Tag: personal development

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Posted in Goal, Manifestation, productivity

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

Posted on by tracydee

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.
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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!

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Posted in Mindset

Level Up Your Self-Improvement Skills: 5 Tips for Personal Growth

Posted on by tracydee

Let’s work on those self-improvement skills!

Are you tired of feeling like your self-improvement efforts have hit a plateau? Do you want to try something new and unexpected to take your personal growth to the next level? Although I’d love to say I’ve been on a self-improvement journey my whole life, I’ve been intentionally on this journey for just over two years now. 

But for now, here are 5 innovative tips that will help you boost your self-improvement skills and head toward success – however you define that for yourself. From embracing the power of “no” to investing in your hobbies, these are practical tips you may not fiind in your typical self-help book. So, let’s dive into these helpful self-improvement skills that have the capability to transform your personal growth routine.

But first, remember that this takes works and commitment. And don’t get discouraged if the process takes longer than you expect. Every little step forward toward connecting more with yourself is part of the process to boost your self-improvement skills. 

1. Become a Beginner Again

One of the most effective ways to boost your self-improvement skills is to become a beginner again. This may seem counterintuitive, but hear me out. When we start something new, we are filled with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. We ask questions, experiment, and embrace failure as a natural part of the lear

ning process. However, as we become more experienced, we can lose some of that openness and willingness to learn. We may become complacent or overconfident, assuming we have mastered a skill or topic.

We can reignite that sense of curiosity and openness by intentionally seeking out opportunities to become a beginner again. This could mean trying a new hobby, taking a class in a subject you know little about, or even approaching a familiar task in a completely new way. By embracing a beginner’s mindset, you’ll be more open to new experiences, more willing to take risks, and more likely to make meaningful progress in your self-improvement journey.

So, if you want to boost your self-improvement skills, try becoming a beginner again. Embrace your curiosity, experiment, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. By adopting a beginner’s mindset, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals and transforming your self-improvement routine.

2. Embrace the Power of ‘No’

Another way to boost your self-improvement skills is to embrace the power of “no”. Saying “no” can help you focus on your priorities and prevent burnout. It’s easy to say “yes” to every opportunity that comes your way, but this can lead to spreading yourself too thin and not making real progress on your goals. By learning to say “no” to things that don’t align with your priorities, you can free up time and energy for the things that truly matter.

Additionally, saying no can help you set boundaries and assert yourself. By being selective about the commitments you take on, you demonstrate that you value your time and resources. This can lead to increased respect from others and a greater sense of self-confidence. By saying no, you also create opportunities for growth and learning. 

3. Meditation: More Than Just Relaxation

woman meditating on rock - showing one way to level up your self-improvement skills
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Embracing a beginner’s mindset and learning to say “no” are both important steps in improving yourself, but they are not the only ones. Another powerful tool is meditation. Not only just a way to relax, but meditation can help you gain clarity and focus, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your overall well-being. Let’s explore how meditation can enhance your self-improvement journey.

Meditation has been practiced for centuries, but it has recently gained popularity as a way to improve mental health and well-being. With its focus on deep breathing and mindfulness, meditation can help you quiet your mind and find inner peace. But meditation has many other benefits beyond relaxation.

One of the key benefits of meditation is increased clarity and focus. By practicing mindfulness and tuning out distractions, you can train your mind to concentrate on what’s important. This can help you stay on track with your goals and make progress towards them.

Meditation can also help reduce stress and anxiety. You can lower your cortisol levels and feel more relaxed by taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath and quiet your mind. This can positively impact your overall well-being, as stress and anxiety can take a toll on your physical and mental health.

Just today, I did 30 minutes of yoga nidra, which is a mindfulness and meditation practice that I enjoy. 

Have you ever thought about trying meditation? Incorporating this into your daily routine can be a powerful tool for self-improvement.

4. The Benefits of Disconnecting

Incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation can significantly impact your mental and emotional well-being. However, it’s essential to take a break from technology every once in a while, too. Disconnecting from emails, social media, and other digital distractions can help you recharge and refocus. You can reduce stress levels and improve your productivity by taking time to disconnect. 

