Apr152019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments
What Successful People Did Is What You Can Emulate

What Successful People Did Is What You Can Emulate

Featured, Improvement
There are hundreds of books and articles where successful people talk about their habits. The idea is that if you follow those habits then you too can be successful. The problem is most of these focus on what these people are doing today. Many of these of habits are only feasible because they already have money. You need to look at what successful people did before they had money. Two perfect examples are Warren Buffett and Arianna Huffington. When Warren Buffett talks about his success, he talks about what he did as a child and how he made his early money, not just what he does now. Arianna Huffington wrote a book on how people can become successful. She completely passed over how she made her initial money. This is…
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Mar292019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments
When Your Growth Stalls, Ask Yourself Why

When Your Growth Stalls, Ask Yourself Why

Featured, Improvement
We’ve all hit a wall at some point. You may run up against a competitor you can’t beat, lose your job despite your best efforts, or encounter some other kind of roadblock. When you can’t go forward, the only way to keep moving is to take a step back. Some people think stepping back is the same as admitting failure. Others think they can simply smash through the wall in front of them. But this type of rigidity can be disastrous — how many of us have told a recruiter “I can’t take a lower salary” or “Any move has to be a step up”? By contrast, being flexible and willing to pivot can greatly increase your chances of success. So pause, step back, and reassess your career and your…
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Mar272019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments
To Start Your Week Refreshed, Treat the Weekend Like a Vacation

To Start Your Week Refreshed, Treat the Weekend Like a Vacation

Featured, Improvement
When Monday morning arrives, do you feel relaxed? Or are you still stressed out from the previous week? Research shows that one way to make your weekends more refreshing is to think of them as a short vacation. Part of this is simply enjoying yourself: sleep in, do less housework, eat a bit more than you normally would. And find ways to make common tasks more fun, whether that’s turning on upbeat music in the car while running errands or making yourself a margarita for folding laundry. Another part is slowing down: Pay attention to your surroundings, the activity at hand, and the people who are involved. Keeping your mind on whatever’s happening will help you savor it, which in turn will help you feel like you’re breaking out of…
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Mar202019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments
Know If Something Is Really An Asset

Know If Something Is Really An Asset

Featured, Improvement
Strictly speaking an asset is something that has value. That can be an item, a skill, or a talent. A liability is usually used to indicate a debt, but it can be anything that costs more than it is worth. While this sounds simple, people often label a liability as an asset. This holds people back. An example is your home. Any accountant will tell you that your house is an asset. However, the costs of maintaining the home (plumbing, repairs, painting, etc.) and the cost of operating a home (utilities, lawn care, property taxes) are generally more than the appreciation of house. When the house is sold, those costs are not taken into consideration, meaning most people lose money on their home. Chasing after liabilities because you think its…
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Mar132019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments
It Doesn’t Matter What Used To Be

It Doesn’t Matter What Used To Be

Featured, Improvement
One of the problems that many businesses face is trying to adapt to changing conditions. Technology and industry disruption throw businesses into chaos. How you deal with it can decide whether or not your business survives. The biggest mistake that businesspeople when trying to handle this situation is trying to turn back the clock and make things the way they used to be. Business (and life in general) always move forward. When circumstances occur that change your situation, it is a natural inclination to try to put things back as they were. The problem with this is that things keep moving forward. By trying to move backward, the best you can manage is to stand still, in the situation you are trying to get out of. When a business starts…
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Mar82019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments
How You Use Resources Is More Important Than How Much You Use

How You Use Resources Is More Important Than How Much You Use

Featured, Improvement
It is common in organizations to think that when a problem pops up, you can solve it by throwing money at it. While insufficient resources can be a problem, it is just as likely that the problem is how you are spending them. The CT education system is a perfect example. While they spend more money per student than most states, their results are no better. Why, because the money is not spent effectively. Pouring more money on a problem is useless if you haven't determined what the cause of the problem is. Determine the cause of the problem. Then you can target your resources to fix the problem. Spending money without targeting won't solve your problem and will waste your resources.
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Feb182019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments
Surround Yourself with People Who Will Push You to Grow

Surround Yourself with People Who Will Push You to Grow

Featured, Improvement
When it comes to planning our careers, we carefully choose our companies and jobs. But rarely are we deliberate about selecting the advisers and confidantes who help us succeed. Cultivate a support group for your career by thinking about whose advice and expertise you wish you had on speed dial. Consider who you feel inspired by, whether they’re colleagues, senior leaders, or peers in your field. Seek these individuals out, and be candid about why you admire them and why you want to connect. Focus on building a relationship that will benefit both of you. As you get to know each other, don’t be afraid to explore big life questions: What do you want to do with your life? What motivates you? What are you doing that you really don’t…
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Feb112019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments
The Balance Between Learning And Doing

The Balance Between Learning And Doing

Featured, Improvement
To achieve success it is crucial that you continue to learn. Whether you are learning new skills, reading to keep up with changes in your industry, or simply continuing your education learning is crucial to achieve your goals. However, that learning must be balanced with actually doing tasks and following through. Aside from the obvious reason that you have to get things done, there is a big difference between practical application and learning. There is an old saying, "In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is." Someone who studies something will never have the proficiency of someone that studies AND does it. Someone who understands how an internal combustion engine works is not necessarily able to fix one. The other major reason to move…
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Jan212019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments
The Importance Of Living Within Your Means

The Importance Of Living Within Your Means

Featured, Improvement
With the recent government shutdown, a startling statistic has been stated over and over: 77% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. Living paycheck to paycheck has a ripple effect that causes people to miss out on opportunities and contributes to a negative mindset on money. It also highlights the need to live within one's means. Despite depictions in the media, one thing that rich people (who manage to stay rich) have in common is that they live within their means. Obviously it is easier to live within your means when you have more money, but those who amass wealth tend to live within their means before becoming rich. Limiting debt ad not overspending are key to building wealth. Here are some key ideas to help you along the way. Are…
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Jan142019 by Modern Observer GroupNo Comments
Learn Something New to Relieve Some Stress

Learn Something New to Relieve Some Stress

Attitude and Mindset, Featured, Improvement
Many people handle work stress by buckling down and powering through. But that’s not a great way to actually relieve your anxiety. Instead, Harvard Business School recommends that you try reframing the stressful situation as a learning opportunity. Learning something new adds to your skill set and knowledge, and helps you develop feelings of competency and growth, which can alleviate feelings of stress. You can also learn with others. For example, rather than just wrestling with a challenge in your head, get input from colleagues. Discussing a stressful situation with them can reveal hidden insights, either from their backgrounds or from the questions and perspectives they’ll offer. And don’t think of learning as an additional layer of work; think of it as a break from the hard work of getting…
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