The economics of taxes goes beyond public revenues. Taxes serve as important economic policy tools and growth drivers. Economic literature is fraught with case studies of countries that have leveraged taxation to stimulate consumption and grow local industries. Countries tend to reduce taxes during economic lull but increase the same during a boom. And there is often a trade-off between a higher tax burden and economic growth. Indeed, the questions relating to these decisions are not often as straightforward as they seem. Sometimes, such decisions could be as complicated as the devils choice; the alternative could, indeed, present themselves as the proverbial devil and the deep blue sea. Indeed, Nigeria is currently standing between the devil and the deep blue sea. Presently, the countrys documented sovereign debt has ballooned to about N35.5 trillion, with the Federal Government alone looking at borrowing close to half of the figure in the next three years as captured in the 2022-2024 Medium-term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Stability Paper (MTEF/FSP). Thus, the country should, as suggested by the World Bank as well as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), look inward for resource mobilisation and think urgent tax reform as an important route to achieving this. The impact of such reforms in the form of additional burden however spells doom for existing tax payers. Yes, the fear of continuous debt accumulation could be the devil. But more taxes, of course, weaken the purchasing power of individuals and stifle consumption, with attendant consequences for social cohesion. Already, many Nigerians think the tax burden is already unbearable especially with the rising implicit component (the unnecessary cost inflicted on households because of neglect of social responsibilities of government), which the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, said has huge socio-economic impacts on households. In February 2020, the government adjusted the value-added tax (VAT) upward by 50 per cent through the Finance Act 2020 and argued that it would not have much impact on the poor as essential consumption was exempted pted. About two years later, Nigerians know better the implication of the increase. Inflation increased to a crisis level, pushing many companies into desperate cost-cutting options, including layoff and many consumers household incomes weakened. Last year also, the government expanded the band of excise duty, a category of tax originally known as sin tax (a name rooted in its prohibitive rather revenue-generating role). It was extended to the telecommunication sector. For a country whose unemployment, especially among the youth, has reached a crisis level, a contemplation of more taxes on businesses is like adding fuel to fire. At 33.3 per cent unemployment rate according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the country is in the league of five countries with the worst unemployment rates globally. Hence, some economists advocated the use of fiscal incentives as opposed to taxes to encourage the private sector to create the much-needed jobs. Earlier, excise duty was imposed on alcoholic beverages in defiance of the impact on the industry, which is known for its high labour factor intensity. And now, the non-alcoholic beverage is awaiting sugar tax as contemplated in the Finance Bill 2022. Unfortunately, the beverage has had to bear the brunt of cut-throat indirect taxes as there is a limit to how much tax burden a manufacturer can pass to the consumer when the underlying commodity or service is reasonably elastic. With competition from cheaper brands and sachet alcoholic drinks, brewing firms in the country are groaning under the burden of excise duty as they struggle to manage costs that would have hitherto been passed to consumers. Already, consumer purchasing power has continued to drop with preference for cheaper commodities taking the centre stage in many of such purchases. But the obsession for tax financing could worsen the already bad situation. For instance, the Federal Government had introduced a new excise regime in 2018 to address shortfalls in revenues; the new regime led to an increase of at least N30 per litre of alcohol consumed in the country. Another increase to N35 per litre was implemented in June 2019. With another adjustment imminent, operators are already concerned about their survival, especially as inflation continues to take of chunk of individuals real incomes, limiting household spending. Industry sources estimate the new excise on alcoholic beverage to hover at N50 per litre, representing over 40 per cent increase. At N50 per litre, the proposed increment is expected to impose an additional tax burden of between N10 billion to N30 billion in excise on companies that are already in loss position. You can see the elasticity curve. And beyond a certain price point, consumers switch to local products. That is why I sometimes say it is important that we are not overtaxed, because what you can get with excise increase etcetera, is that there is more and more a gap between ourselves and the locals. And actually, the government might get less tax income because simply the elasticity curve will move consumers to the local brews, the immediate past Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries PLC, Jordi Borrut Bel, had said at a yearly general meeting. Indeed, as every other industry, Nigerian brewers compete with a potpourri of local and, sometimes, unsafe brands smuggled into the country through the porous borders. Already, the assorted local mixtures from the neighbouring countries have siezed the Nigerian market by the jugular, selling in sachets, bottles, and other packages at the motor parks. This is the challenge: an overpriced bottle of beer in Nigeria is like selling the available jobs to neighbouring West African countries where the local brews are imported. But this is, perhaps, the most damaging aspect of unaffordable excise duty on beer beverages there is a high positive correlation between the tax and the growth of the illicit market. African countries are known for weak implementation of fiscal policies including taxes. While the formal corporate organisations that create jobs and grow the economy are held hostage by such policies, the government inadvertently hands over the market to smugglers and illicit traders. Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, and many other African countries have had their fair, unsavoury taste of how misapplied exercise duties could create an illicit market and weaken the formal sector. The Kenyan drive to reduce alcohol consumption through prohibitive excise duty in the 1990s and Diageos Senator Keg campaign is a classic case in branding and marketing. With the increase in excise duty, young Kenyans could only substitute popular beers, which turned out to have health consequences. Diageo decided to introduce an affordable beer (Senator Keg) to penetrate the illicit market. Diageo was able to introduce the product at 15-20 Kenyan shillings per glass with a 100 per cent excise remission. Senator Kegs price was marginally higher than illicit alcohol; thus, it reduced the size of the illicit market to about 50 per cent by 2013. However, tax remissions were reduced to 50 per cent in 2013, and that led to an 86 per cent decline in Senator Kegs volumes, 48 per cent reduction in outlets and thousands of job losses to farmers. But the government had to quickly intervene to save the industry and the value chain. About six years ago, it raised tax cutbacks back to 90 per cent, paving the way for a gradual recovery of the industry and jobs. In 2014, Zambias illicit alcoholic market stood at 40 per cent amid disjointed tax policies, weak enforcement and a rising misery index. Zambia has had high excise duties on alcohol, historically, and this has led to a large gap between legal and illicit prices. In 2001, there was an 85 per cent excise on clear beer, 125 per cent excise on wine and spirits and 35 per cent excise on opaque beer. The government had raised excise duty on clear beer to 60 per cent of its 2014 budget to check the social ills of alcohol abuse. Sadly, data from Euromonitor International shows that instead of a decline in cases of abuse, the reverse has been the reality. Zambias illicit alcohol market grew from 39 per cent in 2014 and it is currently 69.5 per cent. The excise rate was subsequently reduced, but Zambia is still battling the consequences. In any case, the government could be milking over-starved cows in its obsession with more taxes. Last year was particularly harsh for businesses. In the beer sector being targeted for more taxes, the books were generally red last year for obvious reasons. For instance, Nigerian Breweries profit after tax (PAT) fell by over 53 per cent to N7.5 billion while its key competitor, Guinness Nigeria Plc posted a N17.07 billion loss. International Breweries, on its part, closed the year with a loss of N12.4 billion. In 2019, it recorded a loss of over N27 billion. Still, the companies play their roles as responsible corporate citizens, paying their taxes and other collectibles, in billions yearly, while shouldering virtually the responsibilities of government in their host communities. In the face of daunting challenges last year, for instance, Nigerian Breweries, still remitted N4.2 billion in taxes, while International Breweries paid N12.5 billion. Last year alone, the government generated N112.84 billion in company income tax (CIT) and VAT from the brewery, bottling and beverage sector. That was about four per cent of the entire CIT/VAT income for the year. While there is no credible and verifiable data on the contribution of the sector in terms of jobs, many experts believe it is one of the leading employers of labour. In recent years, the leading players have embarked on aggressive backward integration, which has expanded the value chain and increased their relevance to rural areas. Hence, some members of the organised private sector (OPS) have urged the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Finance to suspend plans to impose excise duty on any segment of the Nigerian manufacturing sector. They have raised concerns about knock-on effect of re-introducing excise duty on the production of soft drinks in the country and the additional burden on beer beverages manufacturers. According to them, the adjustment in excise duty is not unconnected to the upward review of revenue target for the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) in the 2021 budget year from N1.465 trillion to N1.679 trillion and advocacy for sin tax by the NCS, Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd.) during at an interactive session on the 2022-2024 MTEF. Economist and private sector advocate, Dr. Muda Yusuf, had stated that the proposed excercise duty was a negation of the economic recovery and job creation objectives of the federal government and detrimental to the job creation and poverty reduction commitments of President Muhammadu Buhari. Yusuf, a former Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), described the move as ill-timed, inappropriate and detrimental to the growth of the manufacturing sector. According to him, Nigerian manufacturing companies and most investors are going through tremendous stress now, with many currently grappling with serious macro-economic challenges and structural constraints impacting on capacity utilisation, productivity, and competitiveness. He added that the implication of the challenges is affecting sales, turnover, profitability, shareholder value and the sustainability of investments, noting that the norm globally at this time, is to provide incentives for industries to aid their recovery from the shocks of the pandemic and escalating costs. On its part, the Chairman of Fruit Juice Producers branch of MAN, Fred Chiazor, stated that manufacturers are currently recording as much as 39.5 per cent loss due to imposition of various taxes with concomitant impact on jobs and supply chain businesses. MAN, therefore, called for the suspension of the fiscal policy, even as it noted that the proposed excise duty collection would shrink the sectors contribution to gross domestic products (GDP), which currently stands 35 per cent. He argued that the tough economic situation in the nation presently should see the government introduce fiscal palliatives and tax rebate instead of introducing excise duty collection. A member of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Dr. Ikenna Nwosu advised that the initiative be shelved for a minimum of one year to allow for robust discourse with industry stakeholders on the possible gains and shortcomings of the policy. Nwosu posited that the one-year waiting period would also enable the nations economy, especially its manufacturers, to recover from the debilitating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. He argued that most global economic bodies including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Trade Organisation (WTO) have been advising governments to suspend taxes for one year as part of efforts to support their businesses amid the global fiscal challenges. Rising from the ruins of COVID-19, countries have created several bounce-back schemes to help organisations survive the impacts of the pandemic. From Europe, Asia, America to Africa, companies are getting a helping hand in the form of grants and single interest loans to keep jobs and save the economy from the cliff. It may be understandable why the government cannot do much now to help struggling businesses cope with existing challenges and the new income crunch that comes with COVID-19. But, perhaps, the least the government could do now is to resist the temptation to impose more taxes on businesses. That will be as good as auctioning the few available jobs.

