The Powerful- September by Francie Baldwin

Powerful Magazine September 2018

INSIDE 06_

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TRAINING OUR BRAINS TO THINK IN NEW WAYS

MAKING PEACE, NOT WAR

THE COST OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION AT WHAT PRICE?

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SEPTEMBER DID YOU KNOW?

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FINANCIAL EDUCATOR

SELF IMPROVEMENT MONTH WHAT YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE YOURSELF

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DOS AND DON’TS OF TRAVEL

THE QUESTION OF ETHICS IN BUSINESS

WHICH SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM IS BEST FOR YOU?

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“ANYTHING LESS THEN THE BEST IS A FELONY”

EATING HEALTHIER WITHOUT NOTICING

WHERE TO TRAVEL IN SEPTEMBER

68_ HOW TO CELEBRATE ‘UPDATE YOUR RESUME MONTH’

Nothing is more Powerful than the Truth. That is the fundamental idea and basis of The Powerful. In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modern culture, media has become very one-sided, only wanting to discuss whatever side they are in support of. The Powerful is aimed towards giving you the power to make your own decision and formulate your own opinion and view. At The Powerful, we feel there is no right or wrong, only the power of information that you can arm yourself with. You can check out The Powerful online at ThePowerful.com. There, you can find the stories that are featured here in the magazine and can comment and weigh in on what you think. Enjoy the September edition. Sincerely,

Francie Editor

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EDITORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOTE

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TRAINING OUR BRAINS TO THINK IN NEW WAYS By Nicole Rujevic What if I told you that you can train your brain to think better? To think in new ways that will help you become more creative? You may be skeptical, but it is possible! You can train your brain to think better, and one of the best ways to do this is to expand the set of mental models you use to think. I am going to share a story with you to help explain what I mean. I was reading a story about Richard Feynman, the famous physicist, and that was when I first discovered what a mental model was and how useful the right one could be.

Feynman received his undergraduate degree from MIT and his Ph.D. from Princeton. During that time, he developed a reputation for walking into the math department and solving math problems that the Ph.D. students couldn’t solve. Naturally, people started talking and asked him how he did it. Feynman claimed that his secret weapon was not actually his intelligence, but rather a strategy he learned in high school. Now, when people heard this, they thought, “No way, that’s not possible”, but According to Feynman, his high school physics teacher asked him to stay after class one day and gave him a challenge. The teacher said to him, “Feynman, you talk too much and you make too much noise. I know why. You’re bored. So, I’m going to give you a book. You go up there to the back of the room, in the corner, and study this book, and when you know everything that’s in this book, you can talk again.”

Every Ph.D. student at Princeton and MIT is brilliant, but what separated Feynman from the rest wasn’t necessarily pure intelligence. It was the way he saw the problem, and he had a much broader set of mental models.

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So, each day, like the teacher said, Feynman would hide in the back of the classroom and study the book, Advanced Calculus by Woods while the other students continued with their regular lessons. It was while studying this old calculus textbook that Feynman began to develop his own set of mental models. “That book showed how to differentiate parameters under the integral sign,” Feynman wrote. “It turns out that’s not taught very much in the universities; they don’t emphasize it. But I caught on how to use that method, and I used that one damn tool again and again. So, because I was self-taught using that book, I had peculiar methods of doing integrals. The result was, when the guys at MIT or Princeton had trouble doing a certain integral, it was because they couldn’t do it with the standard methods they had learned in school. If it was a contour integration, they would have found it; if it was a simple series expansion, they would have found it. Then I come along and try differentiating under the integral sign, and often it worked. So, I got a great reputation for doing integrals, only because my box of tools was different from everybody else’s, and they had tried all their tools on it before giving the problem to me.”

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SO WHAT IS A ‘MENTAL MODEL’? According to best-selling author, James Clear, “A mental model is an explanation of how something works. It is a concept, framework, or worldview that you carry around in your mind to help you interpret the world and understand the relationship between things. Mental models are deeply held beliefs about how the world works. For example, supply and demand is a mental model that helps you understand how the economy works. Game theory is a mental model that helps you understand how relationships and trust work. Entropy is a mental model that helps you understand how disorder and decay work. Mental models guide your perception and behavior. They are the thinking tools that you use to understand life, make decisions, and solve problems. Learning a new mental model gives you a new way to see the world— like Richard Feynman learning a new math technique. Mental models are imperfect, but useful. There is no single mental model from physics or engineering, for example, that provides a flawless

explanation of the entire universe, but the best mental models from those disciplines have allowed us to build bridges and roads, develop new technologies, and even travel to outer space. As historian Yuval Noah Harari puts it, ‘Scientists generally agree that no theory is 100 percent correct. Thus, the real test of knowledge is not truth, but utility.’ The best mental models are the ideas with the most utility. They are broadly useful in daily life. Understanding these concepts will help you make wiser choices and take better actions. This is why developing a broad base of mental models is critical for anyone interested in thinking clearly, rationally, and effectively.” The best mental models are the ideas with the most utility. They are broadly useful in daily life. Understanding these concepts will help you make wiser choices and take better actions. This is why developing a broad base of mental models is critical for anyone interested in thinking clearly, rationally, and effectively.”

Many people think that experienced experts don’t need to work on their mental models but that’s not true; expanding mental models is something experts need to work on just as much as novices. We all have our favorite mental models, the ones we naturally drift to as an explanation for why something happened or how it happened. We all tend to favor the mental models that are most familiar to us. But, here’s the problem: when a certain worldview dominates your thinking, you will naturally try to view every problem you face through that worldview. One thing to be aware of is, the more you master a mental model, the more you will indiscriminately apply it to every problem. The simplest way to understand the process of accumulating mental models is comparing it to your vision. Think about it, each eye can see things on its own, but if you cover one of your eyes, you lose part of the full picture. It’s impossible to see the full picture when you’re only looking through one eye. Similarly, mental models provide an internal picture of how the world works.

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The month of September recognizes many national and international holidays. While some of these holidays in September are quite strange and random, others are truly worth recognizing.

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH TAKE ACTION! September is National Preparedness Month, which means you need a plan. A plan for your family, pets and community. Earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires and other natural disasters - they happen everywhere with little prediction. When disaster strikes, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s too late. Prepare now for when that time comes.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT MONTH As the title states, the month of September should be dedicated to importing yourself. Whatever goals or tasks you want to achieve, set yourself up on a path to get you there. Put in the work and the results will come.

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SELF–CARE AWARENESS MONTH

BETTER BREAKFAST MONTH

Probably one of the most important holidays of the month and one that should ideally be practiced in everyday life is Self-Care Awareness Month. People just don’t understand how truly important self-care is. It’s what keeps us sane and what keeps us from being able to function properly. You cannot properly help others without first helping yourself. And it doesn’t take much. Stay focused on your goals, pay attention to your feelings in the moment and speak up for yourself…all of these are meant to be practiced daily. It’s not selfish, it’s essential.

