How to sell yourself on lifestyle change

People develop a preference for specific cars, posh neighborhoods and luxurious events. What they purchase and who they purchase it from is an integral part of their identity, no matter their age, income bracket or geographic location. And connecting with that personal identity is the single best way to grow your business.

When content marketing first became an industry buzzword, it generally referenced corporate blogs extolling the virtues of a company and its products. Those articles also regularly gave examples of how a brand’s product line would help users solve various problems. However, as the strategy evolved, it became clear that product descriptions should stay on their own dedicated pages and that corporate blogs should focus more on creating meaningful connections with customers. As Brafton points out, selling a lifestyle gives you the flexibility to appeal to different customers in new ways.

But what does “marketing a lifestyle” really mean?

Red Bull is an excellent example of this idea.

Its commercials, tag line and website sell consumers on adventure, adrenaline and epic escapades. The company proudly displays its logo everywhere, of course, but the content it produces and promotes often does not mention the quality of its product at all. Instead, Red Bull shines the spotlight on surfers, wing gliders, ice climbers and street artists to highlight incredible people doing amazing things.

The brand invests a lot of money into content its consumers can relate to — and this strategy works. Red Bull has built an empire by creating culture instead of selling its products outright.

So how do you take that example and apply it to your own business?

First and foremost, decide on the lifestyle you want to sell. This may seem obvious, but if you have multiple marketers pushing different ideas to consumers in an uncoordinated fashion, your overall brand message will get muddled and the results will be underwhelming. Ask yourself: What do our best customers like to do? Where do they go? What is important to them? Survey your customers and use the results as your starting point.

Then, produce content that caters to their ideal lifestyle. Discuss important trends that impact them. Take a strong stance on issues they care about, and ask your customers to weigh in and participate in the conversation. But, most importantly, do not produce content that exclusively promotes your products.

In a case study, internet marketing strategist Jeff Bullas wrote, “progressive brands need to become publishers and not just advertisers. Advanced content marketing is a human and creative art form with soul enabled by technology and process driven. It is multi-media content at scale that leverages a brand’s reach that is efficient and amplified.” In other words, if you want to grow your brand, you need to stop thinking of content as advertising, and stop considering it only in regards to how much revenue you can directly attribute back to it.

Content marketing does more than drive clicks and sales; it increases awareness to cement your brand as a leading authority within your respective niche. You cannot simply buy that sort of clout or respect, but when you do have marketing budget to spare, invest in selling consumers a particular lifestyle. Do that, and revenue will follow.

Eight steps to crafting the perfect elevator pitch

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How do you get people interested in you when you only have 30 seconds?

Whether you’re in a job interview, networking at a cocktail party, or happen to run into Warren Buffett in the elevator, quickly persuading others to think you’re the most interesting person they’ll meet is no easy task.

“Most people can’t present what they’ve done effectively,” Paul McDonald, a senior executive director at staffing firm Robert Half, told Business Insider. “They’re not used to giving sound bites of what they do.”

Below, McDonald shares eight steps to crafting the perfect elevator pitch.

This is an update of an article originally written by Vivian Giang.

1. Know exactly what you want to achieve.

Your elevator pitch should answer three questions: Who are you? What do you do? Where do you want to go, or what are you looking for? You need to know exactly what you want to achieve or no one can help you get there.

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“Take your résumé and LinkedIn profile and go through it thoroughly,” said McDonald. If you’re unemployed, focus on where you want to go and what you want to do.

2. Bullet point it.

After studying your résumé and LinkedIn profile, write down four bullet points that explain why you’re great, said McDonald.

Discuss your work history, background, skills, accomplishments, and goals. Leave out any irrelevant details that take away from your core message.

3. Tell a story.

People love stories, McDonald said, so tell them a story. It also makes it easier for others to remember you later on.

Self-improvement guru Dale Carnegie said in his book, Public Speaking and Influencing Men in Business, that our minds are essentially “associate machines,” which means we remember things better when there’s a story or association attached to the subject. In other words, if you want people to remember you, tell them a story, and make sure it’s good.

4. Eliminate jargon.

You need to be able to explain what you do and who you are in a way that appeals to most people. This means avoiding acronyms or terminology that wouldn’t be understood by someone outside of your industry.

