FDA Approves New Drug for Late-Stage Breast Cancer

A new drug has been approved for advanced breast cancer patients whose disease is not responding to two other drugs.

Afinitor is already used on various tumors of the pancreas, kidney, and brain.

"Afinitor is another example of the value of continuing to study drugs in additional types of cancer after their initial approval," Dr. Richard Pazdur said.

The drug was approved to be used in combination with Aromasin for women in post-menopause who have recurring HER2-negative breast cancer. This can be given after they receive treatment with drugs Femara and Arimidex.

Protein HER2 is overproduced in 1/4 of all breast cancers. Afinitor can be used on those who have breast cancer that is not caused by the protein.

The drug's manufacturer, Novartis, studied it with 724 patients. The patients received either Afinitor plus the other breast cancer drug Aromasin, or a placebo plus Aromasin. Those who received Afinitor and Aromasin lived 4.6 months longer without disease progression.

Afinitor's most common side effects are mouth ulcers, infections, fatigue an diarrhea.

ADHD Diagnoses Continue to Climb

As more children are diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), researchers continue to struggle with understanding whether the rise is real, or primarily driven by greater awareness of the condition.

In the latest analysis, the rate of new cases of ADHD in California between 2001 and 2010 climbed for both sexes and for most ethnic and racial groups for children between the ages of 5 to 11.

But that rise doesn’t address what’s behind the growing number of cases. Are more kids truly suffering from hyperactivity and attention deficits, or are we simply better at catching children who show any symptoms?

The new research, published in JAMA Pediatrics, is among the first to offer hints at an answer. The study is not the first to suggest that ADHD diagnosis may be increasingly common, but it has important advantages over previous work, says the study’s lead author, Dr. Darios Getahun of Kaiser Permanente Southern California. For example, instead of counting all cases reported by parents and teachers (who may make mistakes and either under- or over-report cases), the new study counts only confirmed medical diagnoses by doctors. The new study also includes more children than earlier ones, by pooling health-record data from more than 840,000 kids enrolled in a health plan with the non-profit Kaiser Permanente Southern California. Those children resemble the general population of youngsters in California, Getahun says, and the study group is large enough that researchers could look not just at trends overall, but also at trends broken down by race, age group, sex, and more. And that provides some insights into whether susceptibility to ADHD itself is all that’s changing, or whether our diagnostic criteria are changing too.

Overall, the study found that 2.5% of kids aged 5 to 11 received a new ADHD diagnosis in the year 2001. Ten years later, in 2010, that number had risen to 3.1%, a relative increase of 24% even after the scientists adjusted for factors such as age, sex, race/ethnicity, and neighborhood average income, which can each influence ADHD risk. But not every group in the study appeared to be affected equally. In fact, the sub-populations with the highest ADHD incidence also tended to be the populations that do best on other measures of health and achievement: that is, kids who are white and living in wealthier neighborhoods and households with a median household income over $70,000 per year.

Meanwhile, the results showed that Hispanic kids are usually older than average when they’re diagnosed, if they are diagnosed at all. Asians and Pacific Islanders have the lowest ADHD incidence. Altogether, the findings suggest that, even though all the kids in the study had access to health care, some may still get be getting different treatment because they face different expectations at home and in the classroom, or because their parents have different attitudes toward mental health service provision. “That variation is very important,” says Getahun.

Families of the Asian children in the study, for example, were less likely to use mental health services to diagnose or treat ADHD, while the more well-off families and well-educated white parents were more likely to access these services, perhaps to excess, as they tended to expect more for their children academically

But the issue of diagnosis remains controversial. On the one hand, says Getahun, “If you diagnose [ADHD] early and you initiate treatment early, the children will do better.” On the other, over-diagnosis may lead some healthy kids to take drugs they don’t need.

Just a generation ago, ADHD was considered rare. Today it’s one of the most common behavioral disorders of childhood, characterized by poor focus, lack of attention, impulsivity, and constant movement, including fidgeting and squirming. Kids with ADHD are more likely to struggle in school, to miss classes, to get injuries, and to have “troublesome relationships” with family members and classmates. Some preliminary studies have even linked ADHD in childhood to adult outcomes such as smoking and career and relationship difficulties.

