Mobile Apps To Help Keep You More Productive

Admit it, many days, it’s hard to stay productive. Ever since we got smartphones and the Internet, it’s just so easy to be distracted by everything nowadays. Social media and those addictive games are always just a tap away.

But, your smartphone doesn’t have to be the reason for your lack of productivity. There are now some apps to help keep you focused, on-schedule and fruitful with work. Let’s review some of them.

Several software programs help professionals maintain more efficient and secure notes and billing. Even some apps offer benefit to those working on improving their mental health. — Camille Larsen, MA, NCC, Registered Psychotherapist

Evernote

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Evernote has found itself in many top apps lists — and for a good reason. The app is designed some functions including note-taking, list creation, archiving and organizing. Users create “notes” on the app. These notes can be formatted as a text,  a handwritten note, a photograph, a voice memo, or a webpage. Each of these notes can have files attached to them. These memos can then be organized into notebooks.

Additionally, Evernote runs on several platforms — desktop and mobile. That way, you can access your notes and notebooks from across all your devices. This saves you so much time that you could have spent transferring files. Evernote is available for free but more features are available with a premium account.

 You can also create easily manageable categories for notes.  You can send a note to messaging or Twitter, and you can copy a note and paste it into an email. — Stephanie A. Sarkis Ph.D.

RescueTime

 

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RescueTime is a time-tracker and analyst application for desktop and mobile. It aims to give you reports on your daily habits so that you can weed out activities that keep you from being productive. It also allows you to block specific websites and apps to help keep you focused. In addition to that, you can set a time limit on particular activities. For example, you only allow yourself a cumulative 1 hour on social media during work time. RescueTime will send you an alert when you’ve capped this limit.

 

The app has gathered many positive reviews from users, business magazines, and tech critics. The app is available for free with premium upgrades that give you a free 14-day trial. RescueTime is also available for organizations who work with teams.

 

Slack

Don’t let its name fool you. Slack is productivity app especially for those working in teams. It integrates everything you’d need to stay connected to your organization. It comes with a chat box and message boards for communication. Likewise, you can have audio or video calls right on Slack. The app also integrates with other productivity apps such as Dropbox so your whole team can access relevant files all in one app.

Slack has been lauded by several businesses such as BuzzFeed, Airbnb, and Samsung. The app is available entirely for free.

 

Dropbox

 

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Here’s an app that you’ve likely heard of before. Dropbox is an app that offers cloud storage and file synchronization. Since it’s available for both desktop and mobile, this is great for quickly accessing files across all your devices. Likewise, you can organize files into folders effortlessly. Dropbox also allows you to share specific data with colleagues easily. You can choose which files and folders to share with others.

Dropbox is available for free with 2GB of storage. This can be upgraded to a monthly or yearly fee.

Great mobile products replicate and amplify human behavior and interaction. They don’t replace human relationships; they enhance them. — Sydney Finkelstein Ph.D.

After reading this list, you can try using some of the apps above. Test if any of them helped you to be more productive during the day. You never know, one app may be the only missing piece to be the most productive and successful self you can be.

 

 

Living The Dream: Tips On How To Conquer It

 

 

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Success is a subjective concept which is often desired by many to achieve. Since the definition of success is varying from people to people; it is counterproductive to measure the achievements of others based on your description.

Society often praises and adore the successful businessmen, moguls, celebrities, entrepreneurs, and business savvy techs CEOs while there is nothing wrong with this dream. It somewhat undermines the simple success that might be harbored by a good number of individuals. It creates an environment that based success regarding the amount of money in your bank account, the lavish lifestyles you lead, the cars you have, etc. Whatever your goals in life may be, fight for it and reach for it hopefully through these few tips given by fellow dreams and go-getters.

Self-awareness is the ability to formulate a summary of our behavior based on past and current thoughts and emotions. It allows us to understand what’s going on in our heads and why. — Todd Deutsch, MFT

Self-awareness Is The Key

The first step to success is to know yourself and what are you capable of doing. One needs to understand what are his motivations, emotions, Waterloos, passions, core values, and ultimate end goal. It is through self-awareness where the definition of success is formulated depending on the person’s yardstick of success. This vital step also helps a person stay focus on what he wants rather than reaching for the carrot at the end of the stick. It is heartbreaking to spend your life reaching for goals that means nothing to you.

 

Focus On Commitment

When it comes to long-term goals, it is essential to focus on responsibility. It is wise to ask yourself these questions:

  • How essential is this to you?
  • What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve this?
  • Are you in it for the short term or long term?

Seek Knowledge, No Results

 

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The focus should always be on the excitement of discovery, exploration, improvement, experimenting, and development; the motivation will not wean off, but if you focus on the results, your motivation will die the minute you encounter challenges. In short, dwell and savor the journey. The destination is just a bonus.

Instead of identifying with the incessant chatter in our heads, we can bear witness to it. In doing so, we create awareness and separate ourselves from it, rather than get caught up in it. — Laurie Leinwand, MA, LPC

Enjoy The Journey

Make the process enjoyable. Don’t take it too seriously. Be prepared to fail and accept defeat graciously. You can always recuperate, develop another newly improved goal and go at it again.

