What is the Ripple Effect: The Phenomenon Known as the Ripple Effect

The phenomenon known as the ripple effect may surprise you. It seems that even the expression ripple effect has rippled over a number of centuries and probably will continue to ripple further, as time goes on. 

The Freedictionary.com refers to ripples as undulations or waves in water or solids, as well as movement in terms of sound waves. As well, there is a comb-like instrument referred to as a ripple.

The expression ripple effect appears later on the horizon as “a gradually spreading effect or influence”, that is applicable to all of us, in one way or another.

Consider the following example of a ripple.

To the man standing beside by a still pond, a quiet peace reigns. The water is undisturbed except for the ripple effect created by a small fish moving about.

Here is another example.

A ripple of muffled laughter resonates around the room, as a speaker makes a comment that only a few comprehend.

The Random House Dictionary suggests the ripple effect implies “a spreading effect or series of consequences caused by a single action or event.”

The Collins English Dictionary expands its meaning further by stating it is “the repercussions of an event or situation experienced far beyond its immediate location.”

Where do we experience the ripple effect in our era?

Taking a modern day example, like a random act of kindness, proves interesting. Because of one act of kindness, many acts of kindness may follow. Each initiates other acts of kindness in a growing response to the initial act.

Using another, modern day example, this time as cyber bullying, helps to put the ripple effect into perspective but this time, it is in an adverse or negative light.

Why is the ripple effect of concern for the future of the world?

When one examines today’s world in the light of the phenomenon of the ripple effect, it becomes apparent that every act, positive or negative, has a potential ripple effect in one way or another. That also implies that there are definite repercussions that may be positive and negative.

Going back to the image of the man beside the pond for a moment, one sees the movement of the fish increasing the oxygenation of the water. This is a good phenomenon.

Using the example of the muffled laughter, it can resonate around the world thereby mocking, destroying and even eradicating acts of kindness.

The ripple when used with flax seed combs out or removes the vestiges of anything that might harm good seed.

Undulations or earth quivers occur after an earthquake. Shock waves resound around the world when there is a phenomenon happening like SOPA or PIPA.

Perhaps what one must suggest that the ripple effect of virtually anything that is negative may go unrecognized. When it is too late to do anything, it acts like a destructive tsunami.

When the ripple effect works in a positive direction, the good that results may spread around the globe. Such is the power of the positive in terms of the good.

Motivational Therapy: The Imp in Impossibility

Who or what is that 'imp'? To be motivated by possibility or to be non-motivated by impossibility are thoughts that can linger in your mind, at one time or another. 

Did you ever wonder if it is the imp in impossibility that makes the difference between being motivated and not being motivated? Figuratively speaking, imp is akin to personifying whatever it is that keeps you from being motivated, when you could or should be.

Motivation entails positive thinking. In other words, when you allow negative thought processes to enter into motivational thought patterns, they change from motivational to non-motivational thoughts.

Imp personified, implies a mischievous character of some sort at work

Thinkexist.com uses the following definition in the personification of the word imp suggesting “a young or inferior devil; a little, malignant spirit; a puny demon; a contemptible evil worker.”

Taking this further and putting the letter p back into possible, what remains are the two letters i and m.

Look at it this way. I...m...possible removes the impossibility from the word possible and brings the word possible home to the first person I and reinforces personal motivation.

Interestingly, in different contexts, the word imp is not in a negative context, at all. Here, the word imp does not have personification either. 

Thinkexist.com suggests imp implies “something added to, or united with another, to lengthen it out or repair it, - as, an addition to a beehive; a feather inserted in a broken wing of a bird; a length of twisted hair in a fishing line.” 

Perhaps you might chuckle when you see the imp in impossibility, realizing that unless you personify the word imp, it could still have a motivational meaning. In other words, you do not necessarily have the word imp as a negative aspect of your thinking process.

Word play is fun and contextually, words can have different meanings. How you tend to interpret them or use them would appear to have an individual perceptual factor. The meaning of words can change over time.

