How to File a Tax Extension

How to File a Tax Extension Dealing with tax returns isnt usually fun. And April 17 is the filing deadline for submiting your 2017 taxes. But what if you need a bit more time sorting out your taxes for your tax returns? You can easily file for an extension to pay your taxes heres how to file an extension request and avoid a failure-to-pay (also known as a failure-to-file) penalty.File an Extension Request Whys and HowsThere may be many reasons you need to file for an extension on your tax return. Personal changes such as marriage or divorce, a long-term illness of a family member or just a crazy work schedule may be possible reasons.The IRS will automatically grant you a timely filed extension, so you do not need to qualify for one by proving you need more time. The IRS does not require you to make an explanation statement however, some tax preparation software programs may. Please rest assured, if so, that this is only informational, and will not in any way impact whether or not t he IRS will grant you the extension to pay your taxes. Its called late filing.You can file for an extension the old-fashioned way, or the modern way. To go the old-school route, you will need to fill out tax forms like the Form 4868 Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File. If you are a geschftlicher umgang filer, you will want to file Form 7004 Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File Certain Business Income Tax, Information and Other Returns. There are a ton of tax forms youll have to fill out, sotheseare only the start of your application for extension.The easiest way to obtain an extension of time to file is to do so online. If you are using tax preparation software, it should allow you to file for an extension online right through the program. If you are using one of the IRS free filing tools, you may file an extension that way, as well. Filing for an extension is easier online for a lot of people.How long does an extension last? In general, an extension i s six months since you totenstill owe taxes, giving you until Oct. 15 to file your taxes if you are on extension. If the IRS rejects your e-filed return after Oct. 15, you have until Oct. 20 to refile it. Otherwise, you will need to mail your return in. Please be sure to sign your return, as the IRS rejects many paper returns solely because theyre missing a requisite signature. An Extension Does Not Grant Extra Time to PayThe fruchtwein confusing and critical aspect of filing an extension is that the filing of an extension does not give you extra time to pay your tax obligations. Even if you file for an extension, you must pay at least 90 percent of the total tax due to avoid a late-payment penalty.The IRS penalty for late payment is 0.5 percent of the unpaid tax amount, compounded monthly, up to 25 percent. In addition, the IRS charges interest on unpaid taxes, and, as this compounds daily, the interest can add up quickly. Its also important to note that while the IRS will abate penalties, including failure-to-pay penalties, for cases that meet their reasonable cause criteria, they cannot abate interest unless they find an IRS not taxpayer error caused the interest to accrue.The preferred method of paying your tax obligations is to open an account online with EFTPS.com. This portal, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, is the most secure way to ensure the federal government properly credits tax payments to your account. It is totally free to sign up, and you can choose to have recurring payments or make a one-time payment. You can also use this portal to make estimated tax payments if you are self-employed.There are special situations for Active-Duty Military, Taxpayers Overseas, Disaster Areas.In certain situations, you may qualify for an extension for filing your taxes without having to file Form 4868, and youd be able to extend your filing deadline. These exceptions apply only to individual tax filers, not to business filers.The first exception i s if you are an active-duty military member who is stationed overseas in a combat zone. If this applies to you, you will automatically receive 180 days from the day you leave the combat zone to file and pay any taxes due. You do not need to file Form 4868. You do, however, need to be stationed overseas in a U.S.-designated combat zone.If you are a U.S. citizen who is living abroad temporarily or an active-duty military member who is stationed overseas but not in a designated combat zone, you have until June 17 to file. However, you must still pay any tax due by the original due date of April 18.For those taxpayers affected by natural disasters, such as victims of the 2017 Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, the IRS has extended both the filing and the payment deadline until April 30, and they wont face any tax liability for filing late. Taxpayers in affected areas should also pay careful attention when filing to claim any casualty losses to which they may be entitled.Upcoming Tax Cha nges to NoteThe advent of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 has created much confusion about tax obligations under the plan. One of the most frequent questions tax practitioners get is how much to pay in estimated tax deposits for self-employed people or how to adjust withholding to avoid paying too much throughout the year, without triggering a huge tax liability at the end of the year.The U.S. has a pay-as-you-go tax system. If you are