Author: Karen

  • Mental Wellness Check:  7 Effective Ways to Clear Your Mind Fast

    Mental Wellness Check: 7 Effective Ways to Clear Your Mind Fast

    My mind is racing from the time I get up until I go to bed.  Unfortunately, my mind sometimes feels weary during my busiest days. Instead of taking a break to practice mental wellness, I often push through the day.  

     

    Thankfully, it didn’t take long to see how this habit could lead to an unhealthy pathway for my mental health.

    Woman sitting on couch with arms behind her head

     

    Does my business need me? Yes.

     

    👉🏽 But so does my well-being.

     

    👉🏽 So does my mental health.

     

    👉🏽 And so does my family.

     

    As a result, I proactively look for opportunities to practice mental wellness. According to the Global Wellness Institute,  mental wellness is “an internal resource that helps us think, feel, connect and function; it is an active process that helps us to build resilience, grow and flourish.”

     

    In this post, I outline seven effective ways I practice mental wellness to clear my mind fast. If there’s something that you do that’s not on the list, please share it in the comments.

     

    Practice deep breathing exercises for a few minutes. 

    One of the most powerful ways to relax is through breathing exercises. Taking a few moments each day to sit down, close my eyes, and focus on my breath helps bring clarity and calmness back into my life. I don’t need any special equipment or complicated instructions.  All I need is a quiet place to sit comfortably for 10 minutes. This simple practice can help ease stress, improve concentration, and enhance physical health.  

     

    Take walks and exercise.

    Getting away from my desk and taking a quick walk or doing some physical exercise gives my mind a much-needed break. Doing something physical helps release endorphins, boosting your mood and making you feel better. Plus, getting outside and enjoying nature is always beneficial for mental health.

     

    Listen to calming music or nature sounds.

    Music has been known to have healing qualities. It helps calm my mind, soothe my soul, and makes me feel better mentally. Whether it’s classical or instrumental songs, put on some headphones and let the sounds relax you.

     

    Journal my thoughts and worries to clear my mind.

    Writing down thoughts and feelings in a journal helps me process my emotions. Sometimes I write one sentence, and other times; I write three pages.  Ultimately, writing down whatever comes into my head is incredibly therapeutic.

     

    Take time out for biblical meditation. 

    For me, there’s nothing like taking a few minutes to meditate on God’s Word through biblical meditation. By taking extra moments out of each day to reflect more deeply upon Scripture, we can open our eyes wider and hearts deeper, allowing us better access to what is being said between verses.

     

    Write positive affirmations. 

    Creating positive affirmations is another great way to clear your mind. For example, I write sentences that promote positive thinking, such as “I am capable” or “I am worthy.” Then, I read them aloud several times throughout the day, as they help boost my self-confidence while also helping me break free from any negative thought patterns trying to limit my potential.

     

    Exercise gratitude.

    Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools we can use to refresh our minds – it increases happiness, reduces anxiety, strengthens relationships, and encourages us to be kinder toward ourselves and others around us. There are many ways to approach this, but I like to write down three things I’m grateful for daily – this helps shift my focus toward the positive aspects of life instead of letting myself get bogged down by worries or stresses.

    iPad with My Gratitude Journal

     

    Self-care is important whether you work for yourself, take care of a busy household, or go into an office daily.  I’m offering some FREE self-care worksheets to help you take a few moments for yourself.

     

    It took me a while to recognize the importance of practicing mental wellness to remain focused, creative, and balanced. For this reason, I’ve prioritized creating time for rest, relaxation, and self-care every day. 

     

    I have learned that taking mental breaks can bring real, lasting balance leading to better health and improved relationships.  I’m practicing mental wellness when I take breaks from my daily activities to journal, exercise, or listen to music.

     

    How do you practice mental wellness?  Let me know in the comments below.

     

    Together let’s work on creating a path of emotional well-being that can guide us on our journey of success while keeping balance and harmony in today’s busy world.

     

    FREE Mini Self-Care Workbook

     

     

  • The Ultimate Planner Guide for Staying Calm and Organized

    The Ultimate Planner Guide for Staying Calm and Organized

    For me, there’s nothing like a good planner.  The planners I use help me stay organized and bring calm to my life.

