Five Secrets Fulfilled People Use Everyday

Are there real tricks to becoming fulfilled in life? You bet. My research and that of others suggests that there are key street-smart actions that those who are most fulfilled use every day in their professional and personal lives. I interviewed over 100 successful people---some who were fulfilled and others who were not---to understand why success does not always bring about fulfillment. There was amazing convergence around several things that fulfilled people do at work and home. Here are the top five:

1. Have strong values—and stick with them. Does your work environment, family and friends allow you to behave consistent with your values? Having to behave contrary with your values can be debilitating.

2. Practice resilience. The ability to face adversity and bounce back. One part of resilience is having grit, a firmness of character, or as psychologist Angela Duckworth describes it based on her studies, the “perseverance and passion for long-term goals.” It was a rare person who could pursue their long-term goals without setbacks in their lives---divorces, failed promotions, cancer, family members coming off the rails. Many people who I knew to be successful in their professional lives had many hidden stories of failures and bounce backs. They used a variety of approaches to get around those adversities that you can borrow in your own life, such as building a great support network of friends, or family that can support you as you plough through challenges. Those who had developed mentors found them particularly helpful. Some dug deep into their long-term vision or spirituality to help them overcome setbacks. We all have setbacks, it’s how you get up that makes the difference.

3. Take risks. A really interesting finding in my research is the quantity of people who either took risks and vouched that those risks stretched them and enabled them to reach new heights, or those who regretted not taking more risks. It appears that wisdom brings with it perspective. What appeared to be huge risks to many when they were young, now seems insignificant in hindsight. Although hindsight is often 20-20, it would be too easy to dismiss this advice simply as sages looking through the rear view mirror. Instead, many felt so strongly about this that they have gone overboard in encouraging their children to take more risks. This is one of the most difficult lessons in the art of fulfillment, but you can help yourself by have a longer term vision, with many intermediate lighthouse goals along the way—stepping stones—that allow you to see the big picture. Imminent risks are often much less threatening when viewing the big picture. Another key is talking to those who have faced those risks before, often providing sage advice that allows one to reduce the fear and anxiety that comes with perceived risk.

4. Find a good network. One of the most frequent pieces of advice among our sages was taking time to build networks. One out-of-work pharmaceutical executive told me that the only time he networks is when he is out of work, lamenting that he has not learned from past mistakes. It takes so much longer to reconnect with people and build trust, he shared. This is an increasing challenge to those who are overloaded at work today. Many interviewees commented that time pressures reduced their attendance at meetings outside work, limited hobby and family time, and reduced the time to simply keep up with friends and professional colleagues on Facebook or Linked-In. Most realized that having a good network is a key skill, particularly in the world we live in where networks and connections are increasing key to scoring the next great job, or finding a life partner or getting into the right school. If you are not building your network continuously, you are falling behind.

5. Give back. An often forgotten element that brought fulfillment to many was giving back. Sharing your skills and experiences with others can bring an incredible sense of fulfillment when you see what it can do for others. I began volunteering for not-for-profits later in life and I can attest that it has been one of the most rewarding experiences. One group I encountered during my investigations was Rosie’s kids—a program to help inner city kids go ahead in life by teaching them stage skills—dancing and singings their hearts away. I first heard the backstory of so many of the disadvantaged kids---crack houses, abusive parent, abandoned, homeless---and then I saw these kids performing with huge smiles on their faces—and one child summed it up for me when I spoke with him at the end. He said that he was excited about his future—his chances. And with a tear in my eye, I realized that one of our greatest sources of fulfillment is enabled others to become fulfilled.

Take a moment to think about your own fulfillment. Do you have a vision, are you taking enough risks, have you built the networks to help you during difficult setbacks, and are you giving back to others more in need? Try it. I think you will find yourself more fulfilled.

William A. Schiemann, Ph.D. is CEO of Metrus Group. He is a thought leader in human resources, employee engagement, and fulfillment and author of Fulfilled! Critical Choices – Work, Home, Life, scheduled to be released October 1, 2016. For more information follow Dr. Schiemann on Twitter, @wschiemann and connect with him on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/wmschiemann.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Skin Hydrated

Your skin is your largest organ, and many people start to pay attention to taking care of it only when a problem arises. Whether it’s acne, dry skin, blotches, or wrinkles, there are things that should be done regularly to take care of your skin, starting with making sure to keep it well hydrated. Keeping the skin hydrated will go a long way toward helping to have healthy-looking skin that glows and feels great.

