Psychology Of Writing - What Do Successful Writers Have in Common?

Psychological angst about the quality of your writing is a most interesting phenomenon, familiar to even the most seasoned of writers. If we want to understand what makes a writer tick, then we need to look at the psychology behind the art, right into the world of a professional writer.

Of course the notion that successful writers are dysfunctional human beings, or "tortured" artists, is widely accepted and who can deny that occasionally, they all fall into that stereotypical role? Every good writer (who is not delusional), is affected by their emotions, suffering self-doubt on occasion, simply because they are human beings.

It is with interest that I read well known authors, who have prolific sales of books and for whom we would have thought the spectre of "doubt" could never creep in, humbly reveal that they feel like "imposters" from time to time. The actual psychology behind this reveals that indeed, this element of self-doubt, in small doses, acts as an adrenalin driver to produce better work.

This idea becomes apparent when the psychologists examine "stress" and its function within or lives. It's all a question of balance. It's on a par with the Yin and Yang concepts in ancient Eastern philosophy. But in the field of psychology it is asserted that, if we suffer from too much stress (or self-doubt), we become dysfunctional; total lack of stress could make us delusional (and we have alas seen too many of these writers); but just the right amount of self-doubt is a healthy trajectory to productivity in meaningful work.

It is closely aligned to the concept of "analysis paralysis", that most writers are also uncomfortably familiar with. We can stress over getting it right, but the truth is, that it will never be perfect and there comes a time when you need to make the decision to "let it go".

On the positive side of the latest psychological research, there is much to offer the prolific writer! The new domain gaining much momentum in psychology today, and initiated by Dr Martin Seligman, a past President of the American Psychological Association (1998), is known as the "Psychology of Happiness" or "Positive Psychology".

Professor Seligman proposes that there are three distinct types of happiness: the Pleasant Life (pleasures); the Good Life (engagement); and the Meaningful Life.

The first of these is concerned with engaging in short activities, which produce concentrated moments of 'pleasure". For a writer, reading a great book springs to mind. The second type of happiness is available to many writers, where they are engaged in working on their signature strengths. (ie writing) A few, in the writing field will be fortunate enough to reach the third level of happiness, thus living the Meaningful Life. The writings of the Dalai Lama and others like Deepak Chopra and Paulo Coelho, spring to mind, etc. These are writers who have significantly contributed to the happiness of others. In other words, they have been engaged in writing that is way above and beyond themselves; writing that is philanthropic in its effects on the lives of others, and writing that leaves a legacy for humanity, long after they have departed.

Given that most of us can certainly, (and many have already), reached the Meaningful Life, the interesting idea of "flow" is articulated by Seligman. This concept certainly explains why many writers will have an idea at 3am and have to get up and write it down. Of course you were only going to get it down on paper and then go back to bed, weren't you? But you and I both know that it ends up quite differently! So the theory explains why this happens too. It explains why you "lose time" doing the thing you love most, writing! It's the concept of "flow". Or in layman's terms being "in the zone". This is when you lose hours, or in extreme cases, days, engaged in writing. It impacts on your relationships, your job, (if you still have one), and your life altogether. But it's worth it!

So we can see that the science of psychology has much to offer the writer, in terms of explaining why we appear to be dysfunctional to those outside of the field. It also offers us hope, knowing that the ebb and flow of our work, is "normal" after all, and that we are simply creatures of the night, creating our own meaningful lives.

May the flow be with you!

Interior Decorations and Architecture is in Demand

Interior design is a profession that primarily deals with anything found inside a space - walls, windows, doors, finishes, textures, light, furnishings and furniture. All of these elements are used by interior designers to develop a functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing space for a building's user. Prior to commencing work on any space various factors are to be undertaken by the interior decorator. These factors include the look and feel of the space involved, theme and module of the decoration, the ambiance to be created the architecture and traditional decoration if required. The demand of interior decoration has increased rapidly to an extent that you have firms and agencies opening up solely to serve the purpose. Today, interior designers must be attuned to architectural detailing including floor plans, home renovations, and construction codes. Some interior designers are architects as well.

Interior design is conceptualized by architects for both residential as well as commercial purposes. As the name suggests, residential designs deal with homes, where as commercial designs include offices, hotels, schools, hospitals or other public buildings. Some interior designers develop expertise within a niche design area such as hospitality, health care and institutional design.

