The Independent Worker

No matter how we look at it, we are each only given 24 hours in a day. Time is a finite resource, and it is up to us to make the most out of it. While is it impossible to lengthen the hours in our day, managing our time well can free time for us to do other things from which we derive great joy. It is a skill that isn't just for entrepreneurs and corporate types, everyone could benefit from managing their time more effectively and appreciating it for what it is. Set clear goals By attaching priority to goals that are of utmost importance, time is managed more effectively. Having clear goals means that you know which task should be tackled first. It also helps you when you plan out the order in which you do your tasks. Juggling work needs means extra caution, being organised, diligent and mindful. This is because when one fails to manage time, his or her work becomes a nuisance, relationships become distraught and productivity declines. Organise your day A day can typic...

A typical 44-hour work week means that it is hard-pressed to find time to do anything these days, particularly the need to keep fit and healthy. You know those gym rat friends of yours? What about those who try for the latest ketogenic and paleo diets, those who are constantly over-enthusiastic about these trends? All in all, they probably sacrifice a large part of their lunch breaks doing squats at the office. Anyhow, don't let your work environment diminish the need to stay fit! Be on the move Break up your work day by getting up, stretching and moving. Moving regularly throughout the day will keep your mind and body limber and help avoid fatigue. Some of the ways you can achieve this are by getting out of your chair more, standing during phone conversations, and if you need to drive to work, try parking your car at the far end of the lot and taking the stairs. While you're working, watching your posture also helps to instil some sense of purpose and confidence. ...

Numerous studies have shown that gender differences, discrimination and disparity are three of the most common issues in the workplace. It has become important to address this issue because of the heightened awareness of gender equality and such things. In our society, there are expected behaviours of males and females which make them normal and acceptable. While women prefer coaction and working together in an organised fashion and are said to have a longer attention span, men prefer to work alone in short bursts of energy. Companies now hire a greater number of women in the workplace, since educational and work opportunities for them have increased significantly, giving them a chance to utilize their skills and play on their strengths. A large number of women now also make it onto managerial positions, educational, political, governmental and local school or district boards, and many more have been able to negotiate fairer wages and employment practices at work. Did you know...

Persuading someone to do a certain activity, whether this is coordinating an event, working out a budget for a particular product or item or telling somebody to keep up their efforts in a task all boils down to the need for motivation. There are two main types of motivation, extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. By definition, extrinsic motivation is the need to perform an activity in order to earn a reward and avoid punishment whilst intrinsic motivation is the need to perform an activity for its own sake and to gain personal rewards . At work, it takes a lot of effort to motivate and persuade others. Entrepreneurs often use motivational techniques so as to help their employees stay on task, achieve an overall outcome, or ensure increasing rates of productivity and success. A proven motivator for students and employees alike is the need to earn a "badge" for committing to a certain task. Trust your employees with their job A vote of confidence goes a long way. When ...

Helping yourself destress   Two simple words that mean so much more than just that.  On a day-to-day basis, everyone faces undue and insurmountable stress. This is why it is so important to look for ways to manage it. According to WebMd, stress management is essentially about learning how to manage and cope with stress so as to lead happier and healthier lives. The next time you are about to burst from anger, think about the following five things you can do: Maintain a positive attitude towards circumstances in your life Life is hard. Everyone has a different struggle. As impossible as it is when facing a tumultuous relationship with a coworker, friend or work situation, it is helpful to think about the blessings you already have, the support network you already have and the blessings in your life. This will go a long way in helping you maintain a sense of self-worth and happiness. Don't keep it all in by talking it out with friends and family When you are sever...

When it comes to giving presentations, who doesn't feel nervous? For a lot of people, public speaking doesn't come naturally. When we are asked to give a talk in front of a crowd, it is easy to become anxious, sweaty and panicky. The only way we can dispel our jitters before giving any presentation is to be simply be prepared. Keep track of your points  You remember those book reports and public debates you had to do in school, something you thought your teachers made you do just because they ran out of ideas? Well, they had a reason for doing so. Being able to give good presentations not only boosts self-confidence, it prepares you for the eventual time when you have to do them in front of a crowd at work, at a conference, or when you need to give a seminar in the field you work for.   Luckily for us these days, there are several ways to rehearse before a big presentation. The old-school way is obviously to get notecards and jot down helpful mnemonics while the...

For some, it's about the ability to focus on leisurely activities, hobbies and personal interests without having your mind flee back to thoughts of unattended emails, work appointments or phone calls. For others, it's about choosing the type of work you want to do in order to fit the lifestyle you wish to have. Basically,  it must be acknowledged that everyone has a different set of values and this determines the type of lifestyle they wish to have. In a productivity-driven society, it has become harder for adults to fulfil their needs both at home and in the workplace. According to an article in Time in 2014, setting limits by deciding what is or is not important, applying the pareto principle , doing things you value and focusing on tasks that only you can do would help to make you more efficient at your job. Consequences of a poor work-life balance mean strained relationship with family members, inefficiency at work and burnout resulting from poor physical and mental healt...