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Introduction

We go through life doing our best to reach our dreams and our goals. We think that once we’ve achieved success, we’ll finally be happy and at peace with the world. This may be true. However, the simple fact is that not everyone’s going to end up successful. Only a small minority will reach the pinnacle of wealth and power. Most of us are going to get stuck living mediocre lives.

So, the question is, does that mean only a small percentage of people are going to live happy lives? Are the rich, powerful and successful the only ones with the right to be happy?

The answer is, fortunately, no. You need neither money nor power to have a happy and fulfilling life. After all, happiness is a state of mind.

You can have all the money in the world and still be unhappy. On the other side of the coin, you can have no worldly possessions but still live a very happy life.

In this in-depth guide on happiness, you’re going to learn that your happiness isn’t dependent on money, career, or status in life. It starts with you.

Chapter 1: The Road To Happiness

“The most simple things can bring the most happiness.” -Izabella Scorupco We all have different definitions of happiness. What might make you happy may not be a source of happiness for other people. What others call their source of joy and fulfillment, may be a source of disdain for you.

For instance, many may say their happiness comes from their families and their good health. For others, it might be their jobs and their careers. For some, it’s their wealth and their social standing in the community. For more than a few people, tasty food and drinks light them up like no other. And the list goes on.

With that said, researchers have long debated on a single definition of happiness. This is because there are far too many factors that affect and contribute to a person's happiness. The consensus, however, is that “happiness is the state of being happy.”

I know this definition still seems a bit vague, but the point is that happiness is a mental state that reflects the range of emotions you encounter on a daily basis. It defines how you view your life, that is, whether you’re satisfied or unsatisfied with your quality of life. If you’re dissatisfied, then obviously, it means you’re not happy. However, if you are, then good for you!

Now the thing is, just because someone’s happy doesn’t mean they’re going to be immune to negative emotions. Nothing can be further from the truth. Happy people still encounter trials and challenges, but they deal with these differently than unhappy people would. This is what sets them apart from the rest of the population.

Happy people aren’t deterred easily. They’re less susceptible to negative emotions. They don’t allow others to walk all over them. Their happiness is contagious, and people naturally gravitate towards them. You’d know a genuinely happy person when you meet them. They can literally light up a room just by being in it.

No matter what your personal definition of happiness is, this simple truth remains: we can all use some more happiness in our lives. The world will be a much better place to live in if everyone on this planet radiates happiness.

Chapter 2: Figure Out Why You’re Unhappy

“Unhappiness is not knowing what we want and killing ourselves to get it.” - Don Herold

When you’re constantly feeling the blues and you can’t remember the last time you’ve felt happy and free, then you need to figure out why as soon as possible. Getting stuck in an unhappy state is obviously not ideal for any sane person as unhappiness can quickly spiral into depression. Hopefully, it isn’t too late. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to figure out what’s causing your unhappiness.

Are you doing what you want to be doing?

Ask yourself this very important question. If you answer “no,” then what are you doing about it? Are you taking any steps towards the job or career you want? Or, do you feel like you’re trapped in a day job you don’t particularly like, but you stay in it because it pays the bills?

For many people, this is a common dilemma. They know they’re not happy with their current jobs, but they stay in it year in and year out. They may not like it, but they feel like they have no other choice. Over a period of time, their day jobs become their comfort zone. They become afraid of pursuing their passions. If you’re one of them, then you need to figure out how you can free yourself to pursue your interests and your passions in life.

In the beginning, you probably didn’t have a lot of say in the matter. Your parents probably didn’t support your dream to become a musician or a professional athlete or an artist. They’ve probably heard horror stories of people who pursued their passions and ended up hungry and homeless. Since you’re too afraid to disobey your parents, you do their bidding and work at a job you dislike.

If this story sounds familiar, or if you’re still trapped in this position, then it’s time to do something about it. Can you not find a way to pursue your passion? What steps are you taking to free yourself of this trap? Your answers will hopefully help you see the light, so you can finally start pursuing the career that will make you happy. Are your thoughts making you unhappy?

You have a say about what goes on in your mind, that is, you have a choice about the kind of thoughts you allow to run through your head. You can choose to think positively, or you can choose the opposite. If you choose the latter, then obviously, it’s going to make you unhappy.

Of course, you can easily tell yourself to stop thinking negative thoughts. But this is easier said than done. We can bump our heads all we want, and the negative thoughts will still continue in the background. This is literally why some people go crazy. They hear voices, and they can’t stop listening to it no matter what they do.

Visualization plays a vital role in overcoming negative thoughts. But it’s also important to be self-aware and to pay attention to your thoughts.

