Eric Blair ("George Orwell")Eric Arthur Blair (1903 – 1950), known by his pen name George Orwell, was an English novelist, essayist, journalist and critic. His work is characterized by lucid prose, social criticism, opposition to totalitarianism, and support of democratic socialism.Blair was born in India, and raised and educated in England. After school he became an Imperial policeman in Burma, before returning to Suffolk, England, where he began his writing career as George Orwell—a name inspired by a favorite location, the River Orwell. (Wikipedia)

1984 by George Orwell

The story unfolds on a cold April day in 1984 in Oceania, the totalitarian superpower in post World War II Europe. Actually, “Oceania” is a little too broad, seeing as the superstate encompasses the continents formerly known as the Americas, Australia, parts of Africa, and the British Isles. 1984 takes place on those Isles, now referred to as “Airstrip One.”The ruling party is known as The Party. The Party is an ominously vague entity with an ominously vague mascot: Big Brother.Big Brother is there to remind all the Party members and citizens of Oceania not to step out of line.

How does the novel 1984 start?

In this bleak backdrop, we find Winston Smith. He’s employed as an editor in the records department at the Ministry of Truth, one of the divisions of The Party created to push government propaganda (so, not truth). The Ministry of Truth deals in “Newspeak,” a Party-approved language system specialized in rewriting plain English into catchy slogans like “War is Peace,” “Freedom is Slavery,” and “Ignorance is Strength.”

Who’s the protagonist of 1984?

Winston Smith is depressed and oppressed. He starts a journal of his rebellious thoughts against the Party. If discovered, this journal would be considered a “thoughtcrime”—hence why Big Brother is always watching—and would result in his execution.At work, Winston becomes curious about Julia, a machine-operator in the Fiction Department. The two begin a secret love affair.As Winston and Julia fall deeper in love, Winston finds that his views about their government (the Party) change.

Winston at Home and Work

Winston is drawn to the revolutionary "Brotherhood,” because, well, they're revolutionary. The Brotherhood is supposedly a group of dissidents led by the mysterious Emmanuel Goldstein.In reality Emmanuel Goldstein is just be a fictitious “enemy of the state” created by The Party to help them rally citizens against “thought criminals.” Eventually, Winston makes contact with O'Brien, who Winston thinks is a member of the Brotherhood, but who in actuality is a member of the Thought Police.

Winston Rebels

Winston and Julia are apprehended by the Thought Police. The happy couple is then brought to the Ministry of Love, where criminals and opponents of the Party are tortured, interrogated, and "reintegrated" before their release and ultimate execution. O'Brien runs the show as far as Winston's torture sessions are concerned.

Winston and Julia Caught

Months after being arrested, poor Winston Smith is sent to Room 101, where every person who enters is faced with their greatest fear. For Winston, it’s rats. Musing on the impending rats-chewing-on-his-face scenario, Winston calls out, "Do it to Julia!" That's pretty much what O'Brien was looking for, so Winston gets to go back to being a happy member of the rat race. Released, Winston's heart is filled with love for the Party. Even when he and Julia meet again by chance at the Chestnut Tree Café, they feel apathetic towards each other. He has been successfully converted and destroyed.

How does 1984 end?

“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.”-George Orwell, 1984

George Orwell 1984 Quote

Get a chapter-by-chapter summary of 1984 in our free study guide. We did all the work so you don't have to. Let's compare notes.

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Personal Development

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Problem Solving

1984 Summary | Shmoop

Change Your Mindset Achieve Your GoalsIf you’ve ever had goals and dreams that didn’t come true, you’re not alone.The fact is, no matter where you are in life or where you came from, you’ve got the ability to set big goals and achieve them.

7 Ideas On How To Change Your Mindset

A surefire way to determine whether you need a mindset tune-up is to answer this question: Are you regularly accomplishing your goals and living your dreams? If you answered “yes,” read on, and you’ll probably recognize why. If you said “no,” these steps could be game-changing for you. Here are 7 ideas on how to change your mindset:

How to Change Your Mindset

How to Change Your MindsetStep one is simply to acknowledge that you’re going to work on your mindsets first.

