Join Me for a Month of Letting Go Meditations, Starting February 1st

Hi friends! I couldn’t be more excited to share that I’ve written and recorded my first guided meditations ever, to be shared throughout the month, starting February 1^st, through One Mind Live.

My friends Naomi Janzen, creator of the Remindfulness app, and Stephen Fearnley, an award-winning composer and filmmaker, started One Mind Live to harness the power of group meditation.

Each month, they feature a different host, so you can experience a wide variety of meditation styles, and each weekly broadcast includes an insightful discussion on the topic at hand and EFT tapping to help put you in the zone.

Ordinarily, it costs $14.99 per month to become a One Mind Live member, but they’re offering a special $1 intro offer to make it easy for you to get started.

For just $1, you’ll get access to my four meditations on the following topics:

• Letting go of the need for approval
• Letting go of control
• Letting go of stress and pressure
• Letting go of self-judgment

And as a member, you’ll have access to 24/7 replays on demand, if you happen to miss the live broadcasts at 6:00pm PST.

To join, all you need to do is click here and enter the coupon code LORI2018 at checkout. If you’d like to stay for just my month, you can easily unsubscribe after my month so you’re never billed more than $1.

Though I was a little nervous about this at first—especially given that it wasn’t just writing, but also recording my own voice—I’m proud of the end result. The music is mesmerizingly beautiful, and I think these meditations could be beneficial to anyone who needs a little help letting go.

Become part of the world’s first and only weekly, live, guided, worldwide, online meditation group. Click here to join!

About Lori Deschene

Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha and Recreate Your Life Story, an online course that helps you let go of the past and live a life you love. Her latest bookTiny Buddha's Gratitude Journal, which includes 15 coloring pages, is now available for purchase. For daily wisdom, follow Tiny Buddha on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram..

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8 Easy Steps To Your Browser Security And Privacy

5 Everyday Things That Will Disappear Really Soon

What happens to the world around us is called exponential growth. The most powerful processor, the fastest connection, the highest video quality— all of them double in performance each time a new module is out.

If you hear someone complaining how everything sucks, remind them that this is the best we’ve been off since forever. And no matter what it seems like, the facts prove that it gets better each year.

That’s why ordinary things that surround us now will be gone soon and you will only miss them in the 90s-nostalgia-kind of way. What comes to replace them is infinitely better.

So, what are the things that will disappear in our lifetime?

Passwords

Replaced by: fingerprint scanners

Passwords are already migrating inside browsers and all-in-one apps, but that entails obvious security issues. So, the clear trend would be advanced fingerprint recognition.

Surprisingly enough, the technology has been around for quite some time. In fact, the concept has been around 1859 to be exact.

In that glorious year, Sir William Herschel came up with using handprints to tell his Indian employees from non-employees during payday. It must have been a hell of a turnout in his cabin by the end of the month that prompted that idea.

There are, however, a few troubles with current fingerprint scanners.

For one, fingerprints are actually not as unique as we’d like to think. There can be other people with the same or dangerously similar finger patterns as yours. The chances that this person gets near your smartphone are low, but they exist.

Scanning your fingers when they’re sweaty can be tricky. The same goes for older people whose skin is not elastic and clear enough for their scanners.

Apps

Replaced by: smart assistants and built-in tools

You’re probably surprised to see this on the list when there are millions of apps out there. Well, that is exactly the reason why they’ll be gone.

Apps have grown too niche and small.

People don’t need 500 icons on their Macs or iPhones and people shouldn’t be forced to pick only the best apps for their phone.

That can mean wasting time assessing quality, reading reviews, and ranking choices.

That’s why apps will soon merge into a single tool that can help us do stuff.

You can already see it happening with services like Setapp. Keeping up with the spirit of shared economy and subscription-based goods, Setapp rents us apps. You pay once a month for nearly a hundred of apps that can be used without separate purchases.

You still have to look for the app you need for a specific task, but it’s way faster than browsing the Mac App Store.

The next step would be merging all the apps into one intelligent assistant that draws the tools out when the need arises.

For instance, you’ll be telling your future assistant:

“Ok, Samantha, I want to edit this picture and then have it as a closing slide in my presentation.”

And your helper goes:

“You got it, Johnny.”

Done. You get your picture in your presentation.

Wires

Replaced by: WiGig

We already have wireless internet, chargers, headphones, and laptops.

No more than twenty years ago, having such technology as everyday items was unthinkable. With the progress speed we’ve picked up, wires will be entirely gone in three to five years.

The trouble with current WiFi is that it’s too slow for the amount of data we use, like VR and augmented reality. But the new Wireless Gigabit Alliance technology allows multi-gigabit per second speed of communication, which is exactly what we needed. It just needs time to get adopted.

And the headphone jack you’ve joked about since the iPhone 7 keynote. Yeah, that will be gone, too.

Smartphones

Replaced by: wearable AI and the internet of things

Smartphones are slowly dissolving into watches, ear-pods, your own hands, and other small wearables. People want them gone because it’s clearly not the best way to interact with the world anymore.

The futuristic vision is obviously a built-in connection via direct brain implants, like Neuralink or digital eye lenses. If it scares you, remember that trains were once called “the devil’s machines”.

So far, we’re stuck with less intrusive tools, like small wireless headphones or watches that can call, play music, and track your heart rate.

Home appliances will soon be converted into self-controlled and mainly voice-operated systems. Also, they will eventually be unified so you won’t have to use separate interfaces or commands for lights, kitchenware, and cleaning utilities.

You’ll get a real, actual “smart home” that welcomes you back from work, cooks you dinner, and kisses you goodnight (ok, scratch that, there should be a line somewhere).

Credit cards

Replaced by: all things cashless

We’re already almost cashless and we’ll soon forget about credit cards as well.

The only remaining ethical question on our way to becoming a completely cashless society is the privacy of our purchases. What if you are not interested in letting your bank know your sex toy preferences?

Norway refused to adopt a nationwide cashless system because they decided to let their people buy stuff privately. However, this doesn’t seem to be a general trend or a major concern for most countries.

And after all, even if we still have cash, credit cards are over for good.

We can expect Apple Pay, Android Pay, and all kinds of pays to take over plastic cards within the next few years. When paired with advanced fingerprint scanning, it will eliminate or dramatically reduce fraud, speed up transactions, and improve shopping.

The future shines upon us with its beautiful artificial intelligence, drone deliveries, and car-charging roads. And the coolest thing is we’ve lived up to witness it all.

See Also: 5 Reasons Why You Should Consider AI Automation for Small Business

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Top Business Ideas of 2018 You Should Consider

With 2017 under our belts, the holidays over, and a slew of unrealistic New Year resolutions to tackle, getting a good start for the new year isn’t easy. Our goals and resolutions have a tendency to change as our priorities shift.

New Year, New Me

Just as you set your own goals for personal growth, you should also set your professional goals, too.

The predicted business trends of 2018, though all different, are based on a single and simple principle: personality. To put it plainly, the road to success in 2018 begins and ends with building character.

See Also: How to Set Personal SMART Goals To Succeed

Anti-Social Media

Companies are beginning to realize that social media does not and will never replace in-person interaction. Even Internet-based companies without a brick and mortar presence recognize this.

Thanks to social media, smart businesses will have an opportunity to reconnect with their customers. As consumers expect more and more of a personal touch from the companies they patronize, businesses will have to deliver.

Consumers are more likely to interact with posts made by humans rather than bot-modded accounts. Adding a face, voice or image to your business will be as important as ever this year as a new generation of consumers enters the industry. This generation highly values human relationships above all else.

Artificial intelligence is good for mundane and repetitive tasks, but it should not be applied to customer service. Real-time interaction between consumer and company benefits both parties.