You act on your perceptions, as does everyone else and they vary from person to person.

In another definition of imp there is a personification without the mischievous, negative implications. Note the transition of definition in thinkexist.com to “an offspring; progeny; child; scion”.

Dictionary.com suggests that scion is “a young shoot or twig of a plant, esp. one cut for grafting or rooting, or a descendant of a notable family.”

How you interpret words becomes a matter of choice.

Even with the word scion there is what appears to be a severing of relationship in one context, but a totally viable, as well as positive, familial relationship in the other context.

In other words, you choose whether to become motivated with possibility, or not to be motivated with impossibility, depending upon how you interpret or understand the word imp.  

Have you ever considered the fact that the imp in impossibility might be you?

  

How to Make the Law of Attraction Work For You: Let Your Imagination Work For You

Who or what are you attracted to in our life? If you are attracted to someone or something, with a little bit of ingenuity and a concerted effort on your part, you can make the dynamics inherent in the law of attraction work for you.

Albert Einstein (1879-1955) wrote, “Your imagination is your preview of life's coming attractions.”

The law of attraction is a natural law grounded in the attraction of opposites to each other. For example, consider the concepts of empty and full. What you lack, you instinctively need or desire. Dynamically attracted to it, knowingly or unknowingly, you strive towards it. For example, when your stomach is empty, you seek to fill it with water or food.

That principle works the other way, as well. For example, reverse the concepts of full and empty. You dispose of what you have in excess because it becomes a burden to you. The empty state becomes preferable to the state of fullness. Consider the merit of a void when your mind is too busy to relax.    

To give an example of how the law of attraction works in nature, look at the example of how bees are attracted to nectar and create honey. Bees are an excellent example of the law of the law of attraction because they are inherently industrious and hardworking in terms of their natural work ethics. 

Consider the dynamics of imaging the world or the universe, a century from now. What you can imagine, you can strive to achieve, as you begin to fathom and create what you see in your mind’s eye. You are in a state of emptiness in that regard and seek to fill that void.

You are attracted to what you perceive. For example, if you have a lack of knowledge, you strive towards it because knowledge is a more desirable state. Your mind’s eye sees and comprehends its merit. Knowledge is attractive to you. Lack of knowledge is not.

In terms of inter-personal relationships, you instinctively seek to find love, as to love and be loved appears to be an emotional state preferable to not loving, or not being loved.

The law of attraction causes man to seek and find the wonders of the world, to gaze at the stars with the expectation of finding a better world and even to pray for miracles. It is the law of attraction that intrigues the creative spirit to turn a state of hopelessness into one that radiates hope. 

Let the law of attraction begin to work for you by recognizing its reality in your life and your world. Employ positive and constructive measures to achieve your goals in life and to build relationships that accurately fill and reflect your truths and values.

Set your standards as high as you can possibly imagine and maintain them on that level. Strive towards what you imagine, but always work towards it in a good way, as what is not good is inherently subject to destruction.

Become a thinker, a writer or a builder, because you know that the law of attraction does work and it can work for you. Einstein was correct and saw what few others did, or did not understand.

Can an Employer Fire You Without Telling You Why: Employees Do Have Rights

“You are fired!” As you wend your way homeward, you feel devastated, but suddenly realize your employer did not tell you why. You know that dismissal from any job can affect your entire future, as well as your life in an adverse manner. “Why did your employer fire you?” you wonder.

You see your role on the job as having been exemplary, above the level of an employee reprimand or reproach. Dismissal seems ludicrous, at least to you. You are right. In this instance, it is just that. What adds to the injustice is the reality that you received no warning and your employer did not reveal why dismissal was necessary.

“In some work environments, an employee can be fired quickly with no explanation for supposed dereliction of duty. Other companies may have the policy of submitting warnings prior to dismissal. Certain offenses could merit a suspension from work.”

