LPT: If you cannot explain why something is done a certain way, be careful about telling others to do it that way too.
Knowing why it exists helps you know when it matters.
https://redd.it/1v0deu6
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: If something takes less than two minutes to explain, explain it now instead of assuming people will figure it out.
Small misunderstandings become bigger problems when everyone fills in the gaps differently.
https://redd.it/1v0c8te
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Install a "tab limiter" extension on your browser to be more focused on your current task
Having lesser tabs my your browser helped me focus on my current work (the tabs already open) and avoid opening more unrelated tabs that cause distractions
https://redd.it/1v034io
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: If you zone out while listening, try writing down random words you hear as you go.
I've had the same problem for as long as I can remember. Whether it was a lecture, an online course, a podcast or just another boring meeting, I'd sit there nodding, looking like I was paying full attention. But mentally? I left the room 15 minutes ago.
Whenever my only job was to just sit and listen, my brain would eventually wander off. I'd start planning dinner, replaying old conversations or thinking about literally anything else.
A few months ago I was stuck in a long presentation. Out of pure boredom, I grabbed a scrap of paper. I wasn't trying to take notes. I just needed a tiny task for my hands. So I started writing down random single words I heard the speaker say. Not keywords, just ordinary words, one after another.
About half an hour later, I realized I hadn't zoned out once.
Since then, I've been doing this for podcasts, audiobooks and long meetings. I've just been calling it Pen Listening in my head. The whole process is pretty brainless. I just keep writing down individual words I hear in a relaxed rhythm. One word at a time, whatever comes up. Budget. Tomorrow. However. It really doesn't matter.
There's no pressure to catch every word. If I miss one, I just write the next one I hear. I don't look for important points because the less I think about choosing the right word, the better it works. I write the words straight down the left side of the page instead of across it. When I reach the bottom, I start a new column. It also makes the page super easy to scan later.
When something genuinely important comes up, like a deadline, I jot it down normally on the right side of the page. Then I go back to the flow of random words on the left.
It usually ends up looking something like this:
system approval -> Friday deadline
budget meeting
however tomorrow
blue process -> Revised proposal
review update
design issue
status document -> Follow up w/ John
question report
schedule release
analysis support
decision success
whether requirement
approach management
team resource
risk allocate
current follow
impact define
strategy task
option share
result review
meeting comment
today evaluate
change actually
customer performance
need identify
information
final
point
My best guess for why this works is that simply listening doesn't give my brain enough to do, so it looks for entertainment elsewhere. Writing random words gives it a low effort task to chew on and that seems to be enough to stop the wandering.
The important part is that the task can't be done without listening. Every new word has to come from whatever I'm listening to. If my mind drifts off, the writing stops because there's nothing to write. The moment I realize my pen isn't moving, I'm instantly back in the conversation. It kind of corrects itself.
That's why doodling never did this for me. You can doodle while completely checked out. But you can't write down a word you didn't actually hear.
As a weird bonus, looking back at those random words later actually helps me remember the conversation way better than I'd expect. They end up acting like little memory breadcrumbs.
Anyway, I just wanted to share this in case someone else struggles with the same thing. Might be worth trying the next time your only job is to sit and listen.
https://redd.it/1uzzw8k
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Use every ethical advantage available to you. Your network, education, natural abilities, or family support are resources, not reasons to feel guilty. There's nothing admirable about rejecting opportunities just to make the journey harder.
https://redd.it/1uzmr5q
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Do not only apologize for what you did. Explain what you will do differently next time.
People trust changed behavior more than repeated apologies.
https://redd.it/1uzkh2t
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Every once in a while, try to drive to a place without turn by turn directions.
Don’t know if there is any science to this but I swear it’s helping my brain and I’m not as anxious driving as I used to be.
I usually take a look at the route before leaving and the rule is to only look at the route (not the turn by turn) if I absolutely need some help.
https://redd.it/1uzhohr
@r_lifeprotips
LPT - my low maintenance routine strategy for wavy/frizzy hair
Context:
I am not a hairdresser, but have consulted with many on this topic have done lots of reading + trial and error over the years.
Type 1 hair is straight
Type 2 hair is wavy to curly
Type 3 hair is tight curls to coily
To my Type 2 hair homies - are you tired of frizzy hair that loses curl if you over brush it but it goes poof if you do nothing? Does your hair fall somewhere in between confusingly wavy in the wrong directions and only stays luscious for a day? And finally, do you shed like a dog?