 

Filter Your Thoughts

Always be mindful of your thoughts. Thoughts can affect your feelings and feelings determine how you see your tasks ahead. You as a person have the ability to decide on which thoughts to linger on. Will it be doubts and fear or excitement for the new things ahead?

 

Use Your Imagination

 

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Imagine good things even though you are experiencing troubles or having a rough patch. At times, people foresee the worst possible scenarios while doing so also, try to imagine if good fortunes come your way. Practice the powerful law of attraction.

…what became clearer to me overtime was that my purpose and passion lay in the know-how of creating oneself. I have learned much about this process. — Deborah Khoshaba Psy.D.

Don’t Baby Yourself

Motivation should lead to action and action will yield results. At times, efforts can fall short of the consequences one foresees. During these instances, don’t be too kind to yourself and allow excuses and accept stagnation. Force yourself out of your comfort zone.

 

Stand On Your Own

Be willing to do all the necessary steps to achieve your goals. Don’t expect others to help you out. They will also be busy reaching for their dreams.

 

Emotional Freedom Techniques

 

What is Emotional Freedom Techniques or EFT?

 

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We all have that voice in our heads—the one that tells us what to do, what not to do, how we could have done something better. The one that shames us, criticizes us, reminds us. — Laurie Leinwand, MA, LPC

Emotional Freedom Techniques or EFT is a healing tool that can provide surprising results for physical, emotional and psychological problems. This technique includes the premise that if you can clear your emotional issues, then, there will be peace and happiness in your life. Read more from https://www.willowhouse.org/. It is also somehow related to acupuncture, but the difference is that they don’t use needles upon performing the procedure.

Instead, with Emotional Freedom Techniques, the practitioners use the mind and stimulate some points of the body by tapping them using the fingertips. If done correctly, it will lead to impressive results which will clear the old traumas and welcome new challenges with a healthy and productive attitude. In addition to that, this is also a non-invasive therapy procedure that uses certain body parts specifically the hands, so there’s nothing to worry about it. It’s 100% safe and effective, as well.

The process of creating yourself uses both your imagination and reason. The more emotional intelligence you have, the better able you are to do this. — Deborah Khoshaba Psy.D.

What can EFT do to me?

 

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This technique is very beneficial to those who have problems related to mental health issues and those who have addictive behaviors. This method helps them by relaxing their minds and provides them the kind of emotional support that they need. Since this technique is straightforward, it can be efficiently used as a self-help tool, which enables people to bestow to their healing and development process. It also facilitates a faster relief process compared to other techniques, which was thought impossible by other healthcare professionals. (They have advocated for lengthy and painful healing processes.)

Anyway, the most common medical procedure requires too much time yet the results are limited. This technique does not discredit the medical process; instead, it contributes to a holistic healing approach.

According to research, EFT has given reassurance to people that suffer from their problems and conditions, after long periods for searching for a cure. They have a long list of physical treatments that resulted very well and efficiently. EFT helps people to return to their previous selves because the natural therapy sessions that allow the core of our minds gets back into the regular cycle.

Dr. Feinstein concluded that EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and other similar protocols for tapping with fingers on acupuncture points successfully released the emotional pain associated with traumatic memories. — Susan Heitler Ph.D.

Along with the emotional healing, comes the physical healing.  EFT works as your aid to overcome your specific condition and eventually make you feel better. This kind of technique has a lot to offer and is very advantageous to everyone.

 

Why do you need EFT?

 

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EFT helps people recover from different conditions even without the use of medication and equipment. All you need to have is your full focus and dedication when the treatment is going on. The longer you do EFT, the higher the chances that you are getting better.

It doesn’t end there, of course. By the time you’ve learned things from EFT, you can use it in your everyday life. It doesn’t necessarily require you to have a practitioner if you already know the procedure and routines. You can do it on your own at your convenience as well.

Do not also just limit on curing yourself, if applicable to a family member who suffers from mental health issues, then why not try it? There’s nothing wrong with EFT. There are no permanent side effects and no prolonged adverse reactions that might take place. Try it, and it may do you good.

Tips For Finding The Right EFT Coach

 

Emotional Freedom Techniques is a type of therapy program that centers on alternative medicines like energy medicine, Thought Field Therapy (TFT), and acupuncture, among others. Finding the right EFT coach is crucial to receive the best and most appropriate treatment.

 

Some Tips For Finding The Right EFT Coach/Practitioner:

 

It Is Necessary To Know That Not All Practitioners Have The Same Qualities, Capabilities, And Skills

 

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Before choosing an EFT coach, make sure that the person is dedicated to his or her job, willing to help you in every way, and has certifications and training about coaching under his belt. By choosing the right coach, all the money you will invest in the coaching will never be put to waste.