According to employeegalaxy.net, employees still have rights.

“Even during an investigation into an alleged wrongdoing, the suspected employee has rights. First, the employee has the right to full disclosure of the allegations and any evidence regarding them. Prior to the suspension, the employee should have the ability to know the offense for which they are being accused and have the right to defend themselves in front of their superiors.”

One of the advantages to being an employer, instead of an employee, is that you can fire anyone, at any time, without telling him or her why.

There are times when being fired is an injustice. For instance these may include when employers play the role of dictators, act godlike in some way or are controllers who take pleasure in hurting employees, especially those who are the most vulnerable. That does not make it right or fair much less make it any easier to accept dismissal graciously.

Injustices happen.

Dismissal can be for many reasons that are not employee performance related. At times, dismissal may be the result of sudden, company cutbacks due to financial concerns, loss of employment contracts, union issues or other company concerns.

Regardless of the reason, dismissal can come as a shock and be difficult to comprehend or understand. For example, a company accepts a new union contract, stipulating the sole reason for dismissal is based upon seniority, which results in the firing of three, young, professional women. They all appear to be highly specialized, well-motivated, aspiring, proactive employees with excellent work ethics and unlimited potential.

Three, older women recently fired, take over their positions immediately. One of the older women is a known alcoholic, the second an elderly woman was caught sleeping on the job and the third is an older, former dress store owner, a flashy dresser and a veritable fashion plate who dresses inappropriately for her job.    

The three young women, not given any explanation, receive a dismissal letter and an apology from the employer, but no explanation other than lack of seniority. To them, this does not appear to be a just cause for dismissal. It is not. A professional, management team member resigns his position because of the employment dismissal injustice. His resignation is accepted.

Because this is a union contract, originally drawn up in an attempt to protect senior workers, there is no feasible route of appeal for the young women. Is legal action the appropriate route for them to take?

Interestingly, in this particular scenario, it is several months later that the young professional women learn the reason for their dismissal ie. a seniority clause. By the end of the union contract, the three elderly women are no longer with the company.

The new union contract, now revised, does not allow employment injustice of this kind.       

Perhaps the major injustice in this case, lies in the inappropriate communication in the initial, employer-employee relationship.

One must suggest that in any similar situation, employees’ right to know or to be informed is vital. Letters of reference may help the dismissed employees, but having to explain to another potential employer, the reason for dismissal without a proper explanation may not appear credible.

“No one fires employees based on seniority alone,” says a potential employer. “Who are you trying to kid?”

Life happens and yes, an employer can fire you without telling you why, but should not do so, particularly in this era.

Wrongful dismissal litigation can be expensive and may not be worth pursuing, in some situations. On the other hand, personal entitlement to lost income may be worth pursuing. Seeking advice for an unemployment office is advisable in terms of wrongful dismissal.

Critical Thinking Skills and How They Can Be Learned: Understanding the Building Blocks of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking skills come naturally to some people, but not to every student. Often learning critical thinking skills is necessary in order to succeed academically. How does one learn them?

First, what are the benefits of learning critical thinking skills? Why are they so important?

“Critical thinking skills enable people to evaluate, compare, analyse, critique and synthesize information.”

In the academic world, as well as the rest of the world, there are numerous critical thinkers, but many of them appear to have closed minds. They are seldom open to new thoughts, ideas or theories. In fact, many students, as well as others, believe critical thinking implies only adverse or negative criticism. Some feel that they know everything and it is all in a negative critical light. Theirs is the final word, on whatever.

The reason a student needs to learn critical thinking skills has to do with a transition of his or her attitude towards more appropriate, critical thinking. In other words, a change in attitude may be necessary for a student to be open to learn other things. Learning new, critical thinking skills is vital in order to get beyond the basic apprehension, fears and antagonistic, pessimistic negativity that is part of a closed mind set.

Critical thinking requires ongoing, proactive, well-motivated thought processes that lead towards the discovery of truth and reality.     

