Bed set up by the concierge outside on the beach so guests can sleep under the stars at Milaidhoo Maldives

Lifestyle

Lifestyle Archives

Elevate your lifestyle for success and happiness

<p>A great hotel stay is no longer just about plush robes and designer toiletries. Today’s top hotels are turning up the “wow” factor, offering curated, next-level experiences that go far beyond what you’ll find on booking sites, thanks to concierges.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Once known mainly for scoring hard-to-get dinner reservations or last-minute theater tickets, concierges have evolved into travel alchemists, transforming vague requests into unforgettable, tailor-made moments. Many are <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-traveling-the-world-is-the-best-investment-in-yourself/">avid travelers</a> themselves, with deep local connections and an instinctive feel for what’s new, hidden or extraordinary in their backyard. They are experience curators, crafting access to a destination in ways that feel deeply personal and nearly impossible to replicate.</p>



<p>Carina Horta, a concierge at <a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/faowh-w-algarve/overview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">W Algarve</a>, southern Portugal’s first W hotel, recalls a guest requesting fireworks, airplanes, DJs at breakfast and a private concert for a special birthday celebration. They had just two days to plan the event. While a fireworks license wasn’t possible, the team improvised with sparklers, colorful smoke bombs and an airplane flyover. &nbsp;“It was a true team effort, and seeing the guest’s emotional reaction made every second of planning and coordinating worth it,” she says.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-demand-is-driving-the-expansion">Demand is driving the expansion</h2>



<p>According to a <a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Demand-for-hotel-concierges-is-higher-than-ever" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 Travel Weekly article</a>, demand for hotel concierges is on the rise and not just at luxury resorts in big cities. So what’s driving it? Many feel it's a renewed interest in travel, a post-pandemic desire for <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/rick-steves-on-culture-shock/">deeper cultural connection</a> and the realization that no app can match the power of human expertise. In an age of AI chatbots and DIY booking platforms, travelers are craving personal experiences with “how did you even pull that off?” moments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>And hotels are also taking notice. They are expanding their concierge programs with lifestyle managers and niche experts who deliver thoughtful, high-touch service. So much so that even <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/business-travel-accessories/">business travelers</a> are getting on board, using concierge teams to blend work and leisure, arrange downtime activities, and elevate their stays. <a href="https://thecoastalconcierge.com/blog/concierge-services-elevate-the-guest-experience" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Coastal Concierge</a>, a white glove vacation concierge service in Florida also finds that stronger concierge programs are linked to higher guest satisfaction and increased return visits.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.lesclefsdor.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Les Clefs d’Or</a> (translated to The Golden Keys) is a professional association of hotel concierges, with approximately 4,000 members in 530 destinations worldwide. The U.S. remains the largest national section, accounting for nearly 20% of the memberships. As demand for specialized expertise like wellness, adventure and cultural experts grows, new roles emerge beyond the traditional front desk.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-global-concierge-programs">Innovative global concierge programs</h2>



<p>Many hospitality chains have introduced innovative programs that elevate a guest’s stay. Here are a few:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Hilton rebranded its travel adviser program from Impresario to <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/portal/travel-agents/hilton-for-luxury/information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Hilton for Luxury</em></a>, an invitation-only initiative, along with ambassadors to ensure seamless benefits delivery.</li>



<li>InterContinental Hotels &amp; Resorts’ <a href="https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2023/ihg-unveils-a-distinctive-global-brand-evolution" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Insider Expertise</em></a> is made up of dedicated “cultural connectors” who facilitate culturally immersive experiences along with concierge galleries, where lobbies transform into knowledge centers for a unique local connection.</li>



<li>W Hotels by Marriott has a <a href="https://w-hotels.marriott.com/about-w/"><em>Whenever/Wherever</em> program</a> that provides guests with high levels of convenience and personalized service 24/7 for memorable experiences.</li>
</ul>



<p>At W Algarve, the <em>Whatever/Whenever</em> concierge service is guided by an “all-in” philosophy and offers insider access to the region’s best with trusted local providers. “Luxury today seems to be more about meaningful moments than material things,” says Diogo Pargana, a concierge at W Algarve. “Guests are seeking emotional connections, memorable experiences, and personalized touches that make them feel special.”</p>



<p>In <a href="https://www.milaidhoo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milaidhoo Maldives</a> a boutique resort nestled within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, personalization is a way of life and island hosts (dedicated butlers) serve as concierges. Ibrahim Jameel, a senior butler here has noticed an increased interest in deeper cultural connection among his guests. “Many of our guests want to engage meaningfully, give back and feel a sense of purpose in their travels…” he adds. “We offer soulful, personalized moments that feel genuine and lasting—not scripted, just sincerely from the heart.”</p>



<p>This sentiment isn’t just felt in big cities or popular tourist destinations. <a href="https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/indianapolis/indmk/hoteldetail" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">InterContinental Indianapolis</a> has its own dedicated concierge program. Quinton Oliver, a 10-year veteran concierge has seen it all when it comes to special requests, but he is noticing that guests seem to be prioritizing activities that give a deeper understanding of the city and its history from the race tracks to the museums and even behind the scenes tours at the Indianapolis zoo.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tips-to-maximize-your-concierge-experience">Tips to Maximize Your Concierge Experience</h2>



<p>Let’s be honest, most of us walk right past the concierge desk without even thinking about it. But if you knew the kind of doors they could open, you too would be stopping there first. Here are some tips on how to use them like a pro:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-reach-out-before-you-show-up">1. Reach out before you show up</h3>



<p>Don’t wait until you're standing at the desk juggling your suitcase. Send them an email ahead of time and let them know what you like and give them time to pull a few strings to create something special. Many concierges prefer a few weeks advance to plan and delight their guests.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-be-clear-about-what-you-want-but-be-open-to-surprises">2. Be clear about what you want (but be open to surprises)</h3>



<p>Instead of open ended “What should we do tonight?” be specific about your likes, preferences and needs. The more you share, the more they can tailor the experience, and you might end up with a gem that’s not even on TripAdvisor yet. “Really we are here to help with anything and everything, even if that just means finding the proper contacts in order to meet the guests' needs,” adds Oliver.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-don-t-be-afraid-to-ask-for-unusual-things">3. Don’t be afraid to ask for unusual things</h3>



<p>Concierges are in the business of hidden local knowledge. “We're always on the move, constantly exploring what's new, trending, and truly worth sharing with our guests,” adds Eliana Gonçalves at W Algarve. “Part of our routine is checking official city hall pages and cultural calendars to uncover events and experiences that allow guests to dive deep into the local vibe.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-let-them-know-your-budget">4. Let them know your budget</h3>



<p>You don’t have to break the bank, just be honest. A good concierge won’t judge, they’ll find awesome options whether you are going all out or <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/budget-friendly-travel-tips-to-make-getting-on-the-road-easier/">traveling on a shoestring</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-say-thank-you-and-follow-up">5. Say thank you and follow up</h3>



<p>A quick “That was amazing, thank you so much” goes a long way. And if they really went above and beyond, a tip or a great review makes sure the love comes full circle. Oliver also believes followups help build a lasting guest-hotelier relationship and shows genuine care, potentially leading to future loyalty and referrals.</p>



<p>This approach reflects a broader shift in what travelers value and in an era where everything feels like it's available online, the most unforgettable experiences are still crafted by someone who not only knows all the hidden doors but also how to open them.</p>



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



<p></p>

Experts share tips on how to elevate your hotel stays with unique one of a kind activities designed by your concierge. Learn more.

Experts share tips on how to elevate your hotel stays with unique one of a kind activities designed by your concierge. Learn more. | SUCCESS

How Hotel Concierges Can Help You Score Epic Experiences

Comment

Maximizing The Concierge Experience During Your Next Vacation | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Milaidhoo-Maldives-How-to-Maximize-Your-Concierge-Experience.jpg

Home

SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/success_opengraph_image.png

Karthika Gupta is a photographer, podcaster and freelance journalist based in the Chicagoland area. With over a decade of experience, she enjoys writing about destinations, brands, and products in the outdoor, lifestyle, business, health and travel space. Follow her on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/karthikagupta) or on her website (https://culturallyours.com/).

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/68df153dbf8baf30e4da8e5e694a571becfc5a576779e0f2a8973b4659efd281?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Karthika Gupta

An older couple sits in front of their van.

<p>Mona McCoy had always dreamed of traveling, but could never afford it. Then, in December 2020, she watched a YouTube video of a guy who lived in his van, and it changed her perspective. After watching it, “I thought, ‘I can do that for vacations and save on motels and be able to cook in the van,’” she says.</p>



<p>Her job at a car dealership allowed her to purchase a van at a wholesale price in March 2021. She outfitted it with essentials like a bed, shower and cabinets to create a livable space for travel. That November, her plans shifted. “I decided I'm going to sell everything I own and move completely into the van and save money,” she says.</p>







<p>At first, she continued working, but when her boss sold the dealership the following year, she decided it was time to travel. “I hit the road full time,” she says.</p>



<p>Now, at 66, she’s spent the past two years traveling across the U.S., living in her van. She finances her travels through Social Security checks, an <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/4-smart-money-moves-to-plan-for-financial-security/">emergency fund</a>, and a modest income from her YouTube channel,<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thisvanlifeofmine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> This Van Life of Mine.</a></p>



<p>McCoy’s story reflects a growing trend among older adults seeking freedom, simplicity, and adventure in <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-plan-for-retirement/">retirement</a>. Of the 3.1 million vanlifers in the U.S. in 2022, <a href="https://rv-pro.com/features/van-lifers-explain-how-they-embrace-life-on-the-road/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">4% were retired</a>, reported RV Pro, though that figure could be on the low side based on how many older people are on the road.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lure-of-the-open-road">Lure of the open road</h2>



<p>After traveling to Africa in October 2024, 72-year-old Natalie Hill was inspired to embark on her own van life journey. “This trip was life-changing for me,” she says.</p>



<p>When she returned, she realized meeting interesting people and experiencing nature were missing from her life. While exploring her options, she came across the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLslKBpzJILet9KTmTTC4tMEVxLSqxizVU" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#VanLife</a> trend on YouTube, particularly among mature women. “I'm going to live in a van in the U.S.,” she decided after watching the videos.</p>



<p>Before purchasing a van in December 2024, she launched a YouTube channel,<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@mylifeinavan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> My Life In a Van</a>, to document her journey. She decided to test out van life before fully committing by taking several shorter trips.</p>



<p>On her first trip, she ran into a few problems, but they didn’t deter her. “My shelving structure collapsed. I didn't have enough power. The food I brought was terrible. I was freezing all the time. It was a disaster. And it was like, ‘I'm sold. I'm doing this,’” she says.</p>



<p>So, what kept her interested? Meetups, scheduled events where others living the van life come together to connect. “Meetups build a sense of community,” she says.</p>



<p>She’s currently in the process of purchasing a larger van. Once that happens, she says, “I'm going to sell my house [and] hit the road full time.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-van-life-tips">Van life tips</h2>



