Dumb Little Man | Tips for Life

If all the punctuation marks got together for a party, the party wouldn't come alive until the comma arrived. The comma is such a versatile little animal. Often abused, under-used and over-used, the comma can be a readers best friend, but a writer's worst enemy.

Whilst the full stop is the red light to a sentence, the comma has the ability to keep the green light on a sentence for a long time. With its versatility it can keep complex sentences coherent, it can add additional information, add afterthoughts, and enlarge upon thoughts.

I bet you didn't think a little curl of a pen mark could evoke such passion.

I have been fascinated with the comma ever since an English teacher told me, 'The best way to use a comma is to think of it as a way of pausing before moving on to the next part of the sentence.', whilst this is a myth it is a good way to get started thinking about commas. However, there are so many other ways it can be used.

9 ways to use the comma

1. To glue two sentences together
   When two complete sentences (independent clauses) are joined by a conjunction such as the words; and, but, or for.
   
   Example:
   
   

   The post about commas seemed like an unusual topic, but it managed to bring in over 100 comments.

   
   You will see that the sentence above could quite easily be split into two sentences with the use of a full stop to read:
   
   

   The post about commas seemed like an unusual topic. It managed to bring in over 100 comments.



2. To give additional information
   Commas are great in allowing us to give additional information in a sentence. The additional information is called an appositive phrase, which is a noun or a phrase placed next to a word to provide identification or give additional information.
   
   Example:
   
   

   Jay White, the owner of this blog, is seen as an authoritative figure in the world of blogging.

   
   You will see that, 'the owner of this blog', is not really necessary, but it does provide additional information, which could be useful.


3. Writing a series of three or more words or phrases
   
   Example:
   
   

   He was tall, dark, and handsome.

   
   

   He opened the email, read it, and decided to publish the article he had been sent.

   
   Note that you do not need to use the last comma in each of the sentences above. However, this is a matter of personal preference. Whichever way you choose, use it as consistently as possible.


4. Non restrictive phrases
   Non restrictive phrases give additional information to a reader, but it is not essential to the sentence to be understood.
   
   Example:
   
   

   My son, who is an artist, enjoys listening to trance music.

   
   You'll see from the above sentence that if we were to take out 'who is an artist' the sentence would still hold. It is a non essential piece of information.
   
   However, if I had two or more sons, the non restrictive phrase 'who is an artist' would become essential for identification and therefore the commas would be left out because the phrase becomes essential to identify which of my two sons I was speaking about.


5. Demanding a pause
   This is what first got me interested in commas. I was told that if you feel you need to pause during a sentence, then insert a comma. Whilst not strictly true, we can still use it like a pause
   
   Example:
   
   

   Wherever you go in the world, travel light.

   
   It is important to note that all commas need a pause, but not all pauses need a comma.


6. Setting off direct quotations
   When you are presenting quoted speech in a piece of work, you will need to insert a comma before the beginning quotation mark.
   
   Example:
   
   

   Oscar Wilde said, “Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination.”

   
   Commas are also used if the speech is broken within a sentence.
   
   Example:
   
   

   "A true Blogger", said Steve, "is one who blogs!"



7. After conjunctive adverbs
   Conjunctive adverbs are adverbs that act as a transition between complete ideas, remember that adverbs tweak the meaning of verbs, adjectives and other adverbs.
   
   Example:
   
   

   "Nothing can be unconditional; consequently, nothing can be free."
   (George Bernard Shaw)

   
   Using the example above you might notice that a semicolon has been introduced. This is usually the case when a conjunctive adverb is used between two clauses.
   
   You may also notice that the comma can be omitted when conjunctive adverbs are used. This, again, is a personal preference.
   
   Here are some example of conjunctive adverbs:
   
   accordingly, also, besides, consequently, conversely, finally, furthermore, hence, however, indeed, instead, likewise, meanwhile, moreover, nevertheless, next, nonetheless, otherwise, similarly, still, subsequently, then, therefore, and thus.


