FOBlog

Getting Money for College

1) Get a Job

Try to get a job that is relevant with your major. By doing this, you can earn experience in your major and make money. One important thing to note when working is that the school will deduct financial aid from you if you work too much, so figure out a happy balance between getting the maximum aid and getting paid for work. If you have work study, this does not deduct from your aid.

 

2) Apply for scholarships

Every school has a website or office full of different scholarships. These scholarships have specific requirements and it should be easy to find ones you qualify for. Another place to apply for scholarships is www.fastweb.com.

 

3) Get loans

Most of the time, even with financial aid and a job, students can’t afford to pay for all their college expenses so most have to get loans. Look for loans that don’t charge interest until after graduation, such as federal loans, or loans from some banks such as Citibank.

 

4) Make a Budget

Make a list of things you need to spend money on and what is for yourself and determine which are absolutely necessary and then determine what to get if you have extra money but don’t forget to save money in case.

Goals Vs. Resolutions

By now, most of the bloggers have shared their new year's resolutions to their readers. I was about to, but then I came across a post in www.getrichslowly.org regarding goals vs. resolutions.

Let us start off with definitions of both of them

Resolutions:

1. The state or quality of being resolute; firm determination.
2. A resolving to do something.
3. A course of action determined or decided on.

Goals:

1. The purpose toward which an endeavor is directed; an objective.
2. Sports
   1. The finish line of a race.
   2. A specified structure or zone into or over which players endeavor to advance a ball or puck.
   3. The score awarded for such an act.

One of the definition for "resolution" is "a course of action determined or decided on." There is no long term effect to it, but with goals... you get: "the purpose toward which endeavor is directed: an objective." It means there is a specific end in mind.


Another difference between goals and resolutions is that goals do not falter at a sight of a mistake. Let me ask you this: how many of you came up with resolutions that you broke and then after awhile, abandoned? I know I did that to at least once with some of my resolutions.

Don’t goals falter too?
Goals falter and goals do get abandoned. That's why you have to set a solid goal. For more information on setting a solid goal you can visit yesterday's post. A solid goal will you give you something to aim for even during the worst of times. This is a quote from J.D the author of getrichslowly with regards to having and end in mind:

"When you have an end in mind, it’s easier to see when you’ve made a wrong turn. You know where your path is supposed to lead."

What about a solid resolution?
I went around asking people for their resolutions, and I came to the conclusion that either people half-assed their resolutions or resolutions are just truly vague. One of the most common responds I got was...”I want to get stronger." See that? There is not an end in mind, there is nothing to hold on to when things take turn for the worse. First of all, get stronger in what? Sports? Mental? Emotional? For the sake of the post, let's say that it's sports. What aspect of sports? Lifting weights? Endurance? It is just way too vague. Without and end in mind, you won't be able to develop a suitable plan to get there.

How about this one..."I want to lose weight." what? How much weight? How are you going to do it? Again there is no end in mind. There is nothing to aim for. What are you going to do when you're just not losing weight? You're going to quit? Abandon it?

So I have decided that this year, I will create solid goals instead of vague resolutions and I will post them tomorrow.

What are your thoughts on this? what are some of your resolutions or goals?

-Ed

 

How to Get What you Want

There are many things that we want in life. In fact, most of our life is spent in getting what we want. What if  I tell you that I know how to get anything you want in life? Did that get your attention? By now you're either thinking..."hmm I'll take a look at this and see what he's got to say" or "this is a load of crap...but I'll see what he's gotta say" or "DANG...I read this far already, I guess I'll see what he have to say."  Well, I have compiled a step by step "how-to" manual in getting anything you want.

Step 1: Believe In Yourself
Believing in yourself is a big part and a solid foundation in getting anything you want in life, because every little thing always begins with yourself. You have to be able to give yourself the respect that you deserves. Remember: when you command respect, others will give you theirs.

Step 2: Know What You Want and Believe it
Set a goal and define it. Be specific! The more detailed the better. The more detail you can give yourself, the more believable and realistic the goal will be. Have you ever heard of the statement: " A good salesman believes in his own product?" Well the same rule applies here. You have to believe in achieving that goal to be able to attain it. If you only believe in a "little bit of it," that goal is not going to be fulfilled. For your body to fully follow through with your mind, it needs to have a goal that it believes it can achieve. Otherwise your body will only exert however much amount is needed for that half-ass goal. Why? The mind believes that it does not need to put a lot of energy for the "little bit" of that goal so it tells your body to only put a "little bit" of energy into it.