The size of the study, and the variation in ADHD diagnosis rates among different populations, supports the idea that not all of the rise can be attributed to increased awareness among doctors, teachers and parents of the disorder. While risk factors for ADHD, including brain injury, preterm birth (being born more than three weeks early), exposure to alcohol and tobacco in the womb, and some environmental toxins, such as lead and possibly mercury, may be playing a role in driving the rates higher, researchers still can’t completely explain why more and more children have been diagnosed with ADHD in recent years. But parsing apart some of the cultural and economic factors that may be responsible could help them get closer to an answer.

Winter fashion finds under $50

Fact: January can be a tough time to shop. Not only is your drab dead-of-winter wardrobe likely begging for a lift, but your bank account's depleted from all those great gifts you picked up last month.

Luckily, the stellar seasonal finds we've rounded up below all cost less than $50. Time to indulge—guilt-free!

Cocktail party, here we come.

Brocade skirt, $24.80, forever21.com

Don't blame us when "Please Mr. Postman" winds up stuck in your head for days.

Love letters necklace, $30, jewelmint.com

A visually-intriguing take on a collegiate classic.

Geo bomber jacket, $24.80, forever21.com

Glittery footwear: still going strong, in case you were wondering.

New York State of Shine oxford, $35, modcloth.com

The cropped length keeps it from looking too corporate.

Metallic tweed jacket, $27.80, forever21.com

Who framed Fido?

Pet portrait tee, $36, madewell.com

Mwah. Perfect for Valentine's day!

Holiday statement earrings, $10, mikkatmarket.com

Would look equally awesome with a pair of tailored trousers.

Silhouette peplum top, $38, nastygal.com

Tri-colored. Tri-flapped. Just try to resist it.

New Look parker envelope clutch, $28.13, asos.com

We love the delicate double-layered collar.

Sage manager top, $38, modcloth.com

Don't be surprised if you spot these T-straps on an extra in the upcoming Gatsby reboot.

Winding My Way heel in forest, $40, modcloth.com

Leather shorts are a wintertime style standby, and we adore that sweet scalloped hem.

Faux leather scallop shorts, $34, mikkatmarket.com

So perfect with a pair of leather leggings, or layered beneath a big black faux fur vest.

Straight up blouse, $38, nastygal.com

The color alone makes it a must-have; plus, the long strap is ideal for slinging across your winter coat.

Abbey crossbody bag, $48, nastygal.com

The LLD (little leather dress): just as vital a closet component as the LBD. And hey, this covers both bases!

Dotty leather dress, $48, pixiemarket.com

Seven Options If You're Bored With Your Job

If you're the yawning type, these seven careers could banish boredom from the workplace.

If you get bored easily, the daily grind of the working world might be as exciting to you as watching paint dry. So what do you look for in a job if you're the easily underwhelmed type?

"Needing to be stimulated and excited is all about having new challenges and never knowing what the day might bring," says Bradley Brummel, a member of CareerBliss's Board of Advisors as well as a psychology professor at the University of Tulsa specializing in psychology of the workplace.

Ready to find a professional life less ordinary? Check out these seven careers that could bring a new challenge on any given day.

CAREER #1: PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST

If you love talking to people, can tell a great story, and thrive in sticky situations, pursuing a career as a public relations specialist might be just what your high-energy personality needs to blossom in the workplace.

Daily Duties: Public relations specialists are witty wordsmiths who, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, might be responsible for everything from crafting speeches, interviews, and press releases to managing media requests. Fundraising and developing brand identity could be another important task of public relations specialists as well.

No Yawns Here: PR specialists rarely get bored because they're always on their toes, handling unexpected media issues on a daily basis. "There is always a product or story or crisis to pitch or spin," says Brummel. "Not only do you have to plan for how the public will perceive your message, but you have to able to adapt with any changes as the story unfolds."

Education Options: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a bachelor's degree is generally needed for public relations specialist positions, and employers typically prefer candidates who study public relations, communications, or journalism.

CAREER #2: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER

If you're someone who loves the smell of freshly sharpened pencils and being around high-energy children, going after a career in teaching elementary school might be an ideal way to keep learning while staying on your toes.