For me, I have to take baby steps when it comes to disconnecting. For example, I set a timer for 30 minutes and I will clean, read, or work on a specific task. I may still have some focus music on in the backgroun or working on my computer, but I turn off any additional distraction. 

5. Invest In Your Hobbies

Incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine is crucial for achieving self-improvement. Still, sometimes we need to take it a step further. Disconnecting from technology and engaging in our hobbies can help us achieve a more profound sense of fulfillment and happiness.

Investing in your hobbies provides a much-needed break from the digital world (if it’s a hobby outside of your digital tools). It helps you cultivate a sense of creativity and personal growth. Whether painting, cooking, woodworking, or gardening, dedicating time to activities that bring you joy and excitement can help you access a different part of your brain and improve your problem-solving skills. I love to paint and try new recipes! In order to level up my self-improvement skills, I’m taking a course about creating my own membership group. I love any opportunity to learn something new. 

Additionally, having hobbies outside work can offer a sense of balance, making you more productive and focused on your professional goals. So, take some time to explore and invest in your hobbies to see how they can positively impact your overall mindset and well-being.,

In conclusion, self-improvement can sometimes involve different techniques. By embracing the power of saying “no”, investing in your hobbies, disconnecting, meditating, and becoming a beginner again, you can enhance your self-improvement skills in unexpected ways. These tips will help you develop better habits, set smarter goals, and ultimately achieve success. Don’t be afraid to try something new and see the positive changes in your life. 

As the saying goes, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

– Neale Donald Walsch

So take that leap and let these unexpected tips be the catalyst for your personal growth journey to level up your self-improvement skills!

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Posted in Goal, Mindset

3 Steps to Reach your Personal Growth Goals

Posted on by tracydee

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.
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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.
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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.

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Posted in Mindset

How to Deal With Change in Life to Get the Best Out of It

Posted on by tracydee

When new things happen in our lives sometimes we wonder how to deal with change.

Life is full of change — we love it and hate it in the same way. Some changes are for the worse, some for the better, and many are ambiguous. There are times when you can choose to embrace change and other times when you have no choice but to adapt to survive. Here’s how to deal with change and get the best out of it, at all stages of your life.

Realize that change happens whether you want it to or not

Change is a constant. It happens whether you want it to or not. The only thing you can control is how you react to change, so here are three tips for dealing with change in life:

1) Embrace the unknown and be curious about what’s coming next

2) Accept that change is inevitable, but also know that you can control how you respond to it

3) Don’t get so attached to your current situation that you refuse to adjust when necessary

Keep a journal to help you process your emotions

One of the most important things you can do on your journey of how to deal with change in life is to keep a journal. Journaling can help you process your emotions and find meaning in your experiences, which will help you cope with the changes that have occurred and prepare yourself for future ones.

To begin journaling, simply write down your thoughts and feelings about what happened—how it made you feel, what memories it brought up for you, and so on. You might also want to write down how this experience has changed your perspective on life or relationships.

Journaling doesn’t have to be long or formal; just write whatever comes to mind as you’re thinking about what happened and how it affected you.

closeup photo of journal book and pencils. How to deal with change.
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How to deal with change by making a plan

The first step to dealing with change is to make a plan. Change is inevitable, and you can’t control it. Instead, you need to prepare yourself for the changes ahead so that they don’t catch you off guard.

You may feel like there’s nothing you can do about it, but that’s not true! There are several ways to prepare for change in your life:

-Make sure you have enough energy stores. If your body is tired and low on energy, it will be harder for it to adapt to new situations. It’s important to eat healthy food and get plenty of sleep before starting a new venture.

-Figure out what your goals are—and then write them down! You’ll be able to see how much progress you’ve made towards reaching those goals once things start changing around you.

-Reach out for help if necessary. Sometimes there are things in life that are too much for one person alone; sometimes we need other people’s perspectives or advice so that we can keep ourselves grounded through difficult times.