<p>Feeling inspired to have an adventure? Here are some expert tips for embracing van life in retirement.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-test-drive-with-small-trips">1. Test drive with small trips</h3>



<p>Before you sell everything you own and hop into a van to travel the country, try it out first, since you might not like it. Hill says she met one part-time van lifer who rented a van and then went to a local store to purchase “a mini fridge, a bed frame, a mattress, a little plastic dresser, some food and water, and she was ready to go,” says Hill. It’s an easy, low-cost way to test the lifestyle before making a full commitment.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-have-an-emergency-fund">2. Have an emergency fund</h3>



<p>&nbsp;Even though living in a van is less expensive than renting or owning a home, there are still costs involved in maintaining your vehicle, and sometimes they’re unexpected. McCoy says it’s important to have an emergency fund before you begin your van life journey.</p>



<p>“You're living in a mechanical vehicle, and mechanical things break down all the time,” she explains. When she first started out, she says her tires were not rated for a heavy-duty van, causing them to come apart. “With only 20,000 miles, I had to come up with $1,000 to buy an extra set of tires,” she says. Fortunately, she was able to cover the costs using her emergency fund.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-use-apps-to-find-free-parking-and-water">3. Use apps to find free parking and water</h3>



<p>Across the U.S., there are 245 million acres of public land—mostly in the western states—managed by the<a href="https://www.blm.gov/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Bureau of Land Management</a> (BLM). Van lifers often use this land for free parking, typically for a limited stay of 14 days, though this can vary by location. McCoy explains that you can use apps to find BLM land or other free parking options, such as Cracker Barrel parking lots. She also uses apps like<a href="https://thedyrt.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Dyrt</a> to find free water, which she uses for both showering and drinking.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Chris Lowe, 57, and Bobby Brown, 67, are a couple who are part-time van lifers. They received so many compliments on their self-built van that they now own a company called<a href="https://www.boujeebuilds.com/boujee-builds-home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Boujee Builds</a>, where they build vans for others. They also recommend using apps like<a href="https://www.campendium.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Campendium</a> or<a href="https://www.harvesthosts.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Harvest Hosts</a> to find parking. They explain that some 24/7-hour gyms offer free parking, which apps can help locate. 24/7 gyms can also come in handy for shower facilities.</p>



<p>Besides traveling in the U.S., Lowe and Brown rented a van and traveled around New Zealand. There, they used the app<a href="https://www.madcampers.co.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Mad Campers</a> to find parking. “It's just a really cool way to travel,” says Lowe.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-keep-safe-while-traveling">4. Keep safe while traveling</h3>



<p>McCoy stresses the importance of always being aware of your surroundings when traveling. “I have, on a couple of occasions, pulled into a place and got a weird feeling that I didn't like it there, so I moved on,” she says. She notes that she never stays somewhere overnight that doesn’t have cell service. “I have a tribe of ladies that we follow each other on Google Maps. I can see where they are at any given time and they can see me,” she adds.</p>



<p>McCoy finds staying at Cracker Barrels to be very safe. “I feel they are 99.9 percent of the time in good neighborhoods. I have never had any problems staying a night at a Cracker Barrel or a Walmart,” she says. “I also like mom-and-pop truck stops. I know ladies that prefer Love's and Pilot's, but I do not.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-attend-meetups">5. Attend meetups</h3>



<p>The van lifers interviewed emphasized the strong sense of community formed at scheduled meetups. Hill says she has stayed in touch with several women she met through these events. “Even though there might be 60 or 70 women there, you gradually get to know [them], and then you might meet them again at another meetup.”</p>



<p>McCoy shares a similar experience. After one meetup, she became friends with a woman and stayed in her driveway for a couple of nights to explore the town.</p>



<p>“It's like an instant bond with someone who is in a van,” Lowe says.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Brown adds, “We spent three and a half hours doing van tours,” where they check out each other’s vans. He recalls being surprised by everyone’s friendliness and willingness to show their van to him.</p>



<p>Hill says she’s “made more new friends in the last three months than I have in the last three decades.” Van life is not only a great way to travel but also a way to find a sense of community.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>Photo from Inside Creative House/Shutterstock.com</em></strong></p>

Discover how older adults are finding freedom and adventure in van life. Plus, get tips on van living in retirement.

Mona McCoy had always dreamed of traveling, but could never afford it. Then, in December 2020, she watched a YouTube video of a guy who lived in his van, | SUCCESS

Embracing Van Life in Retirement

Embracing Van Life in Retirement | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SOnline25_Cheryl-Maguire_WebEx_Embracing-Van-Life-in-Retirement.jpg

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Success Magazine and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA and an active member of SATW. You can find her at Bluesky @CherylMaguire

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2973d8ea9f88bca7f11b0a675884d019b3306787d14029c4c598b0d260d98b45?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Cheryl Maguire

<p><strong>Who?&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p>Trish Stratus</p>



<p><strong>Where?&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p>Richmond Hill, Ontario</p>



<p><strong>What?</strong><strong><br></strong>Trish Stratus has built a career that is as dynamic as it is influential, evolving from wrestling champion and fitness icon to TV personality and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/navigating-the-entrepreneur-roller-coaster/">entrepreneur</a>. A seven-time champion and trailblazer in sports entertainment, she redefined the role of women in wrestling, breaking barriers and setting records that reshaped the industry. Beyond the ring, Stratus has graced over 100 magazine covers, earned multiple Hall of Fame inductions and received prestigious business accolades, including the Canadian Business Award.</p>







<p>Now, as she celebrates 25 years since her WWE debut, Stratus is back in the ring for her <em>25th Anniversary Tour</em>, thrilling audiences once again. Looking ahead, she’s channeling her passion into Reach for the Stratusphere, a new initiative empowering the next generation of girls and women in sports to chase their dreams and build lasting legacies.</p>



<p><strong>One thing I try to do every day is…</strong></p>



<p>prioritize <a href="https://speakers.success.com/top-speakers-share-tips-to-improve-well-being/">wellness</a>—both physically and mentally.&nbsp; I do 10-15 min of yoga daily followed by meditation so that I can set my intentions for the day. I also make sure I give my kids each some one-on-one time every day. Usually, it’s part of our bedtime routine.<br></p>



<p><strong>I describe my vibe as…</strong></p>



<p>a yin-yang vibe. I’m known for my extroverted personality and my dynamic energy as a sports entertainer, but in order for me to give that energy, it is necessary for me to turn inward and be still and contemplative. That’s when I draw from my yogic side. I feel like it is the interdependence of these forces that allow me to be “me.”</p>



<p><strong>A show that changed my life was…</strong></p>



<p>where I started my career as a WWE Superstar at 24 years old and went to become a record setting 7-time WWE Women’s Champion - WWE Monday Night Raw. That platform allowed me to help redefine women’s wrestling and elevate the standards and expectations for what female athletes could achieve in the sport.</p>



<p><strong>My favorite quote is…</strong></p>



<p>“Preparedness meets opportunity.” It is my mantra and I believe I am where I am today because of it.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>To avoid distractions, I…</strong></p>



<p>compartmentalize my tasks and I structure and organize things according to priority. I literally picture one of those weekly pill organizers in my mind, and I won’t open the next compartment until the one I am on is completely done and I can do a mental close of that section. This approach allows me to stay laser-focused and intentional with my time.</p>



<p><strong>I handle negativity by…</strong></p>



<p>keeping a positive mindset and minimizing my chances of encountering negativity in the first place by staying away from toxic influences or time-wasting activities that don’t align with my goals or my energy.</p>



<p><strong>The most surprising thing about me is…</strong></p>



<p>that I am always on a strict diet plan and I work out “for hours.” But I do love to indulge and treat myself, and I’m definitely OK to miss a workout or two!</p>



<p><strong>The biggest risk I ever took was…</strong></p>



<p>changing the expectations for women by pushing for more physical, high-stakes matches and more TV time<strong> </strong>with elevated storytelling when I first entered the business and female wrestlers weren’t given the chance to showcase serious in-ring ability or that they could contribute like our male counterparts when I knew we could!</p>



<p><strong>I want people to know me for…</strong></p>



<p>not<strong> </strong>adopting to the status quo but challenging it and helping to shape the future of women in wrestling by<strong> </strong>showing the world that women could be athletes, storytellers and leaders in this space.</p>



<p><strong>In 10 years I hope to…</strong></p>



<p>still be growing and evolving personally and professionally. Through my foundation, I hope to help young women and girls break through barriers in industries that once limited them.</p>



<p><strong>I define success as…</strong></p>



<p>the ability to balance personal fulfillment with professional growth. It’s about doing what you love with passion and authenticity and doing it in a way that impacts others positively.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>Photo courtesy WWE</em></strong></p>

Discover how WWE wrestler Trish Stratus breaks barriers and reshapes the landscape for women in wrestling.

Who?&nbsp; Trish Stratus Where?&nbsp; Richmond Hill, Ontario What?Trish Stratus has built a career that is as dynamic as it is influential, evolving from | SUCCESS

MY WAY: How WWE Wrestler Trish Stratus Built a Career In and Out of the Ring

Get to Know Trish Stratus | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SOnline_My-Way_Trish-Straus.png

Emily O’Brien is a freelance writer and editor based out of Raleigh, North Carolina, who frequently covers lifestyle, travel, wellness and architecture. Whether she’s interviewing Olympic athletes, world-renowned architects or small business owners, she’s passionate about shining the spotlight on good people doing remarkable work. Connect with her at www.emilytellsstories.com. 

