Christmas gifts commonly illicit four types of shopper. Here, we take a look at each one individually for no other reason than for the sake of it. Which one are you…?

The Early Bird
For most of us, the Early Bird Christmas shopper has an anal quality. Almost always women, these are the people who seek out Christmas gifts before a single seasonal display appears in the shops. You might even find them buying Christmas presents for the coming year in the January sales. They’ll then keep their eyes peeled throughout the year, with the express purpose of avoiding the Christmas shoppers come November-December time. You can’t fault their logic. It’s all just a bit sad.

“It’s All In Hand”
To these guys, the best way to shop for Christmas gifts is to keep it cool. No need to start too early. No need to leave it too late. These are the people who start thinking about things around November time, and into the early part of December. They’re a canny breed too, so online shopping is both acceptable and encouraged. It’s easy, money-saving and helps avoid the unpleasantness of the modern-day shopping centre. In fact, to these guys shopping for Christmas gifts is often merely an extension of their lunch hour.

The Latecomer
These are the individuals to whom Christmas gifts really can wait. They’re of the “Why do today what you can do tomorrow” school of thought. As such, you can expect to see these guys shopping all day long on the Saturday before Christmas Day itself. The quality of gift, in addition to the thought given to each purchase, has also decreased incrementally with each passing weekend. The results aren’t altogether thoughtless but do feel rather rushed. Panicked, if you please.

The Christmas Eve-r
Unlike the Early Birds, the Christmas Eve-rs are exclusively men. Expect to find them queuing outside Argos, where Elizabeth Duke’s daily takings double those of the previous 356 days. And if they’re not here, they’ll be either jamming up the petrol stations or buying Christmas gifts for their entire family in the form of High Street vouchers.

A memorable photograph is similar to a remarkable dinner. The right ingredients blend together flawlessly to create an unforgettable visual encounter. Even when a composition is refined and the points of interest are nondescript, a picture can nevertheless leave an indelible mark on the viewer’s memory. The key is comprehending the individual components – or “ingredients” – that contribute towards developing an exceptional picture.

This article will offer 5 recommendations for making your photographs more memorable to your viewers

You will learn that the most basic attributes could meld in a manner that transforms normally common photographs into something remarkable.

#1 – Bring Out The Eyes

They say “the eyes are the windows to the soul.” Focusing on the subject’s eyes strengthens the emotional link your viewer shares with your photograph – or especially, with your subject. That usually means bringing your camera in range with your subject’s eye level. It additionally implies zooming in closer to the individual you’re photographing to help make their gaze more established.

This is not to recommend your subject should stare straight at the camera; the eyes can create a strong effect on your audience even if they are aimed somewhere else.

#2 – Fill The Frame

In the same approach that focusing on your model’s eyes can help make your pictures appear more expressive, so too, may allowing the person you’re photographing to rule the frame

Zoom in. Let your model’s blemishes come to the front. A dash of freckles, a careless eyebrow, and a crooked smile can humanize a picture.

A number of photography buffs may disagree with this recommendation because it minimizes the impact of a composition’s background. To be certain, it does; nevertheless, we encourage you to try things out with filling up your frame to see whether doing so contributes anything to your pictures.

#3 – The Common Rule Of Thirds

This tip is a total departure from the one before – and it can deliver just as potent an impact. If you are photographing a man or women, allowing her or him to fill your frame creates a link between your subject and your audience. Even so, shooting objects (e.g. trees, buildings, rock formations, etc.) demands a distinct approach.

Rather than setting your place of interest in the forefront in your frame, shift it to the side

Take into account the rule of thirds; this is a standard principle of structure that divides your frame into a tic-tac-toe grid; by placing your individual on one of the points of intersection, you could infuse your pictures with a feeling of equilibrium. In doing so, you’ll help your audience communicate more easily with your photo.

A fast tip: if you’re using your camera’s auto function, be sure you lock in your focus; or else, your camera will likely try to concentrate on whatever component is located in the center of your frame.