Step 3: Plan your Route
Now that you have set your goal, time to figure out the different ways to approach it. How many ways can you come up with, if I ask you how to get to New York from Los Angeles? You can tell me that  I can fly there, or I can ride the bus there, or if I'm crazy enough, I can ride my bike there. Same thing with your goal, there are different ways of attaining it. That's why it is so important for you to be specific and detailed with your goal. Detailed goal will help your mind figure out the different approaches to your goal.

Step 4: Take Action
Got your plan figured out? Okay then, time to set it in motion.  Remember  it  is better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission. Don't be afraid to execute your plan in motion. It doesn't matter how good your plan is if you can't put it into action.


Step 5: Don't be Afraid to Ask for Help
Pretty self explanatory, don't be afraid to ask for help. To put it crudely; S*** happens. You have to be able to admit that you need help when the going gets too tough. No one can do everything on their own.

Step 6: Fix your Course
Once the mistake happens, noticed I said "once  the mistake happens." Yes, that's right, mistakes will happen. You have to learn to adapt and adjust. It is not the strongest that survives, it is the one with the most adaptability.

 

Step 7: Take Responsibility For your Action
It is hard for many of us to admit that we're wrong. I know it's hard for me. However, one needs to be able to admit one's own mistake before it can be fixed.

I like to end with a quote from David Schwartz:

“Believe it can be done. When you believe something can be done, really believe, your mind will find the ways to do it. Believing a solution paves the way to solution.”

Generation Y - Exposed

To better understand ourselves, we need to understand our community, our generation. Different generations has come and gone, each of them did their part in the world. The baby boomers and Generation X each are doing their's. Pretty soon our generation will need to do ours'.

Of course when I'm speaking of "our generation" I meant "generation Y." The term "generation Y" first appeared in the august of 1993 in an editorial. The term was coined "y" as a successor to generation "x." Guess what's the next generation after Y is called? Generation Z... whoever is coming up with these names are getting lazy and lazier. :)

What years are included in this "Generation Y?"

Demographers Howe and Strauss suggested anyone that are born between the year 1985 to 1995. However A generation's demographic can not just be measured by years or dates. Pop culture and many other factors have to be taken into account. Some demographers even suggested anyone that are born after 1976. I personally think that's way too far back. 1976, in my opinion is  "Generation X's" time.

Who are these Generation Y-ers?

Generation Y kids grew up in the boom of the digital age. In fact they are also known as the "digital age kids." The kids that grew up during the digital age tends to be more technologically savvy. They prefer to type than to write. They grew up chatting online through AIM, MSN, and many other instant messengers. Most  had cell phones in their teen years ( even younger now). Basically generation Y-ers grew up with technology at their beck and call.

Generation Y and the workplace

Couple months ago, I was talking to one of my economic professor, who also does consultation for many big companies and we went into a rather lively discussion regarding generation Y. She told me that in her recent board meeting, they discusses ways to attract generation Y-ers to their company. Generation Y-ers are so different from the other generations that many companies are finding themselves to be revamping their company structure just to be able to secure their future that lies in the hand of the gen Y-ers. Here are some of the statistics that she showed me:

• 40 percent say Gen Y workers expect to have access to state-of-the-art technology
• 60 percent say Gen Y workers expect to be promoted within a year
• 75 percent of employers say Gen Y workers expect to be paid more
• 53 percent say Gen Y workers expect to have more vacation or personal time
• 63 percent say Gen Y workers expect to have flexible work schedules
• 67 percent say Gen Y workers prefer to work in a group rather on their own

Generation Y and their lifestyle

Here are some of the statistics that on wikipedia that I find to be amusing yet so true.

