change

Words to avoid

As Mark Twain famously wrote, “I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.” His point? Strong writing is lean writing.
When you want to make your writing more powerful, cut out words you don’t need–such as the 10 included in this post:
1. Just: The word “just” is a filler word that weakens your writing. Removing it rarely affects meaning, but rather, the deletion tightens a sentence.
2. Really: Using the word “really” is an example of writing the way you talk. It’s a verbal emphasis that doesn’t translate perfectly into text. In conversation, people use the word frequently, but in written content it’s unnecessary. Think about the difference between saying a rock is “hard” and “really hard,” for example. What does the word add? Better to cut it out to make your message stronger.
3. Very: Everything that applies to “really” applies to “very.” It’s a weak word. Cut it.
4. Perhaps/maybe: Do you want your audience to think you’re uncertain about what you’re saying? When you use words like “maybe” and “perhaps,” uncertainty is exactly what you’re communicating.
5. Quite: When someone uses “quite,” he or she either means “a bit” or “completely” or “almost.” Sometimes the word adds meaning; sometimes it’s fluff. Learn to tell the difference–but, when in doubt, cut it out.

6. Amazing: The meaning of “amazing” is causing great wonder or surprise–but some writers use the word so often that the meaning gets lost. How can something be amazing if everything is? Ditch this diluted word.
7. Literally: When something is true in a literal sense, you don’t have to add the word “literally.” The only reason it makes sense to use the word is when it clarifies meaning (i.e., to explain you aren’t joking when it seems you are).
8. Stuff: Unless you are aiming at informality, don’t use the word “stuff.” It’s casual, it’s generic, and it usually stands in for something better.
9. Things: Writers use the word “things” to avoid using a clearer, more specific word that would communicate more meaning. Be specific. Don’t tell us about the “10 things,” tell us about the “10 books” or “10 strategies.” Specificity makes for better writing.
10. Got: Think of all the ways we use the vague word “got” in conversation: “I’ve got to go,” “I got a ball,” or “I got up this morning.” Though it’s fine for conversation, in writing, “got” misses valuable opportunities. Rather than writing a lazy word, look for clearer, more descriptive language: “I promised I’d leave by 9,” “I picked up a ball,” or “I woke up today,” for example.
Whether you’ve been writing for a few days or for many years, you’ll benefit from evaluating the words you use. Cut the filler to make your writing stronger.

Left Brain Right Brain.

left right brain functions facts amazing - fun picturesright left brain functions facts - fun pictures

TAKE THE TEST

Directions: This is a printable test to take yourself and give to your friends. Print out this page first. Get a blank sheet of lined paper. Every time you read a description or characteristic that applies to you, write down its number on the blank sheet of paper. There is no certain number of characteristics you must choose. After you are done, scroll to the bottom of the page to view the key. Next to every number on your paper, write whether it was a L or an R. Count up the number of L’s and R’s. Whichever number is higher represents your dominance. If the numbers are close, that means you use both sides of your brain equally.

  1. I constantly look at a clock or wear a watch
  2. I keep a journal or diary of my thoughts
  3. I believe there is a right and wrong way to do everything
  4. I find it hard to follow directions precisely
  5. The expression “Life is just a bowl of cherries” makes no sense to me
  6. I frequently change my plans and find that sticking to a schedule is boring
  7. I think it’s easier to draw a map than tell someone how to get somewhere
  8. To find a lost item, I try to picture it in my head where I last saw it
  9. I frequently let my emotions guide me
  10. I learn math with ease
  11. I’d read the directions before assembling something
  12. People tell me I am always late getting places
  13. People have told me that I’m psychic
  14. I need to set goals for myself to keep me on track
  15. When somebody asks me a question, I turn my head to the left
  16. If I have a tough decision to make, I write down the pros and the cons
  17. I’d probably make a good detective
  18. I learn music with ease
  19. To solve a problem, I think of similar problems I have solved in the past
  20. I use a lot of gestures
  21. If someone asks me a question, I turn my head to the right
  22. I believe there are two ways to look at almost everything
  23. I have the ability to tell if people are lying or guilty of something, just by looking at them
  24. I keep a “to do” list
  25. I am able to thoroughly explain my opinions in words
  26. In a debate, I am objective and look at he facts before forming an opinion
  27. I’ve considered becoming a poet, a politician, an architect, or a dancer
  28. I always lose track of time
  29. When trying to remember a name I forgot, I’d recite the alphabet until I remembered it
  30. I like to draw
  31. When I’m confused, I usually go with my gut instinct
  32. I have considered becoming a lawyer, journalist, or doctor

Print this test out and give it to your friends. Don’t forget to print out the key, so you can add up the number of R’s and L’s.