Learn to Adapt

The ability to adapt is one of the most important skills you can develop. It’s especially important when you’re figuring out how to deal with change in your life. You might be moving from one city to another, going through a divorce, or losing a loved one. All of these changes will require you to learn how to adapt, which means learning how to cope with change and move forward with your life.

A key part of adapting is being open-minded and flexible. If you’re too rigid in your thinking, then it will be difficult for you to accept new ideas and situations that come up every day. If you’re too rigid, then it will also be hard for others around you to know what they can expect from their interactions with you. Learn how to be open-minded so that you can take advantage of opportunities when they arise!

person in black pants and black shoes sitting on brown wooden chair. how to deal with change.
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Seek professional help if needed. There is no shame in that and the sooner you do, the better!

If you’re struggling with a change that’s happened in your life, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible. You are not alone, and your mental health is worth protecting.

If you feel like there’s no one who can help you with the situation, consider reaching out to a friend or family member for support. If this isn’t an option either (for example, if the person who changed is a loved one), try reaching out to a therapist. They will be able to help you explore what’s going on and provide support through difficult times.

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Posted in Mindset

What Is Professional Development & Why You Need It To Succeed

Posted on by tracydee

The Definition of Professional Development

What Is Professional Development?

Professional development is a way for employees to grow and improve their skills by participating in an activity that will help them gain more knowledge or improve their performance.

It can be formal or informal, offered by the organization or outside sources. Professional development can take place on the job, off the job, or both.

Professional development is a process that helps you grow and improve in your career. It’s designed to help you gain new skills, knowledge, and experience so that you can keep up with the rapidly changing world of work.

photo of woman wearing eyeglasses. what is professional development
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Reasons You Need Professional Development

If you want to be successful, you need to invest in yourself. And that means making time for professional development.

Not only is it important to understand what is professional development, we also need to know the why. There are several reasons why:

1. To stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies

2. To learn a new skill that will help you grow your business or career

3. To learn from other experts who have experience in the field you’re interested in

Benefits of Professional Development

Again, what is professional development worth?

Here are some of the benefits that come with participating in professional development:

1) It shows commitment to your career. When you take time out of your day to learn something new or improve on something that already works well, it indicates an investment in your career path and an interest in growing professionally.

This is especially important if you’re looking for a promotion or applying for a job elsewhere because employers want to see that potential employees aren’t just looking for any job—they’re looking for a position where they can grow and advance over time.

2) Professional development helps you grow as a professional by helping you learn new skills and acquire knowledge about different areas within your industry (or even outside of it).

These skills will give you more options when deciding how best to handle certain situations or challenges that arise at work—and they’ll also come in handy when seeking out new opportunities!

group of people on conference room. what is professional development.
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Examples of Professional Development Opportunities

Professional development can take many forms including:

• Training courses – these may be provided by your employer or an external provider

• Reading books and articles

• Networking with colleagues

• Working on a project related to your job role

• Volunteering with local charities or community groups

• Taking part in an industry-related conference or workshop

Takeaway: Professional development is crucial for your career

What is professional development going to do for your career? By taking the time to work toward furthering your professional development, you will be preparing yourself for an exciting career in the future.

In other words, career growth can’t happen without the right amount of personal investment on your part. It will take some time and effort to cultivate your skills, but it is well worth it if you want to enjoy a long and successful career.

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Posted in Uncategorized

8 Ways To Learn To Love Yourself

Posted on by tracydee

Learning how to love yourself can be a difficult task. Most people are taught from a young age that self-love is selfish. Sometimes we just need a little help and direction on how to love ourselves as much as we love others.

I’m on this journey right there with you!

Accept the fact that you are your own person

You can’t be anyone else, and you can’t force yourself to change who you are. But that’s actually a good thing—it means that if you want to learn to love yourself, it’s going to have to come from inside of you, not from any external source. That’s why it’s so important for us to learn how to accept ourselves as we are and appreciate our strengths and weaknesses.

