₦airaland Forum

IDEAS FOR HOW TO ADD FUN BACK INTO YOUR MARRIAGE

Do you know how to make your relationship better? We had to think about that a couple of years ago. My wife and I have been happily married for nearly 17 years, and as the years pass, life doesn’t seem to slow down. In fact, it just seems to get busier and busier. A couple of years ago, we hit a roadblock that forced us to slow down and re-evaluate our marriage and where we were headed. The speed of life had crowded out some of the more important things, including the element of fun in our marriage relationship, and we were in need of some change.

We had fallen prey to 3 killers of fun in any marriage…busyness, boredom, and complacency. And nearly every marriage faces these challenges at some point or another. In fact, your marriage may be overdue for some fun like ours was. So what can a couple do to add the element of fun back into their relationship? Here’s a list of ideas to get you started.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/ideas-for-how-to-add-fun-back-into-your-marriage/



7 THINGS A DAUGHTER NEEDS FROM HER FATHER

When my daughter was younger and feeling down or insecure she would crawl into my lap. Then she would nestle her head in my chest. I would wrap my arms around her. Then I would tell her I loved her and she would always let out a deep relaxing exhale. It’s as if all those things that were weighing on her left her shoulders. It still happens, but now that she has gotten bigger she more cuddles up next to me, but when I tell her I love her she still lets out the same calming breath.

As a girl grows up, men will come in and out of her life, but the one man who will always be there is her father. The father-daughter relationship plays a vital role in his girl’s journey to adulthood. Below are 7 things a daughter needs from her dad. Our printable version is below. Also, be sure to check out the 7 Things a Son Needs from His Dad.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/7-things-a-daughter-needs-from-her-father/




4 WAYS MEN SELF-SABOTAGE THEIR OWN SUCCESS

By the time I reached the age of 30, I had achieved the American Dream: a prestigious job, a six-digit income, a doctorate degree, a thriving business, a big home, a beautiful wife, son, and even a dog. Not bad, considering I grew up in the projects of Miami, Florida. But I lost all of it before I reached the age 40. As men, sometimes our obsession with success can cause us to get out of balance as husbands, fathers, and as leaders. And when that happens, we often pursue things that can be measured instead of the things that matter the most, thus engaging in self-sabotage of our own success.

I’ve learned from my own experience, as well as hundreds of men I’ve coached and mentored, that when we get out of balance, we usually sabotage our success in one of four ways, or at least I did. And they are:

1. WE CHOOSE TO FAKE LIKE EVERYTHING IN OUR LIVES IS OKAY WHEN THEY’RE REALLY NOT.
Read more at;https://valourdigest.com/4-ways-men-self-sabotage-their-own-success/

3 BETTER WAYS TO TELL A CO-WORKER “YOU SCREWED UP”

One of your co-workers brings you a completed project for a once-over. You give it a quick glance, and your stomach immediately plummets into your shoes. This is wrong. Not an “oopsies, you’re missing a comma” sort of wrong, more of a “whoa, you need to re-do this” type of situation.

Now what? You know that you definitely can’t just let that mistake slide by. “If you ignore it, it’s likely to continue,” says Janel Anderson, a leadership and communication expert who earned her PhD in organizational communication from Purdue University. “I always encourage people to have these tough conversations in service of the great work their organization or team is doing.”

So, how do you do this? How exactly can you break the news and tell your colleague, “You screwed up!” in a way that’s direct, but not condescending?
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/3-better-ways-to-tell-a-co-worker-you-screwed-up/



8 WAYS TO BE CONSTANTLY IMPROVING

Building your competence boosts your confidence…and confidence is a close friend to high achievers. Building your competence is like cleaning your house. If you stop cleaning, dust collects. The need to clean never ends. To achieve the success you deserve, you need to find ways to be constantly improving. The task of building competence never ends.

Competence includes anything that improves your ability to perform–your knowledge, skills, relationships, resourcefulness, processes, systems, and information. Olympic athletes are not only testaments to the human spirit, they are also living examples of competence. Only when we hear their backstories do we fully appreciate all it takes to build Olympic-level competence. We learn about gut-wrenching daily training regimens, strict nutritional standards, rigorous mental discipline, top-notch training equipment, reams of collected data, various supporting relationships, and even past adversities that motivate the Olympian. It is an intentionally developed set of systems and processes designed to produce a golden victory.

Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/8-ways-to-be-constantly-improving/

WHY YOU REALLY NEED TO GET MORE SLEEP

Busy people prioritize pretty much everything else over hours spent in bed, but the case for why you should get more sleep might be more convincing than you realize.

It’s not just about waking up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed every morning, with energy to seize the day. (Although that’s a nice side effect!) Skimping on sleep seriously affects your health on multiple levels—from your mental state to how often you end up miserable with the flu.

Still thinking you’ve got to stay up to watch Girls and then wake up at 5:00 a.m. to make a pre-work workout class? Consider these five science-backed reasons to get more sleep, first.

Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/why-you-really-need-to-get-more-sleep/





10 THINGS TO TEACH YOUR SON ABOUT TRUE MANHOOD

In the book Season of Life, Joe Ehrmann says there are three false ideas of masculinity: athletic ability, sexual conquest, and wealth accumulation. Instead, true masculinity is defined by two principles. One is relationships…to love and be loved by your family. The other is to live for a purpose bigger than yourself. Great advice.

So, how are you doing on being a true man? And, are you teaching your son about being a real man? Here are the 10 things you must teach your son about true manhood.