There is a wide range of disciplines within the career of interior design. Some of the disciplines include: structure, function, specialized performance, special group needs, discipline needed for business, computer technology, presentation skills, craft skills, social disciplines, promotional disciplines, professional disciplines, aesthetic disciplines, and disciplines with cultural implications. Areas of specialization in this field is continuously growing and changing. With various malls and multiplexes opening up in cities an increased focus have been applied to produce exotic designs and architecture making it look glamorous.

Interior Design is a costly franchise and the revenues that are earned are generally very high. The earnings vary based on employer, number of years with experience, and the reputation of the individual. In both cases residential and commercial charges are levied on an area basis (per square feet). Additional factors that determines the cost of the project is the location and demographic factor. Central metropolitan areas where costs of living expenses and median earnings are generally greater, the budget will be higher compared to suburbs and rural areas. Moreover the average square footage of homes and offices has increased over time; the scope of work performed translates directly to higher earnings.

All in all the industry is flourishing big time. Almost every major corporate would hire an interior decorator prior to setting up an office. Celebrities hire their professional services to get their stage decorated before commencing with an event and every homebuyer does strive to save as much to get their house decorated.

Small Business Ideas - Become an Interior Designer

Do you love decorating? Are you great at conceptualizing an empty room? Can you get bargains like no one else you know? If the answer to these questions is Yes! than starting an interior design firm might be the best of the small business ideas out there for you. Last year $275 billion dollars were spent on the home improvement market. That's a ton of money and the good news is that you can get in on it!

If you want to get serious, you'll need to get a degree in interior design. 25 states currently require a degree to call yourself a certified interior designer. You'll also need to pass an exam administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification. Of course you'll want to get books of paint and carpet samples as well.

These steps might seem a little overwhelming at first, but they don't have to be. Interior design is a great field to get in on - it's booming, fun and anyone can be great at it with the right training. What's a few years of school when it means a lifelong career that you'll love? Most of the classes you'll take will be fun, interesting and teach you great new techniques that will not only help your business but will help you improve your own home as well.

Once you have your schooling and certification down, taking advantage of the interior decorating small business idea is a great way to have a creative job that allows you to set your own hours. What could be better?

What Questions Should You Ask an Interior Designer Before Hiring Him?

Below is a list of helpful questions to ask an interior designer during your in-person interview, and prior to hiring him. By gathering your information, and getting answers to your design questions, you will be able to make more well-informed decisions. In addition to the formalities and technicalities of the interior designer's expertise and experience, it's truly important that you connect with the person who will handle your home's redesign. Communication is key to a successful collaboration.

1. Do you have experience designing spaces that are...(modern, retro, traditional, Victorian, minimalist, or contemporary) similar to what I'm looking for with this redesign?

2. What is your fee for what we've described with this project?

3. Will you renovate the room for us with the existing walls and structures, or will you need to knock down walls and ceilings to accomplish the look you envision?

4. Tell the designer if you have children or pets, and then ask if he can work his magic to incorporate living spaces that will reflect your lifestyle.

5. If you or another family member works at home during the day, ask the designer if he needs the space vacant to do his work.

6. What is your gut feeling about the interior designer? Do both of you click, and do you sense that you can trust him and his decisions to accomplish the goals that you have in mind?

7. Ask to see the interior designer's portfolio, and also ask him about his schooling, years of experience, and ask him about his credentials.

8. Does he have a client list that he can share with you, or perhaps a person or two that you can call for referrals about the work he did for them?

9. Ask him if you'll be able to see the floor plans, design boards, sample fabrics and other plans in advance of the work being started.

10. Ask him if he will allow you or another family member to approve the work before it's started, and especially if walls and ceilings will be knocked out.

11. Ask him about his fee structure and payment plan. Does he charge a flat fee; is everything billed on an hourly basis; or, does he require a percentage-based payment structure, whereby an established amount is paid upfront before the work begins, then another amount is payable at the halfway point, and the balance is due at the completion of the project?

12. If he receives a designer's discount by purchasing supplies from specific vendors, ask who receives the refund, you or him.

