Author: tracydee

Educator and entrepreneur. Millennial living life to its fullest. Growing, learning, and sharing.
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Posted in Uncategorized

3 Strategies for Making Big Life Decisions

Posted on by tracydee

When it comes to big life decisions, planning and preparation are key. However, sometimes we are faced with time constraints that limit the ability to see the big picture. I have been in both situations where I had the luxury of time and where I did not. There are some common strategies that I employed in all circumstances that helped me come to the ultimate decisions that I made.

While I sometimes wonder “what if” I had made a different decision, I do believe that everything happens for a reason and I’m on the path I’m supposed to be on. I’m personally in the process of using these steps to help me with a big life decision regarding leaving the country and potential work. So here are three strategies to consider as you think about the next big decision in your life.

Advice for big life decisions

1. Be selective about the advice your receive

I do believe it is important to seek out advice from the people who may be impacted by your decision or who have been in similar situations. However, be mindful of sharing your dilemma with every single person in your life. If you tell 15 people, you may end up getting 15 different suggestions on what you “should” do. Most people are trying to be helpful, but they can only speak from their personal perspectives and experience.

big life decisions
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2. Make a pro/con list

I am definitely a list type of gal. I love to write things down and check them off as I go. The benefit of writing pros and cons is to visualize all the possible things that could be good or bad about your decision. My suggestion is to do a brain dump first and just create two lists: one with all of the pros that go along with your possible decision and one with the cons that go along with your decision.

After getting every possible consequence, reason, or benefit that you can think of down on paper, then start to prioritize the importance of those impacts. For example, if you are thinking about moving to another state, but your child is in their senior year of high school, can you wait one year? Or, if there is an opportunity to make more money that could benefit the long run and the chance won’t come around again, then perhaps you might want to seize it.

3. Write down the most important questions

If there are any unknowns about your potential big life decision that someone could answer, then write down every question you have. What are the things you want to know? Who can you talk to for advice that you trust? What else has to happen if you make this decision?

You will probably think of questions as you are creating your pros and cons list and go back and forth between these two strategies. Do your best to find answers to these questions as you process the best course of action regarding this life decision. Again, prioritize the most important responses to help facilitate the best decision for you and the people you care about.

A few reminders as you think about what to do with these big life decisions:

  1. You probably won’t be able to make everyone happy no matter which course you choose.
  2. Don’t be swayed by everyone’s input to the point of confusion.
  3. Be realistic about your timeline as you start planning so you don’t get rushed at the end if you can help it.

Whatever it is that you’re thinking about changing in your life, employ these strategies to try to come to the best decision possible. We are human and sometimes we don’t make the right ones, so be forgiving with yourself and the people around you as much as possible, particularly during stressful times. Big life decisions are no easy tasks. Wishing you every happiness in your life!

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Posted in Goal

Do you have a procrastination problem? 6 Things to Consider NOW

Posted on by tracydee

“It is easier to resist at the beginning than at the end.”

― Leonardo da Vinci

Do you have a procrastination problem? This quote speaks to me deeply because there are many times I put something off so long and once I finally get going, adrenaline kicks in. Or, if it’s related to health and wellness, I start to see the fruits of my labor and then don’t want to stop. For example, I’ve been wanting to get up and walk every day for the last year. But, I didn’t do it.

I can probably think of a million excuses, but the reality is I was procrastinating on this one simple thing that is really good for me. Now, I just finished week 3 of waking up and walking first thing almost every day and today was the first day I actually woke up before my alarm and ready to go!

The word procrastinate means to put off something INTENTIONALLY.

That word intentional really gets me. It means I literally know that I should be doing something, yet I am choosing not to for whatever reason. Sometimes the reasons are good, but many times they are not. When we look deeper into the origins of the word:

“English speakers borrowed the word in the 16th century from Latin procrastinatus, which itself evolved from the prefix pro-, meaning “forward,” and crastinus, meaning “of tomorrow.” Like its synonyms “delay,” “lag,” “loiter,” “dawdle,” and “dally,” “procrastinate” means to move or act slowly so as to fall behind. It typically implies blameworthy delay especially through laziness or apathy.” – Merriam-Webster

Let’s get one thing clear. Procrastination is not the same as prioritization. Sometimes we have to say no to things in our lives because it’s not a priority for us now. However, if we say yes to something, when we really should have said no, this can cause us to increase our procrastination problem. Or, if you’re like me, you hate cleaning the bathroom so I always procrastinate on cleaning day. But once I’m done, I realize it didn’t actually take that long and it looks much nicer!