Dumbing down complex ideas is a “real art,” said McDonald. A good strategy is to imagine explaining what you do to your parents and using a similar formula in your elevator pitch.

Crafting your pitch in layman’s terms is especially critical for those in accounting, finance, and technology.

5. Make sure it invites conversation.

After telling your story, the listener needs to be left wanting more. Is your story compelling enough to do this? If not, you need to change your pitch.

6. Time yourself.

While practising your pitch, you should time yourself to make sure you can tell your story in 30 seconds. If you can’t, cut down details and try again.

7. Record yourself on video.

You need to know what you look like to others while you’re telling your story. Are you interesting? Are you believable?

People will come to their own conclusions while listening to you, so make sure you give off a good impression. Relax, act natural, and get comfortable with your story.

8. Pitch it to your friends and colleagues.

After you’ve got your story down, practice your elevator pitch with friends and colleagues. Ask them to give you feedback. Ask them what you should do to make it better.

Keep practising and tweaking your pitch until it’s natural for you to say aloud and convincing to the listener.

Read the original article on Business Insider UK. © 2018. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.

1 /1 How to sell yourself in 30 seconds and leave people wanting more

How to sell yourself in 30 seconds and leave people wanting more

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One reason I suggested you may get passed over for a promotion is if you’re not selling yourself.

“You forgot to sell you at work,” I wrote. “She sold herself like a pro and the boss bought it.”

In response, one of my Twitter followers, Natalia, tweeted, “@iamsusannah How do you sell yourself? Teach us!”

I’ve always been good at selling myself. Why? I’m not sure.

Because I figured no one else would. Because I’m a natural born hustler. Because I’ve spent a fair amount of my career hanging around pimps, prostitutes, and porn stars, and, boy, do they know how to sell themselves.

Here’s how you can sell yourself — at work, in life, to the world.

TIP #1: It’s not you, it’s “you.”

One of the biggest challenges for those who are selling-themselves challenged is an inability to separate who they truly are from who they are as a product. There’s you — imperfect, conflicted, fallible — and then there’s the “you” you’re selling — awesome, cool, superhuman.

Don’t sell yourself well? Think of “you” as a superhero version of yourself. Make a list of your best qualities. Dress the way SuperYou would dress. Talk the way SuperYou would talk. Be SuperYou. Role play. It’s a part. Experiment. This is play.

When I used to be on TV, I would get very nervous beforehand. Then I would think about how I only had to be “Susannah Breslin,” not Susannah Breslin, for 22 minutes on a half-hour TV show, if you subtract the time they need to run the commercials. I can be my idealized self for 22 minutes. That’s how it starts.

TIP #2: Annoy others.

It’s not enough to just be. There’s too much competition. You need to network, communicate, and engage with people as the “you” you want to be, and you won’t get there by hiding.

Recently, I heard about a job opening. It would be a very cool job working with a very cool group of people. The situation gave me the opportunity to suggest anybody for the position. I suggested one person.

It was the person who had annoyed me the most.

I’ve known her for about a year, and it was because she kept bugging me, kept sending me emails, kept reaching out to me — and, in doing so, selling herself to me — that she was the only person who came to mind and the only person I suggested.

This is stupid. Because I have 4,000 followers on Twitter, and I have a blog on Forbes.com, and there should be way more people who I should have been able to suggest. But because she was the only who was persistent, she was the only one I suggested.

She is young. She is a millennial. She gets it.

TIP #3: Be a unicorn.

People try to sell themselves, their products, and their services to me all the time. Mostly, they do this through emails. I would say 99% of them do it wrong.

They pitch dull ideas, uninteresting products, unoriginal versions of themselves. They think they’re adding a new spin, or a groundbreaking product, or a forward-thinking service, but it’s the same old thing.

One thing that’s great about the internet is that it’s a marketplace where anyone can sell anything. One thing that sucks about the internet is that this digital marketplace gives everyone the opportunity to hawk their crap.

You want to be a freelance writer? Wow, nobody’s tried that before. You have some new app that’s like five others before it? Congratulations. You’re working with an expert in a field wherein better experts already exist? I fell asleep reading the first sentence of your lame pitch.

