Posted in Goal

Navigating the Challenges of Self-Growth: 5 Intimidating Challenges You Must Conquer

Embracing the transformational path to personal development


glass ball reflecting a person standing outside thinking about self-growth
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

We often see self-growth heralded as this amazing thing that produces some magical transformation. 

But it’s not magic. It’s not immediate. And it’s different for everyone. 

Self-growth throws us hurdles and obstacles that we must overcome, while simultaneously unleashing emotions deep inside of us that we may have thought were resolved. 

If you’re in the process of self-growth and currently experiencing any of the following challenges, you are not alone.

5 Challenges of Self-Growth

The space in between 

On a self-growth journey, we inevitably reach a place where we realize that there is a gap between who we used to be and who we aspire to be. This is where we are becoming or transforming into a new version of ourselves. It can feel confusing and disorienting as things that once seemed to fit no longer make sense. 

Recognize that this in-between phase is temporary and embrace the discomfort, knowing that you will persevere. Even realizing you are in this place is a sign of progress. 

The identity crisis

To grow, we are shedding old layers of ourselves to make space for the new. We question our ideas, values, and beliefs and begin to take stock of what’s important in life. 

This can lead to questions about identity and figuring out what fits. Dig into your values. Dig into what’s important to you. Take time to reflect, journal, and practice gratitude as you shift your identity. 

Leaving people and places behind

As we change and grow, certain relationships, jobs, locations, and people may no longer be a part of the new version and vision. I heard someone say online the other day that we cannot truly move forward into our new reality if we still have one foot placed in the past.

The longer we hold on to things that no longer serve us, the more it prohibits us from reaching that next step on our path. Not everyone will understand what you’re going through and that’s okay. Not everyone is meant to be in your life forever and that’s also okay, though sometimes it’s hard. 

Not knowing what comes next

I’m a planner. I like to have goals, but I’m learning to embrace the here and now in this moment of uncertainty. This is where risk-taking comes into play. Not knowing can be scary and staying where you are can feel comfortable. But in order to experience the self-growth, it is necessary to explore new interests and experiences. 

Practice mindfulness to bring yourself back to the present moment. Even if we think we know what is going to happen in the future, we can’t be certain because so many variables are involved. 

Unlearning and relearning

A lot of people hold onto ideas and perspectives for a long time because that’s just how they always were. However, sometimes, it’s necessary to question existing habits and beliefs. 

It’s okay to hold a different viewpoint about something in the past and choose a new perspective moving forward. Habits and automatic thoughts are tough to break, but self-growth requires making those changes necessary for positive improvement. 

Continue on the path to learn and grow and be forgiving with yourself in spaces where you learn you can do better. Take it one step at a time. 


Check out more resources here: https://theheartworkhub.com/

Posted in Goal, Manifestation, productivity

Accountability Partner Definition: 5 Motivating Reasons Why You Need an Accountability Partner

Rewind to 2019, when I was about halfway through my doctoral program. My progress was slowing, and the task of completing my comprehensive exams and beginning to think about a dissertation topic seemed insurmountable. 

While chatting about this wave of overwhelm, a colleague referred me to the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity. Our university had a membership, and I could use all its services for free. The site contains a myriad of helpful knowledge for graduate students and faculty members. 

But the most practical thing for me came from the option to be matched with an accountability partner. In the past, I had accountability partners for health and wellness goals but had never considered one for academic pursuits. 

It was the perfect time to test it out. 

I signed up and, much to my delight, was matched right away with a graduate student in Canada. Our backgrounds and experiences were very different, yet our commitment to support one another remained strong. I am fortunate now to consider my accountability partner a dear friend. 

At this new juncture of creating a solopreneur business and being self-employed, I realized (through a conversation with this dear friend) that I am once again in need of an accountability partner. 

photo of a laptop and a tablet on the table. Preparing for a meeting with an accountability partner.
Photo by Elvis on Pexels.com

Accountability partner definition and meaning

An accountability partner is a person you choose to work with voluntarily to help you accomplish your goals or maintain discipline in different aspects of your life. This trusted and supportive companion holds you accountable for your commitments, progress, and actions related to your objectives.