“Critical thinking is based upon reflective thinking that is focused on interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating information, arguments and experiences with a set of reflective attitudes, skills and abilities to guide thoughts, beliefs and actions.” (Ruggiero, 1989) 

How to learn critical thinking skills may differ from one person to another. For some, critical thinking comes easily. It is as if there is immediate openness, understanding and understanding with respect to new thoughts and ideas.  

For example, a new theory in a science course totally refutes a previous one. One student understands the theory and accepts it, while the rest of the class demonstrates a pessimistic attitude. To them, it is impossible.  

The student demonstrating true, critical thinking skills has spent time reflecting upon the new theory. He or she has interpreted it initially in accordance with his or her analysis of previous data. This appears to refute the new theory, but he or she suggests that there seems to be a missing link.

Further research carried out on the Internet, using current information, leads the student to suspect that the original theory is incorrect. The student’s final analysis and evaluation reveals not only the likelihood of the validity of the new theory, but confirms it, beyond the shadow of a doubt.           

Note that the most important aspects of critical thinking involve reflection, research, analysis and evaluation. Initially, there may be a questionable building block rendering the entire theory suspect. When subjected to inquiry, it may be proven or dis-proven.

Perhaps the key to true critical thinking lies in a student’s ability to question. Finding a suitable question may lead to an appropriate solution to the critical thinking dilemma. Students with questions seek answers and often find them, much to the amazement of other, negative critical thinkers.

How to Switch the Polarity of Your Thoughts: Increasing the Love, Laughter and Light in your Life

Do you know how to switch the polarity of your thoughts? It is possible to do so with a consistent, concerted effort on your part. Switching the polarity of your thoughts is something you can learn to do, but you may not be aware of the advantages of doing that with respect to how you think. It is possible to increase the love, laughter and light in your life.      

What is polarity of thought?

Dictionary.com suggests that polarity with respect to thinking is “the state of having or expressing two directly opposite tendencies, opinions, etc.”  In other words, your thought processes can demonstrate polar opposites of words, phrases and sentences that are positive or negative in character.

Each person has an innate ability to think in terms of the positive or negative. This is a good thing, as it allows discernment, differentiation and decision-making in accordance with value judgments that in turn can affect words, deeds or behavior.

For example, a truck parks behind a parked car. Immediately, a negative thought may result in an adverse response that in turn, triggers an outburst of anger. “That man is blocking my car.” A more positive thought based on observation might be, “The man in the truck parked behind my car is unloading his furniture." Taking it further, a more positive thought might be “He will move his truck in a moment.” 

Becoming proactive, he decides, “I must go and meet my new neighbor.”

Switching polarity of thoughts from negative to positive appears to be easy for some, but not necessarily for everyone. To a large degree, it entails making a personal choice in terms of thought processes. Switching polarity of thinking is an important factor in mental health.     

Many different, conditioned responses repeatedly surface in human thought processes. Some of them demonstrate distinct and dramatic polarity of thought. In other words, a few may be very positive while others are exactly the opposite, extremely negative. Then, there are neutral thoughts that are not positive or negative. Neutral thoughts do not usually cause problems, nor do the positive ones. Extremely negative thoughts based upon fear can result in outward expression of paranoia, or outbursts of anger.

Discovering a new way to think is a challenge that you can take on personally. Simply begin to think about something specific and then consider the number of other, different and possibly better ways you can think about it. There are no limits.

If you are prone to think negative thoughts consistently, it may be part of your upbringing. Perhaps it has to do with the perception of your parents, grandparents and others. You do not have to think that way.

Challenge yourself everyday to think strong, positive, constructive and highly motivational thoughts, instead of the kinds of thoughts that tend to be mentally and emotionally debilitating, disturbing or destructive.  

Switching polarity of thought is like turning a light switch on or off. Remember that there is a time and place for negative thoughts, but transitioning them into powerful positive thoughts can bring so much more love, laughter and light into your life.     