    When looking for a planner, it’s key to remember that the best one is not necessarily the most sophisticated. I’ve learned over the years to choose a planner that fits my lifestyle and schedule comfortably, so I’m motivated to use it regularly.

    Once I found the perfect fit, planning became an invaluable part of my life.

    Planners on a desk
    Cultivate What Matters Season by Season Planner

    But I know that finding the right planner can be overwhelming.  In this post, I have done the work for you and have compiled a list of some of the best planners.

    Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

    Hobonichi Techno Planner

    First designed in 2001, Hobonichi planners have been helping customers organize their lives for over 20 years.

    Its A6 size makes it perfectly portable to be carried in all kinds of bags, and the leather binding makes it durable to a little wear and tear (let’s be real, it’s a planner at the end of the day).

    The paper is thin and light but allows ink to glide on the paper nicely without worrying about bleeding.

    This is the perfect compact little planner if you’re looking for something you can always carry with you.

    Pros

    • Size – A6 size makes it small and compact.
    • Lays flat – The planner lays flat, making it comfortable to use.
    • Tomoe River paper – Very smooth and light paper; it works well with fountain pens.

    Cons

    • Size – A6 may be too small for some.
    • Price – The price may be slightly high, given the small size.

    JSTORY Large Weekly Planner

    If you need somewhere to scribble down your to-do list, this planner may be the one for you.

    It has a super simple layout, with just the first letter of each day printed out, with plenty of space to jot dot what needs to be done.

    It’s thin, comfortable, and perfect for those who prefer a minimalist design. It is available in three sizes: medium, large, and big.

    Pros

    • Simple layout – Enough space on the pages to write what you need.
    • Price – Affordable price.
    • Size options – Three size options are available: medium, large, and big.

    Cons

    • Layout – The layout may appear bland for those who want more space to doodle.
    • Design – The design can be basic for those who like more intricate designs.

    The Self-Care Planner

    We all need a little self-care sometimes, and this planner will help you.

    As well as organizing your daily tasks, this planner helps you track your mood, sleep, meals, water intake, and more.

    It’s been created with self-care at its forefront. Its unique approach helps you achieve more without feeling stressed or overwhelmed and encourages you to prioritize your daily happiness and well-being.

    An added bonus is its gorgeous design. It features thick, bright white paper, a fabric cover, and gold foil lettering.

    Pros

    • Not just a daily planner – This planner focuses on happiness and well-being and your daily tasks (see also ‘2023 Season by Season Daily Planner Review‘).
    • Attractive design – Its lovely design looks wonderful sat on your desk or workstation.
    • Broad choice of colors – This planner is available in 7 different colors.

    Cons

    • Size – The planner may be too big to carry around comfortably.

    Traveler’s Weekly Vertical Planner

    This planner is perfect if you’re buying it anytime throughout the year, allowing you to fill in the dates as you wish.

    In addition to this, some pages have vertical monthly calendars where you can fill in important dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, or any events that are coming up.

    The paper is high quality and bleed resistant, which works well with fountain pens.

    It has a soft cardboard cover and is very compact in size, making it an easy planner to carry around with you.

    Pros

    • No dates – You can purchase this planner whenever you want, as you can fill in the dates as you wish.
    • Price – This planner is a very affordable option.
    • Size – It measures 4.3 by 8.3 inches.

    Cons

    • Not as attractive as others on this list – The planner only comes with a cardstock cover.

    Productivity Planner

    This productivity planner by Intelligent Change encourages you to make the most out of each day by prioritizing your most important tasks and then reflecting on your results to analyze your workflow.

    You’ll also get to read an important daily quote to inspire you daily.  Plus, you’ll have space to jot down any weekly tasks, events, or commitments.

    This planner follows a structured format to help you organize your time accordingly.

    Pros

    • Structure – This planner helps you organize your tasks in order of importance.
    • Daily quote – Wake up to some lovely words of inspiration each day.
    • Recyclable material – FSC-certified paper.