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As Government 'auctions' Few Available Jobs For Hike In Excise Tax - The Streetjournal

Highlights

Thailand's rice export rebound continues in October

Vietnam remains out in front, set to hang on to second place

Exports boosted by return of West African, Iranian, Iraqi, Chinese demand

Thailand's monthly rice exports grew for a fifth consecutive month in October, putting the country within striking distance of reclaiming its title as the world's second largest rice exporter in 2021.

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According to data from the country's Ministry of Commerce, October exports totaled 773,823 mt, up by 74% on the year and the highest monthly total since January 2019. That brings Thai exports in January-October 2021 to 4.59 million mt, marginally higher than this time last year.

No country will challenge India's pre-eminent status at the world's largest rice exporter, with January-September exports totaling 16.3 million mt and the country on course to represent around two-fifths of global rice exports in 2021. As in 2020, the only country which stands in Thailand's way to the title of second largest exporter is Vietnam.

According to Vietnam Customs, the country's January-October exports are still around 592,000 mt ahead of Thailand's, despite the country's strict regional lockdown during August-September. While it would generally be safe to assume that Vietnam will retain its position as second largest exporter in 2021, Thailand has witnessed a staggering growth in exports in recent months. Exports reached an extraordinary monthly low of 302,669 mt in March, but have since increased by over 150% to reach October's level.