Symptoms of Social Networking Addiction: Is Your Teenager Addicted to Social Networking?

Do you have a teenager who spends every possible moment of his or her day on a social network? Are you having serious problems communicating with him or her? Perhaps he or she is excluding family and friends. Is your teenager acting secretive, fighting or screaming at everyone?

Does your teenager walk away from everything, even homework or other things that are extremely important and hide in his or her room with a computer or smart phone? Perhaps the problem has become such that you cannot converse without having an argument or winding up with him or her in a veil of tears. Are you wringing your hands and reduced to tears, as well?     

Your teenager may be addicted to social networking.

The socialmediaexaminer.com asks, “Are you addicted to Facebook or Twitter? As social media continues to grow, details are starting to surface about people’s behaviors and consumption of information in the social space.”

Communication with others is normally a good thing. Knowing how to use a social networking device and social networking site properly appear appropriate, as well as effective. This type of communication seems almost vital to human inter-action and survival in our era, but the tendency towards social network addiction is growing. That may not be a good thing.  

Much like teenage problems related to the introduction of the telephone years ago, teenage addiction to social networking creates friction between teenagers and parents. Do you recall arguing with your parents about how much time you could spend on the telephone? The advent of the computer resulted in the same kinds of problems; so did the introduction of cell phones.        

Who would have thought that grandparents, parents, teens, children and others would now become addicted to social networking?

Maybe you are a person who is hooked on social networking, too.

Try walking away from your smart phone and social network system for a few days and see if you feel a sense of loss, miss the contact with others or have social network cravings. Do you feel lost and lonely, frustrated or angry, when you do not have access to your social media website or smart phone? How do you feel when your Internet connection goes down and you cannot do social networking that day? Are you totally devastated when you cannot access family or friends on your social network?  

Does panic set it?

Perhaps you are like many others. You have grown accustomed to being able to communicate electronically with your friends and family, at any time, from almost any place. You have access to an exciting new tool and you are becoming addicted to using it.

The bottom line becomes that of still being able to function without it. Are you addicted to social networking?   

Globally, social network addiction is a growing problem. For almost anyone, there is a tremendous degree of fascination with social networking because it works. It is relatively new and unique. The cost of social networking is relatively low and it is affordable.

Even children quickly become addicted to social networking. Parents, in an effort to teach their children everything they possibly can, open the new horizons of possibility for them, not realizing that without setting some limitations, social networking may become a priority to them. Social networking becomes the new fix, the high of the day and the topic of conversation.

One might ask how communication devices like smart phones or a computer-based system like social networking could affect communication so adversely.

Identifying the symptoms and being aware of social networking addiction can help resolve the communication problem and restore peace in your home. Remember that computers and smart phones are only tools. How they are used is important. Social networking etiquette is vital.

The Moral Obligations of an Unethical Society: Moral Obligations of an Ethical Society

What does it mean to have moral obligations? An unethical society would likely mock or ridicule the suggestion of morals, morality or moral obligations. Thus, it may appear that in an unethical society there are no moral obligations, but that is not entirely true.

Dictionary.com suggests, “Morals are pertaining to, or concerned with the principles or rules of right conduct or the distinction between right and wrong; ethical: moral attitudes.”

What are ethics?

Dictionary.com suggests ethics refers to “a system of moral principles: the ethics of a culture” or “the rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group, culture, etc.”

Ethical codes of conduct are guidelines or rules that govern a society based upon its degree of moral standards. To clarify this further, what does it mean to have an unethical society? When there is no observation of moral codes, a society becomes unethical in its conduct.

Unwritten ethical codes and ethical conduct are part of every society, even in what appears to be unethical societies. If that were not so, human beings could not or would not survive. There are many unwritten moral standards, as well as ethical principles, standards and rules in every society.

