7 Ways to Break Out of Your Comfort Zone and Live a More Exciting Life- Balanced Lifestyle with Victor Chauek

It’s easy to get stuck.

Nestle yourself deeper and deeper into that warm, safe and comforting comfort zone.

But if you want to improve your life you’ll sooner or later need to step out of that zone. Because it’s there you’ll find all those new and exciting experiences. Where you’ll find freedom from boredom.

Here are 8 ideas that can help you get out of your comfort zone. Some are ways to make the process easier. Some are ways you may not have thought of (or forgotten).

1. Face your fears. But do it in small steps.

This is one of the best ways to overcome fears and get out of your comfort zone. What holds us back in our zone of comfort is often a fear or that facing that fear straight on might be overwhelming. This is a solution to those two problems. It allows you to stretch your comfort zone slowly making it less uncomfortable and frightening.

If you’re for instance nervous socially you might not feel able to ask people out on dates right away. The fear of being rejected and that others might think less of you if you get turned down can make many of us feel unable to ask the question.

So you take small steps instead. Steps like first just saying hi to people. Or starting to talk more to people online via forums and Instant Messaging. And then trying to be more involved in conversations at work or in school to exercise your conversation-muscles.

I guess one could say that you gradually de-sensitize yourself to social situations or whatever you are afraid of. Or, seeing it in a more motivating light, that you are building courage and expanding your comfort zone in this part of your life (which is something that often seeps over to other areas of life too.)

So, identify your fear. Then make a plan with some smaller steps you can take to gradually lessen your discomfort.

2. Try something weird.

One obvious way to move out of your comfort zone is to do something new. But a more interesting option might be to think of doing something weird. When you choose something new you may choose something that is line with your personality. So your experiences can become limited. Instead, choose something that’s out of character for you. Something that isn’t you as you are right now. Something that you – and/or the people close to you – wouldn’t think that you would do.

3. Make a new acquaintance.

This will expose your to new experiences, opinions and interests. And it’s not just about meeting new people the usual way. Try just picking up a biography about someone you know nothing about. Start reading a book from a writer you haven’t read before. Read about a random topic at Wikipedia. Or add an unexpected RSS-feed about something you normally never read about.

4. Take a friend with you.

In general, it’s often easier to not go it alone. And this applies to many situations. Including when you are going for the emotional bungee jump that getting out of your comfort zone can be.

I’d say this probably the most popular way to get yourself out of comfort zones. If you are going to a party where you know few people then it may be easier to bring a friend. If you have decided to start going to the gym it might be easier to actually get going and keeping going there every week if you have a gym-partner.

However, there are potential downsides to bringing friends too. If you are at the party with your friend then you might not meet and get to know that many new people. If you are going to the gym with a partner it might lead to the two of you talking and focusing less on getting a great workout.

5. Educate yourself.

Your comfort zone might be protecting your from imaginary dangers. Maybe things aren’t as difficult or scary as you imagine? Do a bit of research. Getting some good information can dissipate quite a bit of your fear and nervousness.

Do a bit of Googling. Read books and blogs. Ask someone who has been there before. By reading/hearing about what others that have done the same thing you are about to do saw, heard, felt and did you can not only lessen negative feelings but also get some very valuable and practical tips.

6. Awash your mind with positive memories.

Realise it can be fun to get out of your comfort zone despite what your mind and feelings might be telling you before you get started. Think back to the previous times when you have broken out of your comfort zone. Focus on the positive memories, when you got out there, when you took a chance. And it wasn’t so bad, it was actually fun and exciting and something new to you.

A lot of times we automatically play back our negative experiences – or negative interpretations of events – in our minds before we are about to do something. And we forget about the positive memories and our previous, positive achievements. Avoid that trap. Let the good memories flow through your mind instead and let things become easier.

7. Use other methods to pump yourself up.

Besides remembering positive memories, there are a whole bunch of things you can do to pump up your emotional state temporarily. Here is a small list of such tips within in this list:

Position yourself as a woman to do great in life ( Career & Business)- Balanced lifestyle with Victor Chauke

"Whether you're standing in a bathroom line or unemployment line, how do you step out of that line? If you focus on what you're good at and what's important to you, you'll probably do it faster,” Here are ten of her top tips:

1. Follow your passion
A recurring theme throughout each entrepreneur’s discussion was the advice to follow your passion. “Too many people think of entrepreneurship as a career path. Whenever you ask an entrepreneur, it’s never about money or a business plan – that’s the biggest mistake,” Mycoskie said. “The most important thing is to follow your passion.”