What is original? What is unique? What does it mean to be a unicorn? Find something nobody else is doing. Create something that did not exist previously. Be that new chimera the rest of us are too afraid to dream is real.

BONUS TIP: I wrote this post and this post the same day I did chemo. What’s your excuse? Stop thinking about all the reasons you can’t start today and just get started.

I cover the business of sex. I’ve written for The Atlantic, Harper’s Bazaar, Slate, Salon, and The Daily Beast. In 2008, TIME named me one of the year’s best bloggers.

I cover the business of sex. I’ve written for The Atlantic, Harper’s Bazaar, Slate, Salon, and The Daily Beast. In 2008, TIME named me one of the year’s best bloggers. I’ve appeared on CNN, NPR, and “Politically Incorrect.” To email me, click HERE. To subscribe to my newsletter, click HERE. This blog has been cited by The Wall Street Journal, Ad Age, ESPN, BuzzFeed, and Katie Couric.

Change is the law of life and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future – John F. Kennedy

Keeping up with the latest social media and technological tools has become essential to establish and maintain a competitive advantage. Even though almost everyone realizes the importance of evolving with globalization and the increased use of technology, it may still be hard for you to convince others to harness the power of change management.

Technology changes every six months and this means that change will be constant. Keeping employee morale at a high, minimizing resistance and being able to constantly evolve are essential to keeping your company afloat. As Chrissy Scivicque from Forbes.com states: “comfort can be more emotional than rational. Remember that you’re endlessly adaptable and that growth almost always comes with discomfort.”

Below are 5 effective ways that you can sell change management to company stakeholders.

1. Change Framing

The concept of change may be perceived as unstable and elicit feelings of uncertainty in employers and employees. Industry analyst powerhouse Gartner states “Gain board-level support and involve the full spectrum of department representatives to gather requirements”. It is necessary to convince your team that change can be maintained and is beneficial for the company. You must ensure that you understand the changes required and explain this change in positive terms. As noted in this article on Techrepublic.com, employees are more likely to be successful if they are engaged in a positive fashion. Persuade your team of the benefits that can be acquired by explaining the reasoning with detail and answer questions with confidence and ease.

2. Timing is Everything

“If the delivery of the change process does not include a clear understanding of the implementation mechanism, a communications plan, a marketing effort, incentives for change and a project focus, then the effort is likely to fail”. – Gartner

Introduce change at the time when it is most likely to be favorably received. Broach the topic when employee morale is high and stress the time-sensitive nature of the desired change. Instill a sense of urgency to adopt change management to ensure that your team recognizes that there is a need, and without it, it can be significantly detrimental to your company.

3. Get the Wheels in Motion

A motivated workforce will be more likely to embrace change management. Empower employees to act on the change as soon as possible and reward short term wins in order to celebrate changes and apply positive reinforcement.

If your team has a positive attitude in general, you’ll deal with minimal resistance towards change. Furthermore, according to Kotter’s Change Model, consolidating and anchoring change by portraying clear links to “performance, profit and customer satisfaction,” will ensure you are effective in selling change management to your company.

4. Implementing a Second Process Change — Project Management Changes

It will be highly beneficial for you to implement project management alongside change management, as they are two complementary processes. Organization and structure works well to maintain a sense of stability, which is crucial when change threatens to disrupt this balance. However, project management provides the tools to ensure that it is developed and delivered effectively, by identifying concerns and facilitating activities to ensure that these concerns are met. Feedback is then necessary and can further solidify change management with the aid of project management, by assessing whether goals are being met or not.

Change is inevitable. Here’s how to come out of it a better person.

Posted Jan 19, 2017

The one constant in life is change. That doesn’t mean we ever get used to it or fully embrace it, though.

Here are 10 tips for coping with big changes in your life and coming out a better person for it.

1. Acknowledge that things are changing.

Sometimes we get so caught up in fighting change that we put off actually dealing with it. Denial is a powerful force, and it protects us in many ways. However, stepping outside of it and saying to yourself, “Things are changing, and it is okay” can be less stressful than putting it off.

2. Realize that even good change can cause stress.

Sometimes when people go through a positive life change, such as graduating or having a baby, they still feel a great deal of stress—or even dread. Keep in mind that positive change can create stress just like not-so-positive change. Stress is just your body’s way of reacting to change. It’s okay to feel stressed even when something good has happened—in fact, it’s normal. (If you’ve just had a baby, talk to your doctor about whether you may be experiencing postpartum depression.)