• Drug use and underage drinking are at a high - 77% have drank underage
• The use of marijuana is also quite high
• Members of this generation are facing higher costs for higher education than previous generations.
• Gen Y represents 70 million consumers in the United States
• This one is my favorite: Business owners in Australia feel that members of Generation Y were found to be "demanding, impatient and bad at communicating," according to a 2007 survey. The    survey found that almost 70% of those surveyed found their Generation Y workers to be dissatisfying, with poor spelling and grammar and no understanding of appropriate corporate behaviors. However, the survey also showed most employers praised the energy and charisma of their Generation Y workers.
• 97% owns a computer
• 94% owns a cell phone
• 76% Use instant messaging
• 15% of IM users stay logged on 24 hours 7 days a week
• 75% of college students have facebook account
• 60% owns a portable music/video device

Generation Y top 10 web sites

So that's that!! Have a good new year everyone!! May the new year being you success and happiness!

with love..always,
Ed

Creative Thinking Exercise I

Just like our muscles, our minds need exercise. You know the saying "if you don't use 'em, you'll lose 'em"? Well it doesn't go to that extent where you can lose your mind from not using it, but your mind won't be as "fit" as if you exercise it.

One of the exercises that I do, I took from Robert Kiyosaki. He is the author of the Rich Dad Poor Dad series. In his book, he tells the story of how his "rich dad," would make him and his friend Mike do creative thinking exercises by coming up with business ideas. No matter how crazy it is.

So once a day, I would make up a crazy invention/business idea and I would write it down. Some days, I would go back into an idea and maybe add a little more.Some days, I just make up an entirely new idea.

The whole point of the exercise is to train your minds to think outside of the box. To think of things that are out of the ordinary. After all, all great ideas were first perceived as ridiculous ideas.

I found a blog, where the author solely focuses on generating "crazy" ideas. I suggest for everyone to come by visit this site Free Idea Bank. It is informational and yet very entertaining.

There's a lot zany/crazy ideas in that blog and its free for the taking if you want to turn it into a real business venture.

What are some your "crazy" ideas?

- Ed

"If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas."
                                                                                        - George Bernard Shaw

The Power of Visualization

In my experience as a water polo coach, I always felt that it is very important to be able to visualize a positive goal. My mantra for the kids has always been: "if you can picture it, you can do it!" that and "no mercy." (But that's another story)

This year, I decided to take it a step further and really emphasize on positive visualization. So, before every big game days, we would do sports meditation. At the end of practice I would tell the kids to sit  down, close their eyes, make themselves comfortable and not talk.

When they've calmed down, I would tell them different game-like scenarios. In turn they have to visualize what they would do in that situation or what they ideally should do.  85% of the times the kids played better after the meditation. They were able to execute plays smoothly, apply skills that they've learned more efficiently, and just play better overall.

We finished the season with an overall record of 12 wins and 5 losses. Of course it's not all due to sports meditation; I had a great group of kids, who just doesn't give up. But the visualization during the meditation helped them to realize the goal and figure out the different ways to achieve it.

The power of visualization doesn’t just apply to sports; it can be applied into every aspect of life. You all know the saying "you can do it, if you set your mind to it." Well, your mind can only be "set" if it visualizes the objectives or the goals. I'm not saying that you can just sit there and just visualize. No that doesn't work.

When your mind visualizes something, it is picturing and end in mind, and it will develop ways to achieve that end. However, only YOU can follow through with that. Your mind can visualize and devise ways, but it is up to YOU to actually follow through with the plan.

The power of visualization can be summarizes into these 3 steps:

1. It visualizes an end
2. It will then develop a plan of action
3. Then YOU will have to follow it through. Perseverance is the key.

Remember: You are the executor. Your MIND visualizes and plans, but only YOU execute the plan.

 

Have a good rest of the day everyone

-Ed

"You must see your goals clearly and specifically before you can set out for them. Hold them in your mind until they become second nature."

                                                                  - Les Brown

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a merry xmas from everyone at FOblog!! Here are some 'toons to enjoy. The posts will be back a day after christmas or so.

A Person's "Successful" Reply to A Post

David Askaripour of Mind Petals - a place where like minded entrepreneurs can share their ideas, projects, and more importantly passion, wrote a post entitled "Passion Needs No End." In his post, Mr.Askaripour describes how our society today are so focused on the goals, the ends, and the numbers that we sometimes lose our passions and joy.

"We’re so gung-ho about placing an end on everything. And this is ever-strengthening due to the ubiquitous business mentality that we guard and protect. The “pay-me-for-my-passion” mentality. The business plans. The projections. The timelines. The “X” that we have to meet in order to achieve success."

Mr.Askaripour asked, why can't there be a success in every level? I agree. WHY CAN'T THERE BE A SUCCESS AT EVERY LEVEL????? Do I need to achieve a goal or get to the "end" to achieve success?