self-employed, you will file your quarterly taxes at the end of each fiscal quarter, and if you are a W2 employee, your employer will take care of withholding tax from your paychecks. However, due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the tax rates are changing significantly for 2018.If you are an employer, the IRS doesnt recommend you distribute new Form W4, Employees Withholding Allowance Certificate, as the IRS is still finalizing the new form for the 2018 tax year. However, if you are an individual filer and your employer doesnt offer these forms to y ou once they are finalized, you should request an updated W4 from your employer.With the implementation of the Act, your tax rates may be lower. So you should avoid having the government withhold money and hold it interest-free until the end of the year, unless you are one of the many people who use their excess withholding as a mini savings account for a vacation or other delight without the temptation of having that money on hand to spend.If you make estimated tax payments as a self-employed individual, you may likewise wish to recalculate your quarterly estimated tax payments. Again, you must pay 90 percent of the tax you anticipate owing for the current year, divided into four equal payments, or you must pay 100 percent of the tax due the previous year. Your tax-preparation software should help you calculate your estimated taxes, or you can use this tool to do so.The 2017 tax season is well underway, and in addition, exciting changes are in store for 2018. By planning ahead for the new tax year, including planning for extra time to complete your filing obligations, youll be well on your way to being compliant with IRS requirements and remaining free from the stress of dealing with the IRS.Now you know how to file a tax extension. Do you have any tips for navigating a federal extension or extension form application without facing any penalties for upaid taxes?

The Pitfall of Automating the Resume Writing Industry

The Pitfall of Automating the Resume Writing Industry Then youre able to double back on the platform for your marketing and sales efforts too. A great manufacturing manager ought to be in a lokalitt to explain fluently all of the business targets, procedures and timelines to everyone involved with the practice. The sales and marketing business is one predicated on your capacity to sell goods or services to the general public. Think about investing in a site, particularly if youre in the IT industry. A resume builder enables you to display the structure of you resume in a friendly format, so as to plektrum the best sections of the resume that you wish to publish. A properly formatted ASCII e-resume lets you cut and paste your resume in the body of an email, send it over any email system on earth, and be koranvers your resume will look the exact same no matter where its sent. Use the name based on the nation in which youre submitting the application. Once youve reviewed resu mes in your field, peruse resumes across fields to know how to vary the usage of action verbs and receive a feel for what makes a highly effective accomplishment statement. Below, you will discover a list of resume examples that may assist you with your work search. Be sure everything you list is pertinent to the job which you want. There are two or three routes you may take with resume writing. You may use the functional format when you have discontinuity in your work before or hopped the jobs frequently before. Things You Wont Like About Automating the Resume Writing Industry and Things You Will So now that you know how to prioritize applications and resumes in your screening procedure, lets look at the software options youve got. Looking for resume samples in your region of expertise may also offer you a sense of the quantity of pages that are normally expected in your area. Utilize Word only as soon as the work ad explicitly asks for it that manner. Show some personal ityand that you fully grasp the employers. Automating the Resume Writing Industry - Is it a Scam? The Hiring Manager should be captivated by your statement so he or shed be compelled to keep on reading your resume. Researching the business and job position in general will supply you with more inspiration. Sales is 1 career field thats rather simple to move around from industry to industry. Marc Grandmaison Operations Director Marc is an extremely experienced, skilled, and talented hospitality professional that has been in the business for over 20 decades. The Hidden Gem of Automating the Resume Writing Industry Resume writing fees vary greatly and it can be inviting to look for the most affordable option. In the vorstellung you decide you want expert assistance, its time to come across writers. There are plenty of other writers using a different practice. Although some resume writers are generalists and work with anyone, it is much simpler and more lucrative to pick a pa rticular niche. Normally, hiring managers prefer the reverse chronological format as it is simpler to read and find important keyword phrases. Some not all, but a number of the freelance writers we encounter seem to have somehow picked up the notion that all they need to do to succeed is to be useful at writing. Identify the sort of impression that you want to create by evaluating the content of the work ad carefully. If youre trying to customize professional, pre-formatted resumes, have a look at our absolutely free downloadable templates.

