About Danielle L. Ruffin
- Danielle L. Ruffin
- Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
- Danielle is a sister, daughter, teacher, niece, friend, and respected entrepreneur amongst many other things. Born and raised in Aurora, Illinois, USA, Danielle has lived all over the globe, and is currently an expatriate living in South Korea. Her focus: creating measurable results over time in all she does.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
3 Simple Steps to Get Out of a Slump & Back on Track!
I recently began a challenge of generating $15k/month in 12 months to show not just the positive progress, but also the struggles and downfalls I experience over the course of my journey. In the interest of having this be a true reflection of my experience, as well as hopefully helping someone else possibly in a similar position, I'm putting it all out there.
Today, week 6: day 43, I have to report that although leads are continuing to trickle in, I feel as though I have been in a slump. Over the past week, I have really lacked enthusiasm and focus for my project. I guess the conflict really comes into play because I know exactly what I am supposed to be doing, but can't seem to focus to get those things done. You ever felt like you want to do something and know what to do, yet at the end of the day- day after day- it just isn't getting done? That's how I've felt over the past week- which was simply not the case 2+ weeks ago.
The next logical question is how do I go from being on top of the world, learning, excited, and focused on obtaining my goals on a daily basis to feeling powerless, and completely out of focus in one short week? How do I get out of a slump? I considered this myself when pondering my situation and I was taken back to an analogy Dani Johnson explained at one of her seminars I attended a while back.
Think of a tool that is fully equipped to effectively do what it was designed to do. For this example, let's say it's a cell phone. This mobile phone is designed to do a variety of vital functions that most of us can't see ourselves living without for any length of time. So you bring home a new cell phone, fully charge the battery, and begin using the phone as it's designed to be used. It works brilliantly! However, what happens to that fully capable cell phone after it's been used for a day or so without recharging the battery? How about after a week or two? This fully functional, capable, specially designed device becomes un-functional and un-capable of doing anything! Furthermore, over time, as you do re-charge the power source, the battery life becomes shorter and shorter, forcing you to recharge the device more frequently.
As Dani so candidly stated and as my experience is teaching me, people are the same way: we need to be re-charged. Ask any highly productive individual, and they also have a 'power source' that they tap into daily to continuously program their minds to stay focused, on task, and enthusiastic about what they're trying to achieve.Furthermore, helping ups to get out of a slump, but also avoid them for as long as possible.
Whether that source is leadership masterminds conference calls, daily chats with like-minded leaders, or even live events like those hosted by all major MLM companies, it's imperative to the success of your business to stay plugged in. Additionally, EVERY successful person knows that you never get it all in one shot- over time, we learn, adapt, and evolve when we plug into training to keep you green & growing.
So, after beating myself up for the past few days for not producing the level of activity I expect from myself, I realized that getting off track is a normal happening. No successful leader has never experienced this. However, what determines the success of a true leader is not whether or not they get off track, but it's whether or not the stay off track that makes the true difference. The skill of knowing how to get out of a slump and back on track is rewarded by achievement of goals.
Therefore, I have decided to take a few simple steps to get myself back on track.
1. Reach out to leaders.
2. Make a new action plan(including a plan to plug into leadership daily).
3. TAKE ACTION NOW!
Bottom line: leaders take action. For me, writing this message is my step 3, so I'm back in action folks! Make a commitment to yourself today to get up, dust yourself off, get back on the horse, and to never quit!
I leave you with this quote to sum up my sentiments:
“Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.”- Mark Victor Hansen
Hope to see you at the top!
Danielle L. Ruffin
Don't ask for success to be easy; ask for it to be worth it!- Dani Johnson
www.NotEasyButWorthIt.com
Today, week 6: day 43, I have to report that although leads are continuing to trickle in, I feel as though I have been in a slump. Over the past week, I have really lacked enthusiasm and focus for my project. I guess the conflict really comes into play because I know exactly what I am supposed to be doing, but can't seem to focus to get those things done. You ever felt like you want to do something and know what to do, yet at the end of the day- day after day- it just isn't getting done? That's how I've felt over the past week- which was simply not the case 2+ weeks ago.
The next logical question is how do I go from being on top of the world, learning, excited, and focused on obtaining my goals on a daily basis to feeling powerless, and completely out of focus in one short week? How do I get out of a slump? I considered this myself when pondering my situation and I was taken back to an analogy Dani Johnson explained at one of her seminars I attended a while back.
Think of a tool that is fully equipped to effectively do what it was designed to do. For this example, let's say it's a cell phone. This mobile phone is designed to do a variety of vital functions that most of us can't see ourselves living without for any length of time. So you bring home a new cell phone, fully charge the battery, and begin using the phone as it's designed to be used. It works brilliantly! However, what happens to that fully capable cell phone after it's been used for a day or so without recharging the battery? How about after a week or two? This fully functional, capable, specially designed device becomes un-functional and un-capable of doing anything! Furthermore, over time, as you do re-charge the power source, the battery life becomes shorter and shorter, forcing you to recharge the device more frequently.