Elementary school teachers have a full plate of responsibilities. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, they typically teach basic subjects such as reading and math, but they also communicate with parents about student progress and help students develop social skills.

No Yawns Here: Elementary teachers usually don't have any time to twiddle their thumbs. "From fights to accidents to parents - every day brings a new challenge," says Brummel, which means those inclined to boredom might love the career. "Every day can also bring a new success as one child learns to share or stand in line or figures out a new concept. There are a myriad of successes and setbacks every day."

Education Options: According to the Department of Labor, all states require that public elementary school teachers possess a bachelor's degree in elementary education. In addition, some states also require elementary school teachers to major in a particular subject, such as science or math. And keep in mind that all public school teachers are required to have a license, though requirements vary by state, adds the Department.

CAREER #3: POLICE OFFICER/PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR

m a variety of tasks, including background checks, investigating computer crimes, tracing missing people, and even protecting celebrities or dignitaries.

No Yawns Here: Police officer and private investigator are two careers great for someone who loves not knowing what to expect. Why? "Every case or traffic stop or encounter has the potential to be explosive," says Brummel. "You never know when someone is going to run or attack."

Education Options: The Department of Labor says that typically, to pursue a career as a police officer, you need at least a high school diploma, although many agencies require a college degree or some college coursework. Schools offer criminal justice and law enforcement programs. Most future police officers are also required to graduate from their agency's training academy, adds the Department.

Although many jobs don't have formal education requirements, private detectives typically have some college education. Some jobs may require an associate's or bachelor's degree. Courses in political science or criminal justice are helpful, reports the Department.

CAREER #4: PARALEGAL

Do you have an eagle-eye for details and organization but don't want to end up pushing paper around a desk? Use your skills in a stimulating way by preparing for a paralegal career, a great professional pursuit that could banish boredom from your day.

Paralegals are busy bees. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, paralegals manage everything from legal research to drafting correspondence and obtaining affidavits. They support lawyers doing a variety of tasks.

No Yawns Here: Paralegals work in an environment that is ideal for anyone on the prowl for stimulating work. "You are always researching and discovering new potential avenues and cases or decisions that could help your firm's lawyers help the client win a case," explains Brummel. "It is high-pressure, creative data hunting every day."

Education Options: The Department of Labor explains that the majority of paralegals either have an associate's degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor's degree in a different field and a certificate in paralegal studies.

CAREER #5: SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

Does shifting the entire landscape of computer technology appeal to you? Do you have a knack for detailed work, but don't want to be stuck in the doldrums of office life? Pursuing a career as a software developer could be the ideal mix of work and play that you're looking for.

Software developers typically take a software product from start to finish, tackling its design, testing, and development for the market or a particular client, says the U.S. Department of Labor. Additional elements of this position may include working alongside programmers as well as ongoing collaboration with other computer specialists to create an efficient, user-friendly system.

No Yawns Here: The multi-faceted nature of being a software developer is ideal for people who love a challenge, a tangible reward, and different tasks. "It is a highly creative job in which you are never sure if your latest code will do exactly what you imagined," says Brummel. "When it doesn't, you need to come up with effective ways around it. And then when you solve it, you can see the fruit of your work."

Education Options: According to the Department of Labor, software developers usually have a bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science, or a related field; oftentimes employers also accept candidates with a degree in mathematics.

CAREER #6: REGISTERED NURSE

If you've got physical stamina, a kind heart, and a desire to feel truly alive each day, taking on a career as a registered nurse could be a great option to cure the workday boredom bug.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, registered nurses (RNs) have a slew of different responsibilities, ranging from health promotion and patient care to consulting with doctors, offering emotional support, and teaching people how best to manage their illness.

No Yawns Here: As a nurse, one thing is certain: You'll never be looking at the clock. "Being a registered nurse requires the high-paced service of multiple patients on a day to day basis," says Brummel. "There is always someone to monitor, treat, talk to, or release once they are better."

Education Options: The Department of Labor says that registered nurses usually pursue one of two educational paths: a diploma from an approved nursing program, or an associate's degree in nursing (ADN). Registered nurses must also be licensed through the state.

CAREER #7: FASHION DESIGNER

If you love a fast-paced day brimming with equal parts creativity and style, pursuing a career as a fashion designer could be a wonderful way to create wearable art and never get bogged down by boredom at your job.

