The Many Types of Software Testing Methods

The Many Types of Software Testing MethodsThe Many Types of Software Testing MethodsBefore software goes public, programmers spend hours trying to iron out every little bug. Until the product satisfies all stakeholders, it wont be available for commercial use. Huge software companies, like Google, succeed despite low-priority bugs in their software because they have patient investors and loyal users. Smaller companies and startups, however, dont have that luxury. Customers expect products to do what they claim on the sales page or in the documentation. With so many options out there, they wont think twice about jumping ship if the product wastes their time and money. Therefore, software undergoes rigorous tests before release in order to highlight differences between the original concept and final outputverify the software works the way designers plannedvalidate that the end product meets customer requirementsassess features and quality Testing follows a strict blueprint to optimize staff skills, time, and money while providing stakeholders with essential information to take the product forward. The goal is to facilitate a good end-user experience through a strong quality assurance program. With the stakes so high, QA managers are some of the top earners in the technology industry. Testing usually follows these steps Requirement analysis where managers outline a plan to put a suitable test strategy in place.Tests begin and results undergo analysis.Any defects are corrected, and the software goes through regression testing- a system to check that the program still works after modifications.A test closure report then details the whole process and the outcomes. Individuals can become certified software testers through organizations such as BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board), and ASQ (formerly the American Society for Quality). Software Testing Methods Black kasten and white box testing are the two f undamental methods for judging product behavior and performance, but there are other methods as well. Black box testing Also called functional or specification-based testing, this method focuses on output. Testers arent concerned with the internal mechanisms. They only check that the software does what its supposed to do. Knowledge of coding isnt necessary, and testers work at user interface level.White box testing This method uses coding know-how as part of the test procedure. When a product fails, testers go as deep into the code as necessary to find the cause. The software developers do this themselves since they determine how the product should work. Structure-based and glass box testing are other names for this method. Static testing Testers examine the softwares code and documentation but dont execute the program. Static tests start early in the products development during the verification process.Dynamic testing The software is executed with various inputs, and testers compar e outputs with expected behavior with this method.Graphical user interface testing This tests GUI characteristics such as text formatting, text boxes, buttons, lists, layout, colors, fonts, font sizes, and so on. GUI testing is time-consuming, and third-party companies often take on the task instead of developers. Test Levels Different levels of testing are used to identify areas of weakness and overlap in each phase of the software development lifecycle. Unit testing Developers test the most basic parts of code like classes, interfaces, and functions/procedures. They know how their code should respond and can make adjustments depending on output.Component testing Other names are module or program testing. Its similar to unit testing but contains a higher level of integration. Modules of the software are tested for defects to verify their individual function.Integration testing This identifies errors when modules are integrated. Different integration tests are bottom up, top do wn, and functional incremental. System testing Components of a project are tested as a whole in different environments with this method. It falls under the black box method and is one of the final tests in the process. It determines if the system functions as it should to meet business and user needs.Alpha testing Internal staff test the software at the developers site in a simulated or actual environment. After that, developers rectify bugs and other issues.Beta testing Also known as field testing, clients test the product on their own sites in real conditions. Clients may offer a group of end-users the opportunity to test the software via prerelease or beta versions. Feedback on possible improvements is then sent to the developer. Acceptance testing Also under the scope of black box testing, clients test software to find out if the developer has created the program to desired specifications. Test Types Different types of software tests are designed to focus on specific objecti ves. Installation testing The software test engineer and the configuration manager conduct this test to ensure the end user can install and run the program. It covers areas like installation files, installation locations, and administrative privileges.Development testing This implements a range of synchronized strategies to detect and prevent defects. It includes static code analysis, peer code reviews, traceability, and metrics analysis. The aim is to reduce risks and save costs.Usability testing User experience comes under the punktlicht with this test. It measures how well the GUI is designed and its ease of use. The test checks accuracy and efficiency of functions and the emotional responses of test subjects. Sanity testing This indicates if the software is worth the time and cost to continue further tests. If there are too many flaws, more aggressive tests wont follow.Smoke testing Smoke testing reveals basic failures that are serious enough to prevent release. When this is car ried out on a new build, it is called a build verification test.Regression testing When the system undergoes modification, regression testing monitors unexpected behavior. It points out adverse effects on modules or components. Destructive testing Testers input abnormal entries and discern the softwares ability to manage unexpected input. This shows developers how robust the program is at error management.Recovery testing When hardware or other functions fail, this test shows how well the software can recover and continue operation.Automated testing This performs functions difficult to implement manually. It uses specific software to run the tests and to provide data on actual versus expected outcomes.Compatibility testing Software must run in different computing environments, so this checks compatibility with different systems. For example, does the software work with various operating systems and web browsers? Performance testing This is an in-depth test that examines software per formance in different scenarios. Information about responsiveness, stability, resource allocation, and speed is gathered. Moreover, subtests such as volume, capacity, and spike testing play a part in this process.Security testing This measures the softwares ability to protect users security. This means authorization functions, authentication, confidentiality, integrity, availability, and nonrepudiation.Accessibility testing This is not the same as usability testing. This determines the extent to which users of differing abilities- learning and physical disabilities included, can use the software. Internationalization and localization testing Results show how the software can adapt to different languages and regional demands. This includes adding components for specific locations and translating text.

