If you struggle with procrastination and a lack of motivation, you're not alone. Many of us find motivation challenging at times, but there are ways to overcome laziness, and the Japanese have some techniques that can help.
Here are eight Japanese approaches to motivate yourself when you feel lazy:
<ol>
<li>Ikigai: Discover Your Purpose</li>
<li>Kaizen: Small Steps, Big Progress</li>
<li>Pomodoro Technique: Enhancing Focus and Productivity</li>
<li>Hara Hachi Bu: Eat Mindfully</li>
<li>Shoshin: Embrace the Beginner's Mindset</li>
<li>Wabi-Sabi: Finding Beauty in Imperfection</li>
<li>Forest Bathing: Recharge in Nature</li>
<li>Kakeibo: Master Your Finances</li>
</ol>

The wisdom of Japanese culture

Finding your ikigai means identifying your purpose in life. It's about waking up each morning with a clear reason to embrace the day. Explore your strengths, passions, and consider how you can contribute to the needs of the world. When you align your actions with your ikigai, life gains a deeper meaning and motivation becomes a natural driving force.Your purpose fuels you.

1. Ikigai(Discover Your Purpose)

Don't feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of your goals. Embrace the philosophy of kaizen, which focuses on continuous improvement through small, incremental steps. Rather than trying to accomplish everything at once, aim to make progress little by little. Each small step counts and leads to significant achievements over time.

2. Kaizen(Small Steps, Big Progress) 

Are you easily distracted or prone to burnout? The Pomodoro Technique could be a game-changer for you. This technique involves working for 25 minutes with complete concentration, followed by a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle, and you'll find yourself more focused, productive, and energized. It's a simple yet powerful way to combat laziness and enhance your productivity.

3. Pomodoro Technique(Enhancing Focus And Productivity)

Maintaining high energy levels throughout the day is crucial for overcoming laziness. Adopt the Hara Hachi Bu principle, which encourages you to eat until you're 80% full. By avoiding overeating, you'll prevent that post-lunch slump and feel more energized to tackle your tasks. Embrace mindful eating, and you'll discover a renewed vitality in your daily life.

4. Hara Hachi Bu(Eat Mindfully)

Laziness often stems from fear of failure or a desire for perfection. Shoshin, or the beginner's mindset, encourages you to approach tasks with an open and curious attitude. Don't worry about having all the answers or being flawless from the start. Embrace the process of learning, unlearning, and trying new things. By adopting Shoshin, you'll unlock your potential and overcome the barriers of laziness.

5. Shoshin(Embrace the Beginner's Mindset)

Let go of the need for perfection and embrace the concept of wabi-sabi. Rather than stressing over every little detail, focus on what truly matters. Embrace simplicity, appreciate imperfections, and prioritize taking action over endlessly seeking perfection. Remember, done is better than perfect. By embracing wabi-sabi, you'll free yourself from the constraints of perfectionism and propel yourself towards achieving your goals.

6. Wabi-Sabi(Finding Beauty in Imperfection)

Financial stress can drain your motivation and hinder your progress towards success. Take control of your finances with the Kakeibo method. Create a budget and commit to sticking to it. By organizing your finances, you'll alleviate stress and create a solid foundation for success.

7. Kakeibo(Master Your Finances)

Nature has a remarkable ability to rejuvenate our minds and bodies. Scientifically proven to reduce stress and improve mood, spending time in nature is an essential technique for overcoming laziness. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Visit a nearby park, breathe in the fresh air, and allow nature to recharge your spirit. You'll return with newfound energy and a renewed sense of purpose.

8. Forest Bathing (Recharge in Nature)

These ideas are so effective that by applying them you can become a productive person.

Look no further than the wisdom of Japanese culture. Here, we introduce you to eight Japanese techniques that can transform your mindset .