A useful Ted Talk to watch about procrastination is by Tim Urban. In this video, he describes the mental gymnastics that procrastinators go through to rationalize their behavior. He presents the information with humor and engagement and makes you realize that we all procrastinate on something. So the question is: what are the things you are procrastinating on?

I plan to make a list this week of the things I’ve been procrastinating on that probably won’t take much time to actually just do. It’s been on my mind to call a company about something I need help with and I’ve been delaying because well, you know, being on hold with those customer service lines are not always fun.

Another key point that Tim Urban makes is that there is more mental anguish when we procrastinate on things that don’t have a deadline. If there is a date by which something needs to be accomplished, we can delay starting, but eventually crunch time will come and we get it done. On the flip side, if there is no date looming in front of us, then it can cause a lot of anxiety and depression that we aren’t accomplishing the things we need or want to do. This is a huge procrastination problem.

procrastination problem
Photo by Brett Jordan on Pexels.com

So based on my own personal experiences, here are 6 tips on things you can do to try and reduce your procrastination problem.

  1. Set a deadline
    Probably the best thing you can do for yourself is to set a deadline to complete something. Even if it’s self-imposed and not related to work or family. The hard part is sticking with it because it’s sometimes easier to let ourselves down than other people. Ohhhhhh, that’s a good line – remember that! I’ll have to write another blog post about that. There has to be a name for that dilemma.
  2. Create a routine
    Starting a new routine is challenging, but possible. Start small and build up to where you want to be. I’ve been wanting to run every morning, but I’m so out of shape now that starting with walking makes more sense. And I’m proud of today finally waking up early and feeling that sense of wanting to get out of bed and go on a walk.
  3. Say no when you need to
    I recognize that this is easier said than done. However, it is necessary to say no sometimes, especially to things we will end up procrastinating on in the long run and that will take a toll on our mental health.
  4. Ask for help
    Remember, procrastination is INTENTIONALLY delaying the completion of something. If, after a period of time, you realize that you’re not motivated or your schedule is super busy, reach out to someone. Find an accountability partner who you can check in with if you’re trying to build a new habit. This can help with your procrastination problem.
  5. Daily and weekly goal setting
    In order to minimize the likelihood of procrastinating on certain things, make it a habit to check in with your goals on a daily and weekly basis. By keeping your eye on the why you are more likely to stick with what needs to get done. And if something no longer serves you, don’t be afraid to let it go. Perhaps something you’ve been procrastinating on doesn’t actually need to happen. Let it go.
  6. Prioritize
    Choose your priorities and focus your time and energy on those things. If you’re not sure, write down everything that you have to do. Then, start rearranging it to fit your reality. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I create this unrealistic lists of things to do and then I feel guilty when I don’t get it all done. I’m literally creating those feelings in my brain because I’m choosing to say that too many things are a priority. One method to use is the Eisenhower Matrix. Other methods involve creating different types of to do lists. These are excellent ways to solve your procrastination problem.

Get out there and reach your dreams!

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Posted in Goal, Manifestation

Mindset Matters: Fixed vs Growth vs Innovative

Posted on by tracydee

Mindset matters and it’s important to figure out how to create positive shifts. I have had a lot of conversations lately with friends and family about mindset shifts. And I’m fascinated by the prospect that we have control over lives simply by changing our mindset about certain situations. Thoughts are powerful things and we can either let them run us down or build us up. As someone who suffers from anxiety, I truly do need to do the work of reprogramming my mind to worry less and recognize reality.

Now, I have done a lot of internal work to overcome this and I believe if I didn’t have such strong goal-setting protocols, I probably would be much more all over the place. Using mindset shifts, I’ve been working on getting rid of limiting beliefs that I think are holding me back from the potential I have.

When I talk with others about the power of changing a fixed mindset, I’m reminded of how much control we can take over our lives. So what exactly is the difference between a fixed and a growth mindset?

Mindset Matters – Fixed Mindset

As an educator, I learned about the work of Dr. Carol Dweck and students’ mindsets toward achievement. Her research looked into how students respond to different messages in terms of motivation and achievement.

In this EdWeek article, she talks about how we need to own our fixed mindsets in some way before being able to shift to a growth mindset. And that the reality is that we are all some combination and fixed and growth mindsets.