13. Ask for an estimate of how long the designer anticipates the project to take before the work is completed. Some projects will run longer than expected, but will that be reflected in the amount the designer will charge? Be very clear regarding the fees and the deliverables. Know what you are buying and paying for, and how much it will cost, before you hire the designer.

14. Ask if you're responsible for any aspect of the design, building, and purchase portions of the project. You don't want any surprises or being held responsible for holding up a team of workers when you didn't know everything was hinging on your decisions.

15. Will you receive the revised or updated drawings and floor plans for any unforeseen design changes?

16. Are you responsible for recruiting and hiring the construction or design crew, or does the interior designer provide all the personnel necessary to complete the project?

17. Will the designer agree to draw up a contract that defines his fees and services? Verbal agreements and handshakes might feel fine at the initial meeting, but it's recommended that you get everything in writing so there are no doubts regarding the arrangements that you both have agreed to.

If the designer uses words or terms that you're unfamiliar with, ask him to explain it another way until you understand his terminology. It's important that you're comfortable with the aesthetic changes and conceptual ideas that the designer has in mind before you hire him.

In addition, if at any point the designer refuses to answer your questions, or explain basic concepts, you are allowed to ask him to leave your home. Again, it's imperative that you trust the person you hire, and if your gut tells you that you both can't work together, then it's time to end the interview and prepare for the next meeting with another designer.

Integrating Wickless Candles Into Interior Design

Interior design converts an interior space into a setting for a specific activity such as dining, relaxing, or working. This multifaceted career involves conceptualization, artistic skills, and interpersonal relations. Interior designers have a multitude of resources and products at their disposal, including home décor items like wickless candles. Small items like these make a big difference when they are included in a design project.

Traditionally, the interior of a structure was developed during the building process. The decorators of the space were upholsterers or craftsmen, who also happened to sell the products used in the decorating process. As society and architecture developed, the interior design profession emerged. Occupants wish to use interior space most effectively and they want the design to be functional and contribute to their well-being. Having a professional design their home allows people to obtain all the benefits without doing the work.

An interior designer focuses on planning, functional design, and the effective use of space. This professional arranges the basic layout of a space and addresses technical issues like lighting, temperature, and acoustics. The result is an area that is comfortable, practical, and appealing to the senses. Aside from sight, smell is one of the most important senses in the world of interior design. If a space does not smell acceptable, it will be unappealing to anyone entering it.

Wickfree candles combine highly fragranced wax with electric warmers. A variety of scents is available, with everything from home baked apple pie to cool ocean breezes. Warmers come in different sizes and styles, including those that can be plugged into the wall. Interior designers select the pairing that delivers the desired effect, whether it be to invigorate the senses or calm the nerves. The versatility of these products allows users to change fragrances and move warmers whenever desired. Since these products are inexpensive to purchase and operate, a separate warmer can be used in each room of the home.

Plug-in warmers are ideal for small spaces like a powder room or laundry area. One can be found in a color and pattern that matches the color scheme of the room. Herbal and citrus scents are perfect for the laundry room, while a fruity or floral scent is ideal for the powder room. In the kitchen, these professionals can use scents with notes of vanilla or cinnamon to create the impression that baked goods just came out of the oven.

Regular warmers come in small, medium, and full size and feature different colors, designs, and patterns. A plain, single color warmer is ideal for an ornately decorated room, while a warmer featuring an eye-catching design is suitable for a more simple space. Scents are designed to lighten the mood, evoke a memory, or create a feeling.

Whether homeowners hire a professional or do the interior design themselves, they can incorporate wickless candles into the décor. With so many wax fragrances and warmer styles, it is easy to find a combination that complements the room. These products appeal to both the eyes and the nose, enhancing any area.

Psychology Today - Dream Research Proves That We Are Under-Developed Primates

The psychiatrist Carl Jung discovered the real meaning of dreams after conducting arduous research. He analyzed and compared many dreams of patients who suffered from different mental illnesses. He studied the art and the religion of various populations from different civilizations. He also deeply analyzed the symbolism found in alchemy. He then related everything he found about the symbolic meaning of images in their lives, to the meaning of the same images when they appeared in dreams.