Their primary role is to motivate, encourage, and provide constructive feedback while ensuring that you stay on track and responsible for your goals and responsibilities. This partnership should be based on mutual trust and a shared commitment to personal or professional development. You don’t necessarily have to be working on the same exact goal, but it’s helpful to be in the same niche/discipline/genre.

Here are 5 reasons why an accountability partner can be your best asset:

  1. Consistency – Meeting with an accountability partner weekly or every other week builds consistency into your routine. Having something to report or check in helps you consistently reach your goals. Recently, I’ve also been exploring “The Rule of 100” by Alex Hormozi and believe having a partner to check in with can help you stay the course of your 100 days. 
  2. Motivation – Having someone cheering you on can be a great source of inspiration. When I was going through a tough time, my accountability partner was always there for me, rooting for my success. It’s also great to have someone to share your achievements with. You can check out the Medium Weekly Goals and Wins publication to share your own goals and successes.
  3. Better problem-solving – Discussing issues with a third party can provide fresh insights and potential remedies. They might suggest adjustments to your routine or introduce you to a useful technology that has aided their productivity. (Feel free to check out my Etsy store for problem-solving templates.)
  4. Positive peer pressure: Sharing your goals with someone else can create pressure to achieve them. Although there may be obstacles and detours, having to report progress every week can create a positive peer pressure to stay motivated.
  5. Clearer goals: To take action on your goals, they must be SMART(ER). When sharing them with others, it’s essential to break them down into understandable terms and actionable steps that can be achieved week by week. Making goal-setting a regular part of your accountability routine can be beneficial.

There are many positive benefits to having an accountability partner. It made a world of difference as I was pursuing my doctorate. 

So consider bringing someone on your journey and help each other reach your goals in life!

Posted in Goal

What is Blue Zone living?: Perhaps my New Way of Living

An introduction from my friend to this concept

a plate of healthy food items
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Perhaps you’ve seen the advertisement on Netflix and wondered, “What is Blue Zone Living?”

Last week, I was cooking homemade meals with one of my dear lifelong friends from graduate school. Juggling life, work, PureBarre classes, and 4 kids, and yet she makes dinner look like a piece of cake. Except, a healthy piece of cake. 

Here I am just fending for myself and it’s a whole process if I decide I want to make things from scratch. 

Look at this gorgeous plate of homemade sourdough, hummus, chickpea, and cucumber salad!

sourdough bread, hummus, chickpea salad. The bread was adapted from the Blue Zones cookbook.
picture of our homemade dinner

During our visit, she introduced me to the concept of Blue Zones. Researchers travelled around the world to determine the locations where people live the longest. The term “Blue Zones” originated in 2004 by Dan Buettner, who worked for National Geographic as a fellow and journalist. He, along with a team, analyzed data related to longevity as well as life satisfaction.

Where are the Blue Zones?

After comparing various factors that affect life expectancy, they identified five places which they refer to as Blue Zones. You can check out their website for more information.

The locations are:

  1. Ikaria, Greece
  2. Loma Linda, California
  3. Sardinia, Italy
  4. Okinawa, Japan
  5. Nicoya, Costa Rica

Have you ever been to any of these places? I have not YET!

The website is full of amazing resources and information about utilizing the lessons learned from these locations and incorporating them into your life. They have a four-week plan toward a better you. This speaks to me because it’s not a diet or fitness plan. It’s truly about embracing a healthy lifestyle. 

What is Blue Zone Living then?

Researchers Gianni Pes and Michael Poulain explored Sardinia and drew blue circles to show areas of longevity. These are areas that Dan Buettner identified as Blue Zones. You can read more about the history here.

Through their research they compiled 9 lifestyle habits that they call the Power 9. Some of the 9 habits include moving naturally, stopping eating when you are 80% full, and belonging to a faith-based community. I encourage you to check out their site to learn more!

The current Netflix documentary is very popular right now and still lies in the top 10 US shows. I can’t wait to finish watching it and learn how to apply these principles to my life on my healthy living journey.

Blue Zones Recipes

When I was at my friend’s house (Dr. Kait Knake of Kait’s cupboard), we went through the recipe book and adapted ideas from there. 

I tried to get the book from my local library, but they don’t have it. So I guess I’ll have to get the book on Amazon here (affiliate link). 

Posted in Uncategorized

Solutions for online content creators after a full day at the computer

Hi my online content creator friends still doing the 9-5 grind!