Fear not, for my brother and I have spent years perfecting the art of low maintenance care for the wavy hair prone to frizz and I am here to share our teachings!!!!
----
First, USE A WIDE TOOTH COMB
The curlier your hair, the more prone it is to break when under pressure. If the classic 50+ tooth brush is struggling to make it through your hair even though you conditioned it in the shower, it's not for you. Instead, use a wide tooth comb and only brush gently if hair is wet or damp if possible. This prevents more hair loss and separates your hair in a way that it can curl as it dries.
Second SILK IS YOUR FRIEND
I just started using a silk scarf I have and it's been immaculate waves for days. I tie over my head babushka scarf style and it brings down my frizz significantly without killing the curls. I also use bamboo sateen pillow cases because silk cases are too much for my sweaty head, but I have noticed it prevents the morning frizz.
Third, DONT TOUCH YOUR HAIR WHEN IT DRIES
The more you fiddle, the more it frizzle. I know it's tempting to coax the curls out, and you may find that helpful if you have a specific hair product routine, but if you are lazy like me, just let it do its thing. A good brush and quick scrunch (no more than 5 scrunches with your towel or cotton shirt) and you'll be golden. Another thing you can do if you have longer hair is invest in a hearty claw clip and gently twist your hair to clip up while it dries, but let it down before it finishes drying. This prevents me from fiddling too much with my hair and helps the curls do their thing.
Fourth, DONT SHAMPOO EVERYDAY, but keep it hydrated.
Type 2 hair likes moisture but it's generally good for curly hair to not wash all the time and use a water spritz bottle to revitalize the curls. This is what I have heard from hairdressers who specialize in this type of hair and/or have this type of hair themselves.
Fifth, AVOID ELASTIC BANDS!!
The wider fabric bands, scrunchies, or clips are better for your hair and prevent breakage and excess tension. Plus, the more you wear your hair up, the more it "stretches" your strands and makes the curls looser. Idk if that makes sense, and once again I am not a hairdresser with the exact theory to explain it, but this is how my hairdresser explained it to me.
----
It's taken me 30 years to figure out how to care for my confused hair, but I got here and I am happy. Many of you may also have "lost" the curl in our hair from over brushing or heat or whatnot, but it comes back if you let it. Good luck, long live the beach curls!!
https://redd.it/1uz6b7e
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: put your ice cream in a stainless steel insulated mug
It stays extra cold and barely melts
https://redd.it/1uz30bz
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: If you're paying for expensive overnight parking, see if your car can get serviced instead
Before paying $50–$100+ per night for parking, think about whether your car could be somewhere more useful.
Oil changes, detailing, tire swaps, windshield replacement, paint protection, and other services that don't require you to wait can often be scheduled while you're out exploring. Instead of paying just to store your car, you'll come back to one that's cleaner, maintained, or repaired.
Personal example: Downtown Toronto parking can cost up to $50/night. During a recent trip, I scheduled my annual maintenance and a full interior/exterior detail while I was in the city. The total cost of the services was still less than what I would've paid for parking alone, and I got my car back in better shape than when I dropped it off.
Sometimes the cheapest parking doesn't even get billed as parking, but do make sure that your shop allows overnight storage.
https://redd.it/1uz06h5
@r_lifeprotips
LPT Airport tip: bring dehydrated foods like instant oatmeal, miso or ramen to save money. Just ask a cafe for hot water (be prepared to pay a dollar tho)
Airport restaurants charge way too much because they can. Save your wallet (and stomach) by bringing instant food and rehydrating it with hot water. Bring collapsible cups and reusable utensils for a more comfortable experience.
So far I’ve made: instant noodles, dehydrated miso with tofu (a fave and so nourishing), dehydrated bone broth, hot chocolate, instant coffee, matcha.
https://redd.it/1uyrhx6
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Never apologize twice for the same mistake. It either reminds them of the mistake or triggers their ego.
Apologizing twice or more sometimes gets very appreciated and very accepted with some kind and wise people who actually value you.
However, in many cases it’s a big mistake to make and indeed makes the matter worse. Never apologize twice for anyone you don’t have strong ties with. Just once and if they don’t accept it move on.
https://redd.it/1uydtw3
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: on days you're feeling down, list a few things to look forward to.
It can be as simple as looking forward to your morning coffee or getting to watch your favorite show at the end of the day. Or something a little more involved that's coming up later in the week, like seeing a friend or practicing your hobby. Try to keep them present in your mind.