    Cons

    • Price – Some may see it as a pricier option on this list.

    Self Journal By BestSelf

    If you struggle with consistency, this self-journal may be the one for you.

    This journal will help you achieve your goals using the SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) method.

    It contains monthly views, weekly and daily planning, and undated pages for extra notes. It also has a section of bullet journal pages, where you can fill it with extra notes, ideas, scribbles, stickers, you name it!

    An added bonus is that this company donates one meal to Feeding America for every purchase.

    Pros

    • Versatility – Contains elements of self-care and daily, monthly, and weekly planning.
    • Choice of color – The product is available in 4 colors.
    • Created based on research – This planner is backed by success psychology and science.

    Cons

    • A lot of self-evaluation – This journal may be too much for those who want to plan.

    Daily Goal Setter Mal Paper

    This planner will help you achieve more throughout your days by helping you become consistent. In addition, it guides you to complete lists that will help you reach your goals.

    It also utilizes many mindfulness techniques by having you write down daily affirmations.

    There’s also no lack of variety with this product, as within its 274 pages, you’ll find sections on daily, weekly, and monthly planning, goal setting, and gratitude, as well as lined, dotted, and un-dated pages.

    This a great planner if you like to add doodles, stickers, and photos.

    Pros

    • Un-dated – You can purchase this planner at any time of the year.
    • Variety – Values self-care, goal setting, and daily and monthly planning.
    • Kind to the environment – A tree is planted with every order.

    Cons

    • Space – The weekly section does not have as much space as one may like.

    The 6-Minute Success Journal

    This journal encourages you to plan your day and prioritize your tasks by prioritizing self-care.

    It encourages you to be productive and emphasizes mindfulness and gratitude.

    You also enjoy a spirit-lifting quote on each page – the perfect way to start each day.

    There’s also a ‘Thoughts, Ideas, & Wins of the Day’ section for your end-of-the-day routine.

    This planner has been created based on scientific research and practice-based evidence.

    Pros

    • Versatile – Includes self-care elements as well as planning.
    • Scientifically proven – Utilizes the proven 6 – minute method.
    • Several colors available – You can choose five colors with this product.

    Cons

    • Not ideal for just planning – There are several self-care elements, so if you are looking for a good planner, this may not be your best option.

    Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal

    If you prefer an undated planner, why not try a bullet journal?

    The creator of this framework, Ryder Carroll, worked closely with the company Leuchtturm1917 to create this notebook.

    This journal contains tips on following the bullet journal method to help you stay organized.

    If you’re a creative entrepreneur who enjoys doodling, scrapbooking, and creating nice little artifacts, then this option may be the one for you.

    Pros

    • Customizable – Completely un-dated for you to customize as you wish.
    • No time restriction – No dates means you can purchase this whenever you wish.
    • Comfortable – This journal fits comfortably in all kinds of bags

    Cons

    • Bullet journal method – This planner is solely for the bullet journal method, which may seem confusing.

    Buyer’s Guide

    There are many things to consider when looking for the right planner for you, as various choices are available.

    This buyer’s guide will outline some things you need to consider before putting your money down on a planner.

    Size And Comfort

    One of the most important things you need to consider when selecting a planner is size and comfort. Would you like a tiny planner that can be whipped out of any bag in a second? Or would you prefer something bigger that you keep on your desk?

    You’ll also need to look at your binding preference. Would you like a three-ring binder that allows you to add your own pages, or would you prefer a spiral-bound binder?

    If you’re unsure, it may be worth heading to a store that sells planners to get a feel of what works best for you.

    Layouts

    Determining what layout suits you best is also very important. You’re likely to have a choice between vertical and horizontal layouts.

    Horizontal layouts allow more room for writing detailed notes, whereas horizontal layouts tend to have three sections. These are useful if you want to split your day between morning, afternoon, and evening.

    Knowing how you prefer to structure your planner is crucial regarding layouts. Would you like to see your different tasks hour by hour, or do you prefer a quick weekly or monthly view?

     

    Dated, Undated, Lined, Or Bulleted

    Some people prefer planners that include dates and months printed on each page. However, if you choose an undated planner, you can pick it up any time of the year.