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0be84bdf7d21114f468e7b3fb713855055112448aa0d6046a0e52d1dd0b17a71?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Emily O’Brien

A happy woman sits on a couch and practices the power of positive thinking

Happy,Woman,Breathing,Drinking,Coffee,Sitting,On,A,Couch,At

<p>What if success wasn’t about luck or talent, but was simply a positive mindset?</p>



<p>Your perspective—half-empty or half-full—shapes your resilience, motivation and well-being. <a href="https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/optimism-longevity-women/?utm_source=chatgpt.com#:~:text=Of%20the%20participants%2C%20the%2025%25%20who%20were%20the%20most%20optimistic%20were%20likely%20to%20have%20a%205.4%25%20longer%20lifespan%20and%20a%2010%25%20greater%20likelihood%20of%20living%20beyond%2090%20years%20than%20the%2025%25%20who%20were%20the%20least%20optimistic." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research from Harvard</a> suggests that optimism can extend your life by 5.4 percent—proving its profound impact on our well-being.</p>



<p>In this article, we’ll explore the power of positive thinking, how it fuels success and how you can cultivate it. Let’s dive in!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-positive-thinking">What Is Positive Thinking?</h2>



<p>Positive thinking is a mindset that focuses on optimism and solutions rather than problems. It does not guarantee an easy life but helps turn challenges into opportunities by maintaining a hopeful outlook and seeking solutions.</p>



<p>The power of positive thinking stems from strong psychological and emotional foundations.</p>



<p>Psychologist Martin Seligman, known as <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beyond-school-walls/202409/practicing-learned-optimism#:~:text=Seligman%2C%20often%20regarded%20as%20the%20father%20of%20positive%20psychology%2C" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the “father of positive psychology,”</a> introduced the concept of <a href="https://positivepsychology.com/learned-optimism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learned optimism</a>. This involves actively challenging negative thoughts and reframing negative events into growth opportunities.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-optimism">Benefits of Optimism</h2>



<p>Practicing positive thinking can reduce stress, improve mental health and enhance overall resilience and well-being. Here are some key advantages of positive thinking:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-physical-health-nbsp">Better Physical Health&nbsp;</h3>



<p>A study from <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-power-of-positive-thinking#:~:text=People%20with%20a%20family%20history%20of%20heart%20disease%20who%20also%20had%20a%20positive%20outlook%20were%20one%2Dthird%20less%20likely%20to%20have%20a%20heart%20attack%20or%20other%20cardiovascular%20event%20within%20five%20to%2025%20years%20than%20those%20with%20a%20more%20negative%20outlook." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins Medicine</a> found that positive thinking can significantly impact physical health. According to the research, individuals with a positive mindset and a family history of heart disease were one-third less likely to develop heart conditions than negative thinkers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-alleviation">Stress Alleviation</h3>



<p>This <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37395446/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> showed that optimistic individuals tend to have lower cortisol levels, making them more resilient in high-pressure situations. Optimists train themselves to view obstacles as temporary and solvable, allowing them to stay calm and focused instead of overwhelmed.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improved-mental-health">Improved Mental Health</h3>



<p>A study published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1403146/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Psychology</a> examined the relationship between optimism and mental health. According to the study, higher optimism levels were associated with better sleep quality, lower stress and improved mental health conditions. When individuals who have cultivated a positive mindset encounter challenges, their brains release dopamine, serotonin and endorphins, which regulate mood and promote a sense of calmness. As a result, they experience less anxiety and depression and enjoy better mental well-being.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhanced-relationships">Enhanced Relationships</h3>



<p>Positive thinkers tend to communicate more effectively, which solves many common relationship problems. <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12144-022-03931-0?" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A study</a> published in Current Psychology found that higher levels of optimism were associated with better relationship quality.&nbsp; Couples who express positivity and gratitude experience more fulfilling relationships than those who focus on negativity.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-optimism-in-success">The Role of Optimism in Success</h2>



<p>Optimism plays a huge role in personal and professional success. Here’s how:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-better-decision-making">1. Better Decision-Making</h3>



<p>When making crucial decisions, there are always risks involved. A positive mindset helps you focus on solutions rather than being overwhelmed by potential failures. Optimistic individuals:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Spot opportunities instead of fixating on obstacles.</li>



<li>Have higher self-confidence, allowing them to trust their judgment.</li>



<li>Remain calm and clear-headed, leading to better decision-making.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-strong-problem-solving-skills">2. <strong>Strong Problem-Solving Skills</strong></h3>



<p>A positive outlook encourages <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9585/2/3/26?#:~:text=One%20theory%20that,and%20intellectual%20resources." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creativity</a> and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36859479/#:~:text=The%20study%27s%20findings%20showed%20the%20effectiveness%20of%20the%20positive%20thinking%20training%20approach%20in%20improving%20resilience" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resilience</a>, ensuring you find solutions instead of feeling stuck. Positive thinkers:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Stay open-minded, considering multiple solutions instead of fixating on one.</li>



<li>View setbacks as learning experiences, rather than failures.</li>



<li>Remain persistent, seeing problems as challenges to overcome rather than dead ends.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-goal-achievement">3. <strong>Goal Achievement</strong></h3>



<p>A positive mindset provides the focus and motivation to achieve short-term and long-term goals. Optimism fuels:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Sustained motivation, helping you push forward even when progress is slow.</li>



<li>Proactivity, encouraging you to take small, consistent steps toward your goals.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspirational-real-life-examples">Inspirational Real-Life Examples</h2>



<p>Many successful individuals have leveraged the power of positive thinking to overcome challenges. Here are a few examples:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Oprah Winfrey overcame childhood abuse and discrimination to become one of the most <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/articles/insights/072816/how-did-oprah-winfrey-get-rich.asp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influential women</a> in the world. She often emphasized the <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-power-of-visualization/">power of visualization</a> and affirmations.</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>J.K. Rowling faced numerous rejections before her books became global successes. Despite her <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Health/Depression/story?id=4542880&amp;page=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">struggles with depression</a> and uncertainty, she remained positive and persevered.</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Nelson Mandela, <a href="https://www.nelsonmandela.org/news/entry/nelson-mandelas-release-from-prison-33-years-on#:~:text=He%20was%20released%20unconditionally%20on%2011%20February%201990%2C%20after%20spending%2027%20years%20in%20prison" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">imprisoned for 27 years</a>, maintained hope and resilience, leading South Africa toward peace and unity.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-practice-positive-thinking">How To Practice Positive Thinking</h2>



<p>With consistency and practice, anyone can develop a positive mindset. These approaches are a great place to start:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visualization">Visualization</h3>



<p>Visualization is a powerful mental exercise that reshapes your mind. It involves picturing yourself achieving your goals and succeeding in different situations. If you can see it in your mind’s eye, then you are one step closer to achieving it. Always imagine a successful outcome no matter what the situation looks like.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-affirmations">Affirmations</h3>



<p>Affirmations are positive statements that help rewire your brain to focus on strengths and possibilities rather than fears and self-doubt. If you're wondering how to gain positive thinking naturally, affirmations are a simple yet effective practice. The words you speak to yourself daily shape your mindset and influence your actions. By developing and repeating daily affirmations, you can gradually shift away from negativity, build self-confidence and foster a more optimistic outlook.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gratitude">Gratitude</h3>



<p>Gratitude shifts your focus toward what has already happened and away from what hasn’t, and this simple realization can change the dynamics of your life. It’s easy to overlook how far you have come. However, embracing the power of positive thinking means intentionally acknowledging your progress. You can practice gratitude daily by keeping a <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/gratitude-journal-prompts/">gratitude journal</a> and celebrating small wins.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reframing">Reframing</h3>



<p>Reframing is a great technique to change negative thinking to positive. It involves changing your perspective on negative situations so they appear as learning experiences rather than failures. When there is a challenge, intentionally find ways to turn it into an opportunity for growth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaking-through-mental-barriers-to-positivity">Breaking Through Mental Barriers to Positivity</h2>



<p>Practicing positive thinking requires overcoming mental and emotional roadblocks. These include:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fear-of-failure">Fear of Failure</h3>



<p>Fear of failure can cause many people to avoid taking risks or pursuing goals. This fear may stem from self-doubt, past experiences or societal pressure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When fear creates a negative mindset, it can lure you into expecting the worst, avoiding challenges or giving up too soon.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-past-setbacks">Past Setbacks</h3>



<p>Past setbacks and disappointments make it hard to believe in a positive future. Dwelling on previous failures, losses or disappointments can create a mindset that assumes history will repeat itself, leading to hesitation and fear.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-negative-surroundings">Negative Surroundings</h3>



<p>Surrounding yourself with negativity can subtly influence your thoughts. If you are not mindful of your environment, negative energy can seep in.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To shift from negative thoughts to positive thinking, it is essential to intentionally create a positive space. Constant exposure to negative news, pessimistic people and discouraging expectations can gradually shape your mindset and prevent you from embracing optimism.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-change-from-negative-to-positive-thinking">How To Change From Negative to Positive Thinking</h2>



<p>Shifting from negative to positive thinking doesn’t happen overnight, but it starts with intentional mindset changes and daily habits that build resilience. Here are a few practical steps you can take to begin that transformation:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Acknowledge limiting beliefs and reframe them.</li>



<li>Focus on solutions instead of problems.</li>



<li>Avoid negative environments that drain your optimism.</li>



<li>Consistently practice gratitude and self-affirmation.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-your-thoughts-shape-your-future-make-them-count">Your Thoughts Shape Your Future—Make Them Count</h2>



<p>Success is not just an action; it’s a mindset. Cultivating positivity increases your chances of turning aspirations into reality. By enhancing resilience, improving decision-making, boosting confidence and attracting opportunities, a positive mindset becomes the foundation for long-term success.</p>



<p>Leverage the power of positive thinking and take actionable steps toward becoming optimistic. By consistently practicing optimism, gratitude and resilience, you can transform challenges into stepping stones and create a fulfilling, purpose-driven life and career.</p>



<p>Start today. Your mindset shapes your future.</p>



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

Joy Ogide

Discover how positive thinking can help you stay motivated, overcome challenges and create a fulfilling life you love—one thought at a time.

Discover how positive thinking can help you stay motivated, overcome challenges and create a fulfilling life you love—one thought at a time. | SUCCESS

The Power of Positive Thinking: Exploring the Benefits of Optimism and Sharing the Best Positive Thinking Techniques

The Power of Positive Thinking | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Power-of-Positive-Thinking.jpg

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/74d882bd7bdc338fe15dc0b482a04d4ee291ec21c1dfe49138e9459f4b8304ef?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Maria Mantas

<p>When I see someone in need (and I mean both definitions of “in need”—a destitute person with a disability is one example; my mother-in-law carrying groceries in from her car is another), I have a tendency to do nothing. Sometimes, I don’t do <em>nothing</em>—sometimes, I’ll pretend I didn’t see them until the window of convenience for lending a hand has shut. Then, I make some vague gesture as if to say, “Oops, sorry, maybe next time.” I’m not a sociopath; at least I don’t think I am. I do feel a prickle of veritable pity; I don’t do anything about it. Why? Perhaps because the prickle is, in fact, a tendency itself, a deeper, far nobler tendency than the one I obey—the reaction I feel, the action I stifle. What I lack is not the encouragement but the courage.</p>



<p>It’s possible that I’ve never spoken to a man with more courage of this sort than Tim Tebow, the <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/top-50-success-changemakers/">philanthropist</a> and former NFL quarterback who has faced years of scrutiny for being outspoken about his Christian faith. Yet, he remains steadfast in his convictions—now channeling that same resolve into his foundation, which serves the MVP (most vulnerable people) of the world in more than 100 countries through his international charitable foundation. It’s just as possible that the only woman I’ve met with the same extraordinary courage is Tim’s wife, Demi-Leigh Tebow, the winner of Miss Universe 2017, who has dedicated her life to serving the millions of people trapped in and rescued from the global human trafficking operation through her international campaign and alongside her husband’s organization.</p>



<p>“Goodness can come from one simple act of obedience,” Demi tells me. For the Tebows, obedience is courage. It’s acting on the faith that what (or who) pricks our hearts is greater than our zone of interest, our day or our career. As Tim puts it, it’s about living a life of significance over a life of success.</p>







<p>“Success is about you. Significance is about other people,” he says. “Which are you chasing?”</p>



