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Setting Some Time For Yourself

By Cheval John

Photo courtesy of 2nix.

Photo courtesy of 2nix.

This post is in response to Natalie Sisson’s question, “What One Thing You Do Each Day To Get More You Time This Year?” #paraphrased.

It is part of Natalie’s “15 Day To Freedom Blog Challenge”

The blog challenge is very close to being over, so if you still want to join, you can visit here.

However, you will have a really tough task of catching up.

People have different hobbies that allows them to relax and recharge from their work.

Whether it is going for a walk, spending time with their friends or even going to the rodeo, these activities will keep them from burning out.

The one thing I will do to get some me time is sightseeing at airports twice a month.

The reason is because it allows me to relax and enjoy the view of airplanes landing and taking off.

I love traveling because it allows me to experience new cultures and see how people live differently from the way you live in your hometown.

Sightseeing at airports is one way for me to see the possibilities of travel.

What is the one thing you will do each day to get more you time? You can leave your comments below.

Setting Deadlines For Your Goals

By Cheval John

Photo Courtesy of www.affirmationsforpositivethinking.com

Photo Courtesy of www.affirmationsforpositivethinking.com

This post is in response to Natalie Sisson’s question, “What Are Your Three Goals You Set To Achieve This Year.” paraphrased.

It is part of Natalie’s “15 Days To Freedom Blog Challenge.”

If you want to join in on her blog challenge, you can visit here.

Just to forewarn you, you will have to catch up with the rest of us because this is the 8th day of her blog challenge.

I will have to say that the top three goals I want to accomplish are attending the Podcast Movement 2015, publish two more books and speak at an event.

The first goal is really important because I missed out on the first ever Podcast Movement last year.

Hearing so much from top podcasters like Amy Schmittauer of Vlog Boss Studios on the event and how much they enjoyed it really lit a fire for me to make it to this year’s conference.

Plus, I missed out on the opportunity to meet Ms. Sisson and Jaime Tardy of Eventual Millionaire in person.

The both of them were part of a panel there.

This year, I am really determined to make Podcast Movement and connect with awesome people who are doing well with their podcast.

The event will be from July 31st-August 2.

The second goal, publishing two books will be done through Nina Amir’s Blogging A Book 30 day challenges that will be held in April and November. #paraphrased.

I honestly believe that this will allow me to stay accountable to my goals of writing a book and also use this website as a place to see if there is a market for a book.

The goal is to get the third book released by June 1st and the fourth book released by December 20th, God’s willing.

Third goal is to gain speaking engagements.

I have learned about the value of speaking engagements during a four-week self-publishing class taught by Kimanzi Constable and Jimmy Burgess this month.

I will be very honest, I am very terrified at speaking in front of people because I am an introvert.

I have given some class presentations during my years as an undergraduate student.

However, speaking in front of people is a whole different ball game.

So my goal is to gain some speaking engagements by May 1st.

Now that you have seen my three goals, I want to know what are the three goals you are going to fulfill this year?

You can leave your comments below.

Being A Problem-Solving Business

By Cheval John

Photo Courtesy of www.exchange.aaa.com

Photo Courtesy of www.exchange.aaa.com

Disclosure: I am an Amazon Affiliate so I make a commission for books recommended on their site. I only recommend books that I have read already.

This post is in response to Natalie Sisson’s question, “Identify Your Ideal Business Model” as part of her “15 Days To Freedom Blog Challenge.”

If you want to participate in Natalie’s challenge, you can visit her website right here.

Before the days of the internet, everyone who wanted to run a business had to set up shop in a strategic location in order to get customers.

They had to go through the process of filing for a particular type of business structure like an LLC, Corporation, etc.

And for those who had wanted to become a travel writer, they had to be based in New York City, one of the most expensive cities in the United States.

Now with the internet, anyone can run a business without having a physical location.

Of course, they still will have to create a business structure like an LLC, etc.

And those same travel writers can have their base of operations from anywhere in the world.

The only question is “How Will You Stand Out From The Crowd”

You could start out with building a website and have a blog integrated into the site using WordPress and start spreading your message.

Though I am a strong proponent for blogging, the blogosphere is overcrowded.

According to statista.com, in 2011 there were 173 million blogs.

That number has increased dramatically.