The Best Places to Work for Medical Sales Professionals [Infographic]

The Best Places to Work for Medical Sales Professionals Infographic We have good news for those of you in or looking to join the line of medical sales MedReps.com has just released the results of the Fifth Annual Best Places to Work in Medical Sales Awards.Topping MedRepss list are Johnson Johnson, Medtronic, and Stryker. Just what makes these companies great places to work for medical sales professionals? According to the professionals whomMedReps surveyed for the awards, its things like commitments to innovation,competitive compensation, and strong product lines that elevate these companies above the rest of the industry.Its also important to notenzeichen that, even though 42 percent of respondents said their current employer was the best place to work for medical sales reps, 47 percent of respondents said they were likely to leave their jobs in the coming year. Employers, do take note Many of your medical sales reps may be itching to strike outfo r greener pastures.Aninfographicthat summarizes the awards is below for a more in-depth analysis, check out the link to MedReps.com above.

Job Interview Advice You May Not Have Heard Before

Job Interview Advice You May Not Have Heard BeforeJob Interview Advice You May Not Have Heard BeforeWhen it comes to acing a job interview and job interview advice, you may be convinced that you already know everything you need to know.But, just because youre familiar with the nuts and bolts doesnt mean theres zero room left for improvement in your interview skills. There are some different tips and tactics that are lesser-known- yet just as beneficial.Like what, exactly?Here are five pieces of job interview advice you should know, but might notlage have heard before1. Research your interviewer.You know that you need to research the company ahead of your interview. But, beyond familiarizing yourself with its mission, values, culture, and recent happenings, its also wise to look into the people youll actually be interviewing with.Chances are, you have their positions or names (or both)- meaning youre equipped with what you need to do some digging on LinkedIn and other social media sit es.Why is this important? Getting to know the interviewers a little better will not only make you more comfortable, but it will also make it easier for you to strike up small talk about anything you have in common- whether its a shared alma mater or the fact that you both own rescue dogs.2. Assemble a survival kit.Oftentimes job interviews can feel like one of those dreaded what can go wrong, will go wrong scenarios. However, not many people talk about how you can deal when you spill coffee down your shirt or theres only metered parking available and you dont have any change.This is why its a good idea to assemble a survival kit ahead of your interview- so that you can be prepared for any curve balls that come your way.Exactly what you want to include can vary based on your unique circumstances (such as whether its a remote or in-person interview, for example), but Michelle Goodman suggests some of the following in her article for ABC NewsBottled water and a snack (theres nothing wo rse than having your stomach growl loudly right before you head into your interview)Breath mints, deodorant, a stain stick, a spare shirt, and any other grooming items you think you might needPen and notepad to take notesExtra business cards and copies of important documents- including your resume, reference list, and any presentations you need to giveHave those things at the ready, and you can rest easy with the knowledge that youre prepared for anything3. Start strong.Theres a lot of emphasis placed on how you conclude your interview. And, thats for good reason- you want to end on a high note and leave a lasting, good impression. But, few people talk about how you begin an interview. As it turns out, that might matter more.Some statistics state that bosses know within 90 seconds of an interview if theyll hire someone. On the slightly less extreme side, a majority of hiring managers state that they make a decision about a candidate within 5 to 15 minutes of the interview beginning. So, while you might have a little more time than a minute and a half to be impressive, its still important that you maximize that early portion of your interview.Start with an engaging story or make sure that you play up your fruchtwein relevant skills and qualifications early on. When it comes to interviewing, you dont want to bury the lead.4. Remember your body language.Its easy to focus solely on the words you use to answer interview questions, but its important that you remember that your nonverbal cues often say more than your words.Of course, you dont want to be chewing your nails or fidgeting in your seat. However, theres another nonverbal cue that people tend to lose sight of (pun intended) when theyre nervous eye contact.Maintaining eye contact will help you connect to that employer, while also portraying your confidence. No, you dont need to lock eyes and engage in a staring contest. But, make sure that youre making adequate eye contact during your interview- and not looki ng down or shifting your glance all around the room.5. Prepare questions (and not just answers).Youve