2. Be authentic
No one can state this better than Snoop Dogg himself. When asked what his best advice was, he said, “Be original. There are so many things in life people need. Make something no one can compete with.” He used 50 Cent as an example. “50 Cent took Vitamin Water and put the money he made back into the company. Take something very small and make it original.”

3. Study
All of the panelists agreed on the importance of completing college to achieve one’s greatest potential. “You make it easier for yourself if you finish your education because you network and make connections,” Sternlicht said.

4. Don’t lose humility
“People lose fortunes when they lose their intellectual humility,” Sternlicht stated. “Nobody knows everything. Be patient, don’t rush. Don’t be so arrogant. See the potholes in your business. Always have a plan B and think, how can it go wrong?”

5. Fake it ‘til you make it
Before founding TOMS Shoes, Mycoskie started EZ Laundry, a door-to-door laundry service aimed at fellow college students at Southern Methodist University. When he first launched his service no one wanted to give him their laundry, so for 3-4 weeks he and a friend would drive around campus and pretend they were picking up and delivering laundry. Once students became more familiar with the business and thought others were using it, they put their trust in Mycoskie and EZ Laundry took off.

6. Some rules are not made to be broken
When first starting TOMS Shoes, Mycoskie had no experience in shoes or design. He decided to sell shoes out of canvas bags instead of the typical boxes stacked in department stores. Canvas bags created havoc in storing the shoes, eventually leading Nordstrom to discontinue selling the shoes. “There are reasons boxes in stock rooms exist,” he told students.

7. Hustle
“If you had no capital, how did you start TOMS Shoes?” Maria Bartiromo asked. “We just hustled,” Mycoskie said. “Employees can be part of the cause. Our original team was me and three interns I recruited on Craigslist.” There are tremendous amounts of grants and funding for young entrepreneurs, especially if there is a social component, you just have to go out and find it, he stated.

8. Dedication
Stephen Hansen, founder and president of B.R. Guest Restaurants was asked the reasons behind his success to which he joked, “not being married so you can devote all your time to the restaurant.” It takes a huge amount of dedication and staying true to yourself, he said. The restaurant business runs seven days a week, often 18 hours a day and the trick is “not taking your eye off the ball.”

9. Stay on top of your market
Hansen explained that competition is also a great motivator. “I always stay on top of the market. The Internet and social networking are always morphing businesses. Stay with the curve or ahead of the curve and be perceptive. You can’t think what you built will sustain forever, there are always slight changes. Know your business.”

10. Don’t think about failure
One of the world’s leading hotel and leisure companies, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., is known for its innovation and global appeal. Chairman, president and CEO Barry Sternlicht helped with Starwood’s ongoing success and is one of the most respected leaders in the industry. “I never thought about failure. I thought about success. Failure wasn’t an option. I never looked backwards, I kept looking forward,” Sternlicht said.

Read more: Entrepreneurs Give Career Advice - Business Tips from Successful Entrepreneurs - Marie Claire

Single Mothers- Balanced lifestyle with Victor Chauke

At times, it'll feel like the hardest thing you've ever done. You'll be forced to make decisions you never wanted to contemplate, and to rely on strength you didn't even know you had. These practical tips for newly single parents will help you persevere through the challenges you face and gain a renewed sense of hope and personal strength for the days ahead.

1. Develop a Support Network

This is absolutely crucial. You need to know who you can depend on right now. Most likely, this network includes your immediate family and friends, but think about other people in your life who might also help you. Making an actual list of who these people are can help remind you that you're not alone. In addition, consider joining a formal support group for single parents in your area.

2. Schedule Time to Be Alone

"Me time" is a very powerful tool. It will bring you healing, hope, and perspective. Right now, it’s important that you create pockets of time in your life when you can just be. Time when you’re not accountable for completing a task or responding to questions. Time to sit, to think, to ponder. This is one of the most important single parenting tips, and it's one that you simply must make time for.

3. Think Outside the Box

If finding time to yourself sounds impossible, consider some creative solutions, like swapping babysitting time with a neighbor or waking up a half-hour before the rest of your household. The time that you give yourself is precious, and it will be fruitful in helping you to establish reserves of inner strength.

4. Be Present with Your Kids

When you're with your children, make an effort to be emotionally present with them. It would be easy to retreat into your heart right now, but this is a time when your children truly need you more than ever. Simple activities like playing a board game or taking a walk together can go along way toward communicating the message that life will go on and they will, indeed, be okay.