1. BEING A GENTLEMAN IS STILL WORTH THE EFFORT.
Hold the door. Stand up when a woman leaves or joins the table. Walk on the “splash” side of the sidewalk. Attempt (gently) to pick up the tab. Go get the car when it’s raining. Offer your hand. A strong man is a man who gives.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/10-things-to-teach-your-son-about-true-manhood/

13 GREAT FIRST DATE QUESTIONS BACKED BY SCIENCE

Awkward silence is the killer of promising first a date. Fortunately we’ve researched 13 great first date questions to ensure you never have to endure that painful quiet! The only thing worse is bad small talk. I want to help you banish both from your dates.

According to the research, a flexible communication style—engaging questions, open-mindedness and easy back and forth is most effective.

Below I outline my favorite first date (or second, third or fourth) date questions and conversation starters. Here is what they will do for you:
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/13-great-first-date-questions-backed-by-science/



TACKY: FIVE MAJOR DRESSING MISTAKES MEN MAKE
Before a man even speaks, people are prone to form an opinion about the individual based on how they are dressed. They will treat or engage with the person according to the opinions they have formed.

It is thus paramount that men need to absolutely look their best every time and pay attention to the little things. It is those the little things – not dramatic changes – that really make all the difference.

There are, however, many outfit mistakes that men make and end up looking tacky or messy.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/tacky-five-major-dressing-mistakes-men-make/

10 WAYS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR FATHER-SON RELATIONSHIP

The father-son relationship can be complex. Fathers and sons with widely different interests can find it hard to relate to one another. Sometimes dads and sons feel competitive against one another. Sometimes their male tendencies to not communicate feelings are compounded as both want a better father-son relationship but neither one quite knows how to go about it.

As I have watched my own relationships with my sons, thought about my relationship with my own father, and observed many fathers and sons interact with one another over the years, I have identified some key elements to creating and building a strong father-son relationship.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/10-ways-to-strengthen-your-father-son-relationship/


WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR WIFE ISN’T HAPPY

Your wife says she isn’t happy, and hasn’t been for years. How do you increase the intimacy and love in your marriage? Here are six ways to help your unhappy wife and boost her spirits.

The most important thing you can do is tell your wife you love her, support her, and will do everything you can to help her be happy again. I’m not a big fan of giving people stuff to make them happy, but it is important to show your wife how much you care.

An “I Love You To The Moon and Back” Pendant Necklace such as the one pictured might be a solid step towards helping your wife find happiness. It’s a symbol of your love and support, and your desire to do what you can to help her be happy. A trinket won’t be the long-term answer to making your wife happy, but it can start bridging the gap between you and her.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/what-to-do-when-your-wife-isnt-happy/

8 REASONS TO CUT THE TOXIC NEGATIVE PEOPLE FROM YOUR LIFE

I think it’s safe to say that we’re all pretty sick of the endless barrage of bad news that has come our way in 2016.

That’s why, in 2017, the only resolution that IGAF about is trying to inject some much-needed positivity into my life. And lucky for me, positivity in the face of adversity isn’t just possible, it’s pretty doable if you know where to start.

And the first step toward this goal is a step away from the people in your life who bring you down.

Yes, I’m talking about toxic people. Whether they’re co-workers, friends or even family members, you know the type: They seethe with pessimism and are always on hand to point out the negative in every situation. Interactions with these folks leave you feeling downtrodden, cynical and drained — never lighthearted or upbeat.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/8-reasons-to-cut-the-toxic-negative-people-from-your-life/

TOP DATING TIPS FOR MEN (BY A WOMAN)

There are endless questions that can spin around your head before, during and after a date, which is why we’ve compiled a list of some top dating tips for men, to help make sure your date is an ultimate success.

Dating can be a tricky business. What should you wear? Where should you meet? How much should you say? Who should pay? How soon after your date should you call? With so many questions, it’s hard to focus on actually getting to know your date. Here you’ll find some top dating tips for men on how to date women (if that’s what you’re into).

1. FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE ALWAYS IMPORTANT
Your ripped jeans may be lucky, but remember, this will be the first impression your date gets of you. Yes, you should never pretend to be someone that you’re not, but a girl might like to see that you take pride in your appearance. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you need to wear a full tuxedo, but having a shower, a shave and putting on something suitable will help you impress your date and get you off to a good start. Now all you have to worry about is turning up on time.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/top-dating-tips-for-men-by-a-woman/



15 THINGS MORE IMPORTANT THAN MONEY
Three and a half years ago, I was in a desperate debt situation. My lifestyle was tied desperately to spending far more than I was bringing in – and I was finally paying the consequences.

I had let money become the most important thing in my life. It drove all of my choices and decisions. It chose my career for me. It chose my specific job for me. It chose how I spent my free time – I did expensive things to escape from the debts and the pressure-filled work, usually with a device on my hip that chained me to that job.

I was desperate and unhappy. I was in a prison made of money – and I knew I had to escape it.

Today, I realize something much more compelling. Money is not the most important thing in life. In fact, in a healthy life, money often follows behind many other elements in your life. If you put your energy and time into other things more important than money, money will follow. It will find a way to work.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/15-things-more-important-than-money/

8 REASONS REGULAR GUYS SHOULD LEARN TO COOK


Some guys I know don’t consider cooking a worthwhile venture. Besides the occasional stint behind the grill, they’d rather bask in blissful ignorance than feed themselves in more than 3 steps: stab, chew, swallow.

But ask any woman (or man that already knows how) why it is better to be a kitchen savvy dude and you’ll start to see what these guys are missing.

Whether it’s because they think it takes too much time, too much effort or wrongly assume it’s a woman’s job, men who never learn to cook are losing a huge opportunity to take their man skills to the next level.

Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/8-reasons-regular-guys-should-learn-to-cook/

THE PROS AND CONS OF RUNNING TO-DO LISTS

Do you ever find yourself migrating items on your to-do list from one day or week to the next, but you haven’t actually had the time to do them? That’s really common. One method of avoiding such frequent migrations is to keep running to-do lists. Today, I’ll show you how that might work, and I’ll discuss some of the pros and cons of adopting running to-do lists.