10 Tips for Dealing With the Every Day People in Your Workplace

10 Tips for Dealing With the Every Day People in Your Workplace10 Tips for Dealing With the Every Day People in Your WorkplaceNo matter your job or your workplace, dealing with people effectively is a must for success. Dealing with people successfully every day will make work more fun and inspiring. Dealing with people is both a joy and a challenge.But, dealing with people successfully is the fruchtwein significant factor in determining whether you will have the impact and influence you need to accomplish your mission at work. Dealing with people effectively is a skill that you can learn. Here is how you can become the most successful at dealing with people at work. 01Demonstrate Respect at Work Hero Images / Getty ImagesThe members of every team, department, or workgroup develop particular ways of interacting with and dealing with each other over time. Effective interpersonal communication among members and successful communication with managers and employees external to the team ar e critical components of team functioning.How a team makes decisions, assigns work, and holds members accountable determines team success. With the potential power of the impact of these interactions on team success, why leave team member interaction to chance? In dealing with an effective team, you need to form team relationship guidelines or team norms early to ensure team success.

Why I Choose to Integrate Work and Life, Not Balance It

Why I Choose to Integrate Work and Life, Not Balance ItWhy I Choose to Integrate Work and Life, Not Balance ItTheres a lot of talk about work-life balance these days, most of which revolves around the fact that its not working. The idea is that you can compartmentalize everything into either work activities or life activities and by doing so have it all. In practice, though, this theory falls apart, writes Forbes contributor Kevin Harrington recently. The idea that there is a perfect balance is a red herring. For most people work and life are practically inseparable, adds Lazlo Bock of Harvard Business Review.Perhaps HBRs Stewart D. Friedman says it best Balance assumes we must always make trade-offs among the fur main aspects of our lives work or school, home or family (however you define that), community (friends, neighbors, religious or social groups), and self (mind, body, spirit). A more realistic and more gratifying goal is better integration between work and the rest of lif e.As a startup founder- a role in which work never fits into the traditional 9-to-5 hours and can certainly take over all aspects of the rest of life if I let it- Im a big proponent of work-life integration. I also encourage all of my employees at The Muse to live the same way. While we do have an unlimited vacation policy and flexible hours that let people enjoy their time out of work, we also find ways to help people integrate non-work activities into their jobs (think installing a bar in our office for Friday happy hours and letting team members take workcations). There are plenty of studies that show the benefits of work-life integration policies on engagement and employee morale, and weve seen firsthand that it makes us a happier, more productive team. It also makes me a happier, more productive professional. And in the spirit of integrating work and life- versus just balancing them- here are a few other strategies Ive implemented in my own schedule. 1. Find the Schedule That L ets You Work BestTraditionally, work was for Monday through Friday, 9ish to 6ish (or, you know, 9ish), and life would fit in the rest of the time. And while closing the workday may work for some, I find that Im more effective when I insert non-work activities into my day. For example, my brain shuts off temporarily around 7 PM, no matter what Ive been doing (or how much work I have left). So, I often take the opportunity to grab dinner with friends before getting back ansprechbar later that night to finish up any loose ends. Yes, Im working late, but its from the comfort of my couch and in my pajamas- and after Ive had some time to unwind and relax.Ultimately, its all about finding what works for you. Would you love to have a long run in the morning? Or take a long, leisurely lunch? Try it out, and see how it impacts your productivity. 2. Rethink the WeekendAlong similar lines, balancing work and life might look like working hard all week, and playing hard on the weekends.I find, th ough, if I sign off all weekend, I spend Sunday dreading Monday morning (and Monday through Wednesday running around like a crazy person). So, I like to set aside a couple of blocks of time during the weekend for focused work (and inbox clearing- no one else is online to fill it back up)- and it makes for a much less stressful week all around. (Note To make sure this doesnt, in fact, take over your weekend, set aside one block of time for focused work or one project to complete. Then, stop.)3. Make Co-workers Your FriendsHeres my favorite tip Instead of relegating professional contacts and friends to two separate buckets in your life, find ways to combine them. Im fortunate enough to have a number of people I would consider both professional contacts and personal friends, and being able to integrate those two parts of my life sometimes lets me feel like Im having more of both. For example, I can catch up with a contact at a major national media property who syndicates Muse content t o her audience of millions, and swap stories about our weekends or lives outside of work as well. I have a number of entrepreneur friends who I can call if I need advice on a tricky issue- or want to grab a drink after work and unwind. Finding co-workers, professional contacts, and others in my field who I genuinely like has made integrating work and play much easier when things get busy.What works for me might not work for you, but thats the beauty of the work-life integration conversation. Its finding ways to work and live better, however you define it. Tell us How have you found ways to integrate work and life?Disclosure This post was written as part of the University of Phoenix Versus Program. Im a compensated contributor, but the thoughts and ideas are my own.Photo of woman working courtesy of Shutterstock.

