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Marc Brackett

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Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence

Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence | SUCCESS

Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence Archives

Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence Archives | SUCCESS

<p>Marc Brackett, Ph.D., is a professor at the Child Study Center at Yale University and the founding director of the <a href="https://medicine.yale.edu/childstudy/services/community-and-schools-programs/center-for-emotional-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence (YCEI)</a>. The YCEI conducts research on the science of emotions and emotional intelligence and develops ways to teach these skills to children and adults. Since it was founded in 2013, the YCEI has helped over 5 million children in over 5,000 schools worldwide develop their emotional intelligence skills. Success+ talked with Brackett about the YCEI and emotional intelligence.</p>



<p><strong>S+</strong>:<strong> </strong>What is the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence?</p>



<p><strong>MB</strong>: The YCEI is a group of about 50 people who do two things. We research the science of emotions and the skills of <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-improve-emotional-intelligence/">emotional intelligence</a>, and we develop innovative approaches to teaching emotional intelligence to children and adults who are raising and teaching them.</p>



<p><strong>S+</strong>: How does the YCEI define emotional intelligence?</p>



<p><strong>MB</strong>: We use an acronym, which is RULER… to describe the skills. And those are: <strong>R</strong>ecognizing emotions in oneself and other people; <strong>U</strong>nderstanding our own and others’ causes of emotion (what makes us feel the way we do); <strong>L</strong>abeling emotions precisely, using the best possible word to describe our experiences; [and] knowing how and when to <strong>E</strong>xpress emotions with different people across context and culture. Finally, the last “R” is <strong>R</strong>egulation, or the strategies that we use to help us both manage our own feelings [and] help other people manage [their own].</p>



<p><strong>S+</strong>: How did the YCEI get started, and why is this work important to you?</p>



<p><strong>MB</strong>: I thought it was necessary to have a place at a university that both studied the power of emotional intelligence [and] also translated that into actionable practices for leaders, teachers, students and families. I felt it was important to keep those two things together—that we were in the real world, looking at how people would implement this. We’re also doing the science and letting the science inform the practice and the practice inform the science.</p>



<p>I was very fortunate in my career. I got my doctorate degree with one founder of a theory of <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/components-of-emotional-intelligence/">emotional intelligence</a>. His name is Jack Mayer. Then I did my postdoctoral fellowship with the other founder of emotional intelligence theory, Peter Salovey, who became president of Yale. In 2013, when Peter became president of the university, we spoke about converting the laboratory that he was directing and I was helping to direct… into a center of the university to really showcase the university’s commitment to the science and practice of emotional intelligence.</p>



<p>What’s amazing is that since that time, we have now worked with over 5,000 schools across the globe. RULER, which is also the name of our program, is now in schools across the United States. And we actually have schools in over 25 countries around the world that have adopted this model. I’m proud to say that we have impacted the lives of well over 5 million children.</p>



<p><strong>S+</strong>: What are some of the most important discoveries around <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/18-signs-you-have-high-emotional-intelligence/">emotional intelligence</a> you’ve made within the YCEI?</p>



<p><strong>MB</strong>: I think the first is that we stand firm that these are real skills that have to be developed in relationship with other people—meaning that our emotion system is co-created through the people that we associate with. And so, helping people to build quality relationships, to learn about their own and other people’s emotions, to have the words to describe those emotions is something that needs to be cultivated and developed. That’s really kind of core to our work. And the same thing with emotion regulation. Oftentimes, people think, “Oh my gosh. I’m so emotional. I can’t deal with it.” The only reason is that they haven’t learned the skills.</p>



<p>Practice the skills and refine them over time. It is possible to get better at reading people and also at dealing with your own and other people’s emotions.</p>



<p>The second is that I felt it was really important to be able to translate all of this scientific work into a program that could be adopted by school systems so that children starting in preschool [can learn] these skills and further develop them across their time in school, from elementary to middle to high school, because these skills [aren’t] one-and-done.&nbsp;</p>



<p>[For example,] what anger means to me at 5 [years old] is different than at 10 [and] at 15. And so, what we want to do is help children deepen their understanding of these concepts and their skills and understanding them and dealing with them.</p>



<p><strong>S+</strong>: What are some of the most vital lessons you want people to know when it comes to emotional intelligence?</p>



<p><strong>MB</strong>: The first thing is that the adults who are raising and teaching kids—we’ve shown in research—have not had a very strong education in these concepts. So, when we first started out, we thought we could just have a curriculum to hand over. What we learned over time was that teachers and other counselors and educators and school leaders really wanted an education in these skills so they [could] practice them themselves [and] be better at implementing them right in the classroom. That was a big lesson for us.</p>



<p>One of the other products that we’ve created is an app called “How We Feel” and that app is based on a book I wrote called <a href="https://marcbrackett.com/permission-to-feel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Permission to Feel</em></a>. In the app, which is available for free, we provide people with hundreds of emotions and their definitions, as well as dozens of research-based strategies to help them learn how to regulate their emotions and the ability to track their emotions over time so they can look for patterns and gain deeper insights to support greater well-being.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by Antonio diaz/shutterstock.com</em></p>



<p></p>

Joel Swenson

Marc Brackett, Ph.D., founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, discusses his approach to teaching kids emotional intelligence.

Marc Brackett, Ph.D., is a professor at the Child Study Center at Yale University and the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence | SUCCESS

Learning To Feel: Marc Brackett’s Approach to Emotional Intelligence for Kids

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Marc Bracket’s Approach to Emotional Intelligence | SUCCESS

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Cecilia Meis is the editorial director for SUCCESS and a digital nomad. She writes about other digital nomads, solopreneurs and the future of work.

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Cecilia Meis

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Professional Growth

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<p>In today’s digital world, social media has evolved beyond personal sharing; it’s become a powerful tool for career development. And with <a href="https://www.resumebuilder.com/7-in-10-hiring-managers-admit-to-spying-on-social-media-to-get-answers-to-illegal-interview-questions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">74 percent of hiring managers admitting to screening candidates’ social media accounts</a>, managing your online presence is more important than ever.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Whether you’re starting out or looking to advance, knowing how to use social media for professional growth can help you network, tap into learning opportunities and increase your visibility within your industry.</p>



<p>Here’s a guide to leveraging social media for professional growth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-benefits-of-using-social-media-for-professional-development"><strong>The Benefits Of Using Social Media For Professional Development</strong></h2>



<p>Social media platforms can improve your career prospects by allowing you to showcase your expertise, build meaningful networks and stay updated on ever-changing industry trends. A well-curated social media presence can increase visibility, helping you stand out to recruiters and professional connections by highlighting your skills and achievements.</p>



<p>Beyond visibility, social media platforms enable easy networking with industry peers, thought leaders and other professionals. This expanded network broadens your reach, creating pathways to professional development and mentorship.</p>



<p>Social media also offers constant access to the latest insights for every niche. This means you can easily stay informed about trends, best practices and industry shifts.</p>



<p>While creating a professional social media presence can extend your reach online, it’s not always straightforward. Whether you want to advance your career or expand your network, these social media do’s and don’ts will guide you through the process and increase your likelihood of success.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-s-and-don-ts-for-leveraging-social-media-effectively"><strong>Do’s And Don’ts For Leveraging Social Media Effectively</strong></h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-do-build-a-professional-profile">1. <strong>Do Build A Professional Profile</strong></h3>



<p>LinkedIn remains a go-to platform for professional networking and creating a standout profile. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-optimize-your-linkedin-profile/">Optimizing your LinkedIn profile</a> can significantly enhance your career prospects and overall visibility.</p>



<p>Start by uploading a high-quality photo. Next, write a concise, compelling summary that accurately reflects your professional identity. Your profile should also include all of your relevant skills and professional experiences. This will give viewers a complete picture of your qualifications and expertise in your field. Remember, you don't have to list every job you've ever had; curate your LinkedIn profile to include the most relevant professional experience.</p>



<p>Additionally, platforms like LinkedIn offer tools like the “Featured” section, where you can pin standout content to draw attention to your best work. Here, you can highlight projects, certifications and accomplishments to showcase the skills and expertise you’ve listed elsewhere.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-don-t-overshare-personal-information">2. <strong>Don’t Overshare Personal Information</strong></h3>



<p>Maintain a professional tone across all social media platforms. It’s important to be mindful of the image you project—even on social sites like X or Instagram—since posts might be publicly accessible. Oversharing personal or sensitive information, especially on controversial topics, can be detrimental to your career and may inadvertently create a negative perception of you.</p>



<p>Keep your profile centered on professional and industry-related content to maintain a consistent, polished presence—especially if your goal is to leverage social media for career growth.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-do-engage-with-industry-leaders">3. <strong>Do Engage With Industry Leaders</strong></h3>



<p>Social media lets you engage with and learn from experts in your field. Following, connecting and interacting with industry leaders is a great way to develop connections and build professional capital.&nbsp;Be sure to engage with their content and related conversations to boost your authority and establish yourself as an expert in your own right.</p>



<p>Platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook host numerous groups and communities tailored to specific industries. By joining these groups, you can stay informed about topics relevant to your field and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-tips-for-successful-online-networking/">network with like-minded professionals</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-don-t-neglect-privacy-settings">4. <strong>Don’t Neglect Privacy Settings</strong></h3>



<p>Privacy settings ensure your professional content is visible while personal information remains protected. Regularly reviewing and updating privacy controls across platforms is essential for controlling who can view your content. Using social media for career development will be useless if no one can see what you post.</p>



<p>Similarly, when accepting friend requests or connection invitations, prioritize quality over quantity. Limit connections to people you know or who add value to your network. Curating your connections helps maintain a professional and focused network that supports your career growth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-role-of-social-media-in-career-development"><strong>Understanding The Role Of Social Media In Career Development</strong></h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personal-branding">Personal Branding</h3>



<p>Social media is more than a platform for browsing job postings; it's a powerful tool for establishing a personal brand to support and enhance your career. Employers and recruiters are increasingly turning to social media to understand potential candidates beyond their resumes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-differentiation">Differentiation</h3>



<p>Distinguish yourself by leveraging social media to present your strengths and share industry-relevant insights.  You can go beyond listing skills and experience to showcase your personality, values and expertise in real time.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thought-leadership">Thought Leadership</h3>



<p>Posting articles, sharing project highlights and writing short posts that reflect your industry expertise can <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/6-tips-to-become-a-thought-leader-aka-how-to-be-a-big-deal/">position you as a thought leader</a>. And remember, engaging with others in your field—by commenting on their posts, joining discussions and asking questions—can further position you as an active, engaged professional with authoritative insights.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-networking">Networking</h3>



<p>Through consistent, relevant interactions and contributions, you’ll create an authentic online presence that communicates your professional identity and supports your long-term career goals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-start-leveraging-social-media-for-professional-success"><strong>Start Leveraging Social Media For Professional Success</strong></h2>



<p>Social media can be a game-changer for your career, offering a unique blend of visibility, networking and personal branding. These social media do’s and don’ts are a great place to start, ensuring that you maximize the benefits and avoid common pitfalls of using social platforms for professional development. When done right, your social media presence can position you as a knowledgeable, approachable and highly employable professional.</p>



<p>Remember, using social media for professional growth takes time and commitment. Commit to sharing content that reflects your values, industry insights and aspirations. Consistency and authenticity are key—focus on these, and your career will flourish on- and offline.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by: PeopleImages.com - Yuri A/Shutterstock</em></p>



<p></p>

Paige Lyman

Learn how to leverage social media for career growth with essential dos and don’ts, from building a professional profile to networking.