    Whether you would like lined or bulleted paper is also a consideration. Lined paper is best for those who enjoy writing lists and like writing notes.

    With bullet journals, the dotted pages allow you to draw and doodle.  You may also be well-versed in the bullet journal method, a method coined by Ryder Carroll that allows you to structure your tasks as you see fit.

     

    Identify Your Needs

    Do you need a book to structure your to-do lists? Or, would you rather have a journal that allows you to reflect on your goals, guiding you on how to reach them?

    As you can tell from this post, many planners value self-care and include elements of goal-setting and affirmations.

    Several of these options also include areas to track daily habits such as water intake, exercise, mood, etc.

    Knowing what you’d like to experience from your planner will help you choose the right one.

    If you’d like guidance on consistency and tracking habits, then a planner with some self-care elements would benefit you.

    However, if you want a planner that allows you to structure your days, weeks, and months, something simpler that doesn’t contain any extra elements would suit you best.

     

    Digital vs Physical

    While some enjoy physically writing down lists and crossing them out, others prefer the digital side. There are pros and cons to both.

    Physical planners involve more money than digital ones, but some prefer writing things down as they find it soothing.

    However, digital planners are convenient and easy to access, no matter your device or location. They are also great for giving you reminders of tasks and events you would otherwise fail to remember.

    They can also be shared with others if you would like to engage in some team planning on a vacation, for example.

    Using a digital planner is also much cheaper as it mostly involves downloading an app or a PDF file.

    Whatever kind of planner is best for you is one that suits your individual needs.  I created some printable 90-day goal-setting worksheets to help you get started.

    90-Day Goal PlanningFrequently Asked Questions

    Does Everyone Need A Planner?

    Not everyone needs a planner, as some people are perfectly okay with keeping track of their tasks without having them in a physical or digital form.

    However, it is normal for important dates and tasks to slip your mind if you have a busy schedule.

    Therefore, having a planner, be it digital or physical, is a good idea as it is something you can refer to when making plans.

    They are also great for keeping track of to-do lists throughout the day. These can be used for work or personal tasks.

    Are Planners Good For Mental Health?

    Planners are very useful in helping with mental health. They allow people to plan their day.

    Physically writing also makes some people feel more engaged with what they are writing, which helps people with their mental health.

    Aside from all this, the planners that contain wellness trackers, such as exercise, mood, water intake, and food, are useful for reducing any feelings of stress and anxiety. These trackers work as a form of self-observation which reduces stress levels.

    Final Thoughts

    Setting goals is essential, whether in your personal or professional life.

    Investing in a good planner can help you organize your life in ways that may surprise you. Check out the review of the Self Planner in the video link below.

    There are planners to suit the needs of everyone, whether it’s a physical book to write down all of your to-do lists or a journal that will help you keep track of your mood, help you set goals, and guide you through self-care.

    So, pick from one of the wonderful planners on this list and get organized.

     

     

  • 7 Tips to Improve Active Listening Skills in Internal Comms

    7 Tips to Improve Active Listening Skills in Internal Comms

    Most companies understand that listening is the key to employee retention, productivity, and positive company culture. To ensure success, many companies appoint chief listening officers, hire consultants, or use initiatives such as exit interviews when employees leave the company.

    These activities can help companies gain valuable insights into how employees feel about the workplace.

    Employees sitting in a circle talking and listening
    Photo from Shutterstock

     

    Most leaders know active listening is critical to success in sales and marketing. However, don’t overlook the importance of internal communication as well.

    Listening creates an environment where employees feel heard and valued. Making this practice ongoing rather than just an annual corporate event helps to ensure it’s instilled within a team’s culture.

    Active listening is key to connecting and understanding others. But are you taking advantage of it in all the right places? Consider the following listening opportunities.

     

    What is active listening?

    Active listening is an invaluable skill that builds bridges of understanding between two or more parties. Rather than simply talking and waiting for a response, active listening seeks to uncover the needs, wants, and desires to create meaningful connections.

