5 Books for Personal and Career Success

Regardless of where you are in your career or personal life, there’s always room for improvement. For most of us, we’re continuously striving toward our goals and aiming to better ourselves. Sometimes, it can feel overwhelming as you work to improve areas of your life. Often, we don’t know where to start or how to get the motivation to tackle some new project. A great way to help yourself along this path is through reading and learning about new ways to work toward your goals. There are plenty of resources out there to use, but here are a few of the top books to help you achieve personal and career success.

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

It’s incredibly likely you’ve already heard of Sandberg’s book; people have been talking about how phenomenal it is since it was published. Focusing on women and their mission for personal and professional success, Sandberg uses a mix of research, personal experiences, and other anecdotes to share advice for working women. Sandberg uses her wit and wisdom to provide actual advice to women working hard to achieve their goals in the workplace.

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

This book has been around for a while and frequently crops up in conversations about books that can seriously influence your outlook on life and your drive for success. Carnegie published this book in 1937; it may seem like it’s outdated, but it still ranks highly as one of the most-read books on achieving personal success. In this book, Carnegie addresses the best ways to deal with other people. Even though it was written almost a century ago, let’s face it; people have always acted the same way. One takeaway is that Carnegie stresses the importance of genuineness in your interactions with others, no matter what you’re doing.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Over 15 million copies of this book have been sold. When it was published, it signaled a new interest in personal development that we see continued today. Covey focuses on various habits you can use in order to become more effective at whatever you’re doing. He doesn’t promise a quick fix, but he offers quality advice on how to improve your life.

How to Have a Good Day by Caroline Webb

In this book, Webb gives an overview of her extensive experience in consulting and the tricks and tips she’s used to achieve success. She offers applicable advice on how to handle nearly any aspect of business, even those parts that seem unimportant. Focusing on how behavioral science can impact your professional life, you’ll appreciate her candid advice.

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

Duckworth has spent many years studying psychology and is a renowned academic. In her experience, true success depends much less on your talent and more on your attitude. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you lack the correct attitude, you’ll find it more difficult to reach your goals. Duckworth focuses on the idea of “grit” and how possessing this quality can help you overcome any obstacle.

6 Tips for Traveling Poland Like a Local

No matter where you’re traveling, you’re going to want to fit into the local culture. Big tourist destinations can be great to see and spend some time at, but it’s also important to experience where you are like a local. Many cities are much different from how they’re presented to tourists; take time to see what a new place is truly like by experiencing it like a local. While there are some tips you can apply no matter where you go, I’m going to highlight traveling in Poland.

Understand basic facts

One of the best ways to experience a new city or country like a local is to simply familiarize yourself with the place before you go there. Learn how the public transportation works and what type of currency is used (in Poland, they use the zloty, though some establishments accept euros). Know what airports are located where and some basic facts about the culture. Take the time to learn common Polish phrases that can help with communicating while you’re traveling.

Actually talk to locals

When you’re in Poland, actually make an effort to communicate with the locals. Some people may not speak English very well, but many are willing to talk to you and give advice on great places to visit or get food. Do not be shy about talking to locals; even if they aren’t particularly friendly, most people are welcoming!

Try the traditional food

Poland has incredible cuisine. No matter what dietary restrictions you have, there’s bound to be some type of traditional Polish food you can try. Even if it doesn’t sound that appealing, step outside of your comfort zone a little. Perogies are one of the most traditional Polish foods and come in a variety of types; go ahead and give them a try.

Visit other cities

It can be tempting to simply go to the big cities, such as Warsaw or Krakow, but there are many other towns and cities to see in Poland. Find smaller places that have historical significance or beautiful sites. Most cities are known for something interesting, so find a place off the beaten path to visit. It might be more difficult to find people who speak English, but the uniqueness of your trip will more than make up for it.

Check out natural sites

One of the most rewarding experiences of traveling is seeing the natural beauty in new places. Most travelers tend to stick to teeming cities and visit man-made sites. However, no matter where you go, there are natural wonders you can see. In Poland, you can hike (or ski, depending on the time of year) the Karkonosze Mountains. These beautiful peaks run along the border Poland shares with the Czech Republic and offer stunning views.

