Author: Jordan

  • Grateful for ASL as a parent to my CODA toddlers

    Just over the weekend, as I watched my toddlers communicate with each other in ASL, I’m grateful to be blessed with being able to connect with them as their parent through ASL. We’re able to foster our relationship in meaningful ways.

    Does this mean we’re not able to have this if you don’t know ASL? No. We just have to communicate differently.

    Generally, there are 2 ways we can do this:

    1. Learn ASL from Deaf people.
    2. If option 1 is not feasible, then get an ASL interpreter.

    These are the 2 ways we can connect.

    This is also true when you want to connect with family members, Deaf employees, Deaf customers, Deaf creators, Deaf entrepreneurs, etc. Generally, with Deaf people, with whom you are in constant contact regularly.

    The opportunity cost is that we don’t connect. And when we do, there’s definitely a lot we can gain.

  • Is it a skill?

    If so, it might be worth learning.

    If so, it might pay to let someone who has learned it take care of it.

    Coding is a skill. But it’s not clear that the person who knows how to code should be doing your design.

    Teaching is a skill. But simply because someone is good at a craft doesn’t mean that they know how to teach it.

    Copywriting is a skill. Having access to the Mailchimp password doesn’t make you a skilled copywriter.

    Selling is a skill. The person who owns the organization or cares about the charity might not be the best person to go on the sales call.

    Proximity is not the same as skill.

    Note: This is a repost from Seth Godin’s blog.

  • You cannot avoid conflict and here are 8 strategies you can do in a conflict

    Conflict is inevitable. I view conflict as sand paper. The more we go through it, the more it shapes us. But it takes a certain skill. Effective conflict resolution is an important skill for personal and professional growth. Here are some strategies for resolving conflicts:

    1. Identify the problem:

    Identify the problem by clarifying what the conflict is about. This can help to focus the discussion on the key issue.

    2. Active listening:

    Listen actively to the other person’s perspective. This can help to understand the other person’s point of view and find a common ground.

    3. Empathy:

    Show empathy by acknowledging the other person’s feelings and emotions. This can help to build trust and understanding.

    4. Communication:

    Use effective communication to express your own feelings and thoughts. Use “I” statements to avoid sounding accusatory.

    5. Brainstorm solutions:

    Work collaboratively to come up with possible solutions to the conflict. Be creative and open to new ideas.

    6. Evaluate the solutions:

    Evaluate the potential solutions and consider the pros and cons of each. Identify the solution that is best for both parties.

    7. Reach an agreement:

    Agree on a solution that is acceptable to both parties. Put it in writing, if necessary, to avoid misunderstandings.

    8. Follow up:

    Follow up to ensure that the agreed-upon solution is implemented and that the conflict has been resolved.

    In summary, effective conflict resolution involves identifying the problem, active listening, empathy, effective communication, brainstorming solutions, evaluating the solutions, reaching an agreement, and following up. By incorporating these practices into your conflict resolution process, you can successfully resolve conflicts and build stronger relationships.

  • Building strong relationships with others

    Building your network starts with relationships. Building strong relationships with others is an important aspect of personal and professional growth. Here are some tips to help build strong relationships:

    1. Communication:

    Effective communication is key to building strong relationships. Be open, honest, and transparent when communicating with others.

    2. Active listening:

    Listen actively when communicating with others. Show interest in what they are saying, and ask questions to show that you are engaged in the conversation.

    3. Empathy:

    Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Showing empathy can help build trust and strengthen relationships.

    4. Respect:

    Show respect for others by being punctual, keeping your promises, and being courteous and professional.

    5. Collaboration:

    Work collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals. Collaboration can help build trust and strengthen relationships.

    6. Positive attitude:

    Maintain a positive attitude when interacting with others. This can help create a positive environment and foster strong relationships.

    7. Give and take:

    Be willing to give as well as take in relationships. This means being willing to offer support, help, and resources when needed, as well as being willing to receive them when offered.

    8. Maintain boundaries:

    Set clear boundaries and expectations in relationships. This can help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.

    9. Appreciation:

    Show appreciation for others by thanking them and recognizing their contributions. This can help build a sense of mutual respect and strengthen relationships.

    10. Be present:

    Be present and engaged when interacting with others. Put away distractions and focus on the conversation and the person you are interacting with.

    In summary, building strong relationships with others involves effective communication, active listening, empathy, respect, collaboration, a positive attitude, give and take, maintaining boundaries, appreciation, and being present. By incorporating these practices into your daily interactions, you can build strong and meaningful relationships with others.

