10 Morning Habits for Maximum Productivity & Financial Gains

Singaporeans are known for their relentless drive, balancing demanding careers and personal commitments. A well-structured morning routine can boost productivity and financial success. Here’s how to start your day right.

#1: WAKE UP EARLY

The early bird catches the worm. Many successful people rise before 6 AM to maximize their mornings. Quiet early hours are perfect for planning and reflection, setting a positive tone for the day.

TIP: Gradually adjust your wake-up time by 15-minute increments to make the transition smoother.

#2: HYDRATE & REFRESH

Start your day with a glass of water to kickstart your metabolism. A splash of cold water on your face or a refreshing shower can invigorate you.

TIP: Add a slice of lemon to your water for a vitamin C boost and improved digestion.

#3: GET PHYSICAL

Physical activity increases energy levels and improves focus. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a gym session, or yoga stretches, exercise releases endorphins that keep you positive and energized.

TIP: Try HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) workouts if you’re short on time but want maximum results. Or, try a workout at Jewel @ Changi Airport for a view.

#4: EAT A HEALTHY BREAKFAST

Fuel your body with a nutritious breakfast. Opt for a balanced meal with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Try oatmeal with fruits and nuts, a green smoothie, or eggs with whole-grain toast.

TIP: Prepare your breakfast the night before to save time in the morning.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#5: TRY MINDFULNESS OR MEDITATION

Take a few minutes to practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress and increase focus. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you through short, effective sessions.

TIP: Spend 5-10 minutes in a quiet space, focusing on your breath and clearing your mind.

#6: PLAN YOUR DAY

Review your goals and tasks for the day. Prioritize your to-do list and break down larger tasks into manageable steps. This boosts productivity and keeps you organized.

TIP: Use productivity tools like Trello to keep track of your tasks and deadlines. Alternatively, keep it old-school by writing in a journal (I prefer this).

#7: REVIEW FINANCES

Dedicate a few minutes each morning to review your financial goals and status. Check your bank accounts, review your spending, and ensure you’re on track with your savings and investments.

TIP: Set up automatic transfers to your savings or investment accounts to ensure consistent contributions.

#8: LIFELONG LEARNING

Incorporate personal development into your morning routine. Read a book, listen to a podcast, or take an online course. Continuous learning opens up new opportunities and improves your skill set.

TIP: Choose content that aligns with your career goals or personal interests to stay engaged and motivated.

#9: HAVE POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS

Start your day with positive affirmations. This boosts self-confidence and sets a positive tone for the day. Affirmations like “I am capable of achieving my goals” or “I am confident and successful” can have a powerful impact on your mindset.

TIP: Write down your affirmations and place them where you can see them every morning, such as on your bathroom mirror or next to your bed.

#10: CONNECT WITH LOVED ONES

Spend a few moments connecting with family or loved ones. This can be a fun game session or a quick chat over breakfast. Strong relationships contribute to your well-being and provide a support system.

TIP: Schedule a weekly breakfast date with a family member or friend to strengthen your bond and start your day on a positive note.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

IN A NUTSHELL

A well-crafted morning routine can set the stage for a productive and financially successful day. Start small, and gradually build a routine that works best for you.

Here’s to a more productive and financially rewarding life, one morning at a time!

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Save Your Hard-Earned Cash! Avoid These 8 Money-Wasting Mistakes!

From harmful habits to wishful thinking, certain financial decisions can cost you a fortune. There is an endless list of things you should avoid doing with your hard-earned money. Here are eight things you should steer clear of:

#1: BUYING ITEMS FOR THE SAKE OF ITS NAME

I have to admit, I am guilty of buying products based solely on their brand names. Let’s face it: stores and generic brands are frequently disregarded when it comes to cost savings. Whether it’s food, skincare products, or over-the-counter medicine, your local grocery or drug store typically provides more affordable store brands or generic alternatives.