Think of it this way:

With real-time interactions, consumers feel involved and listened to while companies get a clearer understanding of who their consumers are.

Savvy companies realize that social interaction goes further than a live stream. Since this generation is dedicated to social reform and community support, companies will be encouraged to give back to their communities as well as serve their customers.

Giving back to local or impoverished communities helps companies to appear not only stable and reliable but also aware of local needs.

Smart companies are already seeing the value of earning the trust of their customers rather than creating ads to get their attention.

New Generations

This year will mark the early stages of a business structure overhaul. The youngest of the millennials are taking over more leadership roles within their industries, bringing with them new and different management styles.

New employees will be seeking autonomy and flexibility from employers, rather than just a good salary. One-on-one encounters will help employees solve problems and improve teamwork.

Consumer demographics are also rapidly changing as this year will welcome a new era of 21st-century adults. Smart companies will take this paradigm shift into account, working quickly to understand this new generation of consumers and make room for them within their professional ranks.

Tech-savvy generations taking a front seat in management roles will boost lagging companies into the future. Young and new employees will have an easier time relating to their millennial bosses than previous generations.

See Also: 4 Useful Tips For Managing Millennials In The Workplace

Successful Trends

Don’t let your New Year’s resolutions disappear the minute you step into your office! The future ultimately remains a mystery to us, but with some smart predictions and a little dedication, we will be able to see 2018 as a great year for our personal and professional growth.

Think about your own resolutions and try to apply them in a professional setting. You’ll be surprised at how well they work together.

Remember, don’t be afraid to encourage your company to show a little personality and connect with customers.

It’s not too late to put your best foot forward this year. With the predicted business trends discussed in this infographic, success is closer than ever.

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6 College Health Tips They Won’t Teach You At Orientation

College years are a great time. It’s when you become more independent, make new friends, and learn a lot of new things. From managing your finances to taking care of your health, you start to become more responsible.

The tricky part is that you often need to learn those things from your own experience and if it’s your health we’re talking about, it isn’t always pleasant.

Most of the time, it’s inconvenient. You’ll have a pile of writing assignments to complete and a lot of catching up to do if you want to maintain your grades.

So, instead of waiting for an experience to teach you, why not start making positive changes in your life? You can start with these healthy tips for college students.

Be careful with food

Food poisoning might not last as long as flu does but it’s still unpleasant. The easiest way to avoid it is to wash your hands before you eat (and after, obviously) or simply sanitize it.

A sanitizer is a big help if you go around campus a lot and don’t always have time to go to the bathroom to wash your hands. Sanitize your phone as well. After all, you touch it all the time and put it near your face often.

Also, be careful with drinking from someone else’s cup in parties or eating food someone already ate. That’s the easiest way to become sick.

See Also: The Importance of Personal Hygiene for Healthy Living

Get your vaccines

Getting a vaccine shot may not be that uncomfortable, but it can help you get through the year without getting ill too often. It’s not a complete guarantee that you won’t be sick, but it can help you greatly minimize the risk.

So, don’t forget to get a flu shot before the flu season starts.

Be careful with antibiotics

Antibiotics can fight the most serious forms of flu and help you recover quicker, but you need to be careful when you take them.

First of all, it’s important to finish the whole course of antibiotics to ensure that all the bacteria are completely eliminated.

Second, you need to avoid alcohol during the course. We know that drinking happens often in college.

A 2014 study on college drinking published by the National Institute On Alcohol Abuse And Alcoholism showed that 60% of college students drank alcohol during the past month and almost with 2 out of 3 students engaged in binge drinking.

That study might look old but the situation now is pretty much similar, if not worse.

Even moderate drinking should be forgotten during your antibiotics course. This is important because some antibiotics simply become less effective when taken with alcohol.

And even if there’s no such side effect, alcohol simply makes your body more dehydrated, making it hard to recover from an illness.

Invest time in proper cleaning

The dirtier your room is, the easier it is for you to get sick. Even not changing your sheets on time after you recover from the flu can make you sick again.

Proper cleaning means not simply putting all things back to where they belong. If you really want to avoid illnesses, you need to start eliminating all the germs and dust in your room. Start vacuuming, sweeping, and wiping all the dust.

And if this sounds time-consuming, just think about your health.

You don’t need to do all those things every day or even every week. Do them at least once a month and do your best to keep your room generally tidy in between general cleaning. Spending 10 to 15 minutes cleaning daily is much easier than spending the whole weekend tidying up.

Create a first-aid kit

It doesn’t matter whether you bring it with you from home or create one when you’re already living in your dorm. Just make sure that you have one around.

Fill it with all kinds of medicine you might need for different kinds of emergencies. Make sure that there are medicines for the flu, stomach pain, and treating wounds.

Don’t forget to refill your kit when you run out of certain medicines, too.

Eat healthily and drink enough water

One of the easiest ways to avoid getting sick is to stick to a healthy diet on a daily basis. This isn’t always easy but it’s possible. All you need to do is to make it your top priority.

A proper nutrition boosts your immunity and gives you many other perks. For example, you’ll receive all necessary vitamins and minerals, which can make it easier for you to concentrate.

Also, don’t forget to drink enough water.

It’s what helps your brain to function better. It can also hydrate your body, improve digestion, and make your skin clearer.

See Also: 5 Easy Healthy Habits You Can Start Straight Away 

Staying healthy in college is easier than you think. Often, it’s all about basic nutrition and hygiene. These healthy tips for college students should be able to help you get started on the right track.

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How We Can Stop Arguing and Start Understanding Each Other

“Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” ~Rumi

One of the most common sources of conflict among people is in the way we communicate. Often times, conflicts arise because of the variety of our opinions and beliefs, and also from the way we express our thoughts and communicate disagreement.

A blaming, sometimes even aggressive tone of voice can seep into our language, which invites confrontation instead of collaboration, and conveys a closed “my way or no way” kind of approach.

Looking back on my past, I can recall myself during my childhood years, when anything felt possible. In my world, full of playfulness, creativity, and fun, things were straightforward and clear. Whenever I was hungry, I made sure my mother knew about that. When I was afraid, sad, or upset, I said so. Whenever I wanted anything, I asked for it.

In this open communication space, there was no room for mind reading or making assumptions. I didn’t claim to know what other people felt or thought. If anything was unclear, I asked. I didn’t let my mind play with me and create scenarios about what other people had in their minds or hearts, because I knew I wasn’t them. Life was quite simple, and the older I got, the stronger my need to complicate it became.

Taking an honest look at my life as a grown-up woman, I came to realize I was often aggressive with people, without even being aware of it. I never screamed and yelled at people, but I expressed my thoughts and emotions aggressively, especially when I was trying to convey opinions I strongly believed in and get my voice heard.

That is an area I am still working on. However, I have spent a while reading about the field of non-violent communication, learning how to communicate with clarity and confidence in any situation and, by that, avoid unnecessary drama or confrontation.

A few years ago, I started to apply this learning in my everyday life. Surprisingly, I could see how small adjustments in my communication helped me to improve my relationships with people in my personal life and career.

Here are four useful suggestions that helped me refine my communication skills and build bridges of mutual understanding with others.

1. Be curious about others’ intentions.

Conflict often arises because we tend to evaluate our actions based on our intentions, yet judge others based on their actions.

For instance, when I fear I might have offended someone with my words, my immediate reaction would be to explain myself and make it clear my real intention was not to hurt anyone: ”I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sound like that. My point is that…”

However, when I didn’t like what I heard in a sensitive conversation, I would jump immediately into a defensive or even aggressive posture, without even trying to understand more about what others wanted to tell me.