WHAT ARE RUNNING TO-DO LISTS?
A running to-do list is a list full of items, generally without a deadline. Tasks that might be added to the list include minor household repairs, projects you’d like to start, or any other item you will “get to eventually.” The point of having a running to-do list is to have a place for all the things you want to get done, but haven’t had time to complete yet. Since these items don’t have a deadline or specific time frame, they tend to be frequently migrated or forgotten. When deciding whether or not a running to-do list is for you, refer to the pros and cons listed below.


Credit: https://valourdigest.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-running-to-do-lists/

7 TIPS FOR STAYING HEALTHY WHEN YOU’RE WORKING ALL DAY

Getting healthy and staying healthy is hard enough as it is. It’s all the more difficult when you work all day.

It doesn’t really matter if you’re a student or working full time. When you have 28 hours worth of work, sleeping and socializing to cram into just 24 measly hours, how will you ever lose those last five pounds?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle does take some work but don’t let that put you off!

There are actually some pretty simple habits you can integrate into your regular routine to live a healthier lifestyle, even though you’re busy AF.

Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/7-tips-for-staying-healthy-when-youre-working-all-day/

8 SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN WAYS TO BE HAPPIER, EVEN WITHOUT MONEY

Many of us, at some point, have come down with a bad case of the “Sunday Night Blues,” overwhelmed with that feeling of the workweek looming. Monday is the start of a whole new countdown until Friday at 6 p.m., when we can rejoice for 62 hours thereafter until we go back to the same old song and dance for the following week. However, happiness shouldn’t be reserved for only the weekends; we can instantly feel happier throughout the workweek — all drinks aside — without spending money. Just try these eight scientifically proven ways:

1. PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE
Yes, it’s that simple. The mere act of smiling can turn you from feeling OK to being happy. Smiling is contagious, so when you smile, others will also likely return the smile, creating happiness all around. To feel better, smiling is best done when it’s associated with positive thoughts. A study led by Michigan State University found customer service workers who smile as a result of harboring positive thoughts, such as waiting to see their significant other or to see their child in a school play, improved their mood and withdrew less from work.

Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/8-scientifically-proven-ways-to-be-happier-even-without-money/




MAKING A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION

GETTING OFF TO A GOOD START
It takes just a quick glance, maybe three seconds, for someone to evaluate you when you meet for the first time. In this short time, the other person forms an opinion about you based on your appearance, your body language, your demeanor, your mannerisms, and how you are dressed.

With every new encounter, you are evaluated and yet another person’s impression of you is formed. These first impressions can be nearly impossible to reverse or undo, and they often set the tone for the relationship that follows. So, it’s essential that you know how to create a great first impression. This article provides some useful tips to help you do this.

Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/making-a-great-first-impression/

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR SON ABOUT SEX

When my son was only four he asked me, “Where do babies come from?” I told him that they come from their mommy’s tummy. Hoping that answer would satisfy, I tried to change the subject. Then came this, “How do babies get in their mom’s tummy?” Fortunately, my wife and I were just talking about a brilliant analogy made in a book she was reading called The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. Sometimes, my son helps me bring in the groceries after a trip to the market. So I asked him if it would be good for me to give him a bag that was too heavy to carry and he said, “No.” I explained to him that when he grew up and got older, he would be able to carry the heavier bags. In other words, I told him, the answer to his question was too much weight for his young age. But I would give him the answer when he was older and could handle it.

Is your son old enough to carry the weight? Like me, you may have been putting it off for as long as you could. The last thing you want is for your son’s first discussions about sex to come from anyone else. You probably know that it’s time to talk about it, but it’s tough to know what to say. Here’s how to talk to your son about sex.


Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/how-to-talk-to-your-son-about-sex/

TOP 10 WAYS TO GET RID OF YOUR POT BELLY

A large protruding stomach is one of the most common physical ailments people fight these days. A pot belly is nothing non-familiar with middle-aged, non-exercising, involved in desk jobs, men and women. However, it is becoming increasingly common with people of far younger age and even kids and thus calling for strict changes in lifestyle. What is not a surprise is that a bulging stomach is also a common symptom in those diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and dyslipidemia which explains why even kids now are affected by otherwise old age heart diseases or diabetes. Obesity is a condition of increased body fat, fighting which requires following strict regimes and adopting healthy habits.

Below is a list of ten most effective ways of reducing and controlling fat on the belly portion:

10. AVOID UNNECESSARY MEDICINAL CONSUMPTION
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/top-10-ways-to-get-rid-of-your-pot-belly/



7 TIPS TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULT ROOMMATES

Dirty dishes, unwanted guests, loud music one room over, a long overdue check for their share of rent — the grievances you can rack up against a roommate may seem endless. But there’s a right way and a wrong way to confront the issues that frustrate you the most.

Here are seven tactics to handle the most aggravating space-sharers without making your living situation a million times worse.

1. RESIST THE URGE TO RETALIATE.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/7-tips-to-deal-with-difficult-roommates/

5 REASONS BEING A STAY-AT-HOME DAD IS AWESOME

Sure there’s endless crying, piles of laundry and dirty nappies to deal with, but I wouldn’t change being stay-at-home dad for the world. Here are some of the perks of the job.

People often ask me what it’s like to be a full time stay at home dad (SAHD). My answer? It’s awesome. Easily the best job a man could ask for. Unless you’re one of those guys on Mythbusters that gets paid to blow stuff up all the time, but that’s a whole other story.

Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty not so pleasant moments. Nappy explosions; endless piles of laundry; winter colds; toddler tantrums; and hand foot and mouth disease, are just a few of the challenges that I encounter on a regular basis.

Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/5-reasons-being-a-stay-at-home-dad-is-awesome/

5 REASONS BEING A STAY-AT-HOME DAD IS AWESOME

Sure there’s endless crying, piles of laundry and dirty nappies to deal with, but I wouldn’t change being stay-at-home dad for the world. Here are some of the perks of the job.

People often ask me what it’s like to be a full time stay at home dad (SAHD). My answer? It’s awesome. Easily the best job a man could ask for. Unless you’re one of those guys on Mythbusters that gets paid to blow stuff up all the time, but that’s a whole other story.

Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty not so pleasant moments. Nappy explosions; endless piles of laundry; winter colds; toddler tantrums; and hand foot and mouth disease, are just a few of the challenges that I encounter on a regular basis.

Read more at; Sure there’s endless crying, piles of laundry and dirty nappies to deal with, but I wouldn’t change being stay-at-home dad for the world. Here are some of the perks of the job.

People often ask me what it’s like to be a full time stay at home dad (SAHD). My answer? It’s awesome. Easily the best job a man could ask for. Unless you’re one of those guys on Mythbusters that gets paid to blow stuff up all the time, but that’s a whole other story.

Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty not so pleasant moments. Nappy explosions; endless piles of laundry; winter colds; toddler tantrums; and hand foot and mouth disease, are just a few of the challenges that I encounter on a regular basis.

15 TIPS TO BECOME COMPUTER SAVVY AT AN OLDER AGE

The obstacle to computer literacy among seniors has been the assumption that it is best suited for the younger population and that its sole purpose is to keep up with the 21st century.

This belief has caused older adults to be apathetic and sometimes even fearful of computer trends. In most cases, tech developers have not targeted the older population with their campaigns or ads but instead have mostly focused on young people.

If they want older people to benefit from the numerous advantages of computer literacy, they need to use a stronger incentive and motivation. Reports from the Pew Internet and American Project say that, in 2014, 11 percent of people aged 65 and older owned a smartphone.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/15-tips-to-become-computer-savvy-at-an-older-age/



8 THINGS HEALTHY PEOPLE DO EVERY SINGLE DAY
Dietitians and trainers not only help other people live their~best lives~, but they’re pretty good about incorporating healthy habits into their daily lives, too. And their top-tips below are all pretty doable, proving that living well doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire life. Because when it comes to living healthy, it’s not all about chugging a kale smoothie, sweating it out in 90-minute hot yoga sessions, or picking up fresh flowers from the farmer’s market.

Healthy living means different things to different people, but there are some simple habits that can help you lead a more balanced, energized life every single day—no matter what your goals are. So put these expert-approved tips in your green juice and sip it:
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/8-things-healthy-people-do-every-single-day/

4 WAYS TO LEARN TO LOVE WHAT YOU DO, EVEN IF YOU HATE IT


If Steve Jobs had followed his passion, he’d probably have become a zen monk. So why did he end up founding one of the world’s most successful companies instead? Simple: Jobs understood that “follow your passion,” might actually be bad advice. The theory that following your passion leads to success first surfaced in the 70s, and in the intervening decades it’s taken on the character of indisputable fact.

The cach is that most people’s passions have little connection to work or education, meaning passionate skiers, dancers, and readers run into problems. In a culture that tells people to transform their passions into lucrative careers via will-driven alchemy, it’s no wonder so much of today’s workforce suffers from endless job swapping and professional discontent.

In his book So Good They Can’t Ignore You, Cal Newport exposes the Passion Trap and offers up advice about how not following your passions will ultimately lead to satisfaction. The following four tips will help you put yourself on the path to professional fulfillment.


Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/4-ways-to-learn-to-love-what-you-do-even-if-you-hate-it/

THE DANGER OF MAKING MONEY YOUR TOP PRIORITY

Money isn’t inherently a bad thing, but making the accumulation of money your sole purpose in life is a bad thing.

Is accumulating money your top priority?

That’s a question I was forced to ask myself last Sunday. My wife and I went to a different church than we usually go to because our friend’s baby was being baptized. The sermon message was by a pastor I never heard preach. Money was the topic, which I know is a huge issue in the Christian church because there is a wide array of viewpoints. I was pleasantly surprised by the message I heard, though, and there were a ton of valuable (and timely) takeaways whether you are a Christian or not.
Read more at;https://valourdigest.com/the-danger-of-making-money-your-top-priority/



HOW TO DEAL WITH A NAGGING WIFE

The business of marriage is not an easy one. There are lots of things a man may have to deal with and one of them is a nagging wife. People often wonder why they never get to know a woman nags until they marry her and the simple answer is this – A woman wants to be heard and when she gets married, her options become limited to only…well…you. So what she would have told her male bestie, or her elder sister, or even her mother, she gets to tell only you. Ignore her and she will reignite all those other options and that becomes a bigger problem. She just wants to be heard! Here are some options on how to handle this:

1. NEVER FORGET THE CONTEXT:
One of the ways for her to get heard is by nagging. This is not the best way, but many women believe it is effective. The idea is, you might just get tired of hearing her repeatedly and finally address the issue. And yes! If there is a sudden change in your wife’s countenance, 99 out of 100 times, you have done something to irritate her. So try to find out what you have done, address it and apologize for it.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/how-to-deal-with-a-nagging-wife/

HOW ANTONIO CONTE’S THREE-MAN DEFENCE CAN LIBERATE REAL MADRID

Julen Lopetegui’s job is surely gone after Real Madrid‘s El Clasico hammering on Sunday, and former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is reportedly locked in talks to take over. The Italian has been available ever since he was ousted at Stamford Bridge to accommodate Maurizio Sarri.