90% of my work week at my full-time job is spent on my computer, staring at my screen and typing away. So when my work day ends, the last thing I want to do is stare at my screen even longer.

However, I persist because I have two very important goals:

  1. Build a completely digital income where I can live and work from anywhere.
  2. Make that income reliant on me and my online business ventures rather than having to report to a boss or supervisor.

Challenges and solutions for online content creators

Challenge: Burnout — working on a computer is mentally tiring and can be tough on the eyes.

Solution: I’m trying to take more breaks to stretch. I’ve also decided it’s important to go back to the gym and participate in group dance workout classes. They motivate me and get my body moving! I am also doing a daily stretching challenge with my friend, and we check in with one another.

ChallengeTime — does there ever seem to be enough time in the day to get it all done? Balancing household needs, personal tasks, friends and family, work, and a side hustle can be a lot.

Solution: Get more on top of my calendar and try to follow the 5-second rule from Mel Robbins. Essentially, if I think about it too long, I’m just wasting time. Count to 5 and go for it. And I also started putting my phone away from me at night to stop the nightly scrolling on social media.

person holding white light bulb. Aligning with the aha moment for online content creators.
Photo by Luca Nardone on Pexels.com

Challenge: Lack of inspiration or creativity — I have 155 drafts in my folder on Medium. So that’s not where the lack of inspiration is. It’s actually sitting down to write and finish a full article. Or making a Tik Tok video or YouTube video. Or posting a new digital product on my Etsy shop.

Solution: Choose a day and time to batch-create video content. I tried this out with Tik Tok last week and it worked great. I used ChatGPT to help me with short script ideas and filmed about 5 videos I released over a few days. However, I have so much existing content now that it’s time to repurpose and update. For example, I can post my Tik Tok’s to YouTube shorts. I can use RankMath to improve old blog posts for better SEO. I will use time blocking to work on digital products for the online stores.

I face other challenges as a full-time worker building an empire on the side, but these are the main ones I’m tackling now. Best of luck to you on your online content creation journey!

Posted in Mindset

2023: 5 Guidelines to Live By

Guest Post by Lauryn Woodman
Guest Post by Lauryn Woodman

Instructional Designer, Educator, Accessibility Advocate


The Inspiration

I watched this video a few days before the New Year. I recommend you watch it, too.

To summarize for those of you who aren’t link clickers, it’s basically Rob Dyrdek saying that he never wants to get to a “reactive” place in 2023, and explaining that doing so will require a high level of discipline. My podcast preferences tend to lean more towards True Crime than privileged men spouting “motivational” buzzwords, but this one spoke to me. Scrolling through the comments, I saw many who interpreted Rob’s message as needing to work harder, grind harder, and go bigger. What I got out of it was so different. And it’s shaped my goal for 2023:

The Goal

In 2023, I never want to get to that low, terrible, reactive place. 

The Guidelines

And to do so, will require discipline. Here are 5 guidelines I’ve set for how I plan to live my life in 2023.

5 in a vase
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels.com
  1. In 2023, I will be respectful of my own boundaries. I will not stretch myself beyond my capacity to accommodate the desires of others. I’ll give myself the grace to say no and not feel guilty. I will indulge in rest when rest is needed. 
  2. In 2023, I will not allow others’ energy to influence my own. I tend to take on other people’s stress, their drama, and even their emotions. This year, I will hold space for my own energy, and no one else’s.
  3. In 2023, I will live freely. With no strings, no bonds, and without allowing outside forces to shape the direction of my life. I will go with the flow.
  4. In 2023, I will enjoy the journey. Whether I feel I am “on track” or not, I will know that each twist and turn in my life is leading me to exactly where I need to be, when I need to be there. 
  5. In 2023, I will enjoy the small moments, I will find joy in quiet moments with friends. See the value in the quiet nights in as much as the once-in-a-lifetime moments I will inevitably experience. I will live each day fully in the moment, no matter where the day takes me, realizing that each experience, no matter how mundane, is a gift.

selective focus photo of green plant seedling on tree trunk
Photo by David Alberto Carmona Coto on Pexels.com

I know that some of these guidelines might seem hokey or even unattainable. Or maybe to you, they sound obvious. But I know how I feel and how I act when I allow myself to get caught up in what I “think” I should be doing, or how I “think” I should be living. I know that I’ve allowed myself to get caught up in unnecessary drama from outside forces that has actually shaped the direction of my life and how I live. And I know that when I am that person, living that life, I am unhappy, unsettled, and unmotivated. I deserve a chance to live my best life, and I plan to do that in 2023.