     

    “I only wish I could find an institute that teaches people how to listen. Business people need to listen at least as much as they need to talk. Too many people fail to realize that real communication goes in both directions.”

    — Lee Iacocca

     

    Rely on a continuous listening approach

    According to Deloitte, companies can continuously evaluate employees and managers with “pulse” surveys that collect anonymous feedback in real time.

    This allows for quicker response times, improved productivity, and up-to-date insight into how workers and their supervisors perform.

    Depending on the organization’s size, several everyday listening tactics can be used to engage with and listen to employees.  Here are a few to consider.

     

    #1. Meetings

    During each meeting, adopt the habit of paraphrasing contributions, reviewing decisions and action items, and asking the team to clarify their point of view before disagreeing. Gauge each individual’s comprehension through careful questioning, letting everyone know they’re heard. And wrap up with a collective analysis of how well you all worked together.

     

    #2.  Brainstorming

    Brainstorming sessions can be a great way to tap into new ideas.  But these types of meetings can be insightful in hearing how employees feel about their workplace or team.  Before the session begins, set ground rules on how each employee is being asked to contribute and listen.  It’s essential that everyone involved listens rather than judging new ideas. This open-minded approach fosters innovation while avoiding the pitfalls of stifling innovative thinking.

     

    #3.  Town Hall Meetings

    Capture questions asked during town hall meetings. Let employees voice their opinions without any hesitation. Paraphrasing each question can help ensure all attendees are on the same page. Ask for post-meeting feedback in a poll to learn what employees feel about the topics discussed.

     

    #4.  Delegating

    When delegating tasks, it’s important to make sure you don’t just talk at people. Instead of giving them a directive and expecting immediate compliance, take the time to really understand their concerns, objections, and questions.

    Listening carefully and paraphrasing can help create a two-way dialogue instead of a one-sided monologue.  In addition to compliance, you want true commitment.

     

    #5.  Emails and voicemails

    When replying to emails or voicemails, try paraphrasing the sender’s message. This helps you frame your response to capture their thoughts and feelings accurately.

     

    How to practice listening during difficult conversations

    #6.  Performance reviews

    When it’s time to have a challenging conversation about performance or policy compliance, you may feel tempted to fight back. Yet the key is taking on an empathetic outlook instead.

    Paraphrasing your employee’s defensive reactions before re-stating your concern.  This will ensure their understanding and create space for compromise.

     

    #7.  Intervention

    If you sense that your team is not engaged, don’t ignore it. Instead, take the time to read their non-verbal cues – like if they’re on their smartphones or checking watches during meetings.

    Take time to ask what’s going on. Then listen carefully; this can be an invaluable way of getting your group back on track.

     

     

    Final thoughts

    Poor managerial listening can have far-reaching and detrimental effects in the workplace, from decreased engagement to skyrocketing turnover.

    Creating an environment of genuine listening within your company is essential for building great internal communication and creating a sense of trust and respect. 

    Managers can greatly improve their one-on-one listening skills with simple steps, such as providing a safe space for open dialogue, setting aside time for regular listening sessions, and following up with constructive feedback. 

    Furthermore, investing in positive listening practices will create an atmosphere of mutual respect in the workplace, leading to improved morale and better overall productivity.

    If you need help with your internal communications, let Constant Communicators help.

    We specialize in helping organizations create cohesive, effective communication plans that engage everyone.

    Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you improve your internal communications.

     

  • 5 Things You Can Do to Connect and Engage with Deskless Employees

    5 Things You Can Do to Connect and Engage with Deskless Employees

    Deskless employees are essential members of any team. Keeping this part of your workforce in the know is vital for their development and engagement with the company.

    Therefore, deskless employees need different access to resources and communication than desk workers.

    But how can you ensure they stay connected, informed, and included? Before we look at some best practices that work when engaging with deskless employees, let’s take a closer look at the deskless worker.