<p>Anyone who loves American football—and has since at least the aughts—remembers “Tebowmania.” Tim’s college and NFL career (brief as it was) is synonymous with the miracles that defined it.</p>



<p>Historical miracles, like his becoming the first sophomore to ever win the Heisman Trophy after a historic season as quarterback with the Florida Gators in 2007.</p>



<p>Cultural miracles, like when some 90 million people Googled “John 3:16” during the 2009 BCS championship game to find out why Tim had the verse stenciled in his eye black.</p>



<p>Athletic miracles, like the 2012 AFC wild card playoff when Tim stunned Pittsburgh’s defense with a madcap 80-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas on the very first play of overtime, sealing a win for the heavily unfavored Denver Broncos.</p>



<p>And, most inexplicably, statistical miracles: In that same Broncos-Steelers game, Tim totaled 316 passing yards with an average of 31.6 yards per completion. Pittsburgh’s time of possession was 31 minutes and 6 seconds. The game’s Nielsen ratings on CBS peaked at 31.6. Big Ben Roethlisberger even threw an interception on 3rd-and-16. And it all happened three years to the day after the college national championship game when Tim and “John 3:16” went viral.</p>



<p>“I really believe that sports can be a catalyst for so much good, so much inspiration, for encouragement, for people to rally together,” Tim says. “[But] I hope I don’t end my life saying, ‘The most I gave was for a game.’”</p>



<p>One could say Tim’s life even started miraculously. His family was on a mission trip in a remote village in the Philippines when his mom was hospitalized with amoebic dysentery. They discovered she was pregnant with Tim while she was comatose and facing severe complications that threatened both their lives. After several arduous months, end-to-end with white-knuckled prayers that the physicians’ grim prognosis would prove wrong, Pam and Bob Tebow celebrated little Timmy’s safe arrival in August 1987. The mystified doctors couldn’t explain how he’d hung on by a placental thread. The overjoyed Tebows, who’d hung on by a prayer, could.</p>



<p>Tim was the fifth and final Tebow kid, the “miracle baby” of the family. When he came home, his 9-year-old sister was so enthusiastic about the new baby that she gave herself a literal hernia from carrying Tim around so often. “There were so many people [who] thought they were Mom and Dad,” Tim laughs. Suffice it to say, all five kids had lots in common growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, as caregivers, as missionaries, as classmates (the Tebow kids were homeschooled) and, of course, as athletes (middle-schooler Tim parroted his elder brother’s college baseball and football workouts). The Tebow household was founded on care, prayer, teaching and motivating. No doubt that foundation contributed to the work ethic of a first-round NFL draft pick, but Tim has another take on what fashioned him into the success story he is today.</p>



<p>Tim returned to the Philippines for a mission trip when he was 15, and there he met a boy named Sherwin. Sherwin was born with backward feet; the other villagers considered him a throwaway, an outcast, a curse. (This phenomenon, by the way, is as common in the remote cultures of Filipino jungles as on the sidewalks of Washington, D.C. It’s like I confessed in my opener: How many times have you and I walked past Sherwin? How many cultural curses do we perpetuate daily, when we glance at someone, pity them and move on?)</p>



<p>“I just knew that he wasn’t cursed to God,” Tim says. “I also knew God was pricking my heart, saying, ‘Yeah, but what are you going to do about it?’ Meaning, ‘[How] are your actions going to show what he’s worth to you?’”</p>



<p>That extraordinary moment laid the groundwork for Tim’s true success story, a vocation that both preceded and outlived his NFL career. He started the <a href="https://timtebowfoundation.org/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tim Tebow Foundation (TTF)</a> in 2010 immediately after graduating college. Sherwin was at the forefront of Tim’s mind when he wrote the nonprofit’s mission statement: “To bring Faith, Hope and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need.”</p>



<p>TTF launched as simply orphan care outreach, but (in the characteristic Tebow technique) it came off the snap with astonishing momentum. A year later, the organization announced it was building a hospital specializing in pediatric orthopedic surgeries in the Philippines. The clinic opened its doors, and a year later, TTF launched <a href="https://timtebowfoundation.org/night-to-shine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Night to Shine</a>, an annual, extravagant prom-night experience for anyone 14 and up living with disabilities. Today, it’s a worldwide movement—in 2025 alone, more than 800 Night to Shine events were held in 63 different countries. More than 600,000 people with special needs have had their Night to Shine since 2015, each participant receiving a red-carpet welcome and each participant ending the evening being crowned king or queen. Tim fondly recalls the night of the very first dance back in 2015, in North Carolina, standing apart from the crowd and watching the lights and royal revelry.</p>



<p>“I had tears coming down the sides of my face. I knew there was something special with this, and this was exactly what I was supposed to do,” he says. He reflects for a moment, then adds, “What does ‘purpose’ mean? The reason something is done, used, created or exists. When you feel like you get to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/go-straight-for-the-joy-and-follow-your-purpose/">live in your purpose</a>, like part of the reason I was created and exist was for this—that’s a very special moment.”</p>



<p>On the other side of the world, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters was on her way to being crowned Miss Universe. The universe is a somewhat bigger province than what she was used to: Demi grew up on the Western Cape of South Africa in Sedgefield, a little town with one traffic light and the motto, “The tortoise sets the pace.” Some of her most cherished childhood memories are of farmers markets and beach walks there, of sunny small-town days before she learned, in a hard way, of the ubiquitous darkness that comes with the universe.</p>



<p>Some three months after Demi was crowned Miss South Africa in 2017, she was driving through a high-end part of Johannesburg, along a busy avenue. It was early summer and a little after 5 p.m., so still daylight. As she stopped at a red light, five men surrounded her car. One man pointed a gun at her head. When she tried giving up her car and exiting, he pushed her back into the seat saying, “You’re going with us.” Suddenly, everything from the self-defense workshops her dad had insisted she annually take sprung to mind. She dealt her attacker a blow to the throat, scrambled out of the car and ran.</p>



<p>“I never, ever want to victimize myself. I don’t know what the goal of my perpetrators were,” Demi says. But the implications of the carjacking exposed her to a horrifically pervasive evil, one that most people, including her at the time, are shockingly ignorant of despite its enormity. The modern slavery and human trafficking industry generates somewhere between at least $150 and $250 billion in illicit profits every year. And it’s growing: The United Nations reports that between 2016 and 2021, the global estimate of people trapped in forced labor or forced marriages rose from 40 to 50 million.</p>



<p>And Demi learned an even bleaker truth that day, the truth of the axiom that all that’s necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.</p>



<p>“I ran up that avenue in my six-inch high heels, and I started knocking on car window after car window,” Demi says. “I don’t know if you believe this, but nobody would stop to help me. That was probably the most horrific part of the story, was knocking, asking for help. People had their car windows open. They could literally hear what I was saying. They could hear my voice. They could see the terror in my eyes. And nobody would stop to help.”</p>



<p>It was a 19-year-old girl who eventually rolled down her window and took Demi to safety. “She showed me what it meant to truly be willing to be interrupted, to be a part of something that’s maybe bigger than just yourself,” Demi says. That “simple act of obedience” was simply to not ignore a problem—and it encouraged Demi to not remain idle herself. She used her providentially timed platform as Miss South Africa (and, shortly thereafter, as Miss Universe) to launch <a href="https://demitebow.com/unbreakable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Unbreakable</a>, a campaign effort that has since empowered thousands of women internationally with hands-on self-defense workshops and helped open the blinds on the global human trafficking crisis.</p>



<p>“[God] will never waste pain that’s given to him,” Demi says. “I think that incident is one where [he showed] me, ‘If you’re willing to let me have this pain, I can turn that into purpose.’”</p>



<p>Demi passed on her Miss Universe crown in 2018, a deposition that she describes in her 2024 book, <a href="https://amzn.to/4c3qTg0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>A Crown That Lasts</em></a><em>,</em> as letting go of a false identity and gaining new courage and true purpose: fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves. And yet it shouldn’t require a gun to our head to open our eyes to evil. Nor should it require a terror-stricken knocking on our window for us to offer assistance. Often, it simply requires conviction of the unseen, faith in the pricking of our hearts.</p>



<p>It doesn’t take a <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/rohn-begin-with-gratitude-and-watch-the-miracles-flow-your-way/">miracle</a> to do what you were created to do. But it does take what Tim calls “a courage of conviction”—a movement of faith—to understand what that purpose is. Often, our convictions are curved in on ourselves. What’s called “self-realization” is usually just a nice name for self-indulgence: “I’m competitive, so I’ll devote myself to a game.” “I work hard, so someone else ought to do it.” “I’m resting, so I will not stand up.” Until we stop “following our hearts” and start following the “pricking,” it’s no good pretending our convictions (i.e., our purpose, our success) are anything but the products and servants of our own inert egos.</p>



<p>Tim and Demi had <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-discover-your-life-purpose-8-steps/">outward-oriented purposes</a> in common long before meeting in 2018, when Tim emailed Demi to invite her little sister Franje to attend a Night to Shine event. Franje was born without a cerebellum (a congenital condition so rare it’s only been reported a dozen or so times) and was disabled her entire life before passing away in 2019 at 13. Demi says Franje has been her biggest motivator, that her life was full of “beautiful God-wink moments” that have more purpose than she’ll ever understand, like that horrific afternoon in Johannesburg. “I met my husband because he invited my sister to prom and not me,” Demi laughs, but it truly was Franje who crystallized their individual purposes into one.</p>



<p>Since their 2020 wedding, the Tebows have stood as a united front in a world often too self-interested to notice those in need. Demi doesn’t wear a crown anymore. Tim doesn’t play professional sports. But now their lives are a joint service in chasing significance over success. Together, they’re advocating for individuals with special needs, providing care and support for orphaned and vulnerable children, serving children with profound medical needs and fighting against human trafficking and child exploitation. Demi continues to spread messages of fostering kindness and living with purpose through writing, having released a children’s book, <a href="https://amzn.to/4l4xFGw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Princess Paris Finds Her Purpose</em></a>, in April. Not only have they found courage in one another but in the work they do.</p>



<p>“Our team finds babies in trash cans and dumpsters and cold rivers. It’s hard to go through those moments,” Demi says. “[But] I hope that my heart never goes cold to those things because that allows you to embrace that burden. It allows you to work with urgency and not to just operate on your timeline but to operate on the timeline of the people we get to serve.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Once we have the courage to listen to the pricking of our hearts (and the faith that it’s there), the pricking does not cease. It is not an itch you can scratch with success. No, once you take courage, the next prickle will be more intense, more significant—and so on for the rest of your life.<br>“To this day, I think I’ve given more effort, energy, intensity, focus, all of that to a game. But I hope I get the chance to change that,” Tim says. “It’s not that the game’s bad. I loved the game. I still love the game. It’s just, if you love the game, but you say you love people—especially [those in darkness]—even more, what would you be willing to do for <em>them</em>?”</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>This article originally appeared in the </em><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/subscriptions/"><em>July/August 2025 issue</em></a><em> of SUCCESS magazine.</em> <em>Photo by Bianca Pierre</em></p>

Tim and Demi-Leigh Tebow are redefining success through faith, courage and service—from NFL fame to global anti-trafficking missions.