I hope that all of you can find guidelines important to you and refocus your life in 2023 so that you can live the best life that you are capable of this year.

Posted in Goal

5 Steps to Goal Setting Success: Achieving Your Dreams One Task at a Time

Goal setting and achieving goals is essential for personal and professional growth. It allows you to take control of your life and focus on what matters most to you. Whether you want to improve your health, advance your career, or simply live a more fulfilling life, setting and achieving your goals can help you make it happen.

But how do you go about setting and achieving your goals? It can be intimidating to take on new challenges, especially if you’re not sure where to start. That’s where goal setting comes in. By setting clear and specific goals, you can break down your larger aspirations into smaller, achievable tasks, and work towards success one step at a time.

So, if you’re ready to turn your dreams into reality, read on for some tips on setting and achieving your goals.

person holding white ceramci be happy painted mug. They are goal setting.
Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com

Here are some tips for setting and achieving your goals:

Make your goals SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This ensures that your goals are clear and realistic and gives you a way to measure your progress.

  • Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
  • Measurable: Set goals that can be quantified so that you can track your progress.
  • Attainable: Set realistic and achievable goals, given your resources and constraints.
  • Relevant: Set goals that are meaningful and aligned with your values and long-term objectives.
  • Time-bound: Set a specific timeline for achieving your goals, with intermediate deadlines along the way.

Break your goals down into smaller, achievable tasks. This makes it easier to focus on one task at a time and helps you make progress towards your larger goals.

  • Create a to-do list or action plan with the specific steps you need to take to achieve your goal.
  • Set deadlines for each task and track your progress.
  • Prioritize tasks based on their importance and potential impact.

Set deadlines for yourself. This will help you stay motivated and focused on your goals, as you’ll have a sense of urgency to get things done.

  • Determine a realistic timeline for achieving your goals, with intermediate deadlines along the way.
  • Set reminders or alarms to help you stay on track.
  • Consider using a goal-tracking app or software to help you manage your goals and deadlines.

Get accountability. Share your goals with a friend or mentor, or join a support group or community where you can get feedback and encouragement.

  • Choose someone supportive and understanding but also willing to hold you accountable for your actions.
  • Consider hiring a coach or mentor to help you stay on track and achieve your goals.
  • Join a group or community of like-minded individuals working towards similar goals.

Celebrate your progress. It’s important to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements along the way, as this will help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.

  • Set small rewards or incentives for yourself when you reach certain milestones or complete vital tasks.
  • Share your progress with friends and family, or post updates on social media.
  • Take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments and how far you’ve come.

Goal setting for success

Goal setting is crucial to personal and professional development. By setting SMART goals, breaking them down into smaller tasks, setting deadlines, getting accountability, and celebrating your progress, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals and reaching success. 

trees under milky way. Goal setting is shooting for the stars
Photo by Matthew Ang on Pexels.com

Remember, the journey towards your goals may not always be easy, but it is always worth it. As you work towards achieving your goals, keep in mind the words of motivational speaker Les Brown:

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

-Les Brown

Don’t be afraid to aim high and dream big. With hard work, determination, and a solid plan in place, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Posted in Goal, Mindset

3 Steps to Reach your Personal Growth Goals

So you want to improve your personal growth goals?

Set your mind to it and achieve it! What will you achieve with the right set of tools, strategies, and tactics?

I’ve been on this journey explicitly for several years now and I’m constantly looking for ways to grow and evolve as a person.

Whether you call it personal growth goals, career or life goals, or some other variation of the phrase here are a few steps to help you reach your goal.

Define what you mean by “Personal Growth”

“Personal growth” is a broad term that encompasses many things. It can mean learning new skills, developing new habits and improving your relationships. The first step to achieving your own personal growth goals is to understand what you mean by “personal growth.” Personal growth means different things to different people, so it’s important to set some parameters for yourself.

