Shannon Simone Miller - work https://www.shannonmiller.me/tags/work en 5 fun ways to boost happiness and productivity at work now https://www.shannonmiller.me/2016/04/08/5-fun-ways-to-boost-happiness-and-productivity-at-work-now <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Don't let work become a rut, here are 5 Fun Ways to boost happiness and productivity at work now. The art of play and enthusiasm not only bolsters joy in the individual it has remarkable results on creative productivity;  In no partifcular order here are the furious 5.</p> <p> </p><div class="media-element-container media-full"> <div id="file-61" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg"> <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/61">5-FUN-OFFICE-HACKS.jpg</a></h2> <div class="content"> <span id="styles-3-0" class="styles file-styles large"> <img width="480" height="270" id="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.shannonmiller.me/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/5-FUN-OFFICE-HACKS.jpg?itok=0R3cMsmv" alt="" title="" /></span> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p> <p> 1. <strong>The morning high 5- </strong> Employees get up from their desks for a moment to walk around and give each other a high five while saying good morning. Like an ice breaker at a conference, this evokes laughter and energy out of the participants. The morning high five helps create an inclusive "we are all in this together bond. "</p> <p>2. <strong>The 5 minute tech disconnect - </strong>Employees sit at their desk placing their hands in their laps for five minutes of quiet. The key is to place phones out of sight and <em>most vital</em> is to remove their hands from the keyboards entirely. Ideally, the monitor would be off and eyes closed, however this can be something to work up to. The idea of the hands being off the keyboard  in the tech industry can be akin to removing a limb but with practice it has remarkable calming results.</p> <p>3. <strong>The Shake it off- </strong>Employees stand up in place while rapidly shaking their hands at their wrists while taking deep full breaths. This practice helps enhance energy while providing  a good release to overworked wrists and hands. Try it for two minutes and I think you will agree it feels fantastic.</p> <p>4. <strong>The 1 minute free write- </strong>Employees take one minute to jot down creative ideas. the ideas can be for work and life so overlap is okay. The key is allowing the mind to expand without restriction. A colorful crayon(s) or marker(s) are encouraged in the practice. Creativity and play have a beneficial effect on problem solving skills and the creation of new ideas.</p> <p>5. <strong>The gratitude blast-</strong> Employees write a list of 5 things they are grateful for preferably first thing in the morning. While I often suggest this practice be done at home, it is perfect for work as well. This one may be one we hear about often, however it's positive impact after 30 days on happiness is so profound that I had to include it.</p> <p> </p><div class="media-element-container media-full"> <div id="file-54" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg"> <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/54">Boost-Work.jpg</a></h2> <div class="content"> <span id="styles-5-0" class="styles file-styles large"> <img width="320" height="480" id="5" typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.shannonmiller.me/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Boost-Work.jpg?itok=MKsI6OQZ" alt="" title="" /></span> </div> </div> </div> <p> If you have tips of your own or comments, as always, leave them below.</p> <p> </p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/work" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">work</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/happiness" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">happiness</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/success" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">success</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/life" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">life</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/joy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Joy</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-related-article field-type-entityreference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">You may also like:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/2015/08/12/success-tips-from-twelve-of-the-worlds-most-successful-people">Success tips from twelve of the world&#039;s most successful people</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/2014/06/20/five-ways-to-bring-more-creative-inspiration-into-your-life">Five ways to bring more creative inspiration into your life</a></div></div></div> Fri, 08 Apr 2016 22:55:51 +0000 Shannon 44 at https://www.shannonmiller.me https://www.shannonmiller.me/2016/04/08/5-fun-ways-to-boost-happiness-and-productivity-at-work-now#comments What you need to know before becoming a freelancer https://www.shannonmiller.me/2016/01/27/what-you-need-to-know-before-becoming-a-freelancer <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>So you want to become a freelancer? Here are some important tips before you make the leap. The freelance/gig economy has seen unprecedented grow in the last few years. With the advent of eBay in 1995 to Uber, Task Rabbit, &amp; rent-a-coder what was once a sector often relegated to the actors, artists or the free spirit types has now gained amazing credibility. Credibility with real money behind it. In 1995 we saw many people harness the then new platform of eBay to generate significant income. Many people left jobs and began creating a full-time business on their own terms.</p> <p> </p><div class="media-element-container media-full"> <div id="file-63" class="file file-image file-image-png"> <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/63">freelancer.png</a></h2> <div class="content"> <span id="styles-1-0" class="styles file-styles large"> <img width="480" height="240" id="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.shannonmiller.me/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/freelancer.png?itok=1n2uEArz" alt="" title="" /></span> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p> <p>Fast forward to now and the number of freelance/gig opportunities has exploded. With Uber quickly becoming a billion dollar business due to the massive number of drivers who signed on, ( to join the freelance/gig economy) it is evident that this new way of making a living has massive appeal. What also makes this market appealing is the variety of skill sets it now includes, from being paid to do tasks for people as a Task Rabbit user to doing technical coding jobs on demand as a rent-a-coder user, there is indeed something for everyone. While this all may sound very appealing there are some caveats to consider before leaving a full-time job.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div class="redlist">1. Be realistic of what skills you possess and make a list. This is not the time to think you will learn how to design websites and be able to get paid to do so overnight.</div> <div class="redlist"> </div> <div class="redlist">2. With your list in hand research companies that offer gigs/freelance work in your areas of expertise.</div> <div class="redlist"> </div> <div class="redlist">3. Now is a good idea to set up online profiles at some relevant reputable sites. This is not the time to leave your job. I highly suggest that a client moonlights in the evening or weekend before making any definitive decision about leaving their full-time job; I cannot tell you how many disasters this has averted. Sometimes, all it takes is someone researching what this new gig economy is all about that satisfies their curiosity in an intelligent way.</div> <div class="redlist"> </div> <div class="redlist">4. Be very clear about why you are choosing to leave your fulltime job. Like anything work related, nothing is just going to fall into your lap so you have to be serious about your decision. If you are retiring, wanting to start a business, stay home with your kids more, whatever the reason is, if you are up to the task about taking this new journey seriously it can have tremendous payoffs. Payoffs like more free time, the ability to explore the viability of running your own business and getting paid to get your feet wet.</div> <div class="redlist"> </div> <div class="redlist">5. Lastly I suggest that a client have a bit of a financial cushion to allow them to get up and running without stress. This is another great reason to moonlight for a while before making the leap. It gives a person the ability to understand what type of time requirement this will require to equal the amount of money they would like/need to make.</div> <p>Like any business, references and a solid profile of your experience are a must. Be prepared to communicate swiftly with your prospects and do not exaggerate your skills. It only takes a few really bad reviews to stop you before you get started. By getting all your ducks in order you can take advantage of a flexible work schedule and the ability to control your revenue in a very new and dynamic way. In the end, having control of your time is often the most valuable asset of all.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/success" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">success</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/life" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">life</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/business" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">business</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/money" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">money</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/work" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">work</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/freedom" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">freedom</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-related-article field-type-entityreference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">You may also like:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/2015/07/23/5-tips-to-finding-your-passion-and-purpose-in-life">5 tips to finding your passion and purpose in life.</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/2015/05/22/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-life-by-being-your-true-self-in-every-situation">How to get the most out of life by being your true self in every situation</a></div></div></div> Thu, 28 Jan 2016 06:37:24 +0000 Shannon 41 at https://www.shannonmiller.me https://www.shannonmiller.me/2016/01/27/what-you-need-to-know-before-becoming-a-freelancer#comments