In today’s digital world, social media has evolved beyond personal sharing; it’s become a powerful tool for career development. And with 74 percent of | SUCCESS

Leveraging Social Media For Professional Growth: Do’s And Don’ts

Social Media For Career Growth: Do’s And Don’ts | SUCCESS

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<p>What if the breakthrough idea you’re chasing isn’t at your desk but somewhere far from it—maybe in a quiet village café or on a mountain trail you’ve never hiked before? Shifting environments, or what some entrepreneurs call an “innovacation,” might be the sharpest tool for unlocking creative thinking. Indeed, research shows that while <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/strategy-and-corporate-finance/how-we-help-clients/Strategic-Growth-and-Innovation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">84% of CEOs</a> rank innovation as critical, traditional office routines can zap the very creativity they’re trying to foster.</p>



<p>It’s not indulgence; it’s a performance strategy. “When we nurture ourselves, we nurture our connection to the world around us, which is the source of innovation and creativity,” explains <a href="https://www.invitedoakpark.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lauren Farina</a>, licensed psychotherapist and CEO of Invited Psychotherapy and Coaching, an Illinois-based practice for high-performers. Innovacations, she says, are “a peak-performance hack,” offering an intentional way to reset, get inspired and enhance productivity.</p>



<p>These breaks don’t have to be grand—low-cost trips to new settings can inspire fresh ideas just as much as any luxury retreat. With burnout hitting unprecedented levels—<a href="https://www.mercer.com/insights/people-strategy/future-of-work/global-talent-trends/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercer’s 2024 Global Talent Trends report</a> found that 82% of employees are at risk—taking an innovacation could be the smartest move for both your mental clarity and business growth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-an-innovacation-and-what-does-it-do">What is an innovacation and what does it do?</h2>



<p>An innovacation acts like a creativity reset, pushing our brains beyond the usual grind and into fresh, idea-generating territory. According to Farina, new experiences activate the brain’s “novelty center,” stimulating learning, memory and neuroplasticity, which support creativity and innovation. By stepping away from the daily routine, we not only shake off habitual thought patterns but also open our minds to new perspectives and ways of thinking.</p>



<p><a href="https://raeannelacatena.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raeanne Lacatena</a>, a trained mental health therapist, certified business coach and Reiki master, finds that even the journey itself can be a source of inspiration. “Some of the best ideas surface during the plane ride to your destination,” she says, explaining how a new environment “forces your brain to adapt…creating new neural pathways to handle the unfamiliar input.” This isn’t merely about relaxation—it’s about resetting how we approach <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-art-of-problem-solving-4-creative-strategies-to-tackle-your-biggest-obstacles/">problem-solving</a> and innovation.</p>



<p>Lacatena has seen significant transformations in her mastermind retreats, where participants achieve breakthroughs by combining physical challenges with mental and emotional introspection. She recounts one attendee describing her experience as “10 years of therapy in a weekend.” For Lacatena, innovacations aren’t indulgent escapes; they’re intentional exercises in stretching the mind, body, creativity and a way to foster a unique space where transformative ideas can flourish.</p>



<p>But an innovacation isn’t just a chance to catch your breath—it can be a strategy session in disguise. Stepping away from the endless emails and problem-solving loops gives you space to shake up stale thinking, reconnect with big-picture goals and test out fresh ideas. A new environment nudges your brain toward that elusive mental clarity that’s tough to find in the usual demands of business. The result? You come back recharged, with sharper focus and creative momentum, ready to tackle complex challenges, rally your team and drive your business in exciting new directions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ideal-setting-for-creative-breakthroughs">The ideal setting for creative breakthroughs</h2>



<p>A good innovacation isn’t about luxury—it’s about going somewhere that encourages fresh perspectives, reflection and the right kind of mental reset. As Lacatena puts it, “the most important factor is that the destination is new to you.” Think of places that feel inspiring to you, yet grounded: a quiet coastal town, a remote cabin or a lively but laid-back neighborhood in an unfamiliar city. The best settings spark curiosity without overwhelming you, allowing for deep focus and creativity.</p>



<p>What makes these locations effective? Minimal distractions and a balance of novelty and comfort are key. A small, peaceful place where you can enjoy some solitude, explore at your own pace and get out of the daily grind is ideal. Farina recommends prioritizing environments that let you step outside your usual pace.</p>



<p>Set a light structure, but keep space for spontaneity. Allow a mix of intentional time—journaling, brainstorming or simply thinking—and some unscheduled wandering. Take a local hike, walk through the neighborhood or linger in a café. <a href="http://www.marketyourmessage.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jonathan Milligan</a>, an online business coach and author of the book series <em>Your Message Matters,</em> takes annual month-long sabbaticals and swears by this approach, saying it’s about getting above the woods and seeing your business from a higher level. The right mix of focus, exploration and quiet moments lets you return with renewed perspective and ideas that feel effortless.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-maximize-your-innovacation">How to maximize your innovacation</h2>



<p>To make the most of your innovacation, start by setting a clear intention. Are you aiming to solve a specific challenge or are you there simply to recharge and gather fresh ideas? A loose goal provides direction while allowing space for those spontaneous insights that often arise in a new setting. “I would remind them that they are not leaving their business—they are stepping away from working <em>in</em> their business to work <em>on</em> their business,” Lacatena says. “It’s impossible to read the label from inside the bottle.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Disconnect from emails and social media to immerse yourself fully in the experience. Bring a notebook or use voice notes to capture ideas as they come, free from the usual interruptions.</p>



<p>Once you’re there, be present in your surroundings. Whether it’s a solo walk, sampling local cuisine or simply observing, the act of being fully present in an unfamiliar place can spark unexpected insights. “Embrace downtime and rest…,” encourages Farina. “Rest is largely misunderstood, especially by high-performing professionals, who often consider it to be a luxury that gets in the way of their productivity. On the contrary, it is during times of rest that the brain processes and consolidates new information, stores memory, and facilitates learning. It's a critical component in the creative process. When it comes to fostering creativity, the work is actually more like play.”<br>Lastly, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-advantages-of-solitude/">make time for solitude</a>. “Just a few hours of time alone…can help replenish the internal resources that give way to creativity,” Farina suggests. This balance of intention, immersion and quiet reflection will help you return with a fresh perspective and meaningful insights to bring back to your work.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em><strong>Photo credit: Altrendo Images/Shutterstock</strong></em></p>



<p></p>

If you’re feeling stale and need to spark new ideas, an "innovacation" might just be the cure. Learn more about why.

What if the breakthrough idea you’re chasing isn’t at your desk but somewhere far from it—maybe in a quiet village café or on a mountain trail you’ve | SUCCESS

Why an ‘Innovacation’ Might Be Just the Thing To Help Spark New Ideas

Struggling with Ideas? Try an ‘Innovacation’ | SUCCESS

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Russell Brunson

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<p><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/russell-brunsons-next-chapter/">Russell Brunson</a> was looking to make money when he was in college. “The plan was [to] find something people were searching for that no one's selling, [make it] and then sell it to those people,” says Brunson.</p>



<p>He was a student athlete, and, on spring break, he and his friend made a potato gun for fun. They found plans online and bought supplies at Home Depot.</p>



<p>“The next Monday, I was back in school, and I was like, ‘What can I create? What can I sell?’” Brunson says. He typed “potato guns” into a website called Overture to see how many people were searching for that term—the answer was 18,000 people per month.</p>



<p>So, Brunson and his friend borrowed a camcorder, filmed themselves making a potato gun and sold the DVD online. He then spent $5 on a Google ad targeting that specific audience and sold the DVD for $37. He did well for a while but, when Google changed their algorithm, the ad price shot up. “It got to the point where I was spending $50 or $60 [per ad] to sell a $37 DVD,” says Brunson. He had to pause his business for a while.</p>



<p>Eventually, his friend figured out a solution. “When you go to McDonald's and when you order a Big Mac, the first thing they ask you is, like, ‘Hey, do you want fries and a Coke?’” says Brunson. “It's an upsell. If you add an upsell after someone buys your product, they'll make more money from everyone buying it.” The duo realized that if they upsell the potato gun DVD by including a kit with the parts needed to make the potato gun, they could, then, beat the price of the ad.</p>



<p>“We started selling the DVD for $37 [with a kit] for $200 and then I turned the ads back on…It was still costing me $50 to sell [the] DVD, but one out of three people who bought the DVD bought the $200 kit,” says Brunson. The net profit beat the net expense of the ads.</p>



<p>From there, they branched out into other industries. Brunson met the world’s fastest reader and collaborated with him on a course to teach speed reading. Next, Brunson moved on to couponing, dating and weight loss. Friends and family wanted to know how Brunson and his friend had become successful, so they started <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-use-your-influence-to-help-others/">teaching small groups</a> how to do the same thing, which they called “sales funnels.”</p>



<p>“Right now, we spend a hundred grand a day [on] ads and it's all profitable because the funnels pay for it all,” says Brunson.</p>



<p>He and his friend spent two years building software, now called <a href="https://www.clickfunnels.com/?aff=mattd-campaign-cftrial-exact-usa-br-01-google-1WzEwLDMxNDgwXQf&amp;gc_id=18312883654&amp;h_ad_id=649739984815&amp;comet_source=google&amp;comet_network=g&amp;comet_campaign=18312883654&amp;comet_ad_group=144171039994&amp;comet_ad_id=649739984815&amp;comet_keyword=clickfunnels&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAgdC6BhCgARIsAPWNWH0LposPLnuSWYkeG9PDhL0ERp2geKZ1p-imicQmcLDLzIq00LnFzJQaAsnPEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ClickFunnels</a>, which helps make the process of selling anything online simple.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-russel-brunson-s-3-tips-for-success">Russel Brunson’s 3 tips for success</h2>



<p>With several books on the market and a following of over a million entrepreneurs, Brunson has tips that can help any new business be successful:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-find-your-superpower">1. Find your superpower</h3>



<p>The first thing people need to understand, says Brunson, is that everyone has something inside them that people will pay for. “For me, it was potato guns,” he says. “But the reality is every single person has unique experiences. You've gone through stuff in your life and, even though it [may] seem like common sense [to you], it's your superpower.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-find-the-people-who-were-you-five-years-ago">2. Find the people who were “you” five years ago</h3>



<p>The next step is to figure out <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/12-habits-of-genuine-people/">how to find your people</a>. Brunson suggests reflecting back on who you were five years ago to find your customer. “They're struggling,” says Brunson. “You can go back and say, ‘Hey, I can shortcut [your] success.’”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-pay-attention-to-your-mindset">3. Pay attention to your mindset</h3>



<p>One of the biggest problems people come across, Brunson says, is that they don’t believe in themselves, so they <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/15-self-sabotaging-habits/">self-sabotage</a>.</p>



<p>There are three parts of the brain that matter, says Brunson. The conscious, which says, ‘I want this thing,’ the subconscious, which holds the stories we tell ourselves over and over, and “instinctive fear,” which says, ‘You aren’t good enough or worthy,’ he explains.</p>



<p>“We work with entrepreneurs [to help] them consciously choose what they want. And then, after they choose it, [we say] ‘How do you feel about that?’” says Brunson. “There [are] ways you can test…how you actually feel. What's that subconscious story that keeps coming back...How do we rewrite that story? How do we change that belief inside of you?”</p>



<p>This is usually the biggest part of the battle, he says. “I became aware of my patterns that I didn't even know were happening every single day,” says Brunson. “But [if] you can be aware of them, then you can override them and you can change.”</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>Photo courtesy of Russell Brunson</em>.</strong></p>



<p></p>

Jaclyn Greenberg

Russell Brunson’s secrets to success include targeting the right audience and upselling. Learn more about his entrepreneurial tips.