Defining what you mean by “personal growth goals” will help you decide on the right steps to take in order to achieve your goals.

person arranging pot plant. Possible way to reach personal growth goals.
Photo by Valeria Ushakova on Pexels.com

Personal growth goals are the best way to ensure that you are always moving forward in life. The secret to success is to set goals that can be achieved and then reach them.

First, identify your values. Why do you want to grow? What do you value? What are the most important things in life? Once you’ve identified these values, then ask yourself how those values impact your behavior or actions. For example, if one of your values is honesty but you’re always lying about something or someone then maybe it’s time for some self-reflection or improvement!

What do you want to achieve? This may seem obvious, but it’s important to really think about why you’re doing this. Do you want more friends? More confidence? To feel more fulfilled at work? Or maybe all of those things combined?

Why do you want this? What’s driving it for you? Is it something that’s been on your mind for a long time, or something that came up recently? How does achieving this goal fit into the bigger picture of your life?

How will achieving this goal change your life? Once you know what you want and why, try to envision how achieving your goal will change things for the better. For example, will making new friends give me more fun opportunities outside of work? Will being more confident at work help me advance faster with my career goals?

Identify the steps that are necessary to reach those goals

In order to reach your goals, you need to have a plan of action that will help you achieve what you want. This plan of action should include the following:

Identify the steps that are necessary to reach those goals.

Break down each step into smaller tasks or sub-goals that can be achieved within a certain time frame. This way, your goal will be more manageable and less intimidating.

Set deadlines for each task or sub-goal so that you know when something needs to get done by in order to keep moving forward on your plan of action.

Use the SMARTER goal-setting model to create your personal growth goals

If you’re trying to reach a goal of any kind including personal growth goals, you’ll want to make sure it’s a good one. That means it should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound (SMART), and then be able to Evaluate and Reward/Revise (ER).
The SMARTER goal-setting model is a great tool to help you create effective goals. It stands for:

Specific – Be clear and focused on the outcome of your goal.

Measurable – Have a way to track success.

Attainable – Make sure it’s something that can be achieved within a reasonable time frame.

Relevant – Make sure it aligns with your values and interests.

Time-bound – Set a deadline for when you want to achieve your goal.

Evaluate – Choose how you will know if you met your goal.

Reward/revise – What will you get at the end or how will you change it?

Review your progress and make adjustments as needed

man looking through documents at workplace. Step in reaching your personal growth goals.
Photo by Michael Burrows on Pexels.com

Review and adjust as needed: Review what has worked so far and make adjustments as needed based on new information or feedback from others who support this goal with you (such as friends or family).

If you’re feeling frustrated or discouraged, it’s important to recognize that these feelings are normal. You can’t expect to reach your goal overnight — or in a week or month. Change takes time!

You may need to make adjustments along the way, such as changing your plan if something doesn’t work out well or finding new ways to reach your goal if your old ones aren’t working. Don’t be afraid to experiment and revise your plan as needed!

The best way to grow is to intentionally make changes in your life

Setting personal growth goals is one of the most direct and effective ways to help you reach your potential. They provide direction for your future and motivation for your present and give you a way to measure your progress. There is no one-size-fits-all template for accomplishing a goal, but it’s reasonable to assume that almost anything will be difficult at first. This difficulty is what helps push you to improve; what helps make you genuinely grow as a person.

Hopefully, I’ve given you three simple steps to get you started on one of your first personal growth goals. If you’re already in the practice of setting goals, you may want to try some new techniques. And if a lack of confidence has made it harder for you to achieve your goals over the past year, then I hope that this list of techniques will help remind you how important your goals are.

Posted in Uncategorized

5 helpful ways to practice writing as a content writer

It is important to practice writing skills. I come from a strong academic background, but content writing for blogs is a whole new ballgame.

Because of that, I’m used to writing long academic research papers. However, that’s not the ideal style for a content writer to capture their audience.

Retraining your brain to be a content writer doesn’t happen overnight, but with practice and lots of motivation, you will eventually get better (I’ve been practicing for years and still have a long way to go).

These days, most writing jobs revolve around content. Whether we’re talking about blog writing, editorial writing or even social media posts. Content capturing a user’s attention is no easy task. Especially in noisy environments like Facebook and news sites where the average Internet user has already developed a practiced filter to ignore what they perceive as noise.

So, I’m retraining my brain to think like a content writer.