One of the best holidays to celebrate, Better Breakfast Month is a time to strive to eat a healthy breakfast. Ditch the waffles, sugary cereal or pastries and treat your body well. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and you don’t want to start your day going downhill. So go ahead, wake up an extra 10 minutes early to give yourself some time for a proper meal. Eggs, smoothies, fruit, and protein all make for perfectly healthy and better breakfast options.

NATIONAL COURTESY MONTH National Courtesy Month is a great reminder to us all. Be courteous! Be courteous to your friends, family, coworkers and even strangers. You’ll be surprised at how good it’ll make you feel.

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SAVE YOUR PHOTOS MONTH

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

September is a month to take the time to save your photos. And we aren’t just talking about your iPhone photos. Old photo albums, especially, can never be replaced should something happen to them. Take the time before it’s too late to back up those photos. Scan them to your computer or to the cloud, or send them to a photo backup company to do the job for you. This month observed to saving your photos is supported by the Save Your Photos Alliance which was developed by the Association of Personal Photo Organizers. The organization provides tons of tools and information to help preserve your photos.

September 21st marks the International Day of Peace observed around the globe. It is a day that the General Assembly has devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace. Back in 2015, the United Nations members adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals to build a peaceful world. These steps were essential to achieve economic and social development. Specifically, the 16th goal, “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”, requests advocating for peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATE YOUR RESUME MONTH Although it’s recommended to keep your resume up-to-date as frequently as possible, the month of September brings extra attention to this topic. Mark this on your calendar and get to work. You never know when an opportunity can arise, and having your resume updated often can better prepare you for those situations.

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DOS AND DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;TS OF TRAVEL By Josiah Tripp

#1 Don’t wait till the last minute to Pack/ Prepare for your trip Some of my biggest mistakes have been made when I waited until the last minute to pack. I was headed to New York City for a couple days then to Australia right after. I woke up the morning of the trip and packed everything in my bag. I was sure that I had everything; I checked and double checked, but when it was time to leave New York, I realized I didn’t have my passport. I was pressed for time when packing, and I was only thinking about getting to New York but not about Australia. Needless to say, that resulted in a ton of problems, canceled flights and having to overnight my passport- which was not cheap. With changing flights, additional hotel costs, and overnighting the passport, the total monetary cost of not properly planning was over $2000 USD.

Over two years ago, I gave up my safe and comfortable desk job to follow a dream of mine and accept a position with a global organization that required me to travel 90% of the time to countries all over the world. I had no prior experience traveling internationally except for the occasional family cruise or spring break trip to Mexico. But after traveling to over 32 different countries in just a short period of 24 months, I learned very quickly that traveling isn’t always a breeze.

#2 DO everything you can not to check a bag I can’t tell you how many times the airlines have lost my luggage or temporarily misplaced my bags, leaving me with no clothing or suits to wear. Yes, the airlines most likely will pay for your items if they lose them, but what happens when your flight doesn’t get in until late at night after all the stores are closed and you have a meeting at 7am?

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Here Are My Top 10 Dos and Don’ts of Travelling:

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#3 DO choose the right luggage to travel with If you travel often, it’s time to make an investment in a good and durable luggage set. With airlines now charging for pretty much anything that isn’t a carry-on or personal item, you need to be strategic about the luggage that you have. Backpacks in large part for many business travelers have replaced the bulky inconvenient briefcase. One brand I can recommend for backpacks or any luggage is TUMI. The company has stylish, lasting and durable products that are exclusively made to accommodate travelers. You can find a TUMI store in almost every major airport worldwide. The second brand that I recommend is SKYROLL. What makes the SKYROLL so convenient is that it is a suitcase and garment bag all in one and still fits into the overhead bins.

#4 DON’T check in at the airport Always make sure to check in for your flight online. By doing this, there’s a couple of ways it benefits you. It saves you time because you don’t have to wait in line at the checkin desk, but also many airlines internationally will weigh your carry-on and personal items at the airport check-in, and if it exceeds the allowed limit, then they will charge you. But if you already have a boarding pass printed, you can continue straight through security and to your gate.

#5 DO bring extra photocopies of your passport and travel documents

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The last thing you want to happen is to get stranded in a foreign country without a passport. By making these extra copies, it gives you that extra security in case your passport gets stolen.

#6 DON’T be the person in the security line everyone gets upset with Think ahead when you are packing. Besides the obvious of taking out electronics, make sure that any wires, chargers, coins, jewelry or adapters are all put in separate small bags that can be unzipped and taken out of your carry-on and put in the bin. When you take those things out, most of the time you will have no issues going through security. Also, no matter how many times you try, if your toiletries are over the travel size they will be thrown away.

#7 DO wear clothing with deep pockets I can’t tell you how many times I’ve almost lost my passport or wallet because it fell out of my pocket when I was sitting on the plane. At least two times I have actually left it on the plane and a member of the crew came running after me, and I had no

#8 DO bring back-up methods to retrieve money Always bring cash and two credit or debit cards. Try to keep at least one of your cards separate from the others and in a specific location in your luggage or backpack in case you lose your wallet or it gets stolen. Try to avoid using a debit card internationally as your bank will charge you currency conversion fees.

clue it was even gone. One way to prevent this completely is to get used to putting your wallet and passport directly into a deep pocket in your backpack after each use. This also can prevent

#9 DO screenshot the Hotel information of your destination

you from being pickpocketed. Many times, when visiting a foreign country, your cell phone signal is very poor and you have no service. When you get to the airport after a long flight, the last thing you want to do is try to connect to WiFi and retrieve the information from your email; plus, many times the Wi-Fi simply won’t connect.

#10 DO choose the right airline to build status with

Choosing an airline loyalty program is key to a travel life full of perks and benefits. Always try to fly the same airline to build status, but once you Powerful Magazine September 2018

hit top status with one airline, start flying another one exclusively so that you can build status on multiple airlines and the benefits that come along with it. For example, I live in the United States, so I choose to fly Delta exclusively as much as I can, as they offer some of the best rewards like access to the Delta Sky Club where there is free food and drinks while you wait for your flight. Fast track lines through security and priority boarding are also important benefits given. Delta gives you complimentary upgrades to first class when you fly domestically as well as 4 global upgrades a year. On top of all that, you get treated with the best care and a designated phone line to call when things go wrong, and they take care of your issue immediately without hardly any wait time. Whatever country you reside, most airlines will be part of a bigger conglomerate and share some amenities when you travel that same alliance. Assess the benefits of each airline and choose the one that makes the most sense and gives the best benefits for your region.

Although most of my time is spent running through airports and hotel rooms, there is a certain sense of accomplishment you feel every time you mark off a different destination. Everywhere I go, I try to take at least one Instagram picture not just so others can see what I am up to, but it becomes a digital photo book to remind you of all that you have accomplished as a traveler. Some days when I am exhausted from working and flying, I look at my Instagram account and it brings a smile to my face and reminds me how lucky I am to experience the world and its many cultures.