#4 – Utilize Light Properly

When you’re shooting photographs outside, the sun’s rays might cast dark areas across your subject’s face (presuming you’re shooting people). These dark areas may darken your photos, making them seem dull and without life. Use your flash to keep the dark areas away

Chances are, your camera is equipped with two modes: fill-flash and full-flash. Use the former if the person your shooting is within a few meters of your camera. Use the latter if the individual is further.

#5 – Leverage Your Light

Flashes aside, natural light may play a critical role in how your topic appears in your picture. For instance, an abundant amount of bright sunshine may cause an older person’s face wrinkles to get more noticable. Smoother light can diminish their impact. Use light to your advantage. If a particular area is unsuitable for attaining your ideal impact, find another location. If you are shooting a landscape, experiment with different times of the afternoon and morning.

Keep in mind, memorable photos are not created by strictly adhering to a formula; they are produced by experimenting to reveal a distinctive style; to that end, the suggestions above are just that – recommendations. Test them. Over time, you’ll acquire a knack for producing the kinds of photographic compositions you’re vying toward.

When we are feeling confident we sense that we could take on the world, that we could achieve anything and be anyone that we desire. It’s an intoxicatingly delerious feeling, and not only does it make us feel good, but it propels us to bigger and better things the more we have it.

When you are low on self-confidence you perform poorly, you feel like the world is getting the best of you, making you feel powerless and useless. You obsess about how others feel or think about you, keeping you bound in your bubble, unwilling and scared witless to try anything new.

It’s a terrible feeling. So how do we build the self-confidence to get us past feeling this way?

Having low self-confidence is a debilitating condition to be in, but the good news is that in this article below I am going to outline some quick fixes that you can use to improve your self-confidence, as well as talk about a powerful tool that can help you build life-long self-confidence anytime you want.

1. Presentation. How we present ourselves to the world is often a startlingly accurate reflection of how we are feeling about ourselves. Appearance is not everything, but being well groomed and well presented will always give you that little kick of feeling empowered and important; so take advantage of it and use it as much as you can.

2. Stand Up Straight and Be Heard. Don’t bow your head when walking past people. “Keep your chin up” isn’t just a handy adage to throw at people when someone is having a rough day. When you’re sitting at the table, don’t slouch over your plate. Sit up straight, clear your throat and let the world hear you loud and clear.

3. Write Out Three Awesome Things You Have Accomplished. Sometimes we need to simply remember that we are in fact awesome by noting our past achievements. When was the last time you truly impressed yourself? That you achieved something truly remarkable? Jot it down, and note how you felt afterwards.

4. Kill the Negative Chatter with Self-Talk. How many times have you told yourself today that you can’t do something? That you don’t deserve it? That you will never achieve your dreams? You might not even be aware of the negative influence you are having on yourself. Of the thousands of thoughts we have everyday, left unchecked many of them turn to doubt, slowly festering into a strong belief that we are not worthy, not deserving, and not allowed to achieve grand success.

5. Preperation is Everything. Unshakable self-confidence can be found when we take the time to prepare for the events in our lives. It gives us a feverish sense of power and control over our own detinies. Remember how you felt bullet-proof when you studied properly before a big exam in school? You waltzed into that classroom not full of anxiety, but with a belly full of determination and excitement, because you knew that you were going to own that test. Having an action plan or a goal plan can give you the preperation necessary to go after the things you want.

6. Master the Art of Winning Many Small Battles. Achieving great things doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t occur in one fell swoop. We don’t build great wealth in one great surge, nor to we lose twenty pounds without first setting foot into the gym. Take note of where you are now, where you want to be, and figure out what the very first step of your journey looks like. Then do it. Self-confidence is like compound interest; with each small goal achieved and invested, it grows and grows.

7. Ultimate Self-Confidence Comes in Achievement. A lack of self-confidence can always be found in the meek, the person who refuses to act out of a constant sensation of fear, who stays on the sidelines, preferring to wait for “someday” to act than to get in the game of life. When we act on the things we want, we build the self-confidence needed to propel us to the next level of accomplishment. Set some goals — start modestly if you must — and act now.