8. Set off a direct address
   Use a comma to separate the name of someone who is being addressed from the message.
   
   Example:
   
   

   Brian, you are my favorite copywriter.



9. Parenthetical phrases
   This simply means using commas instead of using parenthesis, which are phrases in brackets.
   
   Example:
   
   

   Great blunders are often made, like large ropes, of a multitude of fibres - Victor Hugo

   
   You see from the example above it could just as easily read like:
   
   

   Great blunders are often made (like large ropes) of a multitude of fibres.

When not to use commas
We have looked at places where commas should be used. However, commas will always be used in the wrong places too, so here are a few places where commas should not be used.

• Do not use a comma between two independent clauses, such as;
  
  

  Writing great headlines is one way to catch the readers attention, advertising is one way to monetize your blog.

  
  When we say independent clause we really mean sentences that have no real link to each other. However, we can link two independent clauses with a conjunctive word ( and, but, or, nor, for, etc.) So the sentence above would read:
  
  

  Writing great headlines is one way to catch the readers attention, and advertising is one way to monetize your blog.



• Do not use commas to separate a noun and its modifying adjectives when the adjectives come before the noun.
  
  

  The shiny black, car was a Ford. (shiny black (adjectives) and car (noun))

  
  Just look at the sentence above we know, instinctively, that it is wrong and it should be:
  
  

  The shiny black car was a Ford.



• Do not separate subject and verb by a comma
  
  

  The readers of this blog, leave a lot of comments.

  
  The comma between 'readers' (subject) and 'leave' (verb) should have no comma and should read like:
  
  

  The readers of this blog leave a lot of comments.

Conclusion
Commas can be complex sometimes, but using the examples above should keep you on the right track to knowing when and where to use commas.

If you find any comma mistakes in this article, they were obviously put there to test you, so please tell us when you find them.

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I don’t want to be too cheeky, but let’s face it – chances are you’re looking to lose a few pounds. You can admit it you know. I won’t tell anyone. And besides, who isn't? Most of us are in the same boat, or have been at some stage. This so-called epidemic is no surprise, if you think about it. After all, it’s been a long while since the days when we had to hunt for our food and occasionally go without. In fact, the situation now is pretty much the exact opposite of those caveman days. Wherever you look, there’s food. On every corner abound temptations and treats. And it seems that just about every event you attend offers up endless amounts of the stuff. You just can’t get away.

And whether you’re someone who simply likes to indulge in good food or whether you’re doing your best to cut back but just never quite seem to fill up, I think I can help.

The truth is that there are certain approaches to eating that you may not have come across – ways to feel fuller and more energized by eating less food. Even better, there are a several very particular types of food that are actually designed to satisfy with just a small amount. I’m sure you can already think of one or two of these, but let me refresh your memory. Rest assured – eating for weight loss and for health doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck chowing down on nothing but raw veg or salad and whole-grains all day long. Quite the contrary …

1. Include Smart Fats At Every Meal.
   It’s true that each gram of fat has around 9 calories, compared to 4 for each gram of carbohydrates or protein. But who said that’s a bad thing? When you choose good fats, not only does this dense amount of energy keep you feeling full for longer, you can actually boost your metabolism and spark endless bouts of energy. Talk about a recipe for success!
   
   The smartest fats for satiety and metabolism are those that include some essential Omega 3, such as grass-fed rich proteins, eggs, walnuts and oily fish. Coconut oil is also a wonderful fat for burning fat and providing satisfaction, and avocado or extra virgin olive oil in just small amounts will definitely turn an ordinary salad or meal into a belly-filling delight.


2. Don’t Forget The Power Of Protein
   One of the best things about protein is that despite its low calorie per gram rating, it’s extremely energy-dense. This means it fills you up and keeps you full. In fact, protein is even said to trigger the satiety hormone PYY. And it doesn’t take much.
   
