Let’s get straight to it. You’re probably here because you’re on the verge of buying your first tDCS Device and are unsure what to buy. You have probably heard of the Omni Brain Stimulator, it’s one of 4 popular tDCS devices on the market and it remains by far the most affordable and provides the best value for money. I’ve been using tDCS for speed reading for many years now and remain a big fan of the Omni Simulator in fact the Spreeder community has been using it for years to enhance their speed reading with great success.

So why do I recommend the Omni Stimulator, what makes it the best? Here are the reasons I went with Omni after trying a much more expensive unit that broke on me.

Price

Don’t be ripped off like I was.  When buying anything you always want the best value for money. In 2014 I paid approximately $250 for my first tDCS device which shall go unnamed as I don’t wish to disparage any other products directly. That device lasted 7-8 months and broke.  In 2019 the competition has kicked in lowering the price of many products however there remains a huge disparity in the market on price/value ratio.  It becomes very clear that at $150-250 plus shipping is pretty steep price to pay when the Omni Stimulator is offering their item for $99.00 with free global shipping.

Why Warranty Matters

It’s not just peace of mind but if you find yourself with a broken tDCS device it’s nice to know it will be replaced. As from my experience with my first tDCS Device breaking I was left out of pocket and unless you have a background in electronics you’re out of luck trying to fix it. If any company has a large money-back guarantee they are putting the customer first and I learnt my lesson there. No matter how rugged you’re led to believe the item is go for the one with the larger warranty with any electronics.  The Omni Stimulator has offered a free 5 year warranty since it’s inception. An example of their generosity has been shown with a Spreeder user contacting us about losing their device and how they couldn’t afford another and Harry from Omni sent one out free of charge.

Everything you need

It comes with everything you need to get started. It’s a complete tDCS kit.  Get the device wet the sponges with saline and you’re ready to go and it works without hassle.  Though I had used tDCS previously I did have to buy a couple of electrodes which just added to the cost.

Money-Back Guarantee

Another example of Harry and the Omni Stimulator team putting their customers first is their money back guarantee which is a full year. In all honesty you probably won’t need to use any guarantee on any of the big 4 devices but it’s nice to know you can return it if you wish. Warranty is really what is going to matter to you and their warranty is by far the largest.

Customer Support

Harry and the team over at Omni Stimulator has always been very helpful in answering all our questions and has become a friend of the Spreeder community.  We asked Harry for a quick interview about the Omni Stimulator and tDCS in general which he has agreed to and will be posted soon.

Safety

All tDCS up to 2mA is safe. However there are images of people having slight burns by tDCS electrodes.  It’s not possible to do this with the electrodes they are using.  What they have done is made it so the width of the sponge is longer than the clip attaching it to the item.

 

 

Summary

It’s easy to use, works fantastic and has everything you need at the best price.  This glowing review is reflective of our experience here at Spreeder.

Scientists have always been fascinated with the brain, especially different ways to stimulate brain activity. There are various innovative ideas proposed, one of such techniques gaining ground is the use of TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION (tDCS) device.

So if you are looking for a transcranial direct current stimulation device and you are not sure what it is, what to buy, what it does or if it even works then this article is just for you as we will be answering the most common questions asked regarding tDCS.

WHAT IS TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION?

Transcranial direct current stimulation or commonly known simply by its acronym tDCS is a non-invasive neuromodulatory technique where low voltage direct current is passed through the scalp using electrodes over designated areas of interest in an attempt to modulate the activity of the brain. In simpler words, tDCS is a brain hack involving using batteries and electrodes to send low-level current to the brain to help tap into the brains full potential. A fixed current between 1mA and 2mA is typically applied. 

WHAT DOES tDCS DO?

tDCS is just becoming increasingly popular in the last decade, although previously used by the military air force for decades to help heighten the senses of the pilots allowing them to effectively pick out targets. Transcranial direct current stimulation was originally developed to help patients with brain injuries or psychiatric conditions like major depressive disorder but research evidence supports tDCS use for cognitive enhancement in healthy people. Recent studies also have shown it to be useful in the treatment of depression.

HOW DOES tDCS WORK?

Transcranial direct current stimulation works by stimulating the brain neurons in specific regions that leads to a cortical change even after the stimulation is terminated. The duration of this change depends on the length of stimulation as well as the intensity of stimulation. The effects of stimulation increase as the duration of stimulation increases or the strength of the current increases.

