Self Awareness – from my mentor

Every Friday I get an email from one of my mentors, Randy Gage. They usually make me think and smile; and I loved this one. Go to his site, he is superb and shares everything. Thanks Randy!

“Here’s my weekly dispatch to you, exploring a subject that I’m thinking about – a subject you may want to think about as well. And what I’m thinking about right now is self-awareness.

It seems to me like billions of people are living in a continuous state where their minds are overstimulated, and their bodies are under stimulated.  They allow their minds to be exposed to constant interruptions from their devices, while their bodies are stationary, with no exercise other than tapping a keyboard or moving their gaze from one screen to another. 

On a much deeper level, we’ve lost touch with our bodies by shutting down, suppressing, or overriding our body wisdom.  We don’t even notice our body electricity or other signals vying for our attention.  We’ve dulled our sensitivities of taste with sugar, sweeteners, and spices.  Most people cannot appreciate the poignant flavor of a simple orange or apple.  We need to Frankenstein together concoctions like apple fritters, apple cobbler, or apple spice muffins to compensate for the metaphorical armor we’ve built around our senses of taste, smell, and feel. 

We suppress both laughter and crying.  How crazy is that?  We do the same thing with dance, rhythmic movement, and even sex.  We start to compartmentalize and schedule these things. 

Kids tap their feet, snap their fingers, and sway reflexively and we demand that they stand still and remain quiet.  Sex twice a week, missionary position with the lights out is a pathetic substitute for feeling, expressing, and releasing the powerful sexual energy coursing through your body. 

What we’re really talking about with all this is an almost total ignorance of what might be the single most important personal quality for enlightenment, harmony, and prosperity…

Self-awareness. 

Because even the qualities which are “nobler,” such as love, kindness, and empathy – can only be accessed and expressed to the degree of your self-awareness.  You must first be aware of and love yourself, before you develop awareness and love for others.

What is the supernatural state of bliss for us?  Is it being one with your body, intricately connected to every pulse, impulse, and movement?  Or is it recognizing that we are not our bodies?  Are we not the doers but the seers – sentient beings with the ability to orchestrate and operate the mass of tissue, bones, and organs surrounding our consciousness? 

Does real sanity come only after you have transcended madness?  Is true relaxation available to us only after we have experienced a peak of tension?  Can we truly appreciate love before we have suffered an irreplaceable loss? 

Can the person born and raised in an idyllic heaven like Hawaii appreciate the beauty surrounding them with the same intensity as someone born in Indiana, experiencing paradise for the first time?  And can either of them experience that beauty without first developing their self-awareness?   

Anyway, that’s what I’m thinking about.  Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what’s on your mind.

Improve SEO – Make Search Friendly URLs

Creating search friendly URLs are important to ensuring the right viewers are directed to a particular site for the information they are seeking. Facilitating this in the simplest way without too many complicated processes is important. Therefore ensuring the URLs are designed to be user friendly is important.

URL’s

Friendly URLs can be the best and quickest way to improve the usability of search friendly sites. However it also entails a lot of fine tuning and corrective exercises to ensure the best results are forthcoming. Ideally the URLs should contain the relevant connective information in a concise manner while still being able to deliver the gist of what the eventual content is going to be about.

Providing useful information as part of the URL would be an advantage as it would ensure the further exploration of the particular site.

In doing so it would also mean that the individual would have to design a URL that is not only informative but also very concise and points to the material content clearly. Although there are several tools available for this exercise – using Apache which is acknowledged to be the easiest system for URLs. There is also Tiny URL and Bit.ly.

The advantage here would be that it comes with its own built in URL rewriting module, mod_rewriter, enabler and working mod_rewriter and is as simple as uploading correctly formatter and named text files.

Friendly URLs should ideally also work well for search engines to ensure that it is picked up by the various detection tools to be featured accordingly. Besides being easy to detect it should also be easy to remember as a whole host of people pass this information through a variety of less than audibly and visually acceptable ways.