Russell Brunson was looking to make money when he was in college. “The plan was find something people were searching for that no one's selling, and then | SUCCESS

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<p>Every workplace team is like a melting pot of various backgrounds, experiences, strengths, weaknesses and personalities. It’s these differences that help you to become a well-rounded and successful cohort. But, these same dissimilarities can also cause friction among the group.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you’re having trouble understanding why Ryan from marketing never speaks up in meetings or why Sarah in accounting is easily overwhelmed, the DISC Model can help. Created by Psychologist William Moulton Marston, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/disc-assessment/">DISC is a personality assessment</a> that gives valuable and actionable insights into a person’s unique behaviors and priorities. Based on answers to about 80 personality-focused questions, people are grouped into a distinct style bucket through an assessment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These classifications can help us to better understand ourselves and those around us, giving us further insight into the pace we prefer to work, how we engage with coworkers, and how we respond to challenges or rules. The analysis can even facilitate improved stress management, as we can identify the specific triggers and coping mechanisms that best align with each personality.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disc-personality-types">DISC Personality Types</h2>



<p>Based on the DISC assessment, there are four core <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-connect-with-different-personality-types/">personality types</a>: (D)ominance, (I)nfluence, (S)teadiness and (C)onscientiousness. Each has its own set of characteristics, working styles, preferences and stressors. The assessment also breaks down each style’s preferred pace and agreeableness.&nbsp;</p>



<p>People under the <strong>Dominance</strong> umbrella thrive on confidence and directness. They are action-oriented, motivated by fast results and capable of solving problems to reach their desired outcomes. Dominance personalities also tend to be more questioning and skeptical.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Meanwhile, <strong>Influence</strong> personality types are open, optimistic, lively and warm. They place a higher value on relationships and their ability to impact others.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Those in the <strong>Steadiness</strong> class are defined by their dependable and cooperative nature. Their even temper, reflectiveness and sincerity toward those around them help them assume the role of peacemakers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Lastly, <strong>Conscientiousness</strong> types have analytical minds, always approaching situations with caution and skepticism. They highly value competency, expertise and a stable environment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It’s also important to note that while these are the four major personalities, three quadrants exist within each type, showing that people may also exhibit behaviors that lean toward other personalities.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-personality-affect-a-person-s-response-to-stress">How Does Personality Affect A Person’s Response To Stress?</h2>



<p>Personality type plays a monumental role in how people function, including how we feel and <a href="https://news.illinois.edu/view/6367/984485322" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manage our stress</a>. This is shown through a <a href="https://news.illinois.edu/view/6367/984485322" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022 analysis</a> conducted by Bo Zhang and a team of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign experts. The research looks into what is known as the Big Five personality traits, including neuroticism, extraversion, conscientiousness, openness, and agreeableness. It found that while all five traits are linked to perceived stress, neuroticism had the strongest link. </p>



<p>In addition, agreeableness or conscientiousness traits were also related to stressor exposure. However, Zhang explained that “agreeable people are less likely to encounter stressful situations such as interpersonal conflict because of the tendency to be caring, understanding and forgiving. Similarly, conscientious people are less likely to experience stress because their good self-regulation abilities can protect them from the encounters of stressful experiences, as well as the negative psychological impacts of stressors.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Research published by the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0092656624000357" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Research in Personality</a> dives deeper into stress and personality types by examining how people with different personality traits cope with stress. It found that people higher in neuroticism were generally more avoidant and used emotion-focused strategies. Those higher in conscientiousness, extraversion and openness looked to problem-solving, and people higher in agreeableness instead resorted to social support.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Big Five and DISC are two different models. However, this research helps to prove that different personality traits do, in fact, see and react to stress differently. As such, each one needs personalized coping techniques rather than cookie-cutter advice.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dominance-d-personalities-and-stress-nbsp-nbsp"><strong>Dominance (D) Personalities And Stress</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



<p>With their strong will and drive, Dominant personalities can become stressed by a lack of control, vagueness, strict rules, interruptions or the fear of being perceived as weak. When these scenarios rear their ugly head, this group may resort to impulsivity and aggression, exhibiting a lack of patience. Due to this type’s correlation to extraversion, they may also be focused heavily on solving the problem at hand by any means necessary.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-management-tips-for-a-type-d-personality-nbsp">Stress Management Tips For A Type D Personality&nbsp;</h3>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Learn to let go of what you can’t control and spend your time on the projects and work you can.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Take breaks and allow more time to think through and complete the tasks at hand. A slightly elongated timeline can help to alleviate some pressure.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Ask for feedback or even help. You don’t like to give up your power, but an outside voice and some helping hands may be just what you need.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Set up activities to relax the mind and practice self-care and self-acceptance. Give yourself some grace and remind yourself of how far you’ve come.</li>



<li>Develop boundaries by saying no, delegating and setting realistic goals and expectations.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Create tangible and easy wins by breaking down projects into smaller steps or finding new, exciting assignments to tackle quickly and easily.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-influence-i-personalities-and-stress-nbsp"><strong>Influence (I) Personalities And Stress </strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For Influence personalities, stress may manifest as a fit of anger, anxiety or sadness, resulting in a lack of follow-through or productivity. This may happen if people belonging to this group have been devoid of collaboration and social activities, feel stuck in a rut without the chance to be creative or have been influenced by negative energy around them.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-management-tips-for-a-type-i-personality-nbsp">Stress Management Tips For A Type I Personality&nbsp;</h3>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Prioritize positive social interactions. Whether at home or at work with your team, carve out time each week or even day for talks and meetings of the minds, whether they’re purposeful or just a way to recharge your batteries.&nbsp;</li>



<li>But be careful not to overpack your calendar with commitments leading to burnout.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Stay stimulated by baking variety into your day. Sitting isolated at a desk for hours isn’t ideal for Influence personalities. Remain motivated and excited by fun lunch plans or mid-afternoon brainstorming sessions.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Protect your energy. You can’t change the attitude of those around you, but you can continue to show up optimistically and with understanding.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Engage in frequent relaxation activities related to creativity, such as journaling or painting.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Create a plan to stay focused on tasks when you need to. <a href="https://www.discprofiles.com/stress-coping-i-type-personality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DISC database</a> recommends the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working at 25-minute intervals with scheduled rewarding breaks.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steadiness-s-personalities-and-stress-nbsp-nbsp"><strong>Steadiness (S) Personalities And Stress</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



<p>With their poised and level-headed demeanor, it’s difficult to imagine Steadiness personalities under pressure. But they, too, can become distressed by things like working too independently, multitasking or changes in routine–understandable, as <a href="https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/why-routines-are-good-for-your-health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research shows</a> repetitive routines can help reduce anxiety.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This group’s heightened empathy makes it difficult for them to deliver poor or controversial news and see other people upset. In circumstances like these, S types often withdraw to avoid conflict and become passive or even passive-aggressive, leading to later resentment.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-management-tips-for-a-type-s-personality-nbsp">Stress Management Tips For A Type S Personality&nbsp;</h3>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Make a point to schedule out your weekly tasks and activities. Having an organized calendar and a structure can give you peace of mind and reduce procrastination.&nbsp;</li>



<li>At the same time, be open to change. Things won’t always go according to plan, so allow yourself to go with the flow from time to time.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>



<li>Practice open communication with your team. Let your voice, needs and opinions be heard with the expectation that not everyone will always agree.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Form a more comfortable relationship with mistakes and conflict. Both are inevitable but also healthy ways to learn and grow.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Don’t be afraid to ask for help or turn down requests. Your nature is to please people, possibly biting off more than you can chew. But your time is valuable, too, and you can alleviate stress by sharing responsibilities.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Attack new projects or changes gradually. You don’t have to know everything from the jump. Ask questions when you need to, and be patient with yourself.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conscientiousness-c-personalities-and-stress-nbsp"><strong>Conscientiousness (C) Personalities And Stress </strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In stressful moments, Conscientiousness types will lean even further into data and facts. But, simultaneously, they pull away from others, becoming avoidant, disagreeable or even hostile. These actions might be spurred on by unpreparedness or a lack of pertinent information, working under time pressure, being thrown into disorganized social events or not knowing how to respond to the emotions or needs of others.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-management-tips-for-a-type-c-personality-nbsp">Stress Management Tips For A Type C Personality&nbsp;</h3>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>At the start of projects, ask questions to understand the main objective and goals. This will help you know how you and the results will be assessed, eliminating any unknowns.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Work to dial back your perfectionist mindset. Understand that making mistakes or not always having the right answer doesn’t make you incompetent. View these moments instead as learning opportunities.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Challenge yourself to have more empathy. Consider how your words and actions may affect those around you, and try to understand where others are coming from.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Place a greater emphasis on working with your team to find solutions rather than just pointing out problems.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Schedule time for yourself to think and work independently, but also make room for collaboration. Isolation can hinder your progress and close off your mind to outside ideas.&nbsp;</li>



<li>If you’re feeling overwhelmed, evaluate everything on your plate, set clear priorities, break down projects into smaller tasks, and know when to entrust work to others when necessary.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-manage-stress-more-easily-by-understanding-those-around-you">Manage Stress More Easily By Understanding Those Around You</h2>



<p>Stress is inevitable in work environments, but understanding DISC personality types can help you and your team manage it more effectively. Each personality type—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness—responds to stress differently, with unique triggers and coping strategies. By recognizing these differences, teams can address challenges with tailored approaches that foster resilience and mutual support.</p>



<p>Knowing that a lack of control for Dominance personalities or a lack of socialization for Influence personalities increases their stress levels can be critical in finding balance within your coworkers. Similarly, it’s important to know that people in the Steadiness bucket need a reliable routine, and Conscientiousness types sometimes struggle with perfectionism. Leveraging these insights helps individuals to identify the things they work on while also improving communication, reducing friction and building stronger connections across the team.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Explore the <a href="https://www.discprofile.com/teams" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DISC model</a> further to uncover its full potential for stress management and workplace growth. Investing in this understanding not only improves individual well-being, but also enhances team productivity and cohesion.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by: PeopleImages.com - Yuri A/Shutterstock.com</em></p>

Megan Hageman

Stress is inevitable in work environments; understanding the four DiSC personality types and how they deal with stress can help you and your team manage it more effectively.