When positive stimulation (anodal tDCS) is delivered, the current causes an increase in excitability of the neuron. When negative stimulation (cathodal tDCS) is delivered, the current causes a decrease in the neuron. Research has shown that tDCS produces a variety of effects depending on what areas of the brain are stimulated.

WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL PARTS OF A tDCS DEVICE?

In spite of the daunting name, tDCS devices are relatively simple, for example, the “Omni stimulator” consists of basic parts, which are:

• Wires: tDCS devices have two wires usually color-coded as a red and a black wire. The red color represents the anode, it is the positive wire while the black color represents the cathode, and it is the negative wire. 
• Electrodes: Both wires attach to the electrodes. Electrodes usually made up of a sponge, which is an electrical insulator, while for conduction of electricity a saline solution is used. Saline solution is simply a mixture of table salt and water, which can be readily made at home.
• Headband: A headband or sometimes two are used to hold the sponges (electrodes) of the transcranial direct current stimulation device in place on the surface that you are interested in stimulating.
• The tDCS device itself: The devices consist of a dial usually with multiple settings where the current is regulated. The Omni Stimulator, for example, has four settings of 0.5mA, 1mA, 1.5mA and 2mA with an indicating light to let you know the device is on and functional.

WHAT DEVICE SHOULD YOU BUY?

We recommend the Omni Stimulator as it gives by far the most bang for buck out of any transcranial direct current stimulation device available on the market today. They are a reputable brand, offering a huge 5-year warranty, and offer a 1-year money-back guarantee.

You probably do not want to walk around with any transcranial direct stimulation device in public (unless you don’t mind looking like you’re Doc Brown from Back to the Future) the item is small enough to fit into a larger pocket and light enough to carry around when traveling since it weighs just 230g.

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF tDCS?

The benefits of a transcranial direct current stimulation device are many!

Healthy users speak of having improved mood, feeling more alert, focused and being more creative thereby accelerating learning, and boosting task performance. For example, anodal stimulation enhances facial expression recognition or inhibits aggressive responses whereas cathodal stimulation helps to improve motor function.

Also, the equipment is easy to use, reusable, relatively inexpensive, and easily replaced if worn or damaged. It is therefore easy for people to use tDCS at home, and it may soon be used alongside (or in replacement of) drug treatments to speed recovery and improve motor and cognitive performance. tDCS is also useful in managing some medical conditions such as depression, neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury and improving activities of daily living assessment after stroke.

Although tDCS is a non-invasive method, research has shown that it may induce seizures in people susceptible to seizures, such as epileptic patients. Other adverse effects include skin irritation, nausea, headache, dizziness, and itching under the electrode especially in people with ultra-sensitive skin. This is why tDCS is not recommended for use longer than 20 minutes at a time.

It is worthy of note that testing your device at the lower settings before dedicating to a higher setting of 2.0mA goes a long way in ensuring a wonderful experience. The sponges (electrodes) are also damp but this should in no way affect the comfort of your experience.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT tDCS ELECTRODE POSITIONS (MONTAGES AND PROTOCOL)?

The different possible tDCS positions of both the anode and cathode electrodes on the body are referred to as montages.  There are various montages used, with each producing varying and distinct effects, the region of interest where a likely effect is expected is stimulated using the target electrode. The Protocol is a combination of the electrode position used, the current level used, and the total duration of the session.

 The most widely accepted protocol is anodal (red, positive electrode) stimulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC – F3), and cathode (black, negative electrode) positioned on the right prefrontal cortex (Fp2), located on the forehead above the right eyebrow, using 1mA of current for 20 minutes. This montage is believed to help improve many cognitive functions such as working memory, impulse control, reasoning, and learning.

Many websites provide information on tDCS montages, electrode placement instructions, and types of effects to be expected.

Click here to check out our highly recommended tDCS kit.

The use of social media has increased tenfold with the growth of smart technology and ease of access to the internet. Without doubt, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter have all made it easy for people to interact effortlessly and seamlessly without being restricted by regional borders. Sharing of ideas is more convenient now than it has ever been.