The 49-year-old has always advocated a three-man defence. At Juventus and Italy, he played five players in the midfield with the wing-backs dropping to form a five-man backline when the team was defending. While at Chelsea, Conte brought revolution to the Premier League with a 3-4-3 formation which was emulated by quite a number of teams in the league, the most notable being Arsenal.

Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/how-antonio-contes-three-man-defence-can-liberate-real-madrid/



10 BENEFITS OF RUNNING
It’s wise to take it slow at the start of whatever sport you decide to take up, but it’s especially important with running. That’s because running can be an absolute chore at first. Within a minute you’re breathing hard, muscles start screaming at you within five, and after ten a lot of people have convinced themselves they won’t bother with running again.

However, if you take it easy at the start and don’t put any pressure on yourself to run quickly, it won’t be long until its charms become clear. Here are seven reasons you’ll fall in love with running if you give it a chance.

1. RUNNING MAKES YOU FITTER
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/10-benefits-of-running/

HOW TO DEAL WITH A DIFFICULT BOSS

Sometimes, we wish we could control people and make them act like we want. This is often true in a superior-subordinate relationship. Sometimes it seems being a difficult person is one of the most important perks in being a manager of an organization. But truth is, employees do not see things from the point of view of the employer or manager making it difficult to understand what necessitates their perceived or actual behaviours.

However, whether we fully understand or not, having a good relationship with supervisors and superiors also enhances our productivity. So, here are tips on how to handle a difficult boss.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE NOT THE PROBLEM:
It is easy to see the flaws of others without recognizing yours. Sometimes, your boss might not be the problem. You need to know if you are meeting the minimum expectations your boss has of you. Yes, sometimes he might raise the bar too high, but the final decision to stay with the organization rests with you. So, if you are staying, make sure you are not a difficult employee.

Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/how-to-deal-with-a-difficult-boss/

8 Steps to an Effective Career Plan

1. Identify Your Career Options.
Develop a refined list of career options by examining your interests, skills, and values through self-assessment. Narrow your career options by reviewing career information, researching companies, and talking to professionals in the field. You can further narrow your list when you take part in experiences such as shadowing, volunteering, and internships. MIT students can log in to access MyPlan, an online self-assessment tool offered through our office, can be a useful starting point.

2. Prioritize.
It’s not enough to list options. You have to prioritize. What are your top skills? What interests you the most? What’s most important to you? Whether it’s intellectually challenging work, family-friendly benefits, the right location or a big paycheck, it helps to know what matters to you — and what’s a deal-breaker. We provide skills and values assessments — set up an appointment with a Career Advisor to take advantage of this service
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/8-steps-to-an-effective-career-plan/



THE ROLE OF FATHERS IN CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
WHAT ARE SOME DIFFERENT FATHERING TECHNIQUES?
Clinical and developmental psychologist Diana Baumrind has outlined three main parenting styles:

Authoritarian parenting is low on warmth and high on control.
Authoritative is love and limits, where it’s medium on control and high on warmth. Discussions can be had, but the parent remains in control.
Permissive parenting is very high on warmth and low on control. People who use this style view it as the most child-centered.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/the-role-of-fathers-in-childhood-development/

Banking has its own advantages but it’s processes may be complicated to some people. An interaction between you and you bank ensues every time you make a banking transaction. For instance, depositing a cheque or withdrawing money from the Automated Teller Machine and a lot more. This article compiles a list of useful tips from bankbazaar.com on how to avoid making banking mistakes.

PAYING BILLS MANUALLY
For recurring payments for monthly bills, you should set an automated request for the same through your online banking account. Automated bill payment can prevent you from forgetting to pay bills. This ensures that you don’t end up paying penalties for late payments. Paying your bills online also protects you from identity theft, lesser documentation and hassle-free process.

Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/five-banking-mistakes-to-avoid/

TIPS FOR ENTREPRENEURS WHO WANT TO START CONSULTING

Are you planning to start a consulting business? Here are five tips to take into consideration:

INTROSPECT: BEING A CONSULTANT IS NOT AN EASY GAME
One should follow many parameters. It is important that a consultant must have some following key ideas in his mind. Since the client is excessively trustworthy on the consultant, it becomes imperative that as a consultant you must not breach that trust. The consultant must know a sound knowledge about the matrix, which is being proposed, intrinsically. The consultant must know detailed roadmap of the project in proposition. As an educationist, the consultant must be able to educate his client for the project.

BUDGETS
The consultant must always make sure that the design, which is being proposed, is not only trendsetting but also delivered under the best possible budgets.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/tips-for-entrepreneurs-who-want-to-start-consulting/



WITH MESSI OUT, COUTINHO, DEMBELE MUST STEP UP FOR BARCELONA
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — With Lionel Messi out with a broken arm, the two most expensive signings in Barcelona’s history have a perfect opportunity to step up and show their value.

Barcelona spent more than 300 million euros ($350 million) to sign Brazil midfielder Philippe Coutinho and France forward Ousmane Dembele last season as it reinvested the money — and then some — from Neymar’s move to Paris Saint-Germain.

While both Coutinho and Dembele have shown several flashes of their world-class talent, neither has fully met the huge expectations that inevitably accompanied their price tags.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/with-messi-out-coutinho-dembele-must-step-up-for-barcelona/

TIPS TO REDUCE DISTRACTIONS IN THE WORKPLACE


We all wish we could concentrate on our work and get it over with in time so we can catch up on other important business. But sometimes, our beeping phones and chatty colleagues won’t let that happen. Here are ways we can reduce distractions not just in the work place but outside it as well.

START READY
Before you get to work, make sure you have everything at hand. Snacks, pen, drinks, notepad or whatever you might need so you don’t have to start worrying about anything once you begin.

