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Mastering The Art of Motivation

Jaclyn Baker
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Have you ever started a certain project excited and ready to take it on…

But as time went on, you started noticing your motivation dip? 

It happens more often than you may think – especially with larger tasks.

Breaking tasks up into three sections: the begging, middle, and end can help make the overall process much easier.

The Beginning

Motivation comes from within, and it is often easier to get motivated while doing tasks we love. 

Having to do something and wanting to do something are very different things. 

Going into a project with a positive mindset from the very beginning can’t necessarily guarantee a smooth journey. But it will make it much more likely.

Starting a project with a positive attitude and a clear end in mind can help give you the drive to keep going even when it’s hard. 

The Middle

Having a clear goal is the first step. 

The second step is putting it into action. 

Remember, you don’t have to finish everything on your list in one sitting. 

In fact, it’s often ideal not to.

Our brain can only go for so long without a break. 

Progress takes time. If you catch yourself starting to lose motivation at the halfway mark – take a break.

You may need an hour, or you may need a day. Listen to what your body is trying to tell you and respect its limits and the process. 

The End

Not all of us get stuck in the middle of a task.

Some of us thrive during the start and middle but slowly start crashing towards the end.

Even though you’re so close to being done, all you want to do is walk away. 

Staying motivated to finish a project is much easier said than done. 

It isn’t all about willpower.

It’s about understanding your patterns and what makes you tick.

If you are the kind of person who needs regular breaks, take them!

If you are the kind of person who thrives working with music in the background, listen to music.

There isn’t a set-in-stone rule book for staying motivated. If there was, we’d all be following it. 

When in doubt, follow your instincts and trust the process.

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Overcoming Procrastination in 2022

Jaclyn Baker
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I don’t know what I should do.

I am afraid I will fail.

I keep getting distracted.

I don’t have what it takes to move forward. 

If any of those thoughts sound familiar, you are not alone. Starting something new can be scary. And when something scares us, we can often procrastinate. 

The limiting beliefs we listed above are feelings. And feelings are not facts. 

Just because something feels true doesn’t mean it is. Remember – limiting beliefs are easy to form. But they are also easy to break. 

Success Breeds Success

Small wins are far from small.

Appreciating and acknowledging previous small wins can give you a newfound confidence boost when you need it the most.

Thinking about previous success stories can help remind you that you are strong and have what it takes to succeed in whatever you want to do. 

The next time you catch yourself feeling afraid to start a new task – don’t dive in headfirst. Instead, do something unrelated that you know you excel in.

Doing so can help get your creative juices flowing and your confidence soaring.

Having No Limits is Limiting

Being faced with too many options can be stressful. 

Having unlimited options in front of us can often lead to feelings of indecisiveness.  

Instead of spending time and energy sorting through dozens of options, pick the one that feels best at that moment.

You can always change your mind later on if need be.

Act The Way You Want to Feel

It’s so easy to tell yourself, “I will go to the gym or apply for that job once I feel motivated.”

When we wait for motivation, we risk it never finding us.  

When we go out and find motivation, we secure it.

We can’t always force ourselves to feel a certain way out of the blue. 

However, we can go out of our way to engage in activities that we know bring us joy, confidence and motivation.

If listening to a certain song makes you feel upbeat and motivated, listen to it more often!

“Action will destroy your procrastination.”  – Og Mandino

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New Year’s Resolutions – Stages of Change

Jaclyn Baker
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By: Tanya Kramer, LPC

Everyone’s New Year’s resolution journey is unique, and what works for someone else may not work for you.

With that being said, here are a handful of best practices that may be able to help you set resolutions this year.

Image Source

Consider what “Stage of Change” you are at right now. 

Please see the Stages of Change graphic above. 

Once you’ve acknowledged where you are at now, see if you can move a step closer to taking action. 

Then you can decide if you are ready to take action by January 1st. If you are not, that is completely fine – don’t rush it. 

Make a plan before taking action and then decide when you would like to start taking action. 

On the designated date, take action on your resolution. This date doesn’t have to be January 1st if you need more time.

If you slip, hold yourself with grace. What did you learn? Are there additional steps you may need to add to your plan? Take action again.

How Do I Make a Plan Before Taking “Action”?

While creating your plan, you’ll want to think about the current patterns and behaviours you would like to change.

You will also want to see if anything needs to be addressed before getting started. 

If you are a visual learner, it can be helpful to draw yourself a map.

Brainstorm any barriers that might impact your success and then come up with possible solutions. 

Example – Quitting Smoking

 

In the example above – the individual realized that they tend to smoke while studying, in the morning, when they are bored, and during social events. 

Quitting smoking or any habit for that matter can’t be achieved overnight, and there may be some setbacks along the way.

Now, setbacks are all part of the process. Even if your journey doesn’t turn out as planned or takes a bit longer than anticipated, don’t give up!

You can achieve anything you set your mind to!

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International Human Rights Day

Jaclyn Baker
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December 10 marks International Human Rights Day. It is a time to familiarize ourselves with and recognize the rights that everyone is entitled to as a human, regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality, or social status.

This day was created after the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948. It was the first legal document that advocated for fundamental human rights to be universally protected.