rehearsed your very best answers to common interview questions, yet in the process, you neglected to prepare for the last question that interviewers use Do you have any questions for me?In buchen to appear engaged in the hiring process, you want to have some well-informed and thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer. Unfortunately, those are tough to think of on the spot.So, make sure that you dont just show up to the interview armed and ready with answers- have some questions in your back pocket too.Think you know everything you need to know to ace an interview? Think again. While you might have the basics already covered, make sure you also implement these five lesser-known tips to increase your chances of landing the job.Know someone looking for a job? Refer a friend to with this link- youll get a month free service and theyll get 30% off

Getting to Know Generation Y Employees

Getting to Know Generation Y EmployeesGetting to Know Generation Y EmployeesThe Generation Ycadre of young adults now joining the workforce is often painted as over-parented, pampered, and coddled. Granted, some members of the Gen Y workforce have a difficult time adjusting to employment, but others bring skills that should be emulated. Not all Gen Y employees are the same, and it is a mistake to paint them all with the same brush. The Downside ofthe Gen Y Employee They perceive themselves as the smartest and the best.Even though they achieved a GPA of 3.0 in their less than rigorous degree programs, Mom and Dad lauded them as super smart and forgave the academic grade.Gen Y workers think they are good at everything and everything should come easily. This belief created children who werent prepared for a rigorous college program. Many students arrived unprepared with the appropriate background for degree programs that employers need.This created a plethora of young adults now gra duating with urban planning, gender and ethnic studies, humanities, arts and sciences, and psychology degrees. Meanwhile, theres a dearth of students with computer science, science, healthcare, and math skills. They feel entitled to a lot of money, quick promotions, and only positive reinforcement. How many applications from graduating, potential workers have you seen who actually had real jobs? While many have jobs or internships listed on their resumes, think about what happened during all those semesters when nothing was going on. How many potential internships were not pursued? However much voluntary campus and civic work could have been undertaken but wasnt? If questioned, many will say that college is their last real chance to have fun before becoming an adult and being weighed down with responsibilities. On the other hand, the college years should be a year-round, year after year, learning opportunity- and one in which students try different things in order to discover their passion. This generation was tethered to their parents by cell phones, text messages, and constant oversight.Gen Y is not the first generation of children who were not set free by their parents in the morning and told to come home when the streetlights came on. And while we live in a more dangerous world than one or two generations ago, being untethered is a chance to learn responsibility.This creates a scenario in which managers are expected to give daily feedback and praise within a workplace structure. The Upside of the Gen Y Employee Gen Y is very tech-savvy. BecauseGen Y grew up with technology, they can perform their jobs better. Armed with smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets, this generation is plugged in 24/7 and can work from anywhere. They like to communicate through email, text messaging, and whatever new social media platform (i.e., Twitter, Instagram) friends and colleagues are using.They are family-oriented.The fast-track lifestyle has lost much of its appeal for this Gen Y. The members of this generation are willing to trade high pay for fewer billable hours,flexible schedules,and a better work/life balance. They still get the job done, theyre just more satisfied overall because their life is not ruled by work They are achievement-oriented.Nurtured and pampered by parents who didnt want to make the mistakes of the previous generation, Gen Ys are confident and have high expectations of their employers. They arent afraid to question authority and want meaningful work.Gen Y is all about the team. While growing up, most Gen Y boys and girls participated in team sports, and were active participants in various group activities, whether it was soccer or ballet. Because of this, they are comfortable with- and value- teamwork and seek the eingabe and affirmation of others. They are the true no-person-left-behind generation, always showing loyal and committed. They truly want to be included and involved at work. The Gen Y worker likes to job-hop. A potential downside of the Gen Y worker is that it is not uncommon for them to stay with a firm for only two or three years before moving on to a position they think is better. But, dont discount this as a negative. These young employees bring with them a variety of experiences from multiple jobs and companies. They have been exposed to different cultures and tend to get along with people from all backgrounds.