Ever since I started  Incarnate Clothing, or even this blog, people been asking me if I have been successful, how much money did it make? Where are you planning to go with this? How can you be rich of off this? and I answer them by saying. I have been successful.

To me THERE ARE successes at every level. Just braving myself and moving my butt out of my comfort zone to create Incarnate was a success to me!  First client I got? Success! Keeping that client? Success!  Even  when I had a complaint, that is a success! I had a client that cared enough to tell me that I made a mistake, and you know what? Mistakes are good. Mistakes = Learning experience.

Why do you think that way Ed?

Because I'm doing what I love! This is my PASSION! I love learning the "ins-and-outs" of business. I love talking to people about marketing, I love sharing my ideas, my values,  helping others, and if I can make a little bit of money doing that, then that's great!

And, my friends, success at every level  doesn't JUST apply to business. It applies to everything in life!  Whether it is school, sports, job, or even making friends. It's not about the goal or the "end." It's about the journey. Live in the present.

Have a good rest of the day everyone
-Ed

"Success never had to be attained. It just was. Just being. Just growing on its own with ease. No striving. No forcing. No setting endless goals. Just right there in front of us. Being."
                                                                                                     - David Askaripour

Pareto Principle and Life

Who ever heard of a man named Pareto before? Well if you haven't, I'll tell you.

Pareto was an Italian sociologist, philosopher, and an economist. Pareto was born in Paris, and then later move to Italy at the age of 10. Anyway, one of his famous work was an economic distribution of income. You probably have heard it before, It's called the Pareto Principle. The more common name for this is the "80-20" rule.

The rule states that 80% of the world income is generated by 20% of the world population. Hence the 80-20.But after reading Tim Ferris's book entitled "The 4 hour work week." (makes a great xmas gift!)    I figured out that I can apply the 80-20 rule to life too. Here are few general examples from my own life:

• 80% of my blog comments comes from 20% of my post.
• In business: 80% of my revenue comes from 20% of my clients.
• 80% of my "hang-out time" is spent with 20% of my friends.
• 80% of my energy is spent doing 20% of activities. 

Now just like business, it is very important to optimize that 80-20 rule. The key is you have to figure out what gives the best outcome. Just remember 80% of outputs comes from 20% inputs.

I was doing some research on this, and I came upon Entrepreneur's Journey. The Author, Yaro Starak did a damn fine job in explaining 80-20 in detail and what you can do to optimize it. If you haven't read it, then I suggest, you move your mouse couple of inches and click on it.

Have a good rest of the day everyone!
-Ed

"I think of myself as an intelligent, sensitive human being with the soul of a clown which always forces me to blow it at the most important moments."
                                                                                                                    - Jim Morrison

Ed's blog? He can write?

Hi everybody, welcome to my blog! As you can probably tell I am new at this. In fact I was up late last night thinking about how I would write my welcome post with a “boom”.

 

Clearly I failed.

 

I guess I should start by telling you about myself. My name is Edward; I am a 19 year old student/ young entrepreneur at California State University of Fullerton. I am currently on my third year, and hoping to graduate next year *crossing my fingers*

 

Wait what? 19 years old as a third year?? To answer your question, Yes.

 

I skipped two grades within the course of my short 19 years. Through what I now call “an act of miracle.” Which brings me to my next point: why am I starting a blog?

 

To tell you the truth… I don’t know. Heh. Just kidding.

 

Through out my whole life I have learned that sitting around waiting, is not going to do anything for you. If you want something you got to go out there and get it. I went through many obstacles by sheer perseverance and occasional intellects along the way. Keep in mind I said “occasional intellect.” I always wonder what constitutes “intellect.” But that’s another post.

 

I believe that we can not wait for that “one perfect moment” before you decide to do something. You just got to jump in there and fix your course along the way. This blog was created with that philosophy in mind. Through this blog I plan to share my ideas (entrepreneurial, philosophical, random weird stuff) and writings, and in turn I welcome any criticisms. I want this blog to be a place of learning. I want other people; regardless of age, gender, or race to be able to ask questions, express themselves and share ideas.

 

Wow that sounds clichéd.

 

I am aware that I am not the best writer in the world or even in the family in my case. BUT THAT’S OKAY. Anyone that reads my writing is welcome to criticize any grammatical errors or spelling or both. Therefore I can get better and “fix my course.”

like Henry Ford once said:

"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal."

 

So welcome and enjoy!

 

-Ed