A fixed mindset is basically telling ourselves that it is what it is, essentially. My dad always says that and I just realized how that probably influenced a lot of his thinking and actions over the years.

It is the belief that we cannot control what happens and that we can’t get smarter or better at some specific thing in our lives. A growth mindset rises to challenges and seeks opportunity from failure.

a man standing on rocky mountain under cloudy sky. mindset matters
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Our beliefs foster our realities. I am truly trying to embody what it means to have a growth mindset during a time of great uncertainty in my life. How can I respond to the cues in my environment to make the most of my situation? What talents or skills am I not putting to full use right now to manifest the things I need in my life.

The writing of George Couros goes beyond the growth mindset to what the terms the innovator’s mindset. The example he uses about obstacles is that someone with a fixed mindset might give up in that situation.

Someone with a growth mindset would persevere despite odds stacked against them. And someone with an innovator mindset will seek possibilities and opportunities within and outside of the obstacles that they face. This is why mindset matters.

marketing exit technology business. mindset matters
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As I think about how this relates to my life and the people around me, I want to constantly seek new ways of thinking and expand the bounds of my knowledge. To do that, I have to be open to opportunities and willing to take chances. To do this, I need to work on my empowerment mindset and personal empowerment techniques.

I’m a work in progress right now, but then again,
aren’t we all?

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Posted in Manifestation

Automatic Negative Thoughts: 3 Tips to Stamp Them Out

Posted on by tracydee
Have you ever had any automatic negative thoughts?

As a worst-case scenario thinker, I recently learned from my therapist that these are called automatic negative thoughts (ANTs). And that it’s actually quite common, so I’m not alone in these thoughts. However, if I let them persist, it can result in some not-so-pleasant effects.

Therefore, she said I need to recognize them in real-time and try to create strategies for my brain to stamp them out and get rid of them. I suppose it does feel good to know there is a name for these thoughts as they come into my head and I’m not the only one who has to deal with them.

My therapist used the analogy of these thoughts coming marching in like ants. If I let them take hold and build a nest, then more and more ants will join the group. However, if I see it and squish it before more join, then I can start to change some of my thought patterns for the positive.

It’s okay to have the ANTs, but the key is noticing it in time before it starts to cause more damage to confidence and create unnecessary worry and anxiety.

I immediately thought of the pink panther and had the “dead ant” dead ant” “dead ant” “dead ant” “dead ant” “dead ant” “dead ant” joke in my brain. And if you sang along to those words in quotation marks, you know exactly what I’m talking about. In case you don’t, check out the theme song and put the words dead ant to the beat.

So let’s stamp out those automatic negative thoughts from our thinking. Keep in mind that I am not a licensed therapist, just someone who tries to take my therapist’s advice and apply it in my own way to my own life.

creative photo of person holding glass mason jar under a starry sky. automatic negative thoughts.
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Steps to get rid of automatic negative thoughts

When automatic negative thoughts come rolling in, notice them, acknowledge them, and then find a counter-narrative. For example, if I think that the outfit I’m wearing looks terrible, I might focus on the earrings or bracelets that look nice. Or, I might appreciate something about myself to give me more confidence.

Stop the spiral. So maybe you let in one negative thought by accident. When you get a second or a third, begin to take notice of how those thoughts are impacting your beliefs about yourself and even your actions. Change course and implement affirmations instead.


a notebook with affirmation words. Helps to get rid of automatic negative thoughts
Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels.com

Be realistic. Start to ask yourself what the reality of the situation entails. What if? What if? What if? By putting things into perspective, you can tell which thoughts are not serving you well. Ask yourself detailed questions about the thoughts or situation.

If you’re having trouble breaking these negative thought patterns and stomping out the automatic negative thoughts, then try some stress-reducing techniques. It’s a process that might take a long time to work through. Trust me, I am deep in the process myself. However, I don’t want to get caught up in toxic positivity either where I’m so far removed from reality.

And if you genuinely find something about yourself that doesn’t feel right, then think about growing and changing, and recognize that that’s okay too. You don’t have to stay the same version of yourself forever.

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Posted in Goal

Finding Your Voice: How I’m (Hopefully) Becoming A Better Blog Writer

Posted on by tracydee

I’m on a journey to become a better blog writer.

