♥ Daily Infographic (2018) ♥

[MysteRy]

The Best Productivity Apps To Manage Your Time

Be more effective in every part of your day with these 20 apps. That is if you manage not to get sorryed into planning your productivity instead of being productive.

If you’re like most of us, then you’ve probably found yourself at the end of the day wondering where the time went.

Between checking incessant emails, constant interruptions by your coworkers, that call from your family, and the nagging in the back of your head reminding you of the next 20 things to do… well, it’s no surprise we aren’t reaching our fullest potential.

I think that feeling of being genuinely accomplished at the end of a workday should become routine, and not something that happens once in a blue moon. So how can you improve your productivity levels? There are more than a hundred ways to accomplish this, but here are just a few to get you started:

Start with the worst tasks first. Apps like Trello and Google Assistant help you visualize where to start.
Ditch time-sorryers. These are those commitments you agreed to but don’t want to do. Thus you keep postponing them. Use communication apps and time calculators to determine if those commitments are worth the time.  Figure out how to rescue time by tracking your time and seeing where it goes.
Speaking of commitments, learn to say no. If you’re simply too busy to go on that 2-week trip, then say so! If your reasons are valid, no one should have the right to question your decisions.
It’s probably no surprise that most of the popular mobile phone apps in the last 5 years result in more loss of productivity than gains.  Think about it this way though, if you save yourself a few extra hours a day, you’ll have more time to play also!

By Emily

[MysteRy]

How Color Meanings Clash Across Cultures

When you think of anger, what color initially pops up in your mind? How does it make you feel?  What about sadness? What color do you envision?

What color means death or life to you? Your answer may be indicative of the culture to which you belong. While some of us may initially think that the meanings of many colors are universally the same amongst cultures, that’s not always the case.  Colors are actually perceived differently in the UK and most Western countries versus other countries and cultures around the world.

Whereas black means death in many cultures, in some Middle Eastern countries, it actually means rebirth. In some African countries, black means age, maturity, and masculinity. In Western cultures, brides wear white as a sign of purity.  However in many Asian cultures, white represents death and is worn at funerals.  Quite the opposite of what you might expect!   In India white also stands for sadness.

In Latin America, blue represents good health and hope, and in some Middle Eastern countries, it signifies spirituality, safety, and protection. In Japan, pink represents masculinity.

Get this—in Thailand, colors are actually associated with the days of the week. Hmm…I may start implementing color-coded pens into my planner. It’s always good to open your eyes to the perspectives of other cultures, especially if you’re planning on purchasing a gift for your friend who is from a country other than your own. Did any of these color meanings surprise you?

By Janelle

[MysteRy]

The Psychology Behind Gambling

Vegas seems like such a fun vacation… until you put everything on black and it goes the wrong way.  Hindsight is 20/20 and after a poor outcome everyone regrets it. 

If you look at the cold hard numbers, most gamblers lose more often than not.  They are betting against the house after all, which is in business to win a majority of the time.  So why do gamblers keep coming back for more? It’s all about the psychology of gambling, and it ain’t pretty.

The uncertainty of it all makes your body release a rush of adrenaline and dopamine, and when you are rewarded by a win (even a small one), you just want to keep coming back for more.

Casinos and other gambling places know that, and take advantage of it: most games were carefully designed to tap into the psychological and physical rewards of winning.  Not only that, but every inch of a casino –from the carpet to the music and the lights- are built to attract people and make you stay as long as possible. After a win, your brain wants you to keep playing until the next reward: you’re certain you can win, you just don’t know *when*. Exciting!

If you want to dip your toes into casino waters and try to at least play the odds intelligently, you can try your hand at high-skill games. This means forgoing slots and trying poker or blackjack. After all, you can always teach yourself to be a better poker player! If you want to know more about the psychology behind casino games, take a look at today’s infographic.

By Emily

[MysteRy]

Do You Have A Boss Or A Leader?

Take a moment and think over your career thus far. Now think about the managers you worked for.

I’m sure a few supervisors stand out in your mind, whether it be for good reasons or not-so-good ones. Let’s flip the script. Say you own your own business or manage a team at work.  Do you consider yourself a boss or a leader? Today’s infographic shows that a boss and a leader are not the same thing. But, what is it that truly makes a good leader stand out from the pack of bad bosses some folks are so used to?

Whereas a boss drives their employees, a leader coaches them, seeking out teaching opportunities to grow their team. A not-so-good boss obtains respect by inspiring fear and asserting how “big and bad” they are, compared to generating enthusiastic and excitement in others. When it comes to the blame game, good leaders aren’t hesitant to jump in and collectively work on trouble spots, whereas a run-of-the-mill boss would just point the finger. A boss demands that their team members “do this” and “do that,” but a good leader is willing to go on the journey with them.