3. Keep up your regular schedule as much as possible.

The more change that is happening, the more important it is to stick to your regular schedule—as much as possible. Having some things that stay the same, like walking the dog every morning at 8 am, gives us an anchor. An anchor is a reminder that some things are still the same, and it gives your brain a little bit of a rest. Sometimes when you are going through a lot of change it helps to write down your routine and check it off as you go. It’s one less thing for your brain to have to hold inside.

4. Try to eat as healthily as possible.

When change happens, a lot of us tend to reach for carbs—bread, muffins, cake, etc. This may be because eating carbs boosts serotonin—a brain chemical that may be somewhat depleted when you undergo change (stress). It’s okay to soothe yourself with comfort foods—in moderation. One way to track what you are eating is to write it down. You can either do this in a notebook or use an app. When you see what you are eating, it makes you take a step back and think about whether you want to eat that second muffin or not. (If you have a history of eating disorders, it is not recommended that you write down what you are eating.) Also notice if you are exepriencing an increased use of alcohol or other substances; your use can sneak up on you when you are under stress.

5. Exercise.

Keeping up regular exercise could be a part of the “keep up your regular schedule” tip. If exercise is not currently part of your routine, try adding it. Exercising two to three times a week has been found to significantly decrease symptoms of depression (Barclay, et al. 2014.) Even just walking around the block can help you feel better. (Check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.) Remember, you don’t have to feel like getting some exercise; just get out there and move. You’ll find that many times your motivation will kick in while you are active.

6. Seek support.

No one gets through life alone. It is okay to ask for help; that’s a sign that you know yourself well enough to realize you need some assistance. Think of your trusted friends or family members. Chances are that they are happy to help if you need them to watch your kids while you run some errands, or if you just need some alone time. There may a neighbor who has asked you for help in the past—now maybe you can ask them for help. Apps like NextDoor have been helpful for connecting neighbors. If you are thinking about hurting yourself or killing yourself, please contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline online or at 1-800-273-8255.

7. Write down the positives that have come from this change.

Maybe due to this change in your life you have met new people. Maybe you started practicing healthier habits. Maybe you became more politically active. Maybe you became more assertive. Maybe the change helped you prioritize what is most important in your life. Change presents us with the opportunity to grow, and it’s important to acknowledge how things have become better as a result.

8. Get proactive.

Being proactive means taking charge and working preventatively. This means you figure out what steps you need to take before something happens. Being reactive means you wait until something has happened and then you take action. Being proactive means you make an appointment with your doctor for a physical because you know something stressful is coming up and you want to make sure you are in good health. It means becoming active with groups that help you realize that you can make a positive impact on the world.

9. Vent, but to a point.

Having a support group to whom you can vent can be helpful—to a point. If you and your support group are solely venting, that feeling of frustration can be contagious. Try gearing the conversation toward action: What can you do to make things better? When people brainstorm together, their creativity and hopefulness can be contagious as well.

10. Back away from social media.

When you go through change, you may gravitate toward social media—maybe posting to your friends on Facebook what is going on in your life. First, make sure you are in a calm state when you post—and keep in mind that whatever you post never really disappears. Also, if you are comparing your life to your friends’ lives on social media, remember that most people post only the “highlight reel” of their lives, not the stressful moments. This can give you a skewed view that everyone else’s lives are going just fine. Everyone has battles they are fighting; it’s just different battles with different people. Step away from social media if you are starting to compare your life to others.

And finally, give yourself a break. In a time of change, you may feel a little out of control. You may feel like you are not living up to your expectations for yourself. Remember that you are allowed to do less than what is humanly possible. Nothing says you have to function at 100 percent all the time. People make mistakes—it’s one of the great things about being human. It’s learning from the mistakes that really counts. Think about it like this: There are no mistakes, only good stories for later. Make a point to incorporate more laughter and fun into your life. Laughing increases dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins—and that makes you feel good (Yim, 2016). Laughing also decreases cortisol—a stress-producing hormone (Yim, 2016.)

