From "Your money or your life"

What is money? based on the book written by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin

People think about money in different ways: as power, as security, as happiness, as evil. But is it really any of these? The basic mistake people make is imagining money as external to themselves, something that they struggle for and that will magically give them well-being and personal worth.

Dominguez and Robin come up with another definition: it is something you trade your life energy for.

For most people this something is paid work. We meet most of our needs through money and spend most of our waking hours at work... The thinking goes: I work hard, therefore I deserve to make up for the hardship of work...I deserve nice clothes, vacations, luxury items.

The key is not earning more: but adjusting your lifestyle. Get off the treadmill and adopt a simpler living philosophy. After-all what do you want more: more time or more money?

Useful articles

I always enjoy reading Forbes articles over my morning tea...

This one made me think about the differences between men and women career-wise, and also how we should set and manage our salary-goals over the years

http://www.forbes.com/sites/learnvest/2014/01/13/your-high-earning-years-salary-secrets-for-your-20s-30s-and-40s/

Being a person who encourages a good laugh, I fully agree with humour being as a key to success in the workplace...and a very good and simple way to bond. Humour reveals the authentic person, makes people more approachable, increases creativity, productivity...and just makes the work-day more enjoyable!

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/05/03/10-reasons-why-humor-is-a-key-to-success-at-work/?utm_campaign=forbesfbsf&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

 Focus and work smart all day by giving your brain the right ingredients: develop certain circuits: focus for deep circuits, connect to others, recover and relax, deep thinking and reflection (thoughtful thinking), laugh, exercise and sleep well!

http://www.forbes.com/sites/laurashin/2014/01/15/7-types-of-experience-your-brain-needs-to-function-at-its-best/2/

"Never start with reality. Always start by identifying the ideal, and then compromising as little as necessary." 
- Architect Michael Pawlyn-

What Questions should we ask ourselves while getting ready in the morning?

Something to think about while putting  on make-up
(as Tony Robbins would say: you get what you're focusing on)

How can I be sharp as a Swedish knife?

How can I be excellent?

How can I be caring?

How can I influence?

Who influences me most?

Who do I admire?

What sets great people apart from mediocre?

How can I give more?

How can I save more?

How can I earn more?

How can I help more?

How can I stay motivated?

How can I have the most exciting job?

How can I leave a job where I don't develop in good terms?

How can I express gratitude?

How can I improve confidence?

How can I be a good friend?

What example do i set with my behavior?

How can I have most amazing relationship?

What am I happy about?

What can I learn from this?

What is good about this issue?

How can I enjoy the process?

How can I turn an issue into an opportunity?

From the Icarus Deception by Seth Godin

A few notes from a book which expressed so boldly some of my thoughts and left me impressed and motivated to strive for brilliance...

"Your ability to follow instructions is not the secret to your success."

"We settle for the safety zone that embraced authority and compliance."

"Most people don't believe they are capable of initiative...almost all people believe they are capable of editing, giving feedback or merely criticizing."

"Perfect is boring, not remarkable."

"If not enough people doubt you, you are not making a difference."

"You are capable of far more than you've done so far. (...) We have been brainwashed by school, indoctrinated by industrial propaganda, and mesmerized by the popular media into believing that compliance is not only safe but necessary. (...) You MUST leap into the void."