Letters to My Future Self

letterOne of my favorite assignments I was given in elementary school was to write letters to our “future selves”, a few years in advance. The principal kept the notes and distributed them when we got to the designated grade. We wrote down what was important to us then, what we thought we would be doing when we opened the letter, our fears, hopes, etc. Read more

How to Take a Break and Get Stuff Done

(Photo Credit: www.Shutterstock.com)

(Photo Credit: www.shutterstock.com)

Most days I’m so concerned with my lists and getting things done that when I do have some down time, I freeze.  I think, “Shouldn’t I be doing something? There’s got to be something I can do right now.”  I forget that it’s OK to just do nothing and not have something planned out for every second of every day.

On this blog I talk a lot about taking regular breaks. However, when you’re feeling busy and rushed off your feet — I get that it can be tough to take a moment to slow down. Most of us eat lunch at our desk or read emails while we make coffee and we feel as though we have to be accountable for every minute. But this frenzied work ethic can actually be harmful to your productivity. It’s time to join me and give yourself permission to relax during those down moments.  It’s amazing how much of a boost in your efficiency you’ll feel if you just take it easy on yourself.

Because I can’t do anything — even taking a break — without a list, here are some ideas for you: Read more

I Spent My Weekend With Oprah!

Me and MomAs soon as tickets for “Oprah’s The Life You Want Weekend” went on sale – I snagged two tickets for my mother and me. I knew we had to be in the audience and I’m still beaming from our experience. The tour visits eight cities including Newark, NJ, which is where we were this past weekend. We were given workbooks, which you know I love! And special bracelets that lit up with inspiration. The tour included Oprah and her handpicked trailblazers: Mark Nepo, (who btw also published a book with my publisher, Viva Editions!) Rob Bell, Elizabeth Gilbert (remember Eat, Pray, Love?) and Iyanla Vanzant. Stedman and Gayle were there too of course. Read more

Buzzwords Your Boss Hates

Words Your Boss HatesIf you work in a office your probably familiar with cringe-worthy business buzzwords like ‘deep dive’ and ‘crunch time.’ When you spend all day in a business environment it’s normal for these words to slip into our vocabulary, but it could be harming you more than you think.

New research from the staffing service firm Accountemps reveals all the common phrases your boss is sick of hearing:

  • “Out of pocket”
  • “Deep dive”
  • “Forward-thinking”
  • “Dynamic”
  • “Let me get back to you.”
  • “Pick your brain”
  • “Employee engagement”
  • “I am overwhelmed.”
  • “Crunch time”
  • “Think outside the box.”

For the rest of the phrases – click here.

So next time your planning on suggesting your colleagues ‘think outside the box’ maybe try it yourself first!

What office buzzwords do you hate?

5 Ways to Boost Your Confidence Instantly

confidenceEven the best ideas can sometimes fall apart when they are presented with doubt and anxiety. In fact, a confident presentation style can sometimes be just as important as the ideas being presented. While believing in yourself and in your plans is easier said then done, luckily there are ways to trick yourself into feeling more confident.

1. How You Stand – At a recent TED talk, Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist, suggested that standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain.  it might even have an impact on our chances for success. Stand in a power pose, with your hands on your hips to feel more in command of a situation. Read more