Travel Tips to Stay Healthy

By Laura Michelle Powers: Writer, Entertainer, and Coach, and host of Write Hot Podcast, Behind the Scenes Podcast, and Powers Hour Podcast.

When you are traveling, there is the potential to be exposed to more pathogens than when you are home. Since the outbreak of coronavirus is worldwide, we need to be extra aware. CDC recommends postponing nonessential travel on countries like China and Iran in particular.

Here are some travel tips that I recommend:

• Washing your hands with soap and water. You probably hear it a lot of times, but as you know, many people do not wash their hands correctly. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or long enough as you sing “Happy Birthday” twice and make sure to include the areas like your thumb, between your fingers, and the back of your hands.

• Use hand sanitizer. If you don’t have access to soap and water, you can use hand sanitizer products that have at least 60% alcohol.

• Avoid touching your face. We all know this is very hard because sometimes you are not aware that you are touching it. The viruses could spread on your mouth, eyes, and nose so as much as possible, keep your hands away from your T-zone.

• Wiping down your tray table in planes or trains. Yes, it would not hurt if you clean it since you are still in a public space where viruses and germs can be there for a long time.

• If you feel you are getting sick, infrared sauna and blankets can help fighting illness. Infrared sauna can strengthen your immune system because it flushes out the toxins in your body through sweating. Remember that you need to drink plenty of fluids and make yourself hydrated. I also recommend using Clove essential oil in the bottom of your feet.

• Use a surgical mask only if you’re sick. Now that the demand for surgical masks is increasing due to the outbreak, it is recommended to only use a surgical mask if you’re sick so you could avoid spreading the virus from saliva and coughing. Wearing a mask without being sick will cause your hands to touch your face more often just to keep them adjusted.

Lastly, do not panic and stay calm and grounded. I find meditation helps with this. Reducing stress will strengthen your immunity so not only will you feel calmer but it will reduce the likelihood of getting sick. Studies actually show that meditation impacts gene expression that leads to illness! I recommend the free app Insight Timer for lots of free and easy meditations.

Remember the coronavirus will pass but all these tips will help you with your health and wellness even after its long gone.

Happy and safe travels!

Sources:

Forbes: New Clues into How Meditation Can Boost The Immune System.

Mirror: 7 Ways To Improve Your Immune System

NYTimes:  Airplane Flying Coronavirus Spread

ProPublica: Coronavirus Hand Sanitizers CDC Recommended Alcohol

Washington Post: Everything You Should And Shouldn’t Do to Stay Healthy on a Plane

4 Tools to Improve Your Writing

By Laura Michelle Powers: Writer, Entertainer, and Coach, and host of Write Hot Podcast, Behind the Scenes Podcast, and Powers Hour Podcast.

Whether you are writing a book, an email or a Facebook post, chances are you want it to be error free. There are some great tools that I have recently learned about that I wanted to share with you. They will help you avoid typos or other grammar mistakes as well as improve the quality of your writing. The best aspect of each tool is that they are easy to use.

Grammarly

I have been using Grammarly and I have found it very useful. There is a plugin that allows it to check any webpage including emails, blog posts, facebook posts, etc. When there are possible errors, they are highlighted in red and you can click on them and see what it suggests as a fix. It is like spell check and grammar check included for word but way more comprehensive and works on web pages which is really useful. No more accidental Facebook or email typos. It also works in Microsoft Word and is fairly comprehensive. It does use AI and it isn’t always correct but in many cases, it has helped me catch simple errors that I have overlooked. There is a free version and a premium version. I have found that the free version works well enough for me in most cases but if you are working on a more significant project like a book and want to save some time and money in the editing stage then premium may be a good option. The premium version may also be good for you in are not a native English speaker.

Pro-Writing Aid

This service has some crossover with Grammarly in terms of grammar and spell-checking but it does offer some of the premium services that Grammarly does, such as plagiarism checking, at a lower price point (just $50/year). One of the features I really like is that it looks for overuse of certain words or phrases and readability. There is also a web browser plugin like Grammarly. Another benefit for serious writers is that Pro-Writing Aid also works for Google Docs and Scrivner. You can also copy and paste anything into their website and it will find errors that way.

Between Grammarly and Pro-Writing Aid, you can catch a lot of errors. One of the interesting things I have found for myself is that when I see a common error that I have made in my writing through these programs, I am less likely to continue to make the error. So these programs have improved my writing in ways wouldn’t have expected.

