How To Get Inspired

Real moment. I don't always feel motivated or inspired and crank out post after post, Instagram after Instagram. Because sometimes I'm just plain uninspired. I hit a bloggers block. Every creative influencer as well as individuals experience a little stumbling block known as a funk. But the good news is you DON'T have to stay there. Today I'm going to share some of my favorite ways to get re-energized and re-inspired that I hope will be the catalyst to your creative launch. 

1. Create a pump-up playlist.
Their is nothing more exciting then finding new music that gets you going. I am obsessed with Spotify! The whole process of combing songs to fit a mood or occasion, is very therapeutic. So go ahead and be your own DJ! The Spotify Mood Booster, Happy Folk, and Pop Chillout are my go to pump-up playlists. 

2. Scroll Pinterest boards that motivate you.
When I find myself drawing a blank in the whole creative department, I pause what I'm doing and dedicate some time to drawing inspiration from other creatives. Whether you are uninspired in fitness, blogging, or school, find some influencer's that inspire you and pin away. For example, for those days when the last thing I want to do is workout, I quickly go scroll through a few fitness + healthy lifestyle boards. Everyone needs a little extra push sometimes, so find out what that means for you. 

3. Go on a run during the golden hour.
Exercising anytime will help get those endorphins and inspiration going, but running in a sunkissed light is just good for the soul. Honestly, I get so many ideas and blog post topics while I'm working out.


4. Wake up and smell the coffee. 
I love love love coffee. It might sound ridiculous, but sometimes the process of making coffee, trying new flavors, and of course sharing a quick pic for the Insta story is just what you need to fuel the inspiration. Embrace the little mundane things.


5. Create a list of life dreams.
Things you want to make happen in your life, write it down. Start getting your subconscious thinking about them, and more likely things will start to happen. You can also jot down goals, things you want to accomplish for the week or month.

6. Create an atmosphere of serenity. Light a candle, grab a notebook and start writing down whatever is on your heart or any ideas floating around in your head. Clear your head and get it down in ink.

7. Adopt an attitude of spontaneity.
Day to day, same routine, same hour to hour schedule that you could do in your sleep. Sometimes the greatest gift you could give yourself is the gift of spontaneity. This doesn't mean you ditch responsibilities for the beach, but add in some fun rewards to your day. Plan something that creates a new found excitement in your routine. It could be as simple as planning a mani/pedi on a Monday afternoon, or grabbing lunch with a bestie who you don't normally see during the week. Life is an exciting adventure and should be lived as such.

8. Plug into some audios that create bigger bolder thinking. 
We all could be dreaming bigger dreams and strive to stretch our mind beyond our comfort zone. It's vital that we never stop growing and never stop learning. If you haven't yet arrived at your destination/goal then why are you slowing down. When I need to refocus myself and stay on track (which is pretty much everyday) I love to turn on some motivating podcasts + TED talks. Any favorites??


9. Work in a clean organized area. 
Nothing is more defeating and contributes more to an uninspired attitude then working in a disorganized space. Block out thirty minutes to an hour to get some deep cleaning done. Wash those coffee mugs at your desk, get all you planner supplies away, burn an air freshener. Okay, now you may get to work. 

10. Surround yourself with positive influences.
Your environment, from who you hang out with, what plays in your earbuds, to what you read. Everything you let in your daily life, eventually will influence your thoughts and actions, whether you think you gave them permission to or not. Jim Rohn put it best, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." If certain people and things are not positively contributing to who you want to become and accomplish, then it's time for some active reflection on your part. Nobody has time for negativity when you have people to meet, lives to impact, and the world to change!

Any tips for when you hit bloggers block? Who do you turn to?

How To Get Spring Break Ready

Okay, so I know it's only January, but that means it's the perfect time to start preparing for Spring break that is in a couple short months. These next few months tend to get busy and Spring break will be here before we know it. So, let's get inspired, motivated and committed to accomplishing some fitness/lifestyle goals these next couple months. This isn't about having a bikini body for the beach. It's about learning how to make small daily habits that leads to a healthier lifestyle. Let's utilize Spring break to be that needed fire to get started. 