MAKE A “NOT-TO-DO” LIST
The normal thing is to make a “To Do’ list but we keep ignoring the fact that some things not in that list have a great effect on you. Make a list of things not to do so you can be constantly reminded of staying away from them.

Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/tips-to-reduce-distractions-in-the-workplace/

6 PRACTICES TO IMPROVE YOUR LEADERSHIP CREATIVITY
What pops into your mind when you hear the words, “the world’s most creative artists and their work?”

Michelangelo’s David?

Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony #9?

Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa?

The Beatles White Album? (I couldn’t resist.)

Creativity is not limited to those who are artists.

Great leaders are creative, and creativity is not a gift reserved for a few genius types, it can be practised and developed by anyone.

Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/6-practices-to-improve-your-leadership-creativity/

8 WAYS TO CREATE MOMENTUM IN YOUR LIFE
Celebrate the causes that propel you, the need to get started immediately, and the continued path toward a life you’ll love.
1. Set powerful goals.
The most important benefit of setting goals isn’t achieving your goal; it’s what you do and the person you become in order to achieve your goal that’s the real benefit.
Goal setting is powerful because it provides focus. It shapes our dreams. It gives us the ability to hone in on the exact actions we need to perform to achieve everything we desire in life. Goals are great because they cause us to stretch and grow in ways that we never have before. In order to reach our goals, we must become better.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/8-ways-create-momentum-life/


10 WONDERS OF GINGER THAT YOU MUST KNOW – 1
The health benefits of ginger have been known for centuries. As a natural home remedy, it has been proven to cure an array of ailments such as the common cough and cold. The potency of ginger has also been shown to combat cancer – even better than the leading chemotherapeutic drugs. Read more to learn an array of health benefits ginger poses to your health.
1. Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Ginger contains both antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. The active ingredient in ginger, [6]-gingerol, is an anti-inflammatory that inhibits the effects of NF-kB (a factor in ovarian cancer cell growth that may contribute towards increased transcription and translation of angiogenic factors). Researchers (1) found that treating cultured ovarian cancer cells with ginger resulted in NF-kB inactivation in addition to decreased secretion of VEGF and IL-8 (factors involved in tumour cell proliferation and angiogenesis). These results suggest that ginger effectively inhibits growth and secretion of angiogenic factors in ovarian cancer cells and may have the ability to treat and prevent ovarian cancer.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/10-wonders-of-ginger-that-you-must-know-1/



HOW TO MAKE MONEY ONLINE WITH AN EBOOK
Have you published your book?
Whatever your answer is to the question above, this article is for you. If you are yet to publish one, this will inspire you to get your hands on the keyboard, and publish your eBook. And if you have published one: print or eBook, join the ride and let’s make some cool money.
The 21st Century is the most interesting and engaging age so far. With the progressive development in technology, science and other fields, many are becoming more inquisitive, eager to know and learn more. Though Africans are believed to have a poor attitude towards reading, the tides are changing now.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/make-money-online-ebook/


5 SIMPLE STEPS TO PLAN YOUR DREAM LIFE
I’ve often said that the major reason for having a dream and setting a goal is for what it makes you do to accomplish it. This will always be a far greater value than what you get. That is why goals are so powerful—they are part of the fabric that makes up our lives.
Goal setting provides focus, shapes our dreams and gives us the ability to hone in on the exact actions we need to take in order to get everything in life we desire.
Goals are exciting because they provide focus and aim for our lives. Goals cause us to stretch and grow in ways we never have before. In order to reach our goals, we must become better; we must change and grow.

Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/5-simple-steps-to-plan-your-dream-life/

HOW TO SOW THE RIGHT SEED IN COURTSHIP
This article sheds light on some tested tips that will help you to input the right seed in your courtship toward a blissful marriage.

“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22).

There are laws and principles that govern life. One of such laws is the law of sowing and reaping. For every harvest, there is a seed to sow.

People who are enjoying and harvesting good fruits in their marriage are people who had sown the right seeds during courtship. To enjoy your marriage and be happy, you must be willing to sow the right seeds. Nothing good happens by chance. It must be consciously, deliberately and adequately prepared for. Courtship is a time to consciously sow the right seeds if you must enjoy your marriage.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/how-to-sow-the-right-seed-in-courtship/



BE NEAT AND GET ORGANISED
The word, “neat” is a very simple word. But as simple as the word is, it is an extremely difficult task for many. In the story below, you will discover how a most under-rated and despised creature is neat and quite organised.

Mice are intelligent creatures with complex levels of communication, which are both odorous and vocal, often beyond the auditory range of humans.

Mice have facial expressions which communicate their mood.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/be-neat-and-get-organised/


10 REASONS LADIES HATE SMOKERS
YOU SMELL AWFUL
Women want a man that smells amazing, not like a cigarette butt. If you want a girl to cuddle up and get close with you, then you’ve got to ditch the cigarettes immediately.

2. IT’S LIKE KISSING AN ASH TRAY
Girls often avoid dating smokers because they hate the taste of cigarettes. When you kiss a smoker, you will taste the cigarettes even if they have a mint after smoking. Women look for men with fresh breath and they only want to lock lips if the guy doesn’t taste like an ashtray.

3. YOU LOOK OLDER THAN YOU ACTUALLY ARE
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/10-reasons-ladies-hate-smokers/



SIMPLE REASONS MEN EXPERIENCE HAIR LOSS
Simple Causes of Male Hair Loss

You may not know it or feel it, but you’re losing hair all the time — an estimated 100 strands of hair from the 100,000 or so strands in your scalp every day.