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ANYTHING LESS THAN THE BEST IS A FELONY Vanilla Ice, aka Robert Matthew Van Winkle, is an international superstar who has lived his whole life working to be the best at everything he does. From an early age, his love of poetry got him started putting beats together, and he has been unstoppable ever since. From rapper, real estate investor, tv host, actor, and being 6th best in the world at riding jet skis, he is a born competitor and truly unstoppable. Along with the highs,

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there have been many lows for Vanilla Ice, but like all champions, you get back up and keep going. His journey to becoming a superstar has been a roller coaster. According to Vanilla Ice, it took a lot of hard times for him to figure out his purpose. Success didn’t come easy. He started with a passion of poetry and his relentless persona of doing everything to his best has kept him around for decades. He has never left music behind,

21 In finding his purpose, he took on new interests along the way. In the 90’s, he started investing in Real Estate. His times in front of the camera proved him to be very likable to the audience. So much so, in 2009, he took his passion of Real Estate and mixed it with his television experience to start the hit reality show “The Vanilla Ice Project”. Other hobbies Ice took on was Jet Skiing… he didn’t just “do it for fun”; he had to be the best. He became 6th best in the world and got sponsorships from Kawasaki. Vanilla Ice embodies something all successful people have in common; the drive to be the best. It isn’t enough to be the best at one thing and just get by in the other areas of your life. When you commit to something, anything in your life, you do whatever it takes to be your ultimate best. All leaders know you can’t reach your full potential unless you challenge yourself. Setting high expectations and working to meet and or exceed them acts as a drug. If you achieve one goal, you want to set a new one and then beat it. It sounds so easy but it isn’t. Some people are born to win; they have the fire in their belly. For other people, it takes some conditioning but they get there. They surround themselves with the people who keep pushing themselves to be better and it rubs off. Be-

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and win or lose, he has chosen to keep the music true to represent who he is, not who a label or what other people want him to be. That courage brought on some ups and downs for Vanilla Ice, but he pushed through and says it was all part of his journey.

coming an effective leader isn’t a onetime goal. A winner is always a winner. They don’t lose in life, they learn. And isn’t that what life is all about? Continuing to learn so you fulfill your purpose in life? To what heights will you challenge yourself? Ice is also known to be a phenomenal problem solver. He has stated he never needed people to help him solve his problems. In fact, the lyric in Ice Ice Baby that states “If there was a problem, yo, I’ll solve it” is a direct reflection of Ice when he wrote it. Ice will not be found complaining, he will be found looking for a solution, and he will be looking to find it quickly. There are businesses that have taken Ice’s problem solving abilities and implemented them as a “philosophy” into their company. They implement his “take charge” attitude. They create a team that never hesitates when a problem arises. They are directed to have a “solution based” mindset and work to find the underlying issue of any problem that arises in their department and for their customers. This “philosophy” of Ice’s has kept him evolving and perfecting his game for decades, and it’s no secret why business owners are taking these tactics into their own companies and finding results. Leaders who lack the wisdom to see the depth of a problem approach it as only an issue that is before them; they don’t

see the possibilities that lie within the problem to make them better. Problems are not meant to be a distraction, but rather as something that enables the leader to strategize on how to be better, and eventually the best. As the saying goes, “If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” Leadership isn’t about solving one problem, it’s an ongoing process. To do whatever it takes, leaders are like Ice, they break down problems beyond what they see superficially to get to the core to bring transformational change to themselves and or their organizations. Vanilla Ice is constantly evolving to better himself and has become a role model to people all over the world. From music, real estate, jet skiing, and motocross, Ice sees no limitations, only opportunities. As he sees it, “Yesterday’s history and tomorrow’s a mystery”. I am sure we will be seeing much more in the future from Vanilla Ice.

Powerful Magazine September 2018

Befriending Your Enemies for Overall Business Prosperity By Jessica Ramsey

Powerful Magazine September 2018

MAKING PEACE, NOT WAR

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Should you keep your friends close and your enemies closer, or avoid the enemy altogether? It’s a ongoing debate and one that can be rationalized on both sides. But which is best in the long run? US President Donald Trump and North Korea Dictator Kim Jong-un have been able to put differences aside, a truly unprecedented act, to see the greater good for the United States, North Korea, and the world. To be a fly on that wall... We are seeing alliances being made, the remains of US Soldiers from the Korean War being returned to US families… it is truly something we haven’t ever seen before with the Dictator. The only President to ever come this close was US President Bill Clinton in the late 1990’s. As great as this is, what is the long-term play to be expected and how can this be applied into your business? Can businesses put differences aside for the greater good? In 2014, Elon Musk had Tesla motors open its patent portfolio to encourage its competition to copy them and build more electric cars. Google did the same thing; they gave away its Android operating system for free. Both of these acts allowed the market to get bigger for mobile devices and electric cars.

Collaborating with your enemies doesn’t mean you have to show your whole hand. It means you work to trust each other enough for the common good. Another great example of this is when Microsoft and Apple partnered together in the 90’s. Steve Jobs was quoted saying “We have to let go of the notion that for Apple to win, Microsoft has to lose”. And the overall advancement in both companies was astonishing. Where though does this go wrong? Your enemy will not meet you on your own terms, but only on his or hers and a business cannot grow an empire on a great team alone. Every company has a secret sauce, so what is yours? The enemy may have what you need and it may be about overcoming the differences to see both of you succeed for the greater good. But when you do trust the enemy to only get burned again, when is enough?

Whatever reasoning you and your enemy may have, they are in business for a purpose. Maybe that purpose is similar to yours, or maybe it isn’t. It is in the best interest for your business and theirs to work somehow together. If your enemy knows you are working to help their agenda, they will think twice about lying to or manipulating you. They wouldn’t want to hurt themselves in the long run.

What does a collaboration look like? Sometimes it means adapting to circumstances you can’t influence. Collaboration requires you to stretch, reorient your perspective, change and experiment with innovative approaches. And it isn’t easy. Keep the end goal in mind. Where is your baseline for using power and understanding. Remember to concentrate on achieving meaningful, engaging communication that aligns with the company, competitor, or enemy’s agenda. It is about a win- win, but you both will lose as well. Know what your competitor is willing to lose to get what they want. And know that about yourself too. Where does this go bad? One way is by failing to make sure you both are on the same page. An example of this is when NASA collaborated with Lockheed Martin in the 90’s to build a $125 million orbiter for a Mars expedition. The problem was you had two brilliant teams that were not in alignment from the beginning and the mission failed. They failed to pinpoint the details, thus allowing the parties to not fulfill what they promised. If you are trying to work with an enemy / competitor, it could hurt the relationship if the details are not in alignment with what they can produce. Though both may have had good intentions.