   For example, if you usually choose a protein-free breakfast such as cereal, oats, fruit or yogurt (okay that has a little protein, but not much), and you find yourself hungry again after just an hour or two, then try simply adding a boiled egg to your morning meal. You’ll be amazed how something so simple can allow you to easily keep going through even the busiest and most active of mornings. The same rule applies for lunch, for dinner, and even for snacks (nuts or organic dairy are both good here) if possible.
   
   While many people eat protein in the evening, lunch can often be more sandwich or salad based. Nothing wrong with that, but you can make it last longer simply by adding some fresh fish, some chicken or beef strips, or even another egg to your meal. And that’s far better than being overtaken by hunger pangs later in the afternoon and giving in to candy!


3. Choose Organic Whenever Possible
   According to this article organic food is significantly higher in minerals and antioxidants than conventional produce – up to 60% in fact. And sure, there are no doubt a myriad of studies stating that organic is no better than supermarket fare but I simply don’t buy it. Not least because the proof is quite evident in the taste of organic food. If you’ve ever compared an organic banana or papaya to its conventional cousin you’ll know what I mean. It just tastes more real, doesn’t it? And when it comes to satisfaction, it’s not about the quantity of food you eat, it’s about the nutritional value of that food.
   
   Food higher in vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants fills you up more. This explains in part why we’re capable of working our way through an entire packet of cookies and still not feeling satisfied, despite being more than full. Choose organic or free-range foods and you just may find yourself eating less and losing that urge to sneak extras in between meals.


4. Eggs – Nature’s True Wonder Food
   Many health experts consider eggs to be one of nature’s only truly whole foods. A free-range or organic egg is high in essential omega-3 fatty acids which are crucial for metabolic function, energy, and mental focus. Make sure you eat the whole egg – it’s the yolk that contains the good cholesterol, the greatest amount of omega-3, and over 6 grams of pure belly-filling protein. Another thing that makes eggs unbeatable (no pun intended!) – they’re easy to pack and eat on the go. I often hard-boil a couple the at night if I know I have a busy day coming up.


5. Healthy Junk Food
   If you’re going to choose something that you know to be unhealthy, why not be smart about it? Chocolate-based candies, for example, are a smarter choice than purely sugar-based – the fat and small amount of protein in the chocolate will minimize the sugar high and result in a lesser insulin response. Chocolate-based candies with nuts in them are even better – at least the nut constitutes a ‘real’ food. And if you can go so far as to choose dark chocolate with nuts, well – that’s almost healthy!
   
   A similar rule applies to savory snacks. As odd as it sounds, it makes far more sense from a health point of view to enjoy meals that are digested slower, lower the glycemic index of the meal and thus leave you feeling full for longer due to the inclusion of cheese, cream or some other form of natural fat. For example, choose a lightly-creamed pasta over a tomato based pasta, don’t hold all the cheese on your pizza, and be sure to add a teaspoon or two of real butter to that mashed potato.


6. Are You Getting Enough Water?
   There’s evidence to show that those pangs of hunger could be nothing more than a cry for water. Unfortunately, your body won’t tell you in advance that you’re becoming dehydrated – once you get that urgent thirst you’re actually already well and truly dry on the inside. Considering that even very mild dehydration can impair mental function and focus, I’d say this is a pretty serious situation.
   
   If you find yourself often hungry before meals and know that you’re not honestly drinking adequate water, try upping your intake for at least a week. Aside from a short-term need for more bathroom breaks (don’t worry, you will adapt) you might just find that it’s not always food your body is cravings.


7. Nuts And Seeds
   This just comes back to smart snacking. The best part being that nuts and seeds are extremely yummy! Aside from that, they’re an excellent source of protein, of fat, and of low-GI carbohydrate, and walnuts and Brazil nuts even contain omega-3. These factors combine to mean that just a small handful can easily tide you over in that long gap between lunch, overtime, and dinner.
   