  • 10 Productivity Tips For You to Be Successful

    Ever wonder how successful people are more productive? Here are some time-saving tips for productivity:

    1. Prioritize tasks:

    1. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, and tackle the most important tasks first.

    2. Use a task list:

    1. Use a task list to keep track of tasks and goals. This can help you stay organized and focused.

    3. Set goals and deadlines:

    1. Set clear goals and deadlines to help you stay on track and motivated.

    4. Avoid multitasking:

    1. Avoid multitasking, as it can actually decrease productivity. Instead, focus on one task at a time.

    5. Take breaks:

    1. Take regular breaks to give your brain time to recharge. This can help boost productivity and reduce stress.

    6. Minimize distractions:

    1. Minimize distractions by turning off notifications, closing unnecessary apps, and finding a quiet workspace.

    7. Use productivity tools:

    1. Use productivity tools such as time-tracking apps, project management software, and automation tools to help you streamline your work.

    8. Delegate tasks:

    1. Delegate tasks to others if possible. This can help you focus on your most important tasks and save time.

    9. Batch similar tasks:

    1. Batch similar tasks together, such as responding to emails or making phone calls. This can help you work more efficiently.

    10. Set boundaries:

    1. Set boundaries for your work hours and stick to them. This can help you maintain a work-life balance and avoid burnout.

    In summary, time-saving tips for productivity include prioritizing tasks, using a task list, setting goals and deadlines, avoiding multitasking, taking breaks, minimizing distractions, using productivity tools, delegating tasks, batching similar tasks, and setting boundaries. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can save time and increase your productivity.

    Which one of these time-saving productivity tips did you like and why? What other tips do you have that wasn’t mentioned here?

  • Stuck in a thinking rut? Read these tips to enhance creativity and innovative thinking!

    During my career, I learned that my degrees became less important. They gave me advantages in certain situations but these skills are what complemented my education and got me to where I am now. Here are some tips for enhancing creativity and innovative thinking:

    1. Keep an open mind:

    1. Try to keep an open mind and be receptive to new ideas and perspectives.

    2. Explore new experiences:

    1. Seek out new experiences, places, and people. This can help expand your worldview and stimulate new ideas.

    3. Practice brainstorming:

    1. Set aside time for brainstorming and generating new ideas. Write down all ideas, even if they seem silly or impractical.

    4. Challenge assumptions:

    1. Challenge assumptions and question the status quo. This can help identify new solutions and approaches.

    5. Embrace failure:

    1. Don’t be afraid of failure or making mistakes. Failure is often a necessary part of the creative process and can lead to new insights and breakthroughs.

    6. Collaborate with others:

    1. Collaborate with others to generate new ideas and perspectives. Working with a diverse team can bring new insights and approaches to problem-solving.

    7. Take breaks:

    1. Take regular breaks and give yourself time to recharge. This can help refresh your mind and stimulate new ideas.

    8. Practice mindfulness:

    1. Practice mindfulness and meditation to help reduce stress and promote a clear mind. This can help enhance creativity and focus.

    In summary, enhancing creativity and innovative thinking involves keeping an open mind, exploring new experiences, practicing brainstorming, challenging assumptions, embracing failure, collaborating with others, taking breaks, and practicing mindfulness. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can enhance your creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.

    Which one of these tips did you like? Comment below!

  • 8 Strategies for Effective Problem-Solving

    When you find yourself fixated on the problem, you need to shift to an effective approach to solve it. Here are some strategies for effective problem-solving:

    1. Define the problem:

    Clearly define the problem you are trying to solve. Identify the underlying issues and factors contributing to the problem.

    2. Gather information:

    Gather as much information as possible about the problem. This can include data, opinions, and feedback from others.

    3. Brainstorm solutions:

    Generate as many possible solutions as you can, without evaluating them yet. Be creative and open-minded.

    4. Evaluate solutions:

    Evaluate each solution based on its feasibility, potential impact, and the likelihood of success.

    5. Choose a solution:

    Choose the solution that best addresses the problem while taking into account the feasibility, impact, and success probability.

    6. Implement the solution:

    Develop a plan to implement the chosen solution, including timelines, resources needed, and key milestones.

    7. Monitor progress:

    Track progress and make any necessary adjustments as you implement the solution.

    8. Evaluate results:

    Evaluate the results of the solution and determine if it was effective in addressing the problem.

    In summary, effective problem-solving involves defining the problem, gathering information, brainstorming solutions, evaluating solutions, choosing a solution, implementing the solution, monitoring progress, and evaluating results. By following these steps, you can address problems more effectively and make better decisions.

