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5 Counterintuitive Ways to Make the Most Out of Your Time

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Do you think you’ll accomplish everything you want to before you die? Do you sometimes worry you won’t reach your goals? Do you have a plan to get what you want? If you’re like most people, you often have trouble squeezing in everything you want to do during the day, week or month, let alone everything you might want to accomplish in a lifetime. Updates from friends on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat come in to your phone at all hours of the day and night. Invites to activities, events, festivals, etc. blow up your phone on a regular basis.

At the office, things aren’t much better. Your Outlook inbox explodes with messages from clients, colleagues, or your boss, and everyone wants something different. You use multiple tools for managing your tasks, and every month something new seems to come out which promises to save you time and reduce the number of distractions in your life. Let me break the bad news, it won’t.

The truth is, you have more time than you think to accomplish what you want out of life. As of 2016, men tend to live on average 69 years, versus 72 years for women. If most people start work at 18 and continue on until retirement around 65, this means you spend 47 years of your life working. You have, most likely, more time than you think to accomplish all that you want to do in this life. I urge you to slow down and take a few of these suggestions to heart as you think about how to get the most out of your days in the future.

Here are 5 ways to make the most out of your time here on earth:

1. Take personal days

The idea of taking a personal day has been around for a long time, but few people really consider the value of taking one on a regular basis. Whether this means leaving work early on the third Friday of every month to do some “life-admin” or taking an entire day off in the middle of the week once a month to rigorously outline your plans and objectives for the future, the value of a personal day dedicated to reflection and personal development is completely underrated in today’s go-go society. I would urge you to set aside an entire day (half-days won’t work, as they are likely to be encroached upon) and make a concerted effort to spend that time reflecting about what you want to accomplish and the steps you will take to get there.

 “A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that other throw at him.” – David Brinkley

2. Structure in blank space for distraction free work

While taking time off to plan out your life and checking your personal progress is great, it is also important to structure small blocks of personal “switch off” time to let your mind wander during the typical work week. This may mean structuring in “strategic blocks” of one to two hours as suggested by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington in their book The 12 Week Year, or it may mean making a regular habit of doing “30 before 7:30” (30 minutes of concentrated work before 7:30am each morning) as suggested by Mel Robbins in her book The 5 Second Rule. Whatever you do, make sure you allow yourself some distraction free work time so that you can get into the flow.

3. Leave technology behind

We are tethered to our devices like never before, and we are rarely out of arm’s reach of something that can connect us to anyone (or any piece of information) in the world. I say this with some trepidation, because I am not entirely pleased about it. Sure, it is fantastic to have access to a device that can allow us to order food, call a car, create a professional looking video clip or photo, and post updates online all in the space of a few seconds, but it comes at a price.

Despite having the freedom to connect with anyone and do nearly anything from behind a touch screen device, we have effectively become servants for the same network of interconnected apps and platforms. So, at the risk of having you stop reading this article, I urge you to put down your device for at least 1 day a week and connect with people in more humanistic (face to face) ways.

4. Spend time with others not like you

Motivational speaker Jim Rohn famously said that we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with. Think hard about that, because it will help define how you spend the rest of your life. If you believe that you become the average of the five people you spend the most time with, you will need to be careful that you spend time with people that add to your life, rather than detract from it.

The more time you spend with people that come from similar backgrounds and share similar views as you, the more you will become closed off to the world around you. This is an easy habit to fall into, but it is one that can have dire consequences if you are serious about stretching yourself and reaching lofty goals. Go out and explore, and spend time with people that push you in new and exciting ways.

“I never dreamed about success, I worked for it.” – Estee Lauder

5. Have more fun

I have noticed more and more that people tend to take pride in how stressed out they are and how much they work when they’re in the office. They then swing to the opposite extreme during the weekends, getting belligerently drunk and partying or staying in and watching Netflix for 48 hours straight. This is no way to live. It’s easy for me to call out because, truth be told, I used to be this way.