These are the 8 friends you need to be happy in life

These are the 8 friends you need to be happy in lifeThese are the 8 friends you need to be happy in lifeDo your friends sometimes disappoint you? Ever feel like there is something missing in your relationships? Youre bedrngnis alone.Tom Rath and the Gallup organization discovered something interesting the vast majority of the time, no one pal offers you everything you need from your relationships.Some of your friends are great listeners but theyre not always there when you need them. Others are intensely loyal but just not that great at helping you out of a jam. And so on.We get different things from different friends. And sometimes even with a sizable group youre still not getting all the things you want in order to feel truly supported in life. Kinda like how to be healthy you need the four different food groups - you cant just eat cookies for every meal.Friendship is a pretty vague word. You generally dont even know everything you want from your relationships to feel whole - you just knowsomethingsmissing. Theres a gap.So Rath and Gallup got to work. They surveyed over a thousand people to find out what the types of vital friends were - someone who if they vanished, your life satisfaction would noticeably decrease.What did these types of friends offer? How do they round out your life? What are those things we all want from a group of friends to feel truly fulfilled?Rath breaks down the results of their research inVital Friends The People You Cant Afford to Live Without.It turns out there are 8 types of vital friends. Many of us dont have all of them in our squad, and thats why we often feel disappointed or like were not getting everything we need. (You have to collectallthe different Pokemon to win at the game called life.)So lets break down the 8 and get the basics on what they are, learn where you might meet the ones that are missing, and find out how to strengthen your relationships with the ones you already have. Well also look at what you should do t o be better at the role whichyouplay in the lives of others.Okay, time to get friendly1) The BuilderJust because youre not in Little League anymora doesnt mean you dont need a coach. Someone who motivates you and encourages you to take it to the next level. That supportive friend who believes in your potential and wont let you rest on your laurels.FromVital Friends The People You Cant Afford to Live WithoutBuilders are great motivators, always pushing you toward the finish line. They continually invest in your development and genuinely want you to succeed - even if it means they have to go out on a limb for you. Builders are generous with their time as they help you see your strengths and use them productively. When you want to think about how you can do more of what you already do well, talk to a Builder. Much like the best coaches and managers, these are the friends who lead you to achieve more each day.Lacking a Builder in your life?We all need that part who nudges you to be all that you can be. Start asking more people for advice, then vet based on who gives solid answers and supports you. Who checks in with you a week later to see how things are progressing?Thatsyour new Builder.Want to make the Builder you have better?Tell them your goals and what youre struggling with. Tell them you appreciate their support and give them permission to nag you if you slack.What if youre a Builder? How can you be more helpful to your friends?Pay attention to what theyre up to and offer help. Check in with them if goals they said were important do a vanishing act. Some people need a supportive voice in order to follow through.My friendJodieis a Builderpar excellence. I tend to only do things that interest or excite me. So my life can get a little unbalanced. (That is a tsunami-sized understatement, by the way.) When I neglect things that,oh, keep me breathing or make life worth living, Jodie offers reminders, support and then nags me relentlessly. So I always do what she saysEventually.(To learn more about the science of a successful life, check out my new bookhere.)Builders motivate you and keep you going. Who sings your praises to others?2) The ChampionWe all need a friend who isnt afraid to break out the pom-poms and play cheerleader. Somebody who roots for you and describes you to others in a way that makes you blush.FromVital Friends The People You Cant Afford to Live WithoutChampions stand up for you and what you believe in. They are the friends who sing your praises. Every day, this makes a difference in your life. Not only do they praise you in your presence, a Champion also has your back - and will stand up for you when youre not around. They accept you for the part you are, even in the face of resistance. Champions are loyal friends with whom you can share things in confidence. They have a low tolerance for dishonesty. You can count on them to accept what you say, without judging, even when others do not. Champions are your best advocates . When you succeed, they are proud of you, and they share it with others. Champions thrive on your accomplishments and happiness.Need a Champion in your life?Look for the people who are always praising others. Theyre usually very humble and kind. So say hi.Want to help your Champion help you?Regularly keep them abreast of what youve been doing and what your goals are. And dont forget to thank them when their help pays off. Champions live for that.If youre a Champion, how can you improve?Ask your friends what theyve been up to and how you can help. Think about different ways you can promote them. Maybe youve spread the word about their great work at the office - but have you ever complimented them in front of their spouse?Luckily, I haveAndy. Andy says things about me to other people that would make me want to meet me if I didnt already know myself. And he does this for all his friends. I can tell you that they are all very lucky people. But Andy would just tell you how awesome they are.