1. Accept that your thinking needs adjusting

Around 65,000 thoughts go through our minds each day. Unfortunately, in the case of most people, the majority of them are negative. These “Automatic Negative Thoughts” (ANTs) occur so often that you’re probably not even aware of them (most of us aren’t).The way to start exterminating the ANTs in your head is to begin paying attention to them. Notice when you hear that disparaging voice, and recognize how frequently it happens.Taking note of this is a major step because we can’t change what we haven’t acknowledged.

2. Identify your counter-mindsets

Once you’ve identified your top negative thoughts, you need a way to stop them from holding you back.Often, just taking one positive step in the right direction is enough to shut those ANTs up. Prepare yourself by concentrating on replacing your negative thoughts. Put more emphasis on things you find positive and reaffirming.

3. Flip the switch

Changing your mindsets takes work because formed habits aren’t easy to break. Understanding your “why” is about starting fresh and deciding on one goal or dream that, when you achieve it, will mean a transformational change. Losing weight. Being happier at work. Improving your relationship with your companion. Identify something that could make a huge impact in your life.Once you identify what your “why” is, write down on paper or in a notebook why it really matters to you. Not on a computer… on paper in your own handwriting. This is an important part of building your motivation.

4. Understand your “why”

Most people incorrectly believe that motivation and willpower are all that’s needed to achieve their goals. And no wonder they do, since it’s common advice you hear from friends and family to motivation gurus and life coaches.By accepting this fact, you’ll stop mentally punishing yourself for stumbling or failing to stick to your plan–which will leave you emotionally freer to optimistically try again tomorrow!

5. Realize that motivation and willpower are not enough

This may sound counter-intuitive, but one of the best ways to change your mindsets and realize your dreams is through setting ridiculously tiny, utterly achievable goals.Decide that your tiny goal is the minimum, and that you can do more if you feel up to it.A lot of the time, you’ll do more and will feel great because you’re overachieving. Some days you may do the minimum, and you’ll still feel great because you’ve met your goal.Massive change requires small steps, repeated daily, which create momentum and yield positive cumulative results.

6. Start small so you can finish big

High achievers are comfortable with the F word: FAILURE.When most people hit a wall, they make an excuse or give up. High achievers realize that the only thing that will keep them from their goals is to stop trying… so they don’t! They know that they’ll encounter obstacles and even fail along the way.What separates them from the others is that they prepare for failure mentally. They know it’s coming, and it doesn’t scare them or make them give up. When failure happens, they seek feedback and make adjustments to get back in the game.

7. Get comfortable with the “F” word

Changing your mindsets doesn’t happen by accident. It happens by choice, and these 7 steps should help get you on the right track.

No Accidents

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.”-Norman Vincent Peale

Changing Mindset Quote

In this post, learn how to change your mindset with the strategies of the world's highest achievers!

habits

Habits

communication

Communication

People plan for success but be confused and oblivious as to how they failed.Below I have compiled some of the main reasons why people may fall short of their goals

The 3 stages of Failure in Life/Work <and how to fix them>

These are HOW mistakes - They occur when you fail to build a set of tasks/ routines or when you forget to measure your growth carefully and get lazy with the details. A failure of Tactics is a failure to execute a good plan and a clear vision

Stage 1: Failure of Tactics

These are WHAT mistakes - They occur when you follow a strategy that fails to provide you with the result you hoped it would provide.A failure of Strategy is a failure to build a robust set of routines

Stage 2: Failure of Strategy

These are WHY mistakes -They occur when you don't set a clear direction for yourself or follow a vision that doesn't fulfill you in the long run or otherwise fail to understand why you do the things you do A failure of Vision is caused due to ignorance or have mediocre views on life

Stage 3: Failure of Vision

There are three primary ways to fix the failure of tactics<ol><li>Record your process/Routine</li><li>Measure your outcomes</li><li>Review and adjust your tactics often</li></ol><ul><li>Recording your process - Recording your process/ Routine gives you an overview of where your routine is failing you and where you can make an improvement </li><li>Measuring your outcome - Measuring your outcomes gives you a binary view of your routine -  Is it working for you or not. This helps you to alter your routine or make a new one altogether</li><li>Review and adjust your tactics - This is the CHANGE THAT TACTIC phase</li></ul>

