9 life hacks that’ll actually make a BIG difference

We’re all looking for ways to make our lives a little easier – and these life hacks have definitely got you covered. From the ideal music to listen to for maximum productivity, what to check for when buying a used car, a simple workout you can incorporate for big results, and what to do if you’re called to give an impromptu speech (eeek!) these life pro tips cover a variety of life situations and can actually make a real difference.

1. If your bag gets lost when flying on most major airlines, go buy replacement clothes/shoes/sunglasses etc. and keep the receipts, you will get reimbursed by the airline. So long as the total amount is less than $500 most airline reps can approve it without going through corporate.

(via ImportGuy)

2. There is a visible difference between not working out at all and doing 15 pushups every day. Make 15 push ups your new ‘not working out’. 

(via nonosnusnu)

3. Love to play music while working? Play a video game soundtrack. They are designed to work as background music and not disrupt your focus.

(via Snisflen)

4. When purchasing a used car, make sure the check engine light turns on when you first start the car. A lot of people rip out the bulb so you don’t know that the car needs repairs!

(via Buzzdanume)

5. Need to eat cheaply until your next paycheck? Potatoes are cheaper than Ramen, have more nutritional value, and will keep you full longer.

Just listen to Samwise.

(via RickHadANubianGoat)

6. Use the phrase “My understanding was…” instead of “I assumed…”

This simple word change can SAVE you, especially at work when explaining to your boss or a co-worker why you made a certain decision.

(via Cinnamon16)

7. You can use @gmail.com and @googlemail.com interchangeably. Perfect for signing up to a website twice without setting up two accounts.

(via motomantic)

8. Having trouble grasping a certain subject, like quantum mechanics, for example? Get a simpler version. When browsing en.wikipedia.org, you can replace “en” with “simple” to bring up simple English wikipedia, where everything is explained on its most basic terms.

(via TheFinalPancake)

Check out the difference: click here for the regular version of wiki quantum mechanics, and here for the simple version.

9. What do you do if you’re called to give an impromptu speech or toast? Use this GENIUS quick guide to knock it out of the park.

Via Nwwazzu:

Most people would agree that the idea of speaking in front of large groups of people can be terrifying, and so we tend to avoid it whenever possible. There are times, however, when we are faced with the task and there’s no running away: we must say a few words. The following is a template for success which you can use when it’s your turn to speak, in just about any type of gathering, formal or informal.

1. The Greeting

“Good…”

The greeting is the easy part. You begin by simply wishing your audience a good morning, afternoon, evening, or whatever time of day it is. **Good* evening everybody…*

2. State the Event

“As we all know…”

The second part is also very easy: You simply state the obvious and remind everybody what the purpose of the event or celebration is, and what you’re all doing there. **As we all know,* we’re here to celebrate the marriage of John and Kate, and to show them our support as they begin their journey of love and life together…* Now you’ve got the ball rolling, and the words are coming out easily. You look like you know what you’re doing up there, and people are listening. So now, it’s time to….

3. Establish Common Ground

“We’ve all…”

It’s important to include your audience as part of the message you’re delivering. Talk about something both yourself and your audience can relate to regarding the event or celebration. **We’ve all* had the wonderful opportunity to get to know John and Kate and enjoy watching their love develop…*

4. State Why You’re Speaking

“I…”

Include a personal account, or tell a brief story to let people know why you specifically are talking. What gives you the right to be speaking..? **I’ve* personally been very lucky to have John as a close friend of mine, and it’s been quite amazing to watch how he’s grown as a person, and couldn’t be more pleased for him to have found someone like Kate to go about his life with…*

5. Call for Action

“So let’s all…”

Finally, close your speech with a call for action. This lets everybody know that you’re finished without you having to awkwardly say “That’s it!” or “I’m finished, thank you”…that is how every weak speech is concluded and makes the audience uncomfortable. You should say something like **”So let’s all* raise a glass to John and Kate, and wish them well. Cheers!” or, So Let’s all give a big round of applause to Mark for the outstanding job he’s done while working with the company”*

Obviously, there are many different ways these leading lines can be used, but if you can commit them to memory and be prepared to use them next time you might be asked to speak, you will let go of all fear and anxiety, and people will be SO impressed with your ability to get up and give a confident, fluent speech in front of a group of people, while looking like you didn’t even have to prepare! Good luck, and happy public speaking!

Happy toasting!