Pay attention to the labels, as the ingredients are often identical to those found in expensive brand-name products. Furthermore, when it comes to prescriptions, consider asking your pharmacist for the generic version. These medications work just as effectively as their brand-name counterparts and can save you a significant amount of money.

#2: PAYING LATE FEES

Do you know what quickly adds up and drains your finances? Paying for late fees. Whether it’s a late payment on your credit card, utility bill, or rent, these fees are best avoided. Set up automatic payments for all your bills to ensure that you never miss a payment again. This way, you won’t have to worry about forgetting to pay a bill on time.

If you do find yourself with a late fee, try calling the company and politely ask for it to be waived. Many companies are willing to accommodate their loyal customers by waiving late fees.

#3: PURCHASING PETROL STATION SNACKS

The occasional purchase of snacks at petrol stations may seem harmless, but it can quickly become a habit that drains your money. Those bottles of soda and bags of chips you pick up when filling up your tank or making a quick stop can add up over time. To manage this, create a rule for yourself to track all those small snack purchases, and set aside a small monthly allowance specifically for indulging in them. When running errands or encountering tempting locations filled with snacks, make it a habit to bring your own drinks and snacks.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: RENTING A BIGGER OFFICE SPACE

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the viability of working from home, resulting in excess office space and rising occupancy costs for businesses. Instead of maintaining large office spaces that cater to the entire workforce, it is worth considering the utilization of co-working spaces and digital collaboration tools. Singapore offers a variety of co-working spaces, including Crane, Workbuddy, and Gather Cowork, with multiple branches nationwide. By adopting this approach, you can continue working efficiently while significantly reducing expenses.

#5: CO-SIGNING A LOAN

Never co-sign a loan you can’t afford! Financial blogger Michelle Schroeder-Gardner strongly advises against co-signing a loan for someone unless you have the financial capacity to fully repay it yourself. There is always a risk that the other person may be unable to make the payments, which makes it crucial for you to protect yourself and your finances.

#6: DONATING OVER THE PHONE

I remember when a friend of mine shared a story about getting scammed over the phone. It happened right after she had finished a night shift, and she was feeling groggy and vulnerable. Phone solicitations can often involve legitimate fundraising efforts, but they also create an opportunity for scammers to exploit the goodwill of unsuspecting donors. To ensure your safety, never disclose your credit card number over the phone. Instead, request the solicitor to send you the information by mail. This way, you can thoroughly research the organization and verify its legitimacy before making any contributions.

#7: OVERSPENDING ON LOTTERY TICKETS

Did you know that tourists can play TOTO in Singapore? If you have a valid Foreign Identification Number (FIN) and meet all the prerequisites, you can play TOTO as a tourist. However, if you are solely a foreign passport holder, you will only be able to select and bet on Horse Racing. This can potentially lead to overspending on lottery tickets for foreigners. Keep in mind that the odds of winning the lottery are incredibly slim, with your chances of hitting the jackpot being roughly 1 in 292 million.

Despite the unfavorable odds, many people still spend a significant amount of money each month on lottery tickets. Instead of consistently allocating your funds to this improbable endeavor, it would be wise to redirect that money towards savings or your retirement plan. Investing in your long-term financial success through savings or retirement planning is a more prudent use of your resources.

#8: BUYING COFFEE CUPS

Some establishments take into account the cost of disposable cups when pricing their beverages. However, by opting for a reusable to-go cup, you can often enjoy a “discount” because you won’t be charged extra for the paper or coffee cup.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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The habits of highly confident people and how you can adopt them

man in a suit smiling

Do you believe that self-confidence is the key to success?

But what, exactly, makes up a confident personality? And more importantly, how can you adopt these behaviors and traits into your own life?

In this article, we will explore the habits of highly confident people and give you tips on how you can incorporate them. We will also show you that it’s something that can be learned and developed over time.

Resilience: taking risks and focusing on solutions

Confident people know that risk-taking is essential to growth.