Too often, people find themselves caught up in a world that promotes stress, anxiety and long-hours as a badge of honor. Rather than promote and support this type of behavior by falling into the trap of stress and anxiety caused by overwork, look for ways to have fun in the moment. Talk to colleagues, give compliments, make connections, learn new things, and just try to connect with others.

Remember, you’ve likely got around 65-80 years on this planet, you don’t want to spend the majority of that time stressed out, waiting for the weekend. Instead, take to heart a few of these counterintuitive tricks and embrace every day with newfound appreciation. You won’t regret it, I promise.

How do you maximize your time? Comment below!

Image courtesy of Twenty20.com

McVal is the founder of We Write For Growth, a platform for businesses to connect with talented writers and researchers and growth hackers. He is also the author of How to Make $2,000 a Month Online and Start Up your Life: Why we don’t know what we want, and how to set goals that really matter. McVal writes about motivation, decision making, and strategic thinking. He graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2011 with a degree in Spanish, and has since worked as a market researcher and business consultant in Washington D.C., New York City and London. You can reach him on Twitter @mcval or on IG @mcvaliant. 

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Life

Why Thoughtful Celebrations Matter When You’re Building a Business

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Image Credit: Addicted2Success

Building a business can make time feel scarce. There is always another deadline, customer request or problem to solve. In the rush to keep moving, birthdays and personal milestones can slip down the list. Yet the small moments people share often shape the relationships that make work and life meaningful.

Celebration does not have to be elaborate or expensive. A considered message, a shared break or a gift chosen with care can show someone that they matter beyond their contribution to a project. The key is to pay attention to the person, respect their preferences and make the gesture sincere.

Notice The People Behind The Progress

Founders are often encouraged to celebrate launches, revenue goals and new partnerships. Those milestones matter, but so do the people who help make them possible. Colleagues, mentors, friends and family may offer encouragement in ways that do not appear on a business dashboard.

Remembering a birthday is one simple way to acknowledge that relationship. It is not a substitute for fair treatment or ongoing appreciation. Rather, it is a chance to pause and recognise someone as a whole person, not just as a role in your schedule.

Choose A Gesture That Fits The Person

Start with what you know. Some people enjoy a lively gathering; others would rather receive a quiet note. A favourite snack, a small plant or time set aside for a conversation may be more meaningful than a generic gift. If you are unsure, ask a colleague or family member for guidance without turning the surprise into an investigation.

For someone who enjoys flowers, birthday flower delivery can be a practical option when you cannot celebrate in person. Consider the recipient’s preferences, any sensitivities and the delivery details. Check the provider’s current availability and conditions before placing an order.

Add A Message Worth Keeping

A thoughtful note often matters more than the price of the gift. Mention a specific quality you appreciate or a moment that has stayed with you. “Thank you for the calm perspective you brought to our launch” feels more personal than a phrase that could be sent to anyone.

Keep the message appropriate to the relationship. A colleague’s birthday card does not need to become a performance review, and a friend’s celebration should not be an opportunity to ask for a favour. The most effective message makes the recipient feel seen without expecting anything in return.

Make Inclusivity Part Of The Plan

Not everyone celebrates birthdays in the same way, and some people prefer not to make them public. Ask about preferences before organising a workplace celebration or sharing personal information. Give people a genuine option to participate or decline without awkwardness.

If a team chooses to recognise milestones, agree on a consistent, affordable approach. Uneven attention can unintentionally make people feel overlooked. A simple system, with consent and flexibility, is often better than a grand gesture that cannot be repeated fairly.

Use Reminders Without Making Appreciation Mechanical

A calendar reminder can help busy people follow through on good intentions. Record the date with the person’s permission and set an alert early enough to plan. If the celebration involves a delivery, allow time to confirm the address and any relevant access details.

The reminder is a prompt, not the gesture itself. Take a moment to decide what would be meaningful this year. Circumstances change, and the best way to show care may change with them. A useful system frees your attention for the personal part of the decision.