Stop Sabotaging Your Career by Using This 5-Step Business Plan

Stop Sabotaging Your Career by Using This 5-Step Business Plan Stop Sabotaging Your Career by Using This 5-Step Business Plan Do you want to change careers, advance in your field, or find a better work environment? Is this a dream, wish, or goal? Planning is the critical element that differentiates betweenwishing, dreaming, and doing.A dream without a goal is a wish a goal without a plan is just a dream.- Larry ElderManaging your career is a job in itself. In fact, your career is basically a geschftlicher umgang, and you are the president, CEO, head of marketing, and lead customer service rep. When you are ready for a transition in your career, you must have a business plan just like any good business must have a plan before it decides to make a change.A successful business plan should be practical, sustainable, and workable. Answering the following five questions will give you the foundation for your business plan and allow you to identify and implementthe actions that will lead you to success.1. Who or What Is Your Target?A successful company knows who its customers are. It knows their incomes, likes, occupations, locations, needs, and accessibility. In bestellung to reap the greatest benefit, the company limits its efforts to focus on the ideal customer(s).The company also recognizes that it may have more than one ideal client. For example, a sporting goods store may target both hardcore athletes and novices who are entering into the world of sports for the first time.For the business of your career, you should be asking the following questions- What or who is your target?- Are there certain companies that you want to work for?- What position do you want next?- What responsibilities do you want?- What opportunities do you want?- What does that next ideal step look like?2. What Do You Have To Offer?A strong company knows what makesit unique and valuable to itscustomers.Understanding what makes you valuable and different fromyour competition elevates you as a candidate. You need to be able to answer the question, Why you?Move beyond the list of duties that you perform or have performed in the past look for value. Duties are what you are hired to do, but it is how you do what you do that determines your value.Toget a strong sense of your unique valueproposition, answer these questions- Who do you work with?-How do you work with them?- What do you contribute?- What have youaccomplished?- Why was it important that you were involved in this process? How did you make it better than it otherwise would have been?3. Who Are the Other Candidates?A company knowsitscompetitors. It knowswho they are, how their customers reach them, how they market, andwhat their value propositions are.You need to know your competition, too. Who are the other candidates out there vying for the same roles and pursuing the same goals? What makes them valuable and how can you make yourselfmore valuable than they are?Leverage LinkedIn to review your potential compet ition. Do any stand out, and if so, why? Can you learn something from them? Do they better utilize SEO in their profile? Do they speak to value rather than duties?Do an impartial comparison of yourself against your competition. Would you hire or promote yourself over your competitors? Be honest4. What Is Your Marketing Plan?The heart of a businesss success lies in its marketing. Marketingdrives sales, promotions, pricing, publicity, repeatability, and growth.The business of your career needsmarketing, too. Career marketing consists of a combination of various elements, and the two most important are LinkedIn and networking.LinkedIn is your online presence. This is where you will be discovered, contacted, or overlooked. Your profile should reflect your value, spoken from a first-person perspective that directly connects you to your target audience.LinkedIn is a piece of networking, but it is not the only piece. There are many other opportunities for networking, including face-to-face networking at conferences and such. When networking, it is important to know your value proposition What value do you provide and to whom do you provide it?Fine-tune your elevator pitch. Know the key elements, but leave it unscripted this will make it easier to adapt the pitch depending on your environment.Once you have the basics, networkEngage in networking opportunitieslikeindustry meetings, formal networking events, and chamber events. Even casual conversations like the kind you might have whilewaiting in line at the movie theater or during halftime at a football game are networking opportunitiesA current resume with a focus on value rather than job duties is another key element ofyour marketing plan. Once you start networking, you want to be able to immediately capitalize on any opportunity that may come along, so make sure your resume is always updated5. How Do You Adjust?Having a business plan is the foundation for your success utilizing it, evaluating the results, and ad justing action items as necessary is critical if you want to actually make it to the point of success.For example, you may have a goal of transitioning into a new field. However, after implementing your business plan, you might discover that the field is not what you thought it would be and that you are no longer interested in this goal. Youll need to modify your target and approach if you want to move forward toward successTrack your progress. When networking, track how many contacts you make, your interactions, and the results. Modify your approach or pitch to clarify your message and generate more concrete leads.The business plan is your guide, and through the proper execution of the plan, you will generate results. These results must be analyzed to determine whether or notyou are truly making progress on your goal. If you are not getting the results you want, you can leverage the information you have collected to modify your plan accordingly-Having a solid business plan gives yo u a blueprint for your success. It is your guide, and by answering the five essential questions above, you will have a strong advantage over your competition and a greater appreciation for the value that you can bring to an organization.