Copyright 2017 Sarkis Media. stephaniesarkis.com

Barclay, T. H., Richards, S., Schoffstall, J., Magnuson, C., McPhee, C., Price, J., . & Price, J. (2014). A pilot study on the effects of exercise on depression symptoms using levels of neurotransmitters and EEG as markers. European Journal of Psychology and Educational Studies, 1(1), 30.

Yim, J. (2016). Therapeutic Benefits of Laughter in Mental Health: A Theoretical Review. The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine, 239(3), 243-249.

Starting small, focusing on one behavior at a time and support from others can help you achieve your exercise or other health-related goals.

You’re once again feeling motivated to eat better, exercise more, drink less caffeine or make any number of the positive lifestyle changes you’ve been telling yourself you want to make. You’ve tried before—probably declaring another attempt as a New Year’s resolution—but without feeling much success.

Making a lifestyle change is challenging, especially when you want to transform many things at once. This time, think of it not as a resolution but as an evolution.

Lifestyle changes are a process that take time and require support. Once you’re ready to make a change, the difficult part is committing and following through. So do your research and make a plan that will prepare you for success. Careful planning means setting small goals and taking things one step at a time.

Here are five tips from APA to help you make lasting, positive lifestyle and behavior changes:

Make a plan that will stick. Your plan is a map that will guide you on this journey of change. You can even think of it as an adventure. When making your plan, be specific. Want to exercise more? Detail the time of day when you can take walks and how long you’ll walk. Write everything down, and ask yourself if you’re confident that these activities and goals are realistic for you. If not, start with smaller steps. Post your plan where you’ll most often see it as a reminder.

Start small. After you’ve identified realistic short-term and long-term goals, break down your goals into small, manageable steps that are specifically defined and can be measured. Is your long-term goal to lose 20 pounds within the next five months? A good weekly goal would be to lose one pound a week. If you would like to eat healthier, consider as a goal for the week replacing dessert with a healthier option, like fruit or yogurt. At the end of the week, you’ll feel successful knowing you met your goal.

Change one behavior at a time. Unhealthy behaviors develop over the course of time, so replacing unhealthy behaviors with healthy ones requires time. Many people run into problems when they try to change too much too fast. To improve your success, focus on one goal or change at a time. As new healthy behaviors become a habit, try to add another goal that works toward the overall change you’re striving for.

Involve a buddy. Whether it be a friend, coworker or family member, someone else on your journey will keep you motivated and accountable. Perhaps it can be someone who will go to the gym with you or someone who is also trying to stop smoking. Talk about what you are doing. Consider joining a support group. Having someone with whom to share your struggles and successes makes the work easier and the mission less intimidating.

Ask for support. Accepting help from those who care about you and will listen strengthens your resilience and commitment. If you feel overwhelmed or unable to meet your goals on your own, consider seeking help from a psychologist. Psychologists are uniquely trained to understand the connection between the mind and body, as well as the factors that promote behavior change. Asking for help doesn’t mean a lifetime of therapy; even just a few sessions can help you examine and set attainable goals or address the emotional issues that may be getting in your way.

Making the changes that you want takes time and commitment, but you can do it. Just remember that no one is perfect. You will have occasional lapses. Be kind to yourself. When you eat a brownie or skip the gym, don’t give up. Minor missteps on the road to your goals are normal and okay. Resolve to recover and get back on track.

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When you interview for a job, you’re essentially making a sales pitch. To sell the interviewer on why you’re the right person for the job, you need to tailor your approach to her needs. Show her you’re a good match for the company’s culture, tell her how hiring you will benefit the company and portray yourself as confident and personable and someone who will make a good addition to the team.

Demonstrate How You Share the Company’s Values

Even if you’re a marketing genius, you may not have much to offer the company if you don’t understand its products or services or if you don’t agree with its values and practices. Persuade the employer that you not only have the necessary skills, you also share the company’s vision. If the company manufactures organic products, discuss your interest in natural products. Mention prior experience working for companies that produce these products and elaborate on the role these products play in your lifestyle.

