A Mid-Year Challenge: Rejoice. Reflect. Refocus. Realign. Recommit.
As we cross the halfway point of the year, I challenge you—not just encourage you—to pause and intentionally take stock of where you are and where you’re headed.
Rejoice
Rejoice in the freedom to choose your path. Whether you continue down the road you’re on or shift direction, you have the power to shape your journey. Celebrate that freedom.
Reflect
What went well in the first six months of the year?
What would you like to see more of in the next six months?
What do you want to be known for by year’s end?
What are you willing—and able—to do to move toward your goals?
Refocus
Decide what you want—and just as importantly, what you don’t want.
Then...
Realign:
Are your daily actions moving you toward your goals?
Recommit:
Make a conscious decision to take action, with clarity and purpose.
Strategies for Success
Here are a few simple, powerful steps to take this month:
Block quiet time in your calendar to think—yes, schedule it!
Plan your celebration: When, how, and with whom will you mark progress?
Write it down: Answer the reflection questions above and record your insights in a way that works for you—on paper, in a note on your phone, or in your calendar.
Talk it out: Share your thoughts with a trusted friend, mentor, or coach.
Be honest: Acknowledge what’s worked and what hasn’t.
Find an accountability partner: Someone who will cheer you on as well as support and challenge you to do your best.
Make it visible: Put your goals and actions where you’ll see them—calendar, to-do list, or sticky note on your mirror. You choose what works best for you.
💡 Remember - Quitting is not an option. Changing direction is.
7 Traits That Build Strong, Trust-Based Collaboration in Teams
Is Collaboration important? Yes.
Is it challenging? Without a doubt.
Is it worth it? Absolutely!
Collaboration is the heart of effective teamwork. Whether in the workplace, on community projects, or within creative ventures, successful collaboration relies on more than just people working side by side—it demands intentional effort and shared values. Here are the seven important traits that truly support great collaboration:
Strong collaboration doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built on a set of intentional behaviors and shared values. —not just working together but working effectively together. Throughout my experience with teams as a coach, the team leader and serving as a member of a variety of teams, who are not only successful but who actually enjoy working together, I’ve consistently seen these seven core traits, which I fondly refer to as the T.T.C. CAFE
T.T.C. CAFE Model of Collaboration simply put; means teams are using the full daily blend of collaborative essential traits needed to create the most effective, engaging, and high-performing collaboration possible. Those seven daily essentials traits are:
Time – Investing the right amount of time to do it well
Trust – Building safety through consistency and honesty
Communication – Clear, open, and respectful dialogue
Commitment – Showing up fully, every time
Accountability – Owning your role and following through
Flexibility – Adapting to change and new perspectives
Empathy – Understanding and valuing others' experiences
1. Time
Collaboration takes time— Not just to meet, but to plan, clarify, share information, give feedback, reflect, and make decisions together. Rushed teamwork often leads to shallow engagement or poor results. Effective collaborators invest time intentionally, knowing that quality relationships and ideas develop through thoughtful interaction. When we give the process the time it deserves, the results are stronger and more sustainable.
2. Trust
Trust allows team members to feel safe sharing ideas, taking risks, and being vulnerable. It builds over time through reliability, transparency, and mutual respect. When people trust one another, they can disagree productively and focus on the shared goal rather than self-protection. With trust, collaboration moves forward. Without it, it stalls. When people trust each other to follow through and act with integrity, then they can focus on solving problems—not managing politics.
3. Communication
Miscommunication can derail a team, while effective dialogue keeps everyone aligned. Great collaborators listen actively, express ideas openly, and seek understanding—not just to be heard, but to build shared meaning This can come from sharing the vision and purpose behind the goal.
Clear, honest, and consistent communication is foundational. It keeps team members aligned, reduces friction, and ensures everybody’s voice is heard, especially if you’re working across departments, functions, and time zones.
4. Commitment
Commitment means being all in - with enthusiasm and intentional focus - to the team, the process, and the goal. It shows up as persistence through challenges, showing up prepared, and not giving up when things get tough. It’s about showing up with intention and care—not just checking a box. When the team is fully engaged, it raises the bar for everyone. Committed and motivated teams bring energy, creativity, and resilience. Collaboration without commitment feels hollow; with it, a team has resilience and shared purpose. When they know the “why” behind the work, they’re more likely to lean in, push further, and celebrate wins—together.
5. Accountability
Everyone on a team needs to own their part of the process. Being accountable means following through, meeting deadlines, and owning mistakes. When each person takes responsibility for their contributions, the whole team thrives—and trust deepens.
6. Flexibility
Collaboration requires people to adapt—to different working styles, new ideas, and shifting goals. Flexibility means being willing to let go of “my way” for the sake of a better, shared outcome. It’s about responding rather than reacting and embracing change with curiosity.
Things change—goals shift, new ideas surface. Effective teams adapt. Meaning we stay open-minded, embrace feedback, and find the best way forward—even if it wasn’t Plan A. Besides, it’s usually good to have a plan B anyway.
7. Empathy
Collaboration works best when people understand and value each other’s perspectives. Empathy helps people understand different perspectives, especially when tensions run high. It helps resolve conflicts, strengthen connections, and promote inclusion. It allows collaborators to see the human side of teamwork, not just the tasks. It is truly the human side of collaboration—and key to being inclusive and respectful of each other.
These seven traits: Time, Trust, Communication, Commitment, Accountability, Flexibility, and Empathy. create a culture where collaboration isn’t just possible—it’s productive, innovative, and even enjoyable. When you actively model and instill these values in your team’s daily work, collaboration becomes a true advantage—not just for getting things done, but for driving meaningful, competitive success.