Here’s a trick you can try right now: Every time you catch yourself thinking negatively, tell yourself to stop. Take a deep breath and imagine your whole body’s coated in oil and the negativity’s sliding off of you. With the negativity banished from your mind, you can then let your positive thoughts take over.

Are you aiming for perfection?

There are lots of things you can be aiming for – perfection isn’t one of them. Why? Because when you set perfection as your ultimate goal, you’re inevitably setting yourself up for failure. Not just any failure, but a catastrophic one at that, especially if you give it your all.

Instead of perfection, aim for something more realistic, like excellence, for instance. It’s still higher up on the achievement scale, but at least, it’s more attainable. Not a single one of us is perfect, so why aim for perfection?

Perfection is, to put it bluntly, overrated. When you aim for perfection, you set a bar so high that when you make a single, tiny mistake, it can cause everything you’ve worked so hard for to crumble.

When you aim for excellence, however, you give yourself a fighting chance to succeed. You’re not going to be scared to go out there and make a fool of yourself because you know your chances of making it are good. You use your mistakes and your failures as learning experiences.

And the other benefit of aiming for excellence? You’ve always got some more room to grow! You can be the best performer at work, in school, or your sport, and still have the opportunity to do an even better job next time.

Once you’ve figured out why you’re unhappy, you’ll be able to move forward and finally be on the path to creating happiness in your life.

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Introduction

Who doesn’t want to be more motivated in life so we can accomplish everything that we want while still having the fire burning inside of us? This is usually easier said than done.

Finding your motivation is sometimes like trying to find an elusive unicorn, one that everyone is trying to get a hold of and only a few of the fortunate ones are able to accomplish this. However, this doesn't have to be the case.

Motivation is like a muscle, and it can be cultivated and pushed to grow and become much stronger with just a few simple applications and a few minor changes in your life. With the right positive changes in your lifestyle, you will benefit on many different levels, including psychological and physical, along with other areas of your life.

Just by making better choices for yourself, you are going to reap the benefits. This isn’t going to be easy. In fact, it is going to take hard work, and you will need to know what it is you’re doing.

By the end of this book, you will have a clear road full of obvious choices that you will be able to take for yourself when it comes to being the motivated and motivating person that you want to be.

Whether you are trying to get the most out of your time, inspire those around you, or lead your company to success, these tips will give you the motivation you need to succeed.

Chapter 1 – What is Motivation?

Motivation is the force that guides you to do what you do. It is the reason behind all of your actions. What you think, do, say, and act on is all inspired and originated from somewhere. Have you ever taken the time to ponder over the source of all that you do?

It isn’t just the actions, but also the repetitions of your actions that are driven by motivation. When you are motivated enough, you are able to accomplish your goals and achieve everything you’ve set out to do.

The word motivation is a derivative of the word ‘motive.’ Motive can best be described as the real reason behind everyone’s actions. It shouldn’t be confused with its cousin ‘intention,’ which is an entirely different concept. Here is an example to help you understand the differences between motive and intention.

Justin, who is in his thirties, and who has two kids to feed and a household to manage finds himself unemployed. Desperate, he turns to stealing from others. One day he crosses paths with a wealthy businessperson who is holding a large amount of money in this wallet. Seeing his chance, Justin takes out a knife and darts toward the man.

In the above situation, Justin intends to point a knife at the wealthy businessman and steal his money. However, Justin's motivation is to feed his starving children. Motivation is a bigger set than intention. It is the real reason behind all of our actions.

Therefore, in the above example, motivation can be roughly defined as the actual reason or push that made Justin take action and think what he thinks. We can conclude that motivation is a large version of intention that goes beyond our immediate wants or desires.

The origin of motivation has two theories, the Natural vs. Rational theory and the Content vs. Process theory. Let’s take some time to explore both to get a better understanding of what each says on the matter.

Natural vs. Rational Theories

Nature has given man excellent survival instincts. Because of this, whatever actions we take, whether consciously or otherwise, are ultimately aimed at helping us to survive, or also known as ‘making the evolutionary cut.’

On the other hand, through observation, skills, and experience, we have achieved the power of rational thinking and being able to make good decisions. These powers of the mind are not distributed equally among the population. Not everyone has the same footing when it comes to possessing rational-centric powers.

Advocates of each theory argue that it is their claim that wins over the other. Nature, while providing us with our survival instincts extended its application to getting motivated. One's motivations are derived from one's instinct to survive.

On the other hand, the rational theory advocates claim that everyone has their own set of skills depending on how much they have worked toward it. Motivation in such a scenario is derived from one's experiences and talents.

