Staying the course...

Photo: We Heart It.

"Success is not normally attained through sporadic bursts of effort. Rather it is in the continuity of the effort, the constancy of going on trying each day, each week, helped by grace."
-Unknown

For enthusiastic people with slight ADD tendencies (*ahem*, moi), consistency and 'staying the course' can pose a challenge. I thrive on the excitement of beginning new projects, but often have trouble sticking with something after the initial glow and glamor wear away.

But I've learned that nothing worth having comes easy. To achieve meaningful goals, a healthy work ethic is an absolute necessity. So how do you get in touch with and channel the determination that will keep you plugging away, even when going gets tough?

Here's what works for me...

1. Setting achievable goals
I'm all for lofty aspirations, but if you don't break down your big dream into small, manageable tasks, it's easy to get overwhelmed and give up all together. Make sure to set regular milestones, and don't forget to reward yourself along the way! Got an A on a paper? Gave a rock-star presentation and impressed your boss? Go get a pedicure (or something equally delicious), STAT!

2. Sharing aspirations with positive and like-minded pals
When you feel like your progress is stagnating, look to your friends for support, and in turn, support them when they need it. It's hard to achieve anything without a little love and encouragement, and in the words of The Beatles, "Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends"!

3. Saying affirmations
I know, I know, I'm becoming more of a woo woo Oprah wanna be with each passing day, but I seriously believe in the power of the occasional, "I can do it" or "I am strong" recited to one's reflection in the mirror.

4. Practicing self-care and staying grounded
Never let achieving your goal become more important than your health, relationships, or values. In the words of Conan O'Brien, "If you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen." I believe this with all my heart!

Go out and make things great this week!!

(Whew, now that that's done, I think it's about time to cuddle up in bed with a glass of wine and few episodes of the Vampire Diaries ;)!)

Lovely words to live by

Photo: Inspiring Fearless.

“This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don’t like something, change it. If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing the things you love. Stop over analyzing. All emotions are beautiful. When you eat, appreciate; every last bite. Life is simple. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people; we are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often. Getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once, seize them. Life is about the people you meet and the things you create with them so go out and start creating. Life is short. Live your dream and wear your passion.”
-Unknown

I stumbled upon this beautiful quote today and was so moved. Hope you are too :)
xoxo

Simple morning pleasures...

Photo: Unwritable.


Photo: So Lali Dances.


Photo: We Heart It.


Photo: ThreesixfiveJay.

If your typical morning consists of repeatedly hitting the snooze button, a frantic search for your car keys (did you really leave them in the freezer again?), and a mad dash out the door (half a bagel and hairbrush in hand!), then it might be time for a little AM makeover. Why not...

Rise naturally with the sun. Sip green tea. Journal. Draw. Doodle. Set intentions for the day to come. Read something inspirational. Meditate. Hit the gym (and the sauna!). Listen to a guided meditation. Run. Do yoga. Listen to Lele's Breakfast (probs the funniest thing I've heard in months). Go for a walk outside. Take a long hot shower (or better yet, a bubble bath!). Pray. Stretch. Prepare yourself a delicious breakfast. Canoodle with someone you love. Read the newspaper in bed. Put on the most fabulous outfit you own (even if, or rather, especially if, it's just a normal day). Listen to your favorite music. Take a moment or two to stare out the window...

Before you know it you'll be sailing into work with such a slap happy grin on your face, no one will know what to do with you!

Fabulous self-help reads

Photo: Ffffound

“The best moments in reading are when you come across something—a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things—that you’d thought special, particular to you. And here it is, set down by someone else, a person you’ve never met, maybe even someone long dead. And it’s as if a hand has come out, and taken yours.”
-The History Boys

For me, few life pleasures exceed that of getting lost in a good book. And while I've always enjoyed fiction, over the past few years I've become somewhat of a self-improvement junkie! Here are a few of my favs...

For the yoga-loving party girl who wants to make a difference in the world (basically me, the author is a bit of a personal hero)...
Hip Tranquil Chick and Tranquilista by Kimberly Wilson

For anyone looking tap into their innate creativity...
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

For the aspiring frugal fashionista (what can I say, financial advice is always better served up in pink!)...
Shoo Jimmy Choo! The Modern Girl's Guide to Spending Less and Saving More! by Catey Hill

For the gal who loves to feather the nest...
The Domino Book of Decorating by Deborah Needleman, Sara Ruffin Costello, and Dara Caponigro

For the soul searcher in need of a little pick me up (this book is like eating a bowl of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies...but good for you!)...
Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach

For visual folk who adore looking at pretty pictures and reading inspiring quotes (obviously you or you wouldn't be reading my blog!)...
Girlosophy by Anthea Paul

For anyone who needs a reminder that extreme self-care is a vital necessity...
Take Time for Your Life: A Seven Step Program for Creating the Life You Want by Cheryl Richardson

Hope you enjoy these books as much as I did! And please share any recommendations of your own :)
xoxo

To sleep, perchance to dream...

Photo

At my very first fraternity party freshman year of college, a drunken upperclassman gave me the following haunting advice: "Grades, social life, or sleep. Pick two." Four years later, these words unfortunately still ring true. When you're managing a full time job and social life, sleep is often the first thing to go. Despite my best intentions, I'm guilty of regularly depriving myself of the shut eye I require to truly function at my best. Whether I'm out on the town or furiously scouring Rent The Runway at 3am, disciplining myself to keep a regular bed time is something I've been struggling with lately. And it's a shame. Studies have shown that people who get more sleep are more energetic, more focused, skinnier, happier, calmer, healthier, and have better sex lives! So my new goal is to get my tired ass into bed an hour earlier every night for the next week, and I challenge all of you to do the same! Sweet dreams ladies...

6 Ways To Make Mondays Better!

Hello all. This morning as you busily check your Inbox and dive back into projects (and last weekend’s frivolity rapidly fades to a distant memory…), take a second to read some of my tips for making the most dreaded day of the week, well, better!

1. Look extra cute for work (or school…or sitting on your couch!). You just did your laundry, got lots of sleep, and are ready to take on the week, right? I don’t know what it is, but whenever I take the time to look extra nice, I have a better day (I like to call it the “blow-dry and high heels effect”!). Start making a point to look extra fabulous on Mondays and it will set a positive tone for the week to come!

2. Get your most arduous work/school task done first thing in the morning. You’ll get a huge energy boost when you finish and will give day a sense of productivity and accomplishment.

3. Indulge in a good cup of coffee. Monday is not the day to go cheap or go without. You need fuel for your week!

4. Have a delightfully bizarre conversation with a complete stranger in the elevator. I do this almost every day and am a better person for it.

5. Stay away from the office candy bowl…at least until 4pm.

6. Start building a supply of treats at your desk to keep yourself feeling pampered and happy throughout the day. My stash includes aromatherapy peppermint spray (so refreshing and apparently promotes focus), a colorful head massager (really cool looking/makes me popular when people’s kids come to the office), lip gloss (a low-cal stand in for candy…KIDDING), a mini zen garden (so fun to rake…the easily amused know what I mean), Gummy Vitamins (don’t let anyone tell you they’re just for kids), and a fun mouse pad (mine is leopard print!). Investing the time to make your workspace a place you actually want to spend time will pay great dividends on the days you feel close to burnout, trust me!

Have a great week!