    A picture containing deskless employee, warehouse, yellow vest

    Types of Deskless Employees

    Deskless employees can vary greatly in terms of roles and responsibilities within a company. Examples of deskless employees may include:

    • Delivery drivers
    • Hotel housekeepers
    • Warehouse workers,
    • Nurse practitioners
    • Grocery store clerks
    • Manufacturing staff

    In today’s work landscape, about 80 percent of  employees are deskless – an issue requiring unique strategies for effective internal communications. A well-crafted plan can ensure deskless employees stay connected, informed, and empowered in their roles within a company.

    Here are five things you can do to connect and engage with deskless employees.

     

    #1 Prioritize Onboarding New Staff

    Onboarding new staff is vital to employee engagement. It ensures employees get all the information they need to feel included and connected with your organization.

    Provide deskless employees with a comprehensive onboarding package that consists of a welcome package sent to their home, an introduction to the team, a calendar of upcoming events, and materials about the company’s strategy, mission, and culture.

     

    #2  Establish an Ambassador and Mentor Program

    Empower your deskless employees to thrive with an innovative ambassador and mentor program. Give stakeholders the resources they need to share clear internal communications.

    Creating a mentorship system ensures those employees have timely access to helpful advice or support while reinforcing organizational loyalty and furthering their personal development.

     

    #3  Recognize Wins

    Everyone works better when they’re appreciated. Acknowledge accomplishments by clapping at the end of virtual or in-person.meetings.  Praise a worker’s hard work – even if it isn’t directly related to their job description. This will show that you value their contributions and encourage them to keep working hard.

     

    #4  Reach Deskless Employees through Apps

    An employee engagement app is software that ensures employees stay connected regardless of location or device type. It allows employees to receive notifications about policy changes or process updates and sends feedback directly from their devices without having to navigate multiple menus or screens first.

    Below are a few examples.

    Workgrid

    Workgrid allows employees to quickly access important information, such as vacation requests and payroll details, in one easy-to-use hub.

    DeskAlerts

    DeskAlerts is an efficient way to keep your employees connected, no matter where they are. With this communication tool, you can push notifications directly onto their phones and even send surveys or polls for instant feedback. Easily schedule messages in advance and install them on both mobile devices and computers.

    Blink

    Blink is the perfect tool to unlock your frontline team’s potential. With many features, including employee feeds, secure chat communication, and mobile access, all without company emails.

    Plus, Blink helps you maximize satisfaction within your staff by analyzing their happiness – plus integrating with other tools for an even better experience.

    PoliteMail

    Are your communications being heard? Are you sure deskless employees, stakeholders, and partners are seeing what you’re sending? With PoliteMail integrated into Microsoft 365, now it’s possible to measure the success of your communication strategy.

    Real-time metrics like open rates, read time, and click-throughs provide valuable insights into how well deskless employees engage with what you’re sharing.

     

    #5 Collect Feedback

    Connecting with deskless employees is key to understanding how they feel about their work and the company. Utilizing employee feedback apps helps businesses take into account everyone’s ideas while keeping communication open across all channels of an organization.

    This way, you can get a comprehensive overview of where things stand and areas that need improvement within the workplace environment.

     

    Final Thoughts

    By following best practices, such as providing onboarding packages, using digital workplace platforms, and employee engagement apps, you can ensure that all team members stay connected and engaged.

    These tips give you everything you need to create a thriving remote workforce environment. However, if you need help with your internal communications, let Constant Communicators help.

    We specialize in helping organizations create cohesive, effective communication plans that engage everyone – even deskless workers.

    Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you improve your internal communications.

  • 8 Things You Should Do to Accomplish Your Greatest Goals in 90 Days

    8 Things You Should Do to Accomplish Your Greatest Goals in 90 Days

    How good are you at accomplishing your goals?  Is this the year you achieve your greatest goals?  The ones that could change your life?  Whether it’s the start of a new year, a new month, or a brand new day,  anytime is the perfect time to start making your dreams come true.

    For years, I had a hit-or-miss relationship with my goals.  While I accomplished most of my goals, there were times when I completely missed the mark.

    It took me a long time to figure out that it can be hard to figure out how to get from point A to point B.

    It wasn’t until I developed a 90-day goal-setting process that I finally got on the right track toward accomplishing some of my greatest goals

    Desktop with SMART GoalsI’ll be the first to admit that goal-setting is personal.  One size rarely fits all.