This will allow the underlying data base to display information as and when it is needed.

Something I need to do – Create a Site Map

Another tip for improving SEO.

Gaining popularity as a method of convenient navigation through a website, the site map basically facilitates the list of links to HTML files in the web platform.

There is a visual source safe that includes the creation of site map commands on the web menu to simplify the site map creation, however in order to access this tool one would need to have the write access to use the command on call.

Map It

Each time the create site map is called upon, a totally new site map file is created, thus there is a need to save the copy of the particular file to another location where it can be retrieved later.

Photo by Element5 Digital on Pexels.com

The following are some steps to creating a site map: you need to be a bit techie for this…

Using the visual source safe explorer the individual would be able to open a web project to commence the exercise.

When the web menu is clearly visible, the next step would be to click on the create site map icon. In doing so other follow up instructions would have to be completed in order to work further on into the exercise.

Here in the create site map for <specified name> dialog box, one would have to use the “To” box to specify the file that will contain the site map eventually. The other alternative would be to click on the browse to locate the file needed for use.

Then the individual would proceed to select the check in to visual source safe check box and when this has been completed then the ok icon should be clicked upon.

Upon completion of clicking on the ok box the specified file is the created and checked into the data base.

For some there may be a need to further navigate the file and customize it, which can also be done quite easily.

If anyone knows a more convenient method for us less technically minded, please send us in the right direction. Comments and links to other sites would be more than welcome.

SEO – Know How to Use Internal Links

Using tried and true methods to optimize the chances of getting traffic to a site should always be extensively explored. Therefore looking into the possibility of using internal links to enhance interest in a site is definitely worth the effort.

Using Links

Most seasoned internet marketers know only too well the benefits of using internal links, which link one page to another within their site. This facilitates efficient and quick access to information at the site without too many complicated processes.

Below are some points to consider which may assist in understanding the use of internal links:

Internal links are considered to be anchor text that should ideally be created using important keywords. These keywords are what are going to identify as the links between the homepage and the topic page – thus the keywords chosen should have a high connective element or value to the site.

If the words in the internal links correspond with those of the home page then the Google search will place a higher ranking rate, which will then enhance the search result for your potential customers.

Avoid using the term “click here”. Although it effectively informs the viewer of where to go for further information, it would be more enticing to use actual keywords that are connective to the material about to be viewed.

This would definitely increase the possibility of the viewer deciding to venture further into the site, especially if the words chosen are attention grabbing.

Most homepages have the highest ranking status of the site, thus using the links from this area should be done in careful fashion in order not to overuse or underuse this positive element.

These high ranking pages should ideally be linked to other money generating pages such as subscription sign up pages and email newsletter subscriptions.

Image by Mystic Art Design from Pixabay

SEO – Research Keywords and Know Where They Go

For SEO optimization there is nothing worse than using the wrong keywords, keywords that are ambiguous and misleading and keywords that are ineffective. The choice of keywords greatly dictates the traffic flow to the site thus creating the desired SEO ranking.

Research

Keyword research is vital to any search engine optimization campaign and every exercise targeted at the site should take this into account. Potential viewers may not be able to find the individual’s site if the connective keywords are not used.

Also, using keywords that are deemed popular but have no connection to the material featured at the site will also pose problems as the visitors will eventually catch on to the ploy and perhaps take action against the site.

This kind of bad “publicity” is definitely not needed. Targeting the wrong keywords would also put at risk the cost invested into the endeavour, as it would basically mean that the money being used would not produce the desired traffic coming to the site.

This would then render the whole exercise a waste of time, resources and energy. Staying competitive through the use of proper keywords, that are relative to the material, should be the aim of the exercise.

Discarding misconceptions would perhaps be the first way to tackle the keyword research exercise. Most webhost’s make the mistake of having a preconceived idea of what the popular keywords should be that would draw the traffic to the site. This may not happen as imagined, due to the fact that the host is making this assumption or choice based on what he or she perceives the visitor would key into the search. Looking at the keyword search from a wider perspective would be better and more beneficial.