A Season for Growth
Summer’s here! It’s the perfect time to step outside, breathe deeply, and not just tend to your outdoor space—but also to your inner landscape: financially, emotionally, and physically.
There are as many shades of green as there are emotions tied to it. Sometimes it’s the vibrant green of abundance, sometimes it’s the tricky green of envy, and sometimes it’s the soft, steady green of personal growth.
Which shade(s) of green are you focusing on and on which one(s) do you want to focus?
Green as in Money
🌱 Budget Check-In: Are you nurturing your financial garden or accidentally watering weeds?
🌿 Summer Spending Tip: Balance mindful splurging with intentional saving.
2. Green with Envy
🌱 Comparison Trap: How often do we compare our lives to others? Remember: Comparison is the thief of joy. Just because someone else is doing it doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
🌻 Freedom to Choose: If it’s not your dream, you don’t have to pursue it.
🌿 Summer “shoulding” Tip: Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
3. Green as in Growth
🌱 Personal Development: What are you nurturing right now? What areas do you want to be nurturing?
🌿 Quiet Growth: Not all growth is loud or Instagram-worthy.
🌻 Authentic Growth: Sometimes, growth means choosing a different path, not doing what everyone else is doing.
Think of your life as your yard:
🌱 What weeds (habits, thoughts, obligations) need pulling?
🌿 What pretty “dandelions” are actually distractions?
🌻 What do you want to plant more of?
🌿 Summer growth Tip: Invest time and effort in what you want to see more of.
📅 I invite you to:
Journal about your personal shades of green.
Meditate or take a mindful walk around your actual yard or neighborhood.
Choose your "green" intentionally for the rest of 2025.
Green can be beautiful, abundant, or distracting—choose your green wisely.
Self Care & Summer Fun.
How often do you take the time to relax or feel you’re going 100 miles an hour and know you need to take a break yet don’t because you don’t have time or think you don’t have time? Truth is, sometimes you don’t have time, not to.
So, as we move into summer, the season of fun and relaxation; let’s have some fun and relax!
People understand that taking care of themselves is important, yet many neglect it.
Sadly, I have to work at relaxing. My dad was a workaholic. He grew up during the depression and didn’t have much as a kid. He worked for everything he had. That’s why material things were important to him as an adult. I am a recovering workaholic.
Let’s face it if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be around to take care of all the people and “things” you say are important to you.
When you’re tired, maybe it’s your body’s way of saying, slow down. Our kids take naps to re-energize, even though they resist lying down to rest. Most adults do an excellent job of taking care of their kiddos and yet don’t take enough time to take care of themselves.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an annual observance founded by Mental Health America in 1949 to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing, educate the public, reduce stigma, and promote support for those affected by mental health conditions.
For more information about Mental Health Awareness Month go to the following website: https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/mental-health-awareness-month/
May is also National Bike Month, promoted by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to give biking a try.
For more information see: https://bikeleague.org/events/bike-month/
Remember, it’s not always about doing but also being.
For things you can do to take care of yourself and have summertime fun summer I offer the following list of ideas.
Spend time with yourself—Do something which brings you joy each day.
Enjoy a staycation - Sometimes it's just nice to enjoy being at home.
Laugh often – There is an Urban myth that says adults laugh about 17 times a day, kids between 300 - 400 times a day. Myth or not, let’s bring more laughter into our days.
Friends. Call them, have lunch with them, ask them to just hang out.
Celebrate the big things and the “little” things. Because there will come a time when you’ll look back and realize the little things were actually the big things. 😊
Attend a concert – many cities have free outdoor concerts in the summer.
Read a book or magazine.
Enjoy a virtual coffee break, lunch, or happy hour with friends and coworkers.
Set an example by taking time to enjoy life.
Understand you don't have to be perfect.
Make moments into memories.
Make time for movies – maybe even try the Drive-In Theater
Empower yourself Part of leadership is self-care and setting an example for others.
Relax. Reflect.
Find time to give someone a compliment and remember to give yourself a compliment for what you have accomplished.
Umbrellas – keep one in the car for those unexpected summer showers.
None of the following fit nicely into one of the letters so here are more summertime suggestions.
Drink lots of water.
Game night (Rumikub and Things are two favorite board games)
Girls (or Boys) Night Out—get together and talk, eat, play games, see a movie—okay, the boys may play a card game or two and the girls may play Bunco. Let’s face it, it’s not about the game, it’s about the camaraderie, the food, the fun, and most importantly the friendships.
Journal — If you think it, ink it. Putting it in writing can support you in sorting out your thoughts and feelings. Self-reflection can help clarify what’s going on. Many people also write down things for which they are grateful.
Organize a lunch bunch—enjoy lunch out or brown-bag it once a week.
Pray.
Take a catnap.
Take a vacation.
Take a walk.
Work on a puzzle. (jigsaw, crossword)
You got this! And I have your back!
Ann
What do you think about when you hear the words May Day?
Do you think about the distress signal letting people know you need help?
OR
Do you think about May Day when you were little and the fun and thrill of giving and getting May Baskets filled with goodies of all shapes and sizes.
I think of May Baskets!
My sisters and I, as well as my son and I, loved making and giving May baskets. Our May Baskets were made of many types of materials. Sometimes we used construction paper to make a basket shaped like an ice cream cone, other times it was a plastic cup. Truth be told, we used what we had, just like in life, we use what we have. Oh my gosh, all the baskets sitting in a row waiting to be filled. We then took great care to choose the perfect combination of candy to fill the baskets for friends in the neighborhood.