What do you think? Is a boss and leader the same thing, or do you agree  that they are different? Have you been a bad boss before and developed into a good leader? Or, have one of your bosses made that transformation to leader right before your eyes? 

By Janelle

[MysteRy]

42 Hand Gestures That Will Make You A Better Traveler

Imagine giving someone the finger when you thought you were saying hello. Sounds like an absolute nightmare, right? Anyone who’s tried to learn a foreign language knows how difficult it can be: from pronouns, to verb tenses, to declensions, it’s not a simple skill to pick up. Well, turns out you need to worry about more than what’s coming out of your mouth: hand gestures can vary hugely across the globe, and could be the root of an unexpected faux pas at any moment.

The good news is that with the help of today’s infographic you can master hand gestures from across many different cultures. And while they make take some getting used to, hand gestures can actually be a great form of shorthand (no pun intended.) For example, in Ghana, a simple palm movement can be used in place of the phrase “come here”, and in France, simply touching your face below the eye will be immediately understood as “I don’t believe you.” Ultimately, taking the time to learn hand gestures can go a long way towards making you blend in with the locals- and, most importantly, it can mean the difference between saying hello and deeply offending someone.

By Aden

[MysteRy]

Read This Before You Watch Avengers Infinity War

With some series (whether books, TV, or movies), it’s easy to keep up. You read a new book every few years; you catch up on a TV season around the holidays. But who, besides the most dedicated fans, manages to keep up with every release in the Marvel universe? Chances are, if you’re reading this, you’re not one of those superfans. Maybe you saw Iron Man or Captain America, or the first Avengers film in 2012. It’s hard enough just to keep track of all the romantic relationships in Marvel.  But now, Avengers: Infinity War is out, and you haven’t the slightest clue what’s going on. You’re in luck: this remarkably detailed infographic is here, your personal superhero, and it’s going to save the day.

When I say the level of detail is remarkable, it truly is mind-blowing. You follow the outer circle clockwise to peruse every single Marvel universe film from 2008 onwards, each entry color-coded and containing only the essential details. A few sentences sum up each film, while helpful symbols tell you which characters were introduced and on which planet the film is set. Meanwhile, the inner circle allows you to track each of the Infinity Stones and jogs your memory as to when they first appeared. Best of all, the infographic contains no spoilers for Infinity War, making it the perfect primer to study up before seeing the film.

By Guest

[MysteRy]

11 Ways To Have Meaningful Conversations With Your Partner

We spend most of our lives talking, but are we really communicating? Discover how you can improve your communication skills and have meaningful conversations with your partner.

Communication is the determining factor when it comes to forming human relationships. However, with the rise of smartphones and digital everything, we’ve lost the habit of truly listening and paying attention to the body language of others. Engage in authentic conversations with your partner by following the 11-tips in this infographic.

1. Start by putting down your cell phone and focusing on the discussion.

2. Pay attention to your partner’s body language. Studies show that 55% of how our words are perceived stem from facial expressions.

3. Reflect on what your significant other is saying to show that you’re listening while giving them a natural pause to add to or alter their original statement.

4. Listen to the whole thought without coming up with a rebuttal.

5. Ask questions instead of giving advice. Experts suggest that advice leads to defensive behavior whereas questions demonstrate your genuine concern.

6. Business discussions are great, but social topics help partners develop deeper relationships.

7. Move away from conversations about yourself. If you’re talking longer than 40 seconds about you or something related to you, then you’re dominating the conversation.

8. Encourage personal exploration with open-ended questions.

9. Add value to conversations with less gossip and more deep thoughts.

10. Remember that good conversation habits develop over time, so have patience.

11. Share a story, not just stats.

Most importantly, always remember that the best conversations come from active listeners and thoughtful thinkers. Focus on being present and authentic first and foremost, and the rest will happen over time.

By Emily

[MysteRy]

Why Xiaomi And Innovation Are Shaking Up The Mobile Market

Smartphones have flooded the scene since the popularization of the iPhone.  One of the world’s biggest markets, China, has also produced a significant competitor.  Xiaomi may not be a household name outside of China, but it’s shaken up the mobile market enough for giants to take notice. While Apple and Samsung might still own the majority of the smartphone market in the US, Xiaomi is shaping itself as a significant competitor. After being founded in 2010, the Chinese company became well-known for their sleek-looking android phones –that borrowed some design elements from Apple- for relatively low prices.