“Skin needs to be well hydrated, and most people are just not doing enough to make sure that happens,” explains Katherine Goldman, celebrity esthetician/waxologist and owner of the Stript Wax Bar. “There are numerous things you can do to keep skin hydrated, so doing them regularly should be everyone’s mission.”

Hydration is important for having healthy, clear skin because dehydrated skin lacks water, making it appear dull and dry. While hydrated skin appears soft, it will not stay that way without having natural oils in balance to protect the skin and keep it hydrated by reducing evaporation and water loss. Here are 5 tips for keeping your skin hydrated:

Drink water. Getting enough water is a good way to help with keeping skin hydrated from the inside out. Drink eight glasses of water per day so that your largest organ gets the fluids that it needs to stay soft and supple, and keep from being dry and rough.

Moisturize properly. Dry skin lacks oil and needs to be moisturized. Hydration can come externally through products that act as "humectants." Humectants are products that draw and attract water molecules to the skin. A wonderful ingredient to look for in products is hyaluronic acid. This draws and attracts water molecules 1000 times its weight and infuses it into the skin. Moisturizing the skin typically comes in the form of a cream, serum, or lotion and adds needed moisture, vitamins, oils and nutrients to the skin.

Add fruits and herbs. Foods can make a difference in the amount of moisture that gets into the skin. Add some fruits and herbs to your water for an added hydration boost, and a bit of flavor. Try such options as lemon and rosemary or strawberry, mint, and cucumber.

Refresh the skin. One of the best ways to hydrate your skin topically is to usea product designed to hydrate. Typically these come in the form of a serum or a mist, such as the one carried by Stript Wax Bar, called the Dermaquest Essential B5 Hydrating Serum. Another way to hydrate is to make a mask at home using the natural humectants honey, cucumber and aloe. Combine 1 teaspoon of honey with 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel. Mix together and add a teaspoon of crushed cucumber and apply to the face for 10 minutes. Some affordable products to look for in the drugstore are alcohol-free rose petal infused witch hazel toner with aloe. This is a great and inexpensive product to hydrate and refresh the skin. You can also look for rosewater and use as a spritz to hydrate.

Make it a priority. All the tips in the world for having ageless skin that is healthy and hydrated won’t do you any good if you are not committed to making it happen. It’s important to make taking care of your skin a high priority and stick to what works to keep it hydrated, healthy, and looking great.
“Having skin that looks healthy and doesn’t age as fast is absolutely possible,” added Goldman. “You have to want to take care of it, making sure to especially keep it well hydrated. If your skin is well hydrated it will look and feel great. It’s a small effort that really pays off.”

About Stript Wax Bar: Stript Wax Bar is a salon dedicated to the art of waxing. They are devoted to delivering high-quality waxing services using the highest quality products in a comfortable and clean environment. With numerous unique services in various locations across California for both men and women, Stript Wax Bar has established themselves as an innovative and trending company. For more information, visit the website at: www.striptwaxbar.com.

5 Tips for Choosing a Great Dentist

Everyone needs to have a dentist, but finding the right one is not always the easiest of tasks. After all, according to the American Dental Education Association, there are around 230,000 dentists in the U.S. Trying to choose the right one for your family may seem like a monumental task, but it doesn’t have to be. There are some things you can do to help make the selection easier and keep your family happier.

“If you just go with any dentist without first doing some research, then you may soon be looking for yet another after your first visit there,” explains Dr. Bruno Sharp, a prosthodontist, who created Dr. Sharp Natural Oral Care, and is celebrating his 10th year as a Natural Oral Care provider. “Finding the right match for your family requires that you put a little thought into it. Do your homework first by looking for a specialist with the credentials to perform the work and you will probably be happy with your selection from the start.”

Although some people may pick a dentist’s office simply due to the location, that may not assure the most pleasant experience once stepping inside. While you don’t want the office to be too far of a trek, there are more things that you need to consider beyond location.

Here are 5 tips for choosing a great dentist:

1. Reputation. Ask around and see if a particular dentist name comes with feedback from others. People love to talk about their experiences, so you will find out which dentists in your area have a good reputation and which ones you should bypass.

2. Experience and dedication. Choose a dentist who is well experienced and who is dedicated to the field. If they are dedicated to the field they will want to help their patients achieve the best results and keep up on the latest information available to help them do so.