Utilize technology

Luckily, we now live in the age of technology, which makes travel much easier. Check out online forums or blogs in order to get an idea of local places to visit while traveling. There are plenty of websites and apps that make it even easier to travel as a local; learn as much as you can before your trip!

5 Tips for Saving for Retirement While You’re Young

No matter how old you are, it’s never too early to begin planning for retirement. The earlier you start, the better shape you’ll be in when it comes time to leave the workforce. You may adore your job and never want to leave, but eventually it’s going to be time to stop working and retire. When you’re young, retirement is decades away and seems like something you can worry about in the future. However, it’s important to begin thinking about this important decision now and taking steps to give future you a great retirement.

Open a Roth IRA

If you’re young, one of the first steps you should take for retirement is opening a Roth IRA. There are other types of retirement accounts, but for most people in their 20s (and sometimes 30s), a Roth IRA is the best option. Do your own research to decide what type of account is best for you, but open your account as soon as possible and begin saving. Even if you aren’t working full-time, putting away a little money at a time goes a long way.

Utilize work options

If you have career and are working full-time, it’s likely your company offers the chance to put money into a retirement account, such as a 401(k). Take advantage of this offer. It can be tempting to simply take as much money in your paycheck as possible, but even setting aside a small amount from your paycheck is a good idea, especially if your company offers to match what you contribute to the account. It’s free money that you’ll benefit from later in life.

Set up automatic deposits

You might tell yourself you’ll contribute a certain amount of money to your retirement fund each month, but it can be difficult to remember and you may be tempted to skip a month in order to put that money toward something else you want to purchase. If it’s possible, cut back on spending in other areas in order to contribute as much as possible to your retirement funds. Set up automatic deposits so you don’t have to remember to transfer the money; if you take it off of your paycheck before you get paid, you won’t notice it’s gone.

Understand the process

One of the big reasons people don’t start saving for retirement at a young age is because they do not clearly understand the importance of saving or the process of it. Educate yourself and save for your future. If the idea of investments confuses you, find a company that does most of the work for you, has low fees, and understand the basics of investing your retirement funds.

Don’t cash out

As tempting as it may be to pull money out of a retirement fund because you think you really need it, avoid doing this as much as possible. You’re only hurting yourself in the future by pulling money out and usually you’ll have to pay a fee or some other kind of penalty if you withdraw money from your account before you’re supposed to. Instead, build up a solid emergency fund so you don’t have to fall back onto your retirement savings.

from Manisha Dorawala | Professional Overview http://manishadorawala.com/5-tips-for-saving-for-retirement-while-youre-young/
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How to Fight Major Homesickness When Moving Abroad

Whether you’re moving to another country for your job, for a semester abroad, or if you’re going because you think it would be exciting, it can be difficult to adjust to living in a completely new place. Being alone or with a few family members makes for a huge change and adjustment to living in a new country where you’re unfamiliar with many of the customs and possibly even the language. While moving abroad can be a difficult transition, it’s certainly worth it and it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget. If you’re set on moving to another country, here are some tips on how to combat any homesickness you might experience.

Stay in contact

The single most important thing you can do to combat homesickness when you’re living in another country is to keep in regular contact with the people you’re close to back home. Schedule regular calls with your family and close friends; you’ll all have different schedules, but getting on the phone once a week or a few times a month can be managed. Thanks to technology, it’s easier than ever to communicate. Send texts, emails, photos, or even letters regularly.

Plan visits

While this isn’t something you can do every week or month, planning occasional visits to each other is a great idea. Invite friends and family from home to come visit sometime throughout your time abroad. If you’re living in another country for a significant length of time, make plans for when you’ll be able to visit home. Even once a year can be refreshing for you and help with homesickness.

Keep it familiar

A simple step you can take to lessen your homesickness is to create some familiarity in your new home. Hang up pictures that remind you of home or keep some of your same routines. Avoid trying to completely recreate your home in a new country because you’ll realize it’s impossible, but having some familiar items can make you feel better.