INTRODUCTION

You went to school and got your degree. You’ve spent years honing your skills and building a career. Now, you’re a mother and your priorities are shifting in a very big way. Still, thanks to today’s economic climate, your need to earn money remains.

Can you have it all? Can you be a full-time mother and still have a lucrative, rewarding career?

The answer is yes, if you learn how to bring balance into your life. One of the easier ways to have it all and enjoy a sense of balance is to strike out on your own and become a work-at-home mom. With your professional background, years of experience and determination, you can make it happen.

Shifting from working in the field or at an office to working at home is a big step, however. Before diving in to the prospect, it’s a very good idea to take stock in your chances to flourish at home. For some people, shining as a mom and excelling in the workplace requires a little separation. For others, the work-at-home gig suits them perfectly.

Once you decide if working at home is right for you, there will be much more to do. The next step you’ll need to take is to determine just what your prospects are and how to overcome some of the obstacles that will invariably stand in your way. Don’t worry; you can jump the hurdles with relative ease if you truly want to.

There are a variety of career opportunities for work-at-home mothers. If you don’t want to pursue your present field, you can transition some of your skills to another area of expertise. There are even some incredible places to turn for training or retraining, even from home, if something entirely new is desired.

Should contract work appeal to you, finding jobs won’t be a huge problem. The world is changing. Thanks to this, a lot of employers are offering part-time, short-term and even long-term jobs via the Internet. These are perfect for at-home workers.

Once you get started finding jobs, you’ll probably need to put a few other things into place. Questions about home offices, benefits and other technicalities are likely to arise. As you explore your opportunities, prepare your home office and set up a life that doesn’t involve being away from your child, this e-book is your guide.

Together we can make your dreams of working at home and still having time for your family reality!

IS WORKING AT HOME YOUR CUP OF TEA?

As you look into your child’s eyes, chances are the thought of donning a suit and returning to the office is a little staggering. Staying at home and working at home can prove to be an incredible experience for you and your little one. It can, however, also be a nightmare in the making. It all depends on how well you and your family can handle the transition. Some women and their families thrive better when work stays at work. Others shine in the home business setting. No matter what path you choose, as long as it works for you, it is perfect!

So, how can you go about determining if working at home really is your cup of tea?

First off, you’ll want to examine your financial situation. To successfully launch a career from a home office, it can help to have a little bit of breathing room financially. Keep in mind; however, by staying at home, you will also save yourself a little bit of money.

Beyond the dollar issues, there are questions you will need to ask of yourself and also your spouse and family members. To make a real go of a home business or moving your full-time career into your home, you are going to need to have the right personality to pull it off. Plus, you will likely need some serious support from family, as well.

Let’s take a look at a few of the things you’ll want to consider to help you decide if working at home is for you.

EXPLORING THE FINANC THINGS IAL SIDE OF THINGS

Working at home can prove to be very lucrative for many mothers. It might, however, require a little time to get a steady cash flow going. With this in mind, there are a number of things you’ll want to examine before deciding to dive in with both feet. Should you discover the timing isn’t quite right, don’t worry too much. You can still work on a home-based business on weekends or at night and try to build it up quickly so you can stay at home full-time in no time at all.
The basics to consider with finances include:

- Your Monthly Budget Take a good hard look at your monthly bills and just how much of a contribution you make. Do remove things from the budget that won’t be in place any more, such as childcare and commuting expenses. Now, keep in mind it can take a little time to build up a business enough to cover bills and other expenses. If your contribution is imperative for your family’s bottom line, check your savings. Do you have enough to cover your contribution for at least three months? Six or 12 would be even better. Is this base covered? If it’s not, consider transitioning into full-time, at-home work as you build up a nest egg to cover yourself. Getting on a slow and steady path in the right direction beats not getting on the path at all! With a little time and dedication, you can make the dream happen.

- Your Anticipated Additional Expenses Starting a business at home can cost you in upfront capital. In addition to making certain your family is covered financially during the transition, you will need cash for setting up an office, buying equipment, advertising, getting licensing and perhaps insurance and so on. It is possible to obtain a small business loan for these things and also to help cover you during the startup months. Keep in mind, however, that this will start your business out in the red. Sometimes it’s just better to save up and open the books in the black.

- The “Red Zone” Estimation Although you won’t be able to plan out exactly when your business will start making money to the day, you can put together a fairly sound estimate. Be realistic here and do anticipate at least a three-month period for a good build up. This will help you determine how much padding you need in your bank account to remain comfortable as you build your business.