If we were going to surprise my mom, we would put flowers in them.
If we were on top of things, we made them early or some years we made them right after school, regardless, May 1st would finally arrive. We would come home from school, if it was a school day, gather up the May baskets and go door to door delivering them to the neighbor's porch, pound on the door and run run run run run run fast before anybody could see who left the May basket. Once finished, we would race home to discover that somebody had left a May basket on our door. If the neighbors delivered before we did, we would hear a knock on the door and dart to see who left that May basket. Yet, they were often quicker than we were, and it was left anonymously.
So, what does May Day have to do with leadership? Sometimes we need to ask for help – it truly is a Mayday call, but that’s another newsletter. Giving helps with our transformation into becoming the leaders we want to be. Leaders give because that’s who they are. Giving to help the other person have a better day or maybe help them in their career is the right thing to do, and leaders do it without the expectation of “getting” anything in return.
However, what typically happens is that as a leader, you receive the satisfaction of knowing you helped someone grow and achieve their goals and when you help others achieve their goals, they ultimately help you achieve your goals.
Giving comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s also so much more fun than receiving even though when you're a kid you think receiving is where it’s at.
The quote above states that the happiest people aren't those who get more but those who give more is truer than we could ever have imagined.
I read somewhere that at least once in everybody's life it's important to give something anonymously. I encourage you to give something anonymously with no expectation of credit or recognition from the organization or person who received your gift. When you give you receive.
10 ideas on what or how to give back on May Day or any day.
Your time is probably the most precious and most valuable thing you can ever give someone.
Mow somebody's lawn or shovel the driveway after a snowstorm
Make cookies and give them to your neighbors or bring some to work for no reason at all.
Send a card, a text, an email, or call (yes pick up that phone and talk to the person) with a note of encouragement. I found that when I take the time to send them a card or let them know I'm thinking about them nine times out of 10 the person you have reached out to shares with me that your message arrived on a day when they needed it the most.
Smile - is easy to give away a simple smile and you’ll probably get one back.
Acknowledge someone for a job well done!
Ask someone at work if they need anything on that project they’ve been working on.
Hold the door for someone
Invite a friend to go for a walk
Spend time with someone and listen to what’s going on in their life
On this May Day, let us remember:
The best way we can help somebody is to just simply be there and give without the expectation of getting anything in return.
Take a minute or two and decide what you want to “give away” on May Day or any day. I’m confident you’ll get back far more than you give even though you’re doing it with no expectation of receiving anything in return.
My wish for you this summer is one of relaxation and time spent with family and friends.
You got this and I have your back.
Ann
Asking for help
Just like flowers, we all have things we need to thrive, even if we have a hard time asking for what we need. Growth happens in many ways such as learning new ways of doing things, sitting down and having meaningful conversations and asking for help even when it’s uncomfortable. Flowers know what they need to grow. While they can’t ‘ask’ for help, they let us know what they need. If we are paying attention, we will see the signs like when they wilt, we know they need more water, sunshine, and maybe a little bit of love to keep growing.
Do you have a tough time asking for help?
I do or at least I used to have a tough time asking for help.
When I was younger, I used to think asking for help was a sign of weakness. I especially felt like that when I was in a leadership position and thought I was supposed to have all the answers and didn’t want to burden others by asking questions and sharing what I needed to succeed.
I could not have been more wrong.
Years ago, one of my good friends taught me an extremely valuable lesson about asking for help. When I was going through a divorce, I was having a conversation with her and shared that I felt I had nothing to offer. I wasn’t comfortable asking people for help, especially when I had nothing to give. She simply asked me, “Ann, how do you feel when people ask you for help?” I replied, “Well, it feels great to be able to be there and walk with them on their journey. I love being able to support people by asking questions or just being there with a listening ear.” She then shared, “Then Ann, give us the opportunity to be there for you and to have those same feelings of knowing you trust us enough to ask us for help.”
So, I share with you – It’s okay to ask for help and not to have all the answers. Nobody knows everything about anything. I have learned that asking for help is a sign of courage, confidence, integrity, strength, trust, vulnerability, and opportunity.
Asking for help means having:
Courage – to acknowledge we don’t have all the answers and that can be frightening.
Confidence – to trust and rely on your knowledge and intuition, knowing when you need assistance and knowing the other person will be able to provide the resources and help you need.
Integrity – to honor the other person’s thoughts and support.
Strength – to admit you need help, and by doing so, you're demonstrating a willingness to evolve.
Trust – to share with others you trust them enough to ask for their insight, advice, and support, knowing they have your best interest at heart.
Vulnerability – to be open about your limitations and weaknesses, which can sometimes feel uncomfortable and yet is a path to growth.
Taking the Opportunity – to learn and grow alongside another person giving them the chance to share their knowledge and experience with you and to feel good about what they have to offer you.
Each of these qualities show that seeking help isn't a sign of weakness but showing great strength and recognizing asking for help is an essential part of learning, growth, and connection. We just need to be open to receiving it and trust that it’s okay to at times rely on others.
Something many of you may already know but I just learned is how to use is voice to text in Microsoft word. I was short on time and, quite frankly, felt mentally paralyzed when I sat down to draft a short article. I also know I talk faster than I type, so I remembered someone telling me about this feature in Word. So, I thought I’m going to see if I can do this. I asked Google for help on how to use it. It shared a link to a YouTube video. OMGOSH – what a great resource and where has it been all my adult typing life? I can now talk out my thoughts, have them recorded, and go back and edit. What a gift ( or you may be thinking, oh no, now she will never shut up)! I’m so glad I listened, asked for help, and tried something new.