They’re not afraid to make mistakes, because they know that mistakes are how humans learn.

And they focus on solutions, not on problems. This problem-solution mindset allows them to see opportunities where others see obstacles.

You can develop this same mindset by taking action and learning from your mistakes. Be resilient in the face of stress and adversity, and focus on finding solutions instead of dwelling on problems.

Reflection: mindfulness and meditation

There are a few ways that you can start to change your habits.

One way is through reflection. This means being mindful of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

When you’re mindful, you’re more likely to be in the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

Mindfulness can be practiced in different ways. You can meditate, journal or simply pay attention to your surroundings. When you’re mindful, you’re more aware of your thoughts and feelings. This can help you make better decisions and stay calm in difficult situations.

Another way is through self-care. Self-care is anything that makes you feel good and helps you recharge. It’s good to take time for yourself, especially if you’re always putting others first. There are many ways to practice self-care, such as yoga, meditation, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Visualization: setting and achieving goals
a mug of coffee on top of a scheduler

Image Credits: unsplash.com

When it comes to goal setting, there’s a lot of research to suggest that writing them down is key to achieving them.

But what about visualization? This is the practice of seeing yourself achieve your goals in your mind’s eye. When you visualize yourself succeeding, you’re sending a powerful message to your subconscious mind that says, “I can do this.”

And according to researchers, visualization can increase your chances of success. That’s because it helps you tap into the power of your subconscious mind, which is where all your big goals and dreams live.

Body language: owning your presence

The way you carry yourself speaks volumes about your confidence level.

Making eye contact, standing up straight, and keeping your chin up are all key body language habits of confident people. Avoiding fidgeting and putting your hands in your pockets can also show confidence.

Having minimal body movements, firm handshakes, and nonverbal cues that show you’re engaged in the conversation are all nonverbal ways to showcase confidence. So the next time you’re in a meeting or social situation, make sure you’re aware of your body language.

Positivity: positive thinking, positive speaking

Catching negative thoughts to reduce stress is something confident people do naturally.

They can find the positive in any situation and build on it. This positive attitude exudes confidence and grabs the attention of others who want to be around them.

Harnessing the power of optimism to manage stress is also a habit of confident people. They believe in their ability to overcome challenges and use this positive outlook to manage tension in their lives. This optimistic attitude allows them to take risks and confidently pursue their goals.

When it comes down to it, being confident is all about feeling good in your skin and having an optimistic outlook on life. If you can develop some of the habits of highly confident people and make them a part of your daily routine, you will be well on your way to feeling more self-assured and in control.

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6 Ways To Practice Self-Care On A Tight Budget

Looking for ways to prioritize your physical and mental health is paramount during these times. It is easy to think that self-care means giving yourself expensive experiences or tools, but self-care can be free or low-cost. So long as you are more intentional with your choices, you will be able to tap into what your body truly craves for.

#1: PLAN A NATURE WALK

Research has shown that nature helps us cope with stress and pain. We are genetically wired to find natural elements such as plants and water engrossing. Being absorbed with the beauty of natural sceneries can distract us from discomfort and pain.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Nature can help slow down the internal rush that affects our feelings, especially when you are inside your home for too long. Planning a nature walk may help you with that. Get up close and personal with nature by embarking one of the walking or cycling trails in the parks, gardens, and park connectors.

#2: TRY AT-HOME WORKOUTS

Several gyms and fitness studios have postponed their operations last month due to the spike in community cases. When this happens, you can explore different at-home workouts. You can either take online group classes in your favorite fitness center or search thru YouTube and Instagram for free workout videos.

It might take more self-discipline to become your own motivator, but you will have the flexibility to workout whenever you want.

#3: EXAMINE YOUR HABITS

Examine your current and old habits. Evaluate whether these are healthy for you or not. Think about the long-term effects of each habit too. A simple shift in your routine can offer the same pleasure as a new purchase.

