With an international hit like The Settlers of Catan board game, it is easy to look at Klaus Teuber as a success story. He creates a game for his family and it goes on to sell millions! In addition, he has created other games that have won prestigious gaming awards. In the face of such brilliant achievement, many budding game authors feel disheartened. How can they come up with a successful game?
Thomas Edison did not create the light bulb on the first try and Teuber is no different. For every game that goes on to be published, he has many more that remain prototypes or designs that never make it past his workshop. But he has learned to never give up, and that dedication is a huge factor in his success today.
One illustration of Teuber’s dedication comes from his work with a game that didn’t seem to take. Teuber had designed a game based on the adventures of Asterix and Obelix (two characters from a popular French comic book). He carefully created a board and cards by hand and submitted the prototype to the Ravensburger company. After their rejection, he redesigned the game with a theme of knights and dragons. It was rejected again. Teuber decided the game was not worth pursuing. Five years later, the Goldsieber company commissioned a game and Teuber remembered the prototype. He pulled it out and with input from his editing team he retooled it as squirrels hunting for hazelnuts. The game was well received and won the German Award for Children’s Games in 1997.
Some lessons to learn from Teuber’s experience:
Take a break- Don’t waste time staring in frustration at a game that doesn’t work. Sometimes a break is all you need to help creative juices flow. Plus the fresh perspective you gain when you return to a game can work wonders.
Adapt- Teuber wasn’t too attached to his original idea. He was open to suggestions and adaptations. In this manner he was able to make the most of his concept.
Keep trying- He submitted the Obelix game several times and was rejected, but he did not give up. You never know when that latest change will make your game a winner.
The weight loss twins, Bill and Jim Germankos, improved their health and lost weight through dedicated exercise. For most, the best place for a workout is a local gym or fitness center. However, it’s hard to stick to a workout plan if the gym you choose is lacking.
It’s important to check out your options. Most gyms offer a trial period anywhere from a single session to an entire week. Take advantage of this opportunity to try out different options in your area. This will allow you to “test drive” gyms, decide what features are important to you, and get an idea for competitive rates that you can use when you decide to negotiate and sign a contract. Here are some other things to look for:
Location & Hours- Whether you’re exercising in the morning or after work, you’ll want the gym to be nearby. Also, pay attention to hours of operation. Are you a midnight, morning, or evening exerciser? If possible, take a tour during the time you would normally exercise to see how busy the gym is.
Contract details- Check for hidden fees for classes, pool use or parking. Also look to see what your options are if you want to try a different location, move or simply want to cancel.
Equipment- Does the gym have the equipment that you’d like to use? In addition to the types of machine, check that everything is clean and in good condition. An important area to check before signing is the locker room.
Classes & Trainers- At some point you may want more than weight-lifting and treadmills. Look at available classes to see if there is anything for you. You may also be interested in personal trainers to help structure your workouts. See if trainers are available and if it will cost you anything extra.
Staff and Atmosphere- How you feel when you go to the gym will determine if you return. Are staff members helpful and friendly? Determine if the clientele includes people at your level, whether it’s hard-core body builder or casual exerciser. Also consider the media available. Radio and movies can keep you entertained, but they can also be distracting. Decide if the media setup (throughout the gym or for individuals) works for you.
Extras- What is the parking like? Is it in a safe area? Is childcare available? Extras like these may make the difference in what gym you choose.
An important part of Bill and Jim Germankos Rapid Action Metabolism (RAM) system is reducing fat in the daily diet. So many diets focus on elimination – eliminate this, eliminate that. If you are concentrating on eliminating things, that is all you’ll be able to think about. Lunch time will have you craving only the foods that you can’t have. At parties where food is served you’ll be throwing longing glances at the delicious snacks that you aren’t allowed to eat. Even ordinary meals can seem flat without the foods you are denying yourself. Pretty soon the pressure of denial can weaken your resolve and *poof!* another diet plan goes up in smoke.
An effective diet doesn’t mean elimination, it means change. And rather than extreme deprivation, these changes can be very simple. As these changes produce noticeable results, you’ll see the change they’ve brought about and never miss your old habits.
Some ideas for simple changes:
Choose a lighter version- Almost everything comes in a low-fat version. Cheese, chips, milk, snacks, ice cream, salad dressing—you name it. Most of the lighter versions bring you the same delicious flavor for fewer calories. As long as you don’t take this as an invitation to eat more, this is a very effective solution for reducing calories and your waistline.
Less food with stronger flavor- Fat adds a lot of flavor to food, but it’s not the only ingredient to do so. Keep your food flavorful with herbs and seasoning and keep your taste buds satisfied. If there are certain foods that the low-fat version doesn’t work for you, keep the original but reduce the size. The key is to savor the flavor. For example, use sharp cheddar in a small amount to get the cheesy flavor with less cheese. Then remember to enjoy every bite.
Healthy substitute- Does your sweet tooth crave a little something after dinner? Rather than a piece of cake or bowl of ice cream, enjoy fresh fruit with yogurt or a fruit smoothie. Your sweet tooth will thank you.
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