As a solution, I learned how to ask questions with the genuine curiosity of a child, as if I knew nothing. I want to know more about the story behind the words: the circumstances, the impact on the people involved, their intentions, and so on.

Here are some of my favorite questions that help me do that:

• How did this happen?
• Can you tell me more about it?
• What can we do to sort this out?

The way we formulate our questions is also essential, so stop asking “why?”

Let me ask you one the same question, in two different ways. Say I’m disturbed by your words. I could choose to either reply with, “Why are you saying that?” or I could ask, ”What makes you say that?”

Can you feel the difference between the two questions? Don’t you feel like the “why” question sounds more accusatory than the other?

When asked “why,” people tend to feel blamed. As a consequence, they either shut up entirely or go into a defensive mode, trying to justify themselves. Meanwhile, the “what” questions invite an open discussion and transparent communication. They help bring more balance, harmony, and peace during sensitive conversations.

In reality, we only judge what we don’t understand, so I make sure I stay away from confusion. People can only be responsible for what they say, not for what I understand. And no one is a mind reader.

“Don’t make assumptions. Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama.” ~Don Miguel Ruiz

2. Practice the art of listening.

I will be brutally honest with this one: In the past, I used to be very self-absorbed and eager to take space in conversations. I used to listen in order to know what to say next instead of being fully present for others with mind, body, and soul, so that I could understand their perspectives and points of view. I tended to interrupt others in the attempt of explaining or defending myself. In other words, conversations were generally a lot about me, not so much about others.

Sometimes, the only thing we have to do in a situation that might look like a conflict or disagreement is to hear what other people have to say with genuine care, curiosity, compassion, and attention.

In my case, I had to learn how to listen actively. During conversations, I imagined myself having a zipper on my mouth, closing that zipper while people were talking, and allowing myself open the zipper only once they finished. This simple exercise helped me to get present and focused on the other person, both in my personal life and career.

In a world where most people love to talk about themselves, being able to listen to another person is a form of love.

“Most people don’t listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” ~Steven R.Covey

3. Express your wants and needs assertively.

One of the most transformational days of my life was the day I found out I was underpaid. I turned into a volcano of anger and blame and ended up in a severe conflict with my manager at the time.

The moment I stopped acting like a victim (How could they do this to me? How could this ever happen?) and took charge of the painful situation I was in, everything shifted. I realized that during fourteen years spent in the corporate world, I had never negotiated a salary or asked for a raise. I used to be a perfectionist and an overachiever, often working overtime and weekends and expecting my managers to finally compensate me for my hard work and efforts.

I never dared to express my wants regarding pay assertively, as if that was some kind of taboo or embarrassing topic one couldn’t talk about. The truth is that sometimes in life, we don’t get what we want just because we don’t dare asking for it.

So what is assertive communication?

Assertiveness is an attitude of confidence and respect, expressed through a combination of words (I think, I believe, I want), voice (steady and clear), and body language (upright stance). Assertive people are more able to deal with conflicts and to get to a “win-win solution,” they are better problem solvers and are less likely to get stressed.

Passive communication comes with putting others needs ahead of our own. Allowing people to make fun of us, putting ourselves down or making ourselves small so others can feel good about themselves, could be one example.

Aggressive communication would impose our thoughts or wishes on others (you should, you must, you better do that, how can you think like this).

Assertiveness is an open and direct expression of our thoughts and feelings while respecting the right of others to express themselves. It is a form of being kind to ourselves as well as to the other person.

4. Be open to different points of view.

I once had an interesting conversation with a friend about one of my favorite topics: life. At the time, I was convinced there was a predefined path for us humans, a destiny one could never change. Meanwhile, my friend had a very different view on her life: “I can create my future every single day,” she said. “If there’s some kind of destiny I dislike, I can surely change it.”

I found that unacceptable. Who did she think she was? I didn’t speak to her for weeks.

I acted in the same way years later, during the presidential elections in my home country, Romania, when a close friend decided to vote for the candidate I disliked. I can recall how angry I was. I thought she was smart, so how could she?

This aggressive way to relate to people was a toxic behavior I’m not proud of. However, I don’t get into the trap of the guilt, shame, and self-blame any longer. Today, I know that was the best I knew and the best I could, with the instruments of awareness I had at the time.

And here’s what I know to be true today:

When we come to this world, we know nothing. We are all products of the societies and cultures that raised us (family, school, religious, or political systems). Since societies and cultures are different, it is expected to encounter a variety of individual values or systems of belief.

As described by Descartes, humans are “social animals,” and we all have a basic need to belong to a community. We tend to feel more at ease when surrounded by like-minded people. Whenever I am having a conversation with someone whose opinions differ from mine, I try not to take things personally. Today I know I can always agree to disagree.

People also have the right to change their mind. As we grow and evolve, mindsets and perspectives on life can change, as well. Take my example: years ago, the Old Me was blaming that dear friend for saying she could create her own path in life. The New Me thinks the same: I believe everything in life is a matter of personal choice, and we are the sum of our decisions. Interesting how a belief that once disturbed me a lot can feel so resonant today.

I refuse to think we live in the world where fear, hate, anger, and separation are part of a new, modern Era. I think Mother Earth needs more of our loving energy to heal: more heart, understanding, less judging and more compassion, less taking and more giving, less competition and more collaboration and care.

Diversity is necessary for thought exchange and ultimate growth. Respecting our differences is a sign of self-care, and a way to make the world a much better place. Souls don’t hold a passport. Those have been assigned to us at birth. Hurting you is hurting myself. Loving you is loving myself. In spirit, we are all one.

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” ~Mother Teresa

And now, I would like to hear from you. How do you handle difficult conversations, stay away from confrontation, and create harmonious relationships with people?

About Sara Fabian

Sara Fabian is a women’s career and empowerment coach and inspirational speaker, on a mission to help professional women to discover their unique strengths, gifts and talents, boost their confidence, find their calling and live a meaningful life of purpose. For weekly inspiration, subscribe to her free newsletter at sarafabiancoaching.com or follow her on Facebook.

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5 College Skills That Have Lasting Value

Between writing essays, going into interviews, and managing deadlines, you refine several skills while you’re applying for college. Those skills are important because not only do they help you get into your dream college, but they can also help you find jobs and manage your career.

Here are some of the best college skills that can help you achieve success in your life.

Creative Writing

KudosWall recently conducted a survey and found that creativity is king. In fact, 72% of admissions professionals say they accepted applicants who submitted creative admission essays over those who have better academic qualifications but failed to convey passion.

To put it simply, if you can learn how to think outside the box and effectively convey your passion and tell stories, you will improve your odds of getting into the college of your dreams. Better yet, you’ll also be able to impress potential employers with cover letters and resumes.

In fact, the Job Outlook 2017 survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that 75% of employers look for communication skills (written) on resumes.

Creativity goes hand-in-hand with writing skills. According to a new report from the World Economic Forum, creativity will be the third most important work skill by 2020.

So, even after the college application process, you should continue improving your creativity and writing skills. You can take courses online through websites like Udemy and Coursera. You can also sharpen your skills by visiting writing centers and working on projects with a tutor or coach.

Communication

Communication, both verbal and nonverbal, is vital to building your career. As the same survey found, 71% of admissions professionals say they’re more likely to accept those who convey outgoing, friendly personalities.

Being outgoing doesn’t come naturally to many. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t learn basic communication skills. You don’t need to be a boisterous people person. You just need to know how to express yourself and tailor your style to different audiences.

In addition to that, you should also know how to follow up. 94% of admissions professionals who responded to the survey said they prefer applicants who follow up during communications.

Bottom line: When you exhibit strong verbal and nonverbal communication skills, you will ace interviews and thrive both in your academics and future profession.