Most importantly, Jung could understand the psychotherapy of the unconscious mind through dream messages. The unconscious wisdom guided him from the moment he started understanding the meaning of the dream language. This is why he was able to discover how to cure all mental illnesses.

However, his method is too complicated and time consuming. Only intellectuals have the patience to follow it, and mainly, the capacity to understand it. This is why Jung's method of dream interpretation didn't become popular. Besides this fact, he had many enemies. Each scientist in our world insists on defending his/her own methods, without accepting studying other doctor's methods. The competition in the scientific field eliminates the scientific spirit, generating an absurd attitude based on selfishness in doctors who should look for the truth.

I was an excellent student who precisely followed Jung's method of dream interpretation not only because I was very intelligent, but because I suffered from a serious neurosis that could easily become schizophrenia. I desperately needed salvation.

I was cured through dream translation, discovering a lot more about the meaning of dreams. I was a literary writer who used to write inspired by the unconscious mind that not only produces our dreams, but gives us also artistic talents. There were so many dream symbols in my own literature that when I learned the meaning of the dream language I perceived the existence of another message behind the message given by the same words in a literary form. We understand the symbolic meaning of dream symbols contained in literature much easier than when we analyze the same symbols in dreams.

Only after extensive study and after curing many people through dream translation for 19 years, could I simplify Jung's method of dream interpretation, transforming it into a fast method of instant translation from images into words.

I continued his dangerous research and I discovered that the human being possesses a wild conscience that is schizophrenic and satanic. I named it anti-conscience because it works against our conscience. The anti-conscience keeps trying to destroy our human conscience through absurdity, so that it may control our behavior instead of being tamed by our sensibility and sensitivity.

We are under-developed primates who urgently need psychotherapy. The biggest part of our brain belongs to the anti-conscience. We must eliminate this dangerous content through dream therapy before the anti-conscience manages to destroy our human conscience through absurdity.

Many people considered normal in today's world are in fact mentally ill. There are too many hypocrites on Earth who pretend to be human beings while they are monsters without a human conscience. They are completely controlled by their anti-conscience, but their craziness is not visible. Besides this fact, nobody really knows what should be considered normal or abnormal behavior on Earth.

Psychology Today - Free and Guaranteed Depression Cure in Only Two Months

When I began on the internet, my eBook about the scientific method of dream interpretation and craziness prevention was not ready yet, so my articles were not so optimistic.

Today, after verifying the results of the free and guaranteed depression cure through dream interpretation in many cases also on the internet thanks to my first ebook, I can tell you that you will overcome your depression for sure in only two months thanks to the knowledge you'll acquire translating your dreams.

I'm even preparing an ebook-bonus for you, using the dreams of many contributors on the internet, from several countries, so that you may see in practice how to translate many different dreams.

There are many types of dreams. Dreams that give you objective information about the person you love, dreams that give you objective information about dead people, dreams that explain what is happening inside you, etc.

You have to learn how to recognize them, first of all. Then you have to learn the basic steps you must follow each time you try to translate a dream.

After learning the basics, you'll see that the translation of your dreams will be very simple, the same way that your second language is very simple, if you speak a second one. You must know a little bit of another language anyway, even if you don't speak it perfectly, so you have an idea about how it is.

When you learn the dream language, dream translation will be your favorite hobby, because by translating your dreams you'll have a lot of information about yourself, the person you love, your work, other people, and many things more.

The information you have in dreams is even more objective than the information you have in the newspapers everyday, and you see only the real truth in your dreams: the wise unconscious mind that produces them cures you using the truth and showing you your own absurdity, besides showing you how to correct your behavior, so that you may become balanced, calm and self-confident, eliminating completely your depression and finding happiness in life.

You can really trust the unconscious mind, while you can never completely trust a human being...

The depression treatment through dream interpretation according to the scientific method is the only one that can guarantee that you will feel better for sure and that you'll become more intelligent writing down your dreams and translating them, besides solving all your problems.

Before writing my eBook about craziness prevention and the free and safe psychotherapy through dream interpretation provided by the unconscious mind on the internet, I cured many people from serious mental illnesses for 19 years.

Everyone feels better for sure, and everyone finds health, wisdom and happiness. There are no exceptions to this rule. Only if you don't care for your dreams, if you won't write them down and follow the psychotherapy of the unconscious mind, will you not see any benefits.