Offer a Solution

Provide a specific, detailed example of how you can solve one of the company’s biggest or most common problems. Take your cue from the job ad, describing how you’d address a challenge noted in the job description. For example, if the ad lists “working under very tight deadlines” as a responsibility, prepare an answer that illustrates how you manage your time to ensure you produce high-quality work even on short notice. Research the company to find obstacles or dilemmas it may be facing, such as an impending merger or expansion, and tell the interviewer how you’d contribute to a smooth transition.

Describe Immediate Results

Employers want to know how hiring you will benefit them, and ideally how you’ll deliver those results as soon as you start the job. Make a list of the skills, knowledge and other qualifications you can use to make positive changes at the company right away. For example, prepare a detailed 60-day plan illustrating how you’ll quickly master your new role and how you’ll increase sales by a specific percentage within your first two months. Support your claim by offering examples of improvements you made at your previous positions within your first couple of months on the job.

Convey Confidence With Body Language

Employers pick up on the subtle cues you send with the way you walk into the room or shake hands. Use body language to sell yourself as confident and authoritative but also friendly. Shake hands firmly, smile and make eye contact when you meet the interviewer. Maintain eye contact throughout the interview and keep an upbeat tone. Interviewers consider personality along with experience and qualifications, and they want an employee who will work well with the rest of the team. Your strong people and communication skills could make all the difference if it’s a close decision between you and another candidate.

If you’re broke or struggling financially, I’ve got the secret for how you can change your financial situation, and make the shift out of scarcity and into financial abundance.

Money creates a wealth of opportunities, and affords us the freedom to invest in ourselves and enjoy life to the fullest. Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it does make the best things in life even better.

Unfortunately a lot of people can’t enjoy the opportunities that money offers, because they are floundering in financial debt.

If you’re broke or struggling financially, than what you are currently doing is not working. However, the good news is that you have the power to change your life.

In the words of Napoleon Hill, “Every individual has the power to change his or her material or financial status by first changing the nature of his or her beliefs.” Are you ready to learn a new strategy that will change your financial situation for the better?

Watch the video below:

Do you want to learn the 7 online business models that have made me an Internet millionaire in less than 3 years? CLICK HERE for instant access to my free course!

If you make enough poor financial decisions, money has the power to take over your life. This is no way to live.

The moment that you take responsibility for the financial situation that you are currently in is the moment that you take back the power to change your life.

There was once a time in my life when I was broke and struggling financially. I had massive amounts of credit card debt and was living on a friend’s couch. It wasn’t until I took ownership of my financial decisions, that I was able to shift my life. I went from being broke, to where I am today, as a multi-millionaire.

If you’re broke or struggling financially, follow these steps to change your financial situation.

Step #1 – Have A Vehicle For Making Money

Have a vehicle, in the form of a job or a business, that will allow you to make immediate short-term money. I don’t care what kind of job it is, just take it, so that you can start the process of getting back on your feet, financially.

You will need to make a short-term sacrifice, but it’s a small price to pay for freeing yourself of debt.

Step #2 – Learn How To Manage Your Finances

If you aren’t able to manage your money effectively, that tells me that you are either living above your means, or at par, with the amount of money that you are making.

When it comes to managing your finances you need to do three things:

A) Track Your Income & Expenses

Tracking your income and expenses will give you the self-awareness of where you are spending your money, and the power to ensure that you spend less than what you are making.

You always need to make sure that your income is higher than what your expenses are, and that you have a ‘positive cash flow’, which will allow you to save money.

B) Budget

Once you know what your monthly income and expenses are, you need to budget and save money , which may mean that you need to downgrade your current lifestyle and make short-term sacrifices.

C) Allocate Your Money

I learned a simple, but highly effective method for how to manage your money for financial freedom from T. Harv Eker. He suggests that you break down the money that you make and your expenses into six jars:

Necessities (55% of your income)

Put 55% of your income towards necessities, in the form of rent, groceries, or car payments. A lot of people put 100% of what they make towards their necessities. This is not the route that you want to take if you have a desire to get out of the “rat race”.

Long-term Savings (10% of your income)

You should put 10% of your money towards long-term savings. Ideally, you want to build up a 6-month emergency reserve of money, in the event that you experience a financial crisis.

Financial Freedom Account (10% of your income)

Another 10% of your money should go towards financial freedom, which could be investments that you make, in the form of cryptocurrencies or stocks.

