Become a ClientCareers

gratitude

Do We Really Thrive On Structure?

Jaclyn Baker
, , ,

Let’s talk about structure, shall we? 

Having structure is more than just staying organized. 

Maintaining structure can build confidence and help you stay on track throughout the day. 

Have you ever had one of those days where you had a list a mile long and had no idea where to start?

We all have! 

Adding structure to your day may not be able to eliminate those moments completely…

But it can certainly help dial them down.  Remember – your entire day doesn’t have to be perfect. 

All you can do is start slow and work your way up at your own pace. 

Your Sleep Schedule

Shortcuts aren’t always a bad thing. But they do have their time and their place. 

Your sleep is one of those things that needs your undivided attention and should be taken seriously. 

When we are overtired, it is difficult to think clearly and put things in perspective, which can make it harder to make decisions throughout the day. 

Going to sleep and waking up at the same time can help take out the guesswork and keep your body on track. 

It all comes down to changing your mindset. Instead of telling yourself, you have to go to sleep, tell yourself it’s time to go to sleep. 

Sleep shouldn’t feel like a chore you have to do. It should feel like a treat! 

Reflection/Quiet Time

None of us are superheroes, and we all need some quiet time throughout the day. 

An uninterrupted moment free of distractions or overstimulating environments can help you to unplug and reflect. 

Let’s be honest. It can be difficult to relax and enjoy the moment when your phone is buzzing every 5 minutes

You deserve to have that time for yourself where you can think about what you’re grateful for and highlight all the ways you’ve made a mark on the day.

Read Morechevron_right

No One Is You And That Is Your Superpower

Jaclyn Baker
, , ,

Here’s a quick question for you. 

What top three qualities do you love most about yourself?

Okay – now here is a second question. 

When was the last time you sat down and thought about all the amazing qualities you have? 

Sometimes we can forget to remind ourselves how much we have to offer.

No one is you, and that is your superpower. 

View Yourself With a Healthy Outlook 

We all have those days where it feels like nothing goes our way. 

Every “bad” day has the potential to turn into a great one. 

All it takes is a little perspective shifting. 

Even if something feels overwhelming or stressful right now, that does not mean you will feel this way forever.

Believe that you can handle anything – and you will! 

Listen To What Makes You Happy

Listing and respecting what makes you happy in life can significantly boost your self-esteem.

If reading just one chapter of a book makes you feel good, keep on doing it. 

There is no need to put excess pressure on yourself just to make someone else happy. 

Walking away from something that does not bring you joy is not quitting – it is respecting your time and wellbeing.

After all, the most important relationship you will ever have is the one with yourself.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Read Morechevron_right

When’s The Last Time You Had a Great Laugh?

Jaclyn Baker
, , ,

Have you ever had one of those days where everything that could go wrong did?

You set your alarm for the wrong time…

Ran out of your favorite cereal…

And forgot to wash your only fancy shirt to wear to that important meeting…

Yup – those days are not fun, but we have them. 

When you want to lighten the mood, sometimes the best thing you can do is laugh it off. 

How, you may ask? Keep on reading. 

Change The Story You Tell Yourself

It isn’t always so easy to turn an embarrassing or tough situation around, but laughter has the power to boost our mood and change our perspective.

When something doesn’t go as planned, we have two choices.

We can either feel bad about it and let it impact our day.

Or, we can say to ourselves, “Yes – that happened, and everything is going to be okay. Let’s look for the humor in the situation.”

You Can Take On Anything

With laughter comes perspective. 

Sure, maybe you took a wrong turn and got lost, or accidentally spilled coffee all over your desk…

But we’re all human, and sometimes the unexpected happens. 

And you know what else? Those unexpected events usually turn out to be the best stories and memories. Being able to laugh at yourself and try again can give you a brand new sense of confidence. 

“Never be afraid to laugh at yourself, after all, you could be missing out on the joke of the century.” – Barry Humphries

Read Morechevron_right

Discovering Your Authentic Self

Jaclyn Baker
, ,

To learn who you are and what you want sometimes you need to unlearn what others tell you.

Authenticity comes from within. 

It’s natural to want to know how you fit in the world and find your place. 

But you don’t have to sacrifice who you are to do that. 

Trust Your Decisions

Do you lean on others to make decisions for you?

Don’t give others the power to change the way you feel about your decisions. There is nothing wrong with asking others for their point of view and seeking advice. But if you disagree with their recommendations, you don’t have to take them. 

It’s so easy to procrastinate on making decisions due to the fear of making the wrong one. 