As Dani so candidly stated and as my experience is teaching me, people are the same way: we need to be re-charged. Ask any highly productive individual, and they also have a 'power source' that they tap into daily to continuously program their minds to stay focused, on task, and enthusiastic about what they're trying to achieve.Furthermore, helping ups to get out of a slump, but also avoid them for as long as possible.
Whether that source is leadership masterminds conference calls, daily chats with like-minded leaders, or even live events like those hosted by all major MLM companies, it's imperative to the success of your business to stay plugged in. Additionally, EVERY successful person knows that you never get it all in one shot- over time, we learn, adapt, and evolve when we plug into training to keep you green & growing.
So, after beating myself up for the past few days for not producing the level of activity I expect from myself, I realized that getting off track is a normal happening. No successful leader has never experienced this. However, what determines the success of a true leader is not whether or not they get off track, but it's whether or not the stay off track that makes the true difference. The skill of knowing how to get out of a slump and back on track is rewarded by achievement of goals.
Therefore, I have decided to take a few simple steps to get myself back on track.
1. Reach out to leaders.
2. Make a new action plan(including a plan to plug into leadership daily).
3. TAKE ACTION NOW!
Bottom line: leaders take action. For me, writing this message is my step 3, so I'm back in action folks! Make a commitment to yourself today to get up, dust yourself off, get back on the horse, and to never quit!
I leave you with this quote to sum up my sentiments:
“Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.”- Mark Victor Hansen
Hope to see you at the top!
Danielle L. Ruffin
Don't ask for success to be easy; ask for it to be worth it!- Dani Johnson
www.NotEasyButWorthIt.com
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Expatriates In Korea: What to Expect
For those unfamiliar with the term, an expatriate is a person residing in a different country from where he or she is a citizen. The term is more readily referred to skilled professionals sent abroad to work. This began in 19th century when Americans were drawn to other countries, such as Europe and Asia, to study and share their skills. An expatriate can enjoy a favorable tax treatment, unlike immigrants, once they've lived in their chosen country for five years minimum.
Korea is one of the most extraordinary countries in Asia. Though it is not exactly known to be an expatriate haven, it has become famous today for its attractive culture and local development. Korea has a strong culture that is relatively similar to big countries in terms of climate and style.
The language barrier, however, was one of the most significant reasons why foreigners hesitate to expatriate to Korea. Fortunately, this an issue that the nation is attempting to change as Koreans are making the efforts to integrate the English language into their school curriculum, making English proficiency mandatory at most levels of education.
Why Be Expatriates In Korea?
Cost of Living
Korea is known to have a relatively low cost of living, compared to the US and the UK. If you are enjoying a salary of $2000 per month, you can live comfortably by spending roughly $800 of your monthly pay. Food and housing expenses may be rather high by local standards, depending on your location, but transportation and other things are actually very affordable. Additionally, as expatriates, most employers offer housing arrangements as a subsidy or even free of charge.
Climate
The climate in Korea is almost similar to countries like Europe, America and Australia. There is really no need for foreigners from these countries to adjust to the weather. It can be warm but muggy during the summer months of June to September, though. Winter, on the other hand, is cold to below the freezing point. The best time to visit Korea is during fall when the weather is mild and a little dry.
Korea has extremes in temperature, to be sure to pack practically. If you are planning to live in the country, pack light shirts and heavy jackets to cope with the temperature disparities. Umbrella and raincoats are also must-haves during the peak of the spring time.
Government
Korea is politically classified as a Republic. Much of its economic prosperity is because of its stable and transparent government, which is somewhat influenced by the American style of governance to date. The economy is very strong and steady, making it a good place to open successful businesses with a greater chance of earning significant profits.
Tax System
Most taxes in Korea are high; however, for those who want to become English language consultants(i.e English Teachers), a lower tax rate is offerred. The income tax rate in Korea is actually quite high- similar to that which is seen in the west. However, for expatriate English teachers, you can expect an income tax rate of 3% to 10%.
Medical Care
Medical care in South Korea is modern, clean and readily available. Before you and/or your family decide to become expatriates in Korea, make sure the health insurance plan you have issued in your country is also accepted in Korea. Nonetheless, Korean employers are obligated to contribute to your health care, as Korea does have a very effective nationalized health-care system. Because of this low-cost, effective system, Koreans do not hesitate to go to the doctor for even minor illnesses.
Medications and health care products are highly accessible and cheap. A lot of doctors also speak English well so you won't always need to bring a Korean friend with you to interpret during consultations.
