know that a man has hit someone you care about so deeply.

 There are many excuses men use to justify hitting women, but none of them are legitimate. Some would even go as far as saying, “That’s how I was brought up. So this is normal.”

This is NOT normal. It’s a mental sickness that needs to be rectified.

An abusive man is a person who is controlling and possessive. Who tries to control his woman day-to-day life.  He wants to know her every location, how long was she there, who did she see and who did she meet. He controls what she wears and who she goes out with. And sometimes to the point where she can’t even see her family. He isolates her so she can become dependent on him.

When a man hits a woman, it gives him a measurement of his control. He is not treating her with respect. Instead of her being his equal, she allows him to place himself above her while she becomes the peasant. And the only reason why this happens is because those women allow it.

Truth be told, a man wouldn’t want someone hitting his daughter, so he shouldn’t hit someone else’s.