Talk positively to yourself

You may not think it, but you’re your own biggest critic. You’re always telling yourself that you aren’t good enough or that you need to improve, but the truth is that you are amazing just as you are. So next time a negative thought pops into your head, tell yourself instead how great you are!

person woman relaxation sitting. love yourself
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Let go of the toxic people in your life and focus on being happy with just you, for you

There are millions of people in the world who are ready to love and accept you for exactly who you are, and there’s no reason to spend your time pining over someone else when there are so many more deserving people out there waiting for a chance to show you how much they care about you.

Take a compliment

When someone gives you a compliment, don’t brush it off or make excuses. Accept it, and be grateful for it! The more you accept compliments, the easier it will become to believe them yourself.

Stop comparing yourself to others

We all do it. It’s practically a human instinct. But it can be so damaging for your self-esteem and your relationships with other people when you’re always looking at them and wishing you were like them.

It’s important to remember that just because someone else is taller or shorter than you, or has a different hair color, or likes different music than you do, or thinks differently about things, that doesn’t make them better or worse than you! It just makes them different. And that’s okay!

They are a part of the world and they deserve love just as much as anyone else does. So next time you catch yourself feeling jealous of someone else, try reminding yourself of this fact instead: everyone deserves love; even if they’re not exactly like me!

Go Easy On Yourself

It’s hard to love yourself when you’re constantly beating yourself up, right? So work on being kinder to yourself. That doesn’t mean you don’t set high standards for yourself or that you reward yourself with something small like a piece of chocolate every time you do something good—it means that even when things go wrong, you can accept that as part of life and try again. And if something good happens, don’t let it go to your head—just appreciate it fully and then move on.

You are not the thoughts in your head

This is a very important fact to remember as you learn to love yourself. You are not the thoughts that run through your head, and you don’t have to be defined by them.

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that we are our thoughts and feelings—especially if those thoughts and feelings have been negative for a long time. But it’s important to remember that these things can change, and soon enough, you’ll find yourself looking back on them with a laugh at how silly they seemed at the time!

Write down all the things you like about yourself

1. Start small.

Don’t try to write down every single thing you like about yourself. Just start with a few things that come to mind, and make sure they’re not just “I’m smart” or “I’m pretty.” Try to say something more specific, like “I’m good at making people laugh,” or “I’m really good at cooking.”

woman in brown shirt sitting on a concrete surface while writing on a notebook. love yourself
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2. Add details

Start with the basics, but then add more details to make it feel more real: “My favorite color is blue, and I love how it looks on me!” or “I have a dog named Lucky who is always happy to see me.”

3. Remember what makes you special

When you find yourself feeling down on yourself, remember all of the things that make you special—they’ll help keep you going!

Remember – learning to love yourself might not happen overnight

Loving yourself is an ongoing process, one that takes time, patience, and strength; however, this is a worthwhile goal that everyone should strive for. Trust me, I’m a work in progress myself!

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Posted in Goal, Mindset, productivity

Maximize Your Potential Right Now: The 6 Powerful Questions To Ask Yourself Every Day

Posted on by tracydee

I want you to succeed and maximize your potential. There I said it. Sure, you might think I’m just some anonymous person on the internet who is wasting their time writing this guide, but that’s not it. I want you to be better than yesterday and make your life an adventure.

The only way that can happen is if you are constantly suggesting to yourself that today will be different. It may sound cheesy, but changing your mindset is the most important part of maximizing your potential.

I’m a big believer in the power of questions. They’re a powerful tool for self-reflection, learning, and improvement.

So here are 6 questions to ask yourself to get you thinking about how you can maximize your potential

What matters most to me, and how am I doing on that front?

This is one of my favorite questions because it helps me zero in on what truly matters most to me. And once you know what’s important, it’s easier to make decisions about how you spend your time and energy.

This is a tough question, but it’s a great starting point. It forces you to take a step back and look at your life. What matters most to me? What am I working towards? How am I doing on that front?

