Tips to Thrive in Work & Life
Do More of What Sparks A Light In You
I hear it often from people, “I’m exhausted.” It’s not because they’ve just ran a marathon, or they’re working excessive hours, or they’re not getting enough sleep. It’s because they feel “stuck”. They’re doing the same thing, every day, in their work and life. They’re stuck in the “rat race” and have set aside their dreams, interests, and aspirations. No wonder we feel tired, right!
On the flip side, I love it when I hear from people:
“I feel alive again.”
“I am so excited about the future.”
“I have so many exciting ideas and love what I am working on.”
“I love my job.”
Why is this?
It’s because they are tapping into their strengths and interests and they are able to pursue them. When individuals are able to do the things that they are naturally talented at and find that they are thinking about them in their spare time they experience fulfillment and meaning. They may even work on these things and dedicate more time to them than what they were doing before. They have tapped into a state of “flow”, where time rushes by and their mind and spirit are exhilarated because they’re doing what they love.
Life is too short to not make time for the things that you enjoy. If you want to experience less exhaustion and more energy, then do more of what sparks a light in you. ~ Jolynn
With Change Comes Discomfort
Change can be hard, scary, full of mixed emotions, and sometimes feel impossible. However, I have learned that in order to grow or get unstuck I have to be willing to change and take steps forward, whether that be big or small. Often we think that getting unstuck or reaching a goal takes a tremendous leap and that it is necessary to completely turn our world upside down. This is not true.
First, we have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and accept that there will be unknowns along the way. Anytime we switch up our routine and walk into something we are not familiar with, we will have feelings of discomfort. Keep pushing forward and keep your sight on your goals. Embrace positive change. As you recognize growth that is occurring within you, the feeling of discomfort and uncertainty will diminish and you will be grateful you had the courage to move forward. ~ Jolynn
There Is No Box
If I could go back in time and speak to my younger self I would say, “There is NO box. Don’t let anyone try to put you in one or make you believe that you have to be in one.” Every person’s situation is different and most people are trying their hardest to navigate this life as best as they can. We all need to give each other more grace and support.
There were so many years that I felt immense guilt because I worked outside of the home as my kids grew up because I had to provide for my family. Every time I would miss one of my kids school events, or I wasn’t able to be a part of the PTO, or I couldn’t get together with other mom’s for playdates, I felt bad. I would hear comments from people at church or read articles or statements that made me feel terrible and like I was letting my family down. And yet here I was simply trying to ensure that my kids had life’s necessities and I was helping my husband get through graduate school. Not to mention I had personal career and educational aspirations and I found great satisfaction in fulfilling these. I’m not sure exactly when I had a personal epiphany or the defining moment that made me realize that I don’t have to fit into a specific box or that indeed there is NO box. I realized that you can take two people with a similar situation and they will still be different, AND that is what makes this world beautiful and unique.
My children have turned out to be incredible human beings who are hard working, grateful, intelligent, kind, and have great educational and career aspirations. They have even told me that my example has helped inspire them! I have grown personally and professionally because of my life’s journey and I am proud of who I have become and the experiences I have gained. I am grateful for my life’s journey and the road I have traveled.
At the end of the day no matter what your situation is, a mom that works outside of the home, a stay at home mom, single, married, has no children, has a lot of children, you name it, embrace YOU and be proud of what you have and can accomplish. Once you realize that you have unique characteristics and abilities that can contribute to this world and you are not competing with others or trying to fit into a specific box, you will find inner peace and strength. You’ll be proud of the journey that you are traveling and you will be able to move forward with greater confidence and vigor. The box is an illusion and I am very grateful that I figured this out. ~ Jolynn
Work & Life Tip
It’s amazing what a change of scenery can do for thinking, motivation, and creativity.
If you’re working on something and feeling stuck or unmotivated, try switching things up and move to a different place that is inviting. It works!
Be The Change You Want To See In Your Life
Too often we’re searching for someone that will come into our lives and change it for the better. When in reality real change comes from within. The best thing that we can do is take a look in the mirror and believe in ourselves, our abilities, and be willing to change for the better. Embracing self empowerment and building confidence in our abilities is powerful, freeing, and allows an individual to achieve their goals and aspirations. Often we will surprise ourselves with how much we are capable of achieving if we allow ourselves to try. Something incredible happens when we become our own best advocate and fan. Root for yourself and believe in your success. People are so much stronger, powerful, and capable than they could ever imagine. So, if you’re searching for that one person who will change your life, take a look in the mirror.