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Mindfulness

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Motivation & Inspiration

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Habits

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Problem Solving

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Meditation

8 JAPANESE TECHNIQUES TO OVERCOME LAZINESS AND ACHIEVE SUCCESS

To practice Zen is to fully experience your emotions without pushing them away or being swept away by them. We should see our emotions like a wild bull that, while powerful, is neither good nor bad. Rather than remain ignorant of the bull, we look for it and aim to tame it.
The Ten-bulls story describes the journey each of us must go on towards conquering the self.
Source <a href="https://www.michaelashcroft.org/blog/practicing-zen">https://www.michaelashcroft.org/blog/practicing-zen</a>

Fully experience all your emotions

In the pasture of the world,I endlessly push aside the tallgrasses in search of the Ox.Following unnamed rivers,lost upon the interpenetratingpaths of distant mountains,My strength failing and my vitalityexhausted, I cannot find the Ox.

1. In Search of the Bull

Along the riverbank under the trees,I discover footprints.Even under the fragrant grass,I see his prints.Deep in remote mountainsthey are found.These traces can no more be hiddenthan one’s nose, looking heavenward.

2. Discovery of the Footprints

I hear the song of the nightingale.The sun is warm, the wind is mild,willows are green along the shore –Here no Ox can hide!What artist can draw that massive head,those majestic horns?

3. Perceiving the Bull

I seize him with a terrific struggle.His great will and powerare inexhaustible.He charges to the high plateaufar above the cloud-mists,Or in an impenetrable ravine he stands.

4. Catching the Bull

The whip and rope are necessary,Else he might stray off downsome dusty road.Being well-trained, he becomesnaturally gentle.Then, unfettered, he obeys his master.

5. Taming the Bull

Mounting the Ox, slowlyI return homeward.The voice of my flute intonesthrough the evening.Measuring with hand-beatsthe pulsating harmony,I direct the endless rhythm.Whoever hears this melodywill join me.

6. Riding the Bull Home

Astride the Ox, I reach home.I am serene. The Ox too can rest.The dawn has come. In blissful repose,Within my thatched dwellingI have abandoned the whip and ropes.

7. The Bull Transcended

Whip, rope, person, and Ox –all merge in No Thing.This heaven is so vast,no message can stain it.How may a snowflake existin a raging fire.Here are the footprints ofthe Ancestors.

8. Both Bull and Self Transcended

Too many steps have been takenreturning to the root and the source.Better to have been blind and deaffrom the beginning!Dwelling in one’s true abode,unconcerned with and without –The river flows tranquilly onand the flowers are red.

9. Reaching the Source

Barefooted and naked of breast,I mingle with the people of the world.My clothes are ragged and dust-laden,and I am ever blissful.I use no magic to extend my life;Now, before me, the dead treesbecome alive.

10. Return to Society

I found an interesting Zen story that describes how we go from being controlled by our emotions to recognizing and taming them

What are the Ten Bulls or Ten Oxherding Pictures in Zen? See the pictures, story, origin, and meaning of the Zen stages of enlightenment.

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

Zen Stages of Enlightenment: The Ten Bulls

Have you ever wanted to get something done but you can’t seem to finish? Maybe you just have a lack of motivation, or maybe distractions are getting the better of you.I often find it difficult to motivate myself enough to do things that I’m supposed to do. So, I tried a bunch of different things to make myself more productive and finally, found several things that worked for me so I want to share them with you today.Here are my 5 tips for getting things done even when you don’t feel motivated to do something.

5 Ways To Get Your Things Done

Even if you are not a “Morning person”, you can still become one. It can be difficult in starting to wake early and do stuff, I too personally found it difficult but after some time it became a habit.By setting your alarm an hour earlier (don’t hit the snooze button!), you’ll able to get an extra hour of uninterrupted and peaceful work time. It’s a simple trick and everyone knows it but if you are consistent, it can be very effective.

Wake up an hour early

The next thing you should do if you haven’t done this yet is you should write down all the tasks or work that you need to do or you want to do that day. You can either use Notion or another To-do app or just a piece of paper. But create a list of realistic tasks to tackle every day. Keep it simple. Try to create micro-tasks, they will not only help you get more done day to day basis, but they’ll also help you reach your bigger goals too.

Make a daily to-do list

Streamline your approach by concentrating on a single project or task before transitioning to the next. While some believe multitasking increases productivity, shifting between tasks can actually be counterproductive. Research indicates that attempting to handle two tasks at once can negatively impact overall efficiency.Begin with easy tasks, such as checking emails. Accomplishing these simple tasks sets the tone for tackling larger ones. However, avoid excessive time spent on insignificant matters.