Feel free to send me your thoughts on what you have learned about asking for help or a time when someone asked you for help. I’d love to share your ideas and advice with others.
April showers help things grow, and I believe that asking for help displays enormous growth in each one of us. It's an excellent way to be a role model for others and let them know it's okay to ask for help when you need it.
You got this!
And I have your back.
Ann
Spring Break: Spring Cleaning
It’s Spring Break. If you’re on vacation – Enjoy!
If you’re hanging out at home over Spring Break working or enjoying time off. I bet you’re beginning to think about spring cleaning. Those of you on vacation most likely have this on your to-do list when you return.
What comes to mind first when you hear people mention spring cleaning?
For me, I usually think about (and hopefully follow through by doing it) doing a deep cleaning of the entire house including washing the windows and screens, donating those clothes that don’t fit anymore, and rummaging through the cabinets and files pitching what I don’t use or need anymore. It’s also a great time to shred all the documents I don’t need to keep like boxes of tax information that are over seven years old.
However, there’s another facet to spring cleaning which I believe gets overlooked sometimes. It’s spring cleaning of the mind and taking time to reflect on how we’re doing on our goals for the year, tracking where we are with spending and saving money on what’s needed and investing time on what we say is important.
While we may not always enjoy cleaning and organizing the environment just think and remember how good it feels to have things crisp and clean and organized. It’s a great feeling to stand back and look at a job well done!
I sigh as I’m typing thinking about spring cleaning, knowing what I need and want to do. Yet like many, I am challenged with all the other ‘things’ I need and want to do. I also know the cleaner and more organized my environment is on the outside the calmer and more peaceful and creative I am on the inside.
Spring cleaning of the mind isn’t easy for me. Making and taking time to clear my head and evaluate what needs to stay and what needs to go in my mind is challenging because I like to be able to see the results of where I’ve spent my time and their not necessarily visible right away.
So, let’s do this together and take a few minutes to focus on doing some spring cleaning of the mind.
My calendar is my friend. Regardless of the type of calendar you use, if you’re like me your life lies within your calendar. I can open it up to a day, a week, or a month, and at a glance, I can clearly see where and how I’ve spent my time. Did I spend it on my goals? My family? Self-care? There’s no judgment. However, if you want to know if a change is needed it’s important to know where you’re spending your time and clean house in your mind and maybe on the calendar.
I worked on my taxes this week. Now that can be an eye-opener on where money goes, especially when you’re reviewing all those business expenses. One of my goals to clean my mind and to help focus on not only my business but also my personal life is to evaluate where I’m spending my money and my time. Are they in sync with one another? Do I have memberships I’m not utilizing? If I’m not using them and taking advantage of the opportunities, they offer, maybe I need to ask myself a couple of questions.
Now, you may be asking – but Ann, what if I don’t have a business? How does this pertain to me? We can do the same thing with our personal expenses or a budget we oversee at work.
As we work to do some spring cleaning with our thoughts, I encourage you to ask yourself tough questions and listen to the answers. You have the solution that’s right for you – you just don’t know it – Yet
Where do many of my thoughts lead me?
Do I focus on the positive or the negative?
Does social media consume more of my time than I want it to?
How much time do I spend on social media?
How much time do I need and/or want to invest in social media?
What is the purpose of me spending time on social media?
Do I spend enough or too much time on social media?
When is the last time I checked out my calendar and evaluated my activities?
Do my activities reflect what’s important?
If I have a gym membership, am I using it? If I’m part of an organization, am I participating and does it still bring me joy?
If you’re not using it ask yourself a few questions:
What are the reasons I’m not using the membership?
Is it still important to me?
Have I allowed myself to be too busy to enjoy it?
Does it still bring me joy?
Do I want to re-engage with the organization or membership?
If yes, when will I begin?
If not, do I need to take a break from it and step away for a short time? If you take a break, it doesn’t mean you’ll never go back. It just means you need a break.
Do you have new interests you want to pursue?
In answering how much you need or want to do something - Is it a hell no or a hell yeah? This will give you clarity on what to let wander around in your mind and what needs to be ‘cleaned’ out.
Feel free to add what works for you. Email me with ideas if you want to – I’m always open and you may see them in a future post. Full credit will be given if used. I believe in giving credit where credit is due.
One of our beloved fairytale leading ladies, Alice, from Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll, reminds me of the importance of doing some spring cleaning of the mind and figuring out what to keep, what to get rid of, and how to decide which road to take.
One day, Alice was running around Wonderland, chasing who knows what she came to a fork in the road. She stopped. She thought. She contemplated which road to take. She asked herself, loud enough for those close to her to hear, “Which path do I take?”
Sitting in the tree watching and listening was the extremely wise Cheshire Cat. Slowly he stretched his paws, and with a wide grin on his face and deep sigh he asked, “Well Alice, where are you going?”
Alice replied, “I don’t really know.”
He smiled and simply stated, “Then it doesn’t really matter which road you take.”
This is so true. If you don’t know where you’re going, it doesn’t matter which road you take. The path which will lead you to success is determined by what is important and what success looks like to you.
Spring is from spring cleaning. Take time to - Clear your environment. Clear your mind. Your path will become clear.
Remember:
“If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.”
Unknown
You got this. And I have your back.