But there is a twist in the plot: Studies show that social media is leading many people to depression and loneliness. Social media users tend to sleep less, are hyperactive, struggle to be attentive, and are more vulnerable to social pressure than those who don’t have social media accounts. Although no study has given a conclusive analysis as to whether social media can cause depression, there is definitely an observational correlation between the two. However, for people who struggle with depression, who believe is a cause from the over usage of social media, there are available life coach training that can help them overcome this issue.

4 Ways Social Media Is Leading To Depression Among the Youth

Increased feeling of social isolation

The more time you spend on the internet (that includes social media), the more socially isolated you get. Offline social networks such as community work, playing together, interacting in church, and telling tales around a campfire, among others, encourage people to be closer together and share their common problems. Social media isn’t anything like that. Users talk with far-away friends and neglect those around them. And because the circle of “friends” is based in remote locations, no one is there for the other in case of a crisis. After all, having many virtual friends on social media isn’t a substitute for real friends. That virtual existence leads to deeper social isolation.

The comparison factor

Browsing through social media can potentially ruin your self-esteem and confidence because, by the look of things, everyone out there is doing better than you in all aspects of life. Everyone seems happier than you, in a better relationship than you, love their job more as compared to you, and have all the good things in life. That comparison mentality leads to depression in more people than in real-life comparison.

Research also shows that people get depressed when they feel like their social media friends are doing worse than them. This form of comparison often makes people feel better about their lives in real life, but it appears to be different in social media spheres. It seems like social media “friends” feel better when they are all at the same social level, maybe because they are able to engage more “productively” that way.

Envy and jealousy

After comparing your life with your friends’ on social media, you will envy them if they seem to be better and happier than you are. If that envy is not controlled early enough, it grows into jealousy. This is a very unhealthy situation to find yourself in because you can easily become a hater. Sometimes you will be tempted to post jealousy-inducing content on your pages in order to challenge the “friend”. And if the friend gets equally jealous, chances are that he or she will post a photo or a story that will induce jealousy in you. In the long run, you will have a group of jealousy friends trying to outdoor one another; a vicious cycle of malice. If you feel like your content isn’t causing enough jealous on the other end, you can easily be depressed.

Sleep deprivation

A normal adult should sleep for at least 6 hours at night. This is, however, almost impossible now because people are chatting for hours. People are even waking up in the middle of the night to check how their posts are doing online.

Sleep deprivation can cause depression in too many ways. First, your colleagues in the workplace are sleep deprived just like you meaning that everyone is tired and unhappy. The office stays moody for the entire day, aggravating your loneliness.

Secondly, sleep deprivation affects how your body responds to workday activities. If you love the gym, for example, poor sleep will lower your workout enthusiasm and results. Lastly, poor sleep lowers your immune system. If you get sick, you stress out and hate your life, and that isn’t good for your mental health.

Conclusion

Although scientists and psychologists are still trying to figure out how social media relates to the sudden rise of depression cases among the youth, it is important that you find help if you are seeing any signs of depression and loneliness.

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Being efficient at touch typing as an adult can improve your personal and professional growth, while making your financial prospects look better than ever.

Touch typing is an essential skill today. Computers have almost replaced books. Pen and paper have given way to keyboard and screen. So it’s no surprise that the need to have above average-touch typing skills is more urgent than ever.

Start early, reap the benefits longer

While you can learn to touch type at any age, to fully enjoy the benefits of touch typing you need to start early. Learning how to touch type using the right technique is something you can – and should – start right now.

And of course, the faster you become at keyboarding, the more benefits you’ll enjoy.

Raising confident students

A child who learns to touch type will have the confidence and assertiveness to use technology to their advantage, whether that’s for typing an essay, researching a topic, or collaborating with students in their class in a virtual collaboration network.

When students are not intimidated by technology they’re also more receptive to learning more advanced skills like coding and web design. Imagine the advantages your child will have at school with their above-average keyboarding abilities!

Improving productivity and saving time

Many children today have little free time. Between school classes and hobbies and extracurricular activities, they find themselves constantly studying, learning, practicing.

However, with the right touch typing accuracy and speed, children can save hours every month, which they can use to play, relax or socialize with their peers. Keeping a work/play balance is important for kids as well as adults.

Making digital communication efficient

Whether communicating with relatives living far away or collaborating on projects with other students around the world, being good at touch typing means a student can use technology and social communication media to communicate efficiently and without any disruption or added stress.

Touch typing helps adults and students alike

The benefits of more efficient communication, confidence in using new technologies, and increased productivity aren’t just there for younger students.