Focus on one thing at a time

Clutter is like stuff that's in your way and doesn't belong. It's not just about being super neat – you can have a super tidy workspace and still struggle to get things done. The real deal is being able to grab what you need, when you need it, without messing up your flow. Take a sec to figure out what feels like "clutter" in your places where you work or hang out, and sort that out to make things work better.

Unclutter

Getting enough sleep is super important for your health, learning smarts, and staying awake. Studies say our bodies finish a full sleep cycle in about 90 minutes, which means quick naps shorter than that don't really cut it, even if they make you feel a bit perkier. Aim for a solid 8 hours of shut-eye every night – trust me, it's worth it. Ever tried concentrating when you're practically dozing off? Yeah, not a winning combo. So, catch those Z's and stay on top of your game!

Get some sleep

Have you ever wanted to get something done but you can’t seem to finish? Maybe you just have a lack of motivation, or maybe distractions are getting the better of you. As a student, I often find it difficult to motivate myself enough to do things that I’m supposed to do. So, I tried a…

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Productivity

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Time Management

Tips To Get Things Done

You walk into a conference room, dinner party, or group of playground parents and make a comment that immediately shifts the ballast of the conversation. Eyes dart at you. Their message is clear: Dude, read the room. But you’ve already said or done something out of sync with what’s appropriate in the moment.It happens. But it’s avoidable.Here’s how to improve:

Reading the room is about listening, or more precisely shutting up and listening. If you’re talking, you’re not gathering.You want to practice, and like with a recipe or golf swing, you can get better if you invest the time. Find a partner who’s willing and will provide honest feedback. The immediate kind especially helps. When it’s positive, you’re more likely to repeat the behavior. When it’s negative, you’re less likely.

1. Get Comfortable With Silence

Look at how people’s shoulders are angled. Then notice where their chests are pointing. You also want to notice people’s expressions as you listen to what they’re talking about, keying in on the paraverbals — the cadence, tone, volume, pace. You put it all together and you’ll be able to tell tell whether someone’s response of “great” to “how’s it going?” is genuine, happy, sarcastic, or something else.“It’s not the words themselves, but how they’re saying them."

2. Tune Into Body Language

If you’ve mastered the basics, try to decipher what people aren’t saying, because people are usually holding something back or couching their terms. It will give you further insight.

3. Listen To What People Are Saying

Pay attention to the acoustics and size. Pay attention to the setting and atmosphere — are things casual, or more formal?You might know everyone there, and they might be people with whom you usually talk sports and use salty language. But this might not be the setting for that, and engaging in your usual dynamic can up people’s insecurities.“Let the room dictate it, not the relationship."

4. Notice Your Environment

When you’re reading a room, you’re not looking to be a perpetual observer. The goal is to observe and then engage. It’s more about slowing down your pace, assessing and eventually responding, not with mirroring but calibration.If the tone is sad, you don’t have to become sad. You just don’t have to tell jokes or talk business.

5. Keep Your Eyes On The Prize

Reading the room is about seeing and hearing what’s both spoken and unspoken. And it’s a skill well worth mastering. 

Understanding how to read the room — that is, learning how to slow down and pick up the social cues around you — is a helpful skill. Here's how to master it.

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Career

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Teamwork

5 Tips To Help You Read The Room Like A Pro

Your post run routine can be just as important as your training, so here are some things you can do after your running.

What To Do After Running

Just as a <a href="https://marathonhandbook.com/warm-up-for-runners/">warm up </a>gets your body ready for exercise, a cool down helps your body to get back to that state of rest.A cool down will help your <a href="https://marathonhandbook.com/how-to-breathe-while-running/">breathing </a>and heart rate slow down, and your muscles relax. It also helps your body to eliminate <a href="https://marathonhandbook.com/lactate-threshold-training/">lactic acid </a>and waste products from its muscles by aiding blood flow to those areas.