The financial side of things can be a very big consideration when you choose to stop working in an office and transition into your own business. Do make sure you have your bases covered. Some of the options that can help you include loans, grants, savings or even just starting out as part-time with the business in order to build it up. Money, however, isn’t your only concern to deal with.

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INTRODUCTION

It doesn’t matter whether you’re fed up with working outside the home or you’re just ready to make some extra money, the opportunities available for work-at-home mothers can prove incredible.

If you’re holding back out of fear that your skills aren’t honed enough to turn dreams into reality, relax! Even women who lack degrees or high-priced “career skills” will find there are plenty of options for launching lucrative home-based businesses. It’s also possible to land actual on-staff jobs working for others out of a home office. Telecommuting is becoming more common than you might realize. You might even be able to sign on as a contract worker or freelancer with companies all over the world.

The truth is you don’t necessarily have to have a specific skill set in place to work at home. There are workarounds to overcome almost any stumbling blocks that may stand in your way. There is no reason to get discouraged!

Diving into the prospect of working at home can be an incredible decision to make for you and your entire family. It does, however, require careful consideration. Working at home can be a wonderful experience, but it’s just not for everyone.

In this book, we’ll discuss the things you’ll need to consider to have a successful go at it. There are some ways to tell if working at home really suits your style and some benefits and pitfalls that are smart to explore before moving full steam ahead to start an at-home career.

Although obstacles will present themselves – especially for busy mothers with hectic schedules – there are ways to squash almost all of them. There are techniques, tips and ideas for facing adversity head on and winning that can help put you on the road to success.

One of the keys to success with an at-home venture is selecting the right field to work in. The opportunities out there can be a little staggering, however. Exploring all of the options carefully and how they might fit into personal lifestyle should be a top priority before selecting a path to take.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning to become an entrepreneur of some sort or you want to work on a freelance basis, there are a few nuts and bolts items you’ll also want to consider, as well. From obtaining any necessary training and finding jobs to how to set up a home office, we’ll discuss what you need to know to turn your work-at-home dreams into reality.

HOW TO TELL IF WORKING AT HOME IS RIGHT FOR YOU

You love the idea of being able to work at home and relish the notion of spending more time with the family, but you’re just not sure this is the right road for you. Don’t sweat it – you are not alone in your doubts. Just about every woman who has ever launched a successful at-home career has faced them. Still, it’s smart to be sure.

Working at home does require a lot of dedication, discipline and patience. It’s just not for everyone, and that is perfectly okay. There are a few things that should be carefully considered if you’re intending to become a work at home mom. Even if you are a stay at home mom, adding a career into the mix can change things a bit. To make sure you’re going in a good direction for you, it is important to review such things as finances, family support and your ability to cope with the prospect of working at home. Some moms thrive in this situation, but others wither.

FINANCIAL POSITIONING MATTERS

If you’re planning on leaving a paying job to work at home, having a good handle on your finances will be a must. In most cases, it will take some time to build up a business or freelance venture enough to replace a workaday job. Beyond the capital needed to launch the business, you will also need a nest egg to cover the startup period.

How much money to set aside will be dependent on a number of factors, including:

• Your monthly bills Understand just how big your contribution is to the family’s budget on a monthly basis. Make sure to have figure covered for at least a few months. Three months can do the trick, but it’s a conservative (and safer) choice to shoot for six to even 12. Keep these figures separate from what you’ll need to give your business venture a fighting chance as success, as well.

• Anticipated extra expenses Establishing a business at home can take a little upfront capital. Beyond what is needed to cover the family, you’ll also want money for equipment, marketing, licensing and so on. A small business loan might work in some cases, but for many at-home operations, you’ll be on your own with startup costs.

• Projected “red period” While business plans might not always pan out exactly on schedule, have a good understanding of your particular venture’s anticipated period of running in the red. You’ll want to make sure you have the money available to cover this period and keep growing the business. Be realistic here.

If finances are standing in your way, consider seeking out loans, activating a savings plan or just working at your business part time at first. There are ways to make your dream happen even if the cash isn’t available as quickly as you’d like it to be.

FAMILY SUPPORT IS CRUCIAL

Going into an at-home work venture without solid family support for the idea can prove to be a huge mistake. If family members do not understand that work time is important or that work calls shouldn’t be interrupted with blaring rock ‘n’ roll music from a teenager’s room, than an uphill battle will need to be fought.
To make sure your family is onboard, ask yourself these things:

• Have I discussed the idea thoroughly with all family members? If you haven’t, you will want to do so. Making sure everyone who is old enough understands that just because you are home doesn’t mean that working hours are any less important is vital for your chances at success.