 

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Find fit-spiration 
Sometimes you just need a little pick-me up. Everytime you would rather stay in and not bother with working out, go and scroll through a fitness/health themed Pinterest board. Seriously this works all the time!! The only thing that stands between you and your goal is you. So figure out what works to get you fired up.

Create a Spring break bucket list
You don't have to have a Caribbean cruise planned to have a successful fun Insta worthy Spring break. Create your own fun and unique memories. Use this break to explore new destinations in your own backyard. Maybe plan to discover new brunch/coffee shops or explore local hiking trails. "Adventure is out there. Go find it."

Start a wishlist/shopping list
I don't know what could motivate you more than clothes! I am a forever list maker, and this is definitely true when it comes to fashion. For instance look how cute is this black set swimsuit, romper, and this adorable palm leaf two-piece!!

Discover new tunes
Music is a great way to get yourself pumped and adrenaline going. Have some fun, find new tunes, share with friends and get going.

Commit to getting fit
Now is the perfect time to start finding that go-to work out. Working out doesn't have to be boring. Maybe switch off between the gym, outside running, and a at home routine. Check out some tips I shared on creating a fit lifestyle for the busy girl.

Create a Spring break themed collage
Jump on over to your Pinterest and find those cute beach, sunset, and swimsuit galore pictures, that when you look at them, they just inspire you to get with it. Make this collage your phone/computer background ;)

What are your Spring break plans?

How To Prepare For Internship Season

 Often with the start of Spring semester brings lots of talk and Pinterest searches for "Summer Internship Tips". Now is the time to figure out what you need to have a successful internship search and experience.

Business cards
Internship season or not, having your own personal business cards is a super important tip for any up and coming professional. You'll never know when you will run into a potential employer, internship recruiter, or somebody who would like to connect further and you end up exchanging info. Super simple but is actually imperative if you want to be taken as a serious professional candidate.

LinkedIn
I don't know how much easier it can get these days to network and find internships/job opportunities. With platforms like LinkedIn, you have the capability to to display your accomplishments and personal brand to future employers, partners, and connections. LinkedIn is an emerging networking gold-mine!! Take advantage of it and start reaching out to either professionals you admire, hopeful future employers, and peers. This shows initiative, genuine interest and you learn to form relationships with everyone.

Dress for the job you want
This is yet another opportunity to show who you are. Know the job you want and dress accordingly. Just because you are a 20 year old college girl doesn't mean you should wear that dress you just wore to that Friday night party. Dress to impress. Even if it's a creative position that might have more leniency, you should still dress professionally but you have the capability to add your own flare to it.

Create opportunities
Internships don't just fall in your lap. If you want something go and work for it. Also, use this opportunity to think outside the box and make yourself stand out. If everyone is applying for similar internships, yes, still apply if it's something you want, but be creative and search out other unique positions.

Make connections + network with everyone
When I say everyone I mean EVERYONE. You don't know who they know or what advice they can give you, even if they themselves aren't some high flying CEO. Learning to make connections with everyone is the greatest thing you can do for your career as well as personal development.

Speak up and reach out for recommendations 
If you made a good impression & formed a relationship, most professors, RA's, past employers, internship advisers & mentors are happy to be a person of contact on your resume or even can write up a letter of rec. The biggest mistake most make (and yes, I have done this before) is that they don't ask!!!

Check social media
With the easy access to everything now a days, most people will look you up on the internet before meeting with you. What people see online actually plays a big role on how they perceive you. Keep this in mind before clicking every "share" button. Again, your are preparing for the career and future you want.

Update resume 
Since internship season is coming up, campuses will be full of recruiters and internship fairs. Having an updated resume on hand makes it professional and convenient for everyone. You might get contacted out of the blue, so you want to be prepared to email off your resume before that noon deadline.