   While fruit is fine for an afternoon snack, it can result in a sudden energy-high followed by increased hunger. Add some (raw) nuts and seeds to the mix and you’ll feel fueled for hours. As far as I can see, there’s only one catch here – it’s hard to stop at just a handful! I get around this by bringing only small containers of nuts out with me each day. If I keep a huge packet with me there’s nothing that will stop me eating them all, and while it definitely fills me up, it does add up to a lot of energy that needs burning off.


8. Belly-lining Sauces And Gravies
   Many pre-bottled or pre-prepared sauces and gravies are little more than sugar, cheap oils and synthetic chemicals. For this reason I encourage my clients to avoid them and make their own sauces from scratch. Sure, it takes a little more time but isn’t your time better spent preparing healthy sustenance rather than frequent snack-trips to the corner store? Satisfying and healthy stir-fry sauces can be based in simple herbs and spices like chili, ginger and garlic, and added to either coconut milk or raw honey and peanut butter. Pretty easy – and delicious. If gravy is your thing, don’t be afraid to use a gravy powder but be sure to add the blood and juices from your meat or you may be missing out on vital nutrients.


9. Slow Down That Chewing
   This might be the simplest but most effective technique that I can share with you. Did you know that people who eat too fast tend to overeat at every meal and have a higher likelihood of weight problems? If eating on the go is a habit of yours then you’re most likely setting yourself up for failure in this area. It really does pay to take at least 10 minutes to focus solely on your food. Hey, you might even taste it. And that advice your Mom used to give you about chewing 60 times before swallowing? Not such a bad idea.
   
   To obtain true nutrition and satisfaction aim to chew it up to the point where you can actually drink your food. This might take you a few weeks to get the hang of but be sure to persevere.


10. Choose Foods You Instinctively Crave
    Sometimes all the rules and logic in the world mean nothing at all if you simply have an urge that can’t be shaken. And it might be that your mind and belly are 100% set on something that you know is only going to provide a few minutes pleasure before throwing your energy and hunger all over the place. But you know what? Sometimes that’s okay. After all, life can’t all be about following the rules. And if you just can’t get that tasty treat off your mind day after day then it might be time to give in. The key, of course, is to enjoy those foods in moderation. With that in mind, I’m off to enjoy a white chocolate Magnum. Organic protein-breakfast tomorrow of course!

Have your say – do you have any tricks or tips to share that I might have missed when it comes to lasting satisfaction from less food?

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So you want to make a great impression at work, this article offers you five great ways to do so. However, this article is not only about making a great impression; it’s also about embodying that impression. By simultaneously using the five keys below, you will not only get noticed as a top-notch employee, but you will actually become a better employee and/or boss.

Making a great impression on the job is both an important and worthy goal. Why is it so important? Because companies and bosses will usually promote, help, and retain employees who make favorable impressions.

Here are five ways that you can make a great impression at work:

1. Come Early or Leave Late
   Try to consistently arrive at work 15 minutes early, or leave 15 minutes late. What are the benefits? You will have more time to accomplish more work. In addition, people will actually begin to believe that you’re a hard worker.
   
   People who work just a little later, or come in just a little earlier, are perceived to be more dedicated, loyal and concerned (even if they’re not); perception really is reality. Working just a few minutes more a day sends a silent positive message to all of your co-workers that you’re a dedicated employee.
   
   “Everything you do sends a message.”
   
   Just an additional 15 minutes is often enough to make you the first person to arrive in your department, or the last person to leave. With this additional time you can organize your day, or plan your tomorrow.When trying to make a great impression at work, this is a great first tip as long as you use the extra time productively.


2. Dress to Impress Everyday
   Image is everything; people see who you are before they hear who you are. People in general, right or wrong, assign more positive traits to a person who has a neat and clean appearance than a person who has a sloppy appearance. People who dress to impress are assumed to more intelligent, astute, and judicious (even if they’re not).
   