Stress is inevitable in work environments; understanding the four DiSC personality types and how they deal with stress can help you and your team manage it more effectively. | SUCCESS

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working parents Archives | SUCCESS

<p>When publicist Kari Torstenson and her husband decided they were ready to start a family, she wasn’t sure if she could stay in her career. The 9-to-5 lifestyle of commuting to an office, managing a team and maintaining a busy calendar filled with client projects wasn’t going to be sustainable once she became a mom, or so she thought.</p>



<p>Growing up a millennial, she never witnessed more than two options for mothers. “You either worked and your kid went to day care all day… or [you were] a stay-at-home mom… I never really saw anything in between,” she says. Early in her first pregnancy, Torstenson decided to figure out a new path.</p>



<p>She reconnected with a friend with whom she’d worked as an intern in her early 20s who offered her a contract role. Her pay would be influenced by the number of clients she helped to bring on, and she wouldn’t have an official maternity leave, which made the move risky, but she’d be able to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/work-from-home-mom/">work from home as a mother</a> and control her own hours.</p>



<p>“It didn’t take me long to make the decision,” Torstenson says. At five months pregnant, she left her agency job and took the leap in search of a role that honored the lifestyle she wanted rather than the other way around.</p>



<p>Since then, she’s had two more children, ages 5 and 2, and will welcome her fourth child this spring. With each new baby and new season, she’s stayed in her current role, but her workload and day structure have evolved. Her oldest child is now in elementary school, and she also has a babysitter to help out on some afternoons.</p>



<p>She often heads out to a coffee shop to work once the babysitter arrives or wakes up before the kids to draft emails early in the day. It’s not easy, and a lot of days feel messy, but it’s been worth it to grow her family and continue to elevate her career as a publicist.</p>



<p>“Ultimately, your personal life as a mom and as a partner alongside your <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/professional-development-goals/">professional growth</a> really go hand in hand,” Torstenson says. “If you kind of align the two, you can grow the two at the same time—but it doesn’t mean that they’re growing at the same speed.”</p>



<p>Whether you’re in a family where both parents work at home or in an office, or one is a full-time caregiver, balancing your professional and personal responsibilities is a never-ending juggling act.</p>



<p>Heading into the busy holiday season, navigating demanding jobs and children can feel especially challenging. Reframing situations and having important discussions can help you create more harmony between the two.</p>



<p>Jess Ringgenberg, Dallas-based founder and CEO of ELIXR Coaching &amp; Consulting, certified life coach and mother of two, is one of many working parents to realize that work-life balance “doesn’t exist,” and the relentless pursuit of perfection perpetuates a gap between living and thriving. “We can’t control the world around us [or] the chaos that ensues in parenthood and work… The only thing we can control is ourselves,” she says.</p>



<p>Here are five tips to help you achieve more balance while juggling the responsibilities of work and home life:</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-carve-out-time-for-your-mental-health">1. Carve out time for your mental health</h2>



<p>When you’re facing extra challenges during this season, from big fourth-quarter deadlines to seasonal illness to holiday festivities, inject micromoments of mindfulness into your day.</p>



<p>Before you even get out of bed in the morning, close your eyes and ask yourself a few questions: Who do I want to be today? What do I want to give? What do I want to receive? Who do I need to ask for help?</p>



<p>This simple move sets the tone for your day, helps you take a pulse check of yourself and allows you to focus on prevention—to prevent the breakdown, the overwhelm, the depression, the anxiety, Ringgenberg explains.</p>



<p>A micro-moment for yourself could also look like going outside to put your face in the sun, putting on a meditation app for 30 seconds, taking a 15-minute walk or even heading into the garage to scream for a minute, she adds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-share-a-calendar-and-responsibilities">2. Share a calendar and responsibilities</h2>



<p>Whether one or both parents are working, create a family calendar to keep up with all work and family events. This enables you to take control of your workload and evaluate where you might need to ask for help from your village, Ringgenberg says.</p>



<p>It can be helpful for both partners to sit down on Sunday evenings to review the week ahead. If one person has a busy day, maybe you can rely on the other to have more flexibility as a parent.</p>



<p>You can also take steps to ensure this shared responsibility, such as calling your child’s school to make certain they’ll notify both parents in case of a sickness or another issue. Society tends to look at mothers as the predominant caregiver, Ringgenberg says, so let your child’s school know that they should call both parents if needed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-give-yourself-grace">3. Give yourself grace</h2>



<p>Having the mindset that you must always be great at work and great at home only leads to guilt and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/9-things-to-do-when-youre-feeling-burned-out/">burnout</a>—two feelings that don’t serve us well, Ringgenberg shares.</p>



<p>She stresses that mothers tend to feel these sentiments especially deeply and challenges moms to reframe their situations.</p>



<p>If you didn’t pick up a call from your child’s school or day care because you were in a meeting, for instance, you didn’t do anything wrong. Your partner is also capable of picking up the phone and meeting your child’s needs.</p>



<p>“You’re allowed to challenge those thoughts and find one that’s more supportive of you,” Ringgenberg says.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-communicate-communicate-communicate">4. Communicate, communicate, communicate</h2>



<p>In relationships, we often want people to read our minds, which leads to assumptions. Tracking everything in a household tit for tat easily leads to resentment issues, which create a poor environment for both work and home life.</p>



<p>You can get ahead of this by having clear conversations with your partner that are focused on what Ringgenberg calls “resolution outcomes.”</p>



<p>For example, say you share a home working space with your partner who doesn’t keep their desk tidy. Instead of complaining, you could say, “It’s hard for me to focus when your desk is a mess. What can we do together so that I can have the environment I need to concentrate?” This type of conversation includes a why, a clear outcome and a resolution without assumptions, she adds.</p>



<p>Having conversations before the busyness of the week sets in is also smart. If one partner knows Wednesday is going to be packed for them, they can ask for support from the other to help with pickup, making dinner or whatever tasks need taking care of at home.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-advocate-for-yourself">5. Advocate for yourself</h2>



<p>Stay-at-home moms or dads tend to be self-sacrificing because they’re not bringing monetary value to the family and may feel guilty taking time for themselves. But being the full-time caregiver is work, and is difficult, a fact that needs to be acknowledged by both partners.</p>



<p>Communication is paramount. Discuss what each partner is agreeing to in their respective roles and what each person needs. For example, a stay-at-home mom might agree to grocery shop, cook dinner each evening and keep the home clean—and may also need to go to the gym for an hour three times a week.</p>



<p>If both partners’ needs and responsibilities are carved out and planned for ahead of time, there’s no need for guilt or resentment, Ringgenberg says. “Nobody needs to sacrifice. You don’t need to lose yourself in your job, and you don’t need to lose yourself as a stay-at-home mom.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Having the mindset that you must always be great at work and great at home only leads to guilt and burnout—two feelings that don’t serve us well.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo credit: Jacob Lund/Shutterstock</em></p>

Kelsey Ogletree

Work pressures are hard enough to deal with. If familial responsibilities are adding to the chaos, try these 5 tips to reintroduce harmony into the home.

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Have a case of the Mondays? Read these 64 motivational Monday quotes to ensure you have a productive, successful week.

Have a case of the Mondays? Read these 64 motivational Monday quotes to ensure you have a productive, successful week. | SUCCESS

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<p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/noor-akbari" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Noor Akbari</a> is on a mission to make education available to everyone, everywhere. As CEO of <a href="http://rosalyn.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rosalyn.ai</a>, an artificial intelligence-based proctoring company used by online education platform Coursera and the Department of Defense, he’s well on his way to achieving that mission. Akbari grew up in Afghanistan, where he lived through three wars and several different regime changes. He eventually started the country’s first digital printing company before working as a translator and adviser for the U.S. military.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-removing-the-barrier-of-academic-integrity">Removing the barrier of academic integrity</h2>



<p>Akbari relocated to the United States in 2007 to work for a defense company. While there, his entrepreneurial spirit blossomed. He started a medical services company, followed by a language assessment company. The latter was spending a ton of money flying test takers to its offices for exam proctoring. To solve that problem, Akbari created a tool that automated the monitoring process remotely.</p>



<p>“The future of learning will be online,” Akbari says. “There are billions of people who don’t have access to quality education. Online education is going to provide that access. It’s going to change the world for the better. But one of the barriers to that changed world is ensuring academic integrity. So, how do we solve that?”</p>



<p>He grew curious as to how higher education institutions approached remote assessment integrity and learned they didn’t really have a good solution. Universities were either not ensuring academic integrity in online exams or they were achieving it through the traditional method of watching people take tests using GoTo Meeting. His <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/emerging-entrepreneur-awards-celebrates-up-and-coming-entrepreneurs/">entrepreneurial instincts</a> kicked in once again and rosalyn.ai was born with the help of Akbari’s cofounder Martin Jakobsson, a former Microsoft AI research manager.</p>



<p>Since its founding in 2018, rosalyn.ai has built a product that allows universities and other learning organizations to deliver exams all over the world in an easy, accessible and low-cost way that also ensures academic integrity. But the company’s path to success wasn’t always smooth. Akbari and Jakobsson faced several challenges along the way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-trust-in-online-education-and-ai">Building trust in online education and AI</h2>



<p>Akbari notes that online education is growing quickly, spurred by COVID-19. He says the biggest hurdle with its widespread adoption is the public’s belief that a degree earned online is not as valuable as one earned at an in-person institution.</p>



<p>“If we can ensure the integrity of online education in the same way we do in-person education, then it becomes more effective, accessible, flexible and more personalized,” he says. “If we build that trust, then imagine people in Afghanistan, my home country, who don’t have access to quality education locally but all of a sudden can go to Harvard or MIT.”</p>



