A Quiet Power The Introverts Guide to Leadership - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / A Quiet Power The Introvert’s Guide to Leadership - Introvert Whisperer A Quiet Power: The Introvert’s Guide to Leadership Your hands are shaking and clammy. You feel hot and cold at the same time. You want to run, but your legs are like rubber, and it feels as if your stomach is going to betray you at any moment. No, you’re not going before a firing squad. No, you’re not getting your taxes audited. You’re just preparing to deliver a business presentation. And you’re an introvert. If you are one of the nearly 40% of the US population belonging to this personality type, then you well know that the feelings described above are not an exaggeration. This is the daily experience for anyone who faces chronic shyness, particularly for those whose introversion has grown into full-fledged social anxiety. Given the scenario above, it may seem that the introvert personality type is wholly incompatible with business leadership. It may feel that your natural shyness will forever exclude you from the seat of professional power, no matter how passionate or talented you are. It doesn’t have to be this way, however. In fact, introverts can be great leadersâ€"not despite their naturally solitary personality type, but because of it. Indeed, when it comes to introversion and professional leadership, what seems like your greatest weakness can become your greatest strength. The Power of Mindfulness Perhaps the greatest attribute of the introvert personality type is the power of mindfulness. Introverts are by nature deep and careful thinkers. They are not ones to make rash decisions or leap head-long into action without first weighing, often with uncanny accuracy, both the potential risks and the likely rewards. This is a vital skill in the increasingly volatile world of business. A company’s survival often depends on the ability of leadership to make thoughtful, effective decisions. This is especially true if you are leading a small business, where the ability to accurately size up the market and your competitors is paramount to securing the competitive advantage in today’s crowded marketplace. If you are an introvert, your inherently deliberate and discerning nature can help you give your company the strategic edge it needs to thrive. The Power of Empathy It’s not accurate to associate introversion with reclusiveness. Introverts maybe reluctant to assert themselves in crowds, but that doesn’t mean they avoid them as a rule. What it does mean, however, is that introverts spend a great deal of their time people-watching. And if you are an introvert who aspires to lead in business, this can be an incredible asset to draw upon. The fact is that introverts can be extraordinary mediators. Workplace conflict is, unfortunately, inevitable. It is simply the price of doing business. When you lead, you have to be prepared to find unity in difference. You have to have the skills to help your team find, or build, bridges, despite potentially competing interests or clashing personality types. That process begins with empathy, the ability to understand your team members as individuals first and employees second. Fortunately, introverts tend to have empathy in spades. This is one reason why introverts make such great teachers and university leaders. They excel at finding common ground and uniting groups in a shared vision of success, while at the same time ensuring that every member of the group feels heard, respected, valued, and well-served. The Power of Understanding Introverts are habitually deep thinkers. Their go-to position is to think first and act later. That means they know how to analyze complex situations and formulate effective responses to achieve a desired goal. This involves far more than simply the ability to evaluate dense financial spreadsheets or assess market reports, though that is certainly important. But the introverts’ skills extend far beyond this because, as suggested above, introverts are also people-watchers. And the world of business, no matter what field you may be in, is also a world of people, not just numbers. The introvert personality type gives you the ability to understand not only empirical performance metrics but also what the subjective responses of the people who will use them means. That means that, as a leader, you are uniquely prepared to anticipate how the team will behave in specific circumstances and to devise leadership strategies to ensure your team thrives, even in the most challenging of environments. Owning Your Power As the discussion above shows, if you are an introvert, you don’t have to consign yourself to the professional sidelines. You can harness your natural strengths to become an effective, empowered, and empowering leader. It begins simply by taking the first step, such as by gradually taking on more responsibilities at work or volunteering to assist management in team lead projects. You might also consider exploring careers especially suited to the introvert personality type. For example, the field of epidemiology combines both science and sociology. Such a field both gratifies the introverts’ need to think deeply on complex topics while also capitalizing on the introvert’s rare talent for understanding how people think, feel, and behave. Image Source: Pixabay   By: Frankie Wallace Frankie Wallace is a recent graduate from the University of Montana. She now resides in Boise, Idaho as a freelance writer where she spends her time reading and gardening. Go to top Bottom-line â€" I want to help you accelerate your career â€" to achieve what you want by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my 4 Building Blocks to Relationships eBookâ€" the backbone to your Networking success and fantastic work relationships.   Grab yours by visiting here right now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Why its Not Okay to Force an Introvert to be Outgoing - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Why it’s Not Okay to Force an Introvert to be Outgoing - Introvert Whisperer Why it’s Not Okay to Force an Introvert to be Outgoing If you are an introvert, it’s likely that you’ve caught yourself using it as an excuse for not doing something. The tends to be a great deal of misunderstanding when it comes to introversion, even among self-proclaimed introverts: many people believe that introverts are not outgoing and like to keep to themselves. And while that may be true of some introverts, a lack of in-your-face personality does not necessarily mean that someone is an introvert. Rather, people who are introverts require time to process, restore energy, and be with their thoughts more than they need to heard externally. So what happens when an introvert is pushed to share externally? Let’s find out. People who derive a great deal of energy and excitement from social gatherings, parties, workplace meetings, and even standing in line at the grocery store are extroverts. These people love to interact with others and draw a great deal of their energy from the people and things around them. Introverts, on the