Amid the daily grind of life, we sometimes lose sight of the little (or big) things that can bring joy to our souls. Anne Frank wrote, “Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy!” Good advice!

Life without a source of inspiration becomes merely routine. A life fed with a constant stream of inspiration exists on an entirely different level! Instead of mundane, the inspired life becomes full of adventure, surprises, gratitude and enhanced understanding! Gone are the days of plodding along, nose to the ground, unaware of the myriad facets of a life open to new ideas.

Where does one find inspiration? How do you seek it out?

The natural world is one of the best places to look for inspiration! When was the last time you saw a waterfall? Now, driving by one doesn’t count. What does count is visiting the waterfall with express purpose – getting out of the car and moving to the perfect spot where you can experience the beauty and physical elements. Hear the thunder of the pounding water? Feel the mist on your face? See the rainbow highlighting the water droplets in the air! Is this inspiring or what?!

When I was a child, my family lived in the mountains where exploration and outdoor adventure were the absolute norm! How well I remember the Friday afternoons when my Father would arrive home from work, shouting the very words his children were waiting to hear, “It’s a camping weekend for us!” Barely able to contain our excitement, off we’d go to pack whatever we needed for the upcoming adventure. I’m still amazed at how quickly we prepared with Father urging us to hurry because we wanted to make it to our campsite before dark (you know why if you’ve ever pitched a tent in the dark!) Oh, those were glory days! The adventures we had! Inspiration soaked into the very core of our souls!

Being out in nature can be an exciting source of inspiration, especially if we make an effort to learn about, and really observe, our surroundings.

Allow me to share an experience I had while camping with my children. We had barely pulled into our campsite when the car doors exploded open, freeing my excited girls who leaped out, unrestrained, to begin their weekend adventure! I watched them run this way and that, trying to see as much as possible in the shortest amount of time. Then I took a moment to close my eyes and take in the aroma of the woods. The aroma of warm fir trees wafted into my nostrils. Birds warbled in the background, sharing their contentment

My reverie was interrupted by a small sound within the car. Opening my eyes, I glanced to my left and saw a red squirrel perched on the passenger seat! His position was tentative. He kept glancing between me and a plum left behind on the floorboards. In a flash, he apparently decided the situation was safe. He dove to the floor, grabbed the plum in his jaws, then leaped out of the car for the nearby woods!

How grateful I was for that moment of joyful inspiration! That story has been told and retold countless times in my family. Every time it is, we are all reminded of the wonders of nature and my opportunity to be part of a scene that few people ever experience. Now when we camp, the little ones (my grandchildren!) ask, “Grandma, do you think it will be my turn to have a squirrel sit beside me? That would be so awesome!”

Oh, the wonders of Nature! The inspiration to be found there! Make the decision to experience more of it! Your happier soul will thank you!

About the Author

Stuck in an uninspired lifestyle? Don’t settle for it! Get up and get some inspiration with the new Personal Passion Formula! Live a life of inspiration and make money doing it! Go to Personal Passion Formula Facts to get the facts you need! Personal Passion Formula Facts is where you can begin to renew your life!

Setting Goals allows you to achieve more.

Author: preetisharma

What do you think about when the word goal comes up in conversation? Do you cringe and snort thinking to yourself “right, goals . . . whatever. What’s the point of making them if I won’t keep them?” Or, do your eyes light up as you tick off a long list of goals for the New Year that will be impossible to complete?

No matter if you have an optimistic or pessimistic outlook about your small business goals for this New Year, both outlooks have something in common and it is this: Unless you know how to set goals properly, you will fail to complete them. So let’s start by defining exactly what a goal is: A goal is something that is meaningful, powerful, and transformative. A goal is something that will change your life, your business, your career, or your family in some meaningful way.

A goal is fierce!

