Summer. Long days filled with carefree fun. Labor Day. The end of fun, and the beginning of grumpiness for some. Dr. Alok Trivedi is a psychological performance and human behavior expert, founder of the Aligned Performance Institute, and author of the book Chasing Success. (Well, isn’t he all that!) He wants to help us to get focused and finish 2019 strong. (We here at Crack Wise have our own goals…) Have something to look forward to: The most successful people always have something to look forward to that keeps them grounded and moving forward. Maybe it’s a ski vacation this winter. Maybe it’s the annual family get together in the mountains. Perhaps it’s an upcoming cruise. Having something that you are genuinely excited about in the near future is a great motivator. Crack Wise-dom: We’re motivated to eat an entire pot roast and hibernate until Spring. Find the fulfilment: If you are not finding fulfilment in your work, it is time to find a different career path. The most successful people in any field usually love what they do and it doesn’t even feel like work to them. If you are genuinely unenthralled in what you are doing every single day, find something else. Crack Wise-dom: We’re passionate about adult coloring books. How does that translate? Think of the money: It’s not selfish to be focused on money like some people believe. Money is a wonderful motivator and we need it to survive and to have life experiences. Money shouldn’t be your only reason for working hard, but it is definitely a driving factor in the equation and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Crack Wise-dom: If we were a few years younger, we’d use our assets to find a “Sugar Parent.” One thing at a time: One of the biggest problems many people face is becoming overwhelmed. From our careers to our families, one of the biggest complaints of most people is feeling like they don’t have enough time in the day. While you might feel like multitasking is the best solution, the best way to get control of your time is to focus on and solve one problem before moving on to the next. Crack Wise-dom: We’re still trying to figure out our all-in-one remote… Make time for yourself: Even with our busy lives, you must make time for yourself every day. Even just 30 minutes to disconnect from the world around you and do something that you really enjoy is extremely important to your mental well-being. It can be a hobby, exercising, vegging out on the couch, meditating, people watching or whatever it is that helps you feel relaxed and recharged. Crack Wise-dom: Vegging out? We could’ve earned a Doctorate in that… Don’t procrastinate: When something comes your way, it might be tempting to put it off until closer to the deadline and think of all the fun you had in the summer. Unfortunately, this usually leads to cramming, stress and a loss of quality. Do things as soon as you can because life always has a way of throwing unexpected surprises our way. Procrastination is a bad habit that takes away from productivity and results. Crack Wise-dom: Right after we fold this fitted sheet… Get around people you like: The most popular business advice is to get around people more successful than you so you can learn from them. More importantly, you need to get around people you truly have a genuine affection for in both your professional and personal life. When you are around people you like, you are happier, less anxious and depressed, and your life feels naturally aligned. Crack Wise-dom: Our Funko Pops never judge… Have more fun: Now that summer is over, most people dread going to work just like a lot of kids don’t look forward to being in school. Find ways to incorporate more fun into your life. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money and can be something as simple as playing a game you like or having a deep conversation on a topic close to your heart. Everyone needs to have fun in their life or they are missing the point of living. Crack Wise-dom: Who’s up for a round of Cards Against Humanity? Go hug a tree. Really. Or at least go outside and enjoy nature. It seemed that when we were kids, we couldn’t wait to get out of the house and explore. But as adulting happens, outdoor-ing only occurs while driving to obligations. According to a new study, only 26% of Americans spend free time in nature several times a week. And 16 % say they never do. No wonder Mother Nature can be so cranky… The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) has an official spokesdog named TurfMutt. He “paws it forward” by helping kids and their families learn about the benefits of their family yard and taking care of the green spaces around them. TurfMutt has some tricks and tips for getting a dose of vitamin N(ature) in under 10 minutes. Play with your dog. A dog’s favorite “room” of the house is your family yard. Take inspiration from your pooch and spend a few minutes outside playing Frisbee or fetch. Crack Wise-dom: Can we borrow someone’s dog? Take a walk. Lace up your athletic shoes and head out for a walk around the block or to your neighborhood park. While you’re out, commit to turning off your cell phone and enjoying the natural setting around you (it’s just 10 minutes, after all!). Crack Wise-dom: We’re not in the best of shape. Perhaps you’ll give us a pass and let us leave the phone on? In case of emergency… Get your kids moving. A rousing game of tag or hide and seek in the family yard is a great way to counter computer and screen time. Crack