other hand, can be alone with their thoughts for days on end and don’t require much interaction with others to feel good about themselves or restore their own energy levels. So when an extrovert is trying to coax an introvert into doing something they don’t want to do, things can fall apart pretty quickly. Pushing People Creates Anxiety For starters, introverts often become anxious about social situations where they don’t want to be. This doesn’t mean that introverts are more likely to suffer from anxiety, but rather that they don’t feel comfortable in large gatherings or with many people. They tend to thrive in one-on-one situations and are happy to transfer and share energy with one or two other people at a time. By encouraging introverts to go outside of their comfort zone despite the best of intentions you are not actually helping them. And it’s not okay to push your energy-seeking ways on people who prefer their own company or the company of one or two other people at a time. Meaningful Interactions are Personal Next, when you try to force an introvert to be outgoing in a social situation, they are unable to connect with people in a way that is meaningful for them. Many business owners are actually introverts, despite all of the necessary outgoing skills that are required to make a business grow and thrive. And again, that has nothing to do with their inability to be outgoing, but rather the way they interact with information and other people. So if you are trying to get your introvert, business owner friend to share a co-working space, they might sign up, but prefer to work at their own table. Stop Setting Expectations of People Finally, forcing introverts to be outgoing means that you have an expectation of them that is not aligned with their own expectations of themselves. While it’s not an ideal conversation to have, you need to ask yourself and maybe your introvert friend, if your relationship is really what you hoped it would be given that one person is not doing or saying the things you want them to. Introverts don’t need to look outside themselves for validation or excitement, while extroverts are constantly on the hunt for someone to look at them and acknowledge their presence in the world. It’s not true that opposites attract when one person is sucking the life out of another trying to get them to conform to a certain way of being. Learn to Respect How Others Interact in the World It’s not okay to determine how others should act, whether they are introverts or not. As a society, we have to let go of expectations of others and allow them to find their own way in the world. This is one of the hardest things for people to do, though, because we all have a tendency to look at someone, judge them for what they are currently doing, and make unwarranted, uneducated, and unsolicited suggestions about how people are living their lives. It’s dangerous to assume that someone can “turn it off” or “turn it on” because everyone is different. When we can respect the way people go about living and interacting in the world, we become much more harmonious and happy with our own life, not to mention the lives of others. How to Help Introverts While many introverts are quite independent and confident in their interactions in the world, you can be a friend and supporter of someone who is introverted by respecting their wishes to be allowed to be alone from time to time. Rather than try to get them to see how they’ll miss out if they don’t go to the party on Friday night, show your support by acknowledging that they need their personal space and time. That goes a long way between friends, colleagues, and associates who want nothing more than for someone to understand they are not “shy”, they are introverted. Author Bio: Personal Branding starts with how well you speak about YOU.  I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook â€" The Definitive Guide to Creating and Using an Elevator Speech.  In this guide, I give you simple to follow instructions for creating a “wardrobe” of ways to talk about you â€" to leave a lasting impression. Get your copy now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Should I Go To Georgetown University

Should I Go To Georgetown University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Bryan is a Washington D.C. tutor and 2010 graduate of Georgetown University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and specializes in many subjects including SAT prep tutoring, Algebra tutoring, Grammar and Mechanics tutoring, and more. Check out his review of his alma mater: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Bryan: Georgetown University is a unique setting, which was one of the largest draws toward it when I was making my college decision. It balances an urban environment by being in the heart of Washington, DC, with a closed campus. That means that Georgetowns campus is entirely walkable even if choosing to live in off-campus housing, a 15 minute walk would allow you to reach any other point on campus. In addition, by being located in Georgetown (a neighborhood within Northwest Washington, DC), students have access to the dozens of shops, restaurants, and nightlife options within walking distance. The setup of Georgetowns campus allows students to bump into friends and classmates on a regular basis. As far as transportation, students absolutely do not need a car. Some students choose to bike, but walking is the option that most students choose. DC has excellent public transportation in the form of the Metro, although it requires a 15-20 minute walk, or a very short (free) bus ride, to the closest Metro stop (in Rosslyn, VA). The campus is, in general, very safe, with on-campus security, and off-campus Metro Police in the surrounding area. If choosing to live off-campus (which many upperclassmen do), students should remember that Georgetown is located in a large metropolitan area, and take common-sense safety precautions. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Bryan: The professors are all very available. Of course, it varies from professor to professor, but all professors hold regular office hours, which are made known to students. These are a great time for students to stop by a professors office and have individual discussions. Some larger, discussion classes, are broken into discussion sections, led by teaching assistants. My experience with teaching assistants was largely positive they were all very knowledgeable, helpful, and generally accessible for students. Academic advisors are also accessible, and are useful for students wishing to have conversations about switching majors, or choosing courses to match with a particular course of study. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Bryan: Georgetown students are guaranteed at least two years of on-campus housing (although the majority are granted a third year, as well). On-campus dorms vary from building to building (some have a sink included in the room, some are larger apartment-style, etc.), but freshmen usually tend to feel very strongly positive about their living arrangements. All four freshman dorms are located at different parts of campus, but all are within a 15 minute walk of each other. Off-campus housing is widely available for juniors or seniors, which is an option that many students take advantage of. Dining options are mostly limited to the main dining hall on campus. The food is decent, with a large selection for options. In addition, there are plenty of nearby restaurants and cafs for quick, inexpensive dining. Socializing is very easy upon arriving at Georgetown. Students tend to form friends quickly with other people on their freshman year floor, or with other students from various clubs, activities, and events. A nice feature of Georgetowns dorm life is their inclusion of a program called CHARMS. This program allows students to create a profile, and search through other incoming freshmens profiles to find a potential good fit for a roommate. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Bryan: Georgetown University has four distinct schools the College of Arts and Sciences, the McDonough School of Business, the School of Foreign Service, and the Nursing and Health Studies School. Because of this separation of schools, Georgetown does a great job of supporting majors of many different fields. Within the College, majors like History, Government, or Economics are very popular. Within the MSB, popular majors include Finance, Consulting, Accounting, or Marketing. Within the SFS, majors focus on International Studies. Popular majors within the SFS include International Relations, as well as many foreign languages (the SFS requires demonstrating proficiency in a language as a prerequisite for graduating). The NHS focuses on Health Studies, and includes an excellent Nursing program, as well as majors like International Health. I graduated from the Georgetown College of Arts and Sciences, with a BA in History, and minors in Government and Psychology. I chose this course of study because I have always been fascinated with history, and Georgetown has an excellent program for liberal arts. Government is a very strong program at Georgetown, and I decided to minor in Government once I took a few courses and realized the caliber of professors was fantastic. The four schools at Georgetown each have their own area of speciality. Students apply for admission to a particular school, and are able to declare a major by their sophomore year. All of the schools at Georgetown are very reputable and well-established. A student should be aware of the differences between the schools before applying, and have some sort of idea for which area appeals to him/her most. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Bryan: Meeting people at Georgetown was very easy. Everyone bonds extremely quickly freshman year, particularly with fellow students on their floor or in their dorm. I would absolutely recommend getting involved in as many activities, clubs, and events as possible, since this is an excellent way to meet people as well. Georgetown does not technically have Greek life (there are some fraternities that operate independently, but they are not recognized directly by the university, and do no dominate social life at all), which was actually a big draw in my decision to attend Georgetown. Despite the lack of Greek life, Georgetown maintains a very lively social scene, with plenty of events on campus for students, combined with a large supply of nightlife options within walking distance. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Bryan: The Career Center was moderately helpful to me as an undergraduate. They have resum review services, as well as interview practice sessions for students. Within the MSB, plenty of companies recruit on campus, but recruiting events are mostly limited to the business school. For students in the other schools at the university, it is largely up to them to apply to companies or job opportunities that interest them. However, the Career Center is a valuable resource for students to find out more about companies that are hiring, or job opportunities within their field of interest. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Bryan: The common areas are, for the most part, spacious and available. Plenty of students tend to go to the main library to complete their work or to study, but other options include common spaces in the student union (the Leavey Center), and common areas in dorm buildings. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Bryan: Georgetown is a very lively neighborhood within Washington, DC. There are dozens of restaurants, shops, a movie theater, and nightlife options in the immediate walking area for students to enjoy, which they frequent throughout the year. There is never a lack of things to do within Georgetown, but if a student wants to branch out, the entirety of Washington, DC is at the disposal of Georgetown students via the Metro system in DC. Most students tend to stay within the Georgetown area (it often is referred to as the Georgetown bubble,), but I would highly recommend students making efforts to get out to other restaurants, concerts, or sporting events in downtown DC. (The mens basketball team plays off-campus at the Verizon Center, which is a great opportunity for students to get out into the city.) VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Bryan: The undergraduate body is about 6,000 students. Georgetown is a private school, which tends to make for slightly smaller student bodies. However, there were always new people to meet throughout my four years at the school. Alternatively, Georgetowns walkable campus, and relatively moderate student body make it very easy to bump into friends, or meet up with people easily. Finally, class sizes were very reasonable throughout my four years at Georgetown. Some of the larger discussion-based courses were several hundred students, but were then broken up into smaller discussion sections. On the other hand, many of my upper-level History courses were capped at 15 students or fewer, allowing for much more open discussion directly with a professor. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Bryan: I took a Government class (American Electoral Politics) during the second semester of my senior year. It was a lower-level discussion course, with maybe 70 students in it. It was largely lecture-based, but the professor was extremely interesting and every discussion was worthwhile. The downside of the class was that there was very little interaction with the professor, apart from asking occasional questions or visiting him during his office hours. However, on the final class of the semester, the professor asked for all the seniors to raise their hands. He spoke individually to each one, and asked what their plans were for after graduation. It was a good moment to connect with an excellent professor, and he had a chance to understand where many of his students were heading after graduating. Check out Bryanstutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Top Computer Science Tutors Help With Assignments