The Debate Over Federal Resume Template 2017

The Debate Over Federal Resume Template 2017 The Nuiances of Federal Resume Template 2017 Because want to get the job. Developing a federal resume is a really in depth procedure, and it is quite crucial that you understand just how to code or write yur USAJobs resume to create a hiring authoritys interest in you. Creating your resume is critical. The absolute most prosperous resumes concentrate on specific position-related abilities, relevant regions of expertise, quantifiable accomplishments, and professional certifications. If you are searching for Best Cv Templates 2017 youve come to the proper location. Resumes arent translated in regard to duties and duties from military terminology into federal job duties. The Federal Resume can offer you a chance for the next prospect. Make sure that with the assistance of Federal Resume examples. Job aspirants ought to be careful of a resume schablone in place of a courses vitae template. Building a resume isnt a task you are abl e to leave up to chance. You may use no more than the second page for a brief variant of the Resume, with no problem in any way. So, your resume must be somewhat much perfect. Literature reviews ask you to analyze the conversation or debate happening around your topic. The majority of the sentences within the body of your Literature Review will have to be attributed in addition to cited. Resumes are written dependent on the exercise evaluations. Ok, I Think I Understand Federal Resume Template 2017, Now Tell Me About Federal Resume Template 2017 USAJobs offers plenty of important hints you should follow in constructing your Federal resume. To learn what federal jobs are available, check out the USAJOBS site. A Federal Worker resume should clearly demonstrate a candidates capacity to work in a particular field of government. It resume format is not something completely different from the other resumes you have seen on the web. Unfortunately there isnt any reference book o n keywords, but should you examine the job duties and specialized skills on each and every vacancy announcement you will discover keywords populated within the wording. A good deal of graphic designer job positions can be found in various industries and fields of expertise. If you still must save more space for other info, which you want to add to your resume, single line spacing is an excellent decision in your case. If youre using mobile phone, you may also utilize menu drawer from browser. No matter your degree of work practical expertise, your resume structure is imperative to making your program stick out. Your experience should deal with every essential qualification in the job announcement. Some candidates want to come across a resume template, which is likely to make their life much simpler. Within this whole preparation, do not neglect to arrange your resume in a different way. ThisA all-newA book is intended to help you comprehend the process for federal positions and prepare the strongest possible resume and application to make the most of your opportunities for landing that job and steer clear of the most frequent mistakes. The very last thing you would like is for your resume to let you down when youre actually the most suitable pick for the job. An excellent place to begin is emphasizing your talent for accuracy. When it has to do with your work history, begin with the latest job you had. The mixture of our templates and your input is likely to make your resume fly to the peak of any pile. NOW you should forget all you know about other resume format or templates youve ever read about or seen. The templates are created in a way that they make the resume stick out. There are plenty of resume templates which are freely available online. The employers would have find very similar resume designs inside their practical experience, so its important to modify the resume template to make sure that it seems not the exact same as the regular one. The federal resume template inside this guide can help you do that. Get your fantasy job with the assistance of this totally free expert PSD freebie. Just take a look at another CV template to impress prospective employers.

At an Exclusive San Francisco Event, Sephora Uncovers Why They Have More Than 60% Women In Tech