Dream * Achieve * List 100
Here is a FREE tool that you can use to start the process of Dreaming, Aspiring and Achieving. (You can print this page several times to reach 100)… I challenge you to sit down, use this tool and write down 100 things you want to achieve and have in your life. Nothing is off limits. Think BIG. Dream BIG. This is a really fun exercise and gets your gears turning. It sparks a fire within you that helps you to remember the goals you’ve always wanted to achieve. It helps you take the next step to coming closer to your goals by writing it down and ultimately have the life you’ve always wanted.
✍️Once you’ve written down your list review it each day. This process may take you several days to reach 100. However, review what you have each day and continue adding to it. As you achieve a goal, highlight it.
Often as life happens we forget to dream and we put our aspirations on the shelf. This exercise will help dust off your dreams and allow yourself to explore, aspire and eventually achieve as you work towards your goals.
If you want to learn more on how to set goals and achieve them, we can help.
How to Shine at Work
Here are some tips on how to “Shine At Work”. There’s no need to be mediocre. We are meant to do great things. So let your talents, abilities and light shine in your career.
Find Joy In The Journey
It is the journey of achieving our goals that refines us into who we are, rather than the final act of achieving it. Be grateful for the journey. Enjoy it. Celebrate it. You can do and achieve great things. Find joy in the journey.
If we are always waiting to be happy once we have achieved our goal, then we will live our lives in a state of stress and discouragement. To find joy in the journey do the following:
1) Each day reflect on how far you have come
2) Recognize the growth and skills you have obtained
3) Erase negativity and self doubt from your mind and words
4) Be grateful for the blessings you have
5) Keep a vision in your mind and on paper of where you are headed.
2 Ways To Combat A Toxic Workplace
Those that create a Psychologically Healthy Workplace will far surpass their competition in decreased turnover, increased customer satisfaction, productivity, retaining top talent, and the list goes on.
Here are 2 quick tips that help individuals combat a toxic workplace.
Combining a psychologically healthy workplace with a successful marketing strategy and execution plan is the ultimate combination.
Every Day You Have Purpose
Too often we mistake our purpose in life with our goals. If we don’t achieve a goal, or it’s taking too long to do so, we feel like a failure. I understand this because I’ve been caught in this trap before.
EVERYDAY that we wake up we have a purpose. It can be as simple as cheering someone up that’s had a rough day or smiling at the stranger you passed by, not knowing that that is what they needed at that moment in their life.
Some days are more purposeful than others. However, don’t diminish the impact that what you perceive as smaller moments can have.
You never know if what you said to someone inspired them to try again or become what they always wanted to.
You have a purpose. Never forget that. You matter and the world needs your positive contribution. ~ Jolynn Hunt
3 Tips That Will Help Reduce Turnover & Retain Top Talent
I am passionate about helping individuals and organizations thrive by creating a Psychologically Healthy Workplace. Turnover costs businesses hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars each year… Here are 3 Tips That Will Help Reduce Turnover & Retain Top Talent.
(Parable of the Avocado Seed)
Combining a Psychologically Healthy Workplace with a successful marketing strategy and execution plan is the ultimate combination.
Note: Slight mess up. I meant to say, take the avocado seed and plant it in a pot, not plant.
Your Mood Can Change The Workplace
Here is a simple, yet powerful message of how one person can positively impact their work environment… What do you do when your work environment is negative?… It’s easy to quickly feel the vibe of the office. It may seem impossible to change the mood. However, if you refuse to give in to the negativity, one by one you will spread positive vibes to those around you. This will result in a better environment. It is these powerful things called “mirror neurons”, that can be used for good or bad.
So don’t give in to a poor work environment, because YOU can make all the difference, regardless of what your position is… If you’re a leader of an organization, it is your responsibility to set a positive tone. Be aware of the impact that you have on the workplace mood.
A positive work environment will result in higher productivity, less turnover, more innovation, and profitability.