Wise-dom: Hide in the best spot ever and you’ll get some quite time away from those children. Clean up your outdoor living room. Make simple work of yard chores by breaking them up into smaller chunks. Ten minutes is enough time to put a serious dent in weeding a flower bed, sweeping off the back patio, or picking up debris from your lawn. Crack Wise-dom: Or put your kids, or someone else’s kids to work. Isn’t that their purpose? Dine al fresco. Taking a meal outside is one of the easiest – and most nourishing – ways to enjoy the outdoor space around you. Have breakfast with the backyard birds. Lunch at a park near your office. Enjoy your coffee break under a shade tree. Crack Wise-dom: We’ll pass. We once had a bird crap on our food… Meet outside. Fresh air can be a catalyst for fresh ideas, so take your next brainstorming session for work outdoors. Need to have a heart-to-heart with your child? Scientists have discovered that communication between parents and children is more connected when conducted outside. Crack Wise-dom: Perfect. So if our date takes a wrong turn, we can run. Two birds, one stone! Sit back and relax. Sometimes the best thing to do is absolutely nothing at all. Spend some time in a hammock, spread a blanket out on the grass, or take a meditation break outside to soak up the nature around you. Crack Wise-dom: Until you wake up with some sketchy character snuggling you… P.S. We usually wouldn’t take advice from a character named TuffMutt, but since we’re a sucker for dogs… Conspiracy theorists and royal watchers may enjoy this read: Diana: Case Solved. The Definitive Account that Proves What Really Happened by Dylan Howard with Colin McLaren. It's a moment that remains frozen in history. When the Mercedes carrying Diana, Princess of Wales, spun fatally out of control in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris in August 1997, the world was shocked by what appeared to be a terrible accident. But two decades later, the circumstances surrounding what really happened that night—and, crucially, why it happened—remained a mystery. The book finally (allegedly) answers the two questions that investigators have been scratching their heads over: Why was Diana being driven in a car previously written off as a death trap? And who was really behind the wheel of the mysterious white Fiat at the scene of the crash? Ooohhhh…. So, get the book and get the scoop! When you’re crushing on a celeb, you hope to meet them in person. Make-A-Wish recently facilitated the wish of 16-year-old Emily—who has kidney disease. Her dream was to meet Keanu Reeves. Mom Deborah said Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure is one of Emily’s favorite movies, “She came across it one day and was instantly hooked.” Plus, Emily appreciates Keanu’s personality and all his movies. Emily met her man on the set of Bill & Ted Face the Music, filming in Louisiana. She got to ask him questions, get autographs, have lunch with him and the crew—and got to watch a scene being filmed. So jelly! Mom Deborah said, “It was an unbelievable day. She hasn’t been this happy in months! Keanu seemed to be having as much fun with Emily as she was with him.” Whoa… Brown-bagging it is so last century. Seriously. Those bags are just trashing up the environment. Whether you’re a tree hugger or not, eco-friendly lunch accessories are the pizza bomb! Keep Cool has launched a new sustainable bag brand for Target called Out of the Woods. Whether it’s back-to-school or a desire to be the office envy, these three new must-have designs are the answer to consumer demand for products that are more environmentally-friendly and ethically-centered. That’s nice and all, but we think the designs are cool. These styles all feature Supernatural Paper—a renewable, lightweight material derived from paper that matches the strength and aesthetics of leather while being 100% animal free. They’re even washable! Crack Wise-ing: We don’t feel our lunch is worthy enough of such awesomeness. A pb&j with a side of pickles and barbecue potato chips sounds more like a leftover-plastic-shopping bag kind of thing. We feel like we need to eat salmon and quinoa in order to use these bags… All three styles are priced at $11.99. Babies’ cute little tushies are just so precious! And their skin is delicate and needs the utmost care. Huggies has introduced Huggies Special Delivery—the softest diaper with plant-based materials designed to provide comfort without compromise. These diapers feature a baby-sided liner and waistband made with fibers derived from plant-based materials such as sugarcane for superior absorption and fit. They’re free of parabens, fragrance, and elemental chlorine—and are dermatologically tested and clinically proven hypoallergenic. Huggies Special Delivery are available in sizes Newborn through Size 6. Get your baby’s booty off on the right foot. There are plenty of adult years to be booty-rude. Like what you read here? Click on the HOME page and subscribe today to unlock premium, members-only content—some of which you won’t find any place else on the internet! Start with your FREE 10-day trial. The beach. The sand. The water. The beverages. For us, this is the ultimate escape. We’ve always been fascinated with those who can surf. Because we cannot. And will not. Because we have the klutz gene. Which means—ultimate injury. There is a huge 10-day everything-surf event happening in North Carolina starting this weekend. Perhaps we can merely