#1: Cool Down

Stretching can be one of the most beneficial things to incorporate into your post run routine.<ul><li>Prevent <a href="https://marathonhandbook.com/running-injuries/">Injuries </a>  – Some of the most common injuries happen in conjunction with the knees and ankles – both of which can be prevented with some regular stretching. </li><li>It’s no secret muscles need to be warmed up before physical activity, but the reasons behind it are that stretching improves muscle flexibility and helps prepare them for the workload they’re about to take on.</li></ul>Static stretches are the way to go post-run. Focus the main chunk of your stretching routine on your legs.

#2: Stretch

In <a href="https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Fulltext/2013/03000/An_Acute_Bout_of_Self_Myofascial_Release_Increases.34.aspx">a study </a>by the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research , researchers found that foam rolling for just one minute can improve an athletes range of motion , while<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24343353/">another study </a>published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that foam rolling after intense exercise can relieve <a href="https://marathonhandbook.com/doms-guide-delayed-onset-muscle-soreness/">muscle soreness </a>over the next two days. Foam rolling can also increase a runner’s mind-body connection. Working out where all of those tight spots are in your body gives you the opportunity to work on easing them.

#3: Foam Roll

This one sounds obvious, and it should be. As you run you sweat. This makes your skin the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Getting straight into the shower after a run is a great way to wash off any unhealthy (and smelly) bacteria. Showering also helps to clean your pores.

#4:  Shower

Water is essential for life, it makes up 60% of your body weight and plays a key role in almost all of your the human body’s functions. So it’s important to <a href="https://marathonhandbook.com/hydration-for-runners/">stay hydrated </a>. It is normal for you to be modestly dehydrated when you get back from a run, as long as you replenish your stocks as soon as possible. For every kilogram of body weight that you lose via dehydration, the advice is that you drink one and a half litres of water.

#5: Drink Water

As a rule of thumb, you should try to eat a meal or snack as quickly as possible after getting back from a run. More specifically, aim to eat within 30-60 minutes of getting back from your run. Make sure that your meal or snack contains <a href="https://marathonhandbook.com/11-great-carbohydrate-sources-for-runners/">carbohydrates </a>, to replenish your lost glycogen stores, and<a href="https://marathonhandbook.com/protein-for-runners/">protein </a>, to help repair and rebuild your muscles. Registered dietitian <a href="https://cheerfulchoices.com/">Mackenzie Burgess  </a>spoke to Marathon Handbook;

#6: Refuel

Elite athletes are a big fan of this one. Ok, so this one is non-essential but if you’re brave, it could help to boost your recovery. Fans of the ice bath purport that taking a dip in an ice bath can help to relieve muscle soreness and fatigue. This has been supported by <a href="https://www.cetcryospas.com/cold-tub/ice-bath-research/">various studies </a>, but on the whole, the research is inconclusive. So if you don’t feel like making an ice bath a regular part of your post run routine, don’t worry!

#7: Take An Ice Bath (optional)

<a href="https://marathonhandbook.com/sleep/">Sleep </a>is king when it comes to running recovery. Ultrarunner and running coach <a href="https://marathonhandbook.com/who-is-zach-bitter/">Zach Bitter </a>highlights the importance of sleep, Performing at your peak isn’t all just about the training you do, it is also highly dependent on your quality of sleep.

#8: Sleep

Unsure of what to do after a run in the days following? The day after a big running day, getting in an <a href="https://marathonhandbook.com/rest-day-workouts/">active recovery </a>workout can help you bounce back quicker. Active recovery workouts are low-intensity exercise sessions that get your body moving. Some examples of active recovery workouts include <a href="https://marathonhandbook.com/yoga-and-running/">yoga </a>, gentle pilates, <a href="https://marathonhandbook.com/power-walking/">walking </a>, <a href="https://marathonhandbook.com/aqua-jogging/">aqua jogging </a>, easy <a href="https://marathonhandbook.com/swimming-for-runners/">swimming </a>or <a href="https://marathonhandbook.com/cycling-for-runners/">cycling </a>, or even low effort shorter runs. It may sound counterintuitive, but active recovery can often be much more beneficial for recovery than doing nothing at all.

#9: Recovery days/runs

Post running routine is as important as training itself.

It's easy to finish a run and simply bask in that post-run endorphin high. But in many ways, your post run routine can be just as important as your training.