The thing is, sometimes we all are just trying to get something done that really matters to us, and we cannot do it alone. If only we all could learn how to work with people we may not like, agree with, or trust, the whole world would be better off. Collaboration is competition in a different way. You don’t forget that your enemy may be out to harm you. With clear objectives, you both work together because you understand the amount of success you can achieve by working together. You may not be looking to do business with a dictator, or maybe you are… the fact of the matter is, there is no better time than now to see if they hold a piece that can help you grow bigger and vise versa. And don’t be afraid to try.

One other way to fail is by having too many cooks in the kitchen. Know what you want to say and communicate your message directly with who is running the business. Don’t allow your message to get muddied through the chains. Let them work with their teams and you work with yours after an agreement has been made.

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The saying “Bite me once, shame on you, bite me twice, shame on me” is a valid argument. Even a toddler knows he only needs to touch a stove once to prove it’s hot. But how do we overcome this in business?

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THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FINANCIAL EDUCATOR WITH CHRIS JOHNSON

Modern financial systems are impenetrably complex; and the networks on which we so thoroughly depend are transformed continuously by financial innovation and regulatory arbitrage. In the best of times, this complexity makes adjustment disorderly; nevertheless, individuals have become ever more active in financial markets. This trend is due in part to a market liberalization that has shifted control and influence away from government and employers towards private individuals. Yet are these individuals well-equipped to make financial decisions? There is overwhelming evidence suggesting that individuals who are not financially literate are less likely to plan for retirement and to accumulate wealth. When so many of us are being asked to take on an unprecedented degree of responsibility for our financial future, and confronted with a bewildering array of available financial products, what can we do to increase our financial literacy?

In light of the complexity of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial markets, it is imperative that we learn to rely on professionals such as brokers, accountants, financial planners, etc. The financial education expert adds a new perspective to your strategic financial planning and will work closely with you to ensure that the most appropriate actions are taken so that fiscal solvency is consistently maintained and growth becomes possible.

Thus, we emphasize the importance of establishing a strong link with a professional financial educator.

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Financial crises are cyclical, no matter how far away the last one seems there is always a new one around the corner. Likewise, the distinction between times of crisis and financial stability may be somewhat misleading. It is fascinating, and incredibly enlightening, to arrive at the realization that the seeds of instability are sown in times of financial normalcy. The most recent global financial crisis has made evident the fact that the public at large is woefully unprepared to face these monumental upheavals. Furthermore, financial innovation of the last couple of decades, in addition to the proliferation of structurally complex products, has severely limited the publicÂ´s ability to confidently assess the balance and interdependence of the multiple financial actors and counterparties at play. Consequently, financial literacy is at an all-time low.

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An financial educator will shrewdly provide you with their knowledge and experience. These are some points where he or she can help you: Income: Plan, with absolute fiduciary responsibility the most effective way to maximize profit and get the most out of all your investments. Your financial educator will work, hand in hand, with you to determine how much money will be available to handle obligations, fixed expenses, and investments. Cash Flow: Look for instruments or tools to grow your flow of cash and carefully analyze, identify, and control patterns of unnecessary expenses. The intervention of a financial educator in this aspect will allow you to determine what petty expenses may be subject to deduction, define a clear policy for its use and build a framework to enable tighter budget control. Capital: A financial educator will make sure your income is converted into capital and increases the value of your assets. As you know, having capital supports your economic capacity when considering credits or investments that will allow you to improve your financial flexibility. Security: This is perhaps one of the most critical responsibilities of your financial educator. Through the adoption of financially sound strategies and adequate policies that favor stability, your financial educator can provide you with unprecedented peace of mind.

If you are considering hiring the services of a financial educator, consider these benefits: Objectivity: When an executive of a bank or financial institution offers you advice, most of the time he is trying to sell you a product. By not working for any broker or financial institution, the only interest of a financial educator is to find the product or plan that most benefits their client, always taking into account their specific characteristics, objectives, and level of risk that they are willing to take. He knows that his success depends on the success of his client and that the best reference of his work is a satisfied client. Rationality: When it comes to our money, we sometimes make unsound decisions. This idea has given rise to a new branch of finance, known as “behavioral finance.” Factors such as emotions, overconfidence, risk aversion and various other behavioral patterns can have a determinant effect on the financial decisions we make. Hence the importance of a financial educator who, with a much more rational and objective vision of what the client may need, will approach the pros and cons of each decision more carefully.

Investment: A professional financial educator will consider all of his or her client’s monetary variables, their objectives and risk tolerance. He or she will act as a guide to help you choose the right type of investments that suit your needs, personality, and goals. Financial Discernment: A better understanding of finances can be achieved when quantifiable goals are set, and a financial educator can help you define them. With their support, you will become adept at understanding the far-reaching consequences of any decisions you make and be able to review results and better assess the risk of potential moves in the future. Assets: Ultimately, it will be desirable to have your adviser help you construct a “cushion” in the form of valuable assets. However, many assets come with liabilities attached, so it is essential to evaluate the real value of an asset carefully. Overcoming these liabilities will ultimately depend on your personal understanding of your particular finances. The support that the financial educator contributes to this process of creating value will ensure positive results.

In light of all these considerations, we can´t help but recommend Chris Johnson enough. He specializes in inculcating families with comprehensive financial knowledge. How are families expected to achieve their financial goals and dreams without the in-depth financial understanding that the market so ruthlessly requires? Johnson devise’s comprehensive financial plans that serve as precise financial roadmaps for families that are starting out on their financial journey. Our business teaches young families just how money works. We aim to empower individuals to become financially independent and wholly debt-free.

In general, people’s investment decisions are determined by what they see in the media or by the opinions of acquaintances. Costly errors are made out of ignorance of the intricacies of the financial market. A responsible investment must be planned based on specific objectives, and according to the client’s personal situation, the value of their assets, expenses, possible tax costs and conditions of the economy, among many other variables that can determine the success or failure of each investment.

Some of the services our financial educators provide include: - We provide practical information and useful knowledge on eliminating debt more efficiently through debt stacking payments. - We educate families on just how banks make money off an individual’s hard earned savings.

Establishing a close relationship with a financial educator that you trust is fundamental to achieving your financial goals. Therefore, it is essential that you look for, not only knowledgeable and experienced individuals but also for someone with a personality that fits with yours and that understands and shares your values and aspirations. Strategically planning your financial future with the aid of a financial educator will ensure that your monetary interests receive the necessary financial acumen and resources when you decide to grow or face some risk in the markets. Maximize your chances for financial stability with the smart investment decisions of a professional financial educator.

- We teach strategies, which enable homeowners to pay off the principal of their mortgage earlier than the original term. - We educate families on the importance of financial protection such as health and life insurance in case of illness and death.