Tim and Demi-Leigh Tebow are redefining success through faith, courage and service—from NFL fame to global anti-trafficking missions. | SUCCESS

It Doesn’t Take a Miracle, Just Faith

Tim & Demi-Leigh Tebow on Purpose, Faith & Impact | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/tebow-purpose-faith-impact.jpg

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d544880f34f59b4c4f1b5eb5be39736ad34c94b8ce1450fe559cc6a26cfbf7f7?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Patrick J. Reardon

<p>Ben Newman’s driving narrative started at age 7, when his mother died.</p>



<p>“I’ve found so much strength in my story and my mom,” he says. “Even though she had this rare muscle disease called amyloidosis, she fought, and she had this amazing journal that became a place where she unleashed her positive mental attitude. She’d write things in her journal such as, ’Beat the statistics,’ ’Beat the odds,’ ’Live with a disease that is chronic and fatal.’”</p>



<p>While his mother needed 24-hour nursing care the last year of her life, she still insisted on coming to the dinner table with an IV stand to ask Newman about his day. Newman watched his mom fight the illness until the day she died, 11 days before his 8th birthday. “I’ve always felt that, at that time, she passed the pen that she was writing with in that journal on to me,” he says.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-burn-is-born">The “Burn“ is born</h2>



<p>As an adult, Newman realized the greatest strength in his life comes from the pain he endured after his mom’s death and the lessons she left him. His story—what Newman calls his “Burn”—is what inspires him to help others find their own as a performance coach, author and motivational speaker. “It’s [about] encouraging people in our work, helping people find that Burn—that passion that will give them the ability to fight through the things that oftentimes hold them back,” he says.</p>



<p>But Newman didn’t start his career as a performance coach. Before he was paid to speak for the first time in 2006 and coach someone professionally in 2008, Newman was a successful financial adviser for 10 years. “When I left [my job in finance], my managing partner tried to induce me with money, and he was basically telling me I was crazy,“ he says. “Like, ‘How could you leave this career?’ But I believe at some point in time, we have to chase what we were destined to do and attack what we were destined to do, not be held back by what’s comfortable.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-newman-rose-to-the-top">How Newman rose to the top</h2>



<p>Over the past two decades, Newman has written eight books (<a href="https://amzn.to/4dywuvw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Standard: Winning Every Day at Your Highest Level</em></a> is his most recent, published in 2023) and hosts a podcast called <a href="https://bennewman.net/theburn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Burn Podcast</em></a>, where he chats with high performers in business and sports. Through the Ben Newman Companies, he and his team of performance coaches have worked with athletes and teams in the NFL, NBA, PGA, MLB and other sports entities.</p>



<p>In addition to teaming up with coaches and players from multiple Super Bowl–winning teams, Newman currently serves as the longtime performance coach for head coach Chris Klieman and the Big 12 Champion Kansas State football team. He was also a performance coach for five years for the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide football team under former head coach Nick Saban. </p>



<p>He’s also brought his teachings to locker rooms and fields across the country, including those of the Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, Wake Forest University and several high school teams in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-burn-motivates-top-performers">How the Burn motivates top performers</h2>



<p>By empowering clients with “<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-build-resilience/">mental toughness</a>” training tools—think: how to identify your Burn, believe in yourself, and learn to overcome adversities and challenges by reframing your perspective—Newman helps them achieve goals and perform at their best using their natural talents and abilities.</p>



<p>“Once you understand your underlying Burn, that fire inside of you, that’s actually what ignites your why and purpose and causes you to show up on the days you don’t feel like it,” Newman says. “So the common denominator I’ve found with Hall of Famers, Super Bowl champions, NCAA champions, some of the top <em>Fortune </em>100 companies in the world... is leaders and the high performers [who know] what that Burn is.”</p>



<p>The Burn can be anything from a life-changing experience, such as losing a caregiver or becoming a parent, to the desire to prove yourself to a group of naysayers. </p>



<p>In addition to recognizing their Burn, Newman says successful individuals are also incredibly disciplined and willing to commit to good long-term practices. “[They’re] disciplined not to focus on the results,” Newman says, “but <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-set-discipline-goals/">disciplined to the habits</a> and the work on a daily basis, knowing that the byproduct of great discipline is winning at high levels.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-benefits-from-the-burn">Who benefits from the Burn?</h2>



<p>While roughly 30% of BNC clients are in the sports world, 70% are corporate professionals at companies and organizations like Microsoft, Wells Fargo Advisors, The Canada Life Assurance Company, Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of America and New York Life. Whether you’re a decorated athlete, financial adviser or working mom, though, anyone who wants to be more successful in their personal or professional lives can benefit from finding their Burn.</p>



<p>“Don’t be held back by what society or <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-ways-to-turn-adversity-into-an-inspired-state-of-mind/">adversity</a> or challenge tells us,” Newman says. “You want to write a book? Go write a book. You want to go speak? Go speak. You want to become the vice president of a company or own a company one day? Go do it. Put the action behind it that’s going to cause you to do those things.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-build-your-prizefighter-day">How to build your ”Prizefighter Day”</h2>



<p>In <a href="https://amzn.to/3Ff8pgR" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Your Mental Toughness Playbook</em></a>, which has been sold or downloaded more than 1 million times, Newman shares advice that helps you identify and attack the everyday activities that will empower you to meet your goals like a prizefighter. </p>



<p>“Nothing in a ‘Prizefighter Day,’ if built correctly, is based on results. It’s all based on the choices we know we need to make in order to drive success,” Newman says. “And when we’re not feeling successful, it’s typically because we’re choosing to not do the things we know we need to do to be successful…. It’s manageable when we manage it one day at a time.”</p>



<p>To have a Prizefighter Day, one where you feel like your best self, Newman recommends establishing a daily routine that includes the following three actions:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-personal-activity">1. Personal activity</h3>



<p><strong>Newman’s example:</strong> This includes “waking up every morning and getting in your morning workout (because it releases endorphins and builds confidence).”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-business-or-professional-activity">2. Business or professional activity</h3>



<p><strong>Newman’s example:</strong> You can “[set] a specific goal for the number of phone calls, follow-ups, reps [or] workouts that you have to make every day, knowing that will further your success, regardless of the results.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-service-to-others-activity">3. Service to others activity</h3>



<p><strong>Newman’s example:</strong> “This could be lending an ear to a friend, giving compliments to a stranger [or] calling your parents.... What activity can you consistently do in the service of others?”</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em><strong>This article originally appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of </strong></em><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/magazine/"><strong><em>SUCCESS® magazine</em></strong></a><em><strong>.</strong></em></p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em><strong>Photo by ©Sam Limon</strong></em></p>

Meet Ben Newman, a performance coach dedicated to helping athletes and professionals find strength in their stories using their “Burn.“

Meet Ben Newman, a performance coach dedicated to helping athletes and professionals find strength in their stories using their “Burn.“ | SUCCESS

Ben Newman: Using Your “Burn“ to Find Strength in Your Story

Ben Newman Wants You to Find Strength in Your Story | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Ben-Newman.jpg

Patricia Kaowthumrong is a Colorado-based freelance writer who covers food, travel, culture and other lifestyle topics. A proud Thai American, she loves seeking out stories that foster unity and understanding.

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d0ca0d4eae0aaf354024e161eb19cd1b7ceec0f93a1808bd564cf554c8ee0c10?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Patricia Kaowthumrong

Woman smiling holding her phone in airport

business commuter

<p>Summer travel season is about to heat up, and for many people that means not only spending more time on the road, but also logging into public Wi-Fi networks.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>While the need to keep in touch (and post all your fabulous vacation pics) while away from home is real, modern travelers also need to be aware that there are unexpected dangers lurking across the shared World Wide Web.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Whether in airports, hotels or train stations, travelers often seek out free public Wi-Fi to stay connected, but what many don’t realize is that public Wi-Fi comes with significant risks,” says internet security expert Eric Plam, chief revenue officer at <a href="https://www.simo.co/solis-wifi-hotspots" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SIMO</a>. “Hackers can exploit unsecured networks to steal your personal or financial information—and resell it on the dark web for profit.”&nbsp;</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evil-twin-networks">Evil twin networks</h2>



<p>“Evil twin networks”—which look like official public Wi-Fi connections but are actually fake hotspots set up with the same SSID (network name)—are one of the newest and more nefarious ways hackers are pilfering people’s personal info.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Because the fake network has the same name and may even offer a stronger signal, unsuspecting users often connect to it without realizing it’s a trap,” says Plam.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These attacks are most likely to happen in places where people rely on public Wi-Fi, such as:&nbsp;</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Airports and hotels</li>



<li>Conferences and events&nbsp;</li>



<li>Cafés and restaurants</li>



<li>Public transportation&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<p>Once you’re connected to an “evil twin,” a <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/cybersecurity-threats/">cyber attacker</a> can intercept your data, track online activity and potentially steal personal information like usernames, passwords, banking details or sensitive emails. In some cases, they may even inject malware or ransomware onto your device.</p>



<p>Unfortunately, these dupes are really hard for the average person to spot. For example, you might be presented with “Free_Airport_WiFi” versus “FreeAirportWiFi” and to the uninformed eye there is no way to know which is legit.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-smart-steps-to-protect-your-private-information">7 smart steps to protect your private information</h2>



<p>Fortunately, there are easy steps <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/solo-travel-tips/">savvy travelers</a> can take to ensure they’re safe when considering public Wi-Fi connections.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Here are seven ways to help keep your personal info protected the next time you need to log in while on the go:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-verify-the-network-name-with-staff">1. Verify the network name with staff</h3>



<p>Be cautious of networks with a stronger signal or duplicate names. When in doubt, Plam suggests you should always ask the venue for the correct network name because even a single letter could mean the difference between a safe connection or a hacker’s heyday.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-avoid-public-wi-fi-for-sensitive-transactions">2. Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions</h3>



<p>It’s best to avoid checking your bank account, logging into your email or shopping online while on public Wi-Fi. “Sensitive tasks should be reserved for secure connections… public networks expose you to risks that are difficult to detect in real time,” says Plam.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-disable-auto-connect-on-your-devices">3. Disable auto-connect on your devices</h3>



<p>Many phones and laptops automatically reconnect to previously used networks—including rogue ones. By turning off auto-connect, Plam says you regain control of when and where you connect to the internet, thereby avoiding malicious duplicates.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-keep-your-software-up-to-date">4. Keep your software up to date</h3>



<p>Patches and updates to your device’s software fix known vulnerabilities in apps and operating systems that hackers frequently exploit. “Delaying updates can leave your device exposed,” says Plam. “Running the latest version of your software is one of the easiest forms of protection.”&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-check-for-https-before-logging-into-a-site">5. Check for HTTPS before logging into a site</h3>