If you’re like most people, you probably have multiple answers to that question. But if you ask yourself this question every day and really think about it, then you’ll start to see the patterns in your life. You’ll begin to understand what’s important to you and why it’s important.

Once you know what matters most to you, then it becomes easier to make better decisions about how to spend your time and energy each day. If something isn’t getting done or isn’t working out as well as it should be, then it might be time for a change or recalibration of some sort.

maximize your potential
Photo by Ann poan on Pexels.com

What’s my highest-leverage activity, and what is absolutely required for me to accomplish it?

The highest-leverage activity is the thing that will give you the most return on your time and energy.

The goal is to focus on doing that one thing first, then move on to the next thing, and so on.

The key is to identify the activities that generate results and move them higher in priority while eliminating those activities that don’t add value.

One way to identify your highest-leverage activity and maximize your potential is to use the Eisenhower matrix.

What am I committed to doing today?

What am I committed to doing today?

It’s a simple question, and yet it’s one that many people never ask themselves.

I’m not talking about what you should do — that’s easy. I’m talking about what you’re committed to doing.

Why is this important? Because if you want to maximize your potential, then you need to be clear about what you’re going to commit to doing each day. If a person isn’t clear about what he or she wants, then there’s no way they’ll ever get it!

Think about it: If someone doesn’t know where they’re going, how can they possibly get there?

And we often say yes to things way too quickly. It’s okay to wait and give new commitments a thought before saying yes or no.

How will I know when my day is a success?

The answer to that question is not as obvious as it may seem. If you’re like most people, you probably have a general idea about what makes a day successful. But there are many ways to define success.

Success could be defined by the number of hours you worked or the amount of money you made. Or it could be defined by the quality of your work, the relationships you built with your coworkers, or even by how well you managed your time and energy.

It’s important to understand that there are different measures for success in each area of life: work, family, friendships, and so on. When we’re able to measure our successes against our own personal benchmarks — instead of comparing ourselves against others — we can better identify our strengths and weaknesses.

If you can do that, then you can maximize your potential in all areas of life!

What do I need to do to ensure that I can enter this day refreshed and recharged?

Some suggestions:

1. Wake up early.

It’s a lot easier to start your day when you’re already awake than when you’re trying to drag yourself out of bed.

2. Exercise or meditate before work.

If you find that you’re always tired at work, try exercising or meditating in the morning before heading into the office or school. This will help boost your energy levels throughout the day and give you more focus and clarity when it’s time to get down to business.

3. Get enough sleep every night.

Sleep is important for everyone, but it’s especially necessary for those who want to maximize their potential in life and their career. Research has shown that sleeping too little or too much can lead to health problems and poor performance at work, so make sure that you get at least 7 hours of sleep per night — preferably 8 — if possible!

4. Start your day with positive thoughts and affirmations about what you want in life rather than focusing on what’s wrong with things or people around you (even if they do irritate you).

How will I track what I’m doing so I can make improvements over time?

If you want to maximize your potential, you need to engage in the process of making deliberate and thoughtful choices about how you spend your time. It’s not just about what you accomplish, but how you accomplish it.

If you want to maximize your potential in life, you need to be intentional about how you spend your days. And if you’re like most people, this can be a challenge. We live in an era where it’s easy to lose track of what we’re doing and why we’re doing it — especially when we have so many options available to us at any given moment.

One way I’ve found helpful is tracking what I’m doing so that I can make improvements over time. If you have a smartphone, there are plenty of apps out there that will help keep track of what you’re doing each day (Google Calendar is one example).

You can also use pen and paper or even sign up for a free service like Trello or Asana to keep track of your activities and projects. You don’t need fancy tools — just something that works for you!

Final Thoughts

Maximizing your potential is a very personal journey. It takes a great deal of introspection and self-awareness to identify the most important things that matter to you.

But there are some common themes that can be identified.

If you are going to maximize your potential, you must be willing to sacrifice some things in order to achieve others. For example, if you are willing to give up one hour of sleep per night in order to spend more time with family and friends, then that’s something worth doing.