Additionally, sources have consistently reported in recent days that the government of Vietnam's largest buyer, the Philippines, has been restricting buyers' access to phytosanitary licenses which they need to import. While late in the year, this could still prove an impediment to December exports from Ho Chi Minh City.

The principal reason for Thailand's resurgence as a major exporter in recent months has been its return to price competitiveness. Thai 5% broken white rice was assessed by S&P Global Platts at as high as a $137/mt premium to its Indian equivalent in February this year, but a collapse in Thai pricing following improved output meant that both products were almost neck-and-neck for much of July-October.

While a $20-$30/mt premium for Thai white rice has emerged in recent weeks, many buyers are still willing to pay this due to the perceived premium quality of Thai rice and the typically more favorable reputation of its exporters with regards to execution. Prices of Hom Mali and Pathumthani Fragrant varieties have also declined substantially in recent months, further supporting demand for Thai rice.

As a result, many price-conscious West African buyers have returned to Thailand for Fragrant, white and parboiled rice. While remaining largely absent from the Thai market earlier in the year no West African countries featured as a top 10 export destination in May or June Benin and Cote d'Ivoire were Thailand's top two export destinations in October.

Unusual demand has also aided Thai exports in recent months. Iraq's return to the Thai market following a seven-year hiatus is the most remarkable development, with the country taking 180,885 mt of Thai rice in 2021, according to the Ministry of Commerce data. The principal reason for the uptick in demand is that Iraq's government divested rice sourcing responsibilities to a company called Al-Owais earlier this year, which was much more open to non-Americas rice origins.

Additionally, neighboring Iran has been in the market in recent weeks for large volumes of Thai white rice, which are expected to be shipped in December and January. While sources typically agree that a deal has been done for at least 60,000 mt, some sources believe that the final confirmed volume could be more than double this if buyers can secure the required financing.

The world's largest rice buyer, China, has also been on a buying spree. From January-September, imports totaled 3.58 million mt, more than double the 1.68 million mt imported over the same period in 2020, according to the country's customs data. This does not exclude Thailand, with Thai exports to China so far this year roughly double that of last year, making China Thailand's third largest export market.

While Thailand also faces exporting hurdles at the end of the year especially a lack of containers it appears that even if the country does not reclaim its title as the world's second largest rice exporter from Vietnam, it will likely be very close.

Original post:

Thailand in tight race with Vietnam to be 2021's second-largest global rice exporter - S&P Global

We will never see Keanu Reeves, protagonist of Matrix, Constantine, John Wick and many other successful films, become part of the most successful cinematic universe of the Nerd world of the last 15 years? The possibilities multiply, passing from the rumors of the fans to the statements of Keanu during a recent interview he gives to Esquire, American mens fashion magazine.

On the occasion of the interview for the well-known overseas magazine, held by the Matrixian Mr. Anderson almost at the debut of the fourth film of the homonymous saga, the actor does not hide a certain interest in the superhero sagas, praising the work of the many directors who oversaw the making of theMarvel universe:

There are some truly extraordinary and visionary directors, and they are doing things that no one else has ever done before. Its something special in terms of scale, ambitions and production. So yes, it would be nice to be part of it.

K. Reeves

The actor, certainly not new to the world of science fiction he was born in Fantasy (with the aforementioned Matrix, Constantine, but also with several other blockbuster titles such as 47 Ronin And the Devils Advocate and Bram Stokers Dracula) as to that action (John Wick 1, 2 and 3, Speed, Man of Thai Chi and many others!), would certainly fit the role of somebody hero with a dark past (it would be a fantastic Moon Knight, for example), as well as a villain very respectable.

Moreover, it is also true that Reeves has already entered the universe of comics by right before suspicious times, marked DC Comics, for the character of John Constantine, taken from the saga of Hellblazer, so maybe we could even talk about a return to the world of comics, at least, and a new beginning for that of superheroes.

Already in the past the name of Reeves has been around the Marvel meeting rooms, with the hypothesis that our beloved actor could have interpreted the Kree warrior Yon-Rogg in Captain Marvel (2019), but the commitments made for John Wick 3 they did not make his entry into film possible, a role later attributed to Jude Law, with good appreciation of the fans.

Also in 2019 Kevin Feige, film producer and president of Marvel Studios, confessed in an interview that he had repeatedly talked to Reeves about a possible role and that Marvel was actually very interested in finding the right way to best involve Reeves in one of the future projects.

We just have to cross our fingers and hope for the future: in the meantime, many other interesting films await us, first of all Matrix 4 Resurrections.

Read also: Brzrkr: a live action adaptation is planned for the Keanu Reeves project Keanu Reeves could be Kraven the Hunter in the Spider-man movies That time Keanu Reeves did a story about Well, about some teddy bears (VIDEO)

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Keanu Reeves: To join the MCU? An honor, but is it possible? - D1SoftballNews.com

We all know these situations in which were simply unable to pay attention. We give our very best, but its simply not possible to stop the mind from wandering off. Some of us start having vivid daydreams, while others diligently think about all the things they need to do. We engage in all kinds of exciting thoughts, but we dont do what were actually supposed to do: Paying attention. We cannot help but lose focus, often without even realizing it. It prevents us from ever paying attention, which makes it incredibly difficult to focus on the task at hand. No one likes to admit it, but we all lose focus more often than we actually like to. Even the most ambitious among us know how incredibly difficult it is to maintain a high level of concentration, especially when tired or bored. A lack of focus can be quite a problem, which is why the following presents the most inspiring focus quotes to aid you in reestablishing a high level of focus.