be observers at the 14th Annual O’Neill/Sweetwater Pro-Am Surf Fest in Wrightsville Beach. The two-day event August 16th-18th attracts 200 pros and amateurs from Florida to Rhode Island. There will be longboard and shortboard competitions, along with the new extreme surfing with the Red Bull Tow-At. On Saturday, you can keep dry on solid ground with the Music and Art Fest, combining local musicians, arts, crafts, and family activities. Proceeds will benefit non-profit organizations Hope From Helen and Surf Club. Monday the 19th is dedicated to Surfers Healing—an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of those with autism by exposing them to the experience of surfing. And from the 23-25th, don’t miss the 7th Annual Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic—open to lady surfers of all ages. With surfing now a part of the 2020 Olympic Games, maybe we could… nope. That whole klutz thing… We’ll wait for an Olympic competition involving surfing channels… Social Media. It’s a love/hate relationship. Love the cute animal memes and videos, hate the political stuff and—the scammers. Here’s how to keep your personal information safe, according to author/entrepreneur/creative director/smart person-type Jason Pinchoff: Google yourself! Reason why is you are doing one of the steps basic hackers start with. So, if you find information about yourself on websites I suggest emailing them or calling to get them to remove your “private” information. Next step, always check, recheck than check again your privacy settings in ALL social media platforms; especially the giants like Facebook/Instagram. It’s how they make their money off you. They find ways to alter and reset privacy tabs public with a lot of legal mumbo jumbo. But all you need to do is set it to PRIVATE again! Common Social Media Scams: First anyone who slides into your DM to offer you anything-- just delete. Real corporations will call you, email you, or find other ways to contact you personally. The BIGGEST scammers are those who say they can do this or that and tell you they have 20-50 thousand followers and can make you get more traction. These scams are really easy to figure out but for those who don’t know-- here’s the million dollar secret. If they have 20,000 followers and only get 500-1000 likes on every single post and no one really is entering into conversations or added comments they probably bought those followers and likes. I see it a lot in the entertainment/public relations areas. It’s unfortunate because there are truly amazing, talented young hustlers out there that don’t get noticed because they aren’t able to get the same engagement as the scammers do. On a final PINCH Tip: always make sure you stay on top of what you do and post. Because there is always somebody around that can capture anything you do or say! So be smart and protect yourself with knowing the tricks and thinking everything you do out beforehand. Crack Wise-dom: First off, PINCH tip? Makes us think of “pinching” the tip, which could go way wrong… or “pinching” a loaf. But, we’ll at least give the Pinchmeister credit for some good advice (though we had to clean up some of the spelling and grammar.) Second off, be paranoid. And realize the Russians have all the info on us. So either, be very, very, very skeered. Or give ‘em something to really talk about. We’ve got plenty of grilling to do still this summer, and into fall. Heck, sometimes when we’re pissed at Mother Nature, we’ll grill in the midst of a snow storm. If you’re a complete grillmaster and a football fan, then you need to get a grip on these: The Classic 3-Piece BBQ Set from The Grommet includes a heavy-duty spatula, grill fork (both with built-in bottle openers, and tongs. They’re made from stainless steel and hard maple wood, each with a laser-etched logo of your favorite pro sports team, 140-college teams, or any branch of the military. The $49.95 price tag might be worth it. While we’re on the topic of meat (?)…. Let’s say you’ve grilled up a divine roast of some sort, and now you want to shred it up for tacos, or slip some meat between buns. Perhaps this tool will come in handy… Oh, yeah! You’re a professional now! The Meat Handler and Shredder, also from The Grommet, uses six super-sharp prongs to easily shred meat. The awesome grip allows you to also lift large roasts or turkeys and hold them stable if you choose to carve. For $12.95 this is a must. Get your grill on, and wow at your next gathering… It’s a slippery slope. Credit cards, that is. Some people don’t realize that credit is not a magical tree where there is an endless supply of funds. You charge, you pay. And if you don’t pay it off, there’s interest accruing. We didn’t have a credit card until we were in college, but it seems parents are handing their children credit cards for the school year. And according to WalletHub, dads are three times more likely to be the purveyors of plastic. Here are some interesting discoveries: 42% of moms think kids should get their first credit card at the age of 21. The same percentage of dads say it should be age 18. Dads are more likely than moms (65% vs 58%) to think their kids’ education is worth going into debt. 48% of parents say students should be paid for good grades. Nearly 3X more parents say Walmart is the best place to do back-to-school shopping than Amazon.com. Plastic’s cool, if one is educated on how to use it responsibly. Doh! |
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