    So I had to design a goal-setting strategy that worked for my life.  Whether I’m identifying goals for my next book, or my business,  I use a  90-day goal-setting process to stay on track.  

    So in this post, I’m going to show you how to set 90-day goals.  You’ll also learn eight tips I’ve learned to make goal-setting much easier.

    Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

    What is a 90-day goal?

    A 90-day goal is a focused, actionable goal that you can achieve within the span of three months.

    It is different from long-term goals, which are goals that take more time to achieve. A 90-day goal allows you to focus on something specific and achievable in the near future, like learning how to cook a new recipe, running a 10K, or mastering a certain skill set.

    Setting 90-day goals also helps break down what can seem like an overwhelming journey into smaller, more manageable steps. I created some printable 90-day goal-setting worksheets to help you get started.

    Additionally, achieving short-term goals builds momentum for the bigger-picture goal. Those small wins and milestones throughout the process help keep the focus sharp and motivation high.

     

    90-Day Goal Planning

    #1.  Identify your 90-day goal

    The first step in achieving your 90-day goal is figuring out the goal.

    My goal for each quarter in 2023 is to make significant progress in writing four books. One of them will be non-fiction, and three will be fiction. I will focus on writing and editing a book per quarter.  I will make separate plans for launching each book.

    So, once you have determined your goal, it’s time to break it down into actionable steps achievable within the next three months.

     

    #2.  What practical actions will you take?

    I believe goal-setting is vital to my success, which is why I finally settled on the 90-day goal-planning process for myself. To stay on track, I set aside time for planning each week and include action steps that help me reach my goal.

    My plan covers milestones as well as small tactics required to hit the goal within the given timeframe. As life doesn’t always go as planned, I build in flexibility for days when obstacles or challenges arise.

    By taking such practical actions, I have been able to maintain focus on my goals and stay on track.

     

    #3.  Create smaller goals

    Breaking a large 90-day goal into smaller goals can help make the challenge seem much more achievable.

    Rather than becoming overwhelmed when writing a book, I prefer to create small goals across 90 days. This allows me to focus on one step at a time and gradually move closer to achieving my overall goal.

     

    How To Meet Goals Often Not Achieved

    #4.  Make a daily schedule

    Making and following a daily schedule is the key to achieving my smaller goals. Planning my day is a powerful tool that helps me get more done in less time so that I have the energy to spare for other things.

    I use the 2023 Season by Season™ Daily Planner to create my daily schedule.  But you can use a digital or printable planner to organize your daily schedule.

    And don’t forget to leave some space for relaxation. It’s important for both productivity and mental health to include leisure activities in your day too. Achieving your 90-day goal is within reach with mindful planning.

     

    #5.  Prioritize your tasks

    Once I identify the steps necessary for achieving my goal, I prioritize them based on importance and urgency.

    This helps ensure that all of the most important tasks are completed first while also ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks due to procrastination or poor time management.

    Prioritizing also helps to keep me motivated as I check off each task along the way.

     

    #6.  Batch and simplify tasks

    As much as possible, I like to batch and simplify the tasks associated with my smaller goals. Task batching is an effective strategy to group tasks according to the project so tasks of a similar nature can be completed in one go.

    This helps reduce context switching and allows more time to focus on tasks with a higher impact. S

    So, I look at my daily tasks to see what I can do to batch and simplify them.

     

    #7.  Track your progress

    Tracking your progress on your goals is vital for success.

    I have a regular schedule that I can revisit to check in with myself to get insight into how I’m doing.  If I’m behind, it’s a sign that it might be time to shift my approach or push myself more.

    As you apply this approach to your 90-day goal, treat yourself if you are ahead of the game. The occasional break gives you time to relax and celebrate the work you have accomplished so far.

     

    #8.  Give up your fear of failing

    Meeting your 90-day goal is no easy task. You may face numerous challenges that make it difficult to achieve what you set out to accomplish. This can seem discouraging; however, it is important for you to view failure as a pivotal learning experience in order to successfully complete your 90-day goal.