The ability to focus can make or break your success in life. In fact, scientists consider the ability to establish mental focus as an important predictor of a persons future success. It is perhaps one of the most important indicators, along with intelligence and GPA. We may be unable to increase intelligence, but we still can greatly increase our ability to focus.

Improving ones mental focus, however, takes time and patience. There will be times when its quite a struggle to train ones concentration. In these situations it can be tremendously helpful to have a couple of inspiring focus quotes at hand that help you to maintain your motivation. Similarly, whenever we lack the right mental focus it can be greatly beneficial to read the wise words of inspiring people who have managed to maintain a high level of concentration throughout the course of their lives.

Unfortunately, many people largely underestimate the great power of a selection of wisely chosen quotes from some of the wisest men and women. However, you will quickly notice that the following focus quotes can greatly help you in overcoming mental sluggishness. Reading these quotes and reflecting on their meaning can help you to quickly reestablish the necessary willpower and perseverance to remain focused.

The following presents a hand-picked selection of the most inspiring focus quotes. Use these sayings to pursue your dreams with a razor-sharp focus.

Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days. Zig Ziglar

The key to living a focused life is direction. When you have a clear goal, you can steer all your actions in one direction. But if you are unsure where to go, you will mindlessly wander around. At the same time, it is often not so important how long we work, but how effectively we use our working hours. If we pay the closest attention to maintaining a high level of focus, we can use the available hours of the day more effectively. However, if we allow distractions to draw away our attention, we are less likely to accomplish much in the time available.

Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want. No one can hit their target with their eyes closed. Paulo Coelho

Whatever you do in life, make sure you have a clear goal. Otherwise, you might be wasting valuable time by spending your time in an undirected and unfocused manner. Knowing precisely what you want to achieve will help you to maintain a higher level of focus and motivation. It will also encourage you to do whatever it takes until your goal is accomplished. But if theres no dream or vision that fuels all your actions, you are more likely to simply give up when the going gets tough.

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. Aristotle Onassis

We all suffer and we all experience misery from time to time. During these challenging situations, its incredibly difficult to maintain a positive attitude. When confronted with pain and suffering, we often see nothing but the negative aspects of whats happened to us. We struggle greatly and wish that it had never happened. Especially during our darkest hours, its incredibly difficult to see the light. It is therefore all the more important to trust in our ability that we will one day be able to draw important lessons from what happened. At the same time, it is important not to lose faith and to give up during these challenging times. Instead, its important that we use all the power we have left to endure the suffering.

Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The suns rays do not burn until brought to a focus. Alexander Graham Bell

True greatness can only be accomplished when we are able to focus all our attention on what were doing at the moment. If we allow distractions to interrupt the workflow, it is likely that the output of our work will suffer from it. However, if youre able to focus intensively on the work at hand, youll be able to unlock greater parts of your potential. Just as the suns rays ignite paper when focused, so will the results of your work improve dramatically if performed with the greatest level of concentration.

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit. Will Durant

If you focus long enough on mastering a certain skill, you will one day be able to excel in this particular area. However, if youre not focused and switch from one random activity to another, its unlikely that youll ever master what youre doing. Instead, Will Durant encourages us to persist with whatever were doing until we excel in it.

The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus. Bruce Lee

According to Bruce Lee, mental focus can make the difference between being average and extraordinary. He highlights the tremendous benefits of being able to reach the highest level of focus and concentration. But he also points out that if we are able to perfect our concentration skills, we can be so much more than just average.

Successful people maintain a positive focus in life no matter what is going on around them. They stay focused on their past successes rather than their past failures, and on the next action steps they need to take to get them closer to the fulfillment of their goals rather than all the other distractions that life presents to them. Jack Canfield

With every single moment of our existence, we get to choose if we want to focus on the positive or negative aspects of our lives. The human mind is not able to entertain a positive and negative thought at the same time. This is why it is of the greatest importance to be able to maintain a positive outlook on life. Focus not on your mistakes or failures, but concentrate on your past successes and draw strength from these experiences.

I dont care how much power, brilliance or energy you have, if you dont harness it and focus it on a specific target, and hold it there youre never going to accomplish as much as your ability warrants. Zig Ziglar

If you want to burn something with the suns rays, you need a burning glass to focus the rays of light. But you also have to direct the rays on a specific target. If you dont, nothing will ever start catching fire. The same holds true for accomplishing goals in life. If your approach is undirected and not focused, its unlikely that your actions will provide the results you desire.

Thats been one of my mantras focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But its worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains. Steve Jobs

Attaining a high level of focus can be a challenging goal. It takes time and perseverance to strengthen your ability to focus, but once youve reached a certain level, you will see powerful results.

Instead of focusing on that circumstances that you cannot change focus strongly and powerfully on the circumstances that you can. Joy Page

Theres no use bothering yourself with things you cannot change. It will only waste time and decrease your optimism. Instead, focus on the aspects of your life that you can influence. You will see that there is much more you can do than you think.

It is wise to direct your anger towards problems not people; to focus your energies on answers not excuses. William Arthur Ward

Its always easier to blame someone else for your own mistakes and shortcomings. There will always be someone else to blame for whatever happens to you in life. But playing the blame game may not necessarily lead you very far. Instead, give your very best to find solutions to the problems youre confronted with. Anything else will simply waste your time.

Dont dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energies on moving forward toward finding the answer. Denis Waitley

When confronted with problems, we can either obsessively analyze the problem and complain about it or focus our attention on finding a solution to the problem. Many of lifes greatest challenges were solved by people who were unwilling to complain about the problem, which assisted them in finding a solution to it.

Most people have no idea of the giant capacity we can immediately command when we focus all of our resources on mastering a single area of our lives. Tony Robbins

Usually, distractions prevent us from focusing all our attention on one specific aspect of our lives. But once we are able to overcome these distractions, we can accomplish a great deal. All we need to do is to focus intensively on mastering a single aspect, without allowing distractions to draw away our attention.