Moral codes lay the foundation for ethical conduct that ensures the continuance of life. Adhering to these codes and kind of conduct is something carried out knowingly or unknowingly by those in every society, including unethical societies. One example is that of parents feeding their children. Every society, even an unethical one, seeks to feed its children.   

Consider some other examples.

Look at the word, love. If there were no love, there would be no spousal or familial, inter-personal relationships. Procreation would be less likely other than in terms of violence. Even in what appears to be an unethical society, love exists in a diversity, complexity and multiplicity of expression. For example, husbands love their wives and protect them. Mothers love their children and nurture them. Siblings love each other and look out for one another. Unfortunately, that is not true in every case.  

As unethical as some societies may appear in remote parts of the world, there are societal, moral obligations. 

Parents have the moral obligation to protect their families from nature’s wrath or wild animals. How they choose to do that may not bear the label of moral. These kinds of moral ties and relationships exist whether comprehended as morals, or not.

Taking it further, even in what appears to be an unethical society without morals as the civilized world understands them, there can be a concept of the divine, comprehended in terms of some sort of legalism or law. For example, animism triggers the worship of the divine in rocks. This kind of worship becomes the foundation of the moral acts and sacrificial rituals that unethical societies adhere to, knowingly or unknowingly. Naturism encourages the worship of nature and natural law takes precedence in terms of ethical foundations. Certain animals like cows may be worshiped, as well as protected. Punishment is inevitable when the trust is broken.

Modern day warfare demands moral aspects, even in unethical societies. For example, men and women who are engaged in battle protect each other and their communities. Unwritten moral rules of war may lead to the protection of women and children, rather than slaughtering them en masse.        

Even in modern day, supposed civilized societies, there are violations of moral and ethical codes, including bullying and abuse that takes many different forms, causing those who understand moral codes and ethical conduct to wonder whether civilization is unethical to some extent, in every age.

Note that there are higher morals and ethical codes not evident in unethical societies, but every unethical society has some degree of morals, as well as ethical codes.

Options For Parents With an Out-of Control Teen: Why is He or She Out of Control?

Parents with an out-of-control teen do have viable options as he or she is usually out-of-control for a reason. Understanding the reason for his or her radical or unusual behavior is often the key to solving the problem.

Effective communication with an out-of-control teen is important. Caution may necessary because communication can make or break the parent-teen relationship temporarily or permanently.

The article “Coping with troubled teenagers” makes a powerful statement.

“Teens are often prone to rebellious behavior because they want to establish ownership over their own lives.”

Rebellion can be evident in many ways, including varying degrees of out-of-control behavior. Understanding or explaining what is happening with a teen may be difficult for some parents.

Consider some of the following reasons for out-of-control behavior

Is this normal teenage behavior for him or her?

Note that it is normal for a teenager to assert his or her independence, like a bird trying to fly out of its nest. This does not happen at the same time with each teen.

Part of the problem is that the parents may not see the teen as being ready to leave home. Parents love their teens and feel a sense of obligation to protect and shelter them, as long as possible. At the same time, the out-of-control teen behavior may be a legitimate mode of expression by a teen trying to gain his or her independence. There may be conflict because parents do not want to go through the empty nest syndrome.

What is really happening in the life of the out-of-control teen?

Parents do not always know or understand what is going on daily, in the lives of their teenagers. Are there unreasonable expectations or demands placed on him or her during a time of heavy stress, like exam time? Are there recent family events that may have triggered an adverse, emotional response in the out-of-control teen, like the threat of a pending marital breakup? Has the teenager recently suffered a break-up with another teen? Are there gender related issues? Are there financial concerns?         

What is the out-of-control teen really stating?

The reason for a teen’s our-of-control behavior may be evident in what he or she states. It is often difficult to talk to a teen, at the time he or she is demonstrating radical out-of-control behavior. Time out may help the teen and parents to simmer down. 

With the use of good listening skills, parents can talk to their out-of-control teen in a reasonable manner and attempt to resolve pertinent, parent-teen issues together. At times, it may be easier for a teen to talk to someone else like older siblings or other family members. It may be necessary to involve a school, college or university coach or guidance counselor.