I recently went back through some of my initial blog posts in February 2021 to add links to more recent articles I’ve written. For the SEO stuff I’m learning, this is supposed to help increase domain authority to get me to rank in Google search results. I know that takes time to accomplish, but I need to set myself up for success as I move forward in building this website.

Here is my first post on February 9, 2021 about organizing my workspace. As I review this post, I feel like the ideas are good, but it’s a little more sterile than some of the later posts. I was originally planning to have a formula for my posts: essentially pick a topic, share some background, and then list some tips or resources for people to take away. I also wanted to include more links for affiliate marketing as a way to earn some extra income.

What I realized is that for this particular blog I want my voice to be central in my posts. So, I started to share personal experiences and discuss the ways in which I come up with blog topics. But, truthfully, I’m still kind of figuring this out as I go and learning in public with this process. By doing so, I hope to inspire others to go out and chase a dream or hobby and just see what happens.

reach for the and blue moon neon signages. better blog writer
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Help to become a better blog writer

When people post comments on my blog, it also helps me respond to the needs of the people who are reading. And so, I want my voice to be helpful as well as inspirational to others. So if you’ve made it this far in reading my post, drop a hello in the comments below! I’d love to interact more with the 192 people who have chosen to follow this journey thus far.

Every month, I plan to go back to older posts and re-read them for clarity, engagement, and link to more recent blog articles that I’ve written. As I go through this editing process, I hope that my voice starts to come across more and more and that the connection is purposeful and authentic.

By going through this self-reflection process and continuing to learn new strategies to market the blog, I believe my writing will also improve. I’m used to being an academic writer, which is a much more prescribed and formulaic type of writing. I’m embracing the creative aspect of owning my own domain and choosing how to present ideas to the world.

Thank you for believing in me!!

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Posted in Goal

Effective Time Management Skills Will Help Your Future: 5 Key Reasons Why

Posted on by tracydee

I write and think a lot about time management skills. I don’t consider myself to be an expert on time management skills yet. In fact, I consider myself a work in progress, constantly looking for ways to improve or better balance the competing demands of life. However, I love sharing what I’m learning about time management with others. For example, I created this time management 30 day reflection journal as a way to challenge yourself to dig deeper into how you manage your time.

Time flows in and out of our lives every second and no matter what, it passes. So the question is, are you making the most of your time? Sure, I also talk about productivity here, but that’s not the only thing that can benefit from effective time management skills. As I’ve shared time management tips and strategies before, now I want to talk a bit more about the reasons why you should care about your time management strategies.

black twin bell alarm desk clock on table. time management skills
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5 Reasons Effective Time Management Skills Will Help You in the Long-Run

  1. Less Stress – If you have ever been running late to something or staying up all night to finish a project by a deadline, then you know the kind of stress that procrastination can bring. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, but many times, we can take steps to identify upcoming dates and deadlines and be prepared before that time arrives.
  2. More Opportunities – Whether this is for personal or professional reasons, you will get more opportunities because you will have time to say yes or no to the things you want to do. If you want to take on a new work project or hobby or just take some downtime for yourself, you will have the opportunity to choose.
  3. Reaching Goals – If I had not managed my time effectively to set a training schedule around work, family, and other commitments, I probably would not have been able to complete a half marathon. By balancing commitments and prioritizing tasks, you have a greater chance of reaching personal and professional goals.
  4. Positive Relationships – It is easier to follow through with a friend or coworker when you manage your calendar effectively. This could be as simple as entering all important birthdays, anniversaries, and events on an annual repeating basis so you can keep track of what is on the horizon.
  5. Enjoy Life – As part of this work, work, work culture, it’s easy to get caught up in putting out fires and a sense of urgency around everything. Same thing with family schedules and the competing needs of the people around you. By keeping up with goals, prioritizing importance, and regularly checking your calendar, you may find more time to have some fun or just take some time for yourself. This one also goes hand in hand with less stress because you can feel confident that you did the best you could and hopefully enjoy the hard-earned time to yourself and with your family.

Time management skills takeaway

clear glass with red sand grainer- managing time management skills.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I want you to take away from this message that your time is important. It’s not necessary to fill the calendar to the brim all the time to be an “effective” time manager. Rather, it’s more important to focus your time on the things that matter and are important to you or perhaps necessary at a given time in your life. And your time management strategies and techniques may ebb and flow with the goals and circumstances of your life. Be true to that, to yourself, and to the people you care about.