Ann
28 Tips to Give You More Time to Do the Things You Want
Avoid interruptions – Set aside time to focus on a project when you won’t be interrupted. Put yourself in a meeting with yourself.
Be active – If you don’t like to exercise change your mindset and think of it as being more active, even if it’s 20 minutes a day, four or five times a week. You’ll actually have more energy to do things if you do more than sit in front of a computer all day.
Breaks – Take a short break in the morning and afternoon. Even a five-minute break can help you feel refreshed.
Cancel – Cancel unnecessary meetings. If you don’t need to meet or if something can be taken care of in an email – do it.
Clean those vegetables – As soon as you get home from the grocery store clean fruits and vegetables so they’re ready to eat. If I don’t have to prep them daily, I’m more likely to eat them instead of reaching for a snack with little or no nutritional value and unwanted calories.
Delegate – Give others the opportunity to gain experience. This also frees you up to do things that others are not ready to do.
Do the hard things first OR when you’re most productive – If you’re a morning person and that’s when you’re most creative, work on the projects that take the most brain power and effort in the morning. I used to schedule all meetings in the morning. Meetings are easy for me and while I invest a lot of energy in them, I have found afternoons work great for them. I am reserving the mornings for the most challenging projects in which I need to be creative.
Double your recipe – When making a meal double the recipe and either freeze one to eat later in the month or use for lunches or a meal later in the week.
Eliminate or reduce the distractions - Silence your phone and/or emails (if your job allows this) – Resist the temptation to look at everyone notification on your phone especially when working on a project that takes a lot of brain power.
Evaluate and reflect – Take and make time at the end of the day and/or the week to evaluate what went well and what you would like to do more or less of.
Finish what you start – Focus on the task at hand and resist the urge to jump from project to project.
Have fun – When you take time to relax and refresh you can actually be more productive.
Meal Prep – Make multiple meals in one day and freeze them for the future.
Meal prep for the week – On Sunday make your meals for the week.
Meet face-to-face – In person if possible or virtually with cameras on if it’s the only way to meet. Work on relationships. In the end the time you invest in fostering a relationship can save you time.
Multi-task or NOT? – Determine if multitasking will actually save you time. If you’re working remotely and can do the laundry on breaks awesome. If you’re trying to talk to someone, be part of a meeting but have your camera off and doing something else – are you being fair to the others and yourself because you’re not 100% focused on the task at hand.
Organize your space – Clean your office, house, garage etc. If your physical environment isn’t organized many times your brain may not be either. I find that my workspace is in chaos, so are my thoughts.
Partner – ask someone to partner with you if appropriate on a task. For example, I didn’t use to be particularly good at asking for help. I thought I had to do it all. I found if I ask people, they are happy to help. This could be at work or at home. When everyone works together it’s a lot more fun and efficient.
Pick up the phone – Texting and emails are great. AND sometimes a phone call is more efficient. Get answers in real-time and strengthen those relationships.
Plan – Determine your goals for the week and each day. Write them in your calendar (digital or paper) and Commit to doing them!
Set a timer – Give yourself a certain amount of time to work on a project, especially if it’s something you don’t want to do. You may find it didn’t take you near as long as you thought it would because you didn’t sit there stewing about it.
Sit down for the night when you’re ready to relax – If I sit down too early at night, I find myself getting hooked on scrolling through my phone or watching a show that I’m not really that into.
Sleep and Stop the snooze – Go to bed at a decent time. You know how much sleep you need. Get up when the alarm goes off. Use those extra 10 – 20 minutes you might spend snoozing for something else.
Take action with email – Read it, file it, take action (or put it on your will-do list) or delete it.
Time Block – Set aside time to do the same or similar activities in one black of time. For example: Check email. Return or make calls. Write reports. Research. Repeat if needed.
TIVO – if you have a favorite show and you only have so much time, TIVO it, and fast forward through the commercials.
Write it down - Make notes on your phone or calendar when you think of something that needs to be done.
Celebrate – Last but not least, make time to celebrate your wins! This will increase your confidence and energy to continue pursuing your goals.
9 Strategies to Eliminate Procrastination
What can we do to reduce the temptation to procrastinate or work to eliminate it? Here are nine strategies I’ve found work.
Ask yourself the tough questions when you find yourself procrastinating. (I know you have the courage to do this.)
- Am I making excuses or do I have a real reason to procrastinate?- What am I getting out of procrastinating?
- How do I feel when I procrastinate?
- Am I putting it off because it’s hard?
- What’s the worst thing that can happen and can I prevent it from happening?
- If the worst thing happens, what will I do?- What are the biggest obstacles in completing this project?
- How can I overcome the obstacles in my way?
- Do I delay doing the same things repeatedly?
Reframe the activity or change your mindset – for example, I’m working to eliminate the word exercise from my vocabulary and replace it with begin more active. I like the thought of being more active. I enjoy walking and taking classes such as Zumba or water aerobics. If you’re an entrepreneur and are uncomfortable marketing yourself, think about it as sharing what you have to offer.
Ask for help. If you don’t know how to do something—people are happy to be there to support you, whether it’s cheering you on, helping you learn how to do whatever it is you need to learn, or working alongside you. They will help you if they know you need it.
Work with a trusted friend or accountability partner – my friend and I are going to do weekly check-ins with each to see if we have been more active. We will be supportive. We will not judge if something comes up and we fall behind. However, neither one of us wants to tell the other we didn’t do what we said we were going to do.