   It’s important that you “package” yourself for where you want to go. If you’re trying to become a manager in your department, and all of the manager’s where sports coats or pantsuits, then you should probably do the same. Give the impression that you’re already “one of them,” and you’re just being underpaid.
   
   In addition, dressing your best helps you to feel your best, and when you feel your best, you will perform at your best.


3. Keep an Organized To-Do List and Office
   Always keep “order” around everything you do. Order means the accurate arrangement of things.
   
   Organize your “to-do” lists in a way that gives your most important task your greatest and best attention. Let your employer know that you’re organized and that you always prioritize. An organized and prioritized “to-do” lists will help ensure that you never miss a meeting, task, or deadline.
   
   In addition, be sure to keep your office tidy (but not so tidy that it looks like you’re not busy). An organized desk represents an organized person. A messy desk represents…well, you know. Keep your area presentable, this will go along way in giving you a great impression at work. Remember, everything you do, sends a message.


4. Get Educated
   What certifications and degrees do the supervisors and managers have where you’re employed? Find out how you can get those same certifications; some certifications are relatively easy to attain, I recommend you get those first.
   
   You’ll have to go back to school in order to get a degree, but if you’re looking to move forward it’s best to strategically position yourself sooner rather than later.
   
   Once again, the more certifications and degrees you have the more intelligent you will be perceived, so if you want to make a great impression and increase your chances of getting promoted, be sure to get educated.


5. Become the Boss's Right-Hand Man/Woman
   Every boss wants a protégé, or at least an assistant. Try to become the right-hand man or woman; find out what your boss needs and wants. No, I am not talking about getting coffee, I'm talking about the needs they may have as it pertains to the business. If they need a strategic thinker, try to be one, etc.
   
   You will only be rewarded in this life for the problems that you solve for others. Discover the “work related problems” your boss is encountering and come up with ways to solve those problems.
   
   These problems could be quite simplistic, but determine to make your boss’s job easier. Even if you’re an executive, with a high six-figure salary, if your boss needs a “copy” of a document, and you’re the only one around, it’s probably a good idea to help him or her out.
   
   Get involved in special projects, go outside of your basic job responsibilities and make a difference in your group or department. Leaders are always needed; find out how you can make a difference. Be the change you want to see on your job.


6. Special Bonus: Be Positive
   Your attitude really does determine your altitude. People like hanging around positive, high-energy individuals, so be sure to always see the glass as half-full, this will certainly benefit you on your job.

In conclusion, be sure to implement the steps above, they will not only help you make a great impression, but they will help you be your best.

Finally, don’t wait for someone to come tap-you-on-your-shoulder and tell you that it’s time for you to be promoted, decide to take charge of your career, let people know what your plans are, find out the requirements needed to get where you’re going, get others involved in helping you attain these requirements, and soon you will be on your way to being where you want to be.

Success comes to those who plan it, so plan your success today. Thank you for reading, and please feel free to add some additional tips below.

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Life coaches aren't just for celebrities nowadays: lots of regular Joes like you and me have worked with, or are thinking about hiring, a coach. It's true that a good, experienced life coach can help you turn your life around – whether you want to improve your health, switch career or even overcome phobias.

However, many of us (me included!) can't afford to pay for life coaching. Should we resign ourselves to sitting on the sidelines, watching friends and colleagues forge on ahead, with their life coaches cheering them on? We could throw our hands up in the air and say, "Well, I'd be that successful too, if I could afford to pay someone to help me."

We don't need to miss out. There are ways to get many of the benefits of life coaching ... even when you're broke.

1. Set Aside an Hour a Week
   One of the reasons that people benefit from life coaching is because they've blocked out (and paid for!) time which will be used in serious thought about their goals, dreams, ambitions and problem areas. Typically, life coaches will work with a client for an hour each week.
   