When budgets are tight, a memorable celebration can still be simple. Bring a favourite treat to share, organise a short walk together or write a card that recalls a particular moment. What matters is the care behind the choice, not how impressive it looks in a photograph. If several people want to contribute, agree on a comfortable amount and avoid pressure on anyone to spend.

For a distributed team, check time zones and delivery arrangements before making plans. A brief video call or a message sent at a suitable hour can help someone feel included without assuming that everyone can join the same event. Be mindful that personal addresses and dates should only be shared with permission.

Carry The Habit Beyond Birthdays

A culture of appreciation is built through ordinary interactions. Thank someone for a helpful introduction, recognise a colleague’s contribution in a meeting or check in with a friend without an agenda. These actions do not need to be public or performative to matter.

Ambition and consideration are not competing priorities. Taking time to celebrate the people around you can make the journey more rewarding, while reminding everyone that success is measured in relationships as well as results.

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Life

How to Improve Security in Doors and Windows

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A rugged male security consultant in a fitted black polo shirt and tactical pants confidently pressing his thumb against a sleek matte black biometric smart lock on a modern glass front door
Image Credit: Addicted2success

Keeping your home safe matters more than ever. With crime rates changing and home invasions becoming more common, many homeowners ask, “How can I keep my home secure?” Your doors and windows are the main entry points to your home and are key to your overall safety.

Whether you’re new to homeownership or want to improve your current security, boosting your door and window security can give you peace of mind. Here are some simple ways to make your home safer.

Strong Door Locks

Strong locks are essential for securing your doors. Deadbolts are recommended because they are reliable and hard to break. They require a key on both sides, making them harder for thieves to pick or force open. Choose locks that meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards.

Don’t forget the door frame. A solid wood or metal door with a reinforced frame makes it hard for intruders to break in. Adding strike plates can greatly increase door security.

Window Locks and Reinforcements

Windows can be easy targets if not properly secured. Most windows have basic locks that can be easily compromised. Invest in better-quality window locks that are harder to tamper with. You can also consider adding window bars or wrought iron grilles for extra security.

Another good option is installing window film. This thin layer helps keep the glass together if it breaks, making it harder for criminals to enter. Even if they break the glass, the window film can buy you time until help arrives or until you can react.

Keyless Entry Systems

Using keyless entry systems can improve your home security. These systems include keypad locks or smart locks that work with your smartphone. They are convenient and offer better security. You can easily manage access by changing codes or giving guests one-time codes.

For extra peace of mind, look for locks that allow remote monitoring. Many smart locks let you see who entered your home and when, which adds convenience and security, especially if you travel often.

Window Replacement

Window replacement San Diego is a great way to boost your home security. Modern double- or triple-pane windows are more energy-efficient and durable. They often come with better locking systems than older windows, which increases your home security.

New materials like impact-resistant glass can also withstand strong blows better than regular glass. This upgrade not only protects against break-ins but also helps your home stay safe during severe weather.

Outdoor Lighting

Proper outdoor lighting is important for your home security. Bright areas can deter intruders by removing dark spots where someone might hide. Motion-activated lights are especially effective because they turn on when needed, drawing attention from neighbours and increasing safety.

Use timers on your lights to make it look like someone is home when you’re away. Also, keep your landscaping trimmed back from windows and doors. This reduces hiding spots and makes break-ins more difficult.

Security Systems

A security system is one of the best ways to protect your home. Modern systems offer alarms, surveillance cameras, and smart home features. They can alert you in real time to suspicious activity, so you can respond quickly.

When choosing a security system, find one that fits your lifestyle. Some people prefer 24/7 monitoring, while others want to manage the system themselves. Having a security system shows potential intruders that your home is protected.

Neighbourhood Watch

Sometimes, community support is the best security. Working with your neighbours to create a neighbourhood watch makes everyone safer. When more people are watching, suspicious activities are more likely to be noticed.