One-Look Reverse Dictionary

This site is pretty simple, think of it as a quick reference for synonyms. Back when I had a lot of print books, I would use a thesaurus but now with just a click, you get similar information here. Another great advantage of this site is that you can search phrases in addition to works. This is a great tool if you find that you are overusing certain words and want variety.

Hemingway

This service offers some of the same features that Grammarly and Pro-Writing Aid though one of the things I like about this particular service is that it gives you details about why something is incorrect. This can make it easier to fix errors in the future. You can cut and paste text directly into the browser or download the software for mac or pc for $19.99.

Sources

Global Digital Citizen

Grammarly

Hemingway

NY Book Editors     

One Look Reverse Dictionary

 Pro Writing Aid

The Muse

Resistance: What it is and How to Move Through it

By Laura Michelle Powers: Writer, Entertainer, and Coach, and host of Write Hot Podcast, Behind the Scenes Podcast, and Powers Hour Podcast.

Resistance is the avoidance of whatever is good, beneficial and necessary for positive change. As the Borg said is Star Trek, “resistance is futile.” In most cases, resistance is futile in our lives, it simply delays our progress and growth. When we experience resistance, we are often simply holding onto old ideas, patterns and beliefs, and resisting change. And change, as we all know, is inevitable.

Resistance can manifest as procrastination or avoidance at what we want to do. It can also manifest as feeling heavy or tired when we try to focus or do whatever we ultimately want to do in our lives. It can also manifest as distractions, or lack of focus. Is there something on your to-do list that always gets pushed back even though you really do ultimately want to get it done? This is resistance and it is a part of being human.

Here are some tips to help you work through resistance:

·       Take baby steps: We can often convince ourselves to make small, incremental progress. Over time, these baby steps can turn into giant leaps.

·       Get support: Get a partner, coach, or team to encourage you, provide accountability, and help you work through that resistance with support.

·       Get at the heart of the matter: See if you can address why you have the resistance. Is there an underlying fear that keeps you from making progress? Fear of success and fear of failure are two common roots to resistance. Sometimes even identifying this fear or pattern can help minimize it.

·       Make a plan: When working through resistance, putting concrete plans in place can be a very effective strategy. You can sign up for a class, set-up a meeting with an accountability partner, or hire a coach to help you create plans and stick to them. These are all incredibly effective strategies.

I also find it helpful to have patience and compassion for ourselves when working through resistance. Do not beat yourself up, or send negative energy to yourself by getting frustrated with your resistance or lack of progress. Have compassion but be firm in your approach to working through it. Resistance goes away, the more you do something which brings it up.

I had incredible resistance to screenwriting when I started. I felt overwhelmed and it was easy to avoid it completely. Except here is the thing – I really wanted to be a screenwriter! So I took baby steps: I downloaded screenwriting software, I read articles, and then books on screenwriting, I went to conferences, I talked to experts. I even submitted to contests to give myself writing deadlines. I still experience some resistance to screenwriting but it is so much easier than when I started. I now have 3 completed feature-length screenplays, 2 short screenplays (one of which I have produced), and two others feature-length screenplays that are in progress. It is not easy but it has gotten so much easier! Resistance is a completely natural aspect of learning something new and can be expected when you are embarking on a new undertaking.

As you work through it, remember it gets easier, resistance is normal, and focusing on what you want to accomplish or experience can help you move through it more easily. If you’d like support making a plan and working through your resistance, you can learn more information about working with me on the services page of my website: http://www.powershour.biz/services/

Hang in there and keep working through it! It is rewarding and your muscles to working through resistance get stronger as you go.

A Goal Plus Daily Action = Magic

One of the best paths to success I have seen is coming up with a goal (make sure it’s one that is a stretch goal and excites you for one reason or another) and then take daily action steps. In my experience, both aspects are key to success. If you make a goal and don’t take daily action steps, the goal is likely to occur and conversely, if you are taking a lot of action but aren’t sure what you are moving towards, you also are likely to feel stuck and a lack of progress even when you are busy working.