It helps to lessen that hopeless feeling from settling in too deep, and may help you to get going on your immediate tasks. You may also slowly regain interest in little things you once enjoyed.
https://redd.it/1uyb1t7
@r_lifeprotips
LPT - Jumper Cables Rhyme
RED ON DEAD
THEN TO FRIEND
BLACK ON FRIEND
GROUND THE DEAD END
\-vow-
https://redd.it/1uy26de
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Press Windows Key + V to turn on your clipboard history. It saves the last 25 things you copied instead of just the last one.
>
https://redd.it/1uxhf70
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: If you are in good standing with your credit card company you can reach out to them and ask for benefits you may be unaware of
I have a couple companies I use for their services and have had luck with these a few times.
\- if you are late on a payment and not doing that routinely you can call and ask to have the late fee waived. I’m sure we’ve all forgotten once in a while a bill is due, if you don’t do that often most CC companies will wave the late fee if you are otherwise in good standing.
\- about once a year you can request to have a permanent reduction in your APR, often times it will not be a huge amount but doing this yearly has gotten me down quite a bit from where it started (of course if you pay off your bill monthly, which you should, this shouldn’t matter much)
\- an alternative to yearly drop in APR you can request if there are any available promotions you can take advantage. Most notably I will ask if there are any special APR offers and I usually get 0% APR for a whole year. This is great if you are wanting to make a large purchase and need time to pay it off and make sure interest does not accrue. Me and my wife go back and forth on this so we always have one card that gives us 0% for a whole year while the other cards we drop the APR permanently. Juggle these around to consistently have good deals that can help in everyday life.
I’m sure there are more tips for credit cards so if you have any drop them in the comments!
https://redd.it/1v0cqlp
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: if someone’s habits or personality is really grating to you: double check you don’t do what they do
Example: She’s never interested in anyone but herself.
I try to ask more questions of my friends & remember the answers.
Example: He’s always on his phone when he’s with the group.
I try to keep my phone in my pocket unless I’m alone.
Example: That couple bickers all the time in front of us.
I try to express my appreciation in front of our friends.
Trying to learn vicariously what I might be doing that’s just as irritating to others.
https://redd.it/1v07cpy
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Fix office chair popping/clicking noises in 30 seconds
If your office/gaming chair is making loud popping or clicking noises its a good chance you can fix it very easily. Check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb1inpgcSOs
1. Turn the chair upside down
2. At the bottom of the gas cylinder there is a clip, remove it
3. Grab the leg/wheel assembly and pull up to remove it
4. This exposes the bearing assembly that allows your chair to spin, its made up of two washers and the bearings
5. The issue is the washers being worn down so simply turn them around and assemble the chair again
6. ????
7. Profit
https://redd.it/1v03au7
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Don’t tell your bosses about your personal ambitions…
Keep your dreams to yourself until you make it happen.
3 and a half years. That’s the time I lost. Told my bosses that I wanted to relocate abroad with my company, they promised me there is a way, kept the carrot over my head to deliver more, strung me along for 2 more years, tried for 3 roles, got told it’s impossible after 3 years. found out 1 person from my team moved abroad by just trying their luck. She never told anybody about her ambition, just tried and masked it as a new experience. There are times when you will work with an empathetic and kind leader, but most times - you probably won’t.
All they did with me is using it against me. Keep things to yourself and work hard in the background. I’ve always been that person myself, but this time decided to listen to leadership by being honest about my intentions, and this is where it got me to. Now I am trying to leave this employer. The problem - I am getting older too.
https://redd.it/1uzpao3
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Don’t let your yearly contract increases get the best of your family without negotiating
Price increases and inflation have been out of control the last few years and annual contract renewal continues to raise prices. This is a reminder to take a hard look at your service contracts, review value and negotiate a fair price.
Just this month my insurance (house and car) went up $500, internet from $35 to $57, garbage $120 to $160,
I was able to negate the bulk of this by reaching out directly, being prepared with competitor pricing, and be willing to change.
Get a broker, compare competitors and negotiate a deal, get on the phone and work a discount - an extra few hundred $$ is worth it for the effort.
https://redd.it/1uzmg35
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: how to shift gears without looking
I thought this was common knowledge until recently but most automatic cars have a shortcut on the gear shift.
Reverse is one click down from park. That's easy. After you've reversed out of your spot, pull the gear shift down without pushing the button. It will stop on drive.
Additionally, when you're in drive, you can push the gear shift up and it will stop on neutral but this is less useful.
Never look down when shifting gears again.