<p>Always look for websites that have HTTPS before their domain name. That’s important because the “S” stands for “secure,” meaning it offers secure encryption between your browser and the site. “Never input login credentials or financial details on websites that lack HTTPS,” says Plam. “That ‘S’ isn’t just a letter—it’s a line of defense.”&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-subscribe-to-a-trusted-virtual-private-network-vpn">6. Subscribe to a trusted virtual private network (VPN)</h3>



<p>A virtual private network (VPN) basically turns a public connection into a private one by encrypting your info, making it much <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/protect-assets-from-crypto-hacks/">harder for hackers to see your data</a>—even on a spoofed network. This adds an extra layer of protection when signing into public Wi-Fi. “A reputable VPN acts as a protective tunnel,” says Plam, who also suggests you choose a service with performance optimizations to avoid any noticeable slowdowns (an occasional side effect of adding a VPN subscription to your device).</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-use-a-personal-hotspot-instead-of-a-public-wi-fi-connection">7. Use a personal hotspot instead of a public Wi-Fi connection</h3>



<p>Many cellphone providers are now offering users personal Wi-Fi hotspot connections through their smartphones as part of their monthly service plan. Taking advantage of this personal hotspot option is one way to circumvent the hacking risks that come along with public Wi-Fi. Before you go on vacation, check to see if your phone includes a personal hotspot, or consider purchasing a plan with an external provider, and use that instead for your internet needs. “When you control the connection, you control the risk,” says Plam. “A personal hotspot is a powerful safeguard for travelers.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-your-digital-data-is-worth-dollars-guard-it-well">Your digital data is worth dollars—guard it well</h2>



<p>Finally, keep in mind that hackers aren’t just targeting you for entertainment purposes. There is big money to be made off your personal info.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In fact, stolen data is bought and sold on the dark web all the time. Plam says to remember that hackers are running a business and can regularly pull in anywhere from $10 for credit card details up to $1,000+ for full identity profiles (e.g., social security number, date of birth, email, etc.).</p>



<p>“Your digital identity is more valuable than most people realize,” says Plam “A few careless clicks on public Wi-Fi can give cybercriminals everything they need to exploit you—or sell your information to someone who will.”</p>



<p>Fortunately, you can fight back by using these tools to protect your private data—whether at home, on a plane or by the pool.</p>



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

Traveling soon? Before you log onto public Wi-Fi, it’s important to keep your personal information private. Learn how.

Traveling soon? Before you log onto public Wi-Fi, it’s important to keep your personal information private. Learn how. | SUCCESS

How to Protect Yourself From Public Wi-Fi Hacks While Traveling

How to Protect Yourself From Public Wi-Fi Hacks While Traveling | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/protect-yourself-public-wifi-hacks-traveling.jpg

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/066cb6e0fc15f692c84bc9c73d80da8dac35601132e443fe947667ef25b58a84?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Kimberly Dawn Neumann

airbnb app interface showing new features and experiences

news

news Archives

news Archives | SUCCESS

<p>For almost two decades, Airbnb has offered a game-changing alternative to the hotel experience. Since its launch in 2007, the San Francisco-based holiday rental platform has given travelers the chance to stay in <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/casa-kumwesu-ice-cream-airbnb/">unique</a>, affordable spaces without the hassle of check-ins, crowded lobbies or excessive luxury. 17 years later, they are reimagining that vision again.&nbsp;</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-price-advantage-how-airbnb-challenged-the-hotel-model">The price advantage: How Airbnb challenged the hotel model</h2>



<p>For the Airbnb faithful, the process has always been clear-cut: enter your destination, find a home or apartment that fits your style and you're good to go. With a digital code or keys in hand upon arrival, the space is yours. Many travelers choose Airbnb to truly experience a destination, living alongside locals and, at least for a short while, feeling like a part of the community.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Launching Airbnb wasn’t a simple decision; it came with its share of risks for co-founders <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/leaders-favorites-brian-chesky/">Brian Chesky</a> and Joe Gebbia in the early days. They had reservations about whether people would actually be willing to stay in someone else's home or if the market would even accept the idea. What ultimately resonated with travelers, however, was the affordable price point.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/are-airbnbs-more-cost-effective-than-hotels" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NerdWallet</a>, Airbnbs tend to be more affordable than hotels, especially for extended stays and larger groups. In some cases, this has had <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00472875211042670" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">negative effects</a> on nearby hotels that cannot match the considerably cheaper local experience. For shorter stays, however, Airbnb can still be more expensive in comparison, primarily due to cleaning fees. The challenge is particularly tough for hotels, many of which in major cities are now operated by multinational giants like Accor and Hyatt, leaving them with limited flexibility to adapt.</p>



<p>It is this pressure that makes Airbnb’s latest relaunch particularly significant and potentially potent to the long-term future of the hotel industry. For now though, hotels remain the <a href="https://savanta.com/knowledge-centre/view/understanding-the-perfect-stay-airbnb-vs-hotel/#:~:text=According%20to%20recent%20data%20findings,with%20the%20popularity%20of%20Airbnb." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most popular choice</a> among travelers according to <a href="https://www.statista.com/chart/31748/share-of-vacation-rentals-and-hotel-revenue-of-total-travel-tourism-revenue-in-selected-countries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a>, with a significantly higher average daily rate (ADR) than rentals, despite a higher price point.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-airbnb-s-new-app-brings-hotel-luxury-and-local-living-together">Airbnb’s new app brings hotel luxury and local living together</h2>



<p>“Seventeen years ago, we changed the way people travel. More than two billion guests later, Airbnb is synonymous with a place to stay,” said Chesky, unveiling the company’s <a href="https://news.airbnb.com/airbnb-2025-summer-release/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">redesigned app</a>. “With the launch of services and experiences, we’re changing travel again. Now you can Airbnb more than an Airbnb.”</p>



<p>Initially launching in 260 cities, Airbnb’s new services will include private chefs, masseuses, personal photography and more. Chesky said in a statement that the new features—available to both Airbnb renters and non-users—combine the “best of both worlds” in hotel luxury and Airbnb space.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-originals-tab-brings-immersive-live-events-to-those-on-the-go">New 'Originals' tab brings immersive live events to those on the go</h2>



<p>Airbnb’s new ‘Experiences’ tab will feel familiar to frequent travelers who have used <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/best-travel-apps/">holiday booking apps</a> or package deals to simplify their trips. This updated category will offer everything from local tours to live events. The 'Originals' tab offers unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences "hosted by the world’s greatest icons."&nbsp;</p>



<p>Through partnerships with prominent figures in music and art, Airbnb is now providing exclusive live events for travelers. One such experience is a "multisensory journey" with Chance the Rapper in Downtown Los Angeles, with <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/6100248" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tickets</a> currently priced at just over $100 each. For those interested in offering their own services, Airbnb is inviting professionals to share their expertise by <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/host/experiences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">applying to become a host</a>. </p>



<p>The never-ending internal debate of what to do and where to go can be a traveler's worst enemy, and sometimes, the stress of cramming enough into a day takes away from the whole point—to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wellness-travel-destinations/">unwind and disconnect</a>. Airbnb aims to fix that by bringing the fun right to your doorstep. All of Airbnb’s new services and features are now live and available to users.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo from airbnb.com</em></p>

Explore Airbnb's app revamp with chef services, celeb events and luxe add-ons. Discover how it blends local living with hotel-style perks.

Explore Airbnb's app revamp with chef services, celeb events and luxe add-ons. Discover how it blends local living with hotel-style perks. | SUCCESS

Airbnb Revamps App to Offer Stellar Services, Local Experiences and Celebrity Interactions

Airbnb Revamps App With Services, Experiences & Celebs | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/airbnb-app-new-features-1.jpg

Pablo explores how AI, emerging technologies, and today’s strategic choices are shaping the way we live, work, and build the future. He translates complex innovations into clear insights that help leaders and professionals anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities.

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Pablo-Urdiales-Antelo.png

Pablo Urdiales Antelo

Two young women have fun with a bicycle at the beach. Woman running with friend riding a bike on boardwalk.

Two,Young,Women,Having,Fun,With,A,Bicycle,At,The

<p>Looking for ways to have fun without spending a fortune? You’re not alone. It can be challenging to find fun things to do without having to spend a lot of cash. This is one of the many ways that money tends to be the elephant in the room: whether we’re on a tight budget or just trying to spend less and save more, money is always on our minds. </p>



<p>Maybe you’re even in a no-spend season. In <a href="https://a.co/d/eHpfQxZ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The No Spend Year: How You Can Spend Less and Live More</em></a>, Michelle McGagh recounts how she didn’t spend money on non-necessities for an entire year. That meant no little luxuries like eating out, no drinks with friends, no movies or concerts—and no vacations. The result? She saved more than 22,000 euros (more than $24,000 USD). </p>



<p>You don’t have to do a no-spend year to benefit from reducing your expenses, though. One great way to do that is to find free ways to have fun. Sometimes the best kind of fun is trying activities that bring you joy without costing anything. Keep reading to discover eight no-cost ways to have fun. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creative-ways-to-have-fun-for-free-nbsp">Creative Ways to Have Fun for Free&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Wondering how to have fun without money? We've all been there. We all like to have fun during our free time, but in today's world it can feel challenging to do so without saying goodbye to some of our hard-earned cash. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can enjoy yourself without spending a dime. If you're ready for inspiration, here are some fun and free things to do next time you’re feeling stuck. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-read-or-join-a-book-club">1. Read or Join a Book Club </h3>



<p>Reading books can be an incredible way to have fun without spending money. Join a book club at your local library or start your own. Consider trading books you already have among your circle of friends or check out a local little free library for a new book. Sign up for the <a href="https://libbyapp.com/interview/welcome#doYouHaveACard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Libby app</a> to get books on your device from your local library for free or check out what’s available on <a href="https://archive.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Internet Archive</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-discover-fun-and-free-local-events-nbsp">2. Discover Fun and Free Local Events&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Of course, reading a book is a great (and educational) way to entertain yourself for free. But there's another kind of reading that you can try too. Specifically, you can read local publications, such as your local newspaper, to find out about nearby free events. Look for community calendars with lists of free events happening in your area, such as food festivals, lectures and shows. </p>



<p>Look online too. Check out local websites like city or county pages, local library calendars or other online community sites to find fun local events. Cities may host awareness events, free festivals, concerts in the park and more to help you have fun without a cost attached.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Even if you can’t find anything that would normally interest you, give whatever you can find a chance. After all, it’s <strong><em>free</em></strong>! Plus, it will give you a chance to step outside your comfort zone and expand your horizons. As long as you’re having fun, you’re taking an important step to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-key-to-accomplishing-more-having-fun/">becoming more productive</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-host-a-movie-night-or-game-night">3. Host a Movie Night or Game Night</h3>