Take initiative 
If you have your sight set on a particular job/internship, then reach out. I can say this from experience. Early December I reached out to an organization media department asking if they were open to adding an intern to their team. The director emailed right back thanking me for reaching out and confirmed a possibility of adding an intern. He told me to contact him again closer to the end of my Spring semester. I followed up in April and he offered me a summer internship in the media office. You see, I would never have gotten that opportunity or made those summer connections if I didn't first reach out. This particular organization doesn't advertise for intern positions so most never even thought to ask. But if you are looking to gain experience early on and stand out, then you have to be creative and courageous.

Be honest 
This goes for what you tell yourself and how you present yourself. Applying for internships require you to have a passion for that field and not something you are pursuing because of the status, the fact that everyone is doing it, and most importantly because it's expected of you. You have to do this for you and what you want for your future.

Have fun!
Last but not least, this season of your life should be a fond memory to look back on. It can be stressful but try and keep the big picture in mind of what getting this internship could do for you.

17 TED Talks To Create Bigger Thinking

In a world which is constantly trying to drag us down, we are the only ones who can choose to live in positivity. Don't wait till the perfect moment to start creating a positive change in your life: that time is NOW. I've always loved diving into podcasts, audio books, & motivational talks. Even in my early teens, you could find me reading a TJ Hoisington book or a Kerry Shook podcast. Looking back, those simple moments of plugging into that environment, taught me to challenge my thinking, engaged my brain in how to dream bigger, and inspired me to pursue my goals no matter how "uncommon" they are. 
 TED talks make it easy for anyone to learn how to make positive changes in their life, which lead to becoming a happier, healthier, successful, more productive self. 

Here are 17 TED talks to be inspired, challenged and motivated to change your life this year:
 - - -

1) How Waking Up Everyday  at 4:30 a.m. Can Change Your Life | Filipe Castro Matos
You want to know how to wake up early? A motivating story by Filipe Castro Matos, will help you not only to train yourself to get up early, but also to cope with working problems more effectively. #21EarlyDays

2) Why 30 Is Not The New 20 | Meg Jay
Clinical psychologist Meg Jay has a bold message for twentysomethings: Contrary to popular belief, your 20s are not a throwaway decade. In this provocative talk, Jay says that just because marriage, work and kids are happening later in life, doesn’t mean you can’t start planning now. She gives 3 pieces of advice for how twentysomethings can re-claim adulthood in the defining decade of their lives.

 3) My Year of Saying yes To Everything | Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes, the titan behind Grey's Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder, is responsible for some 70 hours of television per season, and she loves to work. "When I am hard at work, when I am deep in it, there is no other feeling," she says. She has a name for this feeling: The hum. The hum is a drug, the hum is music, the hum is God's whisper in her ear. But what happens when it stops? Is she anything besides the hum? In this moving talk, join Rhimes on a journey through her "year of yes" and find out how she got her hum back. 

 

 4) Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance | Angela Lee Duckworth
Leaving a high-flying job in consulting, Angela Lee Duckworth took a job teaching math to seventh graders in a New York public school. She quickly realized that IQ wasn't the only thing separating the successful students from those who struggled. Here, she explains her theory of "grit" as a predictor of success.

5) The Difference Between Winning and Succeeding | John Wooden
With profound simplicity, Coach John Wooden redefines success and urges us all to pursue the best in ourselves. In this inspiring talk he shares the advice he gave his players at UCLA, quotes poetry and remembers his father's wisdom.

6) Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders | Sheryl Sandberg
Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg looks at why a smaller percentage of women than men reach the top of their professions -- and offers 3 powerful pieces of advice to women aiming for the C-suite. 

 7) How To Succeed? Get More Sleep | Arianna Huffington
In this short talk, Arianna Huffington shares a small idea that can awaken much bigger ones: the power of a good night's sleep. Instead of bragging about our sleep deficits, she urges us to shut our eyes and see the big picture: We can sleep our way to increased productivity and happiness -- and smarter decision-making.

8) Women Entrepreneurs, Example Not Exception | Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Women aren’t micro--so why do they only get micro-loans? Reporter Gayle Tzemach Lemmon argues that women running all types of firms-- from home businesses to major factories-- are the overlooked key to economic development.

