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5 Spring Reset Ideas That Don’t Involve a Cleanse or a Rebrand
I’m not doing a “new me” this spring. I don’t have the energy for some full-blown reinvention. And truthfully? I kind of like the old me. She’s really been through it, but still has a few endearing quirks. For example, she has this thing for reality TV, goes to bed weirdly early, and keeps a list of oddly specific notes in her reminder app. (Current favorite: “Organize the pantry, toss the mystery tea bags, and stop pretending the decorative lentils are part of a meal plan.”) Instead, what I am doing is a soft reset. Not a cleanse (been there, done that!). Not a challenge (have enough of those, thank…
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3 Easy SMART Goal Hacks to Make Goals Actually Stick
I’ve set hundreds of SMART goals in my life. I’ve even set a bunch of DUMB goals, dozens of backward goals, a handful of FAST goals, and even a few BHAGs. Heck, I’ve even written dozens of articles (and an ebook!) all about goal setting. So, I guess you can say I’ve done a lot of research into what makes a goal one that is actually achievable. But don’t worry, this isn’t yet another how-to guide for setting goals. This is a realistic look at why some goals stick, and others don’t… even if they follow all the “right” rules. Really Quick Review: What’s a SMART Goal? I know. I…
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What Knitting Has Taught Me About Business and Marketing
I’ve been knitting for many years. It started all the way back before my daughter was born, when I was determined to make her a blanket before she arrived. That was also probably my first lesson in good intentions not always leading to results (or maybe in biting off more than you can chew!). Despite buying all the supplies, picking out the perfect pattern, and envisioning how beautiful the finished product would be, I never actually made that blanket. But I did learn something: starting is easy, but following through is the real challenge. Almost two decades and hundreds of successful knitting projects later, I’ve found my place in the…
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Mastering Productive Downtime: A Balanced Approach to Recharge
We’ve all experienced those moments when we hit a wall and just need to step back. For me, that often means zoning out in front of the latest reality TV show—a quick escape from the hustle. But then, the guilt creeps in because there’s still so much to do. What if I told you that downtime can actually be as productive as your busiest work hours? “Productive downtime” isn’t an oxymoron—it’s a key to sustainable success. Downtime is often seen as unproductive, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, incorporating intentional breaks into your routine can enhance your productivity and overall well-being. Think of it as hitting the refresh…
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Habit Hacking: How to Use Habit Formation Theory to Create Lasting Change
Years ago, when my children were very young and I was splitting my time between raising them and running my business, I made a purposeful decision to wake up every day at 3:00 am. I had always been an early riser, but even for me, this was an adjustment! What drove me to make such a drastic change? In these wee hours of the morning, the house was the quietest, and distractions were minimized. I was able to be productive and complete some quick tasks. I prepared for the day ahead and made sure I had my priorities identified (because we all know that not everything will always get done!).…
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Turning Chaos Into Order with Ted Lasso’s Bird by Bird Approach
Do you ever feel like you’re drowning in tasks, deadlines, and expectations? That the mountain of “to-dos” feels too steep to climb without the risk of tumbling back down? I’ve been there, staring at my screen, paralyzed by the sheer volume of work ahead. But then I remember a simple, yet profound strategy that brings a little bit of clarity to chaos: the Bird by Bird approach. This method, first described by Anne Lamott in her book on writing and life, and then immortalized by the lovably optimistic Ted Lasso, is my go-to for navigating overwhelming situations. So, what’s the story behind Bird by Bird? Anne Lamott recounts a moment…
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Reverse Mentoring: What Can You Learn from Younger Employees?
In my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with many extremely smart and talented individuals. I’ve always valued the wisdom and guidance of my mentors and gained stories, strategies, and perspectives that could fill volumes. Having been in senior marketing roles for a while myself, I enjoy opportunities to mentor newer marketers. In doing this, I’ve discovered an equally valuable yet often overlooked source of knowledge: younger employees. This is where reverse mentoring comes in. You might wonder, “Why would someone with decades of experience seek advice from someone just starting out?” It’s not always the easiest shift in perspective, but once I embraced the concept of reverse mentoring,…