Getting involved in your community improves safety and builds relationships, creating a more supportive neighbourhood. It benefits everyone while keeping you safe.

Making your doors and windows more secure is a smart way to protect your home. Strong locks, updated windows, and neighbourhood vigilance can all improve your safety. Simple changes can bring greater peace of mind.

Security Cameras

Installing security cameras around your home improves your safety. Cameras can discourage intruders and reduce the chance of break-ins. Choose high-definition cameras with night vision and motion detection to capture clear footage at all times.

Select models that let you access the camera feed through your smartphone, so you can monitor your property while you’re away. Also, let your neighbours know about the cameras or put up signs saying that cameras are in use. This can help prevent unwanted activity.

Home Security Audits

Regular home security audits help keep your home safe. Take time to look for vulnerabilities and areas that need improvement. Check that all doors and windows are secure. If not, get door and window replacement. Inspect your outdoor lighting, landscaping, and security system to make sure everything is functional. You might also want to hire a professional to review your security measures. An expert can offer advice and recommendations you may not have considered, helping you strengthen your security.

By installing security cameras and conducting regular audits, you can keep your home safe. These steps, along with strong locks and community awareness, create a solid approach to home safety.

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Life

How to Plan a Fun Birthday Party for Kids

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female founder standing in a backyard with a bouncing castle in the massive backyard balloons and a clown blowing balloons with kids in the background
Image Credit: Addicted2success

Planning a birthday party for kids can seem challenging. Parents often have to balance themes, activities, and many details while keeping the kids entertained. However, seeing the joy on their faces makes all the effort worthwhile. The goal is to create something special that your child and their friends will remember for years. With a bit of planning, you can create a fun atmosphere that suits kids’ interests.

To make the party memorable, think about everything from the location and decorations to snacks and entertainment. Each part helps create the right mood and keeps the young guests engaged. Here’s how to plan a great birthday party kids will enjoy!

Choose a Theme

Choosing a theme can add focus and excitement to your child’s party. Whether your child wants a superhero adventure, a princess fairy tale, or a fun sports party, a theme guides decorations, invitations, and activities. Encourage kids to dress up according to the theme, adding an interactive element that makes them feel included.

If your child has a favourite character or show, use that as your theme. You can include character cutouts, balloons, and tableware that match their interests. A theme not only creates a festive feel but also simplifies planning, since you can align everything around it.

Select the Venue

The party location can greatly affect how the day goes. A spacious backyard is a perfect place to set up decorations, tables, and activities. Public parks are also good options, especially if you want the kids to run around and enjoy being outside. Just remember to check if you need permits for certain areas or activities.

If you want something different, think about renting a local community center or an indoor play area. These places usually have tables and chairs and might even offer organized activities to keep the kids entertained.

Add Arcade Games

If the kids enjoy games, arcade game rentals can be a fantastic touch to the party. Picture a lively setup with classic arcade machines, bringing happiness for the kids and a sense of nostalgia for the parents. Kids can compete for high scores, challenge each other, and make new friends while playing.

Arcade machines not only entertain kids but also encourage them to interact with one another. It’s an exciting way to keep them engaged, take turns, and cheer for one another. This adds a bit of amusement park fun right to your party, making it truly unforgettable. Children will talk about the cool arcade setup for weeks!

Food and Drinks

Keep food simple and kid-friendly. Finger foods are a big hit, like mini sandwiches, fruit skewers, or fun-shaped cookies. Pizza is another favourite and can suit different dietary needs. Always check for allergies beforehand.

Offer colourful drinks. Options like fruit punch or themed beverages can match your party’s vibe. Consider setting up a DIY snack station where kids can create their own treats. This can be a fun activity that sparks their creativity.

Bouncy Castles

A bouncy castle rental is a great way to add fun! Renting one lets kids burn off energy while they laugh and play. Parents can relax knowing the kids are safe and having a good time. Bouncy castles come in different sizes and themes, so you can choose one that fits your party.