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The Best Post-Run Routine: Do These 9 Things After Every Run

Bible meditation, though different from other forms of meditation, offers its own set of benefits. The act of meditating on the word of God can greatly influence our well-being and happiness, as it is wholesome and given for our own good.

Introduction to Benefits of Bible Meditation.

<ul><li> Relevant Fruitfulness</li><li> Bible Meditation fosters an Understanding of Spiritual Realities.</li><li>Transformed Prayers and Prayer life.</li><li> Positive Decision-making.</li><li> Please God and fulfill purpose.</li><li> Hearing God speak directly to you and your unique circumstances.</li><li> Precise Discernment in the Word of God.</li><li>Sustained Spiritual Joy.</li><li>Builds a Strong Focus or attention “muscle”.</li><li>Expands thinking capacity and cognitive abilities.</li></ul>

[Full list] Benefits of meditating on God's word.

Meditating on God's word allows His teachings to live within us, blessing our lives and positively impacting those we encounter. It equips us to nourish, guide, and awaken others spiritually.

Bible Meditation Benefit #1: Inner Transformation

Through meditation, the Holy Spirit uses the word of God to deepen our spiritual understanding and maturity. It invites wisdom and reveals spiritual truths in our lives.

Benefit #2: Understanding Spiritual Realities

When we internalize the word of God through meditation, it inspires us, gives life to our prayers, and empowers effective communication with God.

Benefit #3: Enhanced Prayer life

Every decision made based on careful interpretation of the Bible aligns with God's will. Meditating on His word helps us make wise and positive choices.

Benefit#4: Positive Decision-making

The benefits of Bible meditation extend beyond spiritual growth. It expands our thinking capacity, enhances cognitive abilities, and positively impacts other areas of life, such as academics and creative endeavors.

Benefit #5: Expanded Thinking Capacity

Meditating on God's word is a worthwhile investment of our time and effort. It helps us understand, internalize, and learn from His teachings. Joshua 1:8 advises us to meditate on God's word day and night for maximum benefits. Make it a regular practice and utilize bookmarks for future reflection.

Final word about the benefits of bible meditation.

Let's reassess the value of Bible meditation and recognize its importance in our lives. Here are some key benefits:Inner Transformation.2. **Understanding Spiritual Realities.Positive Decision-making.Expanded Thinking Capacity.

Benefits of Bible Meditation

Meditating on God's word is a worthwhile investment of our time and effort. Spend some time practicing it.

Bible meditation though different from other forms of meditation has benefits too. The benefits of meditating on the word of God are a handful that’s why the

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Philosophy

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Religion & Spirituality

10 Priceless Benefits of Meditating on God of Word [Backed by Scriptures].

Learning to tackle tasks you dislike is akin to forcing yourself to exercise early on a wintry morning. The desire is there, but the action is elusive. 
Unfortunately, there are no magic pills to instantly overcome this common daily challenge.

Teaching Yourself to Do Things You Hate:

Want to establish a daily meditation habit? Begin by dedicating just 5 minutes a day for 30 days. Gradually, it becomes a routine. Lack of resources rarely hinders goal achievement; consistency and impatience are often the culprits. Avoid overthinking and creating excuses—just start.

Break Big Tasks into Small Steps:

The power of pre-visualization is profound, as embraced by notable figures like Nikola Tesla and Arnold. Before embarking on a task, visualize the process, foresee obstacles, plan solutions, seek support, and understand the motivation behind it. This mental preparation sets the stage for success.

Pre-Visualize (Doing It):

Applying B.F. Skinner's experiment with pigeons, consider rewarding yourself for completing tasks. Just as Skinner's pigeon learned to associate pressing a button with receiving food, you can establish a positive feedback loop by celebrating your accomplishments.

Reward Yourself:

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Creativity

How to Teach Yourself to Do Things You Hate 📚

We as humans change constantly because of our environment. This is normal and can make us feel different about ourselves, but there are some methods to help deal with that change.

Not Feeling Like Yourself

Experiment with different things to find out what you truly enjoy doing. Reflect on those things, try finding out what makes you like something. This helps to see the changes more clearly.