Make new connections

In order to help get rid of homesickness, begin creating connections in your new home. Get out to events and meet new people. It might be daunting at first, but once you have friends in your new country, you’ll have a busy social life and miss home a little less. It’ll also help you assimilate into your new culture and really experience what it’s like living in this country.

Create a home for yourself

It can be tempting to hold onto your former home and reminisce about it. Instead of living in the past, begin making a home for yourself in your new country. Like I mentioned above, make new friends. Get involved in the local community and throw yourself into work or a hobby. The more comfortable you feel abroad, the less you’ll experience homesickness.

Go on adventures

A great way to avoid homesickness is by keeping yourself busy; go on some adventures. Explore and get to know your new home. Learn where the locals like to go and gain new experiences. Then, when you feel comfortable, begin traveling around your new country. Plan trips to other nearby places. No matter where you are, there’s always more to see and do.

What to See & Do in Malta

Malta is a small archipelago located in the Mediterranean Sea, just south of Italy. It’s one of the world’s smallest, but most densely populated countries, with just under half a million residents. The country has had various cultural influences, thanks to its location being greatly coveted by larger countries. It also has evidence of neolithic civilizations, which created structures that still stand today. Since the 1960s, Malta is an independent nation with incredible tourist destinations and a rich and varied history.

Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni

The Hypogeum is a Neolithic structure, located underground in Malta, that dates to at least 3000 BC. It was most likely a sanctuary and necropolis, based on the tombs found there. The Hypogeum is connected to the people who constructed the Megalithic Temples of Malta. Also labeled a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Hypogeum features various levels and is stunning to visit. Plan to get your tickets far in advance because only 10 people are allowed into this site every hour in order to help preserve it.

Mdina and Rabat

These two cities are located right next to one another on the Island of Malta. Mdina features an incredible castle that looks as though it came straight out of a fairytale. You’ll feel like you’re traveling to the past as you walk through the stunning Main Gate and make your way to the Cathedral of Saint Paul. Make sure to check out Mdina’s impressive palazzos as well! Since these two cities are fairly small, after visiting Mdina, head over to Rabat to see Casa Bernard and the Roman Villa for a taste of more history.

Valletta

This capital city is completely elegant and stunning, thanks to the work of the Knights of Malta, European nobleman who were given the islands by the King of Spain in 1530. It’s simple to make your way through the city because of the simple grid plan. While here, make sure you visit Saint John’s Co-Cathedral. Knights from various countries worked together to design this worship center and the brilliant architecture shows the care and attention that went into it. You can also visit the Grand Master’s Palace, which was home to the Knights.

Gozo

Gozo is a much smaller island than Malta, but it’s still a place worth visiting. If you want to relax and still see incredible sights, head to Gozo. There are pristine beaches, along with various small towns that have a very local feel to them. Visit Victoria, a medieval city, or Marsalforn, the island’s seaside resort. Also make sure to find time to visit the Ggantija Temples, dating back to 3500 BC.

Megalithic Temples

While at Gozo, take time to visit the Megalithic Temples located there, many of which are labeled as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These are some of the oldest free-standing structures on the entire planet, so you definitely want to see them. These temples were built over thousands of years, so you can see developments made in architecture along the way.

Top 5 Places to Visit in Crete

Recently, my family and I paid a visit to the beautiful island of Crete in the Mediterranean Sea. Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and also home to the most people. Besides the main island, the region of Crete also includes several smaller islands in the water near Crete. While Crete is one of the Greek Islands and shares much with the mainland, it also has it’s own, unique culture that’s distinct from the rest of Greece. Part of this unique culture can likely be attributed to Crete being the home of the ancient Minoan civilization, which was the earliest recorded European civilization, between 2600 and 1100 BC. Here are some of the top places to see in Crete; it’s definitely an island worth seeing!