Fashion designers may create unique clothing - from shoes and accessories to children's apparel and sportswear. They study fashion trends and make predictions of future fashion trends. The U.S. Department of Labor explains that designers typically sketch designs, choose various fabrics, and give instructions on how to construct the products they've conceived of on paper.

No Yawns Here: High-energy people will thrive in the unpredictable and high-octane world of fashion design. "You always have to be on the lookout for the next new style," says Brummel. "Also, the industry is full of eccentric, demanding people, so you never know how your suggestions or styles will be received."

Education Options: Postsecondary education is typically not required for fashion designers, says the U.S. Department of Labor, but many fashion designers take classes or earn a bachelor's or associate's degree in a related field - such as fashion merchandising - that will improve their understanding of fabrics and textiles.

2013 Golden Globes: Zooey Deschanel's Nail Art

Ah, Zooey, the nail art queen! The New Girl actress has hit the Golden Globes arrivals and she's dazzling in red. Her '60s socialite-inspired hair is up in a voluminous ponytail and her fringe is looking, as per, very sweet. Zooey's makeup look stays true to her style with heavy eyeliner and big lashes. Her big ticket item is the nail art, and this year she's gone with a movie camera and film strips — best!

Bikinis outdated? One-piece Swimsuits now Trending

Dieting and exercising are perhaps the most popular New Years Resolutions, but don't worry if you've indulged on a few too many holiday treats this year. Swimsuits are already trickling onto retail shelves and the spotlight is on one-piece swimwear, not bikinis. Yes, that extra inch to pinch around your tummy can potentially remain hidden all year.

Every stylish celebrity from the curvier gals like Beyonce, Christina Hendricks, and Kim Kardashian, to the skinny-minnies like Taylor Swift, Kate Moss, and Kirsten Dunst are rocking one-piece bathing suits, or "maillots." As a result, the rest of us are heading directly to department stores, boutiques, and affordable mass-market shops to scoop up similar styles. The New York Post found that one-piece swimsuit sales are up around 20 percent in local New York shops. We consulted industry experts to find out why.

Katherine Power, celebrity style expert and co-founder of the fashion website Who What Wear feels strongly that celebrities are leading the trend. "Over the summer, Beyonce was spotted in a classic one-piece with a small attached skirt, which is great for those who prefer more coverage," Power tells Yahoo! Shine. "If you are looking for a more alluring way to wear the one-piece, take notes from Rihanna who wore one in December with side cut-outs and a deep v-neck."

Colleen Sherin, the senior fashion director at Saks Fifth Avenue, agrees that celebrities are making younger, trendier girls take interest. "As you see celebrities and fashion icons embracing one-pieces certainly that has an influence on a younger demographic," Sherin tells Yahoo! Shine. That said, Sherin feels these bathing suits are appropriate for all body types and ages, "from kids to women in their '80s." Power concurs, adding that "just like any other accessory or piece of clothing, swimsuits are a way for women to express their personal style. One-pieces are versatile, flattering, and can sometimes be sexier than showing more skin in a bikini." A flattering style for one and all? That's what we like to hear.

Sherin says fresh silhouettes and designs are also responsible for the market shift. "Designers are getting more innovative in one-piece design." says Sherin. "It doesn't have to be super sporty and active and covered up. Some one-pieces offer a more plunging neckline or halter neckline that can still be sexy." Skin-revealing cutouts, which have been a trendy fashion element in recent seasons, also translate well to swimsuits. Cutout details at the waist and back are a happy medium between bikinis and full coverage swimwear.

Both experts feel the design's renewed popularity may be a progression from the retro, fuller-coverage swimwear that's been a hit in recent seasons. Fashion trends evolve over time, and right now the popularity of the one-piece swimsuit has "a vintage, 1950s-pinup appeal that makes woman feel sexy and modern," says Power. Sherin agrees that "the one-piece is taking that popular pin-up girl style one step further. It's a very chic modern look." The aesthetic of a one-piece is also right on trend. "We're experiencing a little bit of a return to minimalism," says Sherin. "Not across the board, but the eye is changing a bit and we're seeing more clean, streamlined, pared-down designs."