Top Computer Science Tutors Help With Assignments Picking online computer science tutors who are proficient and a decent match to a students shortcomings or instructive needs is critical. When picking such a guide, make certain to pick an internet mentoring that gives you every coachs accreditation and capabilities. Before recruiting a computer science online tutor you need to ask yourself a certain set of questions like: Is the recruited tutor pretty much qualified? What is the ratio of tutor to students? Is the tutoring company having enough positive reviews online or in person? What other benefits do students get from such a company? Are student achievements being measured aptly on a regular basis? List of 5 best online computer science tutoring companies TutorPace.com All coaching sessions are balanced and customized. You can communicate with mentors on a whiteboard that is interactive to survey your problems. The mentors can offer you some assistance with a thorough understanding of essential PC programming as well as cutting edge knowledge on subjects, which include: Graphic Design C Sharp Programming C++ Programming CSS C Programming Android Programming Ajax Information Structures Applied Computer Science Networking Design Development Dynamic Graphics and more 24HourAnswers.com Submit anything from basic inquiries to cutting edge assignments and get master direction to offer you some assistance with complete mentoring arrangements. Proficient coaches offer live web mentoring sessions utilizing best in class whiteboard innovation. First-time students can download a straightforward module and you are prepared to begin. The problem solvers in the form of experienced mentors are specialists in every aspect of computer science. You can avail an expert mentor anytime essentially by signing on to your web based sessions. Tutor.com The guides have the advantage of an adaptable calendar. You can avail tutoring services at whatever time, any place. Make your own calendar and be in touch with your tutor from the solace of your home or office, everything you need is steady, fast web access. Keep your abilities sharp, profit and instruct what you cherish all around your timetable. WyzAnt.com Locate the best guides closer to your home. Correspond with guides, receive feedback, and run historical verification to ensure you locate the ideal fit. Since 2005, many have availed more than 4.7 million hours of direction through WyzAnt. You dont pay for your first hour with any guide unless you locate a solid match. 75700+ coaches are tried and looked into to guarantee best in the class services. Chegg.com Whether you are searching for prompt help with Computer Science or need to set up week after week mentoring, Chegg Tutors has online Computer Science coaches that can help now. Mentors are accessible every minute daily from all over the world conveying services for any subject Easy setup with no downloads is the best part here. Whats more! You can upload whiteboard chat, docs, sound, and video. Summing up things… When checking out online mentors, you will realize that they are so confident to the point that they can enhance your evaluations that they will promise with their computer science assignment help. The computer science mentors additionally help you with computer science homework help to perform better on exams and tests, and offer you assistance with staying competitive.

3 Ways Private Tutoring Can Reduce the Cost of Education

3 Ways Private Tutoring Can Reduce the Cost of Education Improving Academic Performance College is expensive.The cost of college has been rising faster than the average U.S. income for almost two decades. At the same time, the college admissions process is becoming increasingly competitive â€" getting into high quality state schools is nowhere near a given. At the University of Illinois, a 3.75 GPA and a 30 on the ACT does not mean you’ll be admitted, for example. Furthermore, due to the recent recession, once college is over, getting a job is more difficult than it was a decade ago. Yet, study after study still shows that a college education increases your earning power by tens of thousands of dollars every year, so even though a college education is more difficult to obtain and more expensive than ever, it’s still a great investment â€" in most circumstances. With all this in mind, you might think the private tutoring market, with its relatively high cost, would be struggling â€" it makes high school and/or college cost even more. But, the market for private tutoring is not struggling. In fact, it has been and is expected to continue to grow at more than double the rate of GDP through 2017. It’s growing very fast. Why is this? It’s because spending on education, including private tutoring, is really an investment â€" not a cost. For those of you with general business or accounting experience, you’ll realize the incredibly important difference between the two concepts. A cost is incurred today to produce something â€" perhaps a product, or a service â€" that you use today. An investment, on the other hand, costs money today, but produces a benefit far into the future.And, the long run return on investments in education is usually very positive. So, I suggest that private tutoring can actually decrease the overall cost of education. Three Ways Private Tutoring Can Reduce the Cost of Education, we list three scenarios that illustrate how this can be the case:Scenario #1 â€" A low performing high school or college student finds a long term private tutorScenario #2 â€" The above average high school student invests in an ACT tutorScenario #3 â€" The proactive high school student loads his schedule with 5 AP classesOf course, while this is all true in the broad sense, the real world can be complicated. If you attend a mediocre school, choose a major thatdoesn'tfit your passion, and don’t get involved in activities that build or demonstrate your leadership skills and/or creativity, you probably won’t land a high paying job. In this case, the investment you made in your education may not pay off as expected. The key is to understand your end goal and objectives, make intelligent choices about the education you pursue, and do what you can to increase your return on that investment in education while you’re in college (i.e., get As, not Cs.).In fact, MyGuru has developed two partnerships with organizations that help you navigate the college admissions process and highlight the choices you could make to find the right college for you at the lowest price possible.Collegian Financial is a college admissions adviser with a personalized approach that includes hands-on support for parents a nd students from freshman year in high school, through college and career. They consider academic, social, and financial pieces as a whole to avoid wasting time and money.The College Solution is an interesting and extremely helpful blog with a clear focus on creating tons of content that helps high school students and parents identify the right schools for their individual needs while reducing the cost of attending those schools.Click to learn more about how MyGuru helps you maximize your return on your investment in education through private ACT tutoring.