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Posted in Uncategorized

It’s Time for Purposeful Productivity Now

Posted on by tracydee

My new focus is purposeful productivity. I recently read another post about the dangers of toxic productivity. I’m all for getting rid of the idea of being productive for productive’s sake or for the betterment of someone else’s goals and ambitions.

Have you seen that meme about how U.S. workers will be in the hospital having an email away message saying that they can be reached by text while other countries will have an away message that says I’ll get back to you in a few months or eventually or never?

Well, if you haven’t, you should Google it. And then reflect on it because it really slaps you in the face if you’re a workaholic like myself. It makes me reflect on how we’ve been conditioned to think that we owe our entire lives to our employer or our job. There’s even fear of retribution if we have to for some reason call out or handle personal or family emergencies.

Fortunately, I’ve actually worked in a lot of places that have been more understanding of my situations than I have. Meaning, I’ve often been tougher on myself or felt more guilty about not following through if something came up. But, that’s life. That’s reality. And people and family and your personal physical and mental health are more important than a job.

There are many conflicting opinions on what people should have done with their time during the pandemic. Some advocated for rest, while others said it was time to learn a new skill or finally reach that goal. The reality is that we were all living in a time of uncertainty and every single person’s own situation was unique and distinct to them. There is no room to judge others for what they should or shouldn’t have done with their time.

woman in gray coat using white laptop computer. purposeful productivity
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Why Choose Purposeful Productivity?

So as I’ve been seeing more and more about the toxic productivity culture, I tried to think of an alternative to always just being productive. I thought of purposeful productivity and was excited at the prospect of coining a new phrase. But alas, Google showed me there were a couple of really awesome articles already written about the topic. One useful checklist includes ideas for mental, digital, and physical areas of our lives. Another post includes 35 strategies to achieve purposeful productivity in your life.

My reason for trying to combine purpose and productivity is that sometimes we can be productive for our own self-care and not just for the sake of getting something done. Additionally, I find that when my actions are tied to a greater purpose or “why”, my productivity actually increases and I have more motivation to complete the task or activity.

As I think about being more purposeful in my day-to-day activities, I’m trying to develop a morning routine to help guide my productivity toward my purpose. There, I set my intentions and my to-do list to match my goals. Here are the questions I ask myself for reflection:

  1. Why am I doing this particular task or activity?
  2. Who does this benefit? (Is it me or someone I care about? Is it related to paying bills and my livelihood?)
  3. Do I need to report back on my time and justify my work to anyone?
  4. Is this connected to bigger goals for the future?
  5. Can I make this task more efficient or automated like a habit?

Even if I can’t answer one of the above questions, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s something I shouldn’t do. However, maybe it’s something that doesn’t need to be done quite at that moment or with a sense of urgency.

As I continue on this productivity journey, I plan to be mindful of my purpose and not fall into the trap of productivity for productivity’s sake. YOU are valuable and sometimes taking a nap or walking or building a sand castle with your kids is exactly the kind of purposeful productivity that you need.

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Posted in Goal

5 Challenges of Starting a New Morning Routine Today

Posted on by tracydee

A new morning routine takes work and dedication to create. Well, I’ve written before about some things I do each morning to get started for the day, but I wanted to create a more consistent approach. So this week, I set out to do the same morning routine for 5 days straight and continue to work on becoming the morning person I wish to be.

Habits are something that needs to be continually practiced so that you don’t lose focus or let yourself slide. Starting a new routine is about building habits that eventually become so automatic you don’t even think about it. The problem is that when you first get started, you have to break through old habits and behaviors.

This was my new morning routine the past 5 days:

  1. Wake up around the same time and go for a 25-30 minute walk
  2. Stretch and drink a glass of water
  3. Make coffee and sit down to write my daily affirmations
  4. Make breakfast
  5. Eat breakfast, review the calendar, and make my realistic to-do list for the day
  6. Stretch and take a 5-minute break
  7. Begin working for the day
new morning routine
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Here are the 5 challenges I encountered this week as I started this new morning routine.

  1. Resistance – Since I was getting up early than I have been for the majority of summertime thus far, it was a challenge to wake up each day. I’ve also been a long-time snoozer and have been desperately trying to break this bad habit. I did hit snooze 2 of the 5 days, so it wasn’t a perfect week, but a great start.