Be sure to supervise the activity closely. Designate an adult to watch the kids to help keep everyone safe. The joy of bouncing is hard to beat and can be a highlight of the event.

Activities and Games

Along with arcade games and a bouncy castle, add a few traditional games for variety. Classic games like treasure hunts, musical chairs, or relay races can create excitement. These games encourage friendly competition and can tie into your party theme. Small prizes for winners can make it even more thrilling.

You can also set up an arts-and-crafts table. Giving kids supplies to create their own art lets them make a fun keepsake to take home. It can also provide a calming activity when they need a break from the high-energy fun.

Favours and Thank Yous

As the party ends, send kids home with a goody bag. Fill these with small toys, candies, or items that match your party theme. It’s a nice way to thank them for coming and give them a memorable treat.

Planning a successful birthday party for kids means thinking about what they enjoy and organizing fun activities. From choosing a lively theme to including exciting rentals, every detail matters. The best part is seeing your child’s smile as they celebrate their special day with friends and family.

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Medical Records, Patient Timelines, And The Questions That Shape A Malpractice Claim

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An entrepreneur Woman filing her medical claim while she is on her laptop in the kitchen
Image Credit: Addicted2success

Key Takeaways

  • A dated timeline can make a complicated course of care easier to understand.
  • Records should be requested from every relevant doctor, hospital, clinic, laboratory, pharmacy, and insurer.
  • Symptoms, test results, treatment decisions, and follow-up instructions should be compared in sequence.
  • Missing information or conflicting notes may justify questions, but they do not establish fault by themselves.
  • Medical and legal review may be needed to assess the standard of care, causation, and applicable deadlines.

When medical care leads to a serious or unexpected outcome, the story can feel difficult to reconstruct. Appointments, tests, symptoms, phone calls, and follow-up instructions may be spread across several providers and systems. Before deciding whether a medical malpractice legal complaint may be appropriate, it helps to create an organized account based on dates and documents rather than memory alone. Careful record-gathering does not prove that a provider was negligent, and an unfavorable medical outcome does not automatically mean that malpractice occurred. It can, however, help a patient, a family member, a medical reviewer, or an attorney understand what happened, identify unanswered questions, and evaluate whether further review is warranted.

Why A Clear Timeline Matters

Memory is valuable, but it may not capture the full sequence of care, particularly during a medical emergency or long recovery. A timeline connects the first symptom or concern with later appointments, testing, treatment, worsening conditions, and follow-up care. It also separates confirmed events from personal impressions. For example, a patient may remember repeatedly reporting worsening pain, while the chart, portal messages, and imaging order can help show when those reports were made and what occurred afterward.

What Records And Documents To Gather

Begin broadly. Request records from each organization involved, rather than assuming that a single hospital file contains all relevant documents. Depending on the circumstances, useful materials may include:

  • Office notes, hospital records, emergency department records, and discharge instructions.
  • Laboratory reports, imaging reports, operative reports, and specialist consultations.
  • Medication lists, prescription histories, and pharmacy records.
  • Patient portal messages, appointment summaries, referral information, and call notes.
  • Billing statements, insurance explanations of benefits, and records of later treatment.
  • Work records or personal notes showing missed work, limitations, or changes in daily activities.

For many covered providers and health plans, federal privacy rules give patients important rights to inspect, review, and receive copies of their medical and billing records, subject to limited exceptions. The Department of Health and Human Services explains access to medical and billing records in practical terms. Rules involving minors, representatives, fees, and state law can affect a particular request.

How To Build A Patient Timeline

A timeline does not need legal or medical jargon. Use a document or notebook that preserves the original records separately. Create one entry for each meaningful event, beginning with the earliest symptom or concern.

  1. List the date, approximate time if known, location, and provider or facility.
  2. State why the visit, call, test, or prescription occurred.
  3. Record the symptoms or concerns reported at that point.
  4. Describe the test, advice, diagnosis, treatment, or next step documented.
  5. Note the result, including changes in symptoms or function after the event.
  6. Identify the record that supports the entry, such as a note, report, message, or bill.