Concentration can be cultivated. One can learn to exercise willpower, discipline ones body and train ones mind. Anil Ambani

No matter how difficult it may seem in the beginning, we must never forget that it is possible to increase ones willpower and concentration. It takes time and patience to cultivate these skills, but if you are not discouraged by difficulties and challenges, you will affect beneficial changes in your entire life.

You dont get results by focusing on results. You get results by focusing on the actions that produce results. Mike Hawkins

It is never enough to simply focus on the things we wish to accomplish. When we only focus on our dreams and goals without thinking about the necessary actions, nothing will be accomplished. Therefore, if we want to accomplish a certain goal in life, we always need to focus our attention on the specific actions that will lead us to this goal.

A clear vision, backed by definite plans, gives you a tremendous feeling of confidence and personal power. Brian Tracy

Having a clear vision for your life will help you to maintain a higher level of focus. The vision will help you to steer all your actions in the right direction, without losing focus of the intended outcome.

One look at an email can rob you of 15 minutes of focus. One call on your cell phone, one tweet, one instant message can destroy your schedule, forcing you to move meetings, or blow off really important things, like love, and friendship. Jacqueline Leo

Especially in times of information overload, its important to be able to maintain your focus. If you concentrate all your attention on your goals, unimportant distractions will no longer decrease your productivity significantly.

My success, part of it certainly, is that I have focused in on a few things. Bill Gates

Set yourself priorities in life and focus all your attention on the accomplishment of your high priority goals. Dont try to pursue a wide variety of goals simultaneously. Instead, focus on the few things that are really important and give all you can to accomplish these.

You only have to do a very few things right in your life so long as you dont do too many things wrong. Warren Buffett

Many people make incredibly stupid mistakes. Even more so, they keep repeating the same mistakes over and over again. They continue to let their passions or greed influence most of their decisions, when they should clearly know better. As a result, they have to spend large parts of their time to make these mistakes undone. The wasted time could be used in much better and more productive ways. By focusing on avoiding stupid mistakes, you can greatly stay out of life-changing trouble. It helps you to spend less time on making amendments and enables you to spend more time pursuing your goals instead.

Your destiny is to fulfill those things upon which you focus most intently. So choose to keep your focus on that which is truly magnificent, beautiful, uplifting and joyful. Your life is always moving toward something. Ralph Marston

If youre not careful what you focus on, you might move towards something that you dont even want. Similarly, if you focus heavily on the negative and challenging aspects of your life, you might attract even more of these into your life. As Ralph Marston says, were destined to fulfill that upon which we focus the most.

We each focus on what were going to buy, but thats an incorrect focus. Focus instead on why you want to spend the money on this or that. What feeling in you does it satisfy? Suze Orman

In many cases, we spend our money without reflecting the underlying reasons for our purchases. We do not question what desires or feelings we want to satisfy when buying a specific product. Focusing on the reasons why you want to buy a product can greatly change that. It will help you to become more aware of your buying choices and the underlying motives. In many cases, doing so will help you to see that there is no real need for the product you intended to buy. Instead, you will realize that clever marketers created an artificial need inside you. At the same time, knowing what desire you wish to fulfill with the purchase of a specific product may help you to find better and non-material alternatives.

When walking, walk. When eating, eat. Zen proverb

This excellent proverb is not only about walking and eating. It describes a general approach to life. The proverb encourages us to focus all our attention on the present activity. It tells us not to do a great number of activities simultaneously, but to do one activity with the greatest attention instead.

Discovering what you really want saves you endless confusion and wasted energy. Stuart Wilde

If you know precisely what you want in life, you can steer all your actions into this direction. However, if you dont know where your journey leads you, you might end up hopelessly confused. Not knowing where youre going will also waste your energy. It is therefore crucial to take the time it takes to discover what you really want in life. Doing so will help you to get a better understanding about your dreams and the actions you need to take to realize them.

Energy is the essence of life. Every day you decide how youre going to use it by knowing what you want and what it takes to reach that goal, and by maintaining focus. Oprah Winfrey

Each day you get to decide whether you take the necessary action that helps you to get one step closer to your goal or if you just waste your time. If you know where you want to be, it will be much easier for you to maintain a high level of focus. You will precisely understand why you have to confront challenging difficulties that stand in-between you and success. However, if you have no clear understanding of your goals, youll eventually lose focus and give up.

Focus 90% of your time on solutions and only 10% of your time on problems. Anthony J. DAngelo

While its important to analyze the reason why youre confronted with a specific problem, its just as much important to find solutions to it. Most people neglect the second step. They see a problem and complain about it, but do nothing to solve it.

Focus is a matter of deciding what things youre not going to do. John Carmack

Most of us understand the importance of focusing on what we want to accomplish in life. At the same time, it is also important to know precisely what were not going to do. We need to develop a clear understanding of the activities that do not align with our goals. It is tremendously beneficial to know what distracts you from accomplishing your goals. At the same time, it is also helpful to identify the actions that do not bring you any further.

I believe that as much as you take, you have to give back. Its important not to focus on yourself too much. Nicole Kidman

Each of us experiences life through our own eyes. It is therefore only natural that we have a highly self-centered perspective on life. When something negative happens to us, it might feel incredibly painful. However, by taking a step back and focusing less on ourselves, we might realize that things are not as worse as we thought they were. Focusing less on ourselves will help us to realize that things could be much worse than they actually are. Doing so will give us the necessary confidence and strength to endure difficult times.

I do what I do, and I do it well, and focus and take it one moment at a time. James Caviezel

Whatever you do, do it with the greatest focus and attention. Concentrate on one task at a time and do it as well as you can. If you follow these steps, the output of your work will be so much better than the results from doing multiple things simultaneously.

I only want to do better work. Thats the focus of my life. Ajay Devgan

The key to attaining greatness lies in continuously striving for improvement. It lies in becoming a little bit better with each day, until finally greatness and excellence is accomplished.