Fix for - Failure of Tactics

There are three primary ways to fix the failure of tactics<ol><li>Deploy it quickly</li><li>Do it with dedication</li><li>Revise it rapidly</li></ol><ul><li>Deploy it quickly - Once you have a strategy/Routine ready, don't delay in deploying that strategy for the next Monday</li><li>Do it with dedication - Be diligent and trust your routine and follow it every day</li><li>Revise it rapidly -   Always keep an eye on your routine and adjust it as and when needed</li></ul>

Fix for - Failure of Strategy

There are three primary ways to fix the failure of tactics<ol><li>Take charge of your life</li><li>Determine your Non-Negotiable</li><li>Navigate criticism</li></ol><ul><li>Take charge of your life - People, most of the time follow the masses or so-called ideals set by society, parents, or social media, It is time to take charge of your life and set a vision you have for your life</li><li>Determine your Non-Negotiables - Your Non-Negotiables are those things you are not willing to budge on no matter what. This can be your values or your idea of life</li></ul>

Fix for - Failure of Vision

<ul><li>Navigate Criticism - The moment you take charge of life, there will be showers of criticism pouring over you. Navigate criticism with your wit and don't take them seriously unless otherwise, it is truly for your benefit and you find sense in it.</li><li> Explain your ideas to your parents and mentors only don't bother about anyone else</li></ul>

Fix for - Failure of Vision 

These ideas give me an idea of how i failed and tips on solving them

How do you know when to give up and accept failure and when to stick with your efforts in life and work? Read the article to learn more.

entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

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Business

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Startups

The 3 Stages of Failure in Life and Work

Never settle. Things can always be better. Feeling and expressing gratitude for what you have is important but as much as wanting more and keep pushing your boundaries is important. Things can always be better. This analogy doesn’t only apply to things of monetary value but also when it comes to your health, mind, and spirituality.

1. Never Apologize For Wanting More

You shouldn't allow anyone else to make you feel guilty over your priorities. Always take care and give importance to your priorities. If it’s important to you, it doesn’t have to necessarily make sense to everyone.

2. Never Apologize For Your Priorities

Hey! Spoiler alert, you’re allowed to say no just because you don’t feel like participating. You’re under no obligation to do everything that someone asks you to do.

3. Never Apologize For Saying No

Trust your gut. Follow your instincts. Even if it means you’re veering onto a different path than others, you don’t need to apologize for it. You should always chase your potential, even if your instincts lead you to the ‘wrong’ decision, remember you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

4.  Never Apologize For Trusting Your Instincts 

You’re entitled to your opinion. No one can take that away from you. If you have an opposing viewpoint to others, don’t be sorry for it. However tempting it might seem, don’t change your opinions just to please others. Yes, keep an open mind and try getting different perspectives but upon that, stick to your accepted opinion.

5. Never Apologize For Your Opinions 

Everyone is different, and unique, don’t compromise what makes you different. Stay true to yourself. Even though you have certain characteristics that society deems as a deviation from the norm, you should never be sorry for that.

6. Never Apologize For Being Yourself

This is arguably the most important one. You setting your boundaries and making your level for comfort known should never be something you should be sorry for. This also means that you can say no when you want and you owe no one an apology. Stand your ground.

7. Never Apologize For Setting Boundaries 

On the contrary, make as many mistakes as you can. Learn from them and move on. What do you have to apologize for? Nothing.

8. Never Apologize For Making Mistakes 

You shouldn't have to apologize for how you feel. You may need to apologize for how you act on your feelings, but never for being hurt, angry, sad, etc., and expressing how you feel. There’s a difference.

9. Never Apologize For Your Feelings 

Regardless of whether you're an introvert or an extrovert or even an ambivert, everyone needs some alone time to reflect and grow individually. It is important to maintain your own resilience and is not something to be apologized for.

10. Never Apologize For Taking Time Alone

I honestly feel like the words ‘I’m sorry’ have become a little too natural. From time to time we get caught up in the moment and apologize for something without thinking twice. It’s admirable to…

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

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Love & Relationships

10 Things You Shouldn’t Apologize For

#1 — The brief madness of bliss is experienced only by those who suffer the most deeply.