• A goal is clearly defined

• A goal is very specific

• A goal has an action plan and time line for completion

To be an accomplished goal setter, you must become a fearsome time manager by:

• Setting priorities

• Completing tasks on time

• Eliminating distractions

In other words, those who manage their time, manage their world.

Three Parts To Setting Goals That Stick

1. Activate Intentions. They key to getting your business goals to stick it to activate your intentions. That means to put down on a piece of paper what your goals are, and then to take one action on each goal immediately.

Seven Steps For Successful Activation

• Identify your goal, very clearly and specifically. Identify no more than 3-5 business goals to focus on. Be concrete. Put your business goal into words and be as precise about it as you can be.

• Think critically about whether or not this is actually a business goal that you want to accomplish this year. Make sure you know why this goal is meaningful.

• Thinking creatively about how to accomplish your goals. Think outside the box. Stretch the boundaries of possibilities. Engage others to brainstorm and ‘creategize’ with you. Think really far out. Consider outlandish and bazaar solutions.

• Next, identify your plan of action and create strategic action steps that will lead to goal completion.

• Then, and this is all so energetically important: schedule and take your first action step either now, or within the next five days. This one step will set the activation energy in motion. Since what we focus on happens, it is important to schedule and take a first step to create momentum immediately.

• Evaluate your activity and measure success every step along the way.

• Reward success.

2. Eliminate Distractions. Distractions are the worst enemy of time management, and are the number one reason why goals fail. When we allow distractions to take our time and attention away from our goals, the result is frustration, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed, to thoughts of not being able to do something, to failure. Be fierce about your goals and guard them with your time.

3. Fearsome Focus. Dave Lakhani, speaker, trainer, and author of the Power Of An Hour has come up with a fearsome focus strategy that works. In his book, he suggests focusing for an hour at a time on a specific action step of one of your business goals, no more, no less. He recommends that you block out time each day for this fearsome focus hour, and that you divide that focus time into 45 minutes fearsome focus, and 15 minutes doing something else. Below is a summary of his strategy.

• Write down action steps for what you intent to accomplish in your 45-minute fearsome focus time.

• Surround yourself with all the tools you need to get the job done before you begin.

• Don’t allow distractions.

• Launch into your project with gusto.

• Evaluate success along the way by reviewing steps, then immediately re-engage in fearsome focus.

• If distracted, instantly dismiss distraction and re-engage.

• Complete all action steps.

• Acknowledge completion and relax.

• Remain in fearsome focus for 45 minutes, and then do something different for 15 minutes. After an hour, move on to something else.

That’s it folks. These are the steps to take if you want to set goals that stick. All you need to do is activate, eliminate, and focus. Keep in mind, though, that it is ridiculous to spend time focusing on something you don’t intend to do. That’s a failed goal in the making. Instead, if you find that a goal no longer serves you, replace or revise it with one that does.

About the Author:

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – How To Set Goals That Stick

If  I had a Rand (yes, not even a dollar!) for every time I’ve been asked that question, I’d be sitting in the pound seats! I think that every person would probably define it slightly differently from the next. Some might say that two people that manage to stay together for life are in a successful relationship. Really? Even if they have not had sex or an in-depth conversation for 30 years? Others might say, if they don’t fight. But is it a successful relationship if they don’t fight because one or both have given up declaring how they feel? So many people, so many opinions.

All of us have at some stage had our struggles with relationships. It is inherent in the design of a relationship: two sets of values, two communication styles, two sets of emotional and sexual needs, two sets of expectations regarding relationships, etc. Is it any wonder that we get lost in this jungle? And the more intimate we are, the higher the stakes are and more expectations we have of our partners. Conflict seems to be a function of intimacy. The more energy we invest into someone, the more we expect that person to meet our needs, consciously or unconsciously.

But what if relationships are not designed to make you happy until you ride off into the sunset? Would you still want one? What would the purpose of a relationship be then? And if you know a relationship will sometimes make you happy and sometimes dog-miserable, how would you define a successful relationship?