If you haven’t done this, I recommend blocking off a bit of time from your calendar and doing a bit of soul searching about what bring you a lot of satisfaction or quality of life. Perhaps there is something that you already have in mind that you would like to do but just haven’t gotten around to it. If you are new to this process, I recommend choosing a goal that is medium sized so that you do not get overwhelmed, something that will take some effort on your part but is not overwhelming. If you are ready for a bigger task, and have staying power with goals, choose something larger. There are some goals that are many goals in one, so it’s important to recognize this. In choosing your goal you might ask yourself, why you want this goal? You may be surprised by your answer! If you do not like the answer you provided, you might want to choose a different goal. Choose a goal that feels like a stretch, if it’s too safe or easy, you won’t feel motivated. I like goals that make me feel a little terrified but that is me ;)

Once you have identified your goal, start to make a list – what are some things you will need to do to make this happen? Let’s say you have always dreamed about writing a book but don’t know where to start. I’ve included a sample brainstorm below to give you’re an example of what this might look like.

Example

Goal: Write a Book

Action Steps Brainstorming:

·        Research books on writing a book

·        Read books on writing a book

·        Brainstorm book ideas/topics

·        Seek out blogs on writing and publishing

·        Find and subscribe to podcast for writers

·        Buy a notebook or journal or start an electronic note to keep information you learn

·        Enroll in a class or join a writers group

·        Read different books in the genre you like and identify what you like or don’t like in books

·        Research writing/publishing conferences to attend

·        Commit to writing 15 minutes a day

Now that you have some ideas/outline a schedule plan for yourself. I make mine weekly. On Sunday or Monday, I choose 5 to 7 small action steps to take that week. These could relatively small like read a blog post about writing, writing 15 minutes, research similar books to the one you want to write, etc. Choose action steps that don’t take a long time, but give you a sense of progress and movement towards your overall goal. You may be amazed how doing little things like this regularly leads to huge change in the long term. If you want to read more about this, I recommend the book The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy. This book is all about how small things when done regularly over a period lead to huge results. They key to this is consistency. The good news is that once you get into a habit of doing these things, it actually gets exciting and you will likely want to keep going. Lay out a plan at the beginning of the week to do 1 small thing every day. At the end of the week assess and make a new list for the next week. In this way, you can build momentum and keep your focus on your overall goal. It also helps to ensure that the work you are doing is focusing on a goal that is important to you. We have all gotten stuck in the pattern of being busy and then not having much to show for it. This helps direct your energy to something positive and rewarding. This tactic also helps to break down goals and make them feel less overwhelming. This can be used for just about any type of goal.

Once you have accomplished a goal, I recommend identifying a new goal. It could be in a new life area or it could be related to something completely different. Maybe you are so jazzed about writing that you want to write another book. Maybe you want to buy a house. There are no right or wrong answers but by using this technique, you can ensure forward movement and momentum towards the goals that you want in your life.

Get Off the Hamster Wheel

I've been thinking a lot recently about how a lot of people have goals and desires. Most people are also working really hard all the time. The funny thing is, often times, what we are working on and focusing on has actually very little to do with what we are wanting to accomplish. It’s like a hamsters running very hard on a hamster wheel and going nowhere. If you just want some exercise and a diversion, running on a hamster wheel is no problem. If, however, you are trying to get somewhere then running on a hamster wheel is not going to help you accomplish your goal. The problem is most people are running on a hamster wheel for a long time and then they are frustrated and upset when they are not getting anywhere. What in your life are you doing that isn't working? If it isn't working, do you keep doing in the same way, expecting different results?

If you are struggling with this, I really recommend sitting down and mapping out what your goals are. Then note how you are attempting to reach your goals. What is working and what isn't? It is amazing to me how taking even a little time to assess and strategize can make a big difference in outcome. 

Sometimes we get so caught up in the stress and the struggle that we forget to pause and make sure its accounting for something. Getting off that treadmill can feel like the hardest thing in the world when it is moving really quickly but you know what that is exactly when it is the most important to do just that!

I highly recommend taking a little bit of time out of your busy schedule to stop. Set some priorities and then honestly assess if what you are spending most of your time and energy on is helping you move towards those goals. If not, brainstorming and making alternate plans is extremely important. If you are unsure how to get from where you are, learn. Hire a coach, read a book, watch YouTube tutorials, attend a conference on what you are wanting to do. All of these things are taking positive steps in helping you realize what you can do to make progress more easily.  