Here are five things I started doing and I encourage you to try them out:

Reading more blogs

Reading more blogs is one of the best ways to improve your writing skills.

There are many reasons for this, but the main one is that you get to see how other people write and communicate. You can learn from their mistakes, but also from their successes.

After a while, you’ll find that you’re not just reading blogs for the content; you’re also reading them for the writing style — and this is where things really get interesting. When you start noticing how someone else writes, it becomes much easier to spot good writing when you see it again in your own work.

It’s a bit like learning a new language: at first it’s hard work, but after a while things start to click into place and it all makes sense.

woman reading notes from notebook during radio broadcast. practice writing
Photo by George Milton on Pexels.com

Practice writing in different styles, voices, and on different topics

Practice writing in different styles, voices, and on different topics.

Learning to write is a process of learning to write again and again. I can’t tell you how many times I had to rewrite drafts of my dissertation.

Writing is a skill that can be learned, practiced, and honed. When you write something, you’re not just creating something new — you’re also learning how to do it better next time.

That’s why it’s important to write as often as possible. The more you write, the more you’ll learn about your own style and preferences, which will help you become an even better writer.

You don’t need to be writing a novel or even an essay in order to get better at writing. Try writing down your thoughts on anything that comes to mind, whether it’s something personal or professional in nature. You can use any type of writing app (like Evernote) or grab some paper and a pen so that you can feel free to get creative with your style and voice.

The key is to practice as much as possible so that when it comes time for a big project, you’ll be ready!

Write to a prompt

A prompt is a question or topic that you write about. If you’re stuck for ideas, try looking up prompts on the internet. For example, you could search for “writing prompts” or “writing exercises.”

Here are some prompts for deeper reflection to practice writing:

  • Write about a time when you felt like you were misunderstood.
  • Write about a time when you misunderstood someone else.
  • Write about something that happened in your life that changed everything forever.
  • Write about the last time you cried for longer than five minutes.
  • Write about the last time you laughed until it hurt your cheeks, stomach and ribs.
  • Write about a moment when you felt powerful or powerless.
  • Write about a moment when you felt insecure or self-assured.

Learn to embrace bullet points in blogs

Bullet points can help you improve your blog post readability, but only if they’re implemented correctly.

If you want to learn how to use bullet points successfully, read on!

Bullet points are an easy way to break up text into smaller chunks that are easier for readers to digest. This is especially useful in long blog posts where readers may get tired of reading large blocks of text.

There’s a lot of debate about whether or not bullet points should be used in blogs. Some people argue that they make the text look unprofessional and encourage skimming instead of reading carefully. Others say that bullet points make it easier for readers to find what they’re looking for within a longer post — especially when there’s a lot of information being presented in one place.

Bullet points are a great way to highlight key points in an article or blog post. They can be used to emphasize important ideas or make your writing easier to read.

person holding blue ballpoint pen writing in notebook. practice writing.
Photo by picjumbo.com on Pexels.com

Ditch the perfection and get it out there!

If you want to improve your writing, then you need to stop trying to perfect everything and just get it out there. You need to practice writing as much as possible!

When I wrote research papers, I had to make sure everything was exactly right for my professors or for a conference presentation.

You see, perfectionism is a self-defeating attitude that doesn’t serve the purpose of producing good work. It’s not about producing good work — it’s about producing great work. And there’s no such thing as great work when you’re still in the editing process.

Perfectionism leads to procrastination, which means that you’re constantly trying to tweak that one perfect sentence or paragraph until it’s just right. But there will always be another perfect sentence or paragraph to tweak after that one! So every time you think about writing something new, suddenly your mind goes blank because all you can think about is how much better this other thing could be if only you had more time and energy to devote to it.

The solution is simple: Ditch the perfection and get something out there! Once your first draft is complete (which may not be perfect), then go back through and make changes as necessary.

Practice writing as much as you can!

Content writing is all about ideas, so it’s important to keep your mind as happy and free as possible. The best way to do this is by cultivating hobbies that make you happy. I recommend taking up new activities or seeking joy in the things you already enjoy doing. Inspiration comes in many forms!

Posted in Goal

Are you a Hybrid Worker? 5 Powerful Tips For Making The Most Of Your Time

Hybrid workers are the current reality and immediate future of work. They are the bridge from the time when we had no choice but to work remotely, to the new era of blended work environments.