What you might not know is that Xiaomi can do way more stuff than only smartphones. In fact, this company manufactures dozens of products from watches to TVs, radios and light bulbs.

Nevertheless, if you’re interested in the iPhone-like smartphones, you might be in for a bit of a surprise. Even though Xiaomi is starting to enter the American market, they still don’t have an official store, not even online. If you want to enjoy the Xiaomi experience in the US, you will have to go the alternative route:

Xiaomi-mi website. This isn’t an official website but rather an importer of their products. They list most of the smartphones Xiaomi makes.
Ebay. Here you can buy new or used Xiaomi smartphones, although you should be careful and read your vendor’s reviews.
Craigslist. You can find real gems but also scammers, so be careful.
As Xiaomi touts its value as the world’s most valuable startup, insiders suggest that the company could go public or possibly purchase the GoPro shortly, so stay tuned for exciting products from the innovative founder, Lei Jun.

By Emily

[MysteRy]

Why Xiaomi And Innovation Are Shaking Up The Mobile Market

Smartphones have flooded the scene since the popularization of the iPhone.  One of the world’s biggest markets, China, has also produced a significant competitor.  Xiaomi may not be a household name outside of China, but it’s shaken up the mobile market enough for giants to take notice. While Apple and Samsung might still own the majority of the smartphone market in the US, Xiaomi is shaping itself as a significant competitor. After being founded in 2010, the Chinese company became well-known for their sleek-looking android phones –that borrowed some design elements from Apple- for relatively low prices.

What you might not know is that Xiaomi can do way more stuff than only smartphones. In fact, this company manufactures dozens of products from watches to TVs, radios and light bulbs.

Nevertheless, if you’re interested in the iPhone-like smartphones, you might be in for a bit of a surprise. Even though Xiaomi is starting to enter the American market, they still don’t have an official store, not even online. If you want to enjoy the Xiaomi experience in the US, you will have to go the alternative route:

Xiaomi-mi website. This isn’t an official website but rather an importer of their products. They list most of the smartphones Xiaomi makes.
Ebay. Here you can buy new or used Xiaomi smartphones, although you should be careful and read your vendor’s reviews.
Craigslist. You can find real gems but also scammers, so be careful.
As Xiaomi touts its value as the world’s most valuable startup, insiders suggest that the company could go public or possibly purchase the GoPro shortly, so stay tuned for exciting products from the innovative founder, Lei Jun.

By Emily

[MysteRy]

Why HIIT Is The Number One Fitness Trend

Workout trends have come and gone, but HIIT-style workouts are still all the rage. Why are they so popular? Here’s all you need to know.

First things first. HIIT stands for High-Intensity Interval Training. HIIT is a cardiovascular workout, organized in intervals of varying intensity and length. In this sense, it’s the same as any cardio workout: it gets your heart rate up and the blood flowing through your veins.

The big thing about HIIT is that it puts to work the anaerobic system. This is a metabolic system that is only used to supply energy in short bouts of intense work, from 10 seconds and up to 2 minutes. In this time, the body uses mainly glucose in the muscles, but no oxygen. Working he anaerobic system allows you to get stronger and faster, enjoy more endurance in runs or walks, as well as increases your metabolism and improves your overall physical performance.

In spite of these benefits and because of its intensity, experts recommend not to do anaerobic training on consecutive days. Your body needs a little time to recover and rebalance because it’s in that time when it makes new muscles and burns a bit more fat. If you’re interested in how to add some HIIT moves to your workout routine, check out today’s infographic.

By Emily

[MysteRy]

How To Choose The Best Blogging Platform

Blogging can be a pretty lucrative business when done right. Here’s everything you need to know to pick the best platform for your needs.

Some blogs make over a million dollars each year in revenue; some make even more than that. A humble blog can bring in 5,000 dollars a month, and that’s not too shabby. As a side income or as a whole entrepreneurship venture, a blog can bring many rewards (both in revenue and in personal growth).

There is enormous revenue potential if you want to dedicate yourself to blogging. A big caveat? There are so many options to choose from!

From picking a niche and topic that both excite you and could be profitable, to figuring out where to host your site, creating content, and even hiring a freelancer or two, blogging can be the start of a fruitful entrepreneurship journey.

Once you have a clear idea of what you want to write about, it’s time to choose the right blogging platform. Browse this list of a dozen blogging platforms, determine your needs, and find which one offers the perfect fit for your website and blogging needs. With an extensive list of pros and cons, you’ll see platforms perfect for newbies and those specific to experienced pros.

By Emily

[MysteRy]

11 Incredible Programming Languages For Beginners

Coding is a lucrative skill for a successful career, but where do you start? Here’s the ultimate checklist to decide which programming language you should learn first.