According to a Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) 2017 survey of nearly 1,000 employers who recruit on business school campuses, good communication skill tops the list of abilities employers look for when hiring graduates.

A simple way to cut your teeth in communication is by putting yourself out there. Join professional and student organizations and attend events. Shake hands, meet strangers and build meaningful relationships with the community around you.

See Also: How To Boost Your Communication Power

Active Listening

Active listening is a skill you can develop on a daily basis. It refers to your ability to fully concentrate on someone who is speaking and to understand the information they share.

During the college application process, you will be in contact with admissions professionals for a series of interviews. Half of those professionals conduct the interviews to assess your character as well as your personality.

Use this as an opportunity to let yourself shine and to become a great listener. Build this skill by giving your full attention, making eye contact, and ignoring your surroundings. Don’t plan out your response. Instead, hold onto your thoughts and focus on their ideas.

Show you’re listening by nodding in acknowledgment and provide feedback on what the speaker is saying when it’s your turn to speak. The best part about this skill is that you can practice it in daily conversations.

Networking

Networking is always valued in the professional world, but it can also benefit students looking to land their dream school. Six in 10 admissions professionals who responded to the survey said that people with large networks are more likely to fit into a college’s culture.

If you have a large network, you demonstrate that you can start and maintain meaningful relationships with others. With strong communication and active listening skills, you’re well equipped to start building your network immediately.

A big network pays off throughout your career because you will have more people to turn to for advice and guidance. You might even earn job referrals. An astounding 80% of professionals consider professional networking to be important to career success, according to a 2017 Linkedin survey.

Why? Because it leads to amazing opportunities.

The Linkedin survey also found that 70% of people in 2016 were hired at a company where they had a connection.

Networking is easier now than ever before, thanks to online communities. In fact, 61% of professionals who participated in the Linkedin survey agree that regular online interaction with their professional network can lead to possible job opportunities.

Be strategic in how you make connections and interact with them. Organize your network in a way that makes sense for you and plan outreach. Schedule check-ins with people you’re close with and consider how you can add value to their lives, like sending them an article they might enjoy or congratulating them on a new project they started.

Personal Branding

Personal branding defines how you manage your online presence and how you present yourself to colleges and potential employers.

In the survey, 71% of admission professionals state that people who already have a personal brand have a major advantage over others. In other words, start defining your brand now.

Once you know what your strengths are, begin creating content that showcases your skills and share that content through social media. This helps you stand out during the college application process and throughout your career.

As a 2017 CareerBuilder survey found that 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates. They are looking for information that supports their job qualifications (61%), if the candidate has a professional online persona (50%), and what other people are posting about the candidate (37%).

See Also: How Building Your Personal Brand Can Affect Your Job Prospects

The best part about starting your personal branding strategy before college is that your brand evolves with you. As you learn new skills or even change areas of expertise, you can update your online presence to reflect how much you’ve grown.

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4 Useful Tips For Managing Millennials In The Workplace

Many millennials and recent college grads are opting for remote working positions. Working remotely provides a better work-life balance for them, along with the freedom to work where and how they please. It offers some great opportunities, too. Millennials can be great assets to remote teams, but managing them can be a difficult task. You have to know how to manage them without stepping on their toes or their fresh perspectives. To help you out, here are some tips for managing millennials in the workplace.

Set Clear Expectations

Since a remote position doesn’t require team members to check in daily at the office, job expectations can sometimes be a little muddled. So, once you’ve welcomed a new remote worker to the team, be clear with your expectations right away. Explain the daily tasks you expect to be accomplished, like doing a routine Skype meeting in the morning or summarizing finished tasks at the end of each day. Lay out clear communication plans and processes to make things easier. Be transparent about the opportunities the job can create for your employees. Millennials generally feel uncertain about the future of the economy. They will surely appreciate the idea of having a job that will allow them to continuously pay their bills. Be candid about the experience that they will gain as a remote employee, along with the possible promotions that lie ahead.

See Also: How Millennials Measure Success At Work

Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest Tech

Millennials have gotten a bad rap as lazy, entitled, and under-ambitious workers. In reality, however, most of them are just interested in finding a better way to do things. They like utilizing the latest technology and processes to make their efforts more efficient. In fact, Deloitte’s 2016 Millennial Survey found that one of the top considerations of the generation in choosing a career was whether or not the company invested in the latest technology. Millennials are into the freshest and greatest technology available. Many young people welcome innovation and are more comfortable with emerging tech than other generations, especially in the workplace. As an employer, you should understand that millennial workers may prefer to use newer tech over traditional practices. 41% of millennials prefer electronic communication, such as IM’ing or texting than phone calls for work. Many of them are completely comfortable with an entirely virtual office with no pen, paper or filing cabinet in sight. Since remote positions often rely on online tools for the job, integrating technology isn’t so much an issue. If you’re not sure what online tools to invest in, be open to suggestions from your younger team members.

Keep Employees Accountable

Since remote workers don’t have to check in to the office every day, it can be tempting for them to take advantage of the freedom their job provides. Keeping employees accountable is one of the number one remote management problems for all age groups, not just millennials. However, this generation does tend to seek autonomy and independence over micro-management, so finding the balance can be tricky. One study found that 75% of millennials had no idea whether or not their performance was up to par and 90% wished that their managers would let them know how they were doing. With that, be sure to provide regular feedback on areas of improvement or jobs well-done to encourage millennials to keep up the good work. Using time tracking tools is one way to keep employees more accountable. Using a project management tool that offers specific task assignment and project progression can also help team members and leaders make sure that everything gets completed on time.

Cultivate Meaningful Culture

Company culture is a huge deal to millennials. The majority of them are even willing to take a $7,600 pay cut for a job with a better workplace environment. While running a remote workplace makes it difficult to achieve that, it is still quite possible. Prioritize in-person meetings as often as possible, along with phone calls and Skype meetings, to create a more concrete connection between team members. Celebrate milestones or accomplishments by acknowledging these things during virtual meetings. Encourage each team member to participate in large meetings and share their inputs and suggestions. Millennials need to feel connected with their co-workers and business, so focus on creating a culture that they can participate in and enjoy.

See Also: Adulting Isn’t Just Instagramming Your Dinner – Soft Skills For Millennials 

In Conclusion

While millennials certainly don’t need special treatment, keep their concerns and questions in mind. Be open to their suggestions and communicate everything clearly to avoid frustration and confusion. Millennials appreciate genuine concern from their superiors and remote peers. As much as possible, try to create an inviting culture that prioritizes teamwork and personal connection.

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Becoming A Skilled Worker In Canada: What You Need to Know Before Immigrating

In Canada, there are plenty of work opportunities. If you are thinking of becoming a skilled worker in Canada, this article can help you learn a lot about the guidelines and the procedures you have to go through in applying for Canadian citizenship.

The Programs

One of the main objectives of Canadian migration is to allow people to contribute to Canada’s growing economy. Workers who visit Canada are highly important not just for the country’s economy but its workforce as well. People who have successfully passed the Skilled Worker Immigration project will get a chance to possess a Canadian Visa, which will allow him to bring his family to Canada. You have a lot of options when it comes to processing your application. For example, if you plan to work in Quebec, you can go through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. You can also go through one of the Provincial Nominee Programs of the country Underneath, you will discover a rundown of the programs you can consider:

• Federal Skilled Worker: This is a good option for people who plan to work in any area or region outside of Quebec.
• Quebec Skilled Worker: This is for those who would like to move to and work in Quebec.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): These are quick track Canadian migration programs that enable one to get a common selection testament. Most of the time, a selection testament works faster than other Canadian migration programs.

Numerous Canadian bosses are currently looking for remote gifted specialists to be with their team as fast as possible. On the off chance that you get an offer, you should consider a quick track Canadian movement application.