5. Get the Facts About Your Situation

You might be tempted to make quick decisions right now about where to live and how to handle your finances. However, ignorance in this area can be extremely dangerous, and so can making rash, uninformed decisions. For now, take the time to find out where you stand financially. Gather the necessary papers in order so that when you are emotionally ready to make changes, you'll be prepared and able to make informed decisions.

6. Grieve

Expressing your feelings is important to your overall health. Consider writing in a journal or scheduling a regular "date" with a friend to vent, cry, and grieve. Single parents are born of many different situations. Whether you've experienced the loss of a spouse, the end of a marriage, or an adjustment to the dream you once held for your life, it is important to grieve and process the loss before moving on.

7. Pay Attention to your Physical Health

This may be a time when you are feeling especially worn down and drained. Combat that by making the effort to eat healthy foods and choose energizing ways to fuel your body. Instead of relying on extra caffeine, try taking a walk at lunchtime. Additionally, getting adequate rest is crucial to your healing and ability to cope. Forgo the temptation to sit in front of the TV. Instead, read a book and retire early.

8. Identify What Gives You Strength

In the past, how have you handled challenging times in your life? What most energizes you and reminds you that you possess the strength needed to meet the current challenge? Focus on what has worked for you in the past.

9. Let Go of What Isn't Working

Likewise, let go of what has not worked for you. As you move through this first year, reflect on the habits and choices that have not served you well, and decide to change them. In addition, if there are things from the past that you cannot change, let go of unhealthy guilt and remorse.

10. Focus on the Positive

This is a time of new growth in your life. Take the time to think about the things that are going well for you. Having a positive attitude - even in the midst of extreme circumstances - can empower you to move ahead and provide your children with a tangible example of the coping strategies you want them to adopt.

11. Ask for Help

Of all of the single parenting tips listed here, this one is probably the most difficult to apply. However, you must know that there really are people around you who would love to help! Keep in mind, too, that asking for help and letting others into your life is a gift to yourself and to the person assisting you. Sharing in one another’s lives during difficult times affirms our human connection and brings a sense of purpose to everyday living.

Shirley Mthembie

You Freind on Air

Benefits on being a single woman; be single and proud. Balanced lifestyle with Victor Chauke

If you are a single woman, you may wonder if something is wrong with you. Even in the 21st century, the identity of many women seems to be wrapped up in marriage and family.

There is societal and family pressure to marry as well. However, women are increasingly beginning to realize that being single does have its advantages.

Many women choose to delay marriage, preferring instead to focus on career, friends and self-identity. Here are ten great benefits to being a single woman.

1. Your Time Is Your Own

Ever try to organize a girls’ night out with your married friends, especially those who have children? Between the Little League games, ballet classes and band practice, mothers also need to try to fit in time with their husbands.

Something as simple as meeting for drinks can be grounds for a Mission: Impossible style planning session.

If you are a single woman, you do not have those concerns. You can pick up and go anywhere you want, anytime you want.

You may occasionally feel that you have too much empty time on your hands, but you can fill that time any way that you want.

2. Your Money Is Your Own

Closely related to time is money. Once you have a family, your spending decisions cease to be solely your own. When you are a single woman, however, your spending habits do not affect anyone else.

So go ahead and order the most expensive item on the menu. Take those dance classes. Whatever you want to spend money on, no matter how frivolous, you can! Your money is there to be enjoyed.

3. Get to Know Yourself

Many women define themselves by their family roles.
Being single, however, gives you the chance to discover who you truly are. What are your likes and dislikes? How do you live your life? What is your own moral code? What makes you tick? What are your goals, dreams and aspirations?

Living single gives you the freedom to discover yourself, which in turn will you help you decide what you want in a partner.

This is also a great time to learn to trust yourself. Many girls grow up with an internal voice of doubt and insecurity. As a single woman, you will need to handle things on your own; to take on responsibilities from having your car serviced to dealing with home repair emergencies.

Through this process, you will learn how capable you truly are. You will never find yourself in a relationship that is based on a fear of being alone or the belief that you need a man around to take care of things.

4. Get to Know Your Friends

Many women claim that the friends they made while single remain their closest friends throughout life. Plan trips and special activities with your fellow single women. You have a unique opportunity to learn to rely and depend on each other, and develop a strong bond.

Too often, women compete rather than working together. Being a single woman gives you the chance to break down those barriers and develop a sisterhood with other women.

5. Get to Know Your Family

If you follow the “traditional” path of marrying soon after becoming an adult, your new family becomes primary in your life.