#2 — That which does not kill us makes us stronger.

#3 — And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.

#4 — Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.

#5 — You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.

#6— No one can construct for you the bridge upon which precisely you must cross the stream of life, no one but you yourself alone.

#7 — The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently.

#8 — The higher we soar the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly.

#9— You must be ready to burn yourself in your own flame; how could you rise anew if you have not first become ashes?

#10 — To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.

In this article, I share 10 timeless Friedrich Nietzsche Quotes. Hopefully, they’ll inspire you to dig a little deeper into the mind of this great thinker.

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Motivation & Inspiration

10 Timeless Friedrich Nietzsche Quotes to Endure Suffering.

The key to becoming an effective student is learning how to study smarter, not harder. This becomes more and more true as you advance in your education. An hour or two of studying a day is usually sufficient to make it through high school with satisfactory grades, but when college arrives, there aren't enough hours in the day to get all your studying in if you don't know how to study smarter.

10 Habits of Highly Effective Students

Ever find yourself up late at night expending more energy trying to keep your eyelids open than you are studying? If so, it's time for a change. Successful students typically space their work out over shorter periods of time and rarely try to cram all of their studying into just one or two sessions. If you want to become a successful student then you need to learn to be consistent in your studies and to have regular, yet shorter, study periods.

1. Don't attempt to cram all your studying into one session

Successful students schedule specific times throughout the week when they are going to study -- and then they stick with their schedule. Students who study sporadically and whimsically typically do not perform as well as students who have a set study schedule. Even if you're all caught up with your studies, creating a weekly routine, where you set aside a period of time a few days a week, to review your courses will ensure you develop habits that will enable you to succeed in your education long term.

2. Plan when you're going to study

Not only is it important that you plan when you're going to study, it's important you create a consistent, daily study routine. When you study at the same time each day and each week, you're studying will become a regular part of your life. You'll be mentally and emotionally more prepared for each study session and each study session will become more productive. If you have to change your schedule from time to time due to unexpected events, that's okay, but get back on your routine as soon as the event has passed.

3. Study at the same time

Simply studying without direction is not effective. You need to know exactly what you need to accomplish during each study session. Before you start studying, set a study session goal that supports your overall academic goal (i.e. memorize 30 vocabulary words in order to ace the vocabulary section on an upcoming Spanish test.)

4. Each study time should have a specific goal

It's very easy, and common, to put off your study session because of lack of interest in the subject, because you have other things you need to get done, or just because the assignment is hard. Successful students DO NOT procrastinate studying. If you procrastinate your study session, your studying will become much less effective and you may not get everything accomplished that you need to. Procrastination also leads to rushing, and rushing is the number one cause of errors

5. Never procrastinate your planned study session

As your most difficult assignment or subject will require the most effort and mental energy, you should start with it first. Once you've completed the most difficult work, it will be much easier to complete the rest of your work. Believe it or not, starting with the most difficult subject will greatly improve the effectiveness of your study sessions, and your academic performance.

6. Start with the most difficult subject first

Obviously, before you can review your notes you must first have notes to review. Always make sure to take good notes in class. Before you start each study session, and before you start a particular assignment, review your notes thoroughly to make sure you know how to complete the assignment correctly. Reviewing your notes before each study session will help you remember important subject matter learned during the day, and make sure your studying is targeted and effective.

7. Always review your notes before starting an assignment

Everyone gets distracted by something. Maybe it's the TV. Or maybe it's your family. Or maybe it's just too quiet. Some people actually study better with a little background noise. When you're distracted while studying you (1) lose your train of thought and (2) are unable to focus -- both of which will lead to very ineffective studying. Before you start studying, find a place where you won't be disturbed or distracted. For some people this is a quiet cubicle in the recesses of the library. For others it is in a common area where there is a little background noise.

8. Make sure you're not distracted while you're studying

Ever heard the phrase "two heads are better than one?" Well this can be especially true when it comes to studying. Working in groups enables you to (1) get help from others when you're struggling to understand a concept, (2) complete assignments more quickly, and (3) teach others, whereby helping both the other students and yourself to internalize the subject matter. However, study groups can become very ineffective if they're not structured and if group members come unprepared. Effective students use study groups effectively.