Take a look at this site if you want to know more about keyword research.

Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay

Determine and Monitor Your Search Standings

SEO – more thoughts and ideas.

Business growth is always the ultimate goal in any endeavour undertaken, so we need to consider the elements that are needed to successfully monitor this growth in an efficient manner.

Check In To It

The following are some tips on how this may be effectively achieved:

Through the process of monitoring the search standing, the individual needs to be equipped with the proper understanding of how the SEO efforts work.

One of the recommendations would be to use the MarketingVox to help keep tabs on the search standing, through the page ranking with tools like Alexa and Google tool bar.

Making it a periodic practice to check the referral logs, to track the visitor’s movements within the site and the search terms that are being popularly used to find your site.

Being committed to the process of determining and monitoring the search standings is also something that should be considered in a long term time frame. This is because most of the results and information gathered can only be useful and effective if done for a reasonable amount a time, to ensure that accurate gauging is possible. You should be looking at trends in the data.

When is your site most often visited?

A specific day?

A particular time?

Sites like Facebook monitor this sort of data and it is very useful when placing ads.

Having clearly defined goals will also better facilitate the monitoring exercise as the SEO efforts will be better managed. Using suitable web analytics software would be advised at this stage to create a clearer picture of what is working and what is not.

Monitoring the page yielding traffic is also a metric that determines how well your page at your site is able to drive search engine traffic to it. As a webhost it is a pivotal element to the success of the page, to ensure its visibility to the search engines and to draw new traffic to the site as often as possible.

Search Engine Optimisation – SEO

I want to add a few articles about SEO and how important it is for developing an online presence. One of the methods I have focused on is to produce new posts every day (when possible). I am fortunate in that I have acquired a large amount of PLR ebooks and articles that I can use every day; I have enough on my hard drive to keep me going for years. The problem then is that it gets dated and some of the links no longer work.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Fresh content is one way of optimising and I will add a post on that next week. I find that adding images to my posts also helps with SEO as it makes it different. I am sure there are other people out there blogging with some of the same content, though the chances of them adding the same images is zero. I am working on a short post with links to some of the sites where I have managed to obtain free PLR, though it is a very easy Google search!

So what about some basics?

Trying to get the site optimally listed on Google or other engines should be a priority exercise. This should be part of the growth strategy of any online endeavour that is seeking success.

Literally meant to increase the site’s ranking of the web search conducted by the interested viewer, the SEO is one of the important ways to generate and direct traffic to a particular site. The higher you are on rankings the more chance you have of generating traffic. Simple concept.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The Basics

Monitoring the ranking of the site should be a priority to ensure the current efforts put into the content and choice of keywords to encourage the relevant clicks is the best for the site. Using complimenting platforms such as Marketing Vox will allow you to keep track of the page ranking with tools like Alexa and Google tool bar. All these will keep a regular check on your ranking and provide the feed necessary to facilitate a re-thinking exercise should you need to implement it.

Keywords are like the magnet or the eyes that are going to get the attraction of the SEO thus creating favourable ranking possibilities. The use of the most appropriate keywords will eventually make or break the success of the site’s ranking rate and this is the most important contributing factor from the viewing visitor’s perspective. Inserting the keywords into recognizable spots like the title tag and the page header will help too.

SEO ranking also takes into account the links the site manages to create. The integration of internal links is an easy way to boost traffic to the individual site or page thus creating a recognition element that is important. I really love it when people add comments as that also helps improve ranking. And links to other sites are a big bonus.

How to Be More Grateful for What Freedom You Already Have

There‘s so much emphasis on getting ahead, being successful and striving for change that it can be hard to remember that you already have so much for which to be grateful. Even worse, the constant pushing to change your circumstances can lead to dissatisfaction, and keep you trapped in a cycle of always feeling you’re not good enough.