At an Exclusive San Francisco Event, Sephora Uncovers Why They Have More Than 60% Women In Tech When it comes to promoting women in tech, few companies are doing mora than prestige retailer Sephora. Most of us are familiar with their wide array of products, but did you know that a recent Wall Street Journal article revealed that more than 60% of their technology and digital employees are female? Considering the average percentage of women in tech for Silicon Valley companies is around 15%, Sephoras numbers are a huge and welcome departeure from the norm in gender disparity that so many companies are working to fix.Sephoras diversity was on full display last week when PowerToFly partnered with the company to present an exclusive and sold-out live event at Sephoras San Francisco headquarters. The evening allowed the audience to hear from senior women in tech at Sephora on how theyre building innovative applications into their retail experience that allow clients to optimize their buyin g experiences. To kick off the evening, guests were greeted with a glass of champagne (Sephora and Mot Chandon share LVMH as a parent company,). After the bubbly was served, Sephora CIO Savio Thattil kicked off the night and demonstrated how he has built an environment where women, and diversity overall, thrive at Sephora. He discussed his teams goals, how they deliver products, and the challenges his team tackles to create seamless retail experiences through the Americas.After Savios introduction, we launched into a product demonstration by Johanna Marcus, Senior Director of Sephoras Innovation Lab. Johanna demonstrated the incredibly addictive Sephora Virtual Artist app which allows consumers to try on try on makeup and looks in a digital 3D live experience (caution, this will distract you from your work).For the final part of the evening, PowerToFly President Co-Founder Katharine Zaleski moderated a panel discussion on how to thrive, and not just survive, as a woman in tech at Sephora. The panel featured VP of Technology Wanda Ma, Director of IT Merchandising Systems Aruna Dasari, Director of the Program Management Rebecca Matthews, and Senior Director of Quality Prarthana Prasad. The women discussed topics ranging from support from Sephoras executive management during two pregnancies, to stories of how the business has evolved over the last ten years. The event ended with guests having the opportunity to network with Sephora executives and other qualified women in tech. As the icing on the cake, each of our guests got to walk away with a goodie bag filled with product exclusively sold at Sephora. By putting female technology leaders front and center and demonstrating the products and business lines theyre leading, Sephora proved it is truly an inspiration when it comes to promoting diversity and inclusion. If you want to learn more about Sephora, we recently sat down with their VP of Digital Product Lucinda Newcomb to discuss Sephoras current mobile apps and workplace culture. Interested in roles at Sephora or learning more about the company? Visit their page on PowerToFly.com. Learn more about PowerToFlys events here.Sephoras CIO Savio Thattil kicks off the evening.Its a packed housePowerToFly Co-Founder President Katharine Zaleski interviews our panel of women in tech.Meet Sephoras Innovation Lab TeamThe audience watches a production demonstration.