As a college student, you’ll continue to reap the benefits of touch typing. You’ll be able to touch type essays and reports quickly, and collaborate on interdisciplinary projects with ease. You’ll stand out from the students around you by the efficiency with which you can study, learn, and grow into a smarter person.

Mastering touch typing continues to benefit you after graduation, too!

Do you want increased and better career prospects? Do you want to be more productive at work? Now that you’re a fast and accurate typist, you’re a step ahead of your colleagues, your supervisors are happy with your output, and you’re the first one that comes to mind when that promotion or raise is considered.

If you can save a few hours of touch typing a month as a student, imagine how much time you will free up just by touch typing at a faster pace.

How much of your job involves typing right now? Every increase in your typing speed and accuracy means hours saved over time. Double your speed, and you cut your typing time in half. What would you do with an extra hour (or more) at work, every day?

Come to think of it, what would you do with an extra hour each day of your life? Imagine the possibilities of using that time to improve some other skill, or learn a new one. Imagine having the time to pursue the dreams and ambitions that are burning in your heart.

Touch typing is more than a work skill – it’s a life skill. Teach your children how to touch type. Improve your own keyboarding skill as much as you can. The time to start benefiting from touch typing – is now!

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Touch type your work and increase productivity with Typesy Now!

Guest blogging —back when a handful of people were doing it — was a practice that aimed at creating awareness about like-minded professionals, their products, and their ideas. Today, guest blogging is widespread, and while it still serves a useful purpose, it’s often turned into a widely acceptable form of spamming used simply for the sake of boosting search engine rankings.

Although it seems that guest blogging has gotten out of control, it is a fruitful and needed practice, both in SEO terms and in terms of idea cultivation. So no, guest blogging isn’t going anywhere soon, and there’s still time to bring back its truly useful aspects.

Exposure

Targeted exposure is hard to achieve and guest blogging lets companies and home-based businesses get to audiences beyond their current reach. While other marketing strategies attempt to reach out to targeted audiences, few manage to do so with the level of accuracy guest blogging does. Undoubtedly, it’s too valuable a tool to let it wither.

Brand Awareness

Guest blogging is an effective way of building brand awareness in demographics that might otherwise be unreachable. A rich, high vocabulary knowledge and sound spelling skills will ensure guest posts are of high quality and as such won’t be rejected. Provided that the articles someone submits for guest blogging are carefully crafted and well-researched, guest blogging is the go-to source for many businesses with limited budgets and “solopreneurs” who cannot afford the marketing campaigns of multinational brands.

Quality Predominates

As with every trend, while many people have jumped on this bandwagon, only a few do it correctly. Guest blogging has its own set of principles and those who overlook them generally will not be getting much out of it. Guest blogging rests on the idea of authoritative individuals offering quality knowledge.

Practices where guest blogging is done under “black hat” circumstances will soon be exposed and penalized. So if guest blogging can be said to run the risk of ending in 2014, that only applies to those sites not doing it the way it’s meant to be.
It is even expected that Google will soon roll out a guest post penalty update for poor or “spammy” guest blogging, so again this shows how guest blogging will go back to what it ought to be.

Guest Blogging nurtures progress and innovation

Guest blogging is a non-intimidating way of getting to know the practices other companies or professionals follow, because it connects writers with new contacts they can benefit from and even introduces individuals to hard-to-reach communities and influencers that can offer new opportunities for career and innovation ideas.

Sales and User Engagement

Guest blogging was created out of a need to increase awareness on a company or service and ultimately to improve lead generation and sales by boosting overall page ranking for the blog post contributor.

This is still the case; guest blogging improves SEO and traffic in proven and irrefutable ways, so to proclaim it dead is to overlook its centrality in SEO practices and brand awareness campaigns.

Used correctly, guest blogging can stay a part of the online business future in 2014 and beyond.

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Ultimate Vocabulary guarantees to help you increase your vocabulary knowledge! Learn more words and apply them in your writings.

The Internet revolutionized reading in the 21st century, something everybody realizes now. The numbers alone speak volumes: 11 years ago about 22% of Americans chose the Internet to get their news, but in 2013, that number had risen to 39%. The statistics are revealing, and attest to the fact that e-books, news, entertainment, and communication are all taking place online.