Experimentation

Meditation exists in many different forms. It can help to find out more about yourself if you use the right methods. It can be quite difficult at first to find out what works for you, but practice makes perfect!

Meditate

Art is a great way to express yourself in situations where you're confused about your own feelings. If you're unsure about what artform works for you: that can also be part of your journey!Small things such as writing down how you feel can help too and can make your true emotions come out.

Express Yourself

It's good to have people around who understand that change is normal. Changing can also make you drift away from people, but that's a normal part of life.Don't be afraid to lose people close to you, you'll notice it yourself if they don't suit you anymore and may start to distance yourself from them first.

Find People Who Accept You

Try refecting on yourself. Think about what describes you from your own point of view and write it down.- What you like and accept about yourself- What you dislike about yourself and why (Would changing those things truly make you happier? Why?)- What things you're currently grateful for- What you think is causing you to change If you do this as a routine, you can see the changes in yourself and read back on them.

Reflect

Acceptance is one of the most important things in life. We all change constantly so it's normal for life to feel strange or different :)

Accept The Change

I've changed a lot in the past 4 months, all because of meeting one person. I hope this helps some of you dealing with those changes :)

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Mental Health

Dealing with Constant Change

Embark on a transformative journey with this <a href="https://boredkarbatos.gumroad.com/l/awakened-abundance">FREE Guided Meditation Script</a> designed specifically for manifesting abundance. The power of the mind in shaping our reality is profound. By aligning our thoughts and feelings with abundance, we start attracting it.

Path to Manifestation

Recognize the value of what you have now. By being grateful, you attract more positivity and abundance into your life. Note down three things you're grateful for every day.

Gratitude Journaling

Picture yourself living in abundance, whether it's financial, emotional, or in relationships. Feel the emotions associated with this prosperous version of yourself.

Visualize Abundance

Tap into this <a href="https://17fcchchd2viwod5wi1ry39y59.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=liv">transformative program</a> to deepen your manifestation process. It can help in aligning your brain frequencies with vibrations of wealth.

Supercharge with Binaural Beats

Words have power. Using affirmations like "I am prosperous" or "Wealth flows to me effortlessly" creates a positive energy field around you.

Affirmative Speaking

While manifestation is potent, taking real-world steps towards your financial goals is crucial. Whether it's saving a percentage of your income, investing wisely, or seeking additional income avenues, ensure your actions are aligned.

Take Action

Engage with people who embody wealth and success. Their habits is a crucial stepping stone for you to imitate in order to have the life you deserve.

Network Mindfully

The final but essential step is to genuinely believe that you deserve wealth and be open to receiving it in all its forms.

Believe and Receive

Unearth the art of manifesting wealth in just a week. Dive in with purposeful meditation and augment with harmonizing sounds!

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Corporate Culture

How to Manifest Wealth in 7 Days

Find 100+ Facts about Meditation  - Curated from inspiring sources like Books, Podcasts & Articles - Genuine Insights from like-minded Users like You!

8 JAPANESE TECHNIQUES TO OVERCOME LAZINESS AND ACHIEVE SUCCESS

Zen Stages of Enlightenment: The Ten Bulls

Tips To Get Things Done

5 Tips To Help You Read The Room Like A Pro

The Best Post-Run Routine: Do These 9 Things After Every Run

10 Priceless Benefits of Meditating on God of Word [Backed by Scriptures].

How to Teach Yourself to Do Things You Hate 📚

Dealing with Constant Change

How to Manifest Wealth in 7 Days

Meditation: The Secret to a More Productive Life

It's time to
Read like a Pro.

8 JAPANESE TECHNIQUES TO OVERCOME LAZINESS AND ACHIEVE SUCCESS

Zen Stages of Enlightenment: The Ten Bulls

Tips To Get Things Done

5 Tips To Help You Read The Room Like A Pro

The Best Post-Run Routine: Do These 9 Things After Every Run

10 Priceless Benefits of Meditating on God of Word [Backed by Scriptures].

How to Teach Yourself to Do Things You Hate 📚

Dealing with Constant Change

How to Manifest Wealth in 7 Days

Meditation: The Secret to a More Productive Life

It's time to Read like a Pro.

It's time to
Read like a Pro.