2. Time – Now, the reason this week made sense to do this new morning routine was that my schedule was a lot more open than it has been. I didn’t have any courses that I was teaching or anywhere I needed to be before 11:00am each day. It was a clean slate to accomplish my morning tasks. It was also a good test to get me up and out of bed each morning at 7:00am rather than sleeping in until 9:00am.

3. Accountability – Well, this one is super important for anything that you are trying to do in your life. The first day I was walking early, my neighbor saw me. The second day she said, “Hey, I’ll go with you!” Usually, she walks a bit earlier, but she waited for me to go and it definitely helped me stay focused the rest of the week. On day 5, I did hit snooze and I was a bit late so I didn’t like how I felt at that moment because I wasn’t holding up my end of the bargain to myself or to her.

4. Planning – I am a breakfast person and I do like to eat when I wake up. That is typically the first thing I do in the morning before anything else. So, this routine was to switch it up and get the exercise portion done first. Sometimes after breakfast, I don’t feel like going for a walk, and then as the day goes on, I continue to make excuses not to get outside.

However, when I came back inside this week, I didn’t have a plan for what I was going to eat and I was hungrier because I waited longer to eat. I did pretty well focusing on fruits, vegetables, and proteins, but I think next week I will think through what I am going to have for breakfast each day so I’m not scrounging around.

5. Motivation – I wanted to get this new morning routine started now so that when I start teaching at 9:00am again, this will be automatic. However, because I didn’t have any early commitments, my motivation to actually get up and get moving each morning was lacking. To break through this mindset, I had to remind myself why I’m doing this. I want to be healthier. I want to have more energy. Walking is good for me. The why and purpose of this new goal needed to be a constant reminder in my head.

Overall, I had a good first week and I stuck to all of the things I wanted to do each morning. I did sleep in a bit one day and snoozed once another, but it’s a start. Even small improvements each day can have huge positive long-term impacts. What’s holding you back from starting your new morning routine? Or, if you have any helpful tips, comment below!

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Posted in Uncategorized

3 Useful Time Management Tips for Summer

Posted on by tracydee

Time management in the summer is a whole different ball game for me.

I don’t know about you, but once the days got longer and the sun started shining, my body and mind automatically switched into vacation mode. And I don’t think that’s a bad thing. The past two years have been especially taxing and it’s time to think about what that means for our post-pandemic future (check out this awesome post by my friend Sonya)!

I’m going to revisit one of my first ever blog posts about time management, which actually has the most likes out of all my posts thus far, and assess how that fits into my summer plans.

Here are the time management tips I gave:
  1. Single task
  2. Use a modified Pomodoro
  3. Prioritize
  4. Improve technology skills
  5. Calendar

Now, I still stand by these tips as actionable ways to manage your time in an efficient and productive manner. However, although mentioned in the initial post, I did not explicitly state self-care as a time management tip. I want to emphasize now the hugely important role that self-care plays in time management. I say this as a person who recently went on a trip and ended up working half the time and not getting to truly detach and enjoy the full experience.

Summer is a time that should be full of adventure and excitement and wonder. I know I always looked forward to summer as a kid because my parents planned activities for us to do at the house or hikes in waterfalls with picnics and I got to eat my favorite Teddy Grahams. As an adult, I’m now the one in charge of picking my adventures and choosing how I plan to get things done.

My schedule is sort of strange right now and I’m trying to figure out the right balance between work and play. As a recent doctoral graduate, I want to create a lot of downtime for myself because I’ve basically spent more than half of my life in school. However, this is also a perfect opportunity to build up my blog and YouTube as well as network to become an academic coach or editor.

time management for summer
Photo by Asad Photo Maldives on Pexels.com

So while I will still subscribe to the tips mentioned above, I have a few things to add to my personal time management tip list for summer.

  1. Prioritize mental and physical health. It is extremely hard to complete tasks to the best of your ability if you are exhausted or drained. I need to get back in the zone where I’m taking care of myself so that I can do the best for the people I love. I know myself well enough to know the best time for me to exercise is in the morning so I’m trying to get up and make sure I at least walk every day.
  2. Schedule unscheduled time. Now, this tip might sound strange, but if you’re a planner like me, then you know what I mean. Don’t feel like you need to fill your calendar to the brim with activities and work and vacation. Allow your calendar to have more breathing room than you would throughout the rest of the year. Give yourself permission to take a day trip on a whim or build a pillow fort in the house with your kids.
  3. Be forgiving with yourself and others. This tip holds true for any time in the future as well. For many individuals and families, summer is a time to relax a bit more, get out and enjoy the sunshine, and just generally slow down. We emphasize this work, work, work culture in the U.S., but what about life, life, life.