<p>Going out to the movies is expensive, but no need to worry. You can host a movie night at home and invite some people over. Make it a potluck, so every guest brings a dish or snack to share. If you like binge-watching a series, set aside a whole day and invite people over to join you.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If movies and shows aren’t your thing, you can have a game night instead. Ask each friend to bring their favorite board game, as well as food and drink items.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Quick tip: Get creative at home and find other free things to do with no money. Have an at-home karaoke night or dance competition, an at-home cook-off or bake-off, or a puzzle night. You can also try artistic pursuits like drawing or painting with a group of friends. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-spend-time-outside">4. Spend Time Outside  </h3>



<p>Spending time outdoors is one of the best ways to have fun for free. Go for a walk, hike or run. If you like bicycling, go and ride your bike around the neighborhood. Doing activities like this outside is good exercise for your body and provides additional health benefits. When you soak in the sunlight, your body makes vitamin D, and you’ll enjoy mental health and mood benefits too. It’s a bit like feeling like you’re <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/ways-to-bring-vacation-vibes-home/">on vacation</a> at home.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-volunteer-at-a-local-organization-or-event">5. Volunteer at a Local Organization or Event </h3>



<p>Volunteering is a great way to spend your <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-your-free-time-is-so-draining/">free time</a>. Donating your time to a local charity or organization provides many benefits to both the local organization and you as the volunteer. A <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10159229/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 study</a> found that volunteering can promote mental, social and physical benefits. In addition to being a free activity, volunteering is also a fantastic way to meet new people and learn new skills.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-search-for-treasure-nbsp">6. Search for Treasure&nbsp;</h3>



<p>You’d be surprised at the fun items you can find at local yard sales. So, go and check out some yard sales in your area, even if you don’t think you’re interested in buying something for yourself. You just might find the perfect gift for someone else. Plus, if you find something curious, you can take it home and do some research online. You never know—it might be a valuable antique. If you’re completely out of cash, you can also just have fun browsing the interesting wares.</p>



<p>Another fun option is to look for natural treasures at local parks or beaches. Shells or rocks can be pretty decorative items to add to your desk or table. Just be sure to check local guidelines on any restrictions on taking natural items. If in doubt, grab a photo instead.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-learn-something-new">7. Learn Something New </h3>



<p>Does your city have museums or art galleries that have free admission days? If so, go ahead and spend some time admiring the displays and learning about history. Your friends will think you’re so cultured once they find out you like going to museums and admiring art. Community centers, libraries and other local venues sometimes offer free or low-cost classes to try. Or, go online and discover <a href="https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=free" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">free courses on Coursera</a> or <a href="https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=free" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Udemy</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-explore-yoru-city">8. Explore  Yoru City </h3>



<p>Learn to see your town or city in a new way and explore it with an open mind. Head to your city center and just spend some time exploring. You might run into a free event or some intriguing wall art. This is a great opportunity for Instagram pics. Think about doing this the next time you <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-take-time-off-work/">take time off work</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-be-creative-to-have-fun-without-spending-money-nbsp-nbsp">Be Creative to Have Fun Without Spending Money&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



<p>So, the verdict is clear: There are plenty of fun free things to do without spending money. Some keys to help are getting creative, thinking outside the box and maybe even stepping outside your comfort zone. You might enlist a friend or two to help you on your journey to find free things to do.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now you know how to have fun with no money, you’re all set to make the most of your free time or next break from work or school. Remember that giving yourself enough recreational time can transform your mental well-being for the better, helping to optimize your productivity so that you can be more successful.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<p>You might still have some questions about having fun without having to spend money. We’ll answer some of the most frequently asked ones below.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-you-have-fun-without-spending-money-nbsp">Can you have fun without spending money?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Yes, you can have fun without spending money! Use the tips and information we provided above to come up with ideas for what you can do the next time you have free time. Enjoying yourself without opening your wallet just takes some knowledge and planning.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-can-i-spend-my-free-time-without-spending-money-nbsp">How can I spend my free time without spending money?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>You can spend free time without spending money by knowing the best activities you can do without spending a dime. As we mentioned here, you can choose free activities like exercising outdoors, hosting a movie night, volunteering or visiting free admission museums.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-i-do-alone-with-no-money-nbsp">What can I do alone with no money?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>There are many things you can do alone without spending money. For example, you can go outside and get some exercise by enjoying a walk or run. If you’re interested in history and culture, look for free admission museums in your area.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-can-i-get-out-of-the-house-without-spending-money-nbsp">How can I get out of the house without spending money?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>You can get out of the house without spending money by choosing activities and places to visit that don’t involve a fee or having to buy something. Instead of heading to a shopping mall or cafe, visit public spaces and places with free admission.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, you could go for a walk on a public hiking trail, or maybe go to a free event or festival in the area. You could also try volunteering for a charity or nonprofit organization.&nbsp;</p>



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

Discover how to have fun without spending a dime! Check out 8 enjoyable activities that will keep you entertained and engaged.

Discover how to have fun without spending a dime! Check out 8 enjoyable activities that will keep you entertained and engaged. | SUCCESS

8 Ways to Have Fun Without Spending Money

How to Have Fun Without Spending a Dime

8 Ways to Have Fun Without Spending Money | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/How-to-Have-Fun-For-Free.jpg

Samantha Lord is based in Windsor, Ontario and has worked as a full-time freelance writer and editor for more than 12 years. She holds an Honors BA and MA in English Literature, as well as a Bachelor of Education degree and a Poynter ACES Certificate in Editing. Learn more about Samantha at samanthalordwriter.com.

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Samantha-Lord.jpg

Samantha Lord

Illuminated airport signage displaying the Real ID compliance, reminding passengers at airport of new travel document requirements.

<p>The REAL ID requirement deadline for American <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-hard-is-it-to-get-dual-citizenship/">citizens</a> has arrived. As of Wednesday, May 7, U.S. travelers will be required to show “REAL ID-compliant” identification in order to board domestic flights and to access some federal buildings. </p>



<p>If you haven’t applied for your REAL ID yet, here’s everything you need to know:</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-real-id-and-why-do-you-need-one">What is a REAL ID and why do you need one?</h2>



<p>The REAL ID may seem new, but it’s part of a bill passed by Congress in 2005 to appease the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government should <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses</a>.”</p>



<p>As a result, the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/109th-congress/house-bill/418" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">REAL ID Act, or HR418</a>, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs, preventing some federal agencies from accepting official purposes licenses that don’t meet the standard.</p>







<p>The purposes that do meet that standard, according to the <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)</a>, include:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Accessing certain federal facilities</li>



<li>Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft</li>



<li>Entering nuclear power plants</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-id-enforcement-and-enhanced-driver-s-licenses">REAL ID enforcement and enhanced driver’s licenses</h2>



<p>When the deadline hits on May 7, your regular license may not be accepted by federal agencies such as the DHS and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for accessing federal facilities, including TSA <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/best-airport-lounges-for-work-relaxation/">airport</a> security checkpoints.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Alternatively, enhanced driver’s licenses, or EDLs, issued in Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to the REAL ID.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-tell-whether-you-already-have-a-real-id">How to tell whether you already have a REAL ID</h2>



<p>To discern whether you already have a card that is REAL ID compliant, check for a star. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">advises</a>, “REAL ID-compliant cards will have a star marking on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have a star marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity to board commercial aircraft.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alternatives-to-the-real-id-that-may-be-accepted-for-travel">Alternatives to the REAL ID that may be accepted for travel</h2>



<p>Although passengers who show up without a REAL ID compliant license may experience delays for domestic flights, there are acceptable alternatives <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">approved by the TSA</a> for <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/travel-mood-elevator-mental-health-benefits-of-traveling/">travel</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>TSA will accept:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>U.S. passports</li>



<li>U.S. passport cards</li>



<li>DHS-trusted traveler cards
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Global entry</li>



<li>NEXUS</li>



<li>SENTRI</li>



<li>FAST</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Permanent resident cards</li>



<li>Border crossing cards</li>



<li>Photo IDs issued by a federally recognized tribal nation or Native American tribe, including enhanced tribal cards (ETCs)</li>



<li>Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)</li>



<li>U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)</li>



<li>U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential</li>
</ul>



<p>“Passengers who do not yet have their REAL ID or another TSA acceptable form of ID can expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint,” <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">says the TSA</a>. “This includes TSA PreCheck passengers.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-apply-for-a-real-id">How to apply for a REAL ID</h2>



<p>Applying for the REAL ID is fairly simple: Start by visiting the <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/real-id" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DHS REAL ID web page</a>. Pick the state you live in on the map of the U.S. you’ll see displayed there. From there, you’ll be directed to your state’s own DHS web page. Here you’ll find instructions for how to set up preapproval, REAL ID appointments at your local driver services center or county clerk office and more.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To apply for a REAL ID, you’ll need the following:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence</li>



<li>Proof of your full social security number</li>



<li>Two proofs of state residency</li>
</ul>



<p>“States may impose additional requirements, so check with your state’s driver’s licensing agency website, before visiting them in person, for additional guidance and assistance,” notes DHS.</p>



<p>For more information on REAL IDs and travel requirements, visit the <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Homeland Security website</a> or the <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Travel Security Administration website</a>.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by Ivan Marc/Shutterstock</em></p>

You’ll need a REAL ID to fly domestically by May 7, 2025. Here’s what it is, who needs it and how to apply before the deadline.

You’ll need a REAL ID to fly domestically by May 7, 2025. Here’s what it is, who needs it and how to apply before the deadline. | SUCCESS

What You Need to Know About Real IDs

REAL ID Deadline: What to Know Before May 7, 2025 | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/real-id-deadline-2025-guide.jpg

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8f0b04c27622213f999398ad43d2e7f126dd891024d72571dda008a066bdf980?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Emmalyne Karnes

<p><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/importance-of-healthy-work-life-balance/">Work-life balance</a> isn't just another corporate buzzword to add to your LinkedIn bingo card. It's the difference between being the person who enjoys their weekend and the one who's constantly one notification away from a stress-induced eye twitch.</p>



<p>Finding the sweet spot between your 9-to-5 job and personal life could be the way to go if you want peace of mind. Think of work-life balance as that perfect cup of coffee—not too strong but just strong enough to keep you warm or productive. Use these simple work-life balance tips to gain the harmony you want.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-work-life-balance">Understanding Work-Life Balance</h2>



<p>We’ve all been there—it’s 10 p.m., you’re three episodes deep into your Netflix binge, and your boss decides now’s the time to email about tomorrow’s deadline. That’s the chaos we want to fix by <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/work-life-balance/">understanding work-life balance</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-defining-work-life-balance-nbsp">Defining Work-Life Balance&nbsp;</h3>