It is those who concentrate on but one thing at a time who advance in this world. The great man or woman is the one who never steps outside his or her specialty or foolishly dissipates his or her individuality. Og Mandino

This quote illustrates once more the great importance of concentrating on only one thing at a time. Its not advisable to multitask. Doing so will only decrease your productivity and may result in less excellent outcomes. Instead, focus all your attention on one task at a time.

Be sure to also have a look at the 100 Most Motivational Quotes of All Times. You will love it!

I hope you enjoyed reading this article about the best focus quotes.

Stay victorious!

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The 30 Most Inspiring Focus Quotes - Planet of Success

Tommy Williams | Shreveport Times

Welcome, once again to the holiday season. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and have much around you for which to be thankful. Im reminded of the old Zig Ziglar quote about having an attitude of gratitude. Seems that outlook is step one to a joyful experience in life. And is it just me, or does it seem like Christmas decorations are coming out earlier each year?

As I sat in on a luncheon conversation this week I was stricken by an observation. I havent heard anyone complain about their investment advisor in a while! It is true that most individual investors think about the next correction in terms of when, not if well experience a significant downturn. However, as long as accounts move at some pace in a positive direction investor unhappiness will be at a low ebb.

But, as youll recall, it hasnt always been that way. Market corrections are a natural and even healthy part of the economic system. We actually had a doozy last year (bottoming in March), but it happened so fast and before we could gather our wits and try to react it bounced back just as quickly. Being locked down in our houses fearing the outcome of the virus was also top of mind, so our anxiety meter was a little out of whack.

My most memorable experience of investor dissatisfaction happened in early 2009. The subprime mortgage housing bubble was in full force and the news was all about the potential collapse of our entire financial system. A client called me to tell me about his close friend who was concerned about his life savings. I assured him that I knew how he felt and would be glad to help his colleague if I could. We made an appointment to meet the following day.

I was waiting in the conference room to meet this disgruntled investor when he stormed in red faced and agitated. With great animation he slammed an inch thick stack of statements on the table and bellowed (Im leaving out a series of expletives for a family friendly reading) My broker is downtown under his desk not taking calls! I glanced down and caught a glimpse of the logo of a well-known brokerage firm. A firm that was navigating the exact same recession with which I was dealing. We were all in the same boat. Thankfully I was able to retain my composure and simply asked How do you think I can help you? We then settled into a discussion that included his belief that hed lost about half of his savings and it was just a matter of time before the other half was gone. As our conversation me listening as he unloaded months of frustration - progressed one glaring thing emerged. He had called his broker numerous times and got no response. No communication at all, except occasional form letters from New York. When the going gets tough, thats when communication is the most important. This particular individual knew everyones account was down in value, but his friends seemed to be getting a steady stream of communication. Some had even claimed to have moved to cash anticipating the downturn (Well spend more time on that issue at a later date).

I tell that story for a reason. One, Ill never forget that experience. But unto each life some rain must fall. Back to today. There will be a downturn, though our memories can be short and these great returns since March 23, 2020, cannot continue forever. As you head toward the new year make sure you are on the same page with your advisor. Take stock of whats changed (your appetite for risk, need for income, whatever) and be sure you are communicating. If your advisor is under his desk not taking calls or better yet not in touch with you find someone who does communicate effectively and can minimize the anxiety of managing your savings. A lot has changed in the last 18 months. I bet you have changed. In the meantime, my wish for you is that you will enjoy a wonderful holiday season.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. The economic forecasts set forth in the presentation may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful. Performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. Investing involves risk including loss of principal.

RFG Advisory and its Investment Advisor Representatives do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal, and accounting professional for guidance on such matters.

Visit us at http://www.williamsfa.com. Tommy Williams is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Professional with Williams Financial Advisors, LLC. Securities offered by Registered Representatives through Private Client Services, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory products and services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives through RFG Advisory, a Registered Investment Advisor. RFG Advisory, Williams Financial Advisors, LLC and Private Client Services are unaffiliated entities. Branch office is located at 6425 Youree Drive, Suite 180, Shreveport, LA 71105.

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Has the pandemic changed your outlook? - Shreveport Times

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV)

Having just celebrated Thanksgiving here in the US, we are now officially in the Christmas Season, and you know what that means for many folks: tis the Season for comparisons, consumerism, dissatisfaction, and envy! Some snarky cultural commentators have pointed out, America is the only country where we have a national holiday set aside for Thanksgiving and counting our blessings, followed a few hours later by a coast-to-coast shopping spree that sometimes includes people tragically getting shot over parking spaces or trampled outside mall doors. Is this how God wants us to live?

Speaking of the devil and Himself in John 10:10, Jesus said, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. According to Pauls Second Letter to the Corinthians, he warns us not to compare ourselves with others. Over 100 years ago Mark Twain quipped Comparison is the death of joy.

Even today, modern psychology points out that the human trait to compare ourselves with others is highly toxic and corrosive. Observers see this as a special pitfall of todays social media: countless users post carefully-curated images of the perfect vacation, the perfect Christmas tree, the perfectly-dressed and -behaved children, etc. designed to present a false aura of perfection. The result? We scroll through page after page and come away with the impression, Everyone else is happy and has a perfect life, except me. My life stinks. Poor me. Social scientists have discovered that greater exposure to social media correlates to higher incidences of loneliness, isolation, envy and depression.

Is there a better way? The Bible gives us a way out! Someone once wrote, I used to believe things were true because they were in the Bible. Now, I believe things are in the Bible because they are true. If comparing ourselves to others brings feelings of emptiness, then the Bibles command to stop playing the comparison game can help us open the doorway to joy.

Rather than put pressure on yourself to try to live up to some unattainable Hallmark Christmas level of perfection, instead today decide to stop comparing yourself to others and instead live and enjoy the life, relationships, gifts and possessions God has already given you. As motivational speaker Zig Ziglar used to say, The more you thank God for the things you have, the more things youll have to thank God for.