For instance, you habitually frequent the nearby Starbucks every morning. Upon evaluating this habit, you realized that you will be able to save more money if you made your own coffee at home. You switched to having your own coffee ritual and enjoyed it a lot.

Bringing awareness into your habits will enable you to see whether you are paying for something that you do not love or need anymore.

#4: MEET WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Self-care does not mean being completely self-sufficient. Instead, staying connected with the people you love will help reduce the loneliness you are feeling from being indoors for a long period of time. Stay connected with your loved ones by hosting Zoom/Skype hangouts or by creating a group chat.

Reintegrating yourself in your community after all the pandemic restrictions can help remind you that leaning on others for support is self-care. Best of all? It does not have to cost anything.

#5: PRACTICE MEDITATION

Many studies have highlighted the benefits of meditation. It helps improve focus, concentration, memory, and reduce stress. Relaxation techniques such as medication can be added to your holistic self-care.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Try breathing deeply as you follow through a guided meditation video online. You can also download free meditation apps like Calm and Headspace.

#6: SAVE MONEY

You read that right! Apart from working out in your own home or practicing relaxation techniques, you can take care of yourself by saving money. Financial struggles affect our physical and mental health. Not having enough money can affect your ability to pay for important health procedures or nutritious food.

Cushion the stress of financial woes by sticking to your budget and saving money. Sticking to your budget feels better than impulsively purchasing beyond your means.

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Great Alternatives To New Year’s Resolutions

Research has shown that less than 10% of New Year’s resolutions were accomplished by the participants. If these people were hyped by the power of the new year, why are they likely to fail by February? The primary reason why resolutions fail is its tendency to be intangible. Moreover, it comes down to how an individual manages his or her habits.

Instead of setting the bar high for yourself, consider the great alternatives found on this list.

#1: CHOOSE A WORD TO GUIDE YOUR YEAR

Select a word at the beginning of each year and use it as inspiration to dictate your actions. It is hard to believe the unprecedented year 2020 has come to a close. While things have certainly changed, the passion in your heart remains. Visualize and manifest the world you want to live in by using these words as a guide: present, gratitude, generosity, and prosperity.

#2: MAKE A BUCKET LIST FOR THE YEAR

Instead of setting unrealistic goals, you may write a bucket list highlighting the experiences or achievements that you want to reach this 2021. Create a list that contains both lighthearted and serious items. Your list may include going camping inside the house, making a monthly budget, or serving a delicious dinner at your parents’ house.

#3: CREATE A YEARLY CHALLENGE

A yearly challenge is a concrete and realistic goal that you want to achieve within the year. Selecting one goal allows you to put all your efforts into tackling it. Here are some examples of the challenges that you may accomplish this 2021:

a. learning a new language
b. writing a book
c. getting out of debt

#4: SET A NEW GOAL EACH MONTH

Goals are more manageable when you divide it into small chunks. Perhaps January will be the month that you will dedicate to self-help books. While, February will be the month to pack your healthy lunches. You may create a 12-month calendar that outlines each of your monthly goals. Increase your motivation by rewarding yourself at the end of each month.

#5: TRACK YOUR HEALTHY HABITS

Write down three healthy habits that you accomplished per month. Having a visual cue that displays your accomplishments will motivate you to keep up the good work. Stay flexible and leave a room for healthy habits to emerge each day.

#6: DEVELOP A MANTRA

A mantra is a statement that you repeat frequently with concentration. Develop a mantra that will help you feel more empowered and positive. Rather than deciding that 2021 will be the year you will save more money, you can have a mantra stating you will only “buy what you need”. When you are shopping, remind yourself of this mantra. Repeating this in your head will help your behavior to change in time.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

The statement “new year, new me” has turned into a funny cliché nowadays. 2020 was a disappointing year. Instead of looking at 2021 as an instant re-do of your life. Look at it as a timeline for change. Change will not come overnight. You will morph into the person you want to be as the days go by.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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