    Which one of these did you like? What other strategies do you use that wasn’t mentioned here? Comment below!

  • Have bad habits you want to break? Read these 7 tips.

    There comes to a point in our lives where we realize we have an addiction or a bad habit we want to break but need some tips.

    I got you. Here are some tips to overcome addiction and bad habits:

    1. Identify triggers:

    Identify the situations or emotions that trigger your addictive or negative behaviour. This can help you avoid these triggers or find healthier ways to cope with them.

    2. Seek support:

    Seek support from loved ones, a therapist, or a support group. Having a support system can provide accountability and encouragement.

    3. Develop a plan:

    Develop a plan for breaking the addictive or negative behaviour. This may include setting goals, creating a timeline, and identifying rewards for progress.

    4. Replace the behaviour:

    Replace the addictive or negative behaviour with a positive one. For example, if you are trying to quit excessive snacking on junk food, you could replace it with exercise or a healthy snack instead.

    5. Practice self-care:

    Practice self-care, including getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthy food. This can help improve your overall well-being and reduce stress.

    6. Celebrate progress:

    Celebrate progress and small wins. This can help keep you motivated and encourage continued progress.

    7. Be patient:

    Overcoming addiction or bad habits is a process that takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and focus on progress, not perfection.

    In summary, to overcome addiction and bad habits, identify triggers, seek support, develop a plan, replace the behaviour, practice self-care, celebrate progress, and be patient. With time, effort, and support, it is possible to overcome addictive or negative behaviour and build a healthier lifestyle.

    What other ways do you do to overcome addiction or bad habits not mentioned?

  • 7 Skills You Need to Financial Freedom

    Online entrepreneurship is all the rage these days especially when there are so many online business opportunities. Many of them will sell financial freedom when purchasing their products online. I’m sharing this list for free and here are financial management skills you need to develop:

    1. Create a budget: Start by creating a budget that includes all your expenses and income. This will help you track your spending and identify areas where you can save money.
    2. Track your spending: Keep track of your spending, whether it’s by using a spreadsheet or a budgeting app. This will help you stay on track with your budget.
    3. Save regularly: Make saving a regular habit by setting aside a portion of your income each month. You can automate this process by setting up a direct deposit into a savings account.
    4. Reduce debt: Pay down any high-interest debt, such as credit card balances or personal loans. This will help you save money on interest charges and improve your overall financial health.
    5. Invest for the future: Consider investing in a retirement account or other investment vehicles to help build your wealth over time.
    6. Educate yourself: Read books or attend classes on personal finance to improve your knowledge and skills. This will help you make better financial decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
    7. Seek professional advice: If you have complex financial needs or concerns, consider working with a financial advisor or accountant. They can help you create a personalized plan to reach your financial goals.

    In summary, to develop financial management skills, create a budget, track your spending, save regularly, reduce debt, invest for the future, educate yourself, and seek professional advice if needed.

    Which ones have your done or are currently at now listed above? Comment below!

  • 8 Tips You Need to Build Your Fitness Routine

    Here are some tips to build a regular exercise routine:

    1. Set a goal: Identify your fitness goals and create a plan to achieve them. Whether your goal is to lose weight, build muscle, or improve your overall health, having a clear objective can help motivate you to stick to a regular exercise routine.
    2. Start slowly: Start with short workouts and gradually increase the intensity and duration over time. This will help you avoid injury and burnout.
    3. Find an exercise you enjoy: Choose an activity you enjoy doing, whether it’s running, dancing, or swimming. When you enjoy your workout, it’s easier to make it a regular part of your routine.
    4. Make it a habit: Incorporate exercise into your daily routine, such as taking a walk during your lunch break or doing a quick workout before work. This can help make exercise a regular part of your daily routine.
    5. Get a workout partner: Find a workout partner or join a fitness class to help keep you accountable and motivated.
    6. Create a schedule: Plan your workouts in advance and schedule them in your calendar. This will help ensure you make time for exercise.
    7. Track your progress: Keep track of your progress, whether it’s with a fitness app or journal. Celebrate your accomplishments and use setbacks as motivation to keep going.
    8. Be flexible: Be flexible with your workout routine and adapt to changes in your schedule or circumstances. If you miss a workout, don’t give up. Get back on track as soon as possible.

    In summary, to build a regular exercise routine, set a goal, start slowly, find an exercise you enjoy, make it a habit, get a workout partner, create a schedule, track your progress, and be flexible.

    Where are you now with this? Share below!