Time management can be one of the biggest challenges faced by digital nomads and hybrid workers, who may have a harder time than many at staying on top of business tasks and responsibilities. In this article I share five tips from my own experience, to help save you time and stay productive as a remote worker or location-independent business owner or worker.

Timebox your tasks

Timeboxing is a technique to limit the amount of time you spend on a task. When you work with a timebox, you set a timer for a specific amount of time. When the timer goes off, it’s time to move on to something else.

For example, if you have an hour block of time and have three tasks to do, set the timer for 20 minutes and then focus on one task until the timer goes off. Then set it for another 20 minutes and focus on another task until the timer goes off again. Then set it for another 10 minutes and focus on the last task until the timer goes off.

You’ll get more done in less time this way because your brain isn’t flooded with too many distractions at once or getting bored with one task before moving on to another one.

Set Up Your Workspace(s) as a Hybrid Worker

If you’re working from home or from an office space, set up your workspace so that you have everything you need within arm’s reach. This includes your laptop, files and other documents, headphones (if you need them), water bottle and more. If there are certain items that you use every day (like a stapler or scissors), put those closer to your desk than others that are used only occasionally (like paper clips). This will help keep everything in its place so that it’s easy for you to find when needed and avoid wasting time looking for misplaced items.

turned on gray laptop computer on table. hybrid worker
Photo by Flo Dahm on Pexels.com

Be Honest About Boundaries

As a hybrid worker, you might still have the same responsibilities at home as other people do. You might have a family who needs your attention and need to be home for certain events throughout the week. Don’t try to push yourself too hard. Take time off when you need it, and let your clients know what those times are so they can make adjustments accordingly.

If you know that you have trouble working without a break, make sure that you schedule one or two breaks during the day when you’ll get up and move around. If you find yourself going through periods where you can’t focus on work and need to get away from your desk, schedule them into your calendar so they don’t sneak up on you. If you need more than one break in a day, don’t feel bad about taking them!

Automate Where You Can

If there is something that you do regularly, like sending invoices or scheduling meetings, automate it wherever possible so that you don’t spend hours doing it manually each week. For example, if you use Slack for communication within your team then set up automatic reminders so that everyone knows when they should check their email or Slack for important messages. If you use Google Apps for Business then set up automatic reminders for upcoming meetings so that no one misses them!

Work Around Your Inflection Points

If you’re not familiar with inflection points, I’ll explain a bit here. Essentially, they refer to times in our day when we have more energy than usual — whether because we just woke up or because it’s lunchtime or because we just finished exercising. These moments are great opportunities to get things done during the day or even take on new projects.

five bulb lights. hybrid worker
Photo by Rodolfo Clix on Pexels.com

When You Have More Energy Than Usual, Use It To Get Things Done!

The key to making the most of your time as a hybrid worker is to work around your inflection points. There are times in your day when you need to be actively engaged with your work, such as when you are on calls or in meetings.

If you’re working from home, for example, try setting an alarm for 30 minutes before the start of each inflection point so that you can get ready for the call or meeting ahead of time. This way, when it comes time for the call or meeting, you won’t be scrambling around trying to find something to wear or rushing around looking for your notes or computer charger. You’ll be ready to go right away!

Another smart thing to do is schedule out your day so that some tasks are completed before others begin. For example, if there’s a big project due at noon but an important call at 10:00 AM, make sure that at least some of the steps required for completing the project are completed before 9:00 AM so that they don’t distract you during important calls later in the day.

Takeaway: Being a hybrid worker presents new challenges, but you can succeed.

If you have a hybrid role, consider tailoring your schedule to your specific needs. Work at odd hours if that’s the most convenient time for you to get things done. Remember that strong work-life balance is crucial if you want to succeed in both worlds, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if things are feeling too chaotic. Put your full focus on work when you’re on the clock, but also dedicate some time each day where you can recharge your batteries.

Your mind and body will thank you for it!

Posted in Manifestation, Mindset

11 Powerful Daily Confidence Affirmations

Are you in need of daily confidence affirmations?

I think we all experience times when we feel down on ourselves or unmotivated. Sometimes this happens because of something that happened that day, but other times it could be something more serious like depression or anxiety.

If you find yourself spending more time thinking negative thoughts than positive ones—and dwelling on them instead of letting them go—then it might be time to try out some daily confidence affirmations!