If you’re willing to choose a career that pays less but allows more flexibility so that you can spend more time with family and friends, then that’s something worth doing too.

Some people want to maximize their potential by becoming rich; others want to maximize their potential by doing something meaningful; still others want both.

The important thing is not how much money or meaning you get from life; it’s how much happiness those things give you. And happiness is quite subjective — what makes one person happy might not make another person happy at all.

woman holding gray hat
Posted in Goal, Manifestation, Mindset

12 Simple And Totally Weird Confidence Building Exercises

Posted on by tracydee

Do you really need confidence building exercises?

Some people seem to be born with a high level of confidence, but for the rest of us, it’s something that must be earned and constantly developed. When you start thinking negatively about yourself, it’s hard to convince yourself otherwise.

You need to go beyond positive thinking and really believe that what you’re saying is true. If you aren’t sure how to get started with this, consider working through these 12 simple activities.

Compliment a stranger

It might feel awkward, but it will make you feel good. When people hear compliments, it makes them feel good about themselves and about the world around them. You never know where your compliment may go; it could end up back in your lap! This is one of the most fun confidence building exercises.

confidence building exercises
Photo by Diego Ramirez on Pexels.com

Stand up straight

Stand up straight and tall with your shoulders back. Hold this position for a few seconds. Let go, relax and repeat. Of the confidence building exercises, this one will help you feel more confident because it makes you feel like you’re on top of things.

Talk to yourself

When we’re alone, it’s easy to talk to ourselves. We may think that talking to ourselves is a sign of being crazy, but there are many benefits of talking to yourself. This may sound like one of the weirder confidence building exercises.

When you talk about your problems and concerns with yourself, you can find solutions for them easily. You can’t solve a problem until you know what it is and have identified the root cause. When we talk about our problems with others, they give us suggestions or advice that doesn’t always help us solve our problems.

Talking to yourself gives you an opportunity to analyze your situation from different perspectives and come up with unique solutions that would never occur to anyone else.

Make eye contact with people you make purchases from or talk to throughout the day (barista, cashier, etc)

It’s an easy way to start small and build up your confidence. The first time I did this I was surprised at how many people looked away as soon as they saw me looking at them! It was kind of embarrassing but also helped me realize that people aren’t always looking at you because they hate you — it’s just human nature.

Call a business and ask to speak to someone you admire

This one is totally easy and one of the most surprisingly effective confidence building exercises. Find someone who inspires you and call their office. Tell them who you are, what you do, and ask if they would be willing to meet up over coffee or drinks sometime soon. Even if they say no, this exercise is great for building confidence because it teaches us that rejection isn’t scary — it’s just part of life. This exercise makes the top of the list of confidence building exercises.

confidence building exercises
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

Smile at everyone you see for an entire day

Smiling is one of the most powerful ways to boost your self-esteem and happiness. It also helps other people feel good, too! So when you smile at someone as they walk by on the street or in an elevator, they’re more likely to smile back at you and it creates a positive feedback loop. This positive feedback loop is an excellent addition to your confidence building exercises.

Listen to music that makes you happy and energetic

Music has an amazing power to influence moods and emotions. So crank up the tunes and dance around like nobody’s watching! This can be a great way to get yourself in the mood for an upcoming event where you want to feel confident and energized. Right before I defended my dissertation, I had a mini-dance party on Zoom with some friends!

Unfollow people on social media who make you feel bad about yourself

Social media can be a great way to stay connected with friends, but it also has the potential to make us feel like crap about ourselves. If you’re feeling down on yourself, take some time to unfollow people who post things that make you feel bad or insecure.

Wear a super confident outfit

Dress up in something that makes you feel good about yourself. The more comfortable you are, the more confident you’ll be.

Make a list of all your accomplishments

Write down all the things you’ve accomplished in life, whether it’s getting good grades or achieving a certain goal at work or school. Be sure to include big wins as well as small ones, because even if you don’t feel confident about yourself right now, there’s no doubt that you have some amazing qualities and abilities!