Chris Johnson sits with families and educates them on the basic tenets of becoming financially independent. Our financial educators will then draft and design a personalized financial plan and present it to the family at a second meeting. This financial plan is deliberately crafted with the families’ particular needs and covers their personal goals and dreams. We also impart the necessary financial confidence so that the family can achieve their goals by the desired date. Our clients are universally surprised when they realize that paying off their debts is attainable with the methods we devise.

We also work with teenagers to teach them financial principles as early as possible. Working with groups of young people to give them the knowledge they need to become financially savvy at a young age, so they are able to lead responsible lives and make informed financial decisions. Success in the financial realm will not depend solely on technical knowledge and access to information. It is also highly influenced by an objective mentality, discipline, and consistent monitoring of investments.

30-Second bio of Chris Johnson 1.Your Ideal day Waking up early, saying my prayers, going to the gym all before 7am. By the end of the day knowing I’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life. Having more money than I did the previous day. 2. Favourite quote you live by You don’t lose by getting knocked down you lose by staying down. 3. Favourite Destination The Gambia - in west Africa its a beautiful country. 4. Biggest inspiration ParaOlympics. Seeing so many individuals not letting their physical condition stop them from doing what they love. The work effort that they must have to put in to perform on that level. Always see the opportunity in every situation.

5. Worst fear Don’t really fear much but the fear of losing my health permanently and not being able to do the things I currently do now would be my worst fear. 6. Biggest achievement Passing my degree in Performing Arts. That was very tough, I faced a lot of low times as I felt very isolated and although I wanted to quit on many occasions I persevered to eventually graduated. 7. Favorite food and drink Would have to say Nandos for food and a mojito for drink. I wouldn’t mix the two at the same time. Nandos is a Portuguese cuisine and it’s simple you order, you pay and then you eat. So no hidden surprises when the bill comes. 8. If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? Nelson mandela - from a young age he really inspired me and taught me about true forgiveness and to fight for what you believe in no matter the consequences and never lose hope.

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The financial educator is responsible for all this and much more. Chris Johnson is always aware of the importance of making reasonable investment recommendations that are independent of outside influences. And always place our client’s interests ahead of everything else.

Powerful Magazine September 2018

“HOW MUCH SHOULD BE SHARED WITH YOUR CLIENTS?” A growing business makes changes

What constitutes ethical conduct in

If you attract more clients at a low

across its platform every day. Though

business, as in every other area of

rate in order to meet a business

it takes much longer to turn a Titanic

life, depends on the business’s de-

quota, does the increase in custom-

than a tug boat, no thriving business

finitive purpose. Every business has

ers justify the rationale of keeping

stays stagnant for long, no matter

their own.

a higher introduced rate a secret in

how many chains of command it

hopes of keeping these clients? Is

goes through. A recent article in the

In the 36 page American Express

this the company trying to protect

Wall Street Journal got us thinking…

“Code of Conduct”, page 3 para-

itself and its image instead of the

It was reported that American Ex-

graph 1 states “American Express

customer?

press gave its small business clients

has built a strong, lasting relationship

one rate, and then secretly raised

with our customers, partners and

Many businesses are run by the val-

it later on. This practice happened

merchants through a long-standing

ues and beliefs of the owners, espe-

over a course of over a decade. It

commitment to trust, integrity and

cially small businesses. Simple ethics

is reported they routinely increased

service.” In the words of Ricky Ricar-

as “do no harm”, “respect others”,

rates without notifying the customer

do, “Lucy, you have some explaining

“be fair”, “care” are examples.

in hopes to boost revenue and em-

to do…”. Imagine that in a cuban

Large businesses may start this way,

ployee commissions.

accent.

but they usually start to get mud-

This causes

us to ask, “where is the line drawn

died along the way through different

between general business practices

While ethical decision making has an

personal styles of management and

and just bad business ethics?”.

element of common sense, business

employees. A company can work to

ethics are not the same as common

prevent this by ironing out checks

A company as huge as American Ex-

sense. Difficult business ethics are

and balances within departments

press is much like the Titanic; there

the ones that create disagreement

when it is small, so as it grows, there

are many chains of command for

about what is right. Usually dilem-

are still checks and balances in place

a policy to go through before it is

mas arise when people are faced

in how issues align with a company’s

created, yet alone changed. But a

with apparently incompatible objec-

initial value and belief system.

decade of this? Come on American

tives. An example can be when your

Express, get it together.

boss wants better quality but isn’t giving you a budget to do so. The

Ok lets play fair, lets break down the

overall purpose for a business is to

business code of ethics.

be sustainable in the long term by selling goods and services.

35 Powerful Magazine September 2018

THE QUESTION OF ETHICS IN BUSINESS:

36 Powerful Magazine September 2018

It is the belief system of a company

Let’s say this is an honest mistake as

which decides what and how much

it is a very large company. Changing

is shared with the customer.

management alone is a very detailed

What

you chose to disclose vs keep private

process for any business.

Bringing

is up to you. The overall consensus

change in a large company is a very

is that businesses chose to keep the

complex process because the issue is

clients best interest at heart.

The

usually acknowledged from a single

question they ask is “Will this infor-

group of people, not usually man-

mation affect how the client chooses

agement or the owners. Just bring-

to do business with us?” If so, busi-

ing the issue to light is a process in

ness owners chose to disclose that in-

itself by reaching the chain of com-

formation to clients in order for them

mand. Once it reaches the top, the

to still make the best decisions for

order is usually given in a top / down

themselves. For a business to take

approach and distributed within many

away the personal right from a client

different departments. It takes a lot

to decide on their own, on something

of accountability to make a change

that is for their best interest, is seen by

without it getting lost in the shuffle.

most owners as wrong.

This isn’t an excuse, but it happens. Only when it is given the light of day via the media do real changes get to be made.

Could the company possibly have gotten so large it was an honest mistake? Did they not have the right type of checks and balances? Or were they possibly aligned with an agenda that matched the goals of its own growth rather than honoring the customer relationship?

Maybe we will never

know. What will be interesting is how the company corrects this mistake over the coming weeks.

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EATING HEALTHIER WITHOUT NOTICING By: Nicole Solomon

We all want to eat healthy, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult when we live in a world where donuts and soda are at an armâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reach away. There are factors that can actually trick our minds to eat less, eat healthier foods and get on a good routine. Brian Wansink is a professor at Cornell University, and he has completed a variety of studies on how the environment shapes our eating decisions.

SMALLER PLATES Bigger plates mean bigger portions, and that 39

means you eat more food than you need to. According to a study conducted by Wansink, if you made that simple change by serving your food Powerful Magazine September 2018

on 10-inch plates instead of a 12-inch plate, you would eat 22% less food over the course of the year. It tricks your mind into thinking that you are eating more than you are, resulting in you feeling fuller quicker. Now, if you are thinking, “I’ll just put less food on my plate” that won’t work because it’s not that simple. Your eyes and brain will see the same amount of food differently on 2 different size plates.