Sherin says bikinis are still selling at Saks Fifth Avenue, but as one-pieces are embraced by fashion editorial, the store has updated its Spring Preview catalog, which mailed in early December. Usually, bikinis dominate, but "There are five bikinis and four one-pieces," says Sherin. "We have this amazing strapless bandeau one-piece in red, so it's this great color, and the bandeau is one of our most popular silhouettes. From Pucci we show both a sexy string bikini and a plunging one-piece. Everyone wants to have the option." She adds that "Michael Kors does a beautiful one-piece swimsuit, Calvin Klein, and Eres. We're seeing them on the runways as well; designers are showing them within the Spring/Summer collections." Power says you don't have to shell out for designer swimsuits. "Stores like T.J.Maxx and Marshalls carry great swimsuits for amazing prices. I'm a big fan of the bandeau one-piece, and bright colors are especially flattering when you have a tan."

Even if you love your itsy bitsy, teeny weenie bikinis, you may want to pick up a flattering, tummy concealing one-piece this year. "I think that's the joy of fashion, that it changes and the eye shifts and what you may not have considered wearing suddenly seems new and fresh and you want to wear it," says Sherin. "I have a drawer full of swimsuits. They're fun to buy, they make you think of vacation, they don't take up much space. Swimsuits can be fashion statement." So don't forget about styling! Power says, "You can really play up your beach look with accessories. Consider an oversized hat, big shades, and a sheer printed cover-up to get the full effect. You could even tie a sarong around your waist to add some dimension and slim your figure." We could probably all use that flattering effect right about now.

Jennifer Lopez Reveals Where She Keeps That Daring Versace Dress From the 2000 Grammys

It’s been 13 years since Jennifer Lopez made jaws drop when she stepped onto the red carpet at the 2000 Grammys in that low-cut Versace gown with the up-to-there slit – and yet it’s still unforgettable. But the piece of pop culture history is not on display in a museum somewhere. "I have that at home," she reveals in the February issue of Harper’s Bazaar. "The other day, my housekeeper put it on a mannequin in my spa, where I get my hair and makeup done. She sent me a picture. She was like, 'You like this dress?' Um, yeah, but I don't know if I like it out in the house!"

Although daring dresses like that one aren’t really J.Lo’s style anymore, she still holds on to some of her past tastes, which she combines with her more mature fashion sense to create a current style all her own. The 43-year-old explains that her former “boyish, hip-hoppy sensibility: big hoops, sneakers, tank tops, and my big curly hair” was given a “sexy element to it” over time, and now, “all of these things mixed together … that’s my style.”

5 Things That Really Smart People Do

Don't get in the way of your own learning. Here are five ways to step aside and continue to increase your smarts.

Most people don't really think much about how they learn. Generally you assume learning comes naturally. You listen to someone speak either in conversation or in a lecture and you simply absorb what they are saying, right? Not really. In fact, I find as I get older that real learning takes more work. The more I fill my brain with facts, figures, and experience, the less room I have for new ideas and new thoughts. Plus, now I have all sorts of opinions that may refute the ideas being pushed at me. Like many people I consider myself a lifelong learner, but more and more I have to work hard to stay open minded.

But the need for learning never ends, so your desire to do so should always outweigh your desire to be right. The world is changing and new ideas pop up everyday; incorporating them into your life will keep you engaged and relevant. The following are the methods I use to stay open and impressionable. They'll work for you too. No matter how old you get.

1. Quiet Your Inner Voice

You know the one I am talking about. It's the little voice that offers a running commentary when you are listening to someone. It's the voice that brings up your own opinion about the information being provided. It is too easy to pay more attention to the inner voice than the actual speaker. That voice often keeps you from listening openly for good information and can often make you shut down before you have heard the entire premise. Focus less on what your brain has to say and more on the speaker. You may be surprised at what you hear.

2. Argue With Yourself

If you can't quiet the inner voice, then at least use it to your advantage. Every time you hear yourself contradicting the speaker, stop and take the other point of view. Suggest to your brain all the reasons why the speaker may be correct and you may be wrong. In the best case you may open yourself to the information being provided. Failing that, you will at least strengthen your own argument.