9) How To Gain Control of Your Free Time | Laura Vanderkam
There are 168 hours in each week. How do we find time for what matters most? Time management expert Laura Vanderkam studies how busy people spend their lives, and she's discovered that many of us drastically overestimate our commitments each week, while underestimating the time we have to ourselves. She offers a few practical strategies to help find more time for what matters to us, so we can "build the lives we want in the time we've got."

10) Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are | Amy Cuddy
Body language affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy shows how "power posing" — standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don't feel confident — can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain, and might even have an impact on our chances for success.

11) How To Find Work You Love | Scott Dinsmore
Scott Dinsmore quit a job that made him miserable, and spent the next four years wondering how to find work that was joyful and meaningful. He shares what he learned in this deceptively simple talk about finding out what matters to you — and then getting started doing it.

12) Success, Failure and The Drive To Keep Creating | Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert was once an "unpublished diner waitress," devastated by rejection letters. And yet, in the wake of the success of 'Eat, Pray, Love,' she found herself identifying strongly with her former self. With beautiful insight, Gilbert reflects on why success can be as disorienting as failure and offers a simple — though hard — way to carry on, regardless of outcomes

13) All It Takes Is 10 Mindful Minutes | Andy Puddicombe
When is the last time you did absolutely nothing for 10 whole minutes? Not texting, talking or even thinking? Mindfulness expert Andy Puddicombe describes the transformative power of doing just that: Refreshing your mind for 10 minutes a day, simply by being mindful and experiencing the present moment.

14) How Great Leaders Inspire Actions | Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek has a simple but powerful model for inspirational leadership — starting with a golden circle and the question "Why?" His examples include Apple, Martin Luther King, and the Wright brother.

15) Teach Girls Bravery, Not Perfection | Reshma Saujani

We're raising our girls to be perfect, and we're raising our boys to be brave, says Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code. Saujani has taken up the charge to socialize young girls to take risks and learn to program — two skills they need to move society forward. To truly innovate, we cannot leave behind half of our population, she says. "I need each of you to tell every young woman you know to be comfortable with imperfection."

16) A Life of Purpose | Rick Warren
Pastor Rick Warren, author of "The Purpose-Driven Life," reflects on his own crisis of purpose in the wake of his book's wild success. He explains his belief that God's intention is for each of us to use our talents and influence to do good. 

17) The Optimism Bias | Tali Sharot 
Are we born to be optimistic, rather than realistic? Tali Sharot shares new research that suggests our brains are wired to look on the bright side -- and how that can be both dangerous and beneficial.  

What are your opinions on TED talks? Do you have a favorite one? 

Mentoring Tips 101

I think today more than ever, mentors play a significant role in the lives of young people. With literally everything at our finger tips it's easy to jump from one degree to the next, this job to that job, these friends to that group. In a culture that seeks to drag us down, there's nothing more rewarding and uplifting than having the mentor support system. 

Picking someone as a mentor should have nothing to do with their name, title, or status. It's about having a genuine connection. Forming a mentor/mentee relationship will be the greatest thing you can do to set your life up for success.

By choosing a mentor, you are saying that you are committed to do whatever it takes to achieve the goals you may have set, and that you are ready to be held accountable to those goals.

| Why A Mentor |

They help you discover your professional & life strengths.
If your mentor works in the same organization as you do and gets an opportunity to work with you, they are able to begin to observe you in action. Over time, they can start guiding you in your performance skills and style. Great mentors don't just tell you things to start "fixing", they ask critical questions that force you to assess your own abilities.

They give you honest & constructive criticism.
Nobody wants to hear correction, because let's be honest having to change and put aside our ego hurts. It's uncomfortable and awkward and yes people might talk. Ask yourself how long you are going to let all those excuses stand in the way between you achieving what you were created to do and become. Mentors are giving you pointers not to hold you down and bring out all your insecurities, but because they see so much potential in you, and if you tweaked a few things and mastered them, you would take off and be an incredible success in whatever you wanted.

They want to see you succeed more than anything.
Your mentor has been in your shoes, the shoes of one just starting out and trying to figure out life and profession. But they have also gotten past the start line, ran their race and crossed the finish line successfully. Now it's their turn to be on the sideline coaching others as they begin their own race. Often times mentors see themselves in their mentee and make it their mission to help them succeed as a way of repaying those in their life that coached them during their own race. They see an abundance of raw potential in you. Now they want to teach you to see it.