Online, tech-based reading is on the rise

According to Kathryn Zickuhr, Internet researcher at the Pew Research Center, 55% of Americans own a smartphone and 24% an e-reader.

E-reading is a trend that continues to grow. In 2011, only 16% of the American participants in the Pew study read an ebook, but in 2012 that number rose to 23%. Print book reading dropped from 72% to 67% from 2011 to 2012. Again, there’s a strong but gradual tendency to read more ebooks than paper ones.

Rituals that are intimacy-based favor print book reading

While traditional reading rituals like reading with a child or with another person are still mostly likely to be done with print books, participants in the study who commuted regularly confirmed that ebooks are their preferred medium for reading when travelling. Not only does an e-reader have the advantage of letting you keep a wider selection of books available, it allows you to access new books easily and quickly.

The future of libraries

Libraries are not dying, and many people still visit them. In fact, 73% of the people surveyed visit a library with the express purpose of borrowing books.

What’s been noticeably absent from libraries is the time spent in them. People generally no longer browse shelves as frequently. They find the books in the library’s website, reserve them on line, and go pick them up, a time-saving approach that librarians say is on the rise.

As the purpose of libraries shifts, their cultural role is becoming even stronger. People regard libraries as community spaces for ongoing cultural expression and communication. Lectures, cultural events, and meetings are all part of the many activities taking place at libraries today, giving them a role in peoples’ lives beyond studying and reading books.

Reader expectations changing

Online content is changing the expectations of readers. The print book is not going to be replaced any time soon, but libraries are already feeling the need to adjust to a more tech-based environment.

In fact, the survey illustrated that people are keen to use tech services like pre-loaded ebooks, or classes on how to use e-readers. Most modern libraries have online catalogs that let people borrow library-owned e-books, and even the smallest library is striving to offer more automated and online services to the public.

As we move into a digital era of content dissemination, the need for libraries and other cultural institutions to keep up with technology will not decrease. Libraries that stubbornly refuse to offer online facilities like ebook borrowing, free access to databases, and digitized books will run the risk of being neglected and forgotten. Technology is changing the reading expectations of modern readers, and society – and its libraries – has to respond accordingly and promptly.

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Over the next few days we’ll be giving you a taste of what’s to come in Spreeder Pro. The video below is taught by Kathleen Hawkins.

Author of Speed Reading Made Easy and 6 other top sellers, Kathleen Hawkins has taught over 60,000 people to speed read in person. Kathleen is also vice president of the National Management Institute.

This is taken from Kathleen’s powerful 16-part course in Spreeder Pro, which itself is just 1 of 6 exclusive expert courses included in the new program (more previews coming soon).

We hope you enjoy the video!

It’s that time of the year again! Are you ready to do your holiday shopping for your friends, relatives, and loved ones?

“Gift cards for everyone would be an excellent idea,” you might think. Everyone gets to buy what they want from a brand they love, right? But a gift card implies that you haven’t put much thought into the gift – or the person you’re giving that gift to. Buying a gift card might say, “I was too lazy to even bother look for a gift, so here’s some free money. Oh, and Merry Christmas!” This is not the true meaning of a gift. Gift giving is about taking the time and effort to make a meaningful, thoughtful gift to a loved one.

A Book

For those friends and family members who love curling up in their book nest with a cup of tea, books make an easy but entirely appropriate gift. Whether you choose a New York Times best-seller or a classic title is entirely up to the recipient’s taste, so think about what you’ve seen them reading before you buy.

The Gift of Better Orthography

Do you have a colleague who is getting a bad reputation for their misspelled memos? Give them a helping hand with a gift of spelling software like Ultimate Spelling™. No more embarrassing misspellings in emails, reports, and PowerPoint presentations  – you coworker will be a friend for life.

A Rich(er) Vocabulary

Communication is a vital part of daily life. So for children and young adults whose vocabulary could use a little push, why not offer them Ultimate Vocabulary™ by eReflect? This software will allow them to expand and make their vocabulary richer and more relevant and will eventually help them become better communicators, negotiators, and writers. This is a good gift for someone about to graduate from school because it will help them get the vocabulary they need to succeed in the job market.

Pro Keyboarding Skills

Do you know someone who is struggling with modern technology? Maybe they can’t figure out how to video chat with you on Hangouts, or they take forever to reply to your Facebook messages because their typing skills are poor to non-existent. Ultimate Typing™ would be the perfect gift for that person, because it will help them “level up” their keyboarding skills in no time. Of course, that might mean you’ll be getting texts and messages from them more often, but you can handle that, right?