Try it! The new mindset might surprise you!

S.D.

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DEVOTIONAL: Comparison is the Thief of Joy - The Roanoke Star

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Written and verified by the psychologist Valeria213 in 15 November, 2021.

Last update: 15 November, 2021

Maybe you have your own playlist of relaxing music.You turn it on when you need to calm your mind.Music can make us feel so wonderfully peaceful. It producesserotonin to relieve our stress and relieve physical pain. Its always there for us.

And its not a coincidence. Music has a huge impact on our brain, and relaxing music does actually make us feel better. For example, there is a well-known theory though its not yet empirically proven about the good that a frequency of 528 Hz can do to our body.

Its called the Solfeggio frequency, originally used in Gregorian chants. Whether its healing or not, what we do know is that music is capable of making changes in our mind and body. Lets take a look at relaxing music and the mind.

Every three months, the APA (American Psychological Association) publishes a musicology journal with studies on the topic. Many experiments, research studies, and theoretical work has proven things that we had already intuited: music, especially relaxing music, has great cognitive, emotional and neurobiological benefits.

Lets look at some of these positive characteristics:

If we search relaxing music, well get thousands of results. However, does relaxing music actually relieve stress? The answer is yes. In fact, a few years ago, scientists from Mindlab, which specializes in neuroscience experiments, came to an interesting conclusion.

They saidthe song Weightless is the most effective at calming heart rate, respiration and brain activity.Weightless is a song by the British band Marconi Union.

The sound of rain rattling on a window, a flowing river, the tireless crashing of the ocean against a reef, a whales song The sounds of nature have a certain cathartic effect in our body. It is like we go back to where we came from. It focuses us and liberates us at the same time.

Recently the BirdLife Focus Natura project actually showed that relaxing music with nature and animal sounds improves concentration and performance in children with ADHD.

Listening to relaxing music after surgery improves patient recovery. It also makes this critical time a bit more pleasant and less stressful. Its a remarkable finding, but an article in Psychology Todayexplains that relaxing music lessens a persons sensation of pain, produces endorphins, and even strengthens our immune system.

Weve all done it before. We lie down in bed, turn off the lights and immerse ourselves into the peaceful, warm, wonderful world of music. Listening to relaxing music through headphones at night helps us sleep better.It helps us release our worries and those exhausting thoughts that often feed anxiety.

Our brain is passionate about music. We know, for example, that playing an instrument starting early on helps our brain develop and even improves mathematical performance. Relaxing music is almost like a vitamin for our neurons.

It puts us in an optimal mental state for reasoning and tasks involving our spatialtemporal abilities. At the same time theconnection between our two brain hemispheres improves, fostering faster communication between neurons.

We talked before about the benefits of listening to relaxing music after surgery. One reason is thatit is good for ourheart. It lowers our blood pressure and heart rate.Our heartbeat becomes more regular and rhythmic, we have fewer arrhythmias, and we feel calmer.

Two hormones we really like are endorphins and serotonin. They also act as neurotransmitters. Although each of us has our own musical tastes, and sometimes were in the mood for more energetic songs, we cant ignore the benefits that relaxing music has on the brain.

Melodic harmonies, perfect frequencies, and nature sounds trigger the release ofserotonin and endorphin. So find some time in your day to give yourself a dose of musical happiness.

This one may surprise you. Something as simple as listening to relaxing music while we eat can help us eat in a more conscious, balanced and healthy way. It has a lot to do with mindfulness. It helps us eat more slowly and thus recognize sooner when were full. We taste food more intensely and savor the sensations of eating.

Learning to meditate is not easy, especially if your life is nonstop busy.Sometimes when we try to find some relaxation by meditating, it doesnt work.One thing that can help is relaxing music. Just find a quiet space, put on some comfortable clothes and some headphones, and let yourself go

Relaxing music optimizes our cognitive processes.We concentrate and process information better, and retain new information more quickly and efficiently. As we said, our brain loves balanced, harmonic musical stimulation. There are actually frequencies that can help our brain work better.

Try it! Take advantage of the magic of relaxing music the next time you take anexam. Another interesting fact that experts in music psychology tell us is that all it takes is 10 or 15 minutes listening to relaxing music every day for a few weeks to see benefits.

Youll feel an inner calm, manage stress better, and have more focus. Need any more reasons to start listening to relaxing music?

Music Can Change the Structure of Your Brain

Music plays an important role in learning. In fact, musical training stimulates different parts of the brain. Various studies have shown that liste...

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10 Benefits of Listening to Relaxing Music - Exploring ...

Although meditation, yoga and taking naps are effective forms of stress relief, listening to music is one of the easiest ways to get your dopamine flowing. You might have your own personal playlist to calm your nerves, but this one is scientifically-backed.

A study conducted by neuroscientists from Mindlab International recorded participants physiological responses to specific songs while solving complex puzzles. Based on the results, the scientists came up with the 10 most relaxing songs.

Marconi Union is an English ambient music band that worked with sound therapists to create what is known as the most relaxing song in the world. The song actually induced a 65 percent reduction in overall stress among participants.

The reason for this, as explained by Lyz Cooper of the British Academy of Sound Therapy, is that the song utilizes a biomusicological phenomenon called entrainment. Cooper reports, The song contains a sustaining rhythm that starts at 60 beats per minute and gradually slows to around 50. While listening, your heart rate gradually comes to match that beat.

I actually subconsciously sunk into a different headspace while listening. When I paused the video midway, it felt like a trance had been broken. I had to stop and blink a few times to come back to reality.

This relaxing song has similarities to Weightless. The tempo matches the optimal resting heart rate of 60 to 65 beats per minute. The mid-range frequencies and absence of a low, heavy bass is less taxing on the nervous system.