Phrasal Verbs with Multiple Meanings - English Lesson via Skype

Phrasal Verbs with Multiple Meanings - English Lesson via Skype Phrasal verb  is a very unique and quite complex construction of  the English language. Many ESL students have difficulties understanding the meaning of phrasal verbs. I hope you are more confident now with the grammar of phrasal verbs. In  case this is  not confusing enough for you, many phrasal verbs have more than just one meaning. Let’s have a look at popular phrasal verbs with multiple meanings. 10 Phrasal Verbs with Multiple Meanings TO TAKE OFF1. to removeExample: It was a warm sunny day and I decided to take off my coat.2. to leave the groundExample: I hope our plane will take off on time.TO GET THROUGH1. to finishExample: I don’t think I’ll get through your report by the end of this week.2. to passExample: I think Michael will get through the test.TO PICK UP1. to take it from a low placeExample: I asked him to pick up the rubbish.2. to collectExample: I have to pick up my Mum at 8.45 p.m.3. to improveExample: The world economy is picking up quite strongly.TO GO OFF1. to ringExample: Alarm fails sometimes on mobile devices and doesnt go off.2. to go badExample: The milk will go off if you don’t put back in the fridge after breakfast.3. to explodeExample: Luckily the bomb failed to go off.TO RUN OVER1. to hit someone with a carExample: I ran over a fox last night.2. to exceedExample: The project ran over its expected budget. Phrasal Verbs with Multiple Meanings Enjoyed this infographic? Here's what you can do next: TO BRUSH OFF1. to remove something with a brushExample: Sarah brushed off the dust from her golf shoes.2. to dismiss, to ignore a personExample: Peter brushed off all objections to his plan.TO TURN AROUND1. to improve dramatically from bad to goodExample: Half year end results were not great but we managed to turn around things by the end of the year.2. to change direction, to make a u-turnExample: He had to turn around to go back home to get his passport.TO GET ON1. to board (a bus, train, ship etc)Example: You should let passengers off the bus before you get on.2. to have a friendly relationshipExample: I get on really well with my boss.TO MAKE UP1. to restore good relationships after a quarrelExample: After an argument I had with my best friend last week we finally made up.2. to invent somethingExample: He made up a story to get out of trouble.TO WORK OUT1. to exerciseExample: To maintain a healthy lifestyle it is recommended to work out regularly.2. to resolveExample: “Everythi ng works out in the end. If it hasn’t worked out yet, then it’s not the end.” â€" Tracy McMillanMore information can about phrasal verbs with multiple meanings can  be found on the British Council website.What do you find the most confusing about phrasal verbs? Let us know in the comments below.