USE TALL, SKINNY GLASSES FOR SODA/ ALCOHOL Our brains have tendencies to overestimate vertical lines. Basically, taller drinks will look bigger to our eyes than round, horizontal glasses do. And because height makes things look bigger than width, you will drink less from taller glasses. In fact, you will drink about 20% less from a tall, skinny glass than you would from a short, fat glass.

USE PLATES THAT HAVE A HIGH CONTRAST COLOR WITH YOUR FOOD

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When the color of your plate matches or is similar to the color of your food, you will naturally serve yourself more food because your brain has trouble distinguishing the actual portion size from the plate. I would recommend using either dark green or dark blue plates, because they contrast with light foods such as pasta and potatoes, which means you will serve yourself less of those foods. Dark green and dark blue plates wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t contrast much with leafy greens and vegetables, which will lead you to serve yourself more of those foods (which we want).

DISPLAY HEALTHY FOODS IN A PROMINENT PLACE Placing a bowl of fruits or nuts near your front door or somewhere that you pass by regularly or before you leave the house will push you to snack on healthy foods instead of grabbing a bag of potato chips. Remember that when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hungry and in a rush, you are more likely to grab the first thing you see.

PUT UNHEALTHY FOODS IN TIN FOIL AND HEALTHY FOODS IN PLASTIC WRAP We have all heard the saying, “Out of sight, out of mind”, this is

Powerful Magazine September 2018

100% accurate. If you cover bad foods with tin foil, you are less likely to see it, be reminded that you have it and eat it.

KEEP HEALTHY FOODS IN LARGER PACKAGES AND CONTAINERS, AND UNHEALTHY FOODS IN SMALLER ONES Bigger containers tend to catch your eye more and take up space in your kitchen and pantry, which makes you more likely to notice it and eat it. Meanwhile, smaller items can hide in your kitchen for weeks. Also, if you do happen to buy a large box of something unhealthy, you can always re-package it into smaller bags or containers, which should make it less likely that you’ll binge and eat a lot at once.

USE THE “OUTER RING” STRATEGY Whenever I go to the grocery store, I try to

Powerful Magazine September 2018

only walk around the “outer ring” of the store, because the middle isles are where all the evil foods are: the candy, the chips, and snacks. The outer ring is where the healthy food usually lives: fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, eggs, and nuts. These are items that grew or lived outdoors. Of course, there will be the occasional time that you’ll need to go down an aisle to pick up something else like spices, but this is rare, and if that happens, get what you need and get out! Life is meant to be lived happily. With that being said, I have no desire to judge myself badly for eating pizza or to feel guilty for drinking a glass of wine. But, I also know that I feel so much better when I eat healthy. In order to try and balance the two, there is a simple rule that I try to follow: whenever I eat an unhealthy meal, I follow it with a healthy one. Having a cheat meal is okay once in a while, but

‘BECAUSE THE MIDDLE ISLES ARE WHERE ALL THE EVIL FOODS ARE: THE CANDY, THE CHIPS, AND SNACKS.’

most people tend to think, “Well, I have cheated already; I might as well cheat again for dinner.” NO! Do not do this. If you do happen to cheat, let your next meal be a really healthy one to make up for it. Top performers make mistakes just like everyone else, but what makes them special is that they get back on track faster than most people.

SO, WHAT SHOULD I EAT? Greens greens greens! It is safe to say that every health professional will advocate eating more greens and vegetables. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a single diet that doesn’t think eating more plants is a good idea. Eating a variety of foods is important because, as we covered earlier, the brain craves novelty. I know it’s impossible to re-create an Oreo made from spinach and broccoli, but you can vary your diet enough to keep things interesting. For example, you could dip a carrot which is crunchy in some hummus which is creamy and get a novel sensation. Also, finding ways to add new spices and flavors to your food can make eating healthy foods a more desirable experience. The main system of most good diets is the same: eat whole foods that are unprocessed. Although some of them have different variations — whether it is no animal products, no grains, etc. — but most of them fit that general “real food” framework.

Stress is the worst thing in the world when it comes to eating and food, and there’s a reason why many people eat as a way to cope with stress. “Stress causes certain regions of the brain to release chemicals. These chemicals can trigger mechanisms that are similar to the cravings you get from fat and sugar. In other words, when you get stressed, your brain feels the addictive call of fat and sugar and you’re pulled back to junk food.” James Clear. We all have stressful situations that arise in our lives, and factors that are uncontrollable, but learning to deal with stress in a different way can help you overcome the addictive pull of junk food.

HOW TO SAY NO TO TEMPTATION Learning how to say no and being comfortable doing

had repeated these phrases, each student answered a

so is one of the most useful skills you can develop, es-

set of questions unrelated to the study.

pecially when it comes to living a healthy life. Research shows that small changes can make it easier for you

Once they finished answering their questions, the stu-

to say no; resist temptation and stick to healthy eat-

dents went to hand in their answers, thinking that the

ing habits. In a recent study published in the Journal of

study was over. But in reality, it was just beginning. As

Consumer Research, 120 students were split into two

each student walked out of the room, they were offered

groups of 60. One group was told to say, “I can’t” and

a treat. The options were a chocolate candy bar or a

the other was told to say, “I don’t.”

granola health bar. As the student walked away, the researcher would mark their snack choice on the answer

One group was told that each time they were faced

sheet. The students who told themselves, “I can’t eat

with a temptation, they would tell themselves, “I can’t

X” chose to eat the chocolate candy bar 61% of the

do X.” For example, when tempted with cake, they

time. Meanwhile, the students who told themselves,

would say, “I can’t eat cake.” When the second group

“I don’t eat X” chose to eat the chocolate candy bars

was faced with a temptation, they were told to say, “I

only 36% of the time. Proving that a simple change in

don’t do X.” For example, when tempted with cake,

terminology significantly improved the odds that each

they would say, “I don’t eat cake.” Once both groups

person would make a healthier food choice.

43 Powerful Magazine September 2018

HOW TO STICK TO HEALTHY EATING

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46 Powerful Magazine September 2018

THE COST OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION

AT WHAT PRICE? The irony of it all is that most peo-

According to many studies, the

ple suffer from sleep deprivation

tipping point is usually around the

so that they can work more and get

7-hour mark. Experts agree that 95%

more done, but the drop in perfor-

of adults need to sleep 7 - 9 hours

mance that comes from not enough

each night to function optimal-

sleep ruins any potential benefits of

ly. Children, teenagers, and older

working additional hours. Studies

adults typically need even more de-

have shown that in the United States

pending on your body.

alone, sleep deprivation is costing businesses over $100 billion each year in lost efficiency and perfor-

CUMULATIVE STRESS

mance. “Unless you’re doing work

The easiest way to explain this is to

that doesn’t require much thought,

think about a bucket of water. Imag-

you are trading time awake at the

ine that your health and energy is

expense of performance.” Gregory

that bucket of water. In day-to-day

Belenky, Director of the Sleep and

life, there are different things that

Performance Research Center at

will fill up your bucket. Sleep is one

Washington State University states.

of the main and most important in-

Which brings us to the very import-

puts, and things like nutrition, medi-

ant question - At what point does

tation, stretching, laughter, and oth-

sleep deprivation start accumulat-

er forms of recovery also fill up the

ing, and when do performance de-

bucket.

clines start adding up?