Do something small and silly to embarrass yourself on purpose

You’re going to do something small and silly to embarrass yourself on purpose.

You’re going to do it in front of a mirror, so you can see exactly how you look as you do it.

You’re going to make a fool of yourself and then laugh at yourself for doing so.

Why? Because we all want to be confident in our own skin. Sometimes, we get caught up in thinking about how others see us, instead of just being ourselves.

This exercise is designed to help you overcome that fear, and remind yourself that there’s nothing wrong with being who you are — even if it means making a fool of yourself every now and then!

Compliment yourself every day for a week

Start by looking in the mirror and saying something positive about yourself out loud. Then make a habit of doing this every morning and evening, no matter how hard it feels at first. It’s best if you begin with one-word compliments, such as “I’m smart” or “I’m funny”. Once you’ve gotten used to this exercise it’s time to go bigger! Try complimenting yourself on more than just one aspect of yourself each day until eventually, you’re confident enough to say nice things about all aspects of your personality.

Final thoughts on confidence building exercises

By consistently striving to improve yourself, or just small bits at a time, you will begin to feel better about yourself in the long run. You’ll have a better sense of who you are, and that is the first step toward becoming a better person. So what’s the next step? Start trying out some of these weird exercises to learn more about yourself and remember that no one else can do them for you.

dawn couple love people
Posted in Goal

How can setting goals help you in the long term? 5 things to consider now

Posted on by tracydee

You may have wondered, how can setting goals help you in the long term? I use goal-setting methods for my own life in every setting. It allows me to have my goals in front of me throughout the year, so I can see what steps I need to take next, and provides an outline to follow if I change my goals.  

Goal setting also allows me to reexamine what I am doing and make changes if something isn’t working.  The year is long enough to get a lot of things done, so let’s look at some ways you can use goal setting throughout the year and beyond!

Clarifying what you want brings clarity to your life

How can setting goals help you in the long term when it comes to gaining clarity?

This is the first step in setting goals. It is a process of defining, refining and prioritizing what you want. This clarification process can be done alone or with a friend or coach. It is important that you are honest and objective with yourself during this process, as it will help you achieve the results that you desire.

The second step is setting specific, measurable, achievable and timely goals. These goals should be tied to your vision statement and be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic (and) Time-bound.

The third step is creating an action plan that includes steps to achieve each goal with dates/time frames for completion. For example: “By March 1st I will have successfully completed my first fitness test at boot camp (specific).”

How can setting goals help you in the long term?
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Goals help you to find purpose and meaning in your work and life

How can setting goals help you in the long term when it comes to finding purpose and meaning?

When people talk about goals, they often think of them in terms of productivity and achievement. But there’s another way to think about them: as a way to find direction and purpose in life. This is especially true for people who feel that their work is meaningless or unfulfilling.

Goals can help you find purpose and meaning in your work and life because they make it easier for you to understand what success means to you. Once you know what success looks like, then it becomes easier to make decisions about how you spend your time and effort.

This doesn’t mean that everyone should set goals — sometimes it’s better not to have any particular destination in mind when doing something. But if it works for you, then setting goals can be an important tool for finding fulfillment in your work

You’ll challenge yourself to grow as you pursue goals

How can setting goals help you in the long term and help you grow?

Setting goals is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape our lives and make them more meaningful. They can help us reach our full potential, achieve greater success, and feel more fulfilled in our lives.

When you set goals, you’re telling yourself that “this is what I want.” And by doing so, you’re giving yourself permission to move towards it. You’re giving yourself permission to take action on what matters most to you in life.

But if you don’t know where you’re going, how will anyone else?

Setting goals leads to more success

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to accomplish more than others? It’s not because they’re smarter, have more money or are better at hiding their flaws.

The answer lies in their approach to life. They have a habit of setting goals and achieving them.

Setting goals is one of the most important habits you can develop if you want to succeed in any area of life, whether it’s career, health or finances.