• Will older family members provide backup during emergencies? Work at home moms still need to attend meetings, meet deadlines or get out and network. When the need for serious focus time presents, it is imperative to have someone who can step in and take care of childcare and/or household duties.

• Will family members pitch in? Just because you’re working at home doesn’t mean you can or should handle everything. It will help you immensely if family members will pitch in with chores and do their part to make sure everything in the household flows smoothly.

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Introduction

For more than a decade, the Internet has been called “the great equalizer.” Anyone who has access to a computer and a connection to the Internet now has the entire world at their fingertips. It bridges continents and oceans and brings people together. Since the mid-90s, when the Internet became available for use by consumers, websites containing useful information and entertainment have drawn the most views.

The rapid explosion of online presence has also brought about the phenomenon of social networking. Social networking is both advanced and human. It’s advanced because it transmits information at lightning speed and it’s human because it can harness the human potential to connect, communicate, and share.

Many enterprising people have also started sites that require paid membership. These sites contain information that is otherwise inaccessible to others. Discussion forums are another form of network that allows the sharing of ideas and concepts with people who have similar passions and interests.

Despite the popularity of social networks, paid membership sites aren’t going away any time soon. In fact, they are expanding at an unprecedented rate with more members-only websites being started. Membership websites capitalize on the fact that people are willing to pay for any information that they find useful, and that by associating and communicating with other people who share their passions, they add to the general wealth of information and knowledge that the Internet plays host.

Membership only sites charge a minimal fee, however, with membership numbers in the hundreds or thousands, they provide a steady stream of revenue for owners, advertisers, and content generators. They have also spawned an entire industry of web developers who look to create the next big thing in content and payments management.

Membership sites offer a distinct advantage over those sites that offer free content. Blog entries and other content are strictly moderated, as well as the interactions between members, which helps to lessen the risk of conflict. Plus, each member feels an exclusivity that is otherwise missing in similar, more open sites.

For owners of membership sites, the advantages can be summarized in two words: Cash Flow. Compared to the brick-and-mortar business, membership websites take relatively little effort to establish and have low overhead, while having almost nonexistent physical limitations. The only thing that they are limited by is the imagination of the owner and the members of the website.

Owners of membership sites will find that every new member brings in not just money, but the possibility of more members coming in due to referrals. This means that the most successful membership websites find ways to constantly re-invent themselves, by introducing new content whenever they feel a change is needed.

To start a successful membership website, you will need to learn how to set up the site, manage the content and membership, and learn how to get revenue from it. The chapters that follow will show you how to do this as well as provide you with tips about how to make people aware that your website exists and how to draw more visitors to it. Finally, you’ll learn how to let go of the site in the rare occasion that you feel it has outlived its useful life.

Chapter 1 – Why Membership Sites are So Lucrative

Everything, nowadays, is practically accessible on the Internet. It has replaced printed matter as the first choice for information on just about anything. With a click of the mouse, the entire wealth of human knowledge is at your disposal. Most of all, you can access it from anywhere.

It is for this very reason that membership sites have come into fashion over the last decade. You may be wondering what, exactly a membership site is. Simply put, a membership site is a personal page where you can post exclusive articles, knowledge, and data about a field that strikes your fancy. With the site, you charge members a certain amount to access this exclusive data, and this, in turn, drives profit and sales.

The best part of owning a membership site is that you’re the boss, you continually make money, and you get to manage a business that focuses on something that has captured your passion.

Membership sites are extremely lucrative because people will always be willing to pay to get their hands on the information that they need. Rather than visiting the local library or bookstore, they can simply get on the Internet. It’s fast and convenient and it is making its way through cyberspace.

Everyone has their own passion, and there are other people who share their obsession. These people are the ones that will be willing to part with their money to know more about the things that they like and love. This is the reason why membership sites rake in the profits.

Membership sites that charge for content have become an exciting industry that continues to grow more profitable every day. If your website has 500 members paying a monthly fee of $15 each, you will get $7,500 every month, and that’s just for a single membership site.

Since these kinds of sites run on residual income, the money comes in every month as the membership fees come in.

steady stream of money will continue to grow with every new member that registers. What’s more, with each site that you set up, you can add even more income to your growing business.

For example, imagine you are the owner and manager of three membership sites that charge $20 per member each month. One site has 500 registered members, the second site has 200 registered members, and the third site has 100 registered members. You would make a total of $16,000 per month, or $200,000 every year. The nice part of starting and managing a membership site is that you get paid to do what you love.

A lot of people manage more than 10 websites, with membership totals running in the hundreds for each. With 500 members for every site, that are paying $20 every month, the owner bring in an annual income in excess of one million dollars.