Which brings us to the very important question At what point does sleep deprivation start accumulating, and when do performance declines start adding up?

47 Powerful Magazine September 2018

If you want to ensure that your

If you’re not getting enough sleep

bucket remains full, you have to re-

during the week (less than 7 hours

fill it on a regular basis. That means

per day), you cannot depend on

making time for sleep and recovery.

catch-up sleep on the weekends

As the drainers in your life diminish

to restore your focus and attention.

your water, if you aren’t refilling,

James Clear, best-selling author,

your body will literally shut down.

says “The only way to keep levels

Always keep your bucket full. If you

of those performance measures

are trying to sleep more but it’s just

high is to make sure you’re getting

not happening, catching up with

adequate sleep every night. Now

sleep can remedy some of the neg-

does this mean you shouldn’t even

ative effects of several bad nights

try to catch up on sleep? No. If

of sleep. But, new research has

you’re already sleep deprived, you

shown that catching up on sleep on

should definitely try to get some

the weekends actually brings day-

extra sleep. But the best thing to

time sleepiness and inflammation

do, both for immediate perfor-

levels back to baseline. So, what

mance and for the long-term, is to

exactly does that mean?

prioritize sleep every night—not just on the weekends.”

48 Powerful Magazine September 2018

The quality of your sleep is de-

A great example of the impact of

termined by a process called the

sleep on physical performance is

sleep-wake cycle; there are two

a study that was conducted on the

crucial parts of the sleep-wake cy-

Stanford basketball. The players

cle - Slow wave sleep (also known as

slept for at least 10 hours per night.

deep sleep) and REM sleep (Rapid

Over a 5-week period, the research-

Eye Movement). During slow wave

ers measured the basketball play-

sleep, the body relaxes, blood pres-

ersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; accuracy and speed compared

sure falls, breathing becomes more

to their previous levels. Free throw

regular, and the brain becomes less

shooting percentage increased by

responsive, which makes it more dif-

9%, three-point shooting percent-

ficult for you to wake up. This is the

age increased by 9.2%, and the play-

phase that is critical for renewal and

ers were 0.6 seconds faster when

repair of the body, and during this

sprinting 80 meters.

phase, the pituitary gland releases growth hormone, which stimulates tissue growth and muscle repair, making this phase especially crucial for athletes. That is why you will often hear about professional athletes like Roger Federer or LeBron James sleeping 11 or 12 hours per night.

49 Usually, the REM phase occurs about 3 to 5 times per night.

slow wave sleep is to the body. The

Without the slow wave sleep and REM sleep phases, our

brain is quiet during sleep phases,

bodies literally start to die. If you starve yourself of sleep,

but during REM, the brain comes to

you will not be able to recover physically, your immune sys-

life. REM sleep is when you dream

tem weakens drastically, and your brain becomes blurred.

and re-organize information. Your

Doctors say that sleep deprived individuals experience in-

brain erases irrelevant information,

creased risk of viral infections, weight gain, diabetes, high

boosts your memory by connecting

blood pressure, heart disease, mental illness, and mortality.

the experiences of the last 24 hours to your previous experiences, and helps learning and neural growth. Body temperature rises, blood pressure increases, and heart rate speeds up, but despite all of this activity, the body actually hardly moves.

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REM sleep is to the mind what

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SELF IMPROVEMENT MONTH WHAT YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE YOURSELF As we mentioned earlier, September is a month to focus on improving one’s self. Whether it’s taking care of your physique or mental state, check out these tips to help you get started on your self-improvement journey.

CHANGE UP YOUR DIET

While it’s great to always have goals, it’s not helpful when those goals are unattainable. Reconsider what your current goals are and remove the ones that just aren’t possible. While it’s great to dream big, it’s not going to do you any good in the long run if you’re always trying to achieve something that will never happen. Switch up your perspective and come up with new strategies. Change is hard for most, but when you’re not getting anywhere near to your goal, it just gets frustrating.

The key to a healthy lifestyle starts with your diet. No amount of money or success will matter if your body is falling apart. Live in the moment in most aspects of your life, except for your diet. That’s not to say you can’t all indulge every now and then, but you really should be mindful of what you’re putting in your body. An unhealthy diet will only shorten your lifespan and lead to more health risks and possible diseases. Nurture your body with fruits and vegetables to fight against diabetes, osteoporosis, heart diseases and certain cancers. And don’t forget about exercise. A healthy diet is only half the battle. Make sure you’re exercising daily, even if it’s just a short 30-minute walk.

Powerful Magazine September 2018

DEFINE REALISTIC GOALS

TAKE TIME TO TRAVEL If you like to travel, do it more! It doesn’t have to be week-long international destinations either; start planning smaller, weekend trips, and travel to cities you’ve never been. Getting outside your comfort zone is essential for self-improvement. Travel not just for yourself, but for your mind also. Try to learn more about where you’re headed, the local landmarks, and the history. It’s all about gaining a bigger perspective, and going to new, different places, will do just that.

Powerful Magazine September 2018

HELP SOMEONE ELSE It’s important to not only be a taker; you need to give back. Try to not focus all of your attention on yourself, and lend a helping hand to someone in need. By helping someone else reach their dreams and goals, you will also benefit. Plus, it’s a great chance to actually learn more about yourself and help build your network. Down the road, you may end up needing help from that very person you helped first.

MOST IMPORTANT: STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF Nobody is the same, and it’s easy to get influenced by social media and other factors in today’s society. But trying to be something that you’re not is doing you harm. Make a conscious effort to accept exactly who you are, including your flaws. Embrace them, don’t change them. Everyone is on their own journey of self-acceptance, and focusing on progress will make it easier for you. If you follow these steps, you’ll be on your way to self-improvement in no time.

FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU LIKE TO DO Is there a certain activity or hobby you’ve always thought about doing, but just haven’t quite gotten around to doing it? Well, now is your chance. Get outside your comfort zone and try something new; you don’t have to be good at it! Having a new hobby will give your body and mind a recharge and make you happier. Whether it’s some sort of art activity, cooking, rock climbing, yoga or anything else that interests you, find an outlet where you can experience creativity and freedom of thought.

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56 Powerful Magazine September 2018

Social media has revolutionized the way people do business. Not only does it make it easier to gain leads, but it can be used as a direct sales funnel as well. But, as easy as social media can be, many people still do not know how to use it correctly. One of the biggest questions that people ask is, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What platform should I be using and why?â&#x20AC;? I sat down with Coach Myron to discuss which social media platform is best for different needs.