Take the Leap! Learn a Foreign Language and Change Your Life

Take the Leap! Learn a Foreign Language and Change Your Life Take the Leap! Learn a Foreign Language and Change Your Life There are pivotal moments in every life.You’re familiar with the ones that are life-changing, of course: graduations, marriage, births.These are events to be celebrated and remembered.But did you realize that learning a foreign language can also be a life-changing experience?It can be!Dont believe me?Picking up a new language could be the reason you land your dream job or meet the love of your life. Anything can happen when you develop new language skills!Speaking a new languageâ€"or a few, even!â€"creates new and almost endless possibilities for a learner. Doors that were previously closed suddenly swing wide open, inviting new adventures.There are many important motives for taking the language-learning plunge, and lots of different strategies for making this dream a reality.Let’s check them out so you can prepare to learn a foreign language! Take the Leap! Learn a Foreign Language and Change Your LifeUnexpected Benefits of Learning a Foreign LanguageThere are lots of reasons people undertake language learning.Some of them are pretty standard: employment, personal growth, education or travel. For example, there are economic benefits to learning a new language, given that multilingual workers are in demand. And theres no doubt that traveling is way more fun when you speak a bit of the local language.But there are tons of other great reasons to learn a foreign languageâ€"some of which you might never have considered!Weve looked into some of the most recent research on foreign language learning and found some truly incredible, unexpected benefits!Here are some of the most amazing benefits of learning a foreign language: Itll Broaden Your WorldviewAccording to a recent study, multilingual exposure allows for perspective shifts. That is, if you have experience with another language and culture, you stand a better chance of being able to understand issues and ideas from that point of view.This means that foreign language learning doesnt only increase your capa city for empathyâ€"it also makes you a better problem solver because youll have the ability to view a problem from multiple angles.Itll Help You Overcome Cultural BarriersSpeaking another language promotes cultural exchange among people from around the world.Beyond just being able to converse with each other, speaking the same language can be a huge factor in encouraging people to collaboratively create and share ideas.Cultural barriers are breached when we share languages, and that has a positive global impact. It can pave the way for innovations in technology, science, art and other fields.It May Improve Your Brain FunctionIf you need a purely self-serving, physical reason to learn a foreign language, look no further than the results of this study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. The study found that language learning is linked to maintaining healthy brain function and delaying or preventing the onset of dementia.That’s reason enough for anyone to choose a sec ond language to learn!It Can Make You a More Effective EmployeeSpeaking a second language looks great on a resume, for sure.But did you know that being multilingual can impact your job performance in other ways?Research has shown that learning a foreign language encourages fine-tuned communication skills and high levels of adaptability and creativity. Another study found that learning a foreign language can strengthen your decision-making skills.All of these assets give foreign language speakers a leg up in politics, business and many other career paths.It Contributes to Better Global RelationsOne outcome of learning a foreign language is that it enhances global understanding and positivity. Language learners are very likely to have affirmative feelings toward the culture, country and citizens where their target language is spoken.Multiply that by many thousands or millions of people learning foreign languages, and youll get a world thats more compassionate and connected.It Facilita tes Further Language LearningAnother advantage of learning a foreign language is that it facilitates learning additional languages.Some studies indicate that language learning gets easier after learning a second language. That means that becoming a polyglot isnt an unattainable goal!Whew! There are so many reasons to learn a foreign language. Surely youve identified at least one or two that get you excited about this incredible journey.Tips for Learning a Foreign LanguageNow that weve gone over why you might want to learn a foreign language, lets think about how to make that dream a reality.Here are some practical tips to gain fluency in a foreign language:Practice to Make Steady ProgressYou’ve heard that practice makes perfect, and that may be true for some things. But honestly, perfection in languages is near impossible. Think about it: Even in your native language you might use a word or phrase incorrectly, so it makes sense that you may make mistakes in a foreign language, too .But if you put in the time, you’ll make progress. Guaranteed!Schedule practice time into your language program. Make a schedule, stick to it and watch your skills grow. Perhaps focus on vocabulary drills one day, followed by reading and writing practice the next. All practice adds upâ€"so pile it on!Understand Your “Why”The intention for learning a foreign language is a huge motivating factor. In other words, the more earnest your reason for tackling a new language, the more likely it is that you’ll apply yourself and stick with the program.Are you learning for educational reasons? To give yourself added employment opportunities? Does romance or travel spur you on? Or are you just learning for personal enrichment?Understanding your why will help you target learning.If you’re planning to travel, focus on lingo that you’ll encounter in a particular spot or concentrate on getting all the vocabulary you’ll need to make your plane, train or automobile connections happen wi th ease.Employment or educational motives also have specialized terms and phrases that you’ll want to address.Target your program to suit your needs. Remember, this is your language journey so be sure it’s headed in the direction you want to go!Immerse YourselfTry to immerse in culture as well as language.Take learning off the screen or page and bring it right into your day-to-day activities. That means look for music, movies, cooking projects and more thatll make the language seem real. Allow yourself to investigate clothing, crafts and dance that make you feel as if you’re experiencingâ€"in addition to learningâ€"a language.FluentU is a super source for online language