Knossos Palace

Knossos Palace is believed to the home of the legendary King Minos, for whom the Minoans were named after. There’s a large interior courtyard at the Palace, which was used for the Minoan pastime of “bull-leaping.” Knossos is the most popular attraction on Crete and you can easily spend half a day touring the ruins of the palace, which once had over 1,200 rooms, and learning about the Minoan people.

Samaria Gorge

Pay a visit to the Samaria Gorge National Park on Crete. This beautiful location is home to an 18-kilometer long gorge. Simply looking down into and along the Gorge provides beautiful views, but if you’re more athletic, you can hike the path down the Gorge, which will take around five hours, depending on your fitness level. The summer is perfect for hiking the Gorge, but come winter, the river bed floods and it’s not nearly as simple to navigate. If you walk the entire length of the Gorge, you’ll end up with a stunning view of the Libyan Sea.

Rethymnon Old Town

This town is a lovely mix of Venetian architecture, Crete culture, and slight Turkish influences. There are lots of shops and restaurants to visit that are run in historic buildings, along with a sandy beach that makes it a wonderful town to get a taste of local history along with some beach time. It’s also located between Chania and Heraklion, so it’s easy to get to many of the island’s main attractions.

Heraklion

This city is the current capital of Crete and the best place to stay if you’re planning on visiting Knossos. You can take a ship from Athens to Heraklion or fly in. The city has a rich culture and beautiful layout, thanks to the Venetians who had control of the island for a few hundred years. Heraklion and the area around it has produced notable artists, such as El Greco.

Chania

This town is the largest in western Crete and was also the capital of the island until 1971. Chania is picturesque, with small alleys and beautifully colored buildings. There’s even an open market to visit, with delicious foods. The town overlooks the Aegean Sea and sits in front of the snow-capped White Mountains.

4 Questions to Ask Your Financial Advisor

First of all, if you don’t already have one, it’s time to find a financial advisor. All too often, people make financial errors that could be easily avoided if they work with a financial advisor. Lots of people do not start thinking seriously about topics like retirement, sending their children to school, or making large purchases and investments until the time comes to face that specific task. It’s time to find yourself a financial advisor!

Once you’ve decided to speak with an advisor, it’s important to do the correct amount of research and work to find the one who’s the best for you. The last thing you want to do (next to not getting a financial advisor at all) is simply picking the first person you come across and trusting that they’re the best fit for you. Here are some questions to ask when you’re looking for a financial advisor.

Are they a fiduciary?

This question is one of the first you’ll want to ask because it’s an important one. A fiduciary is someone who works as an advisor and has a duty to genuinely work toward their clients’ best interests. Unfortunately, many advisors are not fiduciaries, which means they do not have to disclose certain information to clients. Oftentimes, advisors make commission off certain stocks. A fiduciary is upfront with you, letting you know if they make a profit and if the investment is actually best for you. Find someone who has your best interests in mind.

What kind of experience do they have?

There are various licenses and certifications a financial advisor can receive. Learn which of these your potential advisor has and then do research to determine if they’re the best fit for your specific needs. It’s also helpful to know how long your advisor has been working in the industry and what type of clients they’ve worked with previously.

How do they profit?

This question is also very important because it helps you understand where your money will be going. The two most common ways financial advisors profit is through upfront fees or billed fees and receiving a percentage of the investments you make through them. It’s important to understand how you’ll pay for their services and then keep track of how much it’s costing you. If an advisor is automatically taking a percentage of your investments, make sure you’re aware of how much it’ll be and keep track of it to make sure you’re comfortable with the amount that’s being paid.

How involved are they with your financial portfolio?

Some advisors help you set up initial investments and then are relatively hands-off while others constantly re-evaluate your portfolio and see where improvements could be made. Decide what kind of financial advisor you want and then begin asking questions to find someone who uses the method that you prefer.

After you’ve asked a financial advisor these questions, take a few days to think over which advisor would be the best fit for you. No matter how great their answers to your questions were, it’s up to you to decide if you’d be comfortable working with them. Find the financial advisor who gives you the best answers and also seems like someone you’d be happy communicating with and then begin working with them.

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