I am beautiful.

Beauty is a state of mind. It’s not just skin deep. It is not just a physical trait, or even a facade or an outfit. Beauty is a reflection of who you are on the inside and out, and when you feel beautiful inside and out, your confidence will shine through!

When you wake up every morning, look in the mirror and say: “I am beautiful.”

I love myself.

You are worthy of love. You are a good person and you have a good heart. You are a good friend, listener, and partner to others. You care about them and their well-being, even when they may not see it or want it for themselves at the time.

You deserve to be happy with yourself first before you can expect others to love you for who you truly are!

photo of woman looking at the mirror. daily confidence affirmations.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

I am enough.

This is one of my favorite daily confidence affirmations. In fact, I even have this tattooed on myself. You are enough. You have a lot to offer the world, and you have hidden strengths and talents that will soon be discovered. Your radiance shines from within you, no matter who is around you.

You are worthy of love, respect, and appreciation by others. No one can take away your self-worth unless you allow them to do so!

I am worthy of being loved.

You are worthy of being loved. You are worthy of a good life. You are worthy of being happy, healthy, successful, and safe. Repeat this as one of your daily confidence affirmations.

I have a good heart.

I have a good heart.

I am a good person.

I am compassionate.

I am kind.

I am loving, and I can be generous with my love and kindness toward others when they need it most in their life’s journey.

I am a good person.

Be kind to others. Empathy and compassion are two of the most important traits of a good person. By being kind, you’re showing that you care about other people’s well-being and can put yourself in someone else’s shoes easily.
Be generous with money or time when possible! The more generous we are with our resources; the more likely we’ll be able to build strong relationships with lots of different kinds of people.

I have a lot to offer the world.

One of the amazing daily confidence affirmations. You have an important role to play in your community. You make the world a better place just by being yourself, and you are needed. You are valued. You are loved, and you love others deeply as well. Your life is important and valuable because you give it meaning through your contributions to others’ lives.

I have hidden strengths and talents that will soon be discovered.

You are not alone. We all struggle with these feelings at one point or another, and we all want to believe that there is something special about us that will make us different from all the rest. You are not alone, and you are not the only one who has been through this.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by a sense of isolation when we’re going through hard times in life because it’s so easy for us to isolate ourselves from others during those times. But it’s important to remember that other people have been there before, whether they’ve gone through the exact same thing or something similar that you can relate to on some level. And if someone else can do it, then so can you!

I have a radiance that shines from within me, no matter who is around me.

Radiance is a glow that comes from within you. It is the radiance of your inner self, spirit, and light. It’s a reflection of your inner beauty, and it shines through no matter who is around you or what situation you are in. The more you believe in this quality of yourself, the more radiant you will become — both on the outside and on the inside.

Radiance comes from within each one of us — we just have to turn up our lights (or dim them down when we want to hide). Radiance means there is no need to hide anything about ourselves because our inner radiance reveals everything we need to share with others: love, courage, warmth, generosity, and compassion for all beings.

My opinion matters and my thoughts are valid.

My opinion matters and my thoughts are valid.

I have the right to speak up for myself.

It’s okay to disagree with someone else’s ideas or opinions, as long as I do it in a respectful way and don’t try to force my own onto them.

People enjoy being around me because of all my positive energy.

This daily confidence affirmation is a great way to start your day. It helps you remember that people are attracted to positive energy and that it makes for a better experience for everyone involved. The next time you feel nervous about an upcoming conversation or social event, remind yourself that your positivity will improve everything!

Concluding thoughts for daily confidence affirmations

You can motivate yourself without being mean to yourself, and it’s important to recognize your positive traits to keep them in mind when you need some inspiration or encouragement!

It’s easy for our minds to fall into a rut of negative self-talk. In fact, research has shown that when we talk down on ourselves, we tend to give up more easily than if we were talking positively. However, if you want to be successful at anything—let alone life in general—you must learn how to stay motivated throughout the journey. This is an incredibly important skill that will help you succeed long-term and reach all of your goals!

I hope these daily confidence affirmations have helped you start off your day on the right foot. Remember, it’s not about being perfect or always being positive—it’s about making a change for yourself and working toward a happier, more fulfilling life. Now get out there and live it up! Thanks for reading!