(To learn the 3 secrets from neuroscience that will make you emotionally intelligent, clickhere.)So maybe you have someone swinging pom-poms for you. But do you have that rolle to conspire with on that passion project?3) The CollaboratorWho loves that saatkorn strange thing that you love? Who is that friend that the moment you see each other you roll up your sleeves and get to work on the next big caper?FromVital Friends The People You Cant Afford to Live WithoutA Collaborator is a friend with similar interests - the basis for many great friendships. You might share a passion for sports, hobbies, religion, work, politics, food, music, movies, or books. In many cases, you belong to the same groups or share affiliations. When you talk with a Collaborator, youre on familiar ground, and this can serve as the foundation for a lasting relationship. Indeed, in those conversations, you often find that you have similar ambitions in work and life.How do you find yourself a Collaborator? Let the people around you know more about your interests and see who else happens to be into cryptozoology or 19th century pre-existentialism. Attend events where fellow enthusiasts gather.Whats a good way to encourage your current Collaborator?Send them articles about your mutual interest. Meet for coffee to discuss.And what should you do to be a better Collaborator if you are one?Your mission, should you decide to accept it Schedule a regular time to meet and work on your shared plan for Global Domination.My buddyMikeis a grandmaster of all things visual. Mike and I dontdostuff together - wemakestuff together. When I said I wanted to send my publisher some ideas for mybookscover, Mike fired up Photoshop. When I needed an author photo for saidbook, Mikes the one who took it. And per my above recommendation, I really should set a regular time to meet with him(To learn the seven-step morning ritual that will make you happy all day, clickhere.)You have the Bonnie to your Clyde. Do yo u have the rolle you can call late at night when the worries get serious and youre having a dark teatime of the soul?4) The CompanionSimply put a best friend. They wont just help you move theyll help you move bodies. The person who will still be there when everyone else has very wisely run for cover.FromVital Friends The People You Cant Afford to Live WithoutA Companion is always there for you, whatever the circumstances. You share a bond that is virtually unbreakable. When something big happens in your life - good or bad - this is one of the first people you call. At times, a true Companion will even sense where you are headed - your thoughts, feelings, and actions - before you know it yourself. Companions take pride in your relationship, and they will sacrifice for your benefit. They are the friends for whom you might literally put your life on the line. If you are searching for a friendship that can last a lifetime, look no further than a Companion.How do you find a Companion ?Think about which of your current friends you might want to have a deeper relationship with. Spend more time with them. Open up and be vulnerable.How do you strengthen your relationship with a current Companion?Cut the small talk. Discuss the deep stuff in your life your fears, your dreams, your future.How can you be a better Companion?Create a safe place for your friend to discuss anything. And when times get tough, reach out. Dont wait for them to ask for help.Jason is my best friend. If there is anything in this life I should be envied for, it is that. He is the person who frequently says things like, Eric, that thing you are about to do is insane, has little chance of success, and is illegal in most NATO countries. I know youre going to do it anyway. If it works out, I will be thrilled for you. If it crashes and burns, call me no matter how late. Im here for you. And often I call. And he always picks up.(To learn the 4 rituals from neuroscience that will make you happy, clickhe re.)Best friend acquired. But who is introducing you tonewfriends?5) The ConnectorNo matter what the issue, they know somebody who can help. They make friends more often than most people make excuses. Even if they were locked in solitary confinement with no one to talk to, theyd end up best pals with the prison guard.FromVital Friends The People You Cant Afford to Live WithoutA Connector is a bridge builder who helps you get what you want. Connectors get to know you - and then introduce you to others. These are the people you socialize with regularly. Friends who play the role of a Connector are always inviting you to lunch, dinner, drinks, and other gatherings where you can meet new people. This extends your network dramatically and gives you access to newfound resources. When you need something - a job, a doctor, a friend, or a date - a Connector points you in the right direction. They seem to know everyone.Whats it take to add a great Connector to your life?Look for the people who know everybody in a given situation. Dont be afraid to introduce yourself - these folks obviously like to meet new people.How do you best leverage your Connector?This ones easy just ask them for introductions.If youre a Connector, how can you better help your friends?Be proactive. Dont wait for them to ask for help. Think about who might be good for them to know and offer an introduction. Or just throw a fete and get everybody talking to each other.My buddyGautamknows more fascinating people than I know people. Not only is he the subject of one of the stories in mybook, he also introduced me to twootherpeople whose stories I told in my book. While I was typing this, Gautam has made 6 new friends.