This can make it difficult to get to know your parents, siblings and other relatives as an adult, since you have new priorities. As a single woman, you have a unique opportunity to spend time with your relatives and get to know them in a new way. Invite your parents to dinner or see a play with your brother.

You may be surprised at how different and rewarding an adult relationship can be.

6. Career Freedom

A single woman has the ability to dedicate herself to her career. If your work is important to you, this is your opportunity to develop your career. You can make choices that would be tough with a family to support, such as moving across the country or changing careers.

Put in long hours and work toward advancement or job hop until you find one that gives you personal satisfaction. Your career decisions affect only yourself.

7. Travel

If you are single, you can take full advantage of every day that you can spare. From weekend jaunts to summer resort vacations, this is the time in your life when you can best afford to get away. Traveling as a single woman presents both unique challenges and unique rewards.

If you are concerned about traveling alone, get together a group or sign up for singles’ trips. You can travel with other singles on European jaunts, cruises and even adventure trips.

Or go it on your own and stay in hostels rather than hotels. Hostels are extremely popular in Europe and are growing in popularity in the United States and around the world.

At a hostel, you will never be lonely, since there are always people around who are also looking for company and excitement.

8. Seeing Shows

On a practical level, being single has additional advantages. You can often snag the odd single seat for otherwise sold-out performances.

When the touring company of A Chorus Line came to my town, tickets sold out quickly. However, I was able to get a single ticket for half price on the day of the show.

My seat was in the third row, center. Had a dancer happened to lose a shoe, I would have been hit in the head! Take advantage of your single status to make things happen that would impossible for a twosome to do.

9. Decide What You Want in a Partner

Living as a single woman gives you the opportunity to figure out what you truly want in a life partner. Of course, creating a detailed checklist can practically guarantee that you never find a man who fits all of your criteria.

However, it is reasonable to decide on certain personality traits, interests or ways of living that are non-negotiable. Knowing what you truly want will help you avoid relationships that are doomed to fail, as well as help you find the man of your dreams.

Alternatively, you may decide that marriage is simply not right for you. Plenty of capable, normal women choose to remain single for a lifetime.

Knowing that this is your plan will help you to find relationships with men who share your philosophy.

10. Make Your Life Anything You Want It to Be

This is ultimately the biggest advantage to being a single woman. You have the unique opportunity to mold and shape your life and pursue your dreams.

There are no reasons to settle for second-best and no one else is depending on the choices that you make. Even if your ultimate goal is to marry and settle down, you might as well get your own life in place first.

So go for the brass ring and shoot for the stars. Create the life that you want for yourself and then, if you want one, find a partner who will fit into that life.

Being a single woman is a source of consternation for many women. Societal and family pressures to settle down can make even the most confident woman doubt herself.

et there are numerous benefits to being a single woman. Learn to trust yourself and your own instincts, and go after the things that you want.

You are in a unique position that may not last forever, so take advantages of the opportunities before you. You can be a success!

8 Tips for Balancing Work and Family Responsibilities- Balanced Lifestyle with Victor Chauke

Achieving balance in our daily lives sometimes puts us in an overloaded state of mind. Balancing work and family life in just 24 hours seems next to impossible for many of us and stressful when we try to do everything by ourselves.
A good balance of responsibilities at work and home will enhance the quality of our lives and subsequently the lives of those around us. When that balance is out of whack, stress takes over and both work and family routines suffer.
1. Write down the events that you have in mind that you would like to do with your family.
2. Set a goal for when you would like to take the family on vacation and schedule your projects at work to allow you to take that time off.
3.  Set certain week nights that you will be home for dinner, on time, and your full attention will be on the family and not what happened or didn’t get done at work.
4.  Leave work at work and enjoy the family. Your work is very important and needs your attention, but your family needs just as much attention to complete your life.
5.  Stop taking over other peoples responsibilities at work. Learn to say no, you can’t help right now because your project needs all your attention.
6.  Learn to delegate assignments down to other people in your office so you can take care of the major issues that need your attention.
7.  Don’t hang on to every little piece of a project when someone less busy could be doing the minor chores. Organize what only you can do and what someone under you can handle instead of you doing it all.
8.  Don’t allow distractions to take over your day. Keep your thoughts on what is expected of you and avoid procrastination.

What’s Your Balancing Decision?

We all make sacrifices to get what we want. Most top executives do not sleep eight hours. Many of them work on weekends. These are choices they make in order to have what they want. Think about where you want to be in 10 or 20 years and what it will take to get there. What choices and sacrifices will you need to make today to achieve your goals tomorrow?