<p>While work-life balance can look different for different people, it’s essentially a practice in which people navigate both personal and professional responsibilities in a way that prioritizes their well-being. This can involve setting priorities and managing tasks to prevent feeling overwhelmed or stressed. It can help you stay physically and mentally healthy in both your work environments and your personal life.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barriers-to-a-healthy-work-life-balance-nbsp">Barriers to a Healthy Work-Life Balance&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Even for those who want a solid work-life balance, there are obstacles. Technology, for example, can be tricky. With phones attached to us and “urgent” alerts hitting at all hours of the day, unplugging can feel like a pipe dream.&nbsp; Remote work can be a major benefit—until your couch becomes your cubicle and those “quick email checks” at dinner pile up faster than unread texts in a group chat. For some, company culture, policies or management can be barriers to healthy work-life balance. Unclear job priorities and ‘side hustle’ culture can also be obstacles. Even our own struggles with imposter syndrome or prioritizing can get in the way.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Some simple strategies and tips for work-life balance, however, like <a href="https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/setting-boundaries-for-well-being">setting boundaries</a>, could help you stave off stress and attain that happy medium.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-importance-of-work-life-harmony">The Importance of Work-Life Harmony</h2>



<p>Having the right work-life balance offers several benefits. Your mental health could perk up, your relationships could improve and you could become sharper at work.</p>



<p>Finding the right work-life balance is one thing that can help you live a fulfilling life. With a few tips to balance work and life, you can improve that harmony. Here are a few of the potential benefits that make it worth the effort:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Improved mental health:</strong> When you're not checking work notifications at 3 a.m., your brain actually gets to rest. Your anxiety levels drop faster than your phone's battery life.</li>



<li><strong>Enhanced relationships:</strong> Turns out, your family and friends like seeing your face more than the top of your head while you're glued to your laptop. You may have more distraction-free quality time to spend with the people you care about when you have a solid work-life balance.</li>



<li><strong>Increased job satisfaction:</strong> A flexible work schedule often makes you better at your work. You show up ready to rock instead of running on fumes.</li>



<li><strong>Better physical well-being:</strong> You finally get time to use that gym membership that's been gathering dust. Plus, eating something other than desk lunches does wonders for your self-care practices.</li>



<li><strong>Higher productivity:</strong> A fresh mind can mean better work performance. It's like restarting your computer when it acts up. And in this case, your brain is the computer.</li>



<li><strong>Reduced stress:</strong> Your blood pressure will thank you. So will your dentist (less teeth grinding).</li>



<li><strong>More personal fulfillment:</strong> Remember hobbies? Those fun things you used to do before endless Zoom calls took over? You get to have those again.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effective-strategies-for-achieving-work-life-harmony">Effective Strategies for Achieving Work-Life Harmony</h2>



<p>We’ll get straight to the point on this. Here are some key tips for a better work-life balance.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-set-clear-boundaries">1. Set Clear Boundaries</h3>



<p>Clock in and clock out like you mean it. Pick your work hours and stick to them like they're the last slice of pizza. When 6 p.m. hits, turn off your PC—your Netflix queue isn't going to watch itself.</p>



<p>Let your work buddies know when you're available (and more importantly, when you're not). The same goes for family—make it crystal clear that your Zoom meeting isn't the best time for a chat about what's for dinner.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-prioritize-tasks">2. Prioritize Tasks</h3>



<p>Get yourself a <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/best-time-management-tools-and-apps/">task management system</a> that doesn't make your eyes glaze over. Whether it's a fancy app or good old pen and paper, sort out what needs doing now versus what can wait until next week. Also, learn to say "no" without feeling like you're letting everyone down. Your priority management trumps time.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-incorporate-flexibility">3. Incorporate Flexibility</h3>



<p>If you’re <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-stay-motivated-working-from-home/">working from home</a>, make it work for you. Set up shop where you can focus, but keep your chill zones sacred. Your bed shouldn't double as your office, no matter how comfy those pillows are.</p>



<p>Mix up your schedule when life throws curveballs. For example, if you have a dentist appointment, shift your hours around—the world won't end if you start at 10 a.m. instead of 8 a.m.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-practice-self-care">4. Practice Self-Care</h3>



<p>Dust off that guitar, pull out those painting supplies or whatever floats your boat. Your hobbies miss you, and they're not getting any younger.</p>



<p>Move your body, feed it something green occasionally and maybe try that meditation app you downloaded six months ago. Your future self will thank you.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-to-put-your-work-life-balance-in-check">Time to Put Your Work-Life Balance in Check</h2>



<p>When you’re getting started with these healthy work-life balance tips, begin small by picking one aspect. Maybe it's shutting down your work email after 6 p.m. or blocking out your lunch hour like it's a VIP meeting. The right work-life rhythm for you isn't about getting everything right from day one. It's about making tiny tweaks to your daily activities until everything runs smoothly and prioritizes your well-being.</p>



<p>After you’ve gotten a few techniques down, add in a few more tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. After all, your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Taking care of yourself isn't lazy—it's the smartest career move you can make. So go ahead, and clock out on time today. That report will still be there tomorrow, but that sunset won't wait around for your "just five more minutes."</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>Photo courtesy of Shyntartanya/Shutterstock</em></strong></p>



<p></p>

Brian Abuga

Discover helpful work-life balance tips. Try easy strategies for setting boundaries, managing tasks and incorporating self-care into your daily routine.

Try easy strategies for setting boundaries, managing tasks and more.

Simple Work-Life Balance Tips | SUCCESS

Balancing Work and Life: Achieve Work-Life Harmony Without Sacrificing Success

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/balancing-work-and-life-Shyntartanya-Shutterstock.jpg

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/65e59d2686b8932465c276271d613e34ab8e925d10b2165e79fff5ffa569eb98?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Natalia Finnis-Smart

Try easy strategies for setting boundaries, managing tasks and incorporating self-care into your daily routine.

Upset woman holding cellphone having problem with mobile phone annoyed by spam

<p>It can be challenging to spot text <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-protect-yourself-from-online-scams/">scams</a> among the dozens of legitimate smartphone alerts you receive and respond to instantly for work, doctor appointments, mobile banking and more.</p>



<p>That’s why, in 2024, Americans reported $470 million in losses to the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2025/04/top-text-scams-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FTC</a> from smishing attacks (text-based phishing attacks). This was more than five times what victims reported losing in 2020. Since most victims don’t report fraud, the amount lost is likely significantly higher.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-here-are-the-top-smishing-scams-to-be-aware-of-in-2025">Here are the top smishing scams to be aware of in 2025</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-notice-of-unpaid-tolls">Notice of unpaid tolls</h3>



<p>The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received over 60,000 complaints about fake unpaid toll text scams <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/18/business/scammers-are-texting-drivers-about-unpaid-tolls-causing-chaos-amongst-some-consumers/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">last year</a>. And, in 2025, this smishing scam is only trending upward. In February, <a href="https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/internet-security/fake-toll-road-scam-texts-are-everywhere-these-cities-are-the-most-targeted/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McAfee</a>, a security provider, detected four times as many unpaid toll scams as it had in January.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These scams seem to be targeting victims based on location, so people who live in larger metropolitan areas are seeing this type of text scam at the highest rates because those in these cities are most frequently subjected to toll fees.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-package-delivery-issues"><strong>Package delivery issues</strong></h3>



<p>Texts sent to notify recipients of package delivery issues were among the most common smishing attacks <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2025/04/top-text-scams-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in 2024</a>. A text supposedly from FedEx, the U.S. Postal Service or another major shipping company will ask the victim to pay a “redelivery fee” or to share personally identifiable information for “verification purposes.” The victim then unknowingly hands over their address or bank account information to a bad actor.</p>



<p>Now, the more sophisticated “<a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/31408-bbb-tip-dont-scan-qr-codes-on-unexpected-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brushing scam</a>” is rising rapidly. For this type of attack, a bad actor obtains your physical address through a previous data leak and mails you something you didn’t order. They then prompt you to scan the package’s QR code on your phone, leading you to a phishing website or malware download.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fake-job-opportunities"><strong>Fake job opportunities</strong></h3>



<p><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ghost-jobs/">Fake job opportunities</a> have risen dramatically, likely due to the tech-driven gig economy. Between 2020 and 2024, reported <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/03/new-ftc-data-show-big-jump-reported-losses-fraud-125-billion-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">losses from job scams</a> increased from $90 million to $501 million. While email was the most common method for this kind of attack, bad actors also scammed their victims through smishing and through phone call phishing, also known as “vishing.” Job opportunity smishing attacks usually start with an unexpected text message offering work without getting into specifics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A victim of this attack might be offered a job to perform a repetitive task such as liking products on online marketplaces or apps in an app store. They may even see a small payout, creating a false sense of legitimacy. Eventually, victims will be told they must pay a fee to continue receiving the money they earned—only to never be paid afterward.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-spot-a-smishing-scam">How to spot a smishing scam</h2>



<p>How can you spot a smishing scam? Sometimes, an urgent-sounding text from an international number or a random email address obviously looks fake. But some smishing attempts may include a phone number that appears to be associated with a legitimate service. They might link to a website with a domain like .vip, .top or .tk or to a shortened domain.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To verify if an alert is legitimate, visit a service’s website and use the contact information provided on the page to reach the provider. You can also find out what information the provider will ask for in a text. For example, no legitimate service will require you to provide your social security number through a text message.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As a general rule, never respond to an unexpected text. And don’t click on any links in the message. You can also go to the Better Business Bureau <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scam Tracker</a> to see if someone else has already reported the scam.</p>



<p>If you spot a smishing attempt, forward the message to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your phone provider catch similar messages in the future. Then, report spam in the iMessage app if you’re an Apple user or the Google Messages app if you’re on Android.</p>



<p>Lastly, report the smishing attack to the FTC at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-do-if-you-ve-fallen-for-a-smishing-scam">What to do if you’ve fallen for a smishing scam</h2>



<p>If you did respond to a smishing scam, there are some steps you can take to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/scam-prevention-protecting-yourself-and-loved-ones/">protect yourself</a>.</p>



<p>If you paid a scammer, you can contact the bank, credit card company or gift card issuer you used to reverse the transaction. If you mailed cash, in some cases you can call the postal service to have the <a href="https://www.usps.com/manage/package-intercept.htm#:~:text=For%20a%20fee%2C%20USPS%20Package,request%20a%20Package%20Intercept%20online." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">package intercepted</a>.</p>



<p>Change any username or password that you shared with the bad actor. If you shared your social security number with the scammer, you can also reach out to <a href="https://www.identitytheft.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IdentityTheft.gov</a> to monitor your credit score for fraudulent activity.</p>



<p>Using a keen eye, awareness and these tips, you can help protect yourself from text scams and safeguard your personal information. If you’re not familiar with the sender of a text message and something feels off, trust your gut instinct, block the sender and delete the text message without engaging in any way.</p>



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

Smishing scams cost Americans $470M last year. Learn how to recognize the top text scams and what to do if you've already clicked.

Smishing scams cost Americans $470M last year. Learn how to recognize the top text scams and what to do if you've already clicked. | SUCCESS

Text Scams are on the Rise, Here's How to Protect Yourself

Text Scams are on the Rise, Here&#8217;s How to Protect Yourself

Text Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Smishing Attacks | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/text-scams-smishing-guide.jpg

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/37f8b276772bfe748ce71289c977c04da1b6ede22501f02d057cdf93e53a592e?s=96&d=mm&r=g