9. Use study groups effectively

Successful students review what they've learned during the week over the weekend. This way they're well prepared to continue learning new concepts that build upon previous coursework and knowledge acquired the previous week. We're confident that if you'll develop the habits outlined above that you'll see a major improvement in your academic success.

10. Review your notes, schoolwork and other class materials over

Discover the study habits that can help you become a successful student. There are 10 study habits that most successful students have in common.

education

Learning & Education

Study Habits of Highly Effective Students

In this era of automation, becoming a stand-out human is needed

Had you seen how many automation are running around us? Robots, machine, etc are everywhere, and had you wonder how to keep stand-out in this era of automation? Debra Stevens wrote this book to answer it. She shared her views on skills that much needed in developing our self to become a better version of us. They are engaging with people, listening, empathizing, collaborating, and inspiring. She shared practical five-week program to start developing these capabilities. These practical-5-days is very easy to follow and will bring you some better traits to stay stand-out in this era.

Practical 5 Days Guide to Advance You Career

You can find automation everywhere, means robots can do almost everything. Yes they can but not including listen, engage with people or collaborate, and they lack the ability to empathize or inspire. Nowadays, companies not only seek technical skills, but employers are also now clamoring for the capabilities that only humans can bring. As the landscape of work changes, five essential skills – engaging with others, listening deeply, empathizing, collaborating in teams and inspiring people – are becoming both critical and in short supply.

Day 1: Pick two persons that you like to build a connection better; first will be the one that you already have a close relationship and the second is a distant one. Reach, listen and talk with them 10 minutes with each of them.Day 2: Find some resource to learn about extrovert-introvert, find what you are and how to deal with them. Reach 2 persons with different type, engage, and listen to them to see the differences. Some good place to start reading is: <a href="https://www.scienceofpeople.com/ambivert/">What is an Ambivert? Are You an Introvert, Extrovert or Ambivert? (scienceofpeople.com)</a>.

Practical 5 days – Engaging with People

Day 3: Learn on making a first impression. Practice with new people during your day. Easiest way to find a new person to interact is go to a coffee shop that you rarely go and try to interact with the barista. A good book to read about it will be Skill with People by Les Giblin.Day 4: Learn to become a positive, optimistic person who can serve as a role model. Positive vibes will bring you positive results.Day 5: Learn techniques to make your conversations more meaningful. Another book by Les Giblin, The Art of Dealing with People is a good place to start.

Day 1: Find someone you consider as a good listener, find what they do different with others. Start doing 3 minutes of silence to observe and hear your surroundings.Day 2: Learn a bit about personality and how it effect to listening. A good place to start reading is <a href="http://www.solari.net/toward-humanity/2009/06/12/personality-traits-of-an-exceptional-listener/">Personality Traits of an Exceptional Listener | Toward Humanity (solari.net</a>.

Practical 5 Days - Listening

Research shows empathy also has bottom-line benefits, including boosts to productivity, customer loyalty and recommendations.Day 1: Reflect on your current understanding of empathy and begin a daily practice of stopping occasionally to become aware of what you’re feeling.Day 2: Had you ever heard MBTI test? Find out whether you are towards F-feeling or T-thinking. Check it on <a href="https://personalityjunkie.com/02/thinking-vs-feeling-myers-briggs/">Thinker (T) or Feeler (F)? Key Differences (personalityjunkie.com)</a>.Day 3: Reflect on the ways empathy differs from sympathy.

Practical 5 Days - Empathy

Day 4: Find a trusted person to give you feedback on your empathy and non-verbal communication, as body language is an important one.Day 5: GROW model is usually used for coaching, while it also can be user to build a relationship. Find about it on <a href="https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_89.htm">The GROW Model of Coaching and Mentoring - Skills From MindTools.com</a>.

In five days, you can increase your ability to manage conflict, your skill in giving helpful feedback and other essential components of collaboration.Day 1: Check your teams, what values/qualities they bring to your team. Then get someone to give you feedback about yours.Day 2: Find your team collaboration style, is it towards an organized one or a flexible adaptive one. Schedule routine gathering (virtually also works) to build your relationship.