    As a reforming workaholic, I am trying desperately to recognize how my overwork tendencies have created times in my life where I got burnt out too quickly. Try to recognize those signs in yourself and in others and be an encouragement to those who need a break.

For context, my interesting sense of time and ever-evolving perspective stems from a mother who is extremely early to everything and a father who shows up habitually late. I like to think of myself somewhere in the middle, but open to learning and accepting new ways of managing time based on personality, goals, and mutual understanding. Check out another amazing post from Sonya here!

Anyway, the moral of this story today is to enjoy your life and make the most of the time you have!

a snow covered mountain
Posted in Uncategorized

Top 5 Best Podcasts For Learning New Things

Posted on by tracydee

What are the best podcasts for learning new things? I absolutely LOVE to learn new things. I’ve semi-joked with friends and family about just going to school forever. I even went so far as to look up the Guinness Book of Records information for the person with the most degrees. If I had unlimited money to pay for school, I might actually consider breaking that record of 30 degrees for the highest and 14 for the second-highest. I really think I could do it.

However, in the meantime, I search for free ways to gain new knowledge, of which there are plenty. There are numerous websites, YouTube channels, and podcasts that highlight new ideas, re-package long-standing ideas, and help process things that could help you in any area of your life.

If you’re interested in learning a new skill or content area, just start with Google and go from there. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for, perhaps that’s an opportunity for you to create a blog or something to fill that gap and share that knowledge with others.

Podcasts are a great way to get information and be entertained at the same time. I wanted to share here my top 5 best podcasts for learning. They are listed in no particular order as I listen to whatever sounds interesting when I log in to Apple Podcast.

best podcasts for learning
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Best Podcasts for Learning New Things

1. WorkLife with Adam Grant

Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist who regularly speaks and writes on the topics of work and creativity. Interestingly, he is one of the 10 most influential speakers on management. In addition to his podcast, I encourage you to subscribe to his newsletter to get new insights and information on a weekly basis. His podcasts span numerous topics from careers, regret, identity, and “the science of ….”, fill in the blank with many things. There is usually an expert researcher, thinker, or speaker who he talks with during each episode.

2. Hidden Brain with Shankar Vedantam

“Hidden Brain explores the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior and questions that lie at the heart of our complex and changing world. Our work, led by Host and Executive Editor Shankar Vedantam, is marked by a commitment to scientific and journalistic rigor, and a deep empathy for our guests and audience.”

This is one of the most fascinating podcasts to listen to on a regular basis. I love learning about how our brain works and the why behind certain behaviors. Late each summer they do a series on You 2.0 and discuss how to understand yourself and work to achieve your goals. This is one of the best podcasts for learning new things.

3. The Next Big Idea with Rufus Griscom, and featuring Malcolm Gladwell, Susan Cain, Adam Grant, and Daniel Pink

This podcast is all about discussing new and innovative ideas that can change the way we see the world, our work, and each other. A recent episode was on the future of email at work and it inspired me to monitor my own email usage for a week. Today’s episode is all about getting smarter and thinking outside of our brains featuring Annie Murphy Paul. I haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet, but I’m very intrigued by the description and the possibility of using science to get smarter.

best podcasts for learning
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4. Freakonomics Radio

As an economics major in college, I cannot help but be drawn to econ related content. As a reader of the Freaknomics book series, it’s only natural that I also listen to Stephen Dubner’s Freakonomics Radio. According to the podcast description, “Each week, Freakonomics Radio tells you things you always thought you knew (but didn’t) and things you never thought you wanted to know (but do) — from the economics of sleep to how to become great at just about anything.” And the description is highly accurate for the types of content in this podcast. I’m always interested to learn more about the topics he shares each week.

5. The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

If you haven’t yet taken The Science of Wellbeing through Coursera, I highly recommend doing so. It’s an excellent summer activity for self-reflection and personal development. In addition to the course, Dr. Santos hosts this podcast for deeper discussion on topics relating to money, happiness, life, and well-being. As a professor of psychology, she uses science and story-telling to share ways we can enrich our lives and the myths about things we think will make us happy.

I listen to lots more podcasts, but these are some of the best podcasts for learning new information. Check them out and let me know what you think!