They can connect you with fellow professionals in your prospective field.
If your mentor happens to be a professional in your intended field/organization, more often than not they have the connections that could make your career. If you honestly lay out your goals, your aspirations, and who you would appreciate the chance to get to talk with, most good mentors would be more than happy to get you connected with those individuals that could give you some pointers for that career/life path. Be open and honest and you'll get rewarded for it.

They can be a pair of fresh eyes when you're at a crossroads.
Sometimes we can get so caught up in ourselves and what is going on around us that we can't even see that the answer we have been looking for is right in front of us. It takes somebody outside of our bubble to tell us like it is and set it straight. As young adults sometimes navigating life can get a little messy and just plain confusing, but having that solid figure in the form of a mentor could be the key to success that you have been looking for.

| How To Find A Mentor |

It's a natural process.
Most mentorship happens unofficially. It most commonly happens in college because you are constantly surrounded by some amazing successful people. From your professor, dorm R.A., even upperclassmen. Unofficial mentors are all around us, we just need to step out and take hold of the opportunities.
I never had an "official mentor" while in college, but had many people who I admired and often sought counsel from. This happened from professors, alumni who I was privileged to meet, small group leaders, campus chaplain, even the college president (#smallschoolpros). If I went back to some of those people today, they probably wouldn't know the influence they had on my life, because it wasn't a formal mentoring. It was a natural relationship that grew because I was looking and they were willing.

Look at people in your prospective profession.
Although it is extremely beneficial to find a mentor no matter what industry they're in, you'll benefit more from a relationship with a professional within you intended field. They have already walked that path and are just overflowing with knowledge about your dream profession. Take the opportunity to evaluate them and learn what steps they took that put them in the position they hold today.

Pick someone who ignites your passions.
Mentors are there to lift you up and ignite your fire of ambition. Your mentors passion, drive and determination should inspire you. Your mentor should encourage you to chase your dreams, strive for greatness, and learn to become the best version of yourself each and everyday.

Choose some that challenges you in life & career.
The only way for you to achieve success is by daily discipline and accountability, and a good mentor knows this and is constantly challenging you. A good mentor builds on your strengths rather than drawing out your faults.

Most importantly choose someone that you admire, trust, respect and ultimately who you would love to emulate one day.
Keep your standards high even when it comes to mentors. Just because they are accomplished in their field doesn't make them the right mentor for you. Trust your instinct and know what you want out of a mentor and out of your goals.

| How To Be A Successful Mentee |

Be authentically yourself.

Once you found a mentor it's really easy to try and become your mentor. Remember, the only way for your mentor to be successful, you have to be you in all your entirety. Find what qualities of your mentor that you admire and learn to apply those traits to your own life. The biggest gift you can give the world, your mentor, your future mentees and yourself is being you, with all your unique gifts, quirks, perspectives, and connections.

Be coachable.

Mentees who are serious learn to embrace AND adapt their mentors advice. The best mentees know there is feedback they need to hear, not just what they want to hear. Coachable mentees learn to become sponges; they don't let their ego waste any time they could have in learning from their mentor.

Be proactive & diligent.

Mentees are ultimately in charge of the relationship. Good mentors aren't going to waste their valuable time if the person isn't showing any interest. Awesome mentees are always updating their mentor and keeping in the loop especially when it comes to something they were advising them on.

Don't waste ANY opportunity your mentor presents to you.

Listen, no matter what the opportunity is, whether it's a conference call for a dream job, invite to an exclusive event, or just a time ask endless questions from your mentor JUMP on it! Seriously, if you want to be successful now and are serious about this whole mentoring relationship, then you want to be the most prepared diligent mentee ever. They are investing so much time and effort into you because they believe in you. 

Just succeed.

The greatest way you can "payback" your mentor for the value they poured into your life is by succeeding. Set your mind to it and just run after it till it becomes a reality. You have all the tools you need for success, it's up to you to put the foot on the gas.