Criteria of the Canadian Government

Before you actually become a skilled worker in Canada, you need to fit the following requirements:

• Possess proficiency in the English and the French language
• Educational background
• Related work experience
• An existing valid employment in Canada
• Ability to adapt quickly

Once you can show that you fulfill all of those requirements, you can start completing the requirements you’ll need for your application.

Download the form and submit it

You need to download your application form from the internet. For skilled workers, you can download the application from the skilled worker’s application module. Complete the form and answer all the questions truthfully. Avoid all sorts of discrepancies which can make your application invalid. Remember, do not send incomplete forms.

Payment

Once you have finished filling your form up, be sure to make the fee payment. If you do not qualify for your application, the fee will be refunded to your account. After fulfilling all the requirements, you have to send your application form to the Canadian centers. You can’t submit your form to the Canadian high commissions of your own country. The total process should not take too long if you meet all the requirements.

Conclusion

For skilled workers, Canada indeed has many opportunities. However, there are specific guidelines which you must adhere to for a successful immigration process. Hopefully, this article helped you understand a bit about the immigration process and how you can get started.

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How Networking Can Make You More Productive

Hard work plays a huge role in the way your career unfolds, but it’s not the only thing that can make you successful. It turns out that social networking and productivity are closely related to a person’s success. How? Here are the four major ways socialization can make one more productive.

Shared Goals

“You are what you eat.” You’ve probably heard this saying before. In the context of professional productivity, it carries a great weight. How? Replace “what you eat” with “who you hang out with.” When you build a network of professionals in the same field as you, you’ll have a group of individuals working toward the same goals as you. This can be incredibly motivating. While it’s easy to get burned out in any job, even one that you’re passionate about, having colleagues and friends whose passion remains will help you stay on the right track. And when their motivation wanes, you can do the same for them.

See Also: 4 Cheesy But Effective Tips To Set Goals And Achieve Them

Professional Accountability

When you’re regularly in touch with other professionals in the field, it makes it impossible to ignore any career-oriented goals that you set for yourself. This makes it important that you actually set aside time for people who are on the same network as you. For instance, pick one or two people to check in with every month. Choose people who have a bit more experience in the field than you do. Ask them to hold you accountable for reaching a goal at work or taking a professional step within a given time frame. When you have someone else cheering you on from the sidelines, you’ll have a much harder time putting off that difficult conversation with your boss about a promotion or stepping back from launching your own business.

Sound Advice

Your network of like-minded people won’t only help you meet your goals, but they can also help you make them. If you’re wondering if you should take a new job or make another career move, your peers will be able to offer some advice. Since they work in the same industry as you do, they’ve probably encountered a similar situation already. And if not, they, at least, have a better understanding of the job than you do.

Social Stimulation

Having a traditional network of colleagues and friends in place can boost your productivity, but did you know that checking Facebook can, too? Some recent studies have discovered that employees who take occasional breaks with social media are nine percent more productive than employees who keep their noses to the grindstone all day. The brief escape from work helps the brain recharge and gives one a boost. Some companies are also starting to use social media networks internally. It’s easier for you to engage with other employees and the company as a whole when you can use a medium you’re already familiar with, like Twitter or Facebook. So, in this setting, social media can help you get involved with and invested in what’s going on at a higher level and that can motivate you to work much harder. With so many positive aspects of networking, it’s impossible to deny that meeting more people in your field positively affects your work. Whether you’re bouncing ideas off a seasoned colleague or taking a break from crunching numbers to check Instagram, the connection between social networking and productivity is undeniable.

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How to Become Successful: The Real Secret No One is Talking About

Hustle. Work harder. Sleep less, do more. Quit whining and get to work! All of these lines are terrible pieces of advice. I know because I’ve tried them all for myself. I worked 16 hours per day, killing myself to try and grow my business. At the end of the day, my only accomplishment was massive burnout and exhaustion. And then something happened… I discovered the real “secret” to high performance. No one’s talking about it while others laugh at it. For me, however, it helped me transform from being stressed, anxious, and on the verge of bankruptcy into a joyful, happy, and a 7-figure business owner. So, what’s this secret? Read on to find out.

Your Life is a Race Car

Have you ever watched Nascar or Formula One? If so, then you probably noticed that these high-performance vehicles are forced to stop several times over the course of a race to refuel and replace their wheels. Those cars are some of the most finely tuned, high-performing feats of modern engineering our world has ever seen. Yet, they are forced to stop dozens of times over the course of a race to refuel! This is obvious to most people, but when applied to life, most people would think, “Bah, I can sleep when I’m dead. Life’s for the living baby!” If that’s your attitude, then I want you to listen carefully to what I’m about to say. If you want to perform really well, then you need to get serious about refueling yourself. Just ask any bodybuilder you know. Unless they are hopped up on steroids, they will tell you that proper nutrition, high-quality sleep, and the right supplements are just as important (if not more so) than lifting heavy weights. So, how can you apply the “secret” of refueling to your life? It’s actually pretty simple. Focus on the “Three P’s” of high-performance refueling. Physical, psychological, and personal.

Refueling Yourself Physically

The first part of the “Three P” equation is also the most commonly practiced. Physical refueling. Whether you want to or not, every single one of you reading this has to spend time each day eating, drinking, and sleeping. It’s a requirement if you want to continue living. However, few people fail to do that. So, over the next month, I want to challenge you to do three simple things.

Sleep More and Sleep Better

Sleep deprivation can kill you. If you want to perform at the highest level, then you must take your sleep seriously. Here’s a checklist to help you get better sleep tonight.

• Stop drinking coffee by 2 p.m.
• Take 500 mg of Magnesium before bed.
• Turn off all the lights.
• Put the thermostat at 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Take a cold or hot bath one hour before bed.
• Drink one cup of chamomile tea with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey.

If you will do these tips, I promise that you will sleep better than you have in months!

See Also: Get Strong, Sleep, Repeat: The Importance Of Sleeping

Eat More Greens and Less Meat

Many of you might hate me for this one (and I understand) but one of the changes that had the biggest impact on my physical health was reducing my meat consumption (specifically red meat) and increasing my fruit and vegetable intake. I’m not saying that you have to go vegetarian or vegan. I haven’t either. What I am saying is that the quickest way to boost your energy, reduce fatigue, and generally feel better is to eat more whole fruits and vegetables and less meat, dairy, and processed foods.

Practice Weekly Self-Care

It’s amazing to me how many of my friends will spend $997 on a brand new business course promising to transform their lives but they won’t pay $45 to get a massage after a long week of work. The final part of the physical refueling trifecta isn’t more exercise (although that’s important); it’s to find small ways to care for yourself weekly. Whether it’s a massage, a salt bath, 30 minutes in a steam room, or simply a long nap, you need to prioritize taking care of your body and doing things that add energy into your life.

Refueling Yourself Psychologically

While many people excel at refueling themselves physically, they still end up feeling stressed, burnt out, and exhausted (just like I did) because they don’t prioritize refueling their psychological tank. Just because your body is firing on all cylinders doesn’t mean that your mind is keeping up. Here are a few quick tips to help you overcome brain fog and refocus your mind.

Work in 42 Minutes

Although many experts suggest working in the traditional Pomodoro blocks of 50 minutes, I’ve found that I’m more productive when I only work for 48 minutes. Give it a try for yourself and see how effective you are during the day. First, write down your #1 priority for the next 42 minutes. Then, use e.ggtimer.com and set a timer for 42 minutes. Put your head down and work as hard as you can and then, when the timer buzzes, get up and take a break for 18 minutes.