immersion. FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into one-of-a-kind language-learning experiences. Curated videos from across the globe bring your target language to life. Theyre the ideal way to get a feel for culture as well as language .The native speakers in each and every video accurately model pronunciation for learners to imitate. They also introduce idioms and regional dialects for learners to experienceâ€"and all of this happens without ever having to pack a bag or catch a flight! It doesn’t get much more convenient than that! Check out the free trial today.Search for Varied and Exciting MaterialsConsistently look for new, fun and engaging materials,Many learners have been derailed on their language expeditions by boredom. Ho-hum, repetitive materials offer little incentive to learn, and without incentive, learning can stall.Look for interesting resources, like comic books for reading practice or journaling to help power up writing skills.Download a few apps to your phone or tablet for mobile learning. Many have options to download content for use when you dont have internet access. These ensure that learning is never out of reach!Try a few games in your target language. Many are available online through A mazon or eBay at reasonable prices. The point is to vary content so you’ll be excited to learn and engaged in the process.Find a Language PartnerA reliable language partner can literally become a language learner’s best friend!Check out your local cultural clubs, library, university or continuing education resources to locate a local language partner. Look for someone whos either a native speaker or an advanced speaker of your target language. Plan to meet on a set schedule so there’s some consistency to this part of your program.If there’s no way to meet up locally, seek a foreign language buddy online. Conversation Exchange offers pen pal exchanges, Skype, text chats and, in some areas, local meetups.Speak as Often as PossibleIt can’t be stressed enough: Use every opportunity to put your speaking skills to work!The more you speak, the better you’ll speak. The sounds and words will come to mind more quickly and those foreign words and phrases will feel familiar.You donâ €™t need to have a conversational partner on call or nearby. You can practice speaking on your own.If you’re watching a movie, repeat the dialogue. Use subtitles if necessary to get every word that’s spoken. This repeating technique works well with podcasts or television shows, too.Reading a book? Read out loud. Let yourself grow comfortable speaking and hearing the language. This is a super method for practicing because there’s no pressure to get things “right”â€"if you stumble over a word or phrase, simply reread it.Sing in your car or in your shower. Get used to speaking your new language and set yourself up for success.Set Definite GoalsGoals are an ideal way to clearly define exactly where you want your language program to go. Set a goal and determine how to reach it. Plan for success and watch it happen!SMART goals work for nearly any endeavor. Theyre especially applicable to language programs.SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Rele vant and Timely. Let’s see what each of those terms mean in relation to foreign languages.Specific goals are clear. They set an exact outcome. “I want to speak Japanese fluently in 12 months” is a specific goal. Theres no gray area in a specific goal.Measurable is the map for how you’re going to work toward that goal. Studying Japanese for an hour each day is measurable. The time is actually something that youll hold yourself accountable for. You can measure the hours and ensure that the goal is met.Attainable goals are ambitious, but realistic. They’re not set so high that they’re super difficult to reach. An attainable goal would be reading a novel in your target language every month. Is it a hard goal? Definitely. But is it attainable? Probably.Relevant goals mirror your “why”â€"which we spoke of earlier. Whats your intention for learning this language? Education? Employment? Travel? Whatever the reason, use it to craft your relevant goal.A timely goal sets quanti fiable time-related boundaries. Speaking Japanese for six hours three days a week, or planning to finish a self-guided online course in two months, are timely goals.Be Willing to Try New ThingsThere are nearly as many ways to learn a language as there are languages. That means that there’s a variety of resources, programs, techniques and materials  available. Luckily for you, many of these great language-learning materials are available online, right at your fingertips.Try everything, even things that don’t seem likely to be a perfect fit. You might surprise yourself and discover that you actually do love learning a foreign language through gaming or poetry or classic movies. Just like that, youve picked up a new interest alongside your new language skills!Build a Core VocabularyIt’s essential to build a core vocabulary when you’re learning a new language. Vocabulary is the foundation of a language; in order to grow strong skills you’ve got to have a firm starting point.Co ncentrate on the common words and phrases first, since these are the ones youll use most frequently. Then, add more complicated expressions, lingo or idioms to enhance your conversational skills.Embrace and Learn from Your MistakesLearn from your mistakes.Remember how we said it’s nearly impossible to speak a languageâ€"any languageâ€"flawlessly 100% of the time? That’s an absolute truth for most of us, which means were going to make mistakes. Lots of them, even.The key with mistakes is to not dwell on them. Mistakes are expected and inevitable, and if you take the view that theyre opportunities for learning, they can become a positive part of your journey. That’s rightâ€"see your mistakes as teachable moments.Get a ton of wrong answers on your last grammar quiz? Take note of what’s not sinking in, look for new methods to grasp that material and work on it.Travel to LearnIf it’s at all possible, plan some travel to a spot where the language you’re studying is spoken. Imm ersion is a fantastic way to learn a language. Many immersive experiences last several months, which is a near-guarantee that lots of language, culture and life-changing experiences can be had!If you’ve got less time to spend, a short adventure works well, too. Plan a getaway to hone your language skills. Chatting with native speakers will add dimension to your learning program that you just can’t get from a book!Use the Buddy SystemWe’ve all heard that it’s better to get a partner involved on a fitness journey. Well, that concept works with language learning, too!Find a learner who’s at the same level as you are. Instead of building abs, build language skills! Hold each other accountable for keeping on task. Learning