Author: Mike Balof

A retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Mike used to lay in bed at night and worry about what would happen if his plant closed or found himself without a job. One day his plant closed. Rather than panic and hysteria (OK, maybe a little) Mike found himself carried away on the adventure of his life. Mike started with the best job he ever had working at Home Depot. He spent 8 years working with job seekers at a local workforce center, helping them to find employment. He then started his own company developing courses, writing books and urging others to follow their own paths into the future. Mike holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training and a Bachelor of Business Management, earned through the University of Phoenix and an AAS degree in Electronics Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Mike is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society.

Ideas when learning 

Learning a new skill can be a real challenge but with the right mindset and approach, anyone can master a new skill. Here are some tips and tricks for success: 

  1. Before learning a new skill, set a clear goal of what you want to achieve. Keeping a specific goal in mind will help you stay focused and motivated. 
  1. Once you have your goal in mind, make a plan of action. Break down the skill into smaller, manageable steps and set deadlines for each step. 
  1. Consistency is key in learning new skills. Make sure to practice regularly, even if it’s just for a Feedback is essential for improving your skills. Whether it’s from a teacher, mentor, or friend, seek out constructive criticism to help you grow. 
  1. Learning a new skill is not always easy, and it’s important to accept failure as part of the process. Everyone makes mistakes which are opportunities to learn and grow. 
  1. Learning a new skill is sometimes a challenge, but it’s important to stay motivated. Celebrate your progress along the way and remember why you started in the first place. 

Anyone can successfully learn a new skill. Remember to stay patient and persistent, and most importantly, have fun! 

Set Yourself Up for Success 

Learning a new skill is an exciting and fulfilling experience. It can also be challenging at times. However, with the right mindset and approach, you can set yourself up for success. Here are some tips and tricks to help you learn a new skill effectively. 

Set clear and achievable goals. Having a specific objective in mind will give you direction and motivation to keep learning. Break down your goal into manageable tasks you can complete in a reasonable amount of time. 

Find a learning style that works best for you. Some people prefer visual aids, while others prefer hands-on experience. Experiment with different methods until you find the one that suits you best. 

Be consistent and make learning a habit. Set aside time each day or week to practice and reinforce what you have learned. Consistency is key to building a solid foundation and making progress. 

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Learning a new skill involves trial and error, and making mistakes is a natural part of the process. Use them as an opportunity to learn and improve. 

Seek out resources and support. Join a learning community with others who share your interests and can offer guidance and encouragement. Utilize online tutorials, books, and courses to supplement your learning. 

Learning a new skill requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to try new things. By following these tips and tricks, you will set yourself up for success and achieve your goals. 

Be Curious 

Curiosity is the desire to learn or know more about something. It is a crucial ingredient for effective learning as it drives us to explore, ask questions, and seek answers. Curiosity helps us engage with new information, deepen our understanding, and connect different concepts.  

Curiosity is essential for effective learning because it encourages us to be active and engaged in learning new things. When we are curious, we are more likely to ask questions, seek out additional information, and actively participate in discussions. This engagement helps us to retain information better. 

When helping curiosity grow, it is important to create a learning environment that encourages exploration and questioning. Teachers often provide hands-on activities, encourage discussion and reward curiosity. Students can also cultivate their curiosity by asking questions, exploring topics they are interested in, and seeking out new information. 

Curiosity is a vital component of effective learning. By cultivating curiosity, we can engage with new information, deepen our understanding, and make connections between different concepts. Teachers and students can work together to create a learning environment that encourages exploration and questioning, helping to foster curiosity and enhance the learning experience. 

Technology Makes Learning Fun 

Technology continually revolutionizes the way we learn. With various digital tools and resources available, learning has become more interactive and engaging. These are some ways to learn faster and find more interest in information. 

  1. Take advantage of online courses that offer flexible schedules, interactive features, and peer-to-peer learning. Online courses often let you learn at your own pace from just about anywhere. 
  1. Many educational apps are available that help you learn new skills and concepts. Many of them are free and offer interactive features, such as quizzes, games, and simulations. 
  1. Digital notetaking: Opt for digital tools that allow you to organize your notes, highlight important information, and collaborate with peers. Apps like Evernote and OneNote can make note-taking more efficient and effective. 
  1. Virtual reality can bring learning to life. It allows you to experience simulations and scenarios impossible in the physical world. You can explore the human body, visit historical sites, or even travel to space. 
  1. Join online communities or discussion groups related to your field of study. You can work with peers, share knowledge, and learn from experts in the field. 

Incorporating technology into your learning experience can make it more enjoyable and effective. Experiment with different tools and resources to find what works best for you. 

Be a Continuous Learner 

We are changing and expanding what we know for just about everything on an ever-increasing basis. Now, we even have new tools and helpers, such as AI, to help us learn even faster. Imagine what we will know in the next five years.  

Learning is a continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills throughout one’s lifetime. We acquire knowledge, skills, and competencies that help us grow personally and professionally.  

We do it both formally and informally, and it can take many different forms, from attending classes and workshops to reading books and watching videos online. Here, we want to explore the benefits of lifelong learning and how it can improve your life. 

Lifelong learning helps you stay mentally awake. Studies show engaging in mentally stimulating activities help to keep your brain healthy.  It also reduces your risk of cognitive impairment.  