Bottom line is if you are not getting the results you want doing what you are doing, you need to change what you are doing. The good news is, it’s much easier to do than you might think!

Right now we are living in a time of hyper speed change. Since things are moving and shifting more quickly, it is more important than ever that what you are doing is moving you towards what you want. These do not all need to be professional goals. Maybe you want more time to learn ballroom dancing or a martial art. Maybe you want time to spend with your dog or your children. These are all important. But too often, we let life pass us by because we allow our schedule to rule us instead of ruling our schedule. Our schedule becomes our life. Remember, what you do with your day becomes what you do with your life. Spend a few minutes or more today this week doing a quick assessment. You won't regret it. You can make huge changes by setting new intentions and then planning accordingly. You won't regret it. 

Are You Charging Enough?

One super common issue I see with many entrepreneurs is they are not valuing their work and their time enough and as a result they are not charging enough for their products or services. If you do not value yourself, it will be very difficult for others to value it as well. When we undercharge for our offerings, it creates a vicious cycle in which we are constantly working very hard just to make ends meet or keep ahead. Every time I have raised my prices, I have noticed significant shifts not only in income but reduced stress level. I also had so much more peace of mind I with my business as I was trying to juggle less, and I attracted a higher-level clientele. Think about the average person that goes to McDonalds. Now think about the average person that goes to a five-star restaurant. Which clientele would you rather have? I am not talking here about judging someone for either going to McDonalds or a fancy restaurant but simply note which type of clientele appeals to you more. Chances are you are likely somewhere in between McDonalds and a five-star place in your business. Even making an incremental step upwards in your pricing can help you feel less stress and attract a different demographic.

As I have continued to raise my pricing several times over the years, I have been amazed that the clients that stayed with me were usually the ones who were pleasant to work with and committed. Those who fell by the wayside and didn’t make the shift with me often the most demanding clients who also left me feeling drained. There are some clients who were lovely and simply shifted to purchasing books or products as my coaching and consulting became out of budget. Nevertheless, I was amazed as my work got easier as I raised my rates and simplified my business. 

There is a huge psychological component to pricing. In other words, if something is cheap, people think it must not be good, or if something is expensive then conversely they think it must be good. These types of assumptions are not always accurate in our society, nevertheless they are there. If you offer a value or service at a high price tag, the perception of the offering will likely to be that it is a better or more worthwhile product. If you offer something at a low cost or value, the perception is likely to be that is has less value. There is also something to consider in terms of the practical aspects. You need a lot of little sales in order to generate the same revenue of one or a few large sales. It may be difficult to start charging a high rate immediately without having a base but if you build and increase rates as you grow and connect with those who experience the value of what you offer, you will likely be able to keep many of your clients on the way.

Another benefit of charging more and having few clients or offerings is that you will then have more free time to take care of yourself, invest your time and energy into professional development, create products or services that are scalable (easy to grow). Additionally, you will likely get more personally and professionally from your clients as well. Yes I learn from my clients all the time, it’s beautiful! These are all fantastic things. When I first started my business, I was so busy with clients! It was great because I was getting a lot of experience and connecting with a lot of people but once I had the confidence and experience under my belt, it was so great to cut down my hours, and have time to work and focus on strategy. Plus, if you are working less hours, you are likely to be less stressed and people rarely do their best work under stress. Be reducing hours, working smart instead of just hard, and doing a lot of professional development, I was providing better products and services while making the same amount or more. I have continued this pattern as I have grown my business and it is something I recommend for other entrepreneurs. There are of course times when you may have to put in a lot of hours in order to accomplish a goal or meet a deadline but this should not be business as usual. By having a higher rate for your services, you are valuing yourself, attracting others who value themselves and are willing to invest in themselves and their future, and giving yourself the time and energy to plan, strategize and take care of yourself because after all, life is not just about work.

If you have been thinking about raising your prices, take this article as a nudge from the universe to do just that. Also, if you haven’t read the Tim Ferriss book, The Four Hour Workweek, I highly recommend it.

Also if you have a hard time charging more and receiving in this way, remember, the more you charge, the more you can give and the more generous you can be. It creates an incredibly positive, giving cycle.

It may feel uncomfortable at first as you are doing something you have never done before but it will feel easier the more you do it!

To leveling up! And remember a rising tide lifts all boats, this is not a competition. As each of us does this, the world gets better and more abundant too.