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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,…
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The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on leadership qualities, and especially thinking about what skills make an effective leader. One thing that keeps coming up in my mind is emotional intelligence (EQ), and its immense impact on effective leadership. When you understand what emotional intelligence really is and how you can leverage it to be a better leader, it’s a game changer. When I started my career, I thought being a good leader was all about technical skills, strategic thinking, and decisiveness. Don’t get me wrong, those things are important. But as I’ve grown in my career and experience and have taken on more leadership roles, I’ve realized that EQ is what…
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10 Ways to Master the Art of Self-Promotion Without Feeling Icky
As someone who isn’t exactly the poster child for loving self-promotion (thank you, introverted nature!), I’ve learned that it’s crucial whether you’re building a business or climbing the career ladder. The trick is getting your skills and achievements out without sounding like you’re bragging. Here’s how I’ve managed to do it—without the ick factor. 1. Use Content Marketing My favorite self-promotion method, hands down, is blogging and sharing tips on social media, focusing on problems I know people are itching to solve. This has been a game-changer for building trust. Plus, when you help someone through your content, they see your value without you waving it in their face. 2.…
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How Your Individual Circadian Rhythm Impacts Productivity
As an early riser, I’ve always felt that my brain fires on all cylinders in the morning, slowly declining as the day goes on. And I’ve been fascinated by how different times of the day affect my productivity and mood. So I did some digging and I ended up down a rabbit hole of research into circadian rhythm, productivity, and work schedules. Here’s what I discovered. Understanding Circadian Rhythms Circadian rhythms are internal clocks running in the background of our brains, cycling between sleepiness and alertness at regular intervals. These rhythms are not just about when we go to sleep or wake up; they influence all aspects of our physiology…