For me the answer is written in the forecourt of the temple of Apollo at Delphi: Know Thyself. There is no other place in our lives where we are given the chance to learn who we are with such clarity, as in the image that our intimate partners reflect back at us. And what we see isn’t always pretty.

One way of deepening our self knowledge is through the ancient analytical system of astrology. Through this lens one can look at how we employ the various parts of our psyche in an intimate relationship. And of course, once one sees one’s own behavioural patterns clearly, one can make conscious choices on which ones to keep, which to discard and which to change.

Using the elements of an astrological analysis, one would look at a person’s core personality, their emotional needs, their communication style, their relationship preferences and their sexual drivers.

There is a common belief that good communication is the number one prerequisite for a successful relationship. But somehow we humans seem to have a lot of trouble with the simple mechanics of sending and receiving a message! Could it be that our habitual communication style needs to be adapted in order to be more finely tuned to that of our partner’s? For example, if our communication style has the characteristics of the earth element, we would be talking straight, matter-of-factly and to the point. If we then encounter someone who has more of a water element emphasis, we would have to adapt our style to a more feelings-based approach, so that they feel heard and validated.

In the process of exploring our communication style, we would of course also take a look at how we listen, as well! It is also helpful to negotiate beforehand what the rules of engagement are, when encountering a conflict situation.

Through any type of self-exploration, we become more aware of the mechanics of our own mind. With more knowledge of ourselves, we are set free from being a victim of  living a life by default and we can make conscious choices that enable us to become our best possible selves. Sometimes relationship trouble is just what we need in order to kick-start a journey towards a more conscious life.

And what greater success story is there than having a more balanced, healthier and conscious outlook on life? Perhaps Eckhart Tolle has a point when he says that relationships aren’t there to make us happy, they are there to make us conscious.

Written by Babett Baer, Counselling Astrologer and director of AstroDate

For more information and to contact Babett, click here.

“My life…… my Choice”

I want to envisage that every day is my last day of existence
I want to be wealthy in the intangible things, Those valuable things that feed our souls
I want to experience emotionally
I want to hope, care, be angry, laugh all at the same time
I want to be confident, humble and fear all at the same time
I want to chase my dreams with every inch of my soul

And while I chase my dreams

I don’t want to forget the flowers blossoming at my feet
I want happiness to dwell in my bones, my heart and my soul
I want to live life with all my senses
In each second I want to taste life
I want to inhale, exhale, touch, hear, see and feel
This is what I want
This is my life and this is how I choose to live it.

By Chani Macauley

Submit your own poems by emailing: editor@secrets2success.co.za

“Obstacles are those frightful things you can see when you take your eyes off your goal.”

Henry Ford

Life is a theatre, so invite your audience carefully. Not everyone is healthy enough to have a front row seat in our lives.

There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a distance. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you let go of, or at least minimise your time with draining, negative, incompatible, not going anywhere relationships or friendships. 

Observe the relationships around you.  Pay close attention.

Which ones lift and which ones lean?

Which ones encourage and which one discourage?

Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are going downhill?

When you leave certain people, do you feel better or feel worse?

Which ones always have drama or don’t really understand, know or appreciate you?

The  more you seek quality, respect, growth, peace of mind, love and truth around you the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to sit in the front row and who should be moved to the balcony of your life.

Remember that the people we hang out with will have an impact on both our lives and our income.  And so, we must be careful to choose them carefully, as well as the information with which we feed our minds.  We should not share our dreams with negative people, nor feed them with negative thoughts.

So – who is in your front row?

Have your read our 10 Tips to Banish Negativity?

Inspirational Quotes

“If there are a hundred steps
In thy path to success
And ye have not reached it
In ninety-nine of them
Do not conclude
That the journey is a failure.
Press on and up…
the prizes are generally at the end of an effort,
not at its beginning…
and not to go on
is to miss them.
Be valiant… have faith in yourself.
Success belongs to him
who dares to win it.”

George S. Forest

Submitted by: Impatient Leo

Have an inspirational quote or story to share?  Email editor@secrets2success.co.za