Having a specific goal helps you focus on what matters most, instead of getting overwhelmed by all the things that you could be doing.

black and white dartboard. how can setting goals help you in the long term
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Goals can keep you motivated

How can setting goals help you in the long term when it comes to motivation?

Setting goals is a great way to stay motivated. Progressing towards a goal provides a sense of accomplishment, and it shows you what areas of your life need improvement. If you set a goal that is too big and hard to reach, it can actually be counterproductive because it will just cause you to feel overwhelmed. It’s important to set realistic goals that you can achieve with time and effort. You should also set short-term goals so that you have something to work towards in the short run as well as long-term ones for the future.

So, how can setting goals help you in the long term?

If you want to achieve something in life, setting goals and working towards them is the first step. If you really want something bad enough, go after it. Don’t give up easily. Be hard-working and diligent, but most of all, do the research and don’t be afraid to ask for help. And maintain this mindset because your goals will change over time.

Setting reasonable goals and working towards them can help you stay motivated and see your long-term vision in a clearer, more structured light. Setting goals forces you to be organized, systematic, and analytical in a way that isn’t always natural—but it’s also worth the effort.

Posted in Goal, productivity

Creative Ways To Increase Your Productivity Working From Home

Posted on by tracydee

If you want to increase productivity working from home, and find more ways to earn income working from home, there are a lot of things that you need to know.

Being able to work from home can be a dream for some and a nightmare for others. While working from home can promote increased productivity, many struggle to stay focused and on task.

Use the 50-10 Rule

When you’re working from home, it’s easy to get distracted by all the things that are going on around you: The television is on in the other room, there’s a dog barking outside, or someone is knocking at the door. To help stay focused on your work, use the 50-10 rule. Set an alarm for 50 minutes. When it goes off, take a ten-minute break before starting another 50-minute stint of work. This will keep you on track without feeling like you’re being regimented by an employer who expects you to sit at your desk all day long.

The Power Hour

The idea behind The Power Hour is to set aside a specific time period each day where you do nothing but work on one project. This can be very helpful if you have multiple projects that need to be completed, or if you feel like you never seem to get anything done because there are so many distractions.

The Power Hour should be scheduled at the same time every day (e.g., 9am-10am). You can use this time however you wish; it could be for one project only or for multiple projects. Just make sure that you stick with the same time slot every day so that it becomes part of your routine! This can help productivity working from home.

productivity working from home
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Know When to Stop Working

If you’re going to work from home, it’s important to set boundaries. You might not want to get up at 6 a.m., but if that’s what your job requires, then do it! Learn how to say no when necessary and don’t feel guilty about it either! If your boss is asking for something unreasonable, then explain why it isn’t possible for you at this time and ask if there’s anything else that could be done instead.

Designate a Workspace

One of the biggest challenges of increasing productivity working from home is keeping yourself away from distractions. If there are too many distractions around, it can be very difficult to get anything done.

To help with this problem, I recommend that you designate a workspace where you will spend most of your time working. This may be an office or another room where there isn’t much going on besides work—or it could be as simple as setting up a desk in a quiet corner of your house.

Make To-Do Lists and Prioritize

To-do lists are great for keeping track of everything that needs to get done. The key is to make sure you’re prioritizing them so the most important stuff gets done first.

If you have several tasks that need to be completed by the end of the day, break them down into smaller chunks and prioritize each one based on how much time it will take or how important it is in relation to other projects. This way, when things go wrong or you get distracted by something else, you’ll know exactly where to go back to pick up where you left off.

Reward Yourself for Accomplishments

If you have a hard time staying motivated while working from home, try rewarding yourself for accomplishments instead of setting goals for how much work you want to accomplish each day or week. For example, if you finish writing an article or book chapter without procrastinating too much, reward yourself with a nice dinner out or a trip to the movies with friends. Don’t wait until the end of the month or year either — reward yourself as soon as possible after accomplishing something important!

Takeaway
These are a few techniques that can increase your productivity working from home.