Additionally, South Korea is becoming increasingly well known for the amount of plastic surgery that is done in country. The propensity to achieve certain features of beauty coupled with the safety and quality of the work has made plastic surgery extremely common in Korea. In addition, the large number of doctors performing routine surgeries such as Botox injections, liposuction, calf reductions, and double eyelid surgeries, make the cost of such procedures comparatively cheaper than in the UK and US.
Shopping
Several modern shopping malls and boutique shops are available in Korea both for high-end designer retailing or bargain hunting. Koreans are very much into brand names and looking fashionable, so you will most likely find familiar international names in most malls. If you don't like to spend much on brands, you will also find local markets where you can haggle the prices the fit your budget.
Be aware that finding western sizing in Korea is often an issue for expatriates. Particularly for clothes in larger sizes for both men and women, clothing can be very difficult to find. For plus size clothing, it his highly recommended to import items from your home country. Research size conversions thoroughly, but know that on average, Koreans are smaller and shorter than westerners, making their clothing similarly difficult to size. Also, Korean style of dress differs greatly in many respects from styles of the west. Particularly for men, it is considered fashionable for men to wear fitted pants and shirts, whereas the western style is seemingly favors a more relaxed, looser fitting garments.
Korea is one of the most extraordinary countries in Asia. Though it is not exactly known to be an expatriate haven, it has become famous today for its attractive culture and local development. Korea has a strong culture that is relatively similar to big countries in terms of climate and style.
The language barrier, however, was one of the most significant reasons why foreigners hesitate to expatriate to Korea. Fortunately, this an issue that the nation is attempting to change as Koreans are making the efforts to integrate the English language into their school curriculum, making English proficiency mandatory at most levels of education.
Why Be Expatriates In Korea?
Cost of Living
Korea is known to have a relatively low cost of living, compared to the US and the UK. If you are enjoying a salary of $2000 per month, you can live comfortably by spending roughly $800 of your monthly pay. Food and housing expenses may be rather high by local standards, depending on your location, but transportation and other things are actually very affordable. Additionally, as expatriates, most employers offer housing arrangements as a subsidy or even free of charge.
Climate
The climate in Korea is almost similar to countries like Europe, America and Australia. There is really no need for foreigners from these countries to adjust to the weather. It can be warm but muggy during the summer months of June to September, though. Winter, on the other hand, is cold to below the freezing point. The best time to visit Korea is during fall when the weather is mild and a little dry.
Korea has extremes in temperature, to be sure to pack practically. If you are planning to live in the country, pack light shirts and heavy jackets to cope with the temperature disparities. Umbrella and raincoats are also must-haves during the peak of the spring time.
Government
Korea is politically classified as a Republic. Much of its economic prosperity is because of its stable and transparent government, which is somewhat influenced by the American style of governance to date. The economy is very strong and steady, making it a good place to open successful businesses with a greater chance of earning significant profits.
Tax System
Most taxes in Korea are high; however, for those who want to become English language consultants(i.e English Teachers), a lower tax rate is offerred. The income tax rate in Korea is actually quite high- similar to that which is seen in the west. However, for expatriate English teachers, you can expect an income tax rate of 3% to 10%.
Medical Care
Medical care in South Korea is modern, clean and readily available. Before you and/or your family decide to become expatriates in Korea, make sure the health insurance plan you have issued in your country is also accepted in Korea. Nonetheless, Korean employers are obligated to contribute to your health care, as Korea does have a very effective nationalized health-care system. Because of this low-cost, effective system, Koreans do not hesitate to go to the doctor for even minor illnesses.
Medications and health care products are highly accessible and cheap. A lot of doctors also speak English well so you won't always need to bring a Korean friend with you to interpret during consultations.
Additionally, South Korea is becoming increasingly well known for the amount of plastic surgery that is done in country. The propensity to achieve certain features of beauty coupled with the safety and quality of the work has made plastic surgery extremely common in Korea. In addition, the large number of doctors performing routine surgeries such as Botox injections, liposuction, calf reductions, and double eyelid surgeries, make the cost of such procedures comparatively cheaper than in the UK and US.
Shopping
Several modern shopping malls and boutique shops are available in Korea both for high-end designer retailing or bargain hunting. Koreans are very much into brand names and looking fashionable, so you will most likely find familiar international names in most malls. If you don't like to spend much on brands, you will also find local markets where you can haggle the prices the fit your budget.
Be aware that finding western sizing in Korea is often an issue for expatriates. Particularly for clothes in larger sizes for both men and women, clothing can be very difficult to find. For plus size clothing, it his highly recommended to import items from your home country. Research size conversions thoroughly, but know that on average, Koreans are smaller and shorter than westerners, making their clothing similarly difficult to size. Also, Korean style of dress differs greatly in many respects from styles of the west. Particularly for men, it is considered fashionable for men to wear fitted pants and shirts, whereas the western style is seemingly favors a more relaxed, looser fitting garments.
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