Practical 5 Days - Collaboration

Day 3: Learn on managing conflict. Reflect what conflict had occurred in the past and how you and team deals with it. Find something that you can improve. Find some facts here: <a href="https://www.valamis.com/hub/conflict-management-styles">5 Conflict Management Styles every Manager Must Know [Guide] (valamis.com)</a>Day 4: Boost your skills in giving feedback by learning to “feed forward”: Focus on the future rather than the past. A long read but worth it: <a href="https://marshallgoldsmith.com/articles/try-feedforward-instead-feedback/">Try Feedforward Instead of Feedback.</a>Day 5: Add to your collaboration skills by watching Simon Sinek’s TED Talk on purpose and learning about Edward de Bono’s “thinking hats” approach to running meetings.

Honing your ability to inspire people will also enhance your personal life, as you’ll become better able to encourage and motivate your friends and family.Day 1: Reflect on your self-limiting beliefs about your capacity to inspire, and reframe them in a positive way.Day 2: Learn about the various personality types and the influencing strategies they tend to respond to. Draw a network diagram of the people who matter in your professional life, and choose two people from it to focus on. For each, select a key action in developing the relationship, and start working toward it.

Practical 5 Days - influencing

Day 3: See the very first paragraph? It’s an example of 3 P’s; Pull-asking a question to get attention, Push-share some fact, and share the Potential value you may receive after reading this idea. Use the same principle of 3 P’s.Day 4: Find David J.P. Phillips’s TED Talk about story telling. Learn from it.Day 5: Try to apply it in a well prepared presentation; learn your audience, write your core message, use the 3 P’s, rehearse and got some feedback.

Everyone can change and grow through application and experience

For people who hold a fixed mind-set, making a mistake or receiving constructive feedback can seem like a nightmare, because these individuals feel helpless to improve. For someone with a growth mind-set, making a mistake or receiving feedback might still feel uncomfortable, but it’s not the end of the world. These individuals regard mistakes and constructive criticism as opportunities to develop and grow

Build a Growth Mind Set

Don’t wait until your company run a training, workshop or sessions. Practical 5 days is very simple to do by yourself. The exercises will require you to take steps outside your comfort zone, and in the process, you’ll see that you really can change your thoughts and build your skills. Keeping a journal of your development will help reinforce your growth mind-set and give you momentum for action.

Just do the Action

How upskilling helps businesses adapt to a rapidly changing labour market

Discover the world of business and economics.

economics

Economics

leadershipandmanagement

Leadership & Management

career

Career

Upskilling: Preparing For The Future

Ever wonder how to keep stand out as human in this era of automation and robot? This book shared some practical guides on how to be a better person as human, and keep your career advancing. Follow its 5 days practices guide to unlock your potentials.

We're online and communicating all day, but with less and less impact. We need to build on what makes us human. Skills such as listening, socialising and storytelling have been lost in the world of digital and are needed more than ever, both personally and professionally. These soft skills give you the advantage in a changing world, allowing you freedom, flexibility and the ability to collaborate with others. Stand Out will get you ahead of the curve and give you the tools you need to rediscover your human skills so you can pursue your passions, achieve your goals and thrive in your career. 'Don't be left behind, this book is a must-read!' Kosta Christofi, Head of Leadership and Management Development, Reed in Partnership

We're online and communicating all day, but with less and less impact. We need to build on what makes us human. Skills such as listening, socialising and storytelling have been lost in the world of digital and are needed more than ever, both personally and professionally. These soft skills give you the advantage in a changing world, allowing you freedom, flexibility and the ability to collaborate with others. Stand Out will get you ahead of the curve and give you the tools you need to rediscover your human skills so you can pursue your passions, achieve your goals and thrive in your career. "Don't be left behind, this book is a must-read!" Kosta Christofi, Head of Leadership and Management Development, Reed in Partnership

Debra Stevens is an accomplished writer whose work has resonated with readers around the world. Debra Stevens has published several books that explore a range of topics, from fiction to nonfiction, and has received critical acclaim for the ability to weave compelling narratives. Debra Stevens's writing style is known for its depth and authenticity, and has earned quite a loyal following of readers.