<p>If the public has misgivings about online education, those doubts are multiplied when <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/from-the-editor-ai-innovation/">AI</a> is involved. As AI continues to reshape the educational landscape, Akbari acknowledges the uphill battle of building trust in the technology. He also understands the hesitancy. While AI holds immense potential in regards to personalized learning, enhanced accessibility and combating disparities in education, it also poses some ethical challenges, particularly when it comes to academic integrity. Akbari advocates for a balanced approach that leverages AI’s capabilities while mitigating its risks through regulation and public policy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-the-pitfalls-of-startups">Navigating the pitfalls of startups</h2>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.exed.hbs.edu/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=paid-search&amp;utm_campaign=brand-general-hbs-national-none-exact-cross-device-usa&amp;utm_id=core&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwmOm3BhC8ARIsAOSbapWO7MuskaJk4pkJfP5qiw4OLa7-RRjRWVcwOZ376SZ3TB8X1jACmcYaAlcZEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">Harvard Business School</a>, around 90% of startups fail, with 10% failing in the first year. Everything from inability to secure funding to lack of vision to improper product-market fit are all contributing factors to that failure rate. For Akbari and Jakobsson, it was their unwavering conviction in rosalyn.ai’s mission of making education available to everyone, everywhere that propelled them forward. The pair pitched the company to several people before securing their first round of funding from angel investors.</p>



<p>“The earliest challenges were around product-market fit,” Akbari recalls. “How do we build a product that people can trust in early on? How do we solve the right problems? This is a process where you can get carried away; you can build the wrong thing, which is the cause of failure for a lot of startups. This is a very delicate time when you need to get things right.”</p>



<p>He continues: “We were very fortunate to go through an accelerator program called Alchemist, and they taught us how to really hone in on product-market fit and talk to customers and really listen and build things—not because we think it’s a good idea, but it’s what the customers need.”</p>



<p>Akbari’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs when navigating the startup landscape is to be steadfast in your convictions, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/resilience-reset/">embrace resilience</a> and learn from your mistakes. He also encourages people to hone their sales and storytelling skills, as both are critical to a startup’s success.</p>



<p>“If you don’t have the conviction and if you don’t believe in your vision, and if you’re not a little bit crazy about it, don’t start a startup,” he says. “The journey requires a lot of resilience and comes with a lot of challenges that a lot of people are not prepared for.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-profit-and-purpose">Balancing profit and purpose</h2>



<p>In our capitalistic society, profit often takes precedence over everything. But Akbari’s journey with rosalyn.ai underscores the power of aligning business objectives with social impact. He acknowledges that there are different kinds of entrepreneurship and some are solely focused on making money rather than having an impact. By marrying profit with purpose, however, entrepreneurs can achieve a profitable impact.</p>



<p>“I believe if you have a vision and that vision is grand enough [to] have wide impact, the incredible thing about capitalism is that you can monetize that as well,” he says. “You don’t have to choose between one or the other.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If we can ensure the integrity of online education in the same way we do in-person education, then it becomes more effective, accessible, flexible and more personalized.”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo courtesy of Noor Akbari</em></p>

In SUCCESS.com’s Future of Education feature, rosalyn.ai’s CEO Noor Akbari is determined to make education globally accessible.

Noor Akbari is on a mission to make education available to everyone, everywhere. As CEO of rosalyn.ai, an artificial intelligence-based proctoring company | SUCCESS

Noor Akbari of rosalyn.ai Speaks on Providing Global Access to Education

Noor Akbari On Making Education Available | SUCCESS

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African American man smiling at camera in an office

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Entrepreneurship | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>Can your DNA really determine how good you are at sales?</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4879" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a study by MIT Sloan’s Juanjuan Zhang and her team</a>, the answer might be yes. They tracked 117 salespeople at an Asian telemarketing company over 13 months and compared DNA to sales performance using metrics like revenue, spotting opportunities and effort.</p>



<p>The verdict? Some people are just wired for sales.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This study was one of the first to link molecular genetics to marketing and showed that certain genetic traits can predict sales success. It also showed that genetics can often outweigh personality traits when it comes to selling power. </p>



<p>The most interesting part of this study, however, was that this “sales gene” seems to supercharge adaptive learning—the ability to quickly figure out new customers and sales opportunities on the fly. For example, some salespeople knew exactly what a customer needed just from an initial conversation, without being told what buttons to push. And even though they worked 11 minutes less per day on average, these salespeople were just as productive—if not more so—than their peers. </p>



<p>If you want to be good at sales, adaptive learning is key, says Darian Shimy, founder and CEO of <a href="https://www.futurefund.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FutureFund</a>, a platform that streamlines fundraising and volunteering for K-12 schools. This type of learning lets you change your methods based on what customers say and how their needs change.</p>



<p>So if you’re not blessed with the “sales gene,” are you out of luck? Not at all–adaptive learning is a skill that you can developed. Here’s how to do it:</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-tailor-your-approach-for-each-potential-customer">1. Tailor your approach for each potential customer</h2>



<p>Selling isn’t just about a great pitch—it’s also about understanding the buying process for your customers. Most customers won’t say yes right away, no matter how brilliant your offer is. They may need to check their financials, compare competitors or get approval from a higher-up.</p>



<p>“Changing your sales approach quickly comes down to putting the customer first and showing that you’re not just there to sell a product but to really meet their specific needs,” Shimy says. “This focus on the customer has been a big part of our ability to help schools raise a lot of money and make their operations run more smoothly.”</p>



<p>To improve this skill, Shimy advises learning how to “read between the lines,” or pick up on subtle clues, and ask deep questions to understand what isn’t said directly. “To be successful, you need to know a lot about your product or service and be able to change how you talk about it to fit the needs of each potential customer,” he adds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-conduct-a-sales-debrief">2. Conduct a sales debrief</h2>



<p>A <a href="https://journey.quotapath.com/hubfs/pdfs/Solving-the-Biggest-Sales-Compensation-Challenges-2024_QuotaPath.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 report by Quotapath</a>, a sales compensation and commission tracking software, revealed that 91% of companies surveyed had trouble getting even 80% of their sales reps to hit their quotas. Surprisingly, less than a third of leaders blamed “unrealistic quotas,” and the biggest culprits were misaligned sales activities (35%) and lack of motivation (32%).</p>



<p>One way to solve this problem is by conducting a regular sales debrief after customer interactions. “In addition to standard performance reviews, we’ve implemented rapid feedback loops,” says Kevin Shahnazari, founder and CEO of <a href="https://www.finlywealth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FinlyWealth</a>, a credit card recommendation platform. “It’s more informal and frequent, where team members get input on a specific customer interaction or tactic, usually within hours or a day after the event.”</p>



<p>This rapid turnaround keeps learning timely and relevant. “We make <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/feedback-take-it-or-leave-it-but-dont-defend-yourself-against-it/">feedback</a> a two-way street, allowing salespeople to share insights about customers’ preferences and challenges they face, [which feeds] back into training and strategy,” he adds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-refine-your-skills-through-practice-and-experimentation">3. Refine your skills through practice and experimentation</h2>



<p>Adaptive learning is all about focusing on the client and staying flexible. A one-size-fits-all approach can lead to missed opportunities, but flexibility can instead improve results. The trick to having a flexible approach is to practice different scenarios. </p>



<p>“Experimentation in sales often means trying new approaches to see what works, whether [that’s] A/B testing email subject lines or trying out different closing techniques during pitches,” Shahnazari says. “We encourage salespeople to experiment with varying features of products or value propositions, depending on the prospect.”</p>



<p>Some of his team members, for example, experimented with more prominently highlighting security features when talking to customers in data privacy–sensitive sectors. “While diverting from the typical pitch was risky, it resulted in a higher engagement rate with those prospects,” he says. </p>



<p>Another great way to improve your sales skills is through role-playing. Practice with a trusted peer or manager to identify what works and what needs adjusting. This way, you’ll get real-time feedback on how your pitch flows. For an extra challenge, pitch to someone outside your industry—their questions will push you to simplify and clarify your message.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-use-data-analytics-to-inform-your-decision-making">4. Use data analytics to inform your decision-making</h2>



<p>By using AI-powered analytics to track customer interactions and identify patterns, FinlyWealth was able to achieve a “35% increase in conversion rates within six months,” Shahnazari explains.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In one instance, the company analyzed customer interaction data to identify a trend in credit card preferences based on income levels. “Initially, our sales team assumed that higher-income customers were more interested in luxury credit cards,” Shahnazari says. “However, after analyzing our data, we found that they were more interested in cards that provided travel rewards.”</p>



<p>FinlyWealth used this insight to adjust its sales strategy and “saw a 25% increase in sales among high-income clients” as a result. “Data allowed us to challenge <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/are-your-default-assumptions-keeping-you-from-making-a-change/">assumptions</a> and make more informed decisions,” Shahnazari adds.</p>



<p>But knowing the data isn’t enough—you have to use it too. Great salespeople take the numbers and turn them into action. Whether that means tweaking your approach, adjusting your timing or revamping your pitch altogether, the key is using the data to make real improvements that move the needle.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-invest-in-ongoing-training-and-mentorship">5. Invest in ongoing training and mentorship</h2>



<p>Investing in ongoing, adaptable training is essential, both at the individual and the organizational level. But instead of using a generic, one-size-fits-all program, make sure to find customized learning paths that tackle the specific challenges you and your team are facing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I’m a firm believer in the principle of entropy,” says Henry Criss, CEO of <a href="https://fraum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fraum Center for Restorative Health</a>. “Things are either dying or growing. Nothing is status quo. There are no plateaus.” He adds, “The choice is not, ‘Do I want to maintain or do I want to get better?’ The choice is, ‘Do I want to get better or worse?’” One way to accomplish this is to set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) goals and continuously look at what you’re doing and measure it against your <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-set-goals/">goals</a>.</p>



<p>For Shahnazari, the key has been providing ongoing training on sales techniques, as well as market trends and customer psychology, to ensure that his team stays ahead of the curve. FinlyWealth also holds regular “post-mortems” on successful and unsuccessful sales campaigns to identify what worked and what didn’t while encouraging everyone in the organization to come up with ideas and celebrate small wins. </p>



<p>“It’s about building a mindset that thrives on flexibility and curiosity,” Shahnazari says. “In today’s fast-paced sales environment, those who are open to learning, willing to experiment and able to adapt quickly are the ones who stay ahead. At FinlyWealth, this approach is critical for long-term success—not just in sales but across all business functions.”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by Fizkes/Shutterstock.com</em></p>

Some people seem like they are born to sell, and interestingly enough, science supports this. Learn what this means for entrepreneurs.