    With every setback you experience, take the opportunity to reflect and develop new strategies and skills that will drive you forward on your path to success.

    By understanding why the failure occurred, you can devise actions that will ensure similar obstacles are avoided in the future, ultimately leading you closer to meeting your 90-day goal.

     

    Final thoughts

    Achieving goals doesn’t have to be as difficult. By developing a 90-day goal-setting strategy, you can finally start making progress on the things that matter most to you.

    While I only list eight tips that will help you set and achieve your own 90-day goals, I realize there may be other tips I missed.  Please feel free to share.

    What’s one thing you want to achieve in the next 90 days?

    Check out this quick video guide by The Art Of Improvement, which will help you understand effective goal setting.

  • The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself: A Review

    The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself: A Review

    Do you ever think about the things you like about yourself? Have you ever taken a few minutes to brag about yourself? If not, it’s time to start! 

    Female, hands in heart-shapeThat’s where The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself, by Marla J. Albertie, comes in. It’s a collection of questions you ask yourself to celebrate achievements, brainstorm new projects, and explore passions. 

     

    Here’s a closer look at what this book has to offer.

     

    Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

     

    What You’ll Find in The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself

     

    The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself is a workbook that helps readers get started on their journey of self-discovery. This book contains topics designed to inspire creative thinking, spark new ideas, and encourage readers to learn more about themselves.

    Book cover, The Ultimate Brag Book About YourselfSome of these topics include:

     

    • 10 things I will have done in 30 years
    • “Me Time” things I do for self-care
    • 10 meals I can cook
    • 15 words others would use to describe me
    • 10 facts about me no one knows  
    • 10 beautiful things I own

     

    In addition, The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself allows readers to add additional topics or lists. This makes it easy to customize their brag books so they can capture everything they love.

     

    My Review

    This is a good book.  By taking time each week to fill out one or two pages in my brag book, I was able to reflect.  Additionally, the book serves as a physical reminder of my accomplishments which turned out to be motivating.

    Did I answer each of the prompts?  No.  A few of the prompts weren’t topics I wanted to explore, so I skipped them. But in the end, this activity is fun. Writing down my favorite things, like subjects, airlines, or artists, made me smile and reminded me why it’s important to celebrate every once in a while.

    The author does not offer direction or exercises, so creating an ultimate brag book may seem intimidating at first glance.  But I didn’t let that stop me from trying it. If you want to reflect and explore new ideas, this book is for you.

    I received a free paperback copy of the book for this review.

    Purchase a copy of The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself on Amazon or get a signed copy on the author’s website. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.

    Also, you can visit WOW’s blog, The Muffin, where you will find an interview with author Marla J Albertie about The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself. You can also win a copy of the book too!

     

    Maria J Albertie Author

    About the Author

    Marla J. Albertie has lived on board a United States carrier; therefore, she feels unstoppable. As a native of Jacksonville, Florida, she loves to read, travel, and shop. Her travels have been on cruises, as she has taken 16 thus far. Marla believes life is a journey, and we all can create the life we want, so why not; you only live this life once. She has a passion for seeing growth in peoples’ lives and wants others to pay it forward.

    As an energetic visionary, she is the owner and founder of TruthSpeaksGroup LLC, a multi-media company that creates strategies and solutions for work-life integration/harmony (WLI/H). She is also the founder of MJA Notary Services LLC., MJA Publishing LLC., and JEMA Holdings LLC., and Being the founder of I/O for Teens Inc. is her greatest work yet! 

    When she is not trying to save the world, Marla loves a good story and frequents the movies to eat her favorite snack, nachos. She loves cruising, shopping, and reading with her family and friends. 

     

    Here is where you can find her online:

     

    Main Site: truthspeaksgroup.com

    Follow her as a writer on Medium

    Subscribe to her blog: www.theworkingwoman.co

    Take a course at Truth Speaks Academy

    Subscribe to my talk show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/faUFIqU8pHs

    Instagram: http://instagram.com/tspeaksgroup

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/TSpeaksCoaching

    LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlajalbertie/

     

    Banner, The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself: Book Tour