   There's absolutely nothing stopping you from blocking out an hour in your diary, every Sunday afternoon (or whatever time you pick). I know you're probably thinking "I'm too busy" or "But what if something comes up?" If you make a genuine commitment to yourself that you'll keep that hour-long appointment, the time will be there!
   
   There are 168 hours in a week. Surely you can invest just one of those in your own personal development!
   


2. Try Some Self-Coaching Techniques
   Although you're (probably!) not a trained coach, there are some techniques you can use to help yourself get clarity and perspective about your life, and find solutions to your problems. These are a few to try:
   
   • Timed Writing
     Set a timer for five minutes. Write down a problem or issue in your life (eg. relationships). Now write, without stopping or editing, about things you could do to overcome that problem. Put down everything that comes into your head, even if it seems silly.
     
   
   
   • Question and Answer
     This is another writing exercise. Ask yourself a question, then write the answer. Keep asking questions if you think something isn't fully explained. Imagine the questioner as a very close friend, or as the person you'd like to become.
     If you're not sure what to ask yourself, try these questions:
     
     
     
     • What would make your life better right now?
       
     • Where are you going forwards in your life at the moment?
       
     • Where do you feel stuck?
   • Meditation
     Lots of people have preconceptions about meditation. It doesn't have to be new-agey or spiritualist – meditation is just a way of quietening your mind. It's one of the best ways to reduce stress, and meditating at the start of your hour-long session can help you to get into a calm, focused frame of mind.
     If you're anything like me, you'll find that Meditation Techniques for the Busy and Impatient is a must read!
3. Work Through a Blog Post, Book or Program
   Many life coaches, motivational speakers and other big shots in the personal development field have written books or produced programs that can literally turn your life around. There's a but coming, though ... you have to actually take some action.
   
   How often have you bought or borrowed books, read them, enjoyed them ... but failed to change anything about your life? I love reading, and I'm too prone to rushing through books when I need to take the time to actually implement their advice.
   
   Pick up one of the books you've read, or get hold of a good one (How to be Rich and Happy by life coach Tim Brownson and best-selling author John P Strelecky is the next on my list to work through). Spend your hour a week – or more time if you can – working through slowly, chapter by chapter. Many books will offer exercises for you to complete at the end of each chapter: try not to skip or ignore these!


4. Be Kind to Yourself
   Finally, one of the best ways to be your own life coach is to learn to be kind to yourself. Many of us have a very critical little voice in our heads that berates us for making mistakes, getting things wrong and sometimes falling short of the mark ... in short, being human!
   
   When you're tempted to judge yourself harshly, stop and think how a life coach would respond. Perhaps they'd remind you of the progress you have made, and perhaps they'd help you to look at the reasons why things went wrong.

What could you do to be your own coach? Have you got any tips to add to this article? I'd love to hear them in the comments!

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I'm going to start off by being very honest, I'm currently broke. I was expecting to get a scholarship that I didn't get, went on a trip that I probably shouldn't have gone on, and bought a certain someone special a present I couldn't afford. That's $4k in the hole, and no regrets, but a bit of a mess to clean up after.

I'm proactively trying to get myself out of the hole before I start dental school next year (see update). Once I start, I'll be about $70K-$90K in the hole per year, so it won't really matter, but it matters now. My goal is to get my credit card paid off, save up a small emergency fund, and establish a few passive streams of income before school starts and I'm a slave with no spare time.

I'll get into a couple of ways I'm earning money right now, but the general point is that self-improvement doesn't have to stop just because you're broke as a joke. Some ways to improve yourself are free, some are cheap, and some actually earn you money!

1. Talk is cheap.
   Actually talk can be worth anywhere from a few cents a minute on skype to free if you're face to face. Being broke is a perfect opportunity to work on your relationships. You don't have to take your friend, or romantic interest on a super expensive date, you can do something simple like get to know what they're really about and what's going on with them. People like nothing more than to talk about themselves, and they're willing to pay professionals a lot of money to just listen to them, so you could be delivering a lot of value to your friends for free!
   