Knowing what side of your brain you are,will help you have an understanding of your self.

If your friends and colleagues also take the test,you will have a better understanding of them.

My business partner is Right brain and I am left brain

I am left brain orientated,What are you?

Here is the key:

  1. L
  2. L
  3. L
  4. R
  5. L
  6. R
  7. R
  8. L
  9. R
  10. L
  11. L
  12. R
  13. R
  14. L
  15. R
  16. L
  17. L
  18. R
  19. R
  20. R
  21. L
  22. R
  23. R
  24. L
  25. L
  26. L
  27. R
  28. R
  29. L
  30. R
  31. R
  32. L

Are you left brain or right?

Please submit your comments.

Tony Robbins on the Importance of Being Fearless

w640

Tony Robbins on the Importance of Being Fearless

Image credit: oprah.com Fear. It’s an emotion everyone experiences. We feel it when we think we’re in the presence of or doing something that might cause us pain or injury — physically, financially, etc. It’s what secures us from dangerous things.

But sometimes fear can stop us from doing great things. For example, fear of failure or loss of money often holds people back from becoming an entrepreneur and starting a business.

Fear is one of the many topics acclaimed life and business coach, author and motivational speaker Tony Robbins addresses in his seminars. You might have already heard of one way he does this: Robbins has attendees walk across burning coals. Yep, you read that right. The goal? To teach people to overcome their fears and take the first step beyond whatever might be holding them back.

While some have criticized the practice, others swear by it. Even Oprah did it. Her walk — as well as an in-depth conversation with Robbins — was featured on a 2012 episode of her TV show Oprah’s Next Chapter.

“People by nature are trained, almost innately, to be scared of fire and to keep away from it,” Robbins says. “That is why walking through a pathway of fire is a powerful expression of moving beyond one’s fears. Walking over any hot surface does encompass some risks, but it has been done safely for centuries, and when administered properly can have enormous value as a reminder of what we are truly capable of.”

Related: Tony Robbins on the 7 ‘Forces’ of Business Mastery

So, it’s not so much about the act of walking over burning hot coals, but about having people face and overcome something in spite of fear.

“It’s simply a metaphor for them to break through their fears and limitations,” Robbins says. “If you look at what holds people back from expanding and deepening the quality of their lives, what prevents them from taking the actions that are necessary to transform their body, relationships, career, business or impact their kids, invariably, it’s fear — of failure, of success, of rejection, of pain and of the unknown.”

In his business seminars, Robbins encourages entrepreneurs to move past fear, in their personal and professional lives, in order to become more confident, productive and successful at everything they do. “Just like anyone can start their day with a killer workout, find a way to master a craft, find meaning in their work or create a passionate and loving relationship,” he says, “the secret lies in being able to break through the fear and unlock the limiting beliefs to create the life of your dreams.”

I had an opportunity to fire walk 11 years ago and it was an amazing feeling,although I do not think I really appreciated what it meant to achieve it.

Maybe it’s time to try the walk again.
What do you think?

I forgave

20140126-043324 pm.jpg

Forgiving someone can be one of the hardest & longest emotional feeling to let go.
Although,once you have openly forgiven that person it can feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.

It may take years to forgive someone and only you will know when the time is right.

You do not have to forget what happened because that is still a memory and something to learn from.
At least you can move on.

3 weeks ago I made the decision to forgive someone in my past,and I still have a couple more people to forgive.
Remember small steps and at least I have started.

The feeling that I got was overwhelming as I had been carrying this feeling of unjust for 10Yrs.

Another 2 to go,but “Rome was not built in a day”

Thank you for taking the time to read.
Your feedback is welcome.

Ian Williamson
www.makethingshappen.cc/