3. Lifestyle compatibility. This is a big one that people tend to overlook. Find a dentist who lives a similar lifestyle to yours. For example, if you believe in natural living and tend to avoid harmful chemicals, then you want to seek out a dentist who does the same. This will help reduce your chances of getting harmful substances used in your oral care routine and dental visits. A metal-free, mercury-free practice is a must.

4. Provides a variety of care. One Stop Shopping! If you choose a dentist who offers a broad range of treatment options, you will not have to visit multiple offices and will have a team of specialists dedicate to maximize your treatment experience. You will be able to get everything done at that one dental office. Seek out a dentist who offers some specialists on site, including cosmetic dentistry, imaging and technology, maxillofacial care, etc. The more they offer at one place, the better for your family experience.

5. Cares about the patients. Choose a dentist who cares about patients beyond just booking appointments. There are dentists, such as Dr. Sharp, who go above and beyond by helping their patients, such as by teaching them nutrition information and educating them on harmful substances in commercial toothpastes.

“If you don’t do some background work before making a selection, there is a good chance you won’t be happy,” added Dr. Sharp. “It’s imperative that your family be happy with their dentist so they keep up on their visits, feel cared for, and trust any treatment that is recommended or taking place. In modern dentistry specialists under the same roof can discuss the patient’s case and offer the best treatment solution”

Dr. Sharp is a fourth-generation dentist that has 25 years in practice. He has a prosthodontic dentistry group practice in South Florida offering all specialties in one place from a simple dental cleaning treatment to visits with prosthoodontists, endodontists, periodontists, orthodontists, maxillofacial prosthodontists, oral surgeons and family dentists . At his office, patients can get a wide variety of care, including those using innovative technology, specialist treatments, cosmetic dentistry, and more. He is an environmentally friendly dentist who focuses on providing people with natural oral health care, including providing amalgam removal and educating people on the dangers of fluoride and mercury in their oral care. He has also created a line of oral hygiene products to give people a healthier alternative at home.

His product line includes natural children’s toothpaste, adult toothpaste, fresh mint mouthwash, and dental tape. All products are safe for the entire family, made in the USA, and are gluten-free, have no artificial colors or flavors, are vegan, non-GMO, alcohol-free, fluoride-free, and cruelty-free. Plus, they help whiten teeth and have xylitol, which is a natural sweetener that also helps to fight off cavities. To learn more about Dr. Sharp Natural Oral Care products or see where they can be purchased, visit the site at: www.drsharpcare.com.

Joshua Media Ministries, International

Joshua Media Ministries, International, or JMMI, was founded by David Taylor. Taylor is a healing evangelist, prophet, and apostle who uses his connection with Jesus to heal and minister to others. His dynamic ministry is based on his personal, face to face relationship with Jesus. This close bond allows him to know what God is calling him to do, and move confidently in that direction. Taylor believes Jesus came to him and gave him a personal message, calling him to ministry, in 1999. Since then, he has received additional visits that have strengthened his resolve in spreading his ministry around the world.

Taylor particularly feels called to serve America through his ministry. He does this with his "Miracles in America Crusades" and "Prophecy to America" conferences and missions. In addition he launched the television broadcast "Miracles Today" as well as the "Latter Rain Outpouring," a live, call-in radio program.

Another calling Taylor feels particularly strongly about is his ability to interpret and relay what God is saying through dreams. He shares this information on a national and world state in order to warn others about events that may happen in the future. His belief is that by doing so, he will bring about salvation, deliverance, and victory for all continents.

In the 25 years that JMMI has been in ministry, Taylor, who is president and CEO of the organization, has developed many ministries and outreach projects. The Northeastern Headquarters of JMMI, located in Detroit, has fed thousands. JMMI has worked in third-world countries to construct water wells. The ministry also supports local food banks, offers help to women leaving abusive situations, and provides care for orphans.

Goals of JMMI include training young people how to be productive in today's society, working to bring racial equality to today and tomorrow's generation, as well as equipping these generations spread equal rights and justice throughout the world. Another passion project of JMMI is the building of "Refuge Homes," which will be dedicated to rescuing and helping to heal children involved in human slave trafficking. JMMI will offer these services free of charge, as needed. Along with these physical ministries, JMMI uses social media to increase awareness and involvement in the many issues that plague our world.