(To learn how to make friends as an adult, clickhere.)So you know somebody who always knows somebody. But have you got a friend who just makes you feel great?6) The EnergizerThat fun friend. The person youre always laughing around. The one who always knows the great place to go or the awesome thing to do.FromVital Friends The People You Cant Afford to Live WithoutEnergizers are your fun friends who always give you a boost. You have more positive moments when you are with these friends. Energizers are quick to pick you up when youre down - and can make a good day great. They are always saying and doing things that make you feel better. Energizers have a remarkable ability to figure out what gets you going. When you are around these friends, you smile a lot more. You are more likely to laugh in the presence of an Energizer.How can you find your own shiny, new Energizer?Look for the person who is the life of the party in any situation. Bask in their neon glow and introduce yourself.Want to further energize your current Energizer?Let them know how much you appreciate their enthusiasm. Reciprocate the positivity.Want to be a better Energizer?Just like with Connectors, be proactive. Look for those who are feeling down and work your magic.My friend Oh,crap. I dont thin k I have an energizer. Well, that explains a lot. Better introduce myself to the life of the party, STAT(To learn an FBI behavior experts tips for getting people to like you, clickhere.)So you have a friend who always keeps you smiling. But who is always introducing you to new ideas?7) The Mind OpenerThey send you interesting articles. They get you to question your assumptions. Talking to them makes your brain do things straight out of the dream sequences from Inception.FromVital Friends The People You Cant Afford to Live WithoutMind Openers are the friends who expand your horizons and encourage you to embrace new ideas, opportunities, cultures, and people. They challenge you to think in innovative ways and help you create positive change. Mind Openers know how to ask good questions, and this makes you more receptive to ideas. When you are around a Mind Opener, you are unguarded and express opinions aloud, especially controversial ones that you might not be comfortable sharing with other friends. These friends broaden your perspective on life and make you a better person.How do you find someone who will open your mind?Share your ideas with more people. See who regularly offers new perspectives and invite them to crowbar your cranium.Whats the best way to help your Mind Opener work on your noggin?Encourage them to play devils advocate with your ideas - and never shoot down their responses. Noodle on their suggestions for a while to fully explore them and to show respect.What if youre the Opener of Minds?Listen - and offer suggestions. Send friends ideas you have and stuff they should check out related to their interests.My friendNicknever met an idea he couldnt challenge. We go on absurdly long walks and he responds to everything I say with, But what if? He always makes me thinkreallyhard.I like him anyway.(To learn more about how to be someone people love to talk to, clickhere.)So you have someone to challenge you. But who helps you plan how to get to that n ext stage in life?8) The NavigatorSometimes it feels like youre in Hell, Dante - and you are gonna need a Virgil. Sometimes theyre a mentor, sometimes theyre a sounding board, but theyre always your GPS system for when you dont know which exit to take on the highway of life.FromVital Friends The People You Cant Afford to Live WithoutNavigators are the friends who give you advice and keep you headed in the right direction. You go to them when you need guidance, and they talk through the pros and cons with you until you find an answer. In a difficult situation, you need a Navigator by your side. They help you see a positive future while keeping things grounded in reality. Any time youre at a crossroads and need help making a decision, you can look to a Navigator. They help you know who you are - and who you are not. They are the ideal friends to share your goals and dreams with when you do, you will continue to learn and grow.Need to create a new Navigator in your life?Ask people ar ound you about themselves. Find out more about what theyve done and what challenges theyve overcome. Youd be surprised how many have been in your shoes - or had an analogous experience that might offer insight.Want your current Navigator to have improved GPS?Tell them when youre facing big decisions. Share your goals and dreams. Ask them how they would go about getting from here to there.As a Navigator, how can you help guide your pals?Again, be proactive. Offer help and advice where theyre struggling with an area you have expertise in.This year would have been inconceivably harder without my friendRyan Holiday. Hes offered guidance on releasing a book, what new projects to explore, and how to handle the big issues in life in a way that would make the ancient Stoics proud. Hes the only person I know who goes through more books than I do and, unlike me, his lips dont move when hes reading them.