Debra Stevens

Stand Out

Stand Out: 5 Key Skills to Advance Your Career

Studies have shown that you can help prevent cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia with some basic good health habits:·       staying physically active·       getting enough sleep·       not smoking·       having good social connections·       limiting alcohol to no more than one drink a day·       eating a Mediterranean style diet.

6 simple steps to keep your mind sharp at any age

A higher level of education is associated with better mental functioning in old age. Experts think that advanced education may help keep memory strong by getting a person into the habit of being mentally active. Challenging your brain with mental exercise is believed to activate processes that help maintain individual brain cells and stimulate communication among them. Many people have jobs that keep them mentally active. Pursuing a hobby, learning a new skill, volunteering or mentoring are additional ways to keep your mind sharp.

1. Keep learning

The more senses you use in learning something, the more of your brain that will be involved in retaining the memory. In one study, adults were shown a series of emotionally neutral images, each presented along with a smell. They were not asked to remember what they saw. Later, they were shown a set of images, this time without odors, and asked to indicate which they'd seen before. They had excellent recall for all odor-paired pictures, and especially for those associated with pleasant smells. So challenge all your senses as you venture into the unfamiliar.

2. Use all your senses

Myths about aging can contribute to a failing memory. Middle-aged and older learners do worse on memory tasks when they're exposed to negative stereotypes about aging and memory, and better when the messages are positive about memory preservation into old age. People who believe that they are not in control of their memory function are less likely to work at maintaining or improving their memory skills and therefore are more likely to experience cognitive decline. If you believe you can improve and you translate that belief into practice, you have a better chance of keeping your mind sharp.

3. Believe in yourself

If you don't need to use mental energy remembering where you laid your keys or the time of your granddaughter's birthday party, you'll be better able to concentrate on learning and remembering new and important things. Take advantage of smart phone reminders, calendars and planners, maps, shopping lists, file folders, and address books to keep routine information accessible. Designate a place at home for your glasses, purse, keys, and other items you use often.

4. Prioritize your brain use

When you want to remember something you've just heard, read, or thought about, repeat it out loud or write it down. That way, you reinforce the memory or connection. For example, if you've just been told someone's name, use it when you speak with him or her: "So, John, where did you meet Camille?"

5. Repeat what you want to know

Repetition is most potent as a learning tool when it's properly timed. It's best not to repeat something many times in a short period, as if you were cramming for an exam. Instead, re-study the essentials after increasingly longer periods of time — once an hour, then every few hours, then every day. Spacing out periods of study helps improve memory and is particularly valuable when you are trying to master complicated information, such as the details of a new work assignment.

6. Space it out

“That which is used - develops. That which is not used wastes away.”-Hippocrates

Development Quote

Memory lapses can occur at any age, but aging alone is generally not a cause of cognitive decline. Studies show that you can help improve memory and reduce the risk of dementia with some basic good health habits.

health

Health

scienceandnature

Science & Nature

6 simple steps to keep your mind sharp at any age - Harvard Health

Find  Self Improvement Tips - Curated from popular Books like Atomic Habits, 48 Rules of Power, Deep Work, Rich Dad Poor Dad and way more!

1984 Summary | Shmoop

How to Change Your Mindset

The 3 Stages of Failure in Life and Work

10 Things You Shouldn’t Apologize For

10 Timeless Friedrich Nietzsche Quotes to Endure Suffering.

Study Habits of Highly Effective Students

Stand Out: 5 Key Skills to Advance Your Career

6 simple steps to keep your mind sharp at any age - Harvard Health

Happy Friday Quotes to Celebrate The End of the Week 🥳

5 Steps to Find Your Superpower

It's time to
Read like a Pro.

1984 Summary | Shmoop

How to Change Your Mindset

The 3 Stages of Failure in Life and Work

10 Things You Shouldn’t Apologize For

10 Timeless Friedrich Nietzsche Quotes to Endure Suffering.

Study Habits of Highly Effective Students

Stand Out: 5 Key Skills to Advance Your Career

6 simple steps to keep your mind sharp at any age - Harvard Health

Happy Friday Quotes to Celebrate The End of the Week 🥳

5 Steps to Find Your Superpower

It's time to Read like a Pro.

It's time to
Read like a Pro.