About 90 percent of the hair on your head is growing at any given time, in a growth phase that lasts as long as six years. The other 10 percent is in a resting phase that lasts a few months, and at the end of that phase the hair is shed. A new hair then grows from the same follicle to replace lost hair, renewing the growing cycle. Hair grows about half an inch a month, but that rate of growth slows as people age.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/simple-reasons-men-experience-hair-loss/


5 WAYS TO FIND AFFORDABLE FOOD ANYWHERE YOU TRAVEL
Food, undoubtedly is one of the biggest expenses for travellers. You cannot stay hungry throughout your journey. Therefore, eating out at least two or three times daily is not negotiable. These food expenses can disrupt your budget even though you have made provision for it. Interestingly, there are ways to find cheap eats no matter where you are travelling to. These tips gathered by Jumia Food, Nigeria’s No.1 food ordering platform will help you discover affordable spots to eat on your next vacation.

Book the right hotel

One of the best ways to find cheap eats is to book a hotel that offers any form of complementary food to guests. So, seek the counsel of your travel advisor when making inquiries about the hotel you intend to book.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/5-ways-find-affordable-food-anywhere-travel/

HOW TO INVEST – BASIC INVESTMENT IN STOCKS
Do you know how to invest?

If your answer is no, why?

You should know where and when to invest.

In comparison to bonds, gold, cash or treasury bills, you should invest in stocks because it has overtime outperformed the other forms of investment and has proven to be a winning path.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/how-to-invest-basic-investment-in-stocks/


7 WAYS TO GROW IN LIFE THAT HELP YOU BECOME A BETTER MAN
One of the best ways to become the best versions of our self is to continue to grow as a person.

As men, we have a longing to become the best versions of our self. We realize that to live whatever a successful life means to us, we have to be confident in the actions we’re taking. One of the best ways to become the best versions of our self is to continue to grow as a person.

There has been several times in my life that growth has helped me become a better man. I was 170 pounds overweight for 12 years; I worked a job I hated, and lived in a place I dreamed of leaving. Before I could work on these changes, I had to grow in my mind. I had to see what’s possible and believe in myself.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/7-ways-to-grow-in-life-that-help-you-become-a-better-man/



6 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A LEADER AND A MANAGER
You may ask, “What is the difference between leadership and management?” There is a huge difference between the two and that is why when someone is in a managerial position, he should not be quick to consider himself as a leader except he has the qualities and acts like one.

According to John Maxwell in one of his publications titled ‘The 360 Degree Leader’ he said, “Managers work with processes while leaders work with people. Both are necessary for organisations to run smoothly, but they have different function.” Without processes organisations won’t be able to function in a cohesive and coherent manner. There are procedures that must be followed, schedule that must be created, inventories that must be maintained. These processes cannot run themselves; there must be people to manage them. This is where the role of the leader becomes important. A leader leads the people who manage the processes.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/6-differences-between-a-leader-and-a-manager/



BE NEAT AND GET ORGANISED
The word, “neat” is a very simple word. But as simple as the word is, it is an extremely difficult task for many. In the story below, you will discover how a most under-rated and despised creature is neat and quite organised.

Mice are intelligent creatures with complex levels of communication, which are both odorous and vocal, often beyond the auditory range of humans.

Mice have facial expressions which communicate their mood.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/be-neat-and-get-organised/



HOW TO USE CRITICISM TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
Never attack the person. Criticize the action.
Mel Robbins
Let me guess: Hearing the words, “We need to talk” from a boss, partner or friend sends you into panic mode. If you hate hearing about the things you’ve done wrong and the mistakes you’ve made, you’re not alone. But it’s a catch-22. We don’t like being criticized, but honest feedback is one of the most valuable tools we have for self-improvement.
Criticism hurts for a reason, and the explanation lies in neuroscience. In order to keep us alive, our brains have evolved to react much more strongly to negative things. The brain has evolved this way for a good reason: to keep us safe. Just as 20,000 years ago, the brain was trying to keep hunter-gatherers safe from warring tribes, your brain reacts the same way to a critical comment from your spouse or boss.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/use-criticism-advantage/

ADVANCING YOUR CAREER THROUGH SELF DEVELOPMENT
Everyone desires career growth but only those who spend time to invest in themselves usually get to the point where they live their dreams. Most people are motivated, but motivation is not enough because the bridge that connects motivation to reality is discipline. What I’m emphasising is that apart from listening to motivational speakers and reading motivational books, you need discipline to make your dreams a reality. And it is not a one-off thing, it takes consistency to achieve success. This agrees with the view of the late American businessman, Jim Rohn, whose formula for success, says “Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying the basic fundamentals.” The same goes for career growth, there are basic fundamental steps you must take consistently to experience a leap in your career.

Self development is the key to experiencing career growth. We observe this in the story of the young Malawian inventor, William Kamkwamba. He was born into relative poverty and relied primarily on farming to survive. A season of crippling famine forced Kamkwamba to drop out of school. He was not able to return to school because his family was unable to afford the tuition fee. In a desperate attempt to retain his education, Kamkwamba began to frequently visit the library. It was at the local library where Kamkwamba discovered his true love for electronics.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/advancing-your-career-through-self-development/


HOW TO HAVE YOUR OWN BUSINESS & BE A CEO
Being the chief executive officer of your own business is a dream come true for those who don’t want to answer to anyone and have the energy and fortitude to persevere through business obstacles. While this avenue isn’t for everyone, every day new entrepreneurs seek employment freedom by opening their own businesses. In 2008, the Small Business Administration reported more than 627,000 new businesses with almost 600,000 business closures. Starting your own business and serving as CEO is simple, but building a business that endures early growth hiccups and withstands difficult economic periods requires diligent work and discipline.



Write a business plan that develops a business idea into a viable product or service company that understands its target market and how to reach those buyers. Research industry, demographic and small business statistics through resources such as the SBA, the U.S. Census Bureau and your local Chamber of Commerce.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/how-to-have-your-own-business/


SPLITTING FINANCIAL DUTIES WITH YOUR PARTNER: YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG
If you’re in a relationship—or have ever been in a relationship—you know that managing money as a twosome can be tricky.