Just because you fear something doesn’t make it true. 

Remember that no one knows you better than you know yourself.

The best thing you can do is trust your instincts and let them guide you.

Repeat Affirmations

It’s okay to think about your needs! Even though there’s no “I” in team, there is one in independence. 

Practicing daily affirmations can help keep you on track and tap into the power you have inside.

They can also help you remind you who you are and what makes you unique.

Life is your journey to discovery and every day is a learning opportunity. 

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” E.E. Cummings

Read Morechevron_right

Asking For Help When You Need It

Jaclyn Baker
, , ,

Have you ever felt uncomfortable or put off asking for help when you needed it?

Our days aren’t always smooth sailing, and we all need a helping hand from time to time. None of us know everything – in fact, life would be pretty boring if we did.

If you are ready to change the way you view asking for help, keep on reading.

Accept The Struggle

There is no such thing as perfection – but there is such a thing as progress.

Even when you feel confident completing a task solo, there is nothing wrong with wanting to learn more and/or seeking another point of view.

After all, there is always more than one way to do something.

Even though your method may be working well right now, that doesn’t mean it can’t be improved upon.

It takes strength and courage to accept that we don’t know everything.

There is No I in Team 

Now, on one hand, it’s important to be independent and make an effort to figure things out. But at the same time, there is value in teamwork!

Not everything in life can be read about in a book or found on the internet. Some tasks require another set of hands and eyes to tackle. Just because you can do something alone doesn’t always mean you should!

“Asking for help isn’t weak, it’s a great example of how to take care of yourself.” – Charlie Brown

Read Morechevron_right

Not Feeling Motivated? Here’s What To Do

Jaclyn Baker
, , ,

Motivation doesn’t always show up when we want it to.

Waiting until you get that burst of energy to start or finish a project isn’t exactly ideal, especially when time is of the essence. 

When motivation doesn’t strike, don’t give up! Try out healthy habits instead.

Begin With The End in Mind

Take time to reflect on what is important to you and begin with the end in mind.

Just imagine how proud and accomplished you’ll feel when that task gets checked off your list. 

Thinking about how complicated or scary a task at hand may be certainly won’t make the process any easier.

In fact, it can bring on anxiety and stress. 

And you know what? Once you actually get started, the task may be easier than you originally anticipated. 

Start Small & Work Your Way Up

Ease into your new habits slowly and start small. 

What sounds easier….

Doing 100 pushups a day for a week?

or,

Doing one pushup today, two pushups tomorrow, three pushups the next day etc.?

Yes, it will take you a bit longer to get to the 100 pushup goal – but the overall process will be much less overwhelming, and you can work at your own pace. 

The more you practice committing your time and energy to something, the more you get used to doing it – even if you don’t love it. 

Link Habits To Your Routine

Establishing a new habit can be a lot easier if you link it to an existing one.

Here’s an example. 

Let’s say you’d love to start reading every day but feel like you don’t have the time. You work long hours, and by the time you get home, all you want to do is spend time with family and go to sleep.

A great hack is to pick just one daily habit you already have and combine the two – such as drinking coffee on the porch. 

All you’ll have to do is bring a book out a book when you drink your coffee so that you can do both at the same time.

If you keep at it long enough, before you know it, that activity will likely become second nature. 

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” -Jim Ryun

Read Morechevron_right

Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining

Jaclyn Baker
, , ,

A change in mindset can transform a negative feeling into a positive one. Every cloud has a silver lining. 

Question Your Thoughts

You have the power to control your thoughts. Every single negative thought can be changed into a positive one.

It does take practice and consistency, but it can be done. 

The next time you notice a negative thought sneaking up on you, stop what you’re doing and take some time to question it.

Why do you think that thought entered your mind in the first place? Did something happen in the past that made you cautious? Or are you experiencing a bad gut feeling?

Just because you think something doesn’t make it true – even if it feels that way right now.

Challenging your thoughts can help you look at events from several different points of view. 

Will This Matter One Month From Now?

Remember, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

Just because you can’t see it right now doesn’t mean it isn’t there. 

When something is bothering you, an excellent question to ask yourself is…

“Will this matter a month from now?”

Bringing a little bit of the future into the present can help remind you that even though you may be feeling bad right now, the feeling will pass. 

Practice Positive Thinking

None of us are perfect, and significant lifestyle changes won’t happen overnight. But if you put the work in, anything is possible.

Every small step is one step in the right direction.

Looking at one situation/event a day through a different lens is an amazing place to start.

Read Morechevron_right