One option that will work for those who wants to stand out is having a podcast.

The reason is because there are about 300,000 podcasts in the world today and Apple released their Carplay system that will be in 50% of automobiles by the end of the year.

So if you are creating a podcast from New Zealand, then people who are either commuting to work, cleaning the house, etc. will be able to listen to your show.

So how does this relate to Natalie’s question.

If your podcast, blog, or YouTube channel are really good, you will attract sponsorships opportunities from brands who wants to get their products out to your audience.

Another way is that you can repurpose your information into webinars, books, workshops, etc.

Also, if you are an author of a best-selling book, then you can land speaking engagements that will help your business to flourish.

Even if your book is not a best-seller, just the fact that you have written a book and the cover design is outstanding will earn you respect from people who dream of writing a book.

Just make sure that you are providing valuable information and are focused on solving someone’s problem.

That should always be at the heart of any business.

So for me, my ideal business model is having an online business where it will allow me to travel the world and experience different cultures.

I have already written two books, have a podcast, and this website.

The only thing now is to become a travel writer because it will allow me to share with an audience about the different lifestyles of that culture.

What is the type of business you want to create that will give you the freedom to enjoy life? You can leave your comments below.

Organization Is The Best Way To Stay Productive

By Cheval John

Photo courtesy of www.lifehack.org

Photo courtesy of www.lifehack.org

This blog post is in response to the question Natalie Sisson asked in the third day of her 15-day blog challenge, “Which One Social Media Tool Will You Use To Be Productive.

If you want to join in on Natalie’s blog challenge, you can click on the link here

When you see athletes being successful at the highest level, you might wonder how they make it look easy.

Like Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, who is now the National Football League (NFL) all-time leading passer in touchdowns.

You might wonder “how does Mr. Manning make it look so easy to dissect the defense on a mostly consistent basis?

What many might not know is that Mr. Manning prepares everyday for his opponent by watching game-film of the different defense formations, shows up early for practice and leaves late.

Peyton is super organized and that is why he really successful at the NFL.

What can we learn from elite athletes like Peyton Manning?

For starters, it is very important to be really organized because our brains can be at a million places.

Dr. Melissa Gratias explains it in this video below that was produced by MBG Organizing Solutions

In addition, the most successful people take the time out to plan out their day with to-do list the night before so that they can be laser focus on the task at hand.

The point is that with different social media tools that can help us to be really productive, there is no excuse on to why you can’t be productive.

For example, Natalie uses social media tools like Asana, Google Drive and Evernote to remain really organized with her business.

And since I want to be more organized, which has been a challenge, I will aim to use a lot of social media tools that will help me to stay productive.

As for today, I will start using Evernote again because it allows you to put reminders on important to do list like write 1,000 words or listen to a podcast.

Also, the representative from Evernote, Cristina Riesen took the time out of her busy schedule to showcase her expertise on a Twitter chat called #bizheroes a couple days ago.

That showed me Evernote’s dedication to their customers and I believed that if many businesses go out of their way to be where their fans or customers is at on social media, they will gain some new customers in the process.

So if you want to increase your productivity, you must be very organized.

Once you are organized, you will increase your chances at being successful just like Peyton Manning and Natalie Sisson.

Which social media tools do you use to be highly productive? You can leave your comments below.

Daily Habits To A Productive Day

By Cheval John

Photo courtesy of www.livingtowin.com

Photo courtesy of www.livingtowin.com

This post will be a response to Natalie Sisson’s first of her 15 day blog challenge on “Detail Your Daily Success Plan.”

The way you start your morning determines the outcome for the rest of the day.

I will be honest, I have not remain consistent in waking up early and getting some work done because I have allowed myself to sleep in until at times 10 a.m.

I understand the benefits of waking up early as they have been pointed in many articles.

Articles like Dayna Steele’s “The Daily Success Tips” on how waking up early puts anyone ahead of their competition.

Another thing I try to do on a consistent basis is take a 30 minute walk and do some meditation because it always allow me to think clearly of ideas for blog posts and planning out the day.

One habit that I want to get back to is writing a gratitude journal because it is a huge reminder to remain grateful for everything that is happening.

My main goal is to fulfill the plans I laid out earlier this year and to continue to lift people up to make their lives better.