Fearlessness 3 things you can learn from special ops and Navy SEALS

Fearlessness 3 things you can learn from special ops and Navy SEALSFearlessness 3 things you can learn from special ops and Navy SEALSOne-man army.Its a phrase that gets thrown around lightly. But for 7 hours, Hector Cafferata was exactly that.On November 28, 1950 during the Korean war, the then 21-year-old took on an entire regiment of Chinese soldiers, defending his group of badly wounded friends.He did it in 30 degrees-below-zero-weatherwhile in his socks.He had only his eight shot M1 Garand and when grenades were thrown at him he batted them away with a shovel.Im going to repeat thatHe batted grenades away with a shovel.ViaNerve Poise Under Pressure, Serenity Under Stress, and the Brave New Science of Fear and CoolFor the next seven hours, Cafferata became a one-man fighting force.With moonlight and flares providing illumination, he hustled up and down the wash, taking out advancing Chinese troops.In his left hand, Cafferata carried an entrenching tool, which he used to bat away any Chinese grenades that flew in.I was the worlds worst baseball player, so I dont know how I hit them, he told meCafferata fired his rifle so much that night that the barrel began to blacken and catch fire he had to cool it down with snow. Late in the battle,he tried to fling a grenade back manually but it blew too soon, badly damaging his nearly frozen left hand. He kept fighting.Sometime after dawn, marine reinforcements arrived to finda single man holding off an entire enemy unit, as if possessed by supernatural energy.It wasnt until this point, when he could relax a little, thatCafferata discovered that hed fought all night in his socks, and without his parka.At 85 years old, Cafferata, who was awarded the Medal of Honor,offered a succinct statement on his perspective toward such challenging scenarios.ViaNerve Poise Under Pressure, Serenity Under Stress, and the Brave New Science of Fear and CoolI always felt that if you wanted my ass, you better bring your lunch.What produces this level of fearlessness?Yes, some people are different. As Taylor Clark points out inNerve, twin studies show about 30% of fear response is genetically determined.But that only begs the questionwhat about the other 70%?The research points to three things that can help you develop fearlessness.1) Training And PreparationGary Klein received a grant from the U.S. Army to study decision-making under stress in firefighters. His research showed that firefighters generated a set of options in their head, compared them and picked the best one.Then he talked to firefighters and realized he was 100% wrong about everything.ViaNerve Poise Under Pressure, Serenity Under Stress, and the Brave New Science of Fear and CoolIn one of the first interviews he conducted, Klein asked a seasoned firefighter commander to describe a few examples of how he made difficult decisions under stress in the past, and the man replied with a jaw-dropperI dont make decisions. I dont remember when Ive ever made a d ecision.They didnt think.Years of training and experience had finely tuned their instincts, and in these situations, instinct is all you have time for.ViaNerve Poise Under Pressure, Serenity Under Stress, and the Brave New Science of Fear and Coolthe elite firefighters had seen so many fires over the years that a web of patterns had been etched into their subconscious minds, lending them incredibly solid instinctsWhen a fire commander sees a building with a billboard affixed to the side go up in flames, for example, experience immediately reminds him of the times hes seen billboards suddenly plummet to the ground below, and he gives orders to clear out the area without having to think.The Navy SEAL team that killed Bin Laden trained for weeks inside a full scale replica of the compound they would be attackingso that when they arrived, it would be like theyd already been there.Via Daniel Coyles excellent bookThe Little Book of Talent 52 Tips for Improving Your SkillsWhen U.S. Navy SE AL Team 6 mounted its May 2011 raid on Osama bin Ladens compound in Pakistan, it prepared by constructing full-scale replicas of the compound in North Carolina and Nevada, and rehearsing for three weeks.Dozens of times the SEALs simulated the operation. Dozens of times, they created various conditions they might encounter. They used the power of repetition to build the circuitry needed for the job.And this is true in general.Who survives catastrophic scenarios? The people who have prepared.Via David McRaneysYou Are Not So Smart Why You Have Too Many Friends on Facebook, Why Your Memory Is Mostly Fiction, and 46 Other Ways Youre Deluding YourselfAccording to Johnson and Leach, the sort of people who survive are the sort of people who prepare for the worst and practice ahead of time.Theyve done the research, or built the shelter, or run the drills. They look for the exits and imagine what they will do. They were in a fire as a child or survived a typhoon.These people dont deliberate d uring calamity because theyve already done the deliberation the other people around them are just now going through.2) A Feeling Of ControlYou can tell a Special Forces soldier by a blood test.ViaNerve Poise Under Pressure, Serenity Under Stress, and the Brave New Science of Fear and CoolThe effect of neuropeptide Y is so pronounced, Morgan says that he can tell if a soldier is Special Forces or not simply by taking a look at a blood test.Yale Psychiatrist Andy Morgan has studied Special Forces soldiers for over a decade. He saysthe training creates stress levels in the human body higher than what is measured during open heart surgery.But Morgan says what is equally important ishow you talk to yourself in stressful situations.ViaNerve Poise Under Pressure, Serenity Under Stress, and the Brave New Science of Fear and CoolHow you frame something in your head has a great deal to do with your neurobiological response to itwhen you say to yourself,I know what to do here, or see things as a challenge, then that turns into a much mora positive response.This isone of the techniques the Navy SEALS used to increase passing rates. Whats notable about all of the techniques is they all involve increasinga feeling of control.It makes intuitive senseWhat creates a sense of fearlessness?Ive got this covered. Ive done this before. Im incontrol.And that word feeling is key. While training produces more of the ability to actually control a situation,even an illusory feeling of control can reduce stress and thereby increase performance.In fact, the illusion of control is so powerful thatoverconfidence is an asset, not a liability, during disaster scenarios.Via Oliver BurkemansHelp How to be slightly happier and get a bit more doneIts largely a matter of beliefssurvivors are those who think they have some control over external circumstances, and who see how even a negative experience might lead to growth. Overconfident people, who overestimate their powers, do particularly well.Th e top tier bomb disposals experts are so confident thatas they approach the explosives their heart rates actually godownViaThe Wisdom of Psychopaths What Saints, Spies, and Serial Killers Can Teach Us About SuccessWhereas the heart rates of all the operatives remained stable, something quite incredible happened with the ones whod been decorated. Their heart rates actually went down.As soon as they entered the danger zone (or the launch pad, as one guy I spoke with put it), they assumed a state of cold, meditative focus a mezzanine level of consciousness in which they became one with the device they were working on.Follow-up analysis probed deeper, and revealed the cause of the disparity confidence.The operatives whod been decorated scoredhigher on tests of core self-belief than their non-decorated colleagues.3) HumorDuring his five years as a POW, Colonel Gerald Venanzi had an imaginary chimpanzee friend named Barney Google.ViaNerve Poise Under Pressure, Serenity Under Stress, and t he Brave New Science of Fear and CoolBarney liked to accompany Venanzi to interrogations wherein Venanzi staged debates with the animal - I cant tell them that Theyll beat the hell out of me - as his questioners looked on in shock.(Once, the camp commander tried to mollify the discord by offering Barney tea, but Venanzi had to relay a polite no Barney didnt like tea.) Venanzis Barney Google stories provided limitless amusement to the Americans. Ultimately, the guards summoned Venanzi once more and told him hed have to release his chimp into the wild he was getting new roommates, and Barneys presence might upset them.He wasnt insane.Humor provides a powerful buffer against stress and fear.ViaNerve Poise Under Pressure, Serenity Under Stress, and the Brave New Science of Fear and CoolIn tense moments, explains the clinical psychologist Rod Martin, the purpose of pranks like Venanzis isnt merely to elicit a chuckle joking actually reformats your perception of a stressor.Humor is abou t playing with ideas and concepts, said Martin, who teaches at the University of Western Ontario. So whenever we see something as funny were looking at it from a different perspective.When people are trapped in a stressful situation and feeling overwhelmed, theyre stuck in one way of thinkingThis is terrible. Ive got to get out of here.But if you can take a humorous perspective, then by definition youre looking at it differently - youre breaking out of that rigid mind-set.When Iinterviewed Army RangerJoe Asher, he emphasized the importance of humor in getting through the punishing months of Ranger trainingIt occurred to me, I said You know what? If I can laugh once a day, every day Im in Ranger School, Ill make it through. That was one of the things that Id say to myself and I make sure I can laugh.Theres always humor around. Given that the root of all comedy is misery theres plenty of humor in Ranger School because people are constantly miserable.The other thing I would tell mysel f in Ranger School, they say this a lot The only easy day was yesterday.My Ranger Buddy and I always said if tomorrow yesterday looks as bad as it does right now then well quit. But by tomorrow, looking back on yesterday, it was over. We survived it, we can go one more day, so, we would continue on. That was another method we used to sort of help us limp along.Next StepsYou dont need to be preparing for war to make all this useful. Keep in mindPreparationFeeling in controlHumorAnd for help in more common scenarios you may want to check outWays to make sure you dont choke under pressure arehereandhere.And heres more onhow to be more courageous in any situation.Join more than 300,000 readers.Get a free weekly update via emailhere.Related postsNew Harvard Research Reveals A Fun Way To Be More SuccessfulThe 8 Things The Happiest People Do Every DayHow To Stop Being Lazy And Get More Done 5 Expert TipsThis article originally appeared at Barking Up the Wrong Tree.