Learn Something New Daily

Ironically, I’ve found that some of the most rejuvenating mental activities are also the most challenging. For example, if I sit down in front of the TV and watch Family Guy reruns for two hours, I will leave feeling drained and mentally sluggish. However, if I used those same two hours to read a good book, practice a new language, or toy around on my guitar, I leave feeling inspired and motivated to take on the day. Commit right now to learning or practicing something new and I promise that, 365 days from now, your life will look completely different.

Take a Morning and Evening “Braindump”

One of the simplest yet most profound techniques that I’ve ever found for clearing mental fog and refueling your psychology is to build a morning and evening “braindump” ritual. The practice is simple. Take a pen, a notepad, and your brain. Sit on the couch, set a 10-minute timer, and then write down everything that comes to your head. Whether it’s to-do list items, angry feelings about a fight you recently had with your spouse, or inner frustrations about a situation at work, get it out of your head. If you do this every morning and evening for a month, your brain will never feel the same.

Refueling Yourself Personally (or “Spiritually”)

Before you check out on me and roll your eyes because I used the “S” word, realize that I’m not referring to anything esoteric, religious, or “woo-woo”. I use the term “spiritually” very loosely, referring to those activities that recharge your “higher self”. Here’s what I mean.

Get Out for 30 to 60 Minutes Every Day

This one simple habit has the power to significantly reduce stress and rejuvenate your mind and body in ways you probably can’t imagine. We evolved to live in harmony with nature. In our fast-paced world, we often forget this and spend days, weeks, or even years without reconnecting to our roots and enjoying the great outdoors. Make it a priority to do something that you enjoy outdoors for at least 30 minutes a day.

Do Only One Thing

This might sound like an odd practice but you’d be surprised at how effective it can be as a refueling activity. In our day to day lives, we’ve seemingly lost the ability to focus on a single task. We’re never just doing one thing. We’ve always got something else going on in the background. So, I want to challenge you to take 15 to 30 minutes a day and just do one thing. Whether you sit and enjoy your morning cup of coffee in complete solitude, enjoy talking with your partner without distractions, or even just do your work without notifications going off in the background, learning to focus on one task at a time will help you conserve your energy and live a more fulfilling life.

Volunteer and Spend Time with Other People

The final way to recharge yourself spiritually is to spend time every month in service to others. Go volunteer at a local soup kitchen, clean up the trails near your home or sign up to build a house with Habitat for Humanity.

See Also: 5 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer

Just do something that will help you remember how much you have to be grateful for in your life. You won’t regret it.

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The Stockdale Paradox: How to Successfully Deal With Life

How to Get Flawless Skin: The Best Tips You Should Know By Now

Your skin gets exposed to harsh conditions every day. There’s pollution, UV rays, dirt, and harsh weather conditions. If you don’t take care of your skin the right way, you can end up with a lot of skin issues, like acne, wrinkles, and sunspots.

So, how to get flawless skin?

On this article, you will learn ten easy beauty tips to keep your skin smooth and elastic.

Do regular cleansing

Cleansing is one good way to make sure no dirt, dead skin cells, and makeup residues can clog your pores. In choosing the right cleanser, it’s a good idea to consider your skin type.

If you have oily skin, go for oil-free cleansers. In case you are dealing with acne, you can use medicated soaps but make sure that they aren’t strong enough to irritate your skin. As much as possible, avoid cleansers with perfume, artificial colors, and chemicals as they can cause allergic reactions.

Wash your face twice a day. Do it in the morning and before you go to sleep.

Moisturize your skin

Most people tend to forego moisturizers, particularly those with oily skin.

The truth, however, is that moisturizers are essential in making sure your skin doesn’t get dry and dehydrated. Once that happens, your skin will produce more oil than necessary and that can spell problems for your skin. Excess oil can cause acne, clogged pores, and dull skin.

Apply your moisturizer right after cleansing, while your skin is still damp. This will ensure that you seal in as much moisture as possible.

Exfoliate regularly

This is another important beauty tip that you should include in your skincare routine. Having too much dead skin cells can make your skin look dull and it can also make you prone to clogged pores. It can even lead to acne.

When exfoliating, make sure to use something light. Skip exfoliators that contain highly abrasive ingredients as they can only cause more problems. Use gentle, circular motions when scrubbing and limit exfoliation to once or twice a week.

Apply a face mask

Every time you take your skin through the exfoliation process, follow up with a good face mask. However, since they can be expensive, you can try creating your own natural face mask. You can use papaya, lemon, or even honey to bring back your skin’s natural glow.

Put on sunscreen

If you’ve been skipping sunscreen because it feels greasy, you’re probably using the wrong product. The right sunscreen should feel light and natural on the skin without compromising protection.

Apply it every single day. Even if it’s a cloudy day, UV rays can still cause damage to your skin. It can make you prone to wrinkles, sunburn, and even skin cancer.

Watch your diet

Healthy eating can benefit your skin, too.

If you have oily skin, then you must avoid eating too much junk foods and sweets. Eat one fruit a day and drink at least eight glasses of water to flush out toxins. Include veggies in your meals, too.

Observing this kind of diet will eventually regulate the amount of oil produced by your skin. This is one of the ways to remove warts as well.

See Also: 10 Best Skin Foods For Healthy Glowing Skin

Use an alcohol-free toner

Alcohol-based toners can work on any skin type. Daily toning eliminates dirt and excess oil from your skin. If you can’t access rosewater, you can use other alcohol-free toners to regulate sebum.

Apply ice cubes

Ice cubes help to shrink pores, hydrate your skin, remove puffiness, and improve blood circulation. Rubbing ice cubes on the oiliest parts of your skin will regulate the oil generation and tone saggy skin temporarily.

Steam

Steam is another beauty tip you shouldn’t miss. It helps open skin pores, making it easy to free your pores.

Steaming your skin daily with mint leaves or margosa leaves in hot water for approximately three minutes allows minerals from the leaves to penetrate through the pores and extract extra oil.

Bonus tip: Choose the right serums and makeup

Use the right skin serums for your skin type as they can guarantee dramatic results. You can apply them after toning and before you apply your face creams and moisturizers.

Wait for your serum and other skin care products to dry or get absorbed by your skin before you do the rest of your makeup. This way, you’ll be able to prep your skin, leaving it glowing and free from breakouts.

See Also: Unlocking Japan’s Secrets to Healthy Skin

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Personal Line of Credit: From Basics to Benefits

Even in a fluctuating financial market, you can always find a way to avail credit and access funds. The catch lies in choosing the right lender or financial product. If you are looking for a relatively flexible option with a lower interest rate, consider a personal line of credit.

What is a Personal Line of Credit?

A personal line of credit allows the borrower to use only the money he/she needs. Its variable rate of interest is typically lower than the interest rates on fixed loans.

While the lender approves your entire loan amount at once, the borrower only pays interest on the amount transferred for use. A personal line of credit lets you maintain a maximum loan balance account and gives you instant access to funds. This is a continuous revolving credit account and includes a maximum borrowing limit.

The credit limit will depend on the CIBIL score, which reflects the borrower’s creditworthiness. It’s based on his income and credit history. As the borrower repays a part of the amount, the interest is then charged on the remaining balance, which keeps reducing every month.

Personal Loan vs. Personal Line of Credit

A personal loan provides the borrower access to a fixed amount of cash for a predefined period where the repayment timeline remains fixed and pre-payment attracts an additional fee.

A personal line of credit, on the other hand, is available for use at any time. Its interest is not charged on the entire amount allocated to you. In a personal loan, the lump sum amount is disbursed to the borrower for one-time use and the interest is charged on the entire amount, regardless of the amount used.

Another major difference between a loan and a line of credit is the rate of interest.