(To learn the lazy way to an awesome life, clickhere.)Okay, thats a lot of different frien ds. Lets round it all upSum upThese are the 8 friends you need to be happy in lifeThe Builder If you were a sports team, theyd be the Coach.The Champion Pom-poms not included.The Collaborator The unindicted co-conspirator.The Companion Theyll be at the police station at 3AM with bail money. Again.The Connector This is the friend you and I probably have in common.The Energizer (Im currently taking applications.)The Mind Opener If they sent you this blog post, Im flattered.The Navigator Like a high school guidance counselor, except useful.Some of your friends may play multiple roles. And you might play different roles to different friends of yours. Thats fine.To most of my friends, Im a mind opener. But to others Im a collaborator or a companion.(After 4 espressos I might be an energizer.)Figure out what you are to your friends. And then make yourself a better one.Find the roles that are missing in your group of friends and work on strengthening the relationships with the ones you hav e.Its like a heist movie where you need a safecracker, a wheelman, a computer expert and the comic relief in order to pull off the job.Life is hard enough. Youre gonna need love and support to make it through.Join more than 320,000 readers.Get a free weekly update via emailhere.Related postsNew Neuroscience Reveals 4 Rituals That Will Make You HappyNew Harvard Research Reveals A Fun Way To Be More SuccessfulHow To Get People To Like You 7 Ways From An FBI Behavior ExpertThis article first appeared at Barking Up the Wrong Tree.

Article II of the United States Military Code of Conduct

Article II of the United States Military Code of ConductArticle II of the United States Military Code of ConductThere are six short and easy to rememberArticles of the Code of Conduct. In fact, any military members first week of basic training will require remembering the six articles of the Code of Conduct and recite them verbatim to an instructor in a stressful environment.If you are considering joining the military, read these and put them to memory as you will grow from them into an American member of the Armed Forces. Specifically, Article II is the following I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist. What this means is members of the Armed Forces may never surrender voluntarily. Even when isolated and no longer able to inflict casualties on the enemy or otherwise defend themselves, it is their duty to evade capture and rejoin the nearest friendly force. Surrender is the w illful act of members of the Armed Forces turning themselves over to enemy forces when elend required by utmost necessity or extremity. Surrender is always dishonorable and never allowed. When there is no chance for meaningful resistance, evasion is impossible, and further fighting would lead to their death with no significant loss to the enemy, members of Armed Forces should view themselves as captured against their will versus a circumstance that is seen as voluntarily surrendering. They must remember that the capture was dictated by the futility of the situation and overwhelming enemy strengths. In this case, capture is notlage dishonorable. The responsibility and authority of a commander never extend to the surrender of command, even if isolated, cut off, or surrounded, while the unit has a reasonable power to resist, break out, or evade to rejoin friendly forces. Here is what military personnel need to know, specifically, tafelgeschirr members should Understand that when they a re cut off, shot down, or otherwise isolated in enemy-controlled territory, they must make every effort to avoid capture. The courses of action available include concealment until recovered by friendly rescue forces, evasive travel to a friendly or neutral territory, and evasive travel to other prebriefed areas.Understand that capture does not constitute a dishonorable act if the service member has exhausted all reasonable means of avoiding it and the only alternative is death or serious bodily injury. Understand and be confident in their ability to stay alive using survival skills while evading, the procedures and techniques of rescue by search and recovery forces, and the procedures for properly using specified evasion destinations. Special Provisions for Medical Personnel Chaplains No additional flexibility. However, medical personnel and chaplains are subject to lawful capture. They may only resort to arms in self-defense or in defense of the wounded and sick in their charg e when attacked in violation of the Geneva Convention. They must refrain from all aggressive action and may not use force to prevent their capture or that of their unit by the enemy. It is, on the other hand, perfectly legitimate for a medical unit to withdraw in the face of the enemy. The Articles Article I-I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.Article II-I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.Article III-If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and to aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy. Article IV-If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.Article V-When questioned, should I become aprisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause. Article VI-I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America. For a full description of all the articles of the Code of Conduct see the above links.