A Visit

Sometimes a gift doesn’t have to be something tangible. Pay a visit to your grandmother, have lunch with a friend from college, or invite someone you haven’t seen in years to your Christmas party. The gift of kindness and love are truly priceless!

An Extravagant Pampering Gift

A pampering, extravagant gift is always appropriate for those special people in your life. Your hard-working mother, your significant other, your best friend – no matter who that person, do your homework and offer them a gift they will be raving about for weeks to come. It could be a spa session, a two-day mini trip, or anything the person you have in mind will fancy.

Gourmet Pleasures For the Foodies

From artisanal jams made with vodka to one-of-a-kind tea blends and limited-edition vintage wines, offer your foodie friends a mouthwatering experience they can Instagram to their heart’s content.

Whether you choose to get gifts that expand your friends’ career options or their waistlines is up to you! There are plenty of compelling gift ideas to choose from. Don’t go for run-of-the-mill, uninspiring gift cards. Instead, offer a thoughtful gift and get the joy of seeing faces lit up with excitement when they unwrap them come Christmas.

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Most of us struggle with procrastination. Our unwillingness to deal with an unpleasant, fear-inducing, or challenging task means our productivity is severely compromised. However, if we stopped putting off things for later, not only would we feel more accomplished, but we’d actually accomplish more, becoming more successful and productive.

There are many methods of “de-procrastinating” your life that will allow you to boost your productivity in a way that doesn’t feel forced and stressful. We share the 7 most important in this article. Read them now, not later!

Acknowledge your accountability

To make ourselves feel justified in our procrastination we often blame it in external factors: the weather is too nice to stay inside, my other projects are more pressing right now, I will deal with this when I feel more creative or confident. These excuses remove personal accountability out of the picture.

By becoming aware of your responsibility to stop procrastinating, you instantly take the matter into your hands. If you say, “I’m in control, I should deal with that call now,” this is you taking personal responsibility. When you zero in on your accountability, you are making it harder to procrastinate because you know there’s no one else to blame for it.

Accountability might make you feel a bit anxious in the beginning, but in the end it works in your favor, because you will be taking credit for your productivity and the end result!

Work now, play later

It’s easy to put off something because play is always much more fun than work.

The next time you find yourself procrastinating, say this out loud: “If I work now I get to play later on – YAY!”

This seemingly childish negotiation tactic with yourself gives you motivation to complete the task at hand and the liberty to have fun later on. A win-win approach!

Just dive into it already

The truth is, the longer you hesitate before starting a task, the more your mind will fret and twist an easy task into a monstrously big one. In order to prove this point, think about the last time you started a project and found that once you got your hands on it wasn’t as frightening as you thought it would be.

Instead of putting off hard projects, deal with them first, before any others. This will take a lot of pressure off your shoulders and you will feel much better about yourself once you cross the hardest projects off of your list! Stop paying heed to whatever your inner critic tells you.

Focus on the result, find inspiration by looking at your role models, defy all your fears and delve into your projects without over-analyzing them. Remember that the more you listen to your inner critic the worse at procrastinating you’ll get.

Self-talk needs to be positive, uplifting and optimistic. Inspire yourself with some pep talk and see how easy it is to confidently tackle your tasks one after the other.

Adjust your work environment

It’s very likely that your environment nurtures procrastination. You can create a productivity-boosting desk in a few easy steps:

• Place a green plant or flower on top of it.

• Put your phone away or in silent mode so that it doesn’t disturb your workflow

• Block access to the websites you know you visit  when you’re procrastinating

• Have a personal, uplifting item in view to keep you motivated (a photo, a keepsake, the tickets to the concert you’ve promised yourself as a reward for finishing)

• Have an inspirational quote to keep you focused.

Tell others about your procrastination issues — be in the fight together

A struggle shared is a struggled halved. Sharing your concerns with fellow procrastinators will help you keep each other motivated and inspired to get your task lists under control.

Have regular talks where you give pep talks to each other and brainstorm new ideas on how to eliminate procrastination and boost productivity.

Stop making up excuses

Finally, stop yourself from making up excuses. As we’ve said before, we tend to over-complicate things by over-thinking them, when in reality they’re very easy to tackle.