 Continuous learning helps you stay relevant in the workforce. As technology and industries continue to evolve, it’s important to stay up to date with the latest skills and knowledge. When continuously learning, you can improve your job prospects and increase your earning potential. 

Lifelong learning can help you discover new interests and passions. By trying new things and exploring different subjects, you may find a new hobby or career path that you never considered before. It can also help you become a more well-rounded person and have a greater appreciation for the world around you. 

Lifelong learning is a valuable tool for personal and professional growth.  Take classes, read a book, or watch a documentary. There are many different ways to continue learning throughout your life. 

Delay in Black Friday

I am sorry that I cannot offer my Black Friday Sale. this weekend as planned. Due to an illness I have been fighting for most of November, I am close but not prepared to offer my items at this time. I have been working on the courses for months and will have a sale ready to go by 6 December. 

To make up for my tardiness, I will offer you two sales. The first will be from 6 December to 15 December 2023. The second New Year sale will run from 28 December 2023 to 7 January 2024.The first sale will have items such as: 

Sales Plan for 6 – 15 December 2023 

  • The Make Your Time Work for You Course. 
  • The Happiness Book. 
  • The Employment Action Book. 
  • A 90-Minute Coaching/Discovery call. 
  • If You Want a Job, Clean Your Office Book.  
  • How to Ace the Interview (Phone, Zoom, and live.) 
  • Creative Critical Thinking in Employment Book. 

I am also offering a New Year Sale From 28 December 2023 to 7 January 2024, in which I plan to offer: 

  • My First Happiness course 
  • A 6-week to seek your goal through one-on-one Coaching sessions. 
  • A group coaching course if We can get at least 4 other participants. 
  • The Make Your Time Work for You Course. 

If you would like any other courses or offers, please tell me. If I can do them in time, I will do my best to get them for you. If I cannot, I will prioritize them for the new year. 

Thank You for your support, 

Mike Balof 

Mikeb@reveille.rocks  

Virtual Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is an essential time of year for many families and friends to gather and give thanks for all the good things in their lives. However, with all the illnesses we have going on today, many people celebrate Thanksgiving virtually to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Hosting a virtual Thanksgiving may seem daunting, but you can make it a successful and enjoyable celebration with a few tips and tricks.

Firstly, plan and communicate with your guests. Ensure everyone knows how to join the virtual celebration and when it will start. You can even send out invitations with a link to the virtual meeting. Consider incorporating fun activities like virtual games or a cooking class to keep everyone engaged and entertained.

Secondly, make sure everyone has the necessary technology and equipment to participate. Test the video and audio quality beforehand and ensure everyone knows how to use your chosen virtual platform. Encourage guests to dress up and decorate their space to make it feel more festive and memorable.

Lastly, don’t forget the food! Consider coordinating a meal delivery service or have everyone cook their Thanksgiving meal and share recipes. You can even have a virtual toast to give thanks together.

Hosting a virtual Thanksgiving may be different, but it can still be a meaningful and enjoyable celebration with some planning and creativity. Happy Thanksgiving!

Keep the old saying, “Remember, thou art mortal.”  

We often find ourselves trying to please everyone around us, whether it’s our boss, family, or friends. However, it’s important to remember that self-care and being kind to yourself are as important as anything else on your to-do list.

Taking time to prioritize your well-being positively impacts all aspects of your life. Take a few minutes each day to meditate, walk, or indulge in your favorite hobby. Making time for yourself might reduce your stress and improve your overall mood.

It’s also important to remember that you don’t have to do everything alone. Ask others to help. Many people like being included in preparation or helping out., Aching for assistance can free up some much-needed time for you to focus on yourself.

Being kind to yourself is crucial and prioritizes your well-being. Remember that you are just as important as everyone, and taking care of yourself can positively impact you and those around you. Taking a Break and being good to yourself is something you deserve.

Sharing with others

The holiday season is a time for giving and spreading joy. What better way to do that than donating your time or gifts to local charities in your community? Charities rely on donations to help those in need, and the holiday season is the perfect time to give back.

One way to donate your time is by volunteering at a local charity. Serving food at a homeless shelter or wrapping presents for needy children are great ways to make a difference. Not only will you be helping those in need, but you’ll also be gaining valuable experience and making new connections in your community.

You can also give back by donating gifts to local charities. Many charities run gift drives during the holiday season to provide toys, clothing, and other necessities to those who cannot afford them. By donating gifts, you’re helping bring joy to those in need and improve their holiday season.

Gratitude

In today’s fast-paced world, getting caught up in stress and negativity is easy. However, taking a moment each day to reflect on what and why you are grateful might shift your focus on something better than negative feelings. Thanking others is a simple yet powerful way to grow a positive mindset and improve your well-being.

When we show gratitude, we acknowledge the good in our lives and those who contribute to our happiness. It can help us feel more connected to others and foster community and belonging. It can also help us develop a more optimistic outlook, even in adversity.

To start showing gratitude, try setting aside a few minutes daily to reflect on what you are thankful for. Whether it’s a supportive friend, a delicious meal, or a beautiful sunset, take the time to appreciate the good things in your life. You can also try expressing your gratitude to others by writing a thank-you note, sending a thoughtful text, or simply saying “thank you” in person.

Making gratitude a daily habit can shift your focus away from stress and grow a more positive mindset. So take a moment each day to reflect on what you are grateful for and see how it can improve your life and the lives of those around you.