Balance your time. If you have to write a paper or work on a project you don’t want to do – set a timer for 15 or 30 minutes. You may be surprised at what you can accomplish in that time.
Set deadlines. Adjust if needed. Refrain from using the acronym ASAP. Yes, it means as soon as possible but does that mean—Right Now! Or as soon as I can possibly get to it? Who’s right? Both! So, talk about deadlines with yourself or your peers. Use a calendar—block time to work on or complete the project and honor your time.
Hire a coach.
Decide to stop procrastinating.
Reward yourself when you do what you want or need to do. Progress – not perfection.
You got this and I have your back!
Ann
7 Things You Can Do to Increase Your Self-Confidence
Do you ever have days when you are confident and feel as if you can conquer the world and whatever life throws at you?
Are there other days or times you’re like, good grief, I don’t know if I can do this or not, and you feel defeated before you even get started and feel your confidence is on the endangered-species list?
I know exactly how you feel.
Confidence can be tricky to find and understand. Sometimes you feel confident that you know what you’re doing and have what you need to accomplish your goal. You feel good about yourself. It doesn’t mean you know it all. Because let’s face it. Nobody knows everything about anything. However, it’s about knowing that with the right resources, knowledge, skills, and peers/team members, you can accomplish the goals you set out to achieve.
How does your confidence make it onto the endangered species list?
Your confidence can waver during moments when you aren’t sure you have the knowledge or skills needed for the job or whatever it is you’re doing. Other times it’s because someone has said something to or about you, which causes you to doubt yourself.
What can you do to develop more self-confidence?
Keep up the positive self-talk. Tell yourself what you do well.
Reach out and ask (email or in-person) three to five trusted peers/friends if they will share five positive qualities/characteristics they see in you. Keep those in a place where you can see them or access them daily, especially when your confidence is wavering.
Surround yourself with positive people.
Think about a couple of people who you believe have self-confidence. How do they act? What words do they use? What tone of voice do they use?
Update your resume: It will help you see just how much you have already accomplished and what you have to offer the world.
Write about a time you felt confident about something. Include how you felt and why you felt confident. Look at it from time to time, especially in the tough times.
Work with a coach.
Remember when you think about confidence think about this:
Continue seeking out
Opportunities you believe are
Necessary to find the
Feelings which
Inspire the
Determination to Dream about the
Experiences you want and will have that are
Necessary to
Complete the goals you’ve set to achieve, have the confidence to pursue them and then remember to
Evaluate the actions which got you there and enjoy the journey because life is a journey not a destination.
This will support you in finding and keeping your self-confidence. You don’t have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great
When your confidence is strong and you feel good about yourself, it is so much easier to tackle the obstacles life puts in front of you, finish projects needing your attention, and work hard to accomplish your goals.
When things are tough and your confidence wavers, it takes effort. Sometimes a little. Sometimes a lot. However, it’s usually during the most challenging of times that you learn the most and realize you do have what it takes to survive, thrive and have what it takes to succeed.
Celebrate each action that gets you to your destination and your confidence will begin to grow.
I have your back. And – You got this.
Ann
Five Things YOU Can Do to Thrive in 2025.
Time – make time to plan for 2025. I’m going to move to the Reflection part of these five
things first. (See below). Then I’m making time to plan my intentions and goals for the year.
Some of the things I am going to work on in 2025 regarding time, and I encourage you to consider are:
Schedule time for yourself.
Make time to have fun.
Be intentional with how you spend your time.
Do your most challenging things when you are at your best.
Reduce or eliminate distractions (I’m going to be organizing my office so I can think. LOL)
Determine where you want and need to spend your time this year?
Decide what calendar system works best for you and use it!
2. Habits – determine which habits you want to stop, start, and continue. It takes 21 days to form a new habit and incorporate it into your lifestyle.
For example:
I will stop hitting the snooze button on my alarm more than once. It is not serving me well. I know in my heart and based on experience, if I get up right away, I am more productive.
I will start being more active. I know if I incorporate 20 minutes of activity in the morning, I am in a better place mentally as well as physically. Any other activity I participate in is a bonus. I also know if I say I’m going to do this five days a week in the beginning and miss a day I will feel as if I have failed, I haven’t failed however that’s how I will feel. So – I will be realistic in my expectations. I am going to start doing 20 minutes of activity three days a week in January, beginning 1/6/25. I know I can do this. Once I succeed, I will add one more day of 20 minutes of activity in the morning.
I’m happy to share one of my friends is interested in walking and/or working out more in 2025. We have already agreed to be accountability partners.
I am going to continue doing things that bring me joy like making time to volunteer, having fun and writing my next book.
Get yourself an accountability partner and be intentional about who you ask to be your partner. I encourage you to choose one who is kind, and supportive, one who will celebrate with you and if you falter during those tough times, one who will support and help you get back on track like you will do for him/her.
By the way – if you falter and fall back into old habits. It’s okay. Know that we are human, and we all have those days, especially under stress. Pick yourself up and tell yourself, “Today (or tomorrow) is a new day. I got this!”
3. Reflect – on the past year and ask yourself these questions:
What went well in 2024?
For what am I thankful?
What can and will I do to make what I want to see happen more?
4. Intentionality – Be intentional in the things you do. Intentional was my word for the year a couple years ago. I think it may be my word for 2025.
Be intentional about everything you do and with whom you choose to spend your time with. It is said that you reflect the five people you spend the most time with. Think about it.
Choose your top three goals or priorities in your personal and professional life and be intentional about achieving them or making progress toward them.