The United Nations website indicates that the themes of this year are Equality and Article 1 of the UDHR that states “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

Additionally, they promote the idea that the path to a more fair society that addresses poverty, inequality and discrimination is by adopting measures that are grounded in human rights. You can find more information on their website International Human Rights Day.  

Explore additional resources below:

Human Rights Day Information & Resources For Kids 

Universal Declaration Of Human Rights Timeline 

11 Books To Read For Human Rights Day

What Are The Universal Human Rights? – Benedetta Berti | YouTube

International Day Of Persons With Disabilities

Jaclyn Baker
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Nearly 15 percent of the world’s population has some kind of disability according to the World Health Organization. And yet, this population is underrepresented in the media and in our communities.  

December 3, is an annual day of observance started in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly to “promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society.” 

The United Nations indicates that “Even under normal circumstances, persons with disabilities are less likely to access health care, education, employment and to participate in the community. An integrated approach is required to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind.”

Here are some ways for us all to help recognize this day and work towards inclusion for people of all abilities:

  • Only boost disabled creators content on social media platforms like TikTok, 
  • Educate yourself on our history and civil rights movements in regards to people with disabilities
  • Think about the ways in which the things you do can be more inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities, at work, in your personal life, and online.

You can learn more with the resources below:

International Day Of Persons With Disabilities 

How We Can All Celebrate The International Day Of Persons With Disabilities

Stories | International Day Of People With Disability 

See The Ability In Disability | YouTube

15 Best Books About Disability To Add To Your TBR List

Building Bridges

Jaclyn Baker
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We live in a world that has become quite polarized. 

Despite the frustration that can come from interactions, there are positive things to learn from differing perspectives. Have you ever noticed that when you meet someone with a different viewpoint in person, rather than online, you have more empathy for their point of view? Taking the anonymity out of an interaction can help the other side seem more real.

Some guidelines for embracing diversity:

Have an open mind: If someone has a different outlook than you, take the time to hear them out and try to understand where they are coming from.

Show empathy: Try to get to know the person better without judgement.

Challenge stereotypes: Become more aware of the language you use to describe others. Is it accurate?

Share your beliefs: Try to share in a way that is non-judgemental to those with different beliefs.  Help people understand where you are coming from.

Accepting others as they are:

  • Increases your own personal growth.
  • Decreases resentments as you can focus on what is positive instead of what is negative.
  • Brings about closeness with others
  • Allows you to let go of control of the situation

Embracing the diversity in our society is how we can learn and grow. By accepting each other regardless of our differences, we can find ways to connect genuinely.

Embracing differences might mean trying to understand different opinions without judgement.  And it can be challenging as others might not be as dedicated to making changes as you are. 

At the end of the day, we are all human. We all experience fears, joys, and laughter in our own way. 

We may not all be the same, but that’s why it’s even more important to acknowledge and embrace these differences. They are what makes everyone special. 

You can explore these resources to learn more: 

Empathy – Accept Other For Who They Are

6 Steps For Building An Inclusive Workplace

11 Books To Read If You Want To Be A More Inclusive Leader

Teaching Kindness And Acceptance Toward Differences | For Parents 

How To Seek Out And Celebrate Diversity In And Out Of Your Community

The Power Of Bucket Lists

Jaclyn Baker
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Goals come in many forms. 

We have big goals we’d like to accomplish in the next few years, mini-goals we’d like to accomplish every few days and then we have those dream goals we’d like to accomplish “one day.”

You know what? 

That “one day” goal may feel out of reach right now – but you are capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for. 

Did you know that we are much more likely to accomplish goals that are written down? 

Writing down goals or dreams can help make them feel more tangible and within reach.

Creating a dream list – also known as a bucket list can be a fun way to map out our goals, no matter how big or small they may be. 

There Are No Limits

You can do anything you set your mind to.

You have the power to create a life you love. 

Never stop thinking about and imagining all the endless possibilities.

Joy + Satisfaction 

How great do you feel after crossing something big off your list? 

Pretty great, right?!

Bucket lists are designed to bring joy and satisfaction. 

Every time we cross something off our list, it signifies a new milestone.

A New Sense Of Purpose

Bucket lists are a great way to map out the activities and experiences we want for ourselves. 

Don’t be afraid to dream!

Sitting down and reflecting on what you really want can give you a new sense of purpose. 

The future is bigger and brighter than any of us can imagine. 

You have the power to open your door to opportunities. 

“One way to keep momentum going is to have constantly greater goals.”– Michael Korda

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National Stress Awareness Day

Jaclyn Baker
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November 3rd is National Stress Awareness Day. This day is celebrated on the first Wednesday in November.  

Everyone experiences stress at times and it can even be beneficial as it can help you respond better to some situations. But too much stress can interfere with your quality of life and result in physical and mental issues. Learning how to identify and reduce stressors is why National Stress Awareness Day exists.

Here are some ideas for helping you to decrease stress:

You Can Learn More Here

National Stress Awareness Day 

Stress Management Tools And Resources

Stress Management: Breathing Exercises For Relaxation

Your Stress-Busting Checklist

How To Relax | 8 Relaxation Tips For Your Mental Health (YouTube)