Keep facts and observations distinct. “The portal message was sent on Tuesday” is a record-based fact. “The response felt delayed” is a personal observation that may still matter, but should be labeled as such.

Compare The Treatment Plan With What Happened

Review discharge papers, referrals, prescriptions, and follow-up instructions alongside the later timeline. Consider whether recommended testing was completed, whether referrals were made, whether medication was changed, and whether the patient received instructions about warning signs. A difference between the planned and actual paths may have a reasonable explanation. The question is not simply whether care changed, but why it changed and whether the records explain the decision.

How To Spot Gaps And Conflicts In Records

Some inconsistencies are routine documentation problems, while others may require clarification. Flag, but do not alter, entries involving different dates for the same event, symptom descriptions that conflict, missing results, unclear follow-up directions, medication lists that differ from pharmacy records, or late addenda to a note. Also note long periods without documented follow-up after a significant complaint. One missing page is not a conclusion. It is a question to investigate with the complete record.

Digital Records, Patient Portals, And Privacy

Electronic records can provide useful timestamps, test notifications, medication histories, and secure messages, but information may be distributed among separate health systems. Keeping a personal health record can help patients track records from multiple offices, hospitals, and pharmacies. MedlinePlus outlines the types of information people often include in a personal health record, including test dates, medication lists, major illnesses, and surgeries.

Protect Sensitive Information

  • Use secure portals or verified contact methods when requesting records.
  • Save copies in a password-protected or otherwise secure location.
  • Keep a log of what was requested, from whom, and when it arrived.
  • Avoid posting detailed health information or accusations on public social media.
  • Check documents before sharing them, especially if they contain information about another person.

Why Medical Review May Be Needed

Malpractice questions usually involve more than a poor outcome. A qualified reviewer may assess what information was available at the time, what care was provided, whether the care was consistent with the applicable professional standard, and whether an alleged error caused the injury. The review may support concerns, identify another explanation for the harm, or conclude that the care was reasonable under the circumstances. Multiple providers may also have participated in treatment, making a complete timeline especially important.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Writing on, highlighting, editing, or discarding original records.
  • Relying entirely on memory instead of pairing recollections with documents.
  • Leaving out later treatment that may explain the patient’s condition or recovery.
  • Assuming every clinician worked for the hospital where care occurred.
  • Sending records through unsecured email or other unprotected channels.
  • Waiting until a possible filing deadline is close before requesting documents.

Questions To Ask Before Taking Legal Action

  1. What was the first sign that the condition changed?
  2. Which provider first received that information?
  3. What testing, treatment, referral, or follow-up came next?
  4. What warning signs or return instructions were given?
  5. When did the condition become worse, and what care was then required?
  6. Which records support each important event?
  7. Are records missing, unclear, or inconsistent?
  8. How has the injury affected work, home life, and future medical needs?
  9. What deadlines may apply in the state where the claim would be evaluated?

Organized records cannot change what happened, but they can provide a clearer foundation for answering difficult questions. A calm, dated, document-based timeline is often more useful than a collection of disconnected notes. Preserve the records, protect private information, and seek advice early enough to account for applicable facts and deadlines.

Conclusion

Reconstructing a medical experience begins with gathering reliable records and arranging events in chronological order. A clear timeline can help patients and families understand how symptoms, test results, treatment decisions, and follow-up instructions unfolded across different providers. It can also reveal missing information or conflicting documentation that may need clarification. However, gaps in records or an unexpected outcome do not automatically establish medical negligence.

Determining whether malpractice occurred may require a qualified medical review, legal analysis, and an assessment of causation and applicable deadlines. By preserving original documents, protecting sensitive information, and carefully documenting questions, patients can create a stronger foundation for discussing their concerns with medical professionals or an attorney and deciding on appropriate next steps.

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