5 Tips on Working From Home

1. Create a designated work space - Step away from the bed. Tempting, I know, but you'll never get your work done if you're in that comfy cloud. If you have space for a home office, go for it. It doesn't have to be that grand though. A simple table and chair in your living room or your kitchen table will do. The key is to get into the routine of working in the same spot. 

2. Set hours - It is easy to lose track of time with your new freedom. You can start the day when you want (YES!), but next thing you know it is 6pm and you have only completed one thing off your to-do list. Set working hours and stay focused. You'll be able to get more done than you normally would in an office since you don't have coworkers interrupting you every five minutes. 

3. Get outside - Sure, working alone does wonders for your focus. It can also break you. Let's be honest, working from home can be lonely. Make it a point to get outside at least once a day. Schedule in little breaks, whether it is going to your favorite coffee shop or going for a walk. You'll come back to your work refreshed and more focused. 

4. Follow a to-do list  - With the freedom to make your own schedule, it is easy to get lost in the day. Make a list of what you need to accomplish everyday. Next, prioritize your tasks. What is the most important thing you have to accomplish today? If you are stuck, go with the task you are least interested in doing. You'll get it out of the way and won't spend the rest of your day coming up with excuses not to complete it. 

5. Set goals and keep them visible - This is a big one. With no one popping their head into your office asking on the status of projects, it is easy to lose sight of what you are working towards. Write down your goals and get specific. Keep them in sight of your working space so you are constantly reminded of what you are working for. 

5 Things Successful People NEVER Do

Success. Everyone wants it, but few are willing to put in the effort to get it. With successful people, what they do not do is just as important as what they actually do. Watch what successful people. Follow their habits. Want to be like them? Here are a few things successful people never do. 

1. Ignore their fears. Change doesn't come from your comfort zone. You need to tackle your fears head on and take control. 

2. Regret mistakes. Successful people do not dwell on their mistakes. They use it as an opportunity to learn a lesson. 

3. Quit. No matter how hard something is, they are all in. Quitting is not an option. 

4. Pull all-nighters. They do not partake in the glorification of being busy. Pulling constant late nights at the office wears you down. You are not as sharp and have trouble remembering information. 

5. Interrupt. Successful people truly listen when someone is talking. They listen to hear, not to respond. When you interrupt someone, it shows you are not listening to them, rather you are thinking about what you want to say. 

Instagram's Sneaky Privacy Update

Instagram recently made an update that you probably aren't aware of. You used to be able to browse Instagram without anyone know when you were online, unlike some social media platforms (looking at you, Facebook). Gone are those days, unless you change your privacy settings. 

Instagram has now released a "Last Active" update. This feature can be seen in your Direct Messages. A time stamp appears in your message and shows when you last used the app.  In addition to this, Instagram automatically enabled the "Last Active" update when they rolled it out. Luckily, there is a way to disable this feature. 

Profile - Options - Scroll down to Show Activity Status - Disable

Once you disable your activity status, you will no longer be able to see other's activity either. 

Now you can go back to scrolling on Instagram and avoiding those DMs without being called out. 

10 Ways to Encourage Personal Growth

Personal Growth is anything that improves your life. You do not need to do anything drastic. Instead, focus on small tasks to help you transition to your best life. Here are 10 ways to help you start your personal growth journey. 

1 Be grateful

2. Help others

3. Simplify your life

4. Get out in nature

5. Practice self-awareness

6. Pursue a hobby you enjoy

7. Read inspirational books daily

8. Remove toxic people from your life

9. Take care of your body, mind, and soul

10. Step away from social media and television

Why Your Follower Count Doesn't Matter

Remember when social media was just about fun posting and informing your followers on what was going on with you? Long gone are those days. Somewhere along the line, everyone became obsessed with how many followers they had. It has only been fueled by the programs that allow you to buy followers. But here's the thing - they aren't going to help your business. 

This is one of the most misunderstood elements of social media. Your follower count does not matter. You could have 10,000 followers but if most of them are spam or not your target client,  what's the point?  

So, what DOES matter?

How many of your followers are your ideal client. 

What good are your 10,000 followers if only 200 are people who are actually interested in your product/service? Your ideal client is actually reading your posts and watching what you are doing. The others? Not interested. 

It can be easy to be caught up in the follower number game, but do yourself a favor. Ignore it. Focus on providing content that your target audience will love and connect with. If you do so, your business will reap the benefits.