Some people seem like they are born to sell, and interestingly enough, science supports this. Learn what this means for entrepreneurs. | SUCCESS

Born to Sell? The Science Behind Adaptive Learning and What It Means for Entrepreneurs

What the Science of Sales Means for Entrepreneurs | SUCCESS

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People celebrating over a glass of champagne

<p>In 2003, the single and childfree Carrie Bradshaw grew tired of the number of baby and bridal shower gifts she had to buy. The <em>Sex and the City</em> character caused a stir when she created a registry to celebrate herself. She questioned why babies and weddings seemed to be the only adult milestones worth celebrating. The premise was groundbreaking at the time. Nevertheless, not much changed in the years following the episode.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, more than two decades later, a new trend for celebrating career milestones is catching on. More people are celebrating professional milestones by having a career shower.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Olivia Dreizen Howell, CEO and co-founder of <a href="https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fresh Starts Registry</a>, “A career shower is powerful because you are worthy of being celebrated for your accomplishments, not just having babies and getting married. Professional accomplishments are the illustration of all of the hard work you've done to get where you are and are worth celebrating.” Amy Chan, an entrepreneur and author of <a href="https://renewbreakupbootcamp.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Breakup Bootcamp</a>, agrees. “We need to broaden our perspective on what is worth celebrating,” she says.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-not-celebrate-all-the-things">Why not celebrate “all the things?”</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.kelliegerardi.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kellie Gerardi</a>, an astronaut, author and popular science communicator, comes from a family that embraces a “celebrate all the things" approach to important life milestones. While her family marks pregnancies and upcoming weddings “with so much love,” they “bring the same energy and enthusiasm to professional achievements, too,” Gerardi says.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Her family coined the term “career shower” to mark professional achievements because these celebrations are similar to baby or bridal showers in many respects. In Gerardi’s family, career showers involve “friends and family coming together to show their support and celebration in honor of a major life event,” she explains. For example, when Gerardi’s mother became a master gardener Gerardi helped throw a garden shower to celebrate. When Gerardi found out she would be going to space for the first time, her family threw her a space shower to mark the milestone. When Gerardi announced her second space flight, her friends and family hosted a space sprinkle, which she describes as an intimate brunch with homemade decorations and space-themed cookies with meaningful phrases. </p>



<p>Gerardi’s family has been throwing career showers for as long as she can remember, and she is proud to continue the family tradition of celebrating <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/professional-vs-personal-development/">professional growth</a> milestones. Gerardi loves that her daughter “is growing up seeing that not even the sky is a limit on her dreams and that all of her multitudes are worth celebrating and rallying around.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrate-career-milestones-like-you-would-motherhood-and-marriage-nbsp">Celebrate career milestones like you would motherhood and marriage&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Gerardi is not alone. Chan has hosted five career showers for friends and has had a career shower of her own. Chan has thrown career showers to help celebrate a stay-at-home mom who returned to the workforce after many years, a friend who left a toxic job to start her own business and a friend who got a sought-after promotion after years of hard work. Recently, one of Chan’s friends threw her a career shower to celebrate the launch of her second book.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although Chan believes that weddings and having children are “wonderful occasions,” she says “they’re not the only moments in life that deserve recognition and celebration.” Chan believes that career showers are particularly important for women who choose to remain child-free or opt not to marry. Like Carrie Bradshaw, “they often find themselves consistently buying gifts and celebrating others’ milestones,” while their life milestones may be ignored, she says. “Getting a dream job, getting a killer promotion, starting a business, hitting a huge career or work milestone, or a great achievement like publishing a book,” all deserve to be celebrated Chan says.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-career-showers-can-be-a-great-way-to-share-advice-and-support">Career showers can be a great way to share advice and support</h2>



<p>When Chan hosts career showers she invites those who have been supportive of the guest of honor’s career journey. She prepares discussion prompts designed to “share and exchange wisdom, offer support and explore how we help each other grow,” she says. She might ask guests “What’s a lesson you learned in your career that’s helped you grow?” or “What advice would you give your younger self about money, business or career?” She ends by requesting that each guest share an “ask,” which is “one thing they’re looking for to help them in their career, whether it’s a connection, advice or support,” she says. That way, everyone leaves with new wisdom and guidance that can help them reach their career goals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Howell recommends using a career shower as an opportunity to create a vision board for the guest of honor. “Or tell everyone to bring their favorite motivational phrase and create a journal,” so the person you are celebrating “can look back on the support they are getting on rough days,” she says.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Julie Neale can attest to the value of such creations. The founder of <a href="https://mothersquest.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mother’s Quest</a> threw herself a career shower when her company turned five. At Neale’s career shower, one of her friends created a collage “capturing all the wonderful stories and messages,” guests shared about how Mother’s Quest impacted their lives. “I still have that framed and where I can see it every day,” she says.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-give-meaningful-gifts-at-career-showers-or-none-at-all-nbsp">Give meaningful gifts at career showers, or none at all&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Although not all career showers involve gifts, some do. Gerardi says that “the sentiment matters so much more than the budget.” At her mother’s garden shower, Gerardi gave her a flower press kit and a cookbook called <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Eat-Your-Flowers-Loria-Stern/dp/0063204266/ref=asc_df_0063204266/?tag=hyprod-20&amp;linkCode=df0&amp;hvadid=692875362841&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=7616654273905507425&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvqmt=&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=9007537&amp;hvtargid=pla-2281435179058&amp;psc=1&amp;mcid=2c3fcd472bb83ab59c4faec75af402e9&amp;hvocijid=7616654273905507425-0063204266-&amp;hvexpln=73&amp;gad_source=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Eat Your Flowers</em></a> by Loria Stern. At her space shower, Gerardi got a one-handed stopwatch to use during flight training.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Howell is seeing an uptick in registries for career showers. She is excited to watch this development grow. “So much of our life is entwined with our work and career, so having a career shower is a fantastic way to celebrate your fresh start in your career,” including with items that can support the guest of honor’s new venture, she adds. She has observed that registries for career showers tend to focus on two areas, practical needs and wellness. Those starting a new business or transitioning to working from home might register for items like a stapler, a keyboard, ring lights and lamps, she says. Registries that focus on self-care might include items like heated eye masks or an under-the-desk foot massager.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-start-planning-your-career-shower">Start planning your career shower</h2>



<p>Just like baby and bridal showers, there is no one right way to plan a career shower. Gerardi recommends that anyone who wants to throw a career shower “just start planning.” She says that “they don’t need a big budget or even a big group. The point is to just celebrate and honor your loved ones for the things they’re most excited about or proud of. It doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive,” she says.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Neale also recommends inviting people from your community who have “supported and influenced your path,” even if they aren’t close friends that you would normally invite to a baby or bridal shower.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A career shower is a success if “the guests have fun, feel inspired and leave with a sense of community,” Chan says, but there is no one right way to get there.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo credit: JLco Julia Amaral/Shutterstock.com</em></p>

Jamie Davis Smith

Career milestones are just as worth celebrating as motherhood and marriage. Here's everything you need to know about hosting a career shower.

In 2003, the single and childfree Carrie Bradshaw grew tired of the number of baby and bridal shower gifts she had to buy. The Sex and the City character | SUCCESS

How to Host a Career Shower to Celebrate Career Milestones and Accomplishments

How to Host a Career Shower | SUCCESS

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<p>As a thought leader, financial educator, and founder and CEO of Matson Money, Mark Matson is proud to say he has achieved his American Dream. But after coaching thousands of others on the value of hard work and his patient, “passive management,” investment philosophy, he also knows that many now see its core tenants as a pipe dream.</p>



<p>In his new book <em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Experiencing-American-Dream-Invest-Extraordinary/dp/1394262043" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Experiencing The American Dream: How to Invest Your Time, Energy, and Money to Create an Extraordinary Life</a></em>, Matson offers a rebuttal to that idea. Through his personal story and some practical advice, the founder of Matson Money seeks to inspire another generation to keep chasing the dream and building their own future—which, in the process, makes the world a better place.</p>



<p>Speaking with SUCCESS.com from the Ritz Carlton in New York City, Matson explained what he thinks the American Dream represents these days, why it matters and what people can do to keep theirs alive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-success-com-let-s-start-broadly-why-do-you-think-the-american-dream-has-been-so-inspiring-to-people-over-the-decades-why-does-it-capture-the-imagination">SUCCESS.com: Let’s Start Broadly. Why Do You Think The American Dream Has Been So Inspiring To People Over The Decades? Why Does It Capture The Imagination?</h2>



<p><strong>Mark Matson</strong>: I think it captures the <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/success-interview-with-wayne-dyer-everything-that-exists-was-once-imagined/">imagination</a> because there’s so much pain and suffering in the world. There’s so much poverty on a global scale. People are always wanting to come to America. Nobody’s getting a rickety raft at Miami… [and] crossing over into Mexico from here. It’s still a great land of opportunity—where, if you work hard and you have personal responsibility and you create value for other people, you can literally still come from abject poverty to create a great quality of life for your family. And I think we have freedoms here in the United States that are largely missing in the world, and I think human beings are naturally drawn to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-find-freedom-from-toxic-hustle-culture/">freedom</a>.</p>



<p>One of the things I like to tell people is [that] the American Dream isn’t just good for America. It should really be a global phenomenon, and the more countries that have free markets and entrepreneurism, innovation, creativity… it makes for a higher standard of life.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-i-found-it-alarming-to-read-that-the-majority-of-people-feel-the-dream-is-no-longer-attainable-did-you-know-that-going-into-the-book-what-s-your-reaction-to-that-stat">I Found It Alarming To Read That The Majority Of People Feel The Dream Is No Longer Attainable. Did You Know That Going Into The Book? What’s Your Reaction To That Stat?</h2>



<p><strong>Matson</strong>: It’s a sad figure. I always tell people … the American Dream is only one generation [away] from dying, because the American Dream has to be taught and instilled as values into the next generation. You’re not born with the DNA of the American Dream, and that’s one of the reasons I wrote the book—is for families to sit down and start passing down the values that are so critical to success in this world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-if-families-are-going-to-sit-down-and-teach-those-values-what-would-you-say-the-american-dream-is-these-days">If Families Are Going To Sit Down And Teach Those Values, What Would You Say The American Dream Is These Days?</h2>



<p>Matson: It’s definitely not dead—under attack, but not dead, for sure. One of the things I talk about in the book is developing the “screen” of the American Dream, to see the world through the values and the principles my dad built into me. We came from really abject poverty in the hills of West Virginia, [near] Charleston, and it was just shacks and garbage on the road and in the streams. They had rats that came into their house, and you’d take the tops of Instant Carnation milk cans and literally nail it to the baseboards so the rats couldn’t get in…</p>



<p>I saw a lot of terrible, terrible poverty, and I saw the difference in the mindsets in my grandpa, who thought that money was evil. He thought that he was a victim and that he could never escape that. And then my dad took on a whole different “screen” of seeing the world from some mentors and teachers that he had…. The focus has to be as an entrepreneur and an innovator… how do I create value for other people?.… If I do that, then I’m entitled to some wealth and prosperity for myself, but never the other way around. And I never am entitled to something that I didn’t earn.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-economic-landscape-changes-over-time-do-you-think-society-s-values-today-and-our-views-on-finance-have-impacted-what-people-think-is-possible">The Economic Landscape Changes Over Time… Do You Think Society’s Values Today And Our Views On Finance Have Impacted What People Think Is Possible?</h2>