We get questions every day about … how should we divide it? Who should pay for what? So when rather controversial research came out suggesting there’s a whole new way to divide your money in a couple, we perked up.

Especially since, in many traditional American households, the husband manages the investments while the wife manages daily budgeting and spending …. and that, researchers say, might be all wrong.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/splitting-financial-duties-partner-youre-wrong/


WHY IT’S TIME TO STOP MAKING EXCUSES FOR WHAT’S NOT WORKING
I’m too old. I’m too busy. I’m too broke. I don’t know how.

Listen to the excuses of truly successful people and one thing will stand out: They don’t make any. Rather, they own their choices and take full responsibility for the results they create, what they do and what they don’t.

If you really want to do something, then do it. You have to stop lying to yourself about why you haven’t done it already.

Not disciplined/outgoing/experienced/educated/connected/(fill in the blank) enough?
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/time-stop-making-excuses-whats-not-working/


CONTROL OR GROWTH? WHICH IS CRITICAL TO A BUSINESS’ SURVIVAL?
From “my” business to “ours”…

My five-year legal battle to get a license for my mobile telecoms venture in Zimbabwe is well documented. I had been forced to sell the business I’d built with equity support from the IFC, as my legal battle to set up a mobile company became toxic. Finally, the court had ruled in my favor. The government had accepted the ruling of the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe.

The harassments of the so-called “rogue elements” of the CIO had become a way of life. They followed me everywhere, and occasionally pulled me in for questioning.


Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/control-growth-critical-business-survival/

FATHERHOOD IS MORE THAN GETTING A WOMAN PREGNANT

A hard look at the world today reveals a distortion in the divine order for the family. Understanding the strategic position of the family in building communities and nations, the devil is working overtime to enslave men, targeting the family. His success is becoming increasingly evident — the grim facts are seen, reported, and heard about daily, and involve the collapse of many family units. With the decay of the family, we see the terrible effects on our society — increased crime, behavioural disorders, poverty, drug abuse, and the like.

What then is the way out of this mess that has overcome this generation? Fatherhood.

Fatherhood is more than getting a woman pregnant, or having a mountain size ego; it is a dignified position as the anchor of the family link. Asides the responsibility of providing strength and support to the family, like the anchor to a ship, the father holds the family together in storms and moral degeneration that characterize the century. The father is strength and support to his home, and most importantly, the custodian of the family values and honour for generations after him.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/fatherhood-getting-woman-pregnant/


HECTOR AND ACHILLES: TWO PATHS TO MANLINESS
For the Ancient Greeks, Homer’s Iliad was the Bible on andreia — that is, manliness, particularly manly courage.

Alexander the Great was said to have kept a special edition of the epic poem (prepared by his tutor Aristotle) under his pillow during his conquests and he’d read from it often. For Alexander, Achilles was andreia incarnate, and so the young king patterned his life after him. When he began his conquest of Asia, Alexander made a detour to pay homage to Achilles’ tomb. Whenever he experienced bouts of self-doubt, he’d pray to Achilles’ goddess mother, Thetis, for comfort. When his best friend and general, Hephaestion, was killed in battle, Alexander mourned deeply, just as Achilles had grieved for his best friend, Patroclus.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/hector-achilles-two-paths-manliness/




5 STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO LIVE BY DESIGN, NOT DEFAULT
o you ever find yourself just going through the motions, as though on autopilot? If so, you’re not alone.

In a recent study of 3,000 people, 96 percent reported living on autopilot. The researchers concluded that as our lives have become more frantic and the needle has moved ever more toward the “overwhelm,” autopilot has become our default mode. It’s led to an epidemic of subconscious decision-making, with the average person making 15 “mindless” decisions every day. This adds up 250,000 autopilot decisions over a lifetime.

Of course, many of these unconscious decisions and behaviours actually spare our overloaded brains of unnecessary work—like your morning hygiene ritual or daily route to work. However, left unchecked, operating constantly in “default mode” can exact a steep toll on your sense of well-being, your relationships, your career, your productivity and even your bank balance. (Nearly 50 percent of people in the study reported forgetting important things while on autopilot, like birthdays, paying bills and collecting their kids from activities.)
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/5-steps-can-take-live-design-not-default/



8 WAYS TO CREATE MOMENTUM IN YOUR LIFE
Celebrate the causes that propel you, the need to get started immediately, and the continued path toward a life you’ll love.
1. Set powerful goals.

The most important benefit of setting goals isn’t achieving your goal; it’s what you do and the person you become in order to achieve your goal that’s the real benefit.

Goal setting is powerful because it provides focus. It shapes our dreams. It gives us the ability to hone in on the exact actions we need to perform to achieve everything we desire in life. Goals are great because they cause us to stretch and grow in ways that we never have before. In order to reach our goals, we must become better.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/8-ways-create-momentum-life/


WHY LEADERS NEED TO MAKE TIME FOR SELF-CARE
We typically praise the person who is the last to leave the office and who works during weekends and holidays. Often, however, that person is the first to fall in the war of workplace attrition.

Leadership demands long hours and great effort, but rest and relaxation are just as essential as hard work. Go-getters often feel that every minute of every day must be filled with work, but that is just not a healthy way to live. Because more does not always mean better, a leader must learn to draw a hard line in the sand when asked to take on boundless responsibilities. Learning to say “no” is a matter of self-preservation.

Leaders must take time for themselves, and they should not apologize or feel guilty for doing so. We are sons, daughters, mothers and fathers before we are professionals, and it is important not to neglect the parts of our lives that make us the most human.
Read more at; https://valourdigest.com/leaders-need-make-time-self-care/