The Law of Comparative Advantage and How It Can Benefit Your Life

The Law of Comparative Advantage and How It Can Benefit Your Life The Law of Comparative Advantage and How It Can Benefit Your Life But the fact of the matter is that,when economics is really broken down, everything is very logical and super applicable to everyday life. One of the theories that is especiallyuseful for most of us isthe law of comparative advantage. Understanding this concept and how to utilize it can greatly benefit both your career and your personal life.What Is Comparative Advantage?Brown Consultancygives a pretty thorough explanation of the concept of comparative advantage on its websiteEven if a country can produce everything more efficiently than another country, there is still scope for trade. A country can maximize its wealth by putting its resources into its most competitive industries, regardless of whether other countries are more competitive in those industries. This is called the law of comparative advantage. Um, What DoesThat Mean?In laymans terms, the law of comparative advantage meansthat, if you can easily grow apples but have to work hard hard togrow oranges, and your friend Joe has an easier time growing oranges than apples, it makes sense for you both to stick to your specialties and trade resources. You should grow apples, and Joe should grow oranges. If you need oranges, you should trade with Joe for them, and Joe should trade with you for your apples.This concept relates stronglyto the importance of asking for help when you need it, which can be tough for a lot of us. However, if you look at it from an economic perspective, it makes perfect sense Why would you put so much unnecessary effort into something when you could do what youre best at, with less effort, and get what you need from someone else who has an easier time creating it?The law of comparative advantage allows us all to maximize our productivity and efficiency while benefitting from trading.How to Utilize This Concept in Your LifeThe best way to maximize your productivity in life and at work is to focus on what youre fantastic at and outsource what gives you trouble.Think about it in terms of taking a test At a young age, we are taught that if we getstuck on a problem during a test, we should skip it and finish the problems we know how to do. There is no point in wasting time trying to solve a problem you dont know how to solve when you could be spending that valuable time answering all of the other questions you can solve.In other words Dont waste valuable time killing yourself over something that someone else can easily help you withDo what you can, share your expertise, and ask for aid from others when you need it If we were all good at the same things, no one would have any jobs. That is why we are all employed in different careers.Think about it You visit your doctor for medical advice and your hair stylist for a haircut. You probably wouldnt ask the person cutting your hair for medical advice, nor would you ask your doctor to cut your hair.There is absolutely no shame in accepting and acknowledging that you arent perfect at everything. That fact is what makes our society so productive If we all tried to spread ourselves thin and do it all, chances are that nothing would get done. Its better to focus on one skill and be great at it than it is to focus on a lot of things and be mediocre at them all.Want to Learn More?If the law of comparative advantageis something that interests you, do yourself a favor and read the book Freakonomics. (This book has become so reputable that its even in Microsoft Words dictionary it didnt even get the red squiggly line when I typed this)Freakonomicsexplores seriouseconomic concepts, but explains them in ways that even the non-economically-inclinedcan understand. Economics can be tricky, but when explained in the right way,the subject can teach you a lot of valuable lessons for your life