Is the out-of-control behavior typical behavior for this teen?

Parents do not always identify, recognize or know how to deal with what is happening with their out-of-control teen. They may not understand that this is his or her typical mode or pattern of behavior in terms of dealing with problems, issues and concerns. It may be the same way that he or she has always handled problems. For example, a teen is arguing, fighting, throwing temper tantrums, etc. Parents need to ask themselves if they try to resolve their own problems in the same way. An out-of-control teen may simply be following examples set by parents, siblings, teachers or peers.

Should these parents and their out-of-control teen seek medical advice or intervention?

Seeking medical advice or intervention for, or with, your out-of-control teen, may be indicated when it appears there is no possibility of effective resolution. An out-of-control teen may be trying to cope with hormonal changes or dealing with unexpected peer pressure. There may be medical problems that need to be resolved. 

If there is evidence of alcohol or substance abuse with denial of the same, intervention as soon as possible, is important because the out-of-control teen may be suffering depression or be suicidal. Police intervention may help to resolve serious problems like stealing, destruction of property, etc. 

Most parents know their teenagers well and recognize when their teens are out-of control. Staying calm and letting the teens know that their parents are on their side regardless is important. Parents want what is best for their teens and teens do not want alienation from parents, so parents need to choose their options carefully. Note that teens do have to follow appropriate parental guidelines or risk being thrown out of the bird’s nest.         

Five Spring Tips For a Beautiful Summer Yard: Secrets to Beautifying Your Garden

Even the tiniest yard can become beautiful, if steps are taken in the spring to enhance its beauty for the summer. Spring is full of life and energy, the time for new growth.

Areas in your yard that become problematic during the summer months, begin to become evident in the early spring. That is the best time to initiate necessary changes or to begin to make improvements that will beautify your yard. In other words, do not wait until the summer months to carry out a summer, yard beautification project. Professional and non-professional landscapers alike can transform their spring-summer yards almost overnight with planning and effort.

Consider the following five spring steps for a beautiful summer yard.

Clean up the yard removing anything potentially detracting from the beauty of your summer yard.

At times, a radical cleanup of your yard is a good idea, as removing broken sidewalks or patio stones, old fences, etc. will help to beautify your yard, immediately. Give your yard a serious manicure by removing old growth on trees, bushes and shrubs. This will give you more space and make your yard appear larger. It will allow more sunshine, which in turn will enhance new growth in the future. As you remove what you do not need or want make certain that everything is disposed of immediately, as you do not want to create another eye sore.

Consider possible, new landscaping projects to enhance the beauty of your summer yard.

Visit a garden center for new ideas for summer beautification of your yard. Plan your new landscape beautification projects carefully, knowing you will have to work around them throughout the summer, when you are cutting your grass, weeding your flowerbeds, etc. Effective landscaping should simplify your summer yard work and add to the beauty of your yard in the summer. 

Alohalandscapeanddesign.com offers a wonderful collection of unique ideas for anyone interested in yard beautification projects, such as fencing, rockery, ponds, patio decks, lighting, etc.

Upgrade your lawn as necessary.

By filling in poorly drained or low-lying areas, eliminating weeds, spreading fertilizing, etc. you can improve your summer lawn. For example, you may have patches of wet, unsightly sod. Remove them. As necessary, add fresh topsoil, new grass seed or sod. With plenty of fertilizer and water, new grass grows quickly, but may require extra watering in the summer. Purchase a weed eater to trim the edges of your lawn more easily.       

Improve your flowerbeds.

Dig up old flowerbeds and at the same time, dry and save precious bulbs that you may wish to replant in the autumn. Remove shoots of quack grass or obnoxious weeds that can make your summer garden a lot of work. Divide flowering plants and then add new soil, mulch and fertilizer when you replant them. Save large stones to create a rock garden. Ask yourself how much work you will want to do in your yard in the summer. Rock gardens do not usually entail a lot of maintenance. Do you want to include a vegetable garden, as well? If so, you should begin to plan carefully for that, too.        