<p><strong>Matson</strong>: The thing I write about in the book is that money can’t make you happy. No amount of money. [If] you win the lottery today for $100 million, it will not make you more <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/ask-the-coach-im-not-passionate-about-my-job-but-it-pays-well-what-should-i-do/">passionate</a>. It won’t make you have more energy. It won’t make you have more empathy for other people. It won’t increase your relationships. Money can be very disempowering, actually. It can create a lot of pain and suffering, jealousy, animosity. You look at people like Elvis or Marilyn Monroe or Howard Hughes, it doesn’t take long to see that…</p>



<p>For me, what makes the American Dream so beautiful is that it’s actually a form of self-expression. I get to build up a business, or I get to work for someone that has a great business, and I get to express my creativity. I get to express my voice. I get to express who I am as a human being. And that to me is more of an American Dream than a portfolio value or a dollar that I get to or a financial goal that I achieve.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-average-american-family-feels-overwhelmed-by-the-looming-fear-they-won-t-have-enough-for-retirement-do-you-think-it-s-possible-to-do-well-with-your-money-even-if-you-re-a-few-decades-into-working-and-haven-t-gotten-very-far-saving">The Average American Family Feels Overwhelmed By The Looming Fear They Won’t Have Enough For Retirement. Do You Think It’s Possible To Do Well With Your Money, Even If You’re A Few Decades Into Working And Haven’t Gotten Very Far Saving?</h2>



<p><strong>Matson</strong>: I do. Some practical stuff that my dad gave me way back when I first started is you want to pay yourself first. You want to put about 10% of all your money in your 401k. And then, after that, you want to put any extra money in some personal accounts and you want to build that up and you want to use equities. You want to own funds that are in US markets—large stocks, small stocks, value stocks. Equities are the greatest wealth creation tool on the planet. They create all the jobs, they create quality of life, they create amazing returns. Large stocks have historically done 10% a year. Your money doubles every seven years. Small stocks, 12%. Small value stocks, 14%.</p>



<p>For most people, they got to hook into equity markets and do it in a way where they’re not speculating and gambling by owning asset-class funds and then staying disciplined over 30 years. And that’s the tough part about it. Once you know how to build a portfolio, then you have to ignore your instincts, your emotions and your biases, and then stay committed to that.&nbsp;</p>



<p>I definitely think starting early is important. Having a certain percentage is important. Owning equities long-term is important. But another little side thing I tell people [is that] maybe the idea of <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-plan-for-retirement/">retirement</a> itself is outdated.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-really">Really?</h2>



<p><strong>Matson</strong>: When I look at the people in my life that are the most happy in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s, they might [have] left their main job, but they’re still out there doing stuff. They’re consulting or they’re keeping busy doing work that they enjoy. And so they never really fully retired. A lot of times when people retire, they lose their meaning and their energy and their passion and they die. So, I’m not sure it makes sense.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Look, if you were making cars and you were on the line for 30 years and your body’s beat down…. But if you’re a consultant or a writer or an artist or a manager, there [are] a lot of jobs you can do well into your 60s and 70s and 80s, and we don’t want to lose the wisdom those people have. I think they have a lot to add to society.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thank-you-so-much-for-the-time-today-i-ll-leave-you-with-the-big-picture-what-do-you-hope-people-take-away-from-this-book">Thank You So Much For The Time Today. I’ll Leave You With The Big Picture: What Do You Hope People Take Away From This Book?</h2>



<p><strong>Matson</strong>: That money can’t make you happy. But purpose can.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo credit: photoschmidt/Shutterstock.com</em></p>

Chris Parton

In his new book, investor Mark Matson explains how and why “Experiencing The American Dream” is still a goal worth chasing.

As a thought leader, financial educator, and founder and CEO of Matson Money, Mark Matson is proud to say he has achieved his American Dream. But after | SUCCESS

Mark Matson: Experiencing The American Dream And Why It’s Still Worth Chasing

Mark Matson on Experiencing the American Dream | SUCCESS

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<p>I love to socialize and connect with others, but at some point, I hit a wall. I want to curl up into a ball, watch TV and disconnect from the world. While many people who experience social exhaustion would love to escape some situations to decompress at home and find time to replenish, sometimes we just can’t step away. </p>



<p>For example, you may feel social fatigue if you have to attend an all-day conference, work a long day at the office or join an event with family or friends. If you’re stuck in a situation and you find yourself spiraling, the tips outlined below can help you feel good as you power through.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-social-fatigue">Understanding social fatigue</h2>



<p>Social fatigue varies from person to person and often depends on personality type, explains <a href="https://www.drreneecarr.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;Reneé Carr, Psy.D</a>. “Introverts are prone to social fatigue because they naturally have higher levels of cortical arousal. This makes them more likely to be easily drained when having to socialize for extended periods of time or when in larger social settings. Their bodies will experience physical stress, which can, in turn, cause an increase in irritability, anxiety or panic.”</p>



<p>Introverts get a bad name because people think they have no social-emotional IQ, but Carr says that’s not true at all. Introverts prefer low-energy opportunities to preserve the social energy they naturally have.</p>



<p>Extroverts, in contrast, have low cortical arousal levels and often seek external stimulation. Therefore, they may last longer when they are out and about, but can still experience exhaustion. “Extroverts can also have social fatigue, and this usually results from feeling internal or external pressure to be ‘on’ or be the life of the party,” says Carr.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-tips-for-handling-social-exhaustion">7 tips for handling social exhaustion</h2>



<p>Understanding social exhaustion and how it works is crucial to implementing steps to combat it. Whether you are an introvert, an extrovert or somewhere in between, use these tips to center yourself.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-reset-your-mind-by-breathing">1. Reset your mind by breathing</h3>



<p>One way to cope with social fatigue is by calming yourself down through breathing exercises. Couples and relationship therapist Kelley J. Brower, LMHC, CFRC, suggests creating an “atomic reset,” as she likes to call it, or calming down into sloth mode. When you notice anxiety symptoms or are socially overloaded, inhale and hold your breath for as long as you can. Brower suggests holding it for five to 10 Mississippis. At the end, let out a super long exhale as a way to reset the brain.</p>



<p>“The brain is in fight, flight or freeze [mode]. In social situations, I call them ‘social freakouts.’ Our brain is frozen. We’re frozen. We all need to get oxygen to the brain. Holding your breath literally hijacks the brain’s fight or flight system.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-let-others-take-on-the-bulk-of-the-conversation">2. Let others take on the bulk of the conversation</h3>



<p>When you’re stuck at a social gathering and can’t leave, find an extrovert in the room, or someone who has more energy than you do, and let them do more of the talking, recommends Carr. Ask them about themselves or ask open-ended questions so they dominate the conversation. Not only will you get a break from talking, but you might make a new friend. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-art-of-small-talk/">People love to talk about themselves</a> and they love someone who will listen.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-reframe-your-thoughts-and-expectations">3. Reframe your thoughts and expectations</h3>



<p>“Recognize if you are placing more importance on the event than what is needed or placing more pressure on yourself to ‘be’ a certain way at the event,” says Carr. “Then change your perceptions to be more realistic. Change your mindset about yourself by understanding that fatigue is the same as stress. It is both your body’s and mind’s way of telling you that you are giving out more than you are receiving and that your physical and mental energy levels are very low. Then, avoid feeling guilty for not wanting to be social at this particular time or for wanting time alone to replenish.”</p>



<p>“Anxiety zaps energy,” says clinical psychologist <a href="https://www.insightpublicsafety.com/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jenny Prohaska, Ph.D.</a> “If your internal thoughts at a social event are anxiety based, there are some good skills you can use to reduce that anxiety, allowing you to withstand more social interaction without feeling so fatigued.”</p>



<p>Prohaska recommends thinking about what particular situations start a negative thought spiral. “Get the who, where or when. Don’t worry about ‘why’ because that’ll make [you] obsess. If you have great self-awareness of [what triggers your anxiety], you can self-regulate better.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-use-the-spoon-theory">4. Use the “spoon theory”</h3>



<p>If you only get one spoonful of social energy for the day, carefully pour that spoonful out, being mindful that you need to make it last, explains Prohaska. Here’s a technique that can drive better <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-be-more-self-aware/">self-awareness</a> and regulation of your social resources: Each morning, assess where your social energy will need to be distributed throughout the day. Pay attention to where you spend that energy so you have it when you need it.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-use-a-transitional-object">5. Use a transitional object</h3>



<p>Feelings of anxiety can make it difficult to focus and make choices in a social setting. But holding a transitional object, such as a fidget cube in your pocket, can remind you to be present and listen, says Brower. It can also take away some internal anxiety, making you less socially exhausted.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-step-away-for-a-minute">6. Step away for a minute</h3>



<p>Steal moments for yourself whenever you can. If there is a lull in the conversation, excuse yourself and go to the bathroom to freshen up, go to the bar and get a drink or step outside and take a moment to yourself, says Carr. A few minutes alone can be just the break you need to get to the end of the event.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-condition-yourself-to-do-more">7. Condition yourself to do more</h3>



<p>While social fatigue is real and difficult, challenging yourself to do a little bit more in the moment may build your stamina, says Prohaska. She recommends looking at it like a conditioning program. See if you can manage another five or 10 minutes before needing to reset, like you’re training for a marathon. Then, you can squeeze out one or two more beneficial interactions. With practice, your social battery may last longer each time. Social exhaustion can take a toll on even the most extroverted person. Remember that you can never pour from an empty cup, and taking care of yourself and recharging is all part of <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/to-be-successful-focus-on-your-personal-growth/">personal growth</a>.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by PeopleImages.com - Yuri A/Courtesy of Shutterstock.com</em></p>

Social exhaustion is real and very depleting. Here are seven tips for introverts and extroverts who are suffering from social fatigue.