WHICH SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM IS BEST FOR YOU?

WITH COACH MYRON

Coach Myron – Each platform has its specific uses. Best use case scenario is that you start with one, get it up and running, and then move on to the next one. You want to spread your message to everyone everywhere. You need to be present, so when they are ready to hear your message, it will be there for them to hear it!

WHICH PLATFORM SHOULD I USE TO GAIN A FOLLOWING AND WHY? Coach Myron – What platform do you enjoy using? What platform can you incorporate into your daily life so that you can actually interact with the community? See, that’s the key, interacting with the community on whatever platform you choose. Comment, like, post, and be authentic. Stop trying to sell everyone every time you put out information. You see a great post, great! Like it! Give the reason for liking it. Share your journey and your story. This isn’t the time for a call to action. This is a time to build the relationship!

WHICH PLATFORM WILL HELP ME MAKE BUSINESS CONNECTIONS AN WHY? Coach Myron – This isn’t something that is platform specific, but more so what your target demographic is. You can target business on Facebook and LinkedIn. On Facebook, target a specific job title, think HR or Vice President. Who are you trying to target in the company that you want to make the decision? At the same time, understand that while yes, the CEO/Owner/ Founder will be the person to actually authorize the spending of money, it is usually someone else in the office that pulls together all the information and decides which company or PERSON to actually use!

Powerful Magazine September 2018

WHICH PLATFORM IS BEST TO DRIVE SALES AND WHY?

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Summer comes to a close, kids go back to school and the crisp cool temperatures start rolling in making these all the best reasons to plan a vacation in September. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll typically score better deals on flights and travel, avoid the large summer crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures at the start of fall. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not to love?

61 Powerful Magazine September 2018

WHERE TO_ TRAVEL IN _SEPTEMBER

HERE’S OUR LIST OF TOP DESTINATIONS WORTH CONSIDERING FOR YOUR NEXT SEPTEMBER VACATION:

Powerful Magazine September 2018

FRENCH POLYNESIA If you didn’t book a summer getaway this year, you’re in luck. September is an ideal time to visit French Polynesia; most summer tourists have visited in the earlier months of June and July so you’re likely to find yourself a nice overwater bungalow available. You’ll also reap the same sunshine and crystal blue lagoons in September as you would in the summer, the only difference is, the humidity has come and gone. If you’re looking for some culture, check out the pearl farms of Taha’a or admire the giant blue-eyed sacred river eels of Huahine.

NEW ORLEANS Not into muggy, humid climates? We don’t blame you. Come to New Orleans in the summer and that’s exactly what you’ll get. But, if you’re patient, September isn’t a bad time to visit, especially towards the end of the month. This city, in comparison with the majority of other tourist destinations in America, remains a bargain. During the summer through September, hotels offer lower prices, so if you can hold off until the early fall season, you’ll score a great deal while also enjoying nicer weather.

ANDALUCIA, SPAIN

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In September, the region of Andalucia celebrates the year’s produce with dozens of harvest festivals across the many wine-producing towns. You can bask in the sunshine, score some incredible deals and enjoy the beaches all to yourself.

IBIZA AND FORMENTERA Want to party without the crowds? Visit Ibiza and Formentera in September and you’ll be able to breathe a bit easier. The beaches won’t be overcrowded, and you’ll actually be able to get lunch reservations. Although the weather is still as hot as can be that time of year, the closing parties are the clubbing highlights of the season and you’ll be able to get better deals on lodging.

Powerful Magazine September 2018

MILAN Avoid the showers by visiting the fashion capital of Italy in the least rainy time of year. You’ll get to enjoy your shopping trips without getting wet. Plus, Women’s Fashion Week for the forthcoming spring/summer collections is to be held in late September this year.

NEW ENGLAND Fall foliage is just unlike anything else…especially in New England. It’s probably one of the best places to visit to admire the changing leaves. There’s not much more to say. You’ll just have to experience it for yourself.

GLENCOE, SCOTLAND

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If you’re the outdoorsy type, then Glencoe might be the perfect spot for you. Plus, visiting in the fall will land you better prices and fewer tourists. It’s a small town in Scotland, but offers amazing waterfalls, great hiking trails, and breathtaking viewing points along the way

HONG KONG A high-energy city with political shifts and international restaurants, Hong Kong makes for a perfect vacation in September. You’ll get to enjoy the cooler climate, delicious and affordable food and abundance of green spaces. Plus, it’s pretty cool to be in a city that is transforming right before your eyes.

BUDAPEST

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Full of history and beautiful architecture, consider a trip to Budapest. September is the driest month of the year, but temperatures are still warm. Be sure to check out the ‘ruin pubs’ where young drinkers go to hang.

ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND September is spring in New Zealand, so visiting this time of year means fewer tourists and better deals on flights and hotels. The city of Rotorua offers plenty to do, whether you’re into exploring the outdoors, immersing yourself in a museum, or enjoying a fine meal; the list of activities goes on. Plus, take a day trip right outside the city to visit White Island, an active volcano right off the Bay of Plenty coastal region.

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When’s the last time you updated your resume? If the answer doesn’t immediately come to you, it’s time to get your act together. A perfect career opportunity could come up out of the blue, and it’s best to be prepared for those situations.

Even if you’re not actively searching for a job, this is the perfect opportunity to reflect on your career accomplishments over the past months or years and ensure they are on your resume. It’s essential to include quantifiable achievements (money saved, money generated, time saved, etc.) to give your potential new employer a solid idea of your successes.

HOW TO CELEBRATE ‘UPDATE YOUR RESUME MONTH’

Have you learned any new computer skills while at your current position? Chances are you have, so don’t forget to include the names of any proprietary software used in your industry.

Has your performance increased from last year? Highlight how you’ve gotten better at your position and how you will keep improving in the future.

Have you attended any conferences or workshops that have aided in improving your job or position? List any names of the workshops, the dates and cities, you attended and any certifications earned from attending.

Don’t forget to list any other important information specific to the job you may be applying for. It’s important to tailor your resume to the specific job in which you are applying, and something that may seem very minor to you may be a key factor for this new job. Include keywords in your resume that the specific job posting has used.

Don’t forget to clarify your brand and explain how you will add value. Specific examples are key if you want your resume to leave a lasting impression. So go ahead, do yourself a favor and pull up your resume now. Invest some time, and get it updated. Oftentimes, job seekers avoid this step until the very last minute, and by that time, it’s too late.

Powerful Magazine September 2018

What is it you’ve done in your current position that helped your employer? Have you helped them make more or save more money? Have you streamlined a process to become more efficient? Again, use quantifiable numbers, percentages, and dollar signs when illustrating your achievements.

To get you started, try answering these questions. These are perfect questions to ask yourself when preparing to update your resume in September:

Powerful Magazine September 2018