3. Act Like You Are Curious

Some people are naturally curious and others are not. No matter which category you are in you can benefit from behaving like a curious person. Next time you are listening to information, make up and write down three to five relevant questions. If you are in a lecture, Google them after for answers. If you are in a conversation you can ask the other person. Either way you'll likely learn more, and the action of thinking up questions will help encode the concepts in your brain. As long as you're not a cat you should benefit from these actions of curiosity.

4. Find the Kernel of Truth

No concept or theory comes out of thin air. Somewhere in the elaborate concept that sounds like complete malarkey there is some aspect that is based upon fact. Even if you don't buy into the idea, you should at least identify the little bit of truth from whence it came. Play like a detective and build your own extrapolation. You'll enhance your skills of deduction and may even improve the concept beyond the speaker's original idea.

5. Focus on the Message Not the Messenger

Often people shut out learning due to the person delivering the material. Whether it's a boring lecturer, someone physically unappealing, or a member of the opposite political party, the communicator can impact your learning. Even friends can disrupt the learning process since there may be too much history and familiarity to see them as an authority on a topic. Separate the material from the provider. Pretend you don't know the person or their beliefs so you can hear the information objectively. As for the boring person, focus on tip two, three, or four as if it were a game, thereby creating your own entertainment.

How to Get Anyone's Attention

With all the noise today it's difficult to get someone to give you the attention you deserve. Here are three tips sure to get you noticed for the right reasons.

Admit it: You've been clamoring for attention. Whether you're trying to sell something, solicit involvement in your project, ask for a job, or (so often in my case) get someone to write about you, you're relentless in your effort to get noticed. Unfortunately most of you are failing miserably. When I receive these emails, more often than not, they go in the trash because they are undeserving of my time and attention. Some just plain make me mad because they are so self-serving and boring.

For some of you our goals are truly aligned. You want my attention and I want to buy, engage, hire, or tell your story. Here is what you are doing wrong:

Your solicitations are boring.

Your solicitations are self-indulgent.

Your solicitations are unoriginal.

I know that sounds harsh, but there are reasons why your emails are going unanswered and you are not getting the attention you deserve. I am simply telling you what other writers, employers and prospects won't take the time or effort to tell you because they are busy and they are just being nice.

So I am going to help you. Before you trash me in the comments, consider the following suggestions and learn to get the attentive response from people who can really help your cause:

1. Get to Know Me

Treat me as though I am worth the effort. Instead of sending out a canned email to hundreds, identify people who can specifically help, and invest some time and energy to understand them. With Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google you can learn a lot about a person and figure out whether or not there are truly common goals or if you are just wasting everyone's time. If there really is a connection, tailor an email to demonstrate that you are truly a fan of my work or at least that there are common interests. True, I may think you a bit of a stalker, but I made that information public for a reason. Show respect by taking the time to read and absorb it and I'll appreciate your attention to detail.

2. Show Me Value

Media expert Shawne Duperon teaches that working relationships thrive when there is reciprocity. That is, you give me something helpful and I give you something helpful. I know you have a story to tell, but as my smart friend and colleague Rick Newman of US News and World Report once said to a room full of entrepreneurs: "All of you have interesting stories, and none of my readers give a s**t." Don't just assume that the raw facts of your business, cause, story, resume, etc. are enough to make me or my followers jump to attention. Guess what, there are thousands of start-ups, new books, eager job applicants, worthy causes, and smart people. Explain why you are truly different. Then, don't just make it about you. Communicate the specific value you bring to me, and the people who follow me. Finally, do the hard work, which is to outline in detail how we would work together and create value for others. I may not see it exactly your way, but I will reward your effort with greater thought, feedback and perhaps a chance to collaborate in some manner.

3. Entertain Me!

The surest way to be rewarded with attention is through creativity. You have many tools at your disposal. Apple and their software minions have made sure of it. You can make a cool presentation, video or even write me a short story. My God, at the very least, send me a joke. Just don't bore me with a long blah, blah, blah email or cover letter that says the same stuff about how you are going to change the world or how you want to make a difference. Show me something cool, fun, and emotionally moving. Give me the Awesome Experience: the convergence of need, entertainment and the unexpected. Then, even if we can't help each other. I will likely pass along your creative submission and give it an even better chance of getting some much desired attention.

