Reader While this is the time of preparing for and attending holiday celebrations and finishing up work, I encourage you to carve out some time to appreciate this past year and prep for the next. The turning of the calendar lends itself to pausing and preparing. It’s not only a time to celebrate the holidays, but also to celebrate who we are and where we’re going. These four strategic and specific actions, done before the end of the year, can set you up for a successful and fulfilling new...
27 days ago • 2 min read
Reader As we approach the new year, you may be thinking about goals, resolutions, and how to make 2025 your best year yet. Or, if you're like me, you’re just trying to get through the holidays, and then you'll get serious soon enough about those plans, which may involve a scramble at year end. Both are valid approaches, though what isn't ideal is the belief that you must have detailed plans and resolutions for your year to be successful. I have a trick I’ve been using for over a decade that...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Reader As a productivity coach, I'm constantly exploring new ways to help my clients achieve their goals and unlock their full potential, whether it’s working with me or not. I know what it’s like to have limited resources and to need to make a change, so it’s part of my mission to provide accessible packages and lots of free resources. This time of year isn't only a season for celebrating, it's one of reflection and planning, and the art of self-coaching can be incredibly helpful for doing...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Reader If your life has been like mine, it’s been stressful lately. That's life, especially as the holidays approach, but this year feels a bit extra with the election too, I think. Add to that the constant news cycle, work demands, and personal challenges, it can be tough to stay positive and resilient. What to do? As cliche as it sounds on the surface, it’s time to offer Jon Kabat-Zinn’s quote: “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf”. As a mindfulness teacher, he offered this...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Reader In honor of a magical season, I have a magical productivity combination for you: the 80/20 principle and your holiday plans. Why? Because applying this technique to your choices will reduce your stress and make space to make merry. The holiday season, while a time of joy and connection, is also one filled with stress. With the financial pressures, family dynamics, social obligations, and disruption of routines, many people find themselves feeling overwhelmed. How do we sidestep these...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Reader There was a campaign in the 80s called “Just Say No”. Sound familiar? It was everywhere, and the simplicity of the phrase (like Nike's "Just Do It') makes it memorable. But I take issue with both of those due to one word: "just". When you put the word “just” in front of an action it oversimplifies it and makes you feel like there is something wrong with you if you don’t do the thing. Not so! Please join me in removing that limiting word, embracing self-compassion, and finding the best...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Reader Have you ever felt like you're doing everything you can but you still don't feel right? You're taking care of yourself, but it doesn't feel like it's helping. Sometimes it's because we really need different selfcare, but often it's because we overlook a major cause of overwhelm. We have something called invisible stressors--underlying challenges that build up over time and undermine your efforts in a quiet, sneaky way. Granted, not all stressors are invisible. Some are obvious and you...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Reader No matter what we do, or how much we juggle, overwhelm is something we all face and helping you overcome it is something I love to do! This week, I answered questions from listeners on the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast that all relate in different ways to overwhelm and offered several practical strategies. Here's a summary: Energy Management - Treat overwhelm like a power outage. Focus only on the absolute essentials and defer everything else temporarily so you can maximize the energy you...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Reader As a multi-passionate entrepreneur and mom, I know how easy it is to get caught up in the never-ending cycle of work, caregiving, and people-pleasing. I also know from personal experience that prioritizing your personal time is not selfish and not optional, it's essential. I know this because I didn’t do it enough when I was a caregiver for my mom (who had Alzheimer's) while also raising my two very young kiddos. I spent years in survival mode and rarely took time for me. I denied...
3 months ago • 2 min read