I love to socialize and connect with others, but at some point, I hit a wall. I want to curl up into a ball, watch TV and disconnect from the world. While | SUCCESS

How to Deal With Social Exhaustion as an Introvert or Extrovert

How to Deal With Social Exhaustion | SUCCESS

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<p>We all deal with people who say something offensive, whether they mean to or not. But how can we learn to focus on the positive when we are programmed to focus on the negative for self-preservation? I interviewed a couple of experts to better understand why we react so strongly to certain words or behaviors, how to develop a thick skin and how we can change our mindset.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-be-aware-of-what-triggers-you">1. Be aware of what triggers you</h2>



<p>We all have sensitivities and insecurities and certain things that trigger a reaction. Being aware of those insecurities can help us pinpoint a bad feeling and then respond differently. “I often ask clients, ’Is there something your sensitivity is trying to tell you?’” says psychotherapist <a href="https://www.aimeebeyers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aimee Beyers, MA, AMFT, APCC</a>. “This question moves the client from a place of reaction to a place of reflection, where their own <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/what-is-personal-development/">personal development</a> and wisdom can come to light.” That sensitivity may always exist. For example, someone may always be sensitive about their weight or about the amount of money they earn, but putting those feelings in a place and moving on can help you not feel upset.</p>



<p>“We can get flooded if there’s something that is activating for us or hits a nerve,” says Beyers. “We respond physically and viscerally, [but if we] step back and say, OK, this person is seeing it differently than me and we have different approaches, different values, it can affirm your own way of seeing things and seeing the world, which can temper the nervous system and change that visceral response.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-examine-the-stories-you-tell-yourself">2. Examine the stories you tell yourself</h2>



<p>In addition to having a strong reaction, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/helene-zupanc-scottsdale-az/1274751" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Helene Zupanc, LPC, MEd</a>, therapist and co-author of <a href="https://stickynotemantras.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Sticky Note Mantras: The Art and Science of Choosing Your Thoughts</em></a>, says that our brains constantly make assumptions about a situation. But these stories are often skewed or flat-out wrong.</p>



<p>“The amygdala, the alarm system in our brain, sets off [an alert] when it senses we may get hurt. No matter how small a past trauma may have been, the amygdala remembers. For example, long ago, some girls were talking about you in a group in high school. Today, you see a group of coworkers gathered around the water cooler, and the amygdala holds up a big sign that says, ’Those people are talking about you!’ Shallow breathing, increase in heart rate and other fight-or-flight symptoms ensue.” Reactions are normal, but what can we do to develop a thick skin and change our mindset so we see a situation more clearly and respond better?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-change-the-way-you-think">3. Change the way you think</h2>



<p>Aside from being aware of our own sensitivities, we can <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/17-motivational-success-mantras/">create mantras</a> we say to ourselves in response to negative thoughts. “By addressing issues such as these, which are individual to each person, and creating a personalized mantra, insecurities will be much less likely to steal the show,” says Zupanc. “Mantras can be created through a variety of inspiration such as quotes, song lyrics, movie quotes, passages and more.”</p>



<p>For example, you’re at work and mistakenly blurt out something inappropriate. When you make a mistake, you may feel like people no longer like you, respect you or think that you’re good at your job, explains Zupanc. But, on the other side, you’re good at your job on most days. And people at work know you have good intentions, that you would not try to cause discomfort and that you’re available to talk to when they’re upset. So, the positive mantra that you are good at your job and respected cancels out the overwhelming negative thought that one mistake changed everyone’s opinion about you.</p>



<p>In Zupanc’s book, there are mantras for positive self-concept, laughter as medicine, rediscovering curiosity, inner strength, letting go, acceptance, forgiveness, goal setting and many others. These are all good tools to have, especially since research has shown that thinking positive thoughts can benefit your mental health and your physical health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-try-exposure-therapy">4. Try exposure therapy</h2>



<p>Exposure therapy is another option for knowing how to develop a thick skin. With exposure therapy, you force yourself into a difficult situation and try to navigate that situation in a way that’s comfortable. “Working in Los Angeles, many of my clients are in the entertainment industry and navigate inevitable rejection and judgment as almost daily aspects of their freelance careers,” says Beyers. She asks her clients to reflect on the situation and notice what is happening as far as thoughts, emotions and physical sensations go. Then, they realize the situation is safe and not a personal assault. “Through repeated exposure, as well as the processing of the client’s experience in <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/therapy-is-personal-development/">therapy sessions</a>, the stories about the situation are rewritten, and the client relates to their hopes and fears in a way that they find to be preferable.”</p>



<p>At the end of the day, it’s normal for us to react when someone strikes a nerve. But actually knowing how to develop a thick skin takes practice. It means taking a step back, thinking about your mental and physical response and rerouting those thoughts. Doing this can help you realize that most comments are meant with good intentions.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by Miljan Zivkovic/Courtesy of Shutterstock.com</em></p>

Knowing how to develop a thick skin can be difficult. Experts weigh in with four tips for learning how to brush things off your shoulders.

We all deal with people who say something offensive, whether they mean to or not. But how can we learn to focus on the positive when we are programmed to | SUCCESS

4 Tips for Developing a Thicker Skin

How to Develop a Thick Skin | SUCCESS

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<p>For many leaders, the path to success becomes hindered by rigid problem-solving and the fear of imperfection. For individuals navigating management, where decision-making complexities abound, mastering nonlinear problem-solving and leadership lessons is essential.</p>



<p>Enter <a href="https://www.katewalker.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kate Walker</a>, a seasoned HR expert certified in SPHR and SHRM-SCP, with experience spanning more than two decades in corporate leadership. Through her executive coaching, HR consulting and online educational platform, Walker empowers individuals and teams to transcend conventional managerial problem-solving and embrace nonlinear approaches to leading a successful professional and personal life.</p>



<p>In her book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Candid-Conversation-Lessons-Life-Leadership/dp/1998754413" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>A Candid Conversation: Lessons in Life, Love &amp; Leadership</em></a>, Walker shares how conducting a “values audit” in her 40s propelled her toward life-affirming decisions, including leaving her “secure” corporate job serving billion-dollar companies to starting her own coaching and consulting business. Her transformative journey offers leadership lessons and a road map to innovation and adaptability that can lead to profound growth and success in both your career and personal life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nonlinear-problem-solving-tactics">Nonlinear problem-solving tactics</h2>



<p>Below, Walker outlines some nonlinear problem-solving strategies to embrace.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brainstorming">Brainstorming</h3>



<p>“Brainstorming encourages creativity. It’s embracing uncertainty and listening, especially if you’re the type of person who likes to go right to a solution or solve a problem,” Walker says. All ideas are valued, encouraging the exploration of new and innovative concepts that might not otherwise be developed or shared for fear of appearing foolish.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-moments-of-inspiration">Creating moments of inspiration</h3>



<p>Unlocking inspiration that fuels actions, momentum and innovation is the ultimate <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/leadership-lessons-for-business-owners/">aim of leadership</a>. Changing scenery—whether through museum visits, team-building activities or outdoor excursions—unwinds the chaos and stagnation of our rote workflow and rejuvenates thinking, fostering creativity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visioning-via-pros-and-cons-analysis">Visioning via pros and cons analysis</h3>



<p>Envisioning yourself pursuing new endeavors and tuning into how resonant they feel supports better decision-making. Utilizing pros and cons lists allows you to assess multiple potential paths before embarking on a particular one.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safety-first">Safety first</h3>



<p>Effective implementation of these strategies hinges on leadership’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment. Skilled facilitators like Walker play a vital role in creating and maintaining this atmosphere, empowering teams to cultivate it independently.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feedback-and-recognition">Feedback and recognition</h3>



<p>Walker champions feedback as indispensable for personal and professional development. Good communication is critical for smooth feedback delivery and reception.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Here are Walker’s top ways for delivering effective feedback:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Communicate expectations clearly</strong>: Unclear role expectations often lead to dissonance. Before criticism or termination enters the conversation, clarify expectations.</li>



<li><strong>Set achievable goals</strong>: Overly ambitious targets can demoralize. Collaboratively divide larger goals into achievable milestones to promote motivation and progress.</li>



<li><strong>Offer support and resources</strong>: Without proper support, we can get stopped at the start. Providing quality guidance and resources empowers individuals, cultivating initiative and sustained progress.</li>



<li><strong>Recognize and reward achievement</strong>: Ensure that feedback includes celebrating successes and rewarding the efforts of all team members. Acknowledging contributions bolsters morale and fosters a sense of purpose.</li>



<li><strong>Cultivate accountability</strong>: Accountability starts with leadership setting the precedent for organizational culture. Accountability thrives in a work environment that values transparent communication and ongoing learning.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-values">Navigating values</h3>



<p>In her book, Walker introduces the “values audit” exercise, drawing from <em>The Leadership Challenge</em>, guiding readers through an introspective exercise to identify their core values.</p>



<p>Once identified, these values serve as touchstones for decision-making. Walker emphasizes the importance of <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/do-your-actions-match-your-values/">aligning choices with one’s values</a>. It’s not an overnight process, Walker cautions—it’s a continual process of growth and refinement guiding both professional and personal endeavors.</p>



<p>Walker’s nonlinear approach brings values to conscious awareness to support better decision-making. “There is a fluidity in values,” Walker says. “We’re not always honoring the same values in work as we are in our personal life, but it’s good to know what values you anchor to because, then, you understand what drives you.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-foster-an-open-dialogue">How to foster an open dialogue</h2>



<p>Central to effective coaching is the art of fostering open dialogue without imposing solutions. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Meeting each person where they are in terms of communication style, strengths and motivations is essential.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-listening">Listening</h3>



<p>Instead of rushing to provide answers, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-importance-of-listening-in-leadership/">prioritize listening</a> and asking open-ended questions. As Walker notes, “It feels like we should give answers and move on, but what it’s really about is asking, ‘How can we nurture supportive interactions?’ Getting into playful, creative conversation and opening up the dialogue to hear their points of view. That is powerful.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-validating-individuals">Validating individuals</h3>



<p>Acknowledging and validating individuals’ feelings is essential in defusing tensions and nurturing healthy relationships. Even if the interaction isn’t one of conflict, the tenets of conflict resolution are a guiding light: mirror, validate and empathize.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transforming-leadership-kate-walker-s-new-manager-academy-program">Transforming leadership: Kate Walker’s New Manager Academy program</h2>



<p>A hot topic in corporate leadership is managerial training that encompasses the entire hierarchy from CEOs to frontline supervisors. However, executives often seek Walker’s expertise once an issue becomes urgent, prompting a reactive response rather than a proactive one.</p>



<p>To address this gap, Walker built the New Manager Academy program, a collection of her accumulated wisdom, offering both linear and nonlinear problem-solving methodologies that equip managers with comprehensive skills to cultivate a proactive approach to leading teams at the highest levels.</p>



<p>The New Manager Academy includes:&nbsp;</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Digital on-demand training modules covering the complete employee life cycle, with a focus on enhancing the employee experience.</li>



<li>Live group coaching sessions, facilitating collaborative problem-solving among managers and providing direct access to Walker’s guidance.</li>



<li>Practical solutions and tactics for common managerial dilemmas, ranging from conducting effective meetings to navigating difficult conversations and inspiring team engagement.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leadership-excellence-self-development-for-success">Leadership excellence: self-development for success</h2>



<p>Effective leadership is not accidental; it’s the result of actively seeking feedback, mentorship and coaching from seasoned experts. This is how leaders cultivate a diverse toolkit of skills and strategies essential for success. At any stage of your career, investing in self-development gives you that competitive edge.</p>



<p>“If you get the information early in your career, you’ll benefit that much more and you won’t be behind the eight ball and reactive,” Walker says. “The people [who] are growing and evolving and have a growth mindset are more respected, more admired and more sought-out.”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>This article originally appeared in the <a href="https://store.success.com/by-media/success-magazine-september-october-2024-daymond-john.html">September/October</a> issue of SUCCESS magazine. Photo courtesy of Kate Walker.</em></p>

Grace Adele Boyle

HR expert, Kate Walker, gives insights and advice on a nonlinear path to leadership using problem-solving and leadership lessons as tactics.

For many leaders, the path to success becomes hindered by rigid problem-solving and the fear of imperfection. For individuals navigating management, where | SUCCESS

Cecilia Meis

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