All you need is to have a clear, intuitive hierarchy of your priorities and check upon them often. It’s possible that new circumstances call for goal revision so be open to redefining your goals and keep your productivity levels soaring.

Armed conflict in developing countries, combined with poverty and starvation, leave no room for proper funding of education. Yet education, especially low-cost private education, might be the answer in providing affordable yet quality education in the developing world and end up by helping to eliminate the conflict and poverty often present in many regions.

Dr. Pauline Dixon, Senior Lecturer in International Development and Education at Newcastle University, UK, asserts in her book “International Aid And Private Schools For The Poor” that the solution to providing education to impoverished, conflict-ridden countries is to make the switch from state-run education to privately run, low-cost schools.

UNESCO, the UN’s organization for Education, Science and Culture, suggests that education is the key to providing tangible skills to impoverished youth. Education is what allows people to cope with an often harsh reality, understand the absurdity of conflict, and seek ways to offer themselves and their families better life choices. Education can encompass a variety of skills, from sexual education to learning to be self-sustaining as farmers, and even to entrepreneurship attempts.

Dr. Dixon advocates that lack of education is why children are so readily engaging in armed conflict. As she explains in a recent article at WorldReview.info, armed conflict is a result of the lack of education; people fight one another in the street not in battlefields because they don’t possess the critical skills to understand what’s really to their benefit.

Her painstaking research in the educational system of India suggests that state-run schools are bleeding resources due to improper money management and insufficient, underperforming school systems. Exposing the insufficiency of state-run schools, Dr. Pauline Dixon wishes to warn educators, policymakers and organizations about the current problems, and inform them about the alternative solutions to state schooling that currently exist and are more results-oriented.

Her research is carefully backed by census data, surveys and assessments of low-cost, for-profit schools that prove to be the alternative, best solution for educating the poor. Privately held schools have solid, transparent and efficient management, the three necessary pillars for providing smoothly running and decent education for the poor.

The apparent lack of education and literacy doesn’t stem solely from insufficient education funding. What’s excruciatingly aggravating the situation is that millions of dollars are wasted in poor management and funneled away by corrupt officers who don’t make good use of the financial resources available. The result is that state-run schools use dated, insufficient approaches, letting millions of education funding dollars go to waste, and not giving impoverished communities what they need the most: education that equips them with tools to cope with and overcome their poverty.

Showing how it all starts from education, Dr. Dixon explains the reasons why uneducated parents cannot offer their children a better future. She emphasizes in particular that educating young girls means offering them a better life as mothers and as individuals. An educated woman is more likely to have fewer children, offer those children better nutrition and culture, and encourage them to receive education themselves. Once activated, the cycle of education will have a long-lasting effect in transforming the developing world.

Lack of education makes young impoverished people more prone to propaganda and more easily swayed to engage in conflict and acts of violence. Basic literacy skills such as reading and writing open up a window of opportunity for conflict-shaken communities. Such skills allow young people to make informed decisions, develop critical thinking, and build a worldview and mentality that’s not easily malleable.

Dr. Dixon proposes a private, for-profit educational system in impoverished sub-Saharan countries, India, and other conflict-afflicted countries. Education is what will get children out of poverty. Giving them the skills and tools to provide from themselves seems a much better use of funding rather than just giving them food.

Based on her research, Dr. Dixon asserts that low-cost private schools are on the rise and that initial findings suggest how efficient this approach can be. She mentions, for instance, the growing popularity of this education model in India, where 6 out of 10 students attend low-cost, privately-run schools at the moment.

The key is keeping private school education low-cost. This way parents are more interested in and likely to send their child to a private school, as there’s the general impression that private schools offer more than state-run ones.

While laws and other bureaucratic hindrances still hold this education model back, initiatives from social venture companies seek to remedy this grim image by offering loans and experts to help run these private schools efficiently and sustainably.

While this will be a slow process, there’s hope and tangible proof that a privately-run education system model is what will allow millions of impoverished children access to education and the ability to use it to protect themselves from the dangers of poverty, starvation and disease.

Food  can ease their stomach, but education will show them how to find sustainable solutions for feeding themselves and their families long into the future. Education will make teenagers realize joining a gang won’t provide security for their family but put them all in greater danger. Education is what will let young girls understand how to protect themselves from HIV and avoid sexual activities that would put their and their children’s health at risk.