Oh, and just so you know, I read every comment on my columns so here's your chance. Wow me.

6 Things Really Productive People Do

Have you noticed that some people just seem to accomplish tons and still appear happy and relaxed? Here are six tips for becoming more productive.

People often ask me, amazed, how I manage to do so many things. Aside from writing two columns every week, I speak regularly, travel, create videos, manage my business, write books, consult with five companies, network, socialize, cycle, run, read, cook, sleep six to seven hours a night and have dates with my wife. Oh yeah, I watch a lot of television while hanging out with my dog as well.

Okay, I know it sounds ridiculous. But accomplishing my preferred future requires this level of activity. I have the same 24 hours in a day that you do, but I have made specific choices that allow me to make the most of every day, and still feel happy and relaxed. Perhaps these tips will help you make the most of your time as well.

1. Pick Your Priorities

Make choices about the activities in your life. With most endeavors, you can either go deep or go wide. Focus on spending time that for you is fun and productive. If you like big families, have them, but recognize up front that kids require time and you'll have to choose a lifestyle that supports quality time with them, for you to feel satisfied. I chose the life of a consultant because I like to work with companies, but don't want the life of a big company CEO. My choices are based on the lifestyle I want.

2. Go For Efficiency

You don't do everything well. The things you do well usually give you greater joy and require less time. Don't take on something with a steep learning curve if you don't have the available bandwidth. Design your life to meet your wants, and recognize when to say no to opportunities that are outside the scope of your desires. Live your life by design, not default.

3. Integrate Your Activities

Many people go crazy trying to figure out how to spend time with friends, family, work, play, etc. Stop trying to balance time between them all. Find ways to enjoy them in a combined manner. Build your social life around people in your work environment. Find people in your company who share common interests and develop your career around the people and activities you love. If everything is out of synch to the point where you feel pulled and stressed, a change is likely imminent one way or another.

4. Actively Manage Time-wasters

Social media, family, friends, employees, co-workers and general whiners all under certain circumstances can suck precious time from you if you let them. Budget your time for necessary activities. Make a choice to limit non-supportive interactions that don't energize you. As for social media, it can easily be a black hole for time and productivity. Use it appropriately and sparingly as a tool to support your endeavors and social needs, but lay off the Farmville.

5. Be an Active Learner

You would think learning takes more time from you, but actually there are always new tools and new ways of doing things that can save you time on mundane tasks freeing you up for your priorities. Always be looking for a new way to gain back an hour here or there. Just try it and dump it quick if it starts to drag on.

6. Lighten Up

No need to beat yourself up if you can't do all the things you want because you are handling other stuff that needs attention. It happens. The world won't come to an end in most cases just because you left a few things undone. Celebrate progress and keep refining toward a happy productive existence. This is why making lists and crossing off items is a staple in any productivity handbook. Every completion is a small victory that adds up in a big way.

6 Habits of Remarkably Likeable People

When you meet someone, after, "What do you do?" you're out of things to say. You suck at small talk, and those first five minutes are tough because you're a little shy and a little insecure.

But you want to make a good impression. You want people to genuinely like you.

Here's how remarkably likeable people do it:

They lose the power pose.

I know: Your parents taught you to stand tall, square your shoulders, stride purposefully forward, drop your voice a couple of registers, and shake hands with a firm grip.

It's great to display nonverbal self-confidence, but go too far and it seems like you're trying to establish your importance. That makes the "meeting" seem like it's more about you than it is the other person--and no one likes that.

No matter how big a deal you are you pale in comparison to say, oh, Nelson Mandela. So take a cue from him. Watch how he greets Bill Clinton, no slouch at this either.

Clinton takes a step forward (avoiding the "you must come to me" power move); Mandela steps forward with a smile and bends slightly forward as if, ever so slightly, to bow (a clear sign of deference and respect in nearly every culture); Clinton does the same. What you have are two important people who put aside all sense of self-importance or status. They're genuine.

Next time you meet someone, relax, step forward, tilt your head towards them slightly, smile, and show that you're the one who is honored by the introduction--not them.

We all like people who like us. If I show you I'm genuinely happy to meet you, you'll instantly start to like me. (And you'll show that you do, which will help calm my nerves and let me be myself.)