This song definitely has a chiller vibe to it, and it has more of a hip-hop beat, but nothing to the extreme. Yoga fans might find this the perfect background music for their sun salutations.

What makes this song relaxing is the reverb guitar above the ostinato, which is a repetitive musical pattern. The repetition frees the mind to feel the music rather than analyze it.

As the title of the song suggests, the beat is mellow and even a little bit sensual. The rainstick and the conga-like drum conjure visions of sipping something frozen on a tropical island.

Everyone knows Enya from her classic, Only Time, which is an equally relaxing song. Watermark has a simple yet lovely piano arrangement, with a subtle chorus of human voices.

This is the first relaxing song on the list with lyrics, which proves that music does not have to be instrumental to be soothing. It has a slightly higher tempo and does not really promote relaxation so much as a feeling of contentment.

The lyrics themselves contribute to the carefree vibe, and even the video is fun to watch.

Just like in Electra, the second song on this list, Please Dont Go lacks a heavy bass and uses high and mid-range frequencies in the piano and the strings. It is also written in minor key, which is commonly found in sad songs.

The lyrics stir emotion, and the soft, slightly raspy voice makes it sound as if the singer has been crying. You might start crying, too, if you really get absorbed into the song.

This critically acclaimed dream-pop relaxing song has that classic 2000s vibe, seeing as that is the year it was released. The lyrics and the video make me feel like I should also be prancing along the picturesque shoreline of the now-closed beach made famous by Leonardo DiCaprios movie The Beach, which featured this song in its soundtrack.

You can be alert and relaxed at the same time, which is the optimal state according to yoga practitioners. So even though it is uplifting and groovy, Pure Shores for shore deserves a spot on the most relaxing songs list.

This iconic song earned its accolades, which included a Grammy. According to scientists, almost everything about this song is arranged to reduce the audience to tears.

When the chorus breaks, Adeles voice jumps an octave and belts out the notes with increasing volume, a writer from The Daily Mail wrote. At the same time, the harmony shifts and the lyrics become more dramatic. Maybe at first you cannot see why this song is relaxing, but someone who is highly stressed just needs to let it all out with a good cry.

When considering genres of relaxing music, classical most often comes to mind. This song by Mozart is one such example.

Mozarts hallmark mathematical precision, coupled with the angelic female voices, is aurally pleasing. It is light, it is uncomplicated, and it does not ask much of the listener beyond simply enjoying the music.

Although this relaxing song is enough to be added to the list, it is last for a reason. There is no discernible melody, and until the drum track kicks in, it sounds more like noise than music.

However, it is not all bad. The mid-tempo beat invokes images of traveling to far-off exotic lands. It is almost a requirement for an ambient song to incorporate white noise, but because it is effective, we will give it a pass.

While these songs each have distinctive styles, they share common elements such as white noise, low to mid-tempo and simple arrangements. If you find yourself feeling stressed, consider adding a song or two (or maybe all of them!) to your chillout playlist.

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The 10 Most Relaxing Songs in the World According to ...

Katarina Rothhorn/NW

Members of the NMU Jazz Combo, including Owen Edwards soloing on alto saxophone, perform during an NMU jazz concert. A group of five students will perform in the library on Tuesday to provide more relaxing studying music for students.

Katarina Rothhorn, Features Editor November 30, 2021

For the second year in a row, the NMU Jazz Combo will be setting a relaxing tone for the upcoming finals week by performing an hour-long set in the lower level of the library. The five-member student band will be in the library on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. to provide live studying music or calm entertainment for those looking for a study break.

We are performing in the library as a treat to the students who are busy studying for the upcoming finals week, alto saxophonist Owen Edwards said. We know it can be a stressful time and jazz music can often help relieve stress due to its chilled and laid back nature.

Edwards has been a part of the Jazz Combo for over a year along with Ethan Matteson on guitar, Garrett Peacock on tenor saxophone, Ryan Wilson on drums and Oskar Gaenssle on bass.

They will be performing a number of classic jazz standards as well as original pieces written by Edwards and Mark Flaherty, head of the music department. Their selections will be carefully chosen to include more relaxing jazz pieces to not create a distraction for those who are studying.

Im very excited to be able to perform a slightly different style than we normally play, as we play very quiet and calmer music than we normally would, Matteson said. Im also excited to play with this group, as I also have a lot of fun performing with this group.

For those who would like to listen to the band but are unable to attend in person, the library will be livestreaming the event on their Facebook page.

I am looking forward to sharing this music with the students at NMU once again, during a time when everyone is stressed out it always helps to enjoy great live music to help brighten the mood in everyone, Edwards said.

The Jazz Combo hopes their music will help others relax and study before finals, but it also provides the musicians with a similar feeling.

It gives us a chance to bring our music [to those] who arent typically able to listen to it, Matteson said. I personally love doing it to give me some time to relax and reset before the busy finals week.

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NMU Jazz Combo to provide live study music before finals - North Wind Online

New Music

Published on November 30, 2021

Forgetful, Ryan Kanes new song, attempts to delight listeners ears. Since its debut, the song has been a big success. Nobody can believe how big this song has become in such a short period of time. Because everyone who hears the music will hear it.

The present house music scene has gotten a little boring. Every time, the music is the same, with a few minor variations to make it unique. Ryan, on the other hand, is not like the other members of the group. He wishes to stand out from the throng. As a result, he assures his followers that his music is absolutely unique. After listening to Forgetful, we got a feeling of it.

The song Forgetful will undoubtedly liven up the proceedings. When the music starts, everyone is required to get up and dance. This will quickly have the youngsters up and dancing. And the fun didnt stop there; once the song ended, everyone appeared to want it to be played again.

Follow Ryan Kane on Instagram: @ryankkane_

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Ryan Kane's Forgetful Has You Relaxing At The Party All Night - Muzique Magazine