Tag Archives: positive

May25

5 Simple Ways To Add More Joy To Your Life

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5 Simple Ways To Add More Joy To Your Life

Life is to be lived. It should also be full of happiness and joy too – but that isn’t always the case. While setbacks and hardships are a normal part of life, it doesn’t have to consume you. We deserve to enjoy our lives and live them to the fullest. But sometimes, we can get in our own way. When that’s the case, you’re going to want to try and do what you can to add more joy into your life:

Decide What You Want:

For starters, you’re going to want to take a look at what you want out of life. Can you see what’s missing? Is there something that you’d like to be doing with your life but currently aren’t? Sometimes, the simplest way to add more joy is to know what you want out of life (and how you want to spend your time) and to go after it.

Be Kinder to Yourself:

Next, you absolutely need to make sure that you’re being kinder to yourself. If you’re always beating yourself up, it’s never going to be a good day for you. Think about ways to stop the negative thoughts and aim to treat yourself with love and kindness. This can make a huge difference in how you feel.

Get Creative:

Another way to feel happier with your life is to be more creative. Think about how spending more time on artistic pursuits can keep you calm and bring more joy into your life. It could be that you want to try out watercolor, a chocolate quilt kit, or even writing poetry. It’s all about exploring what brings you happiness. Often, the simplest of creative hobbies can make you feel incredible.

Improve Your Life:

This one can seem like a big thing to do, but in reality, it can be much simpler. It’s safe to say that we all deserve to be happier. Yet, that’s not always easy to do. But when you choose to look at ways that you can improve your life, things will start to get a bit better. Can you meditate or practice yoga to calm your mind? Go on walks and drink more water to help your health? Establish a sleep routine for your well being? It can all add up to a better quality of life.

Prioritize Time:

Finally, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re able to prioritize your time so that it works with what makes you happy. All too often, we find ourselves swept up with expectations and prioritizing the things that we think we should or society says are important. But what about what is important to you? It’s essential that you can steal away time for the things that matter to you. When you take the pressure off, life tends to feel a lot lighter.

Making small, simple changes to improve your life and how you feel will result in more joy, calmness, and confidence. Why not go for it today?!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

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May21

Setting Small Goals For GREAT SUCCESS

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Setting Small Goals For GREAT SUCCESS

Hello! I am one of those people that like to get things done immediately and do it well. However, in this current juncture of my life, everything has been overwhelming and I barely got things like cooking, cleaning, or self care done at all. After over two months of running myself ragged and being disappointed by things that I couldn’t do because I had no time or energy, I decided to make a change. Rather than attempting to do everything and doing nothing instead, I began setting small, achievable goals for myself to meet throughout the week.

This has been a most helpful change and I have had GREAT SUCCESS already. Although the pace I am getting things done at is leisurely, I am now getting them done and I feel great about it. Here are some of the ways that I have switched things up:

Cooking:

When things were falling apart, cooking was the first thing that plummeted. This was no good for me because I love to cook and DoorDash is expensive! I knew that what I was doing wasn’t working and set the goal for myself to make easy meals on the days that I am home early. Yes, I was tired once home but eating actual food is important and I found that I had more energy once I was done cooking because I was finally enjoying myself. Now, I am making dinner at least three times a week with plenty of leftovers for off days and I am really proud of that! There is also nothing better than seeing how happy Johnny is whenever I’m in the kitchen and eagerly asking what I’m making. ❤

Cleaning:

In my perfect world, I would be able to dedicate an entire morning and afternoon to cleaning the apartment. However, I simply don’t have the time to do that. So, I started small. I have begun texting Johnny in the mornings about his designated chores he could do when he gets home and I take care of everything else that needs done throughout the week. I now have Wednesday as my set morning to do laundry, cleaning toilets on Thursday (just like my mom’s chore schedule lol), and using spare time to declutter in sections. Breaking the chores up into a manageable schedule has really helped to turn the apartment around and it feels good to return home without immediately spotting glaring issues to clean!

Leisure:

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnny and I used to love doing things on week nights. Dinner out, going for walks, or catching an early movie at the theater. That seems so long ago, but it was so nice to have fun things to look forward to during the work week. Together, we decided that now would be a perfect time to get back into this habit – especially since the weather is beautiful! We don’t plan on going crazy with plans and like the theme of this post, we are starting small. I suggested a hike at least once a week in one of the many Metro Parks we live by and having the occasional dinner on our balcony. This is a change we will be implementing this week because Johnny worked crazy overtime hours last week. I’m excited to go out and do things with my husband again and a hike seems like an easily accomplish-able way to start.

Although everything still kind of sucks right now, I am feeling much better by setting goals and reaching them. By breaking tasks up into smaller pieces, I have been doing more of the things I love and the things that are necessary. It’s a minor change, but one that I am so pleased with and will be sticking to from now on!

How do you make adulting more manageable? What is something that you are proud of? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May19

Reduce Your Stress With These Hobbies

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Reduce Your Stress With These Hobbies

Every person in the world experiences stress now and then. It’s important to know that it is a very normal part of life. That being said, extreme stress or prolonged periods of stress can result in several health problems. The best way for you to relieve this stress would be for you to try and do things you enjoy. If you want to find some stress relieving hobbies, why not try the following?

Walking:

Taking a walk outside can work wonders when it comes to your overall health. A quick walk can help to stop you from overthinking, is a healthy distraction from your thoughts, and a great form of exercise.

Listening to Music:

Listening to music or playing your favorite songs is an excellent way for you to put yourself in a good mood. One major plus here is that there are even some health benefits to listening to music for half an hour, every single day. It can lower your blood pressure and it can also calm anxiety. If you want to play an instrument, check out Sound and Music.

Yoga:

One activity that is great if you want to gain traction for melting stress would be yoga. Yoga is a fantastic way for you to build strength or tone up. Studies have shown time and time again that yoga can reduce your stress response and it can have a major impact on those who are experiencing stress and anxiety.

Reading:

If you want a cheap hobby that won’t break the bank