They embrace the power of touch.

Nonsexual touch can be very powerful. (Yes, I'm aware that sexual touch can be powerful too.) Touch can influence behavior, increase the chances of compliance, make the person doing the touching seem more attractive and friendly.

Go easy, of course: Pat the other person lightly on the upper arm or shoulder. Make it casual and nonthreatening.

Check out Clinton's right-hand-shakes-hands-left-hand-touches-Mandela's-forearm-a-second-later handshake in the link above and tell me, combined with his posture and smile, that it doesn't come across as genuine and sincere.

Think the same won't work for you? Try this: The next time you walk up behind a person you know, touch them lightly on the shoulder as you go by. I guarantee you'll feel like a more genuine greeting was exchanged.

Touch breaks down natural barriers and decreases the real and perceived distance between you and the other person--a key component in liking and in being liked.

They whip out their social jiu-jitsu.

You meet someone. You talk for 15 minutes. You walk away thinking, "Wow, we just had a great conversation. She is awesome."

Then, when you think about it later, you realize you didn't learn a thing about the other person.

Remarkably likeable people are masters at Social Jiu-Jitsu, the ancient art of getting you to talk about yourself without you ever knowing it happened. SJJ masters are fascinated by every step you took in creating a particularly clever pivot table, by every decision you made when you transformed a 200-slide PowerPoint into a TED Talk-worthy presentation, if you do say so yourself...

SJJ masters use their interest, their politeness, and their social graces to cast an immediate spell on you.

And you like them for it.

Social jiu-jitsu is easy. Just ask the right questions. Stay open-ended and allow room for description and introspection. Ask how, or why, or who.

As soon as you learn a little about someone, ask how they did it. Or why they did it. Or what they liked about it, or what they learned from it, or what you should do if you're in a similar situation.

No one gets too much recognition. Asking the right questions implicitly shows you respect another person's opinion--and, by extension, the person.

We all like people who respect us, if only because it shows they display great judgment.

(Kidding. Sort of.)

They whip out something genuine.

Everyone is better than you at something. (Yes, that's true even for you.) Let them be better than you.

Too many people when they first meet engage in some form of penis-measuring contest. Crude reference but one that instantly calls to mind a time you saw two alpha male master-of-the business-universe types whip out their figurative rulers. (Not literally, of course. I hope you haven't seen that.)

Don't try to win the "getting to know someone" competition. Try to lose. Be complimentary. Be impressed. Admit a failing or a weakness.

You don't have to disclose your darkest secrets. If the other person says, "We just purchased a larger facility," say, "That's awesome. I have to admit I'm jealous. We've wanted to move for a couple years but haven't been able to put together the financing. How did you pull it off?"

Don't be afraid to show a little vulnerability. People may be (momentarily) impressed by the artificial, but people sincerely like the genuine.

Be the real you. People will like the real you.

They ask for nothing.

You know the moment: You're having a great conversation, you're finding things in common... and then bam! Someone plays the networking card.

And everything about your interaction changes.

Put away the hard-charging, goal-oriented, always-on kinda persona. If you have to ask for something, find a way to help the other person, then ask if you can.

Remarkably likeable people focus on what they can do for you--not for themselves.

They "close" genuinely.

"Nice to meet you," you say, nodding once as you part. That's the standard move, one that is instantly forgettable.

Instead go back to the beginning. Shake hands again. Use your free hand to gently touch the other person's forearm or shoulder. Say, "I am really glad I met you." Or say, "You know, I really enjoyed talking with you." Smile: Not that insincere salesperson smile that goes with, "Have a nice day!" but a genuine, appreciative smile.

Making a great first impression is important, but so is making a great last impression.

And they accept it isn't easy.

All this sounds simple, right? It is. But it's not easy, especially if you're shy. The standard, power pose, "Hello, how are you, good to meet you, good seeing you," shuffle feels a lot safer.

But it won't make people like you.

So accept it's hard. Accept that being a little more deferential, a little more genuine, a little more complimentary and a little more vulnerable means putting yourself out there. Accept that at first it will feel risky.

But don't worry: When you help people feel a little better about themselves--which is reason enough--they'll like you for it.

And you'll like yourself a little more, too.