5. Visualize your Expectations - Visualize what you want 2025 to look like. Then make time and write down your vision and expectations for the year.
Dream and ask yourself.
What would I do if it wasn’t for fear?
If money wasn’t an issue, what would I do?
What do I want to be known for?
What do I want to see more of in 2025?
Now sit down and lead or manage your own expectations.
What do you have control over and what can you not control?
Make a plan with dates on when you will start, stop, and continue, those habits you thought about and talked about earlier.
Remember – you can have it all, just not at the same time.
The 12 Days of Christmas and my Christmas wish for you now and always!
On the first day of Christmas: A partridge in a pear tree – May you remember how extremely unique and important you are to others – even if they forget to tell you. So, today I am here to remind you. You are the only you in this world. There has never been or ever will be someone like you. You bring your own unique talent, skills, and perspective to the world. You have everything you need and what it takes to be who you want to be.
On the second day of Christmas: Two turtledoves – May you find what brings you peace in the world and in your heart and soul. I have found peace in my belief that things happen for a reason even if we are not able to see it in the moment or even for months or years to come.
On the third day of Christmas: Three French hens – Think of three “things” for which you are thankful each day. Mine are faith, family, and friends. If praying to a higher being is something which resonates with you, I share the following that my friend Janelle shared with me many years ago. Each day – 1. Thank God for someone or something. 2. Pray for someone. 3. Ask for his help or support with a challenge you’re facing.
On the fourth day of Christmas: Four calling birds – Call, text, or send cards to four friends who have made a profound impact on your life and thank them for being an inspiration to you.
On the fifth day of Christmas: Five golden rings – A sign sits in my living room that says, “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.” It is the “little things in life” that sometimes bring the most joy to our lives. Like watching a movie or a little four-year-old chasing a squirrel in the park that he is NEVER going to catch but has the hope of catching and petting him as he tries with all his energy to outrace him. This still brings a smile to my face as the memory has been ingrained in my mind and heart forever.
On the sixth day of Christmas: Six geese a-laying – Volunteer for a cause that’s important to you. I routinely donate to food pantries because I don’t think anyone in this country should be food insecure.
On the seventh day of Christmas: Seven swans a-swimming – Like Dory in the movie, Finding Nemo said, Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. No matter what lemons life may bring just keep on swimming and making lemonade. Find the silver lining to each situation.
On the eighth day of Christmas: Eight maids a-milking – When the number eight lays on its side looks like the infinity sign. To quote James Dean “Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today” Remember – you can’t change the past. The future hasn’t happened yet. Live in the present because each day is truly a gift.
On the ninth day of Christmas: Nine ladies dancing – Dance like no one is watching and like there’s no tomorrow.
On the tenth day of Christmas: Ten lords a-leaping – There will always be obstacles. Find a way to leap over them or around them. Ask a friend to be there with you as I know you are there for them when they need support.
On the eleventh day of Christmas: Eleven pipers piping – Make your own kind of music.
On the twelfth day of Christmas: Twelve drummers drumming – March to your own drum. If someone else is marching to his/her drum let them as you want them to let you march to yours. Appreciate what you bring to the world and what others bring too.
One Step Back: Plan the Next Steps Forward
If you use the “P’s” to move forward:
As you Ponder: Remember - Simon Sinek would encourage you to: Start with your Why. Why is this idea or goal important to you? I will be asking myself this as well as - on a scale of 1 – 10 where does this idea or goal rate and how excited am I about it?
Remember - Saying no to one goal today doesn’t mean you are saying no forever. It just means not right now. When you say no to one thing, it means you get to say yes to something else. And that something else can bring you immense joy, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment. It can be a relief to focus on one major goal. What can you do and what do you want to do by the end of the year.
As you Plan: Mark time in your calendar and be specific on what you’re going to focus. For example, one of my goals is to develop an online course. Instead of writing on my calendar – work on online course. I will write specifically on what I will be working. Mind mapping (outline). Course objectives. Timeline.
As you consider Perseverance and Persistence: I looked up the definition of each and even though they sound the same they are different. Persistence is defined as “firm or obstinate resistance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.” Perseverance is “the continued effort to do or achieve something even if it's difficult and takes a long time.” The difference is subtle, but it's an important one as you move forward.
You can also use this time to begin pondering and planning for 2025 if you want – totally up to you. When deciding which road to take I am reminded of this story from Lewis Carroll’s books, Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. One day, Alice was running around Wonderland, chasing me. She came to a fork in the road. She stopped. She thought. She contemplated. She asked herself, loud enough for those close to her to hear, “Which path do I take?”
Sitting in the tree watching and listening was the extremely wise Cheshire Cat. Slowly he stretched his legs, and with a wide grin on his face and deep sigh he asked, “Well Alice, where are you going?”
Alice replied, “I don’t really know.”
He smiled and simply stated, “Then it doesn’t really matter which road you take.”
This is so true. If you don’t know where you’re going, it doesn’t matter which path you choose. The path which will lead you to success is determined by what is important and on what success looks like to you.
As you work on moving forward, I encourage you to write the following
Goal:
Action:
Who can support me and what do I need to succeed?
Date to begin:
How will you know you have made progress?
It takes time, energy, and hard work to move forward with your goals and it’s worth it.
I have your back, and you got this!
Why Are You Always Jumping from One Activity to Another? Unpacking Our Busy Lives
Ever stop and ask yourself why in the world you’re jumping from one activity or goal to the next?”
I have asked myself this question more times than I can count. In fact, just this week I found myself chasing one thing after another and not feeling like I was accomplishing anything.
There are several reasons this happens to us. Relate to any of the following?
You’re just plain bored with the entire project.
The excitement of the idea is gone, and the end seems far away. You’ve arrived at the messy middle of the project. Those details may be boring and tedious, and it’s taking way too long to finish the project or see progress being made. It’s important but boring.
FOMO—you know, the fear of missing out. Are you afraid of missing out if you don’t pursue the next best idea? Even if it is the next best idea, it’s imperative you see things thought to the end of the first project.
Overwhelmed with a project.
The new project looks more fun than what I’m currently working on.
Interruptions which may in fact be part of your job. For example, your supervisor may call a meeting or need something right away.
The good news—you get to decide what is important at the time. You don’t have to shut down your super “squirrel brain.” Lead it. I challenge you to embrace your choices. The challenge doesn’t lie in the choices you have. The challenge is determining which of the choices is the priority at any given moment in time.
Here are a couple of strategies which will support you in empowering yourself to decide what to work on and how to stay focused.
Remember your “WHY” and ask yourself: “What’s Important Now and why it’s important to you at this time.” Write it down. Put it where you can easily see or refer to it. “What’s Important Now.”
Make a list of your ideas. Put them in a notebook, a document on your computer or on a thumb drive or in the note section of your phone. This way you keep them in a safe space, yet don’t have to worry about remembering all of them. Then list your top five and make a realistic timetable of when you want to accomplish them. You can always adjust the timetable.
Take a deep breath, think, and repeat—one thought at a time. One task at a time. One day at a time.
Use Time Blocking. Set aside a block of time to focus on a project and stick to it. It can be 15 minutes. It can be an hour.
Set deadlines and dates for action steps on the calendar.
Turn off your email and silence your phone for a brief time if possible.
Work on the project you’re most challenged with when you do your best work.
Squirrels in our backyard keep our cats entertained for hours on end. They run and jump from one tree to the next chatting with the other squirrels appearing as if they are chasing the next shiny thing. I have no idea what they are saying, perhaps it’s how humans keep them entertained.
Ever reach the end of the day and don’t feel as though you have accomplished a thing, or at least not the “thing” you most wanted to finish? I do. I find myself chasing the next idea, dream, goal, many times before I even get the original one started. Or sometimes I’m right in the middle of a task and I find myself jumping to the next task on a completely different project. Good grief.
It’s like the little mouse in the book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. You’re cleaning your house or garage, and one project leads to another. You’ll start putting away the dishes. The cupboard is overflowing, so you begin organizing it. Something spills on the floor, and not only do you clean it up, but you decide it’s time to mop the floor. You get the mop and notice the laundry room needs organizing. When organizing, you realize you need laundry detergent and begin your grocery list. Or you’re at work. You’re checking emails, then your phone rings. The project in your queue has a pending deadline so you begin working on it. You hear that ping on your computer. Someone just sent you a DM. You answer it and begin working on their project, which, by the way, is not an emergency. Don’t get me wrong - it’s good customer service to help the person. It’s also important to prioritize. Answer the person and share what you can and can’t do. You get the picture.
Reflection Questions:
What are the things which distract you the most?
What are the actual reasons I allow myself to be distracted?
Where can I think and work without distractions?
What am I willing to do to remain focused?
What strategy am I going to try first and when will I begin?
Who can support me in this process?
Congratulations! You took the first step in working to overcome chasing all those shiny objects. You made a plan.
By the way - With fall just around the corner and winter not far behind, while it may look like the squirrel is jumping from one thing to another, he knows exactly what his priority is – to gather and store food for the winter.
If there is anything I can do to support you or your team, contact me. I’d love to connect!
Identifying and Overcoming Excuses to Achieve Your Goals
It all begins with an idea.
People have many reasons or excuses not to pursue a goal or dream. There truly are reasons and then there are excuses. The trick is determining which are reasons and which are excuses.
Ever wonder the reason or reasons you keep putting off what it is you think or say you want to do? I can come up with so many reasons it would fill a notebook, well maybe not that many.
First, I found I needed to ask myself the following questions:
Why is this goal or dream important to me?
How important is it to me?
I decided writing a newsletter is extremely important because I care about people living their best life and doing what it is that’s truly important to them.
Second, I explored the following:
What is it that’s keeping me from starting or moving forward with my newsletter?
Questions: My Answers:
Is it a lack of knowledge? Maybe my perception of a lack of knowledge
Lack of Time(or perceived lack of time?) Yes, so many tasks, so little time.
Is it fear? Absolutely!
Or all of the above and more? Yes!
For me, it was all of the above or so I led myself to believe.
Third, once I was honest with myself and answered the questions, I determined a plan to move forward which I encourage you to do too.
What is my plan of action and solutions to putting things off?
Solutions to help me move forward:
I could share experiences in the newsletter.
I have time, I just needed to put the time on my calendar AND honor the commitment I made to myself and more importantly to you to write the newsletter.
Fear – well I’m not certain I have a solution to this one however, I decided that different topics would resonate with different people, and I’d just have to go for it.
There is no judgment in the answers. You may answer the questions and decide the goal or dream you thought was important isn’t as important to you as you thought it was. It’s okay to decide not to pursue something.
If you decide your goal or dream is important to you then it’s time:
To start the journey to accomplishing that goal you’ve been dreaming about.
Put together a timeline.
Determine your action steps.
Mark time on the calendar to work on it.
Find yourself a positive accountability buddy who will cheer you on through the good, the bad, and the ugly times.