If you care for your dreams and take their translation seriously, you'll be able to predict the future, change it preparing the development and the results you desire, solve the most difficult human problems, and do many other things that today seem to be completely impossible to be done.

You can become a genius, developing completely your human conscience, and attain goals you never imagined that a common person like you could ever attain in life.

Everything depends on your dedication: the more you care, more you receive.

Interior Design Tips - Downsizing Inside And Out

According to the National Association of Home Builders, single-family homes are continuing to get smaller and all indicators show this trend is likely to continue. So it only makes sense that this trend applies to the interior of your home as well.

When it comes to conceptualizing your home design and decorating projects, downsizing and minimizing creates a more zen-like atmosphere. Rather than fill a space full of furniture, artwork, accessories and objects at every turn, consider downsizing for a more sophisticated and elegant look. The more upscale homes are often the ones that incorporate elegant pieces, keep clutter to a minimum and exude light and airy interiors - where less is more.

Before you begin your home design project, take stock and inventory of what you have. It will help you identify which pieces will stay and which will go! Don't be a hoarder - be willing to let go!

Here are some design tips when streamlining your home.

• A room with high ceilings does not mean that it requires over-sized furniture and elaborate draperies on the windows. To the contrary, the openness of the ceiling can be a beckoning call to minimize other distractions.
• Rather than focusing on heavy, bulky furniture, think about incorporating smaller scaled furniture that are well proportioned.
• When purchasing new pieces don't compromise on comfort! Purchase the best you can afford.
• Don't compromise on function.

The exciting thing about downscaling is that it allows you to upscale on the patterns used in a room. For example, the trend now is to introduce larger geometric prints on window treatments or even wall coverings. These punches of pattern can create a dramatic effect while complimenting the elegance of moderately sized furnishings. For some added elegance and drama, consider using black and white photographs and prints as artwork.

Another important tip when it comes to decorating a small space is to introduce reflective metals and surfaces. They can include silver, chrome, gold, mirrors, crystal, and other types of metals. There is still a heavy focus on mirrored chests and dressers today and these pieces definitely add sophistication and elegance to any space. Mirrored wall tiles will have a dramatic effect when reflecting killer views and natural light. And don't be afraid to install a beautiful glass and crystal chandeliers in the more unconventional spaces like bathrooms and bedrooms for that added glamour.

Remember that when it comes to home design and decorating projects, less is more and will make your room feel more spacious.

A Fresh Breath For Psychology - Express the Positive Stuff

Psychology is the study of mental functions and behavior. It involves an in depth focus on what's going on in a human being's mind. Naturally, there is an obvious albeit unclear connection between what's going on in our minds and the way we behave. But psychology today is often focused on people's negative behavior and the reasons behind it. Of course, these improper behaviors are caused by negative emotions, feelings and thoughts. The way psychologists tend to focus primarily on these negativities is one of the reasons why there are patients who are having difficulties in their recovery.

Good thing there's a new trend in psychology that's gaining popularity nowadays. It's basically the same as conventional psychology but with a single distinct difference: positive thoughts, positive behaviors and positive emotions are its primary focus. No wonder it's called Positive Psychology.

In this type of psychology, negativities are not disregarded completely because they have significance as well. They are just not the primary focus. Predictably, the main concentration points in positive psychology are the good things in life. For instance, a glass that's half-filled with water is viewed as half-full instead of half-empty. Psychologists have proven that this method is quite effective in a lot of patients, making them live happier lives.

Positive psychology runs on the simple concept of attitude change. In short, people should view life differently. We should approach life to see the beauty in it and not the other way around. Acceptance, contentment, gratitude and hope are the four main virtues that people should learn, understand and live by in order to achieve happiness.

People should learn to appreciate their lives and all that's in it. There's always a reason to smile and be glad. No matter what problems we have encountered in life, the bright side is we survived and still have lives to live. If we incorporate this optimism in our daily lives, positive results can be expected.

And these results can turn your life around in a positive way. Every little good thing can lead to greater things and before you know it, you're having the time of your life and living it to the fullest. When we set aside all the negativity to concentrate on the positive aspects of life, happiness can be attained. And we know for a fact that every human being in his right mind wants to be happy.