Education (10% of your income)

Another 10% of your income should go towards educating yourself. How do you expect to change your life if you don’t have the financial means to invest in yourself?

Investing in coaches, seminars, and training is what is going to allow you to achieve financial prosperity. I can confidently say that this is what has allowed me to build my business to where it is today.

Fun (10% of your income)

You should put 10% of your money towards doing things that are fun. Make time for things that bring a sense of joy to your life.

Personally, I was willing to sacrifice fun and invest this 10% into my education, so that I could pay off my debt faster, but it’s up to you how you want to allocate it.

Giving (5% of your income)

Lastly, you want to give 5% of your earnings to a cause or charity. Even if you don’t have a lot of money to give, the act of giving trains your brain to live in a state of abundance.

Giving makes you feel good about yourself, and you end up attracting more wealth into your life as a result of doing it.

Step #3 – Invest In Yourself

It will be difficult for you to change your life if you do not invest in yourself. Warren Buffett once said, “The best investment that you can make is in yourself.”

This has been the secret that has allowed me to achieve financial freedom, and one of the best returns on investment that I have ever had.

Step #4 – Create Wealth

Lastly, you need to create a vehicle for financial freedom and abundance, whether that’s creating wealth by starting an online business or learning how to invest in stocks. There is a simple formula for building wealth, which is:

1. Make more than you spend and invest the difference wisely.
2. Develop daily habits that result in wealth accumulation.

If you’re broke or struggling financially, follow these steps to change your financial situation. If you can master this process, you will live the rest of your life, financially free!

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You’ve got 20 minutes to change your life in 100 ways. Go.

This is the premise of an exercise I tried once, when I was feeling stuck in life. I wasn’t sure what was amiss, but the routine I had fallen into was not satisfying the inner voice in me that insisted there was something else out there for me. (See also: Change Your Life With Storytelling)

After trying (forcefully) to understand what was going on, reading self-help books, filling out aptitude tests, and working with business and life coaches, I was given a suggestion that became a catalyst for some pretty big personal changes.

Here is how you can change your life in 20 minutes, step by step:

1. Clear all distractions. Turn off the phone, the TV, the computer. Lock your door, and go to a quiet place.
2. Sit down comfortably at a desk or table, with a blank piece of paper and a pen in front of you.
3. Set a timer for 20 minutes.
4. Go. Write down 100 things you want to do. Or careers you want to have. Or people you would like to meet. The sky is the limit.
5. Don’t be realistic. Dream big. Write down the craziest things you can think of, as well as the things that you don’t even think bear mentioning because they are so simple. Write it all down.
6. Work quickly. 20 minutes isn’t very long, and you have 100 items to get through, if you can. Don’t think about whether or not to write down an idea — just write. Write everything that comes to mind, even if it doesn’t make sense. Just keep on writing, and don’t stop until that timer goes off.

Something happens after about 10 or 15 minutes if you employ the exercise to its full potential. You stop caring about what specifically the ideas are, and you start to release an inner creativity that may have been locked away for a while. In an effort to get through 100 things in 20 minutes, you start to write outlandish things down that you aren’t even really sure you want, but that are ideas that came to you nonetheless.

Ding! The timer goes off. No matter where you are in the process, or how many items you have written down, stop. (OK, if you are really on a roll and have a few more to write down because the juices are flowing, keep going. I won’t tell.)

Leave the list alone for a day. Try not to look at it, and certainly don’t revise it in any way. The following day, sit down and look at your list. How many of the items on it are feasible? Can you see your way to accomplishing any of it? Did anything come out of the list that you hadn’t actually really thought of until you wrote it down in a hurried attempt to get to 100 items in the time limit? Any surprises in there?

The point of this exercise is not to create a giant and outlandish “to-do” list that never gets ticked off. Instead, it is simply to open up your mind to the idea that anything is possible, and to give you ideas that will help you to become unstuck in life.

Personally, after feeling stuck and making out my list, I identified a few ways to make positive changes in my life at the time; I joined Toastmasters because an item I wrote down was to become a public speaker. I also eventually started a blog to satisfy an inner wordsmith in me that has blossomed into a career. And ultimately, the list helped lead me to the decision to sell off everything I owned to live out my dreams of travel and adventure now.

And it all started with 20 minutes and 100 ways to change my life.