The interest rate of a personal line of credit is generally higher than a personal loan. Yet, if you compare the closing costs of both, a personal line of credit would prove to be an affordable option. A personal line of credit is flexible, open-ended, and can be used for any purpose.

Interest Rates and Processing Fees

Banks and non-banking financial businesses are now offering financial products with the benefits of a personal credit line.

The generic charges and fees of such funds typically include:

Activation Fees – This is a one-time joining fee that lending institutions charge at the time of approving a personal line of credit or on withdrawal of funds.

Interest Rates – A line of credit has a variable rate of interest that depends on the borrowers’ CIBIL score and typically ranges between 16-25% annually.

Processing Fees – The lender may charge an annual maintenance fee of 1 to 2% of the approved amount. Certain lenders don’t charge an annual fee, but they do charge a processing fee every time the borrower withdraws money.

Applicable Taxes – Government taxes are levied on a personal line of credit wherever applicable and they include the interest rate.

Who Should Leverage a Line of Credit and When

Having a line of credit helps when you don’t need a fixed amount. It’s also useful when your monetary needs are spread over a timeline of a few months. It proves beneficial in case of medical emergencies, home improvement, vacation or a family wedding where you can never be certain of the amount you would need.

Both self-employed individuals and professionals who do not have a fixed income can benefit greatly with a line of credit. Borrowers can instantly access cash through the ATM, mobile banking or checkbook and get the needed amount any time, anywhere.

The Benefits of Using a Personal Line of Credit

Fast and Flexible– Borrowers can tap into funds as and when the need arises with a personal line of credit. While they have access to a large credit amount, they also have the freedom to use only what they need and pay interest on that amount only. Also, the repayment terms are relatively flexible for both part and lump sum payments.

Affordable– Since borrowers don’t need to pay interest on the entire amount that is disbursed, the cost is reduced significantly if the funds aren’t utilized completely.

No Charges on Withdrawal– Generally, there are no charges for withdrawing money.

Higher Limits– A personal line of credit usually comes with a higher limit as compared to personal loans and credit cards. This makes it a perfect solution for funding large expenses.

No Collateral Required– A personal line of credit needs no collateral backing. Even if you don’t have any financial reserve, you can make use of a line of credit.

The Limitations

Fluctuating Interest Rates– Being an unsecured product, the interest rates of a personal credit line keep fluctuating as bank interest rates go up and down. Borrowers may end up paying much more than what they had expected.

Revolving Account– This means that borrowers need to keep track of the amount due.

Stringent Approval– A personal line of credit is approved on the basis of the borrower’s CIBIL score. Those with a poor credit history may not be able to take advantage of it.

Maintenance Cost– Some banks and NBFCs levy closing costs or maintenance charges on a personal line of credit.

No Tax Deductions– The interest charged on a personal line of credit is not tax-deductible. A line of credit is a flexible instrument fulfilling the dreams of many professionals today. So, if you are planning to make the most of this financial product, make sure you are well-informed with the right knowledge.

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What Happens If You’re A Passenger In An Uber Accident?

Travel has recently undergone quite a revolution and Uber is one of the most visible trends to have sprung up in the past decade. The rideshare app allows individuals to request rides from nearby drivers through their phones. It’s much cheaper than conventional taxi services and often much quicker due to the proximity-based matching system and state-of-the-art GPS technology.

Despite those features, however, Uber is not free from criticism and its drivers are not infallible. Accidents can still happen.

As a passenger in an Uber car, what do you do if you get in an accident?

Uber’s Insurance Policy

Uber will probably give you a refund for your trip if you inform them of the accident. You can do that by leaving a comment, submitting a feedback report or alerting the company through the “Help” option. Once they receive your feedback, an insurance agent will contact you to verify the details.

If you didn’t suffer any physical injuries, the process will be easy. However, if you were hurt, you should be aware of your next move.

First, it is important to understand the system of insurance at play with Uber rides. The Uber driver must have his own personal auto insurance policy in order to drive for the company. However, Uber provides all its drivers with a policy that varies depending on the status of the driver.

When the driver has the app on and is waiting for a customer to request a ride, he is covered for up to $50,000 in liability damage. From the time a customer requests a ride and until he reaches his destination, the policy increases to $1,000,000 and that also extends to you as a passenger.

James River Insurance is the carrier for Uber. The reason Uber provided its drivers with this policy is because personal auto insurance coverage will not honor claims that occurred during commercial or paid driving.

Initially, Uber claimed that its drivers were independent contractors and the company wasn’t responsible for any of their actions. This changed after the introduction of a law in the wake of an accident involving a 6-year-old girl.

A New Danger

What makes Uber dangerous for passengers?

It’s the potential for distraction.

The Uber app can only work on a smartphone. This means that a driver must routinely take his eyes off the road and his hand off the wheel to use the app. He needs to do this every time he has to accept customers, reroute a location, change settings or call a rider.

There is also a chance that an Uber driver will not report the accident to the company. This can confuse passengers, particularly when they expect to receive a certain compensation only to find out that there’s no record of the accident.

Filing a Claim

If an accident happens while you’re in an Uber vehicle, you’ll receive compensation for your injuries. If another driver caused the accident, you can file a claim with his insurance company. In case the crash was the fault of your Uber driver, you would be able to pursue compensation from him or from Uber.

It doesn’t really matter who was at fault for the accident. Whether it was your Uber driver or another driver, the passenger is protected.

“A passenger is considered an innocent party and it does not matter who caused the crash,” said Kevin Adkins, an Uber accident attorney based in Los Angeles.

But this rule is subject to a caveat:

“If the passenger was somehow responsible for the accident, his compensation might be reduced based on how much his negligence caused the accident,” continued Mr. Adkins.

Imagine this:

A drunk and unruly passenger somehow distracts the driver to the point that the driver loses control and gets into an accident. Without those exceptional circumstances, the passenger is protected.

Uber offers a small section on what to do in the event of an accident but not for passengers. Fortunately, the protocol is similar.

You should immediately seek medical treatment even if you feel like you didn’t suffer any injury. Adrenaline can waylay a lot of the pain and you may have invisible or internal damages that only a healthcare professional will be able to identify.

Additionally, take photos or videos of the accident and of your injuries. Those photos will be useful when submitting a claim.

What You Can Pursue

By filing a claim, you’ll receive payment for your hospitalization expenses, surgery fees, medication costs, and physical therapy.

Lost income from days you weren’t able to work because of the injury or recovery time will be paid, too. This includes both past and future days’ wages. Any personal items you had that may have been damaged or lost in the accident are covered as well.

Because of the rise of Uber and other rideshare companies, legislators are starting to craft new laws. Those laws are more accurate and easier to understand.

See Also: Do You Know What To Do In A Ride Sharing Accident?

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What If We Listened and Opened Our Minds Instead of Shouting and Judging?

“If you can laugh with somebody and relate to somebody, it becomes harder to dehumanize them. I think that most of what we are constantly bombarded with in terms of media leads you to a creation of ‘the Other’ and a dehumanization of ‘the Other,’ and it’s very much an us-versus-them conversation.” ~Jehane Noujaim

People are really hard to hate up close.

In today’s acrimonious political climate, whole groups of people seem to be pitted against one another based on various political, ideological, class, geographic and racial classifications. And yet, spend a day with “the other” and it’s difficult to resist the gravitational forces of our shared humanity that make those walls come a’ tumbling down.

New York State, like many others, has a wonderful tradition of civilian run elections. Each polling precinct is manned by four election inspectors—two Democrats and two Republicans.

From 5:30am to 9:00pm—other than the two thirty-minute breaks to which each inspector is entitled—these four individuals spend every moment together sharing responsibility over the most minute of tasks, from opening packets of ballots to recording the serial number of the dozen or so seals on various documents and pieces of equipment.

