Did you notice what I just did? Within two sentences I managed to decipher the secret and true meaning behind the word happiness: its dual nature. Happiness is both a result and a driver. Here’s an example. Usually I am trying to find ways to be more productive that will result in me being happier. What I don’t see though, is that the best way to improve my productivity is by being happier....

But first, yesterday’s Knock Knock “Hack Your Way to a Fresh 2012” winner is… Lifehack commenter amyrosebrown with this excellent comment, Nice. And maybe now she can return the favor in 2012. Congrats amyrosebrown! Anywho, Toodledo has been around for a while now and has proven to be one of the best web apps for keeping track of your tasks and projects with its insane amount of features and ways to use it....

But, before we do that we want to announce the winners of the David Allen Company’s three GTD Notetaker Wallets. Here are the three winning comments. The first is from Carl T. Holscher: The next is quick and to the point from our friend Ammon: My wallet is 10 years old and falling apart and this will fill both voids, proper note-taking on the go and a lovely wallet I can be proud to own (and my wife will stop making fun of!...

This infographic breaks down all forms of employee communication into four basic groups. The core business communications (including news on the organization, progress status and employee objectives) are “The Right Information,” and the most important employee communications received from the top. Culture communications are the second most important type of communication in the office and basically consist of office rules and social communications. 2-way Communication allows employees to communicate with the company itself through surveys, helplines and suggestion hotlines....

Site 1: Elance Elance is the Internet’s biggest marketplace for legitimate freelance work. And, it’s my personal favourite of all the websites in this list. It provides a simple interface that allows you to search for jobs in any kind of niche. From Writing and Translation, to Web Design and Programming. Basically, people post jobs they want doing on the website, and you submit a proposal for it. It’s that simple....

Luckily for you though, we’ve looked at some of the most successful freelance workers and broken down their habits to help you get ahead. They could be just the thing that is standing between you, and freelance success. They Talk About Themselves Effectively. Successful freelancers understand what they need to say about themselves, and do it effectively. They know their strengths, weaknesses and why the work they’re bidding for fits them perfectly (even if in reality it doesn’t)....

Don’t Start What You Can’t Finish Know The Goal At All Times Know Your Role At All Times Leadership and Control Prioritize Tackle The Small Stuff First Constant Communication Find Time To Work and Eliminate Distraction Chip Away Don’t Get Hung Up On Mistakes Perfect Is The Enemy of The Done Know When To Quit The Art of The Finish – [Blue Flavor]

The connection between GTD and Tai Chi – [What’s the next action]

It Wasn’t Only Happening To Me As I looked around me, it seemed I wasn’t the only one struggling with focus. In fact, I am often taken by surprise how little focus people have these days. Their actions seem scattered, uncertain, and anxious. Were I first began to notice this was in a curious place, not somewhere most people would expect. As a martial arts coach, I get to work with diverse groups of people, from all walks of life....

10 Ways To Instantly Have Confidence

As the unemployment rate in US is still pretty high, millions of people are trying to make themselves more valuable for employers. Luckily, learning a foreign language is one of the ways to gain extra value as an employee, a fact which has been proven by surveys among employers. Moreover, being bilingual can bring you higher income. More languages, more money Recruitment specialists state that bilingual workers earn up to 15% more money, which is a significant amount....

Looking back at the day you realized that most of the day was spent dwelling in your inbox responding to streams of email? Now, if checking email prevents you from getting other tasks done you are confusing important and urgent and draining away your energy. “What is important is seldom urgent, and what is urgent is seldom important.” – Dwight Eisenhower In simple terms, an urgent task demands immediate action and an important task contributes to long-term goals like reaching career goals, having financial security and staying fit....

Without discomfort, there can be no growth. In a rapidly-changing world, stagnation is the first step towards obscurity and mediocrity. There’s a science behind experiencing the right amount of struggle to spur growth. The best state: optimal anxiety Your comfort zone exists so that you have a safe space from which to operate most of the time. In your comfort zone, you know what to do and how to behave, and there are routines and patterns that you follow to reduce stress....

1. Cut processed foods out of your diet. Fruits, veggies, unprocessed whole grains, and lean meats should be the only things you eat. This helps your body recover from some of the junk food you’ve been eating (don’t worry, we all do it!). By removing highly processed foods from your diet, you’re also cutting out excess fat, sodium, sugar, and, often, ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup. Unprocessed food will cleanse your body and leave you feeling awake and alert (and might just help you shed some pounds in the process)....

13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do

Thanks to style aficionado redditor stRafaello for coming up with this priceless guide on which shoe types go with specific kinds of suits. It even goes to the extent of assisting you regarding which colors work best with a classic look, and which ones are considered fashion forward. Original Source: Business Insider Featured photo credit: Matching suits and shoes guide/Redditor stRafaello via reddit.com

Social media and high tech gadgets make us anxious and rob us of our peace of mind. You need to Unplug every now and then to stay real. Take a break from texting, internet, emails, social media and every bit of technology that is burning you out. You must consider unplugging to spend time with yourself, your family and friends in person and not online. You can get started by designating short “no phone” intervals during the day or taking an actual vacation minus your gadgets....

1. Los Angeles, USA Sunny LA with all its energetic buzz of dreamers and go-getters, it can be superficial but also multicultural and complex. Visiting Hollywood, the birthplace of the iconic Mickey Mouse, and taking selfies on the Star Walk of Fame are just a snippet of the LA experience. Things to do: Visit Getty Center Visit Lacma Museum Shop vintage at Raggedy Threads 2. Marrakech, Morocco Pulsating with stunning mosques, fascinating crafts and luxury living, Marrakech is a very popular destination amongst travellers....

It isn’t that we aren’t enthusiastic about what we do, or that we just can’t be bothered. We just need that little kick of motivation to get going. How to Get Going: 6 Tips for Improved Self-Motivation