Edit: Whoops I said standard when I meant automatic. As in not manual shift cars.
https://redd.it/1uzjf6l
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Create new experiences with old friends
I’m a sucker for nostalgia, but here’s some food for thought for all you lucky people who have been able to maintain old friendships.
1. I think the fastest way for those friendships to become stale is if every outing results in the same conversation/activities. How work used to be. How funny it was when you used to have the same class together. Etc etc.
2. I think the fastest way to close yourself off from new people is when every outing results in the same conversations. E.g - Your book club starts with the OGs and soon it grows… those new people are going to fall off real quick if they can’t relate to anything you’re talking about.
As I said from the start - the old times are so easy, fun, and relaxing to re-live. That said - I’ve lost a lot of friends through the journey of life, I’ve made it more difficult on myself to gain new friends, and it’s because I/we didn’t put enough effort into leaning into the present. Balance is always the key!
https://redd.it/1uz88sk
@r_lifeprotips
LPT Start getting ready 10 minutes earlier than you think you need to
My grandmother gave me this advice and it really helped me. I used to be late for all my appointments and important events but now that I start getting ready earlier, I manage to get everything done on time. This might be obvious advice but I think it could help someone
https://redd.it/1uz4jde
@r_lifeprotips
LPT - Set "office hours" with yourself to reduce daily stress and cognitive load.
If you're anything like me and are constantly thinking and analyzing things all the time, you know that it can be very draining. I am not diagnosed ADHD, but I suspect my behavioral patterns are consistent with it.
Something that helps the thoughts feel less oppressive is to set "office hours" with yourself. If an especially charged, volatile or heavy thought pops up and tries to pull your attention, put it into a notepad and return to it at a designated time. Set aside 30 minutes or so (whatever works best for you), and dig into the topics. Then at the end of that time, close the log and set it down. You can even set reminders for your next office hours of where you left off.
By doing so, you are able to train yourself to let the thought go until your office hours. And then when you are having your office hours, you may find that the topic isn't even really relevant anymore. And any thoughts that are still relevant can be given your undivided attention that is free of whatever fleeting mental/emotional state that first triggered the thought.
However, you have to honor your office hours. If you put things in a notepad and never hold your office hours, you will unintentionally train your mind to not be able to trust your office hours and that the desired things will not be processed
Office hours applies best to especially charged things that take up a lot of processing power and focus. Obviously you cannot shut down or schedule every thought that comes into your head, but if you notice your internal state shift significantly when a particular thought arises, it may be good to try putting it into your office hours log. If it's an emergency, you won't have to ask if it's an emergency - it will be emergent and blatantly relevant and demand attention.
In holding office hours for myself over just the past couple weeks, I have noticed a reduction in general anxiety throughout the day, and a greater sense of peace and going with the flow of things now that my mental bandwidth has been increased due to having a healthier approach to the things that were taxing my system.
Hope this helps someone!
https://redd.it/1uz0h2x
@r_lifeprotips
LPT When does it finally get easier to take control of your life?
I honestly don't know what's wrong with me anymore.
I'm not physically unable to work. I know what I need to do, and I have goals that are really important to me because of my family's financial situation. I have to work hard.
But instead, my days disappear.
I end up watching random YouTube videos, streaming movies, scrolling online, or going out with friends. None of these things are bad on their own, but they've become a way of avoiding the things that actually matter.
Every night I tell myself, "Tomorrow will be different."
Tomorrow comes... and I do the same thing again.
I thought joining a gym would change everything. I imagined that once I became disciplined with working out, the rest of my life would naturally fall into place. While I enjoy going to the gym, nothing else has really changed. I'm still stuck in the same cycle.
The frustrating part is that I'm not lazy in the sense that I can't do the work. I know I'm capable. I just... don't do it.
https://redd.it/1uyw845
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: If fixing a problem depends on one person remembering to do something, the problem is not fixed.
A real fix should still work on a busy day, a bad day, or when that person is not around.
https://redd.it/1uyi44i
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Use common sense. (This should help eliminate 90% of current posts)
This should help with the recent trend lately.
https://redd.it/1uyb6m5
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: The easiest promises to keep are the ones you never make in the first place.
Be careful what you casually agree to.
https://redd.it/1uya1jl
@r_lifeprotips
LPT For travelling domestically as a solo traveller
Any tips for this. I plan on travelling solo do you have any tips for this.
https://redd.it/1uxq1kw
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Your smile and sleep are the most important things in life. Never allow anybody to take that away from you.
You are strong. You are beautiful. You are capable.
https://redd.it/1uxghb6
@r_lifeprotips