Once the polls are closed, vote tallies recorded and everything securely stowed, usually round 9:30pm, everyone goes home. It’s a long day.

For these sixteen hours of work, all inspectors are earn $225, or around $14 per hour—not bad, but well below the earning potential of most of the inspectors. Many of the inspectors are “old-timers” who have been doing this three or four times a year (in addition to the big November elections, there are primary elections and other local referendums) for many years.

Last year, sort of in between jobs and living in the United States for the first time in many years, I decided to become an election inspector.

Far removed from America’s increasingly bitter political divide, I was a little bit apprehensive about what to expect or how this was all going to work so harmoniously. After all, the America I left after graduating from college was one in which people from all segments of our political spectrum—which compared to other countries’ is surprisingly narrow—could have a discussion without being branded white supremacists, snowflakes, fascists or traitors.

Once upon a time in the quaint old days less than twenty years ago, political talk was sometimes pleasant and not always so insufferable and divisive.

Like all others, my polling station had three other inspectors. One of the other inspectors turned out to be the father of a girl I’d grown up with from our Hebrew school days but had not seen in nearly twenty years, once a close family friend.

Another was a retired school administrator, an Irish guy who had grown up in the Bronx and slowly migrated ten miles or so north to Westchester County over the course of his life.

Finally, there was an African American lady who had been born, raised, and was still living in Mount Vernon, a nearby city perhaps most notable as the sometime home of Malcolm X.

As the hours passed and different members of the team shared the various responsibilities and each took his or her break time, everyone found themselves getting to know the others one-by-one.

With the one guy whose daughter I used to know, reconnecting was fun, and nothing seemed to have changed other than that we were all older.

The Irish guy shared my love and knowledge of the local waterways (I’m a sailor and he’s a diver). He was a Republican who didn’t vote for and viscerally disliked President Trump – he was more of a John McCain or Nelson Rockefeller kind of guy who felt Trump was an abomination to his lifelong political affiliation.

The African-American lady was a Democrat who, judging by her apparent age, may very well have remembered or even met Malcolm X during the tumultuous Civil Rights Era, didn’t like Trump either but also didn’t understand the current white supremacy scare. She remembered a lot worse racial tension and fear in her lifetime and thought that all the recent talk was based in reality but overblown.

During the slow portions of those sixteen hours, even when politics came up, nobody raised their voices nor found anything to get angry about. Politics was sprinkled around more immediately pressing topics like family, local community developments, and lunch.

And, where there were disagreements, after talking it all out with the copious amount of time that we had on our hands, it became clear that there was a strong foundation of shared values—respect for individual freedoms, belief in racial equality, etc.—on top of which the (relatively minor) disagreements were built. There was much more in common than there was different.

You would never know it from reading the headlines, but this observation is actually reflective of society at large, as political science studies and public opinion polls over the years have consistently shown a clustering of public sentiment on most major issues toward the center.

And yet, the loudest and most extreme voices seem to be the one that dominate the debate. Controversies erupt over smaller and smaller issues, such as symbols of past oppression as actual oppression becomes less prevalent.

It’s not that today’s issues are trivial—you would certainly be concerned if you were a gender non-conforming person being forced into using a bathroom based on your biological sex or an African American who had to pass by a statue of Jefferson Davis every day on your way to work—but that the final 10 percent of every issue, namely the public policy prescription for how to “solve” it, is nowadays typically built on top of an agreement over 90 percent of the multiple facets and relevant fundamental questions involved.

Only the most extreme fringe elements of society support institutionalized discrimination, secession from the nation, limitation of basic rights, etc. In most instances, the disagreement is over the “how to get there” as opposed to the “where we are going” or “who we are.”

More importantly, whatever people’s political beliefs, it is exceedingly rare to find people today who are consciously bigoted. He might think men are men and women are women like in the good old days, but faced with an actual person—maybe his son or nephew—undergoing a struggle with gender, those fixed opinions usually soften.

She might not get her sister-in-law’s “churchiness” but nevertheless appreciate the values it seems to instill.

These prejudices are borne from ignorance and isolation, not hate.

Moreover, even among people affiliated with bigoted or extreme views or organizations, it is my firm belief that what is at work is more an unfortunate facet of group psychology: it is easy to hate a distant group, a faceless enemy, or a caricature of a supposed threat.

It is even easier when riled up by a group of like-minded people, an all-too-common phenomenon as America self-segregates by class, culture, and geography.

And, to pour gasoline on top of this whole incendiary situation, it is still easier when these types of conflicts sell papers and generate clicks, especially within marginalized communities suffering economic or cultural dislocation.

Not surprisingly, the most extreme and bigoted views are typically found in relatively homogenous and often economically distressed communities far away from many of the problems or “bad guys” they fear. When people get together, hate becomes difficult to maintain, and it is difficult not to relate with one another on some level.

I wonder how fixed all of these angry opinions would be if we all at least once spent sixteen hours at a polling station or had to live and work in ideologically integrated communities or even share a meal with “the other.”

I wonder how long it would take the narrative of this hopelessly divided nation to unravel before the truth that we all share so much more than what divides us.

Perhaps there is a small duty we should take on each and every day from now on.

If you’re reading this, you probably already accept the most basic spiritual truism that we are all part of something greater, and the goal of nirvana or heaven or whatever you choose to call it is the oneness without separation from all life.

Why not endeavor to keep that in mind the next time you are in a heated political argument or shouting at the television? After all, the concept of oneness isn’t meant to be merely a comforting idea but a way to live, a view of a better earth.

Even better, why not go out of your way to break down the daunting barriers that divide us? Reach out and engage or listen to someone outside of the type of person who would normally be inclined to agree with your point of view.

And, your engagement need not be about politics. Maybe it would be even better to focus on something that’s shared. You’ll probably find the “daunting barrier” is more like a “thin veneer.”

There is also gratitude, an indispensable daily practice in a spiritually oriented life. Once again, the issues involved in politics today are not trivial—injustice is alive and well in this world, and so much needs fixing. However, can we not each day take a moment and realize how far we have come?

For example, white supremacists were able to muster a few hundred people to march on Charlottesville, VA in the largest such rally in decades. Have we forgotten that less than a century ago the majority of America—not a fringe group—shared most of their uglier points of view?

Likewise, while poverty in America remains a stubborn problem, can we not be thankful that we are indisputably living in an age of unprecedented prosperity among humankind?

The point of this gratitude is not to engender complacency. There is simply too much at stake. However, if we can find space for gratitude, perhaps even the most strident voice of the most passionate advocate of whatever policy could be softened. The angry activist could become the happy warrior.

And that’s one of the major ironies of today’s politics, that with such an air of negativity, even the most just cause will repel fair-minded people. Gratitude can help us to stop shouting and start listening and speaking with one another with respect and love.

This is how spirituality and consciousness, which are as a genre of writing or literary interest so often completely divorced from current affairs, can help heal our poisonous political atmosphere.

After all, spirituality isn’t about escaping the world and self-soothing by occupying a peaceful place in the clouds; it’s about gaining the strength to thrive in a challenging world and even doing the hard work to make it better.

As I found, after sitting in an overtly political setting for sixteen hours with three other apparently very different people who disagreed on a lot of topics, the work isn’t always so hard. It can even be fun.

About Joshua Kauffman

Joshua Kauffman is a recovering over-achiever and workaholic. Leaving behind a high-powered life in business, he has become a world traveler, aspiring coach, and entrepreneur of pretty things. Amateur author of a recent memoir Footprints Through The Desert, he is trying to find ways to share his awakening experience, particularly to those lost in the rat race like he was.

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