buddies can support and encourageâ€"and thats an invaluable asset to any program!Learn to Walk Away and Take a BreakSometimes it’s beneficial to put some distance between yourself and the foreign language you’re studying. Yes, that does seem strange but i f you’re experiencing an external crisis or illness or even if you feel you’ve hit a wall with your language programâ€"walk away. Give yourself time to regroup.Find a few fun distractions. Netflix (in your native language), maybe. Be kind to yourself and allow your mind to take a break. Do other things that bring you peace or pleasure for a day or two.Then, when your mind is ready to concentrate again, return to your language program. You’ll be energized and ready to learn. All things will go more smoothly with a rested mind!Find Your Own Learning TimeWere all different so it stands to reason that we might have different learning styles, as well as internal learning clocks.Some of us are “night owls” while others are morning people. Tasks seem uncomplicated and less demanding if we attempt them during our favorite time of the day. Conversely, we canâ€"and often do!â€"struggle when we try to work during our less-alert hours.Chronobiology is the term for finding your persona l best learning time.Science has shown that for the majority of people, the brain’s top learning hours occur for four hours midday and for six hours in the evening. So if you’re able to do so, schedule some of your language program for those times when you’re most likely to learn effectively. Chances are good that you’ll power up your skills when your brain is at its peak learning time!Language acquisition can be much more than a hobby. It can be a tremendously life-changing event!Learning a new language touches lives in many ways. It can positively impact brain function and possibly delay diseases like dementia. It can elevate cultural awareness, closing the gaps that exist between different ethnicities. It can impact global economics, making the world marketplace more stable.Foreign language learning doesnt have to remain a dream. It can become realityâ€"and with these relevant tips, any learner can be successful!Explore your language options, choose a target language (or two!) and grow your communication skills. Learning a foreign language is exciting, challenging and beneficial on many levels. Start working on it now and youll thank yourself later!Embrace this pivotal moment in your life. Celebrate it the way you would any other large-scale personal achievement.Most importantly, have fun!

5 Best Apps for Roommate Harmony

5 Best Apps for Roommate Harmony Image via: www.pexels.com 1.  Splitwise When you are living with other people, the finances of the house are bound to get a bit jumbled. Splitwise is a simple way to organize expenses and share bills with your roommates. By creating a group, you and your roommates will be able to stay connected while also keeping track of how much money is owed and who that money is owed to. Splitwise also offers email notifications to kindly remind you and your roommates of due charges. Say goodbye to awkward tension and utter financial bedlam. 2.  IOU Let’s be real. Everybody hates debt. All of us hate taking out student loans knowing we will eventually need to pay them back. The only thing worse than owing debt is owing debt to a friend, or worse, a roommate. As a student, you eventually forget how many times your roommate has picked up the tab at dinner, or treated you to a movie after a tough exam. After all, you have a ton on your plate too. However, this might pose some problems for the roommate relationship if your roommate should mistake your forgetfulness for negligence. IOU is here to save the day! The app will allow you to keep track of your debts, bills, and loans. It will send you notifications about upcoming and overdue debts should you forget. Also, it works on the flip side. Does your roommate owe you money for dinner or a movie? IOU will send email reminders to them as well, while also keeping a record of your financial history. Image via: www.pexels.com 3. Chorma Did your parents ever set up a rewards system for whatever chores you did in the house? Or, were you like me in the sense that living in a house was the reward for completing chores? Either way, Chorma is here to organize and add incentive to keeping up the pristine levels around the place. The app provides a simple and rewarding way to keep up with chores around the house. The app allows you to assign or claim responsibilities around the house and do you want to know the best part? By doing chores, you gain “Chorma” points which you can redeem for rewards! Let the roommate competition toward the cleanest and most organized space begin! 4.  Chooserr This next app is exclusively for those of you who have stellar relationships with your roommates. I’m talking SpongeBob and Patrick best friends in harmony kind of stellar. If that isn’t you and your roomie, you might want to reconsider this one. Chooserr will allow you to turn a bleak and depressing task like assigning chores and divvying up expenses and turn it into a game. The game is simple. First, you have to create the task. It could be something as simple as “Who should have control over the TV remote for the next hour?” or something as dastardly as “Who should scrub out the toilet this week?” Chooserr will pick the winner (or loser) to make sure that the results are completely unbiased. Another way to play is with “Not It!” This mode encourages a little bit of competition. First, you create the task, but the last person to press “Not It!” is the loser. The app will allow up to three friends (unlimited for $0.99!) to compete. Group chat messengers also add to the experience where you can gloat or whine about the results. Image via: www.pexels.com 5.  OurGroceries Nothing is worse than coming home from the grocery store to find that the milk has just run out, or someone drank the last sip of juice in the house. Even if this is not something you have personally experienced, anyone can agree that keeping track of groceries in a shared household can be a challenge. Fortunately for us, OurGroceries is here to bridge the gap. The app creates a single grocery list for the entire household and every member of the household has the ability to make changes to this list. Once a change is made, everyone in the household sees it. For instance, imagine that you’ve just left for class and you’ve taken the last protein bar in the box. You can use OurGroceries to indicate that the household needs more protein bars. Someone else in your household could be at the store where they will pick up more protein bars and perhaps whatever else is on the list. It’s a perfectly simple way to make sure you and your roommates have whatever you need to keep your pantry stocked.