Create a new summer play or enjoyment area.

You, as well as others, will enjoy your new patio area with trees, shrubs, or bushes planted in the spring. Adding ones that are color synchronized and varying in height, will help to enhance the beauty of your yard throughout the summer months. Remember that spacing is always important. Not everything grows at the same rate or blossoms, at the same time. You may use stones, mulch or bark chips around your new plants, trees and shrubs to cut down the work that you will have to do.

Creativity is the key to beautification. You may just have a creative genius in you, when it comes to spring planning for a beautiful summer yard.             

Why is it Better to be a Leader Than a Follower in Business: Advantages to Leadership in Business

Leadership in business has distinct advantages with exciting, new and unique challenges for potential business leaders. Followers do not necessarily recognize or comprehend these kinds of advantages. Looking at the nature of business leaders, it becomes apparent that for them, being or becoming business leaders is a better choice than being followers.

Barbara Kellerman in her article, “What Every Leader Needs to Know About Followers” suggests that “There is no leader without at least one follower.”

Consider the following aspects of being leaders in business, rather than followers.

Authority:

Leaders in business thrive on assuming authority, while followers avoid having to do so. Being obligated to assume any degree of responsibility, followers may feel apprehensive or frightened. Leaders enjoy being in control of their businesses, as well as taking command of different situations, while followers do not. Leaders are usually effective business managers, while followers are not.

Contentment:

Leaders in business, because of their dominant personality traits, are much better suited for the role of leadership than those who choose to follow them. They are people who like and enjoy interaction with those who follow them because they are drawn to the charisma of the leader, in some way. For true business leaders, leadership is their only option and they are not truly happy or content in any other role. Being a follower is often frustrating, as it forces them to go in a different direction. Followers, simply follow others.  

Vision:

Leaders in business have a distinct vision for the future, not usually evident in followers. Explaining a business vision to a follower, does not guarantee he or she will comprehend its meaning or significance, much less be able to effect the business transitions that will bring it into being, in the future.  

Personal qualities:

The leadership qualities of being positive and constructive, proactive and motivated are often evident in business leaders, but less so in their followers. These leadership qualities tend to keep them a step ahead of their followers.   

Opportunity:

Leaders in business know when to seize a moment of opportunity and act upon it. Followers wait for leaders to take incentive. Then, they may choose to follow or not follow the potential leader, depending upon their ability to comprehend the opportunity and their personal desire to participate in it.

Strategic planning:

Leaders in business understand strategic, financial business planning and know how to initiate it, or how to find someone like an accountant to assist them. This may be with or without the assistance of their followers. At times, a potential leader may choose to seek further education or training in order to fulfill the role of leadership. A follower may be unhappy if obligated to do so.        

Responsibility:

Leaders in business seek the challenge of responsibility, whereas followers prefer to delegate it to others. Business leaders have energy and broad shoulders that carry the weight of their businesses. Followers do not necessarily want any degree of responsibility and may even shirk it.  

Rewards:

Perhaps the best reason for being a leader in business, rather than being a follower is that there is a multiplicity of financial rewards and benefits, a typical follower will not be aware of, desire or receive. These include financial freedom and independence. For example, business leaders are free to travel and enjoy the excitement of new horizons. Being able to make their own decisions, there are also major benefits for their families in terms of where and how they live.       

Respectability:

Leadership in business includes a degree of respectability in the community and business world, coupled with success, as long as the business leaders maintain a moral, ethical and legal approach to business. Their desire for respectability combined with success is one of the primary motivators for becoming business leaders, rather than followers.

Becoming a business leader or a follower is a personal choice. Being a business leader is worth investigating further for anyone who is creative and ambitious, as well as business oriented with respect to a vision of some kind.