When we resist, we struggle to make the world fit into precepts we’ve defined: what we believe is fair, right, or good. When our world doesn’t match up, we find ourselves fighting, defending, rationalizing, or becoming angry or frustrated. — Laurie Leinwand, MA, LPC

Seek For A Trial And Complimentary Session Before You Commit To A Coach

 

It is a must to establish rapport with the practitioners before you engage yourself in coaching. It can help build trust which is one of the leading methods in the interactive activities. If you don’t feel comfortable with the first interaction, then that may be a sign that he or she is not the right individual who can help you. You can always find another coach. It’s your right. You must be picky and discerning, and that is your privilege.

 

Always Remember That The Practitioner Is Not A Healer

 

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The role of a coach is to guide you through your decisions, and then, you will have to decide for your good. It will be a blessing if you learn how to handle your problems – the coach can help with that. You can always ask the practitioner if there are other ways aside from EFT. It is your choice if you want to combine EFT with health and spiritual coaching.

In life, there are a lot of roads, and we won’t quickly reach our destinations based on how we want it to happen. You still have to pass through a lot of hurdles because you can finally say that you’re healed or restored. If you are wondering why the session is going to a different path, then, you can always ask the specialist about it.

 

Coaches And Practitioners Are Not Magicians

They cannot resolve a problem in just one snap. It takes time to heal. Therefore, one-day coaching session is not enough. Beware of those who provide you with false hope. If you have seen progress along the way, just continue pushing on until you reach your goals.

The ability to decode another person typically works well when we’re doing well, and works less well (or not at all) when we’re emotionally activated or impaired. — Jessica Grogan Ph.D.

EFT Can Be Done Online, Through Skype Or Similar Applications, Phone Calls Or In Person

 

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You can always work with someone by long distance session. If you can’t find a better coach in your area, there’s still a choice. There are also training wherein trainees were taught to handle phone calls and face to face sessions. It is very beneficial for clients like you.

 

Let Your Practitioner Know The Results Of Your Collaboration

If he or she has contributed something that changed your life, then, appreciate the help. If there were obstacles on the way, thank him or her nonetheless. A competent EFT practitioner will always accept his or her lapses because there is room for improvement.

Energy psychotherapies are to traditional psychotherapy as the alternative physical therapies like acupuncture are to medical treatment. We do not really know how or why they work, but the potency of their healing impacts are clearly evident. — Susan Heitler Ph.D.

How To Score A Successful Interview

 

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To get to the end goal of success, first, you must go through each and every trial that merits that prize. And one of those tests is getting a job.

In today’s world, the labor market has become incredibly competitive. You will need to stand out from the rest if you want to get the job you are looking for. Hence, a better way to do that is with these scientifically-proven tips.Forbes and National Geographic’s Entertain Your Brain shares their secrets in doing a successful job interview.

We define how our lives need to be okay and see alternatives as a threat, taking things personally when they don’t go according to plan. If we don’t face our pain head-on, we orchestrate ways to cover it up or avoid it, thereby letting it rule us. — Laurie Leinwand, MA, LPC

Tip #1: Never ‘Wing It’

One popular misconception about job interviews is that you can just come to it unprepared. If you think that, then you are about to make a big mistake.

In job interviews, the company representatives will ask you a series of questions to assess your confidence and skill level. They might ask questions like “What are your weaknesses?” or “Why should we hire you?”. Those questions are tough to answer on the spot. That’s why it is recommended to prepare and practice before you come to the interview.

 

Tip #2: Google Yourself

With today’s technology, everything is searchable. That includes you.

Companies are always concerned of the track records of their employees, so they will often look beyond your resume. If you have a viral video or post portraying you in a negative light, your interviewers will definitely ask that during the job interview.

 

Tip #3: Do A Power Pose

 

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It is found that doing a power pose before the job interview increases your confidence. This is because this stance can increase your testosterone levels by 20 percent! So, if you start feeling the jitters or cold feet on your way to the job interview, do this pose for three minutes. You will be astounded with the results!

 

Tip #4: Do Tongue Twisters

Studies have shown that an applicant’s voice is as significant as the things written on your resume. Reciting some tongue twisters may help loosen your voice and achieve that velvety finish that employers love.

 Preparing good answers for the questions you dread most may help you feel calmer and more composed going into the interview. Invest some time in thinking of tactful ways to handle difficult questions, but try not to obsess. — Amy Armstrong, MS, NCC, MCC, LPC

Tip #5: Answer Questions As Coherently As Possible

In an instance that the interviewer asks you about your accomplishments, don’t be afraid to brag about them. For example, if the interviewer inquired about your role in a project, answer how you led the team. But, if you are more of the follower type, explain how you contributed to the project. You have to show that you take the initiative and can work independently or as a team.

 

Tip #6: Finish With A Good Question

 

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When they ask if you have any questions at the end of the interview, take this opportunity to ask something. This is your golden window to clarify some things about the job or address their concerns. Try to ask about those latter and come with an excellent answer to ease those doubts. That will give you the competitive impression to your interviewer.

If you try and fall, get up and try again. You will increasingly know your life direction and passion, so that what you try next is more in line with your authentic self. — Deborah Khoshaba Psy.D.

Going to a job interview is nerve-racking, but with these tips, you are in good hands. Apply these tips for your next job interview, and you will surely leave that room with a smile on your face!