2. Exercise burns.
   Exercise burns your calories, but it doesn't have to burn your wallet. You can invest in a $30 pair of cross-training sneakers, which can last you awhile if you don't run through swamps and they're practical for several sports. I maintain a really good deal at Bally's for $15 a month for life (after paying $60/month for 3 years awhile ago), so I don't see myself canceling that. However, you can create a 30-minute morning routine without any weight, using just kalesthetics, and maintain a healthy lifestyle for nothing.


3. Bottle it.
   Invest a couple of bucks towards a large waterbottle, or reuse a plastic one you bought earlier, and fill it up with filter/tap water. Drink nothing but the water, avoiding alcohol and coffees which dehydrate you, make you fat, and add up in cash-money if you're a consistent consumer. It's a great way to keep your organs optimally hydrated while saving a lot of money.
   


4. Explore.
   Find areas around your house, such as local parks and landmarks that you can go to for free. You're out there getting your daily walk, taking in the fresh air, and paying nothing to enjoy mother nature. This is a great way to spend time alone, with a friend, or to get to know a special someone. You'll be surprised how much 30 minutes of walking can improve your overall health, focus, and feelings of well-being. I actually journaled how I felt for 30 straight days of 30 minute walks and it was enlightening to see the full progress after the 30 days.
   


5. Reading is free.
   That's a big statement to make considering I have shelves and shelves worth of self-improvement books in my room that have a combined cost of hundreds of dollars. However, there's always the library that has a large selection of great books and audio tapes that I like to frequent. Return books on time and it doesn't cost you a penny.
   


6. Work on skills and talents.
   Some skills and talents are quite expensive to indulge in. Painting requires expensive utensils, racing requires fuel, singing may require instruments or recording equipment. Other skills can be worked on while saving or earning you money. Want to practice social skills? Work at a nightclub on weekends. Want to improve your cooking skills? Volunteer to cook at an elderly people's home in your spare time. Use your imagination and find a creative outlet that works for you.
   


7. Cook your own.
   The best way to get healthy food into your system is to cook that food, instead of eating out at a restaurant. Find a cheap place, such as a farmers market, to purchase fruits and vegetables. Make these the cornerstones of your meals, taking up at least 90% of your caloric intake. You'll save money, you'll fill yourself with nutritious food, and you'll be able to impress friends or a date with a frugal meal that you created with your own hands instead of spending money on restaurants.
   


8. Character development.
   Use this opportunity to do some journaling and introspection. Decide what kind of person you want to be, with what kind of virtues and ethics. Decide how you want to be seen by people, and how you would like to treat others. Create a list of rules that you will not budge from which will slowly but surely take you towards your goals.
   


9. Volunteer.
   This can be a very fulfilling way to pass time while meeting some kindhearted and down to earth people. You're actively spending time improving the quality of someone's life while absorbing joy from the experience. Wow, what a great deal. They should start charging to volunteer. In my case I'm volunteering/interning twice a week at one of the dental schools I applied to. There's no doubt that I'm helping them out there but I'm also learning a lot and most importantly networking with great contacts.
   


10. Writing Pays.
    Invest a little bit of money into a personal website. You don't have to pay more than $3-5 per month, and you can find a free theme to use. Either create a blog about something you're passionate about, or use it as a portfolio of your writing. Survey all the websites that write about topics you would be interested in, and start submitting your writing. Unleashing you're creativity through the process of writing is an excellent way to improve your train of thought.

I'm pretty much doing all 10 of these, and more, to the best of my abilities. It might not be the best situation and having to say no when your friends go out somewhere expensive isn't fun, but it's what needs to be done. I might not have always done this, but I know for a fact that the best way to see the big plus on your balance sheet is to live below your means and building positive habits should begin with as little as $1 to our name.

Alex

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