Veterans Day - Armistice Day - Honoring All Who Served

Veterans Day - Armistice Day - Honoring All Who ServedVeterans Day - Armistice Day - Honoring All Who ServedMany Americans mistakenly believe that Veterans Day is the day America sets aside to honor American military personnel who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained from combat. Thats not quite true. Memorial Day is the day set aside to honor Americas war dead. Veterans Day, on the other hand, honors ALL American veterans, both living and dead. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country. November 11 of each year is the day that we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in the lives to keep our country free. Armistice Day To commemorate the ending of the Great War (World War I), an unknown soldier was buried in thehighest place of honor in both England and France (in England, Westminster Abbey in France, the Arc de Triomphe). ansicht ceremonies took place on November 11th, celebrating the ending of World War I hostilities at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). This day became known internationally as Armistice Day. In 1921, the United States of America followed France and England by laying to rest the remains of a World War I American soldier his name known but to God on a Virginia hillside overlooking the city of Washington DC and the Potomac River. This site became known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and today is called the Tomb of the Unknowns. Located in Arlington National Cemetery, the tomb symbolizes dignity and reverence for the American veteran. In America, November 11th officially became known as Armistice Day through an act of Congress in 1926. It wasnt until 12 years later through a similar act that Armistice Day became a national holiday. The entire World thought that World War I was the War to end all wars. Had this been true, the holiday might still be called Armistice D ay today. That dream was shattered in 1939 when World War II broke out in Europe. More than 400,000 American service members died during that horrific war. Veterans Day Creation In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Dayand called upon Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace. He issued a Presidential Order directing the head of the Veterans Administration (now called the Department of Veterans Affairs) to form a Veterans Day National Committee to organize and oversee the national observance of Veterans Day. Veterans Day National Ceremony At exactly 11 a.m., each November 11th, a color guard, made up of members from each of the military branches, renders honors to Americas war dead during a heart-moving ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. The President or his representative places a wreath at the Tomb and a bugler sounds Taps. The balance of the ceremony, including a Parade of Fl ags by numerous veterans service organizations, takes place inside the Memorial Amphitheater, adjacent to the Tomb. In addition to planning and coordinating the National Veterans Day Ceremony, the Veterans Day National Committee supports a number of Veterans Day Regional Sites. These sites conduct Veterans Day celebrations that provide excellent examples for other communities to follow. Veterans Day Observance Veterans Day is always observed on November 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. The Veterans Day National Ceremony is always held on Veterans Day itself, even if the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday. However, like all other federal holidays, when it falls on a non-workday Saturday or Sunday the federal government employees take the day off on Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday). This federal law does not apply to state and local governments. They are free to determine local government closings (in cluding school closings) locally. As such, there is no legal requirement that schools close on Veterans Day, and many do not. However, most schools hold Veterans Day activities on Veterans Day and throughout the week of the holiday to honor American veterans. Allied Veterans Day Around the World Many other countries honor their veterans on November 11th of each year. However, the name of the holiday and the types of ceremonies differ from the Veterans Day activities in the United States. Canada, Australia, and Great Britain refer to their holidays as Remembrance Day. Canada and Australia observe the day on November 11, and Great Britain conducts their ceremonies on the Sunday nearest to November 11th. In Canada, the observance of Remembrance Day is actually quite similar to the United States in that the day is set aside to honor all of Canadas veterans, both living and dead. One notable difference is that many Canadians wear a red poppy flower on November 11 to honor their war d ead, while the red poppy tradition is observed in the United States on Memorial Day. In Australia, Remembrance Day is very much like Americas Memorial Day, in that its considered a day to honor Australian veterans who died in war. In Great Britain, the day is commemorated by church services and parades of ex-service members in Whitehall, a wide ceremonial avenue leading from Londons Parliament Square to Trafalgar Square. Wreaths of poppies are left at the Cenotaph, a war memorial in Whitehall, which was built after the First World War. At the Cenotaph and elsewhere in the country, a two-minute silence is observed at 11 a.m., to honor those who lost their lives in wars.