Free yourself from the shackles of ‘must try harder’ by remembering to stop and appreciate what you’ve already achieved, what blessings you already have in your life. Keep in mind that you are free to be content right now. Here are some tips to help free you from the cycle of discontent.

  • Change your focus

Research has shown that the more you cultivate a habit of gratitude, the better able you are to weather the ups and downs of life. As you perceive life to be positive, you will come to expect more of the same. You can retrain your brain from negative self-talk to greater thankfulness, gratitude, and happiness.

By practicing gratitude, you rewire the neural pathways in your brain so that it becomes your mindset’s default setting. You learn to look for the good in things instead of focusing on the bad.

  • Step away from more stuff

If you’re like most people, you have more than enough possessions. The current mantra is that spending brings happiness, but deep down you probably know that it doesn’t. Sure, buying yourself a new car or outfit makes you feel good at the time, but that spenders high wears off pretty quickly.

Break the habit of buying the next shiny thing and appreciate what you’ve got right now.

  • Develop a mindfulness practice

Mindfulness and meditation can help you focus on the good that’s already in your life. By focusing on the present, you free yourself from that familiar yoyo-ing of brooding over past disappointments and future anxieties.

You can easily integrate mindfulness into your day. Whatever you’re doing, pause and focus on your breath. Ask yourself: what are five things I’m grateful for in my life right now? Your five items can be anything from having a roof over your head to having a job, your partner or your health. Or you can be grateful for a comfortable chair or clean sheets! Chose anything that makes you feel good at that very moment.

Choosing gratitude and contentment doesn’t mean being stagnant or giving up. It means stepping aside from judgment and freeing yourself from the bonds of negativity.

7 Things People Who Believe in Themselves Do Differently

What is about people who believe in themselves? We see it in the way they carry themselves, in the way they converse with others, and in the things they accomplish. Self-belief in action is an amazing thing to see, and something everyone should aspire to.

At the same time, we very quickly become intimidated by this kind of change. It seems like it would be hard to change how you think and feel about yourself. We tend to stall out before we begin because it seems like only ‘special’ people are going to get ‘there.’

But is that true? A closer examination shows us otherwise. In fact, you’ll find people who believe in themselves have a lot of traits in common. Let’s look at some of those now.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

They Know Where to Find Happiness

…and it’s not where you’ve been looking. People with self-belief know true happiness is something that comes from inside, not from how many toys you have or how many digits you have in your checking account.

They’re Really Not Interested in What Everyone Else is Doing

With no judgment and even less interest in comparing themselves to others, people who believe in themselves tend to focus more on what they’re doing. The competition simply doesn’t matter.

They Pick their Battles

When you lack self-belief, you tend to say ‘yes’ to everything. The problem? If you don’t value your time, no one else will either. Learning which things to say ‘yes’ to and more importantly, how to say ‘no,’ shows the world around them their time is worth fighting for.

They Know When to Speak Confidently

There’s no waffling or room for wishy-washy statements in the world of self-belief. Your ‘yes’ means ‘yes.’ You use a phrase like, “I know…” or “I can…” without second-guessing or wondering if they really can follow through with what they’re saying.

They Look for the Challenge

There’s nothing like a little healthy competition with yourself. Self-belief means you know the value of pushing to get to the next level. To a person with this kind of self-belief, life becomes almost like a game to move up by facing a challenge straight-on.

They Know How to Fail

The person with self-belief isn’t afraid to try, which sometimes means not accomplishing what they set out to do. When that happens, they take the lesson learned without making excuses or worrying about how it looks.

They Don’t Need the Spotlight

When you believe in yourself, you don’t need accolades and are quick to point out the accomplishments of others. Most people with strong self-belief are modest. They know their value; they don’t need someone else to underscore it for them.

The amazing thing about all of these traits is just how easy they are to develop in yourself. By taking the time to build habits of self-belief, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you become one of those fantastic people who really believe in themselves.