Learn coding at Udacity for $50 off

A lot of in-demand jobs also require the applicant to know –and probably master- at least one coding language. But where can you start? There are several options, from lesser-known programming languages, like C#, to the big players, like Java.

Did you know that the programming language used for the Kindle was created in 1972? Or that Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify use Python? PhP is the code behind Facebook and WordPress, while Hulu and Groupon use Ruby. Each programming language has pros and cons, so plan your direction and pick one to learn.

If you master a programming language, then you can handle large amounts of data, design websites, or even develop apps.

Learning to code could also be the start of a very successful side business, one that could evolve into a full-time job. The high-demand of programming jobs can open a whole market of offers, and even more opportunities if you consider doing freelance work.

With 11 incredible programming languages to choose from and a rising worker demand, it’s a great time to learn a programming language.

By Emily

[MysteRy]

5 LinkedIn Marketing Strategies (And 2 Crucial Mistakes To Avoid)

Are you getting as much value as possible from your LinkedIn account? Use these LinkedIn marketing strategies to engage prospects and further your career.
Start boosting your career by using LinkedIn to its full potential. If you want prospects, you can’t wait around for them to show up. You must market in the right places. If you manage your LinkedIn marketing strategies properly, then you’ll find people who show an interest in what your company has to offer.

Begin by exploring your opportunities. Advanced search options and reviewing your contact’s connections can reveal potential prospects, making LinkedIn useful for generating B2B leads.

Next, expand your network by sending personalized connection requests to potential prospects and join LinkedIn groups.

Engage your new connections without pitching your product or services. Comment on their status updates, and articles. Share their content when appropriate. This demonstrates you are paying attention to them.

Avoid mentioning anything sales-related too soon. It’s a major turn off when you meet someone new and then realize they are just trying to sell you something. Instead, try to establish genuine relationships. Lastly, use expert positioning to build trust. People buy from those they know, like and trust.

LinkedIn is a social platform perfect for connecting with others in your target market. Focus on the 5 E’s of LinkedIn marketing strategies, but avoid rushing your connections by having a plan in place for moving the conversation offline.

By Janelle

[MysteRy]

Reading Reduces Stress And Helps Prevent Alzheimer’s

Reading doesn’t just teach us new things and provide entertainment. It offers substantial benefits for the mind and body. Benefits extend to children and adults of all ages. The youngest of our population, those who are exposed to reading before preschool, show increased levels of performance in formal education. Whereas, older adults who read are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s. From bedtime rituals to a 68% reduction in stress levels, reading a book keeps a person healthy in many ways.

In one study, participants read 30 pages of a book the night before an MRI scan. The results showed extra activity in the left temporal cortex. That’s the area associated with language. These results demonstrate that the brain is like a muscle. The more you train it, the stronger it gets.  With the convenience of electronic readers this mental gym can be picked up anywhere!

There are other mental health benefits, reducing stress and easing depression. Self-help books offer uplifting content and stimulate relaxation.

Reading about people and fictional characters achieving greatness is inspirational. For example, people who’ve read about characters who assert themselves and ask a boss for a raise are more likely to do the same thing. Even reading novels can improve your memory as your brain works to memorize characters and important plot points.

Combing through a book offers endless possibilities. Find books you’d love to read about.   It could help you maintain a sharp mind into old age and inspire new life choices.

By May

[MysteRy]

Here Is How To Decipher Food Labels

Food labels help us identify what’s in our food, but sometimes the wording can be complicated misleading. Discover how food labels differ and start making smarter choices.  For example, you know Vitamin Water is mainly sugar and water right? It’s well marketed to appeal to anyone looking for a health drink though. It can be difficult to judge what our food contains when we don’t understand the terminology.


In the United States, health claims on food labels help the food industry sell more than 377 billion dollars worth of food each year. This marketing ploy drives sales on both natural and organic products.

Organic foods must contain at least 95% organic ingredients. They can’t be produced with antibiotics, hormones, and pesticides. Although the word natural sounds synonymous with organic, it’s not. The FDA has no official definition for the word natural. This ambiguity makes it difficult to know what exactly constitutes a natural product.

Each of the various food groups, from bread to meat, have their stipulations for food label wording. You’ll see terms like naturally raised or free-range. You’ve probably come across grass fed, cage-free, or no hormones. Each of these phrases means something slightly different. Stay on top of what you’re buying and consuming by examining what your food labels mean..you may even find some bizarre ingredients. Until labels are more transparent, we’ll need to do our research.

By Jerome