As Labor Day Approaches — Do You Want to Work Harder or Smarter?

Me – I’m working towards smarter not harder.  I’m working toward being more intentional and efficient with my time, not simply piling on more tasks. I even wrote my goals for the next 6 months on a whiteboard so I can see them daily.

With the start of the school year just around the corner—depending on where you live, school may already be back in session. I know you might be thinking, “Ann, I’m not in school anymore… thank goodness!” And I hear you! Regardless of whether we are officially in school or not, as we approach September it always seems as if there tends to bring a shift in energy and mindset around getting back into a routine, refocusing on goals for the remainder of the year, and learning.

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is the impact of one—the power of a single thought, action, or even letter.

Take the words “for” and “from.” At first glance, they seem simple. But a few years ago, someone asked  a group of us a question that’s stuck with me:
“Are you doing this for love or from love?”

Wow. That one small letter—"m"—changed everything. It gave me cause to pause and really think.

Am I doing things for love and acceptance—seeking approval or validation?
Or am I doing things from love—offering my best from a place of generosity and purpose, regardless of how it’s received or the outcome?

Don’t get me wrong. I want to be accepted and have people find what I share meaningful and inspirational.  However, this small shift in perspective has made a significant impact on me. It’s helped me focus on why I do what I do and find peace with the outcomes—even when not everyone agrees. This mindset has helped increase my confidence, self-worth, peace of mind, and clarity. It’s reminded me to stay grounded in purpose rather than praise.

So, as we approach September, I invite you to reflect:

Are you doing it for love or from love? You can substitute the word love if you want.
Are you working harder… or smarter?

Sometimes the smallest shift makes the biggest difference.

As an extra bonus in this newsletter. Here’s one of my favorite muffin recipes, shared by a friend, that’s easy, delicious, and a shift from muffins loaded with ingredients to ones with only two ingredients and a little bit healthier.

I share this with you from love not for love. Enjoy.

• One cake mix. 

• One 12-14 oz. can of pumpkin

Mix the cake mix (no eggs, no oil, no water) and pumpkin together. You can use any flavor of cake mix. Chocolate, Vanilla, Spice. My family’s favorite – Spice cake with pumpkin!

Scoop into cupcake liners in the muffin pan. Bake @ 350 for approximately 20 - 23 minutes. (check frequently since ovens are all different – just like people). 

Let muffins cool and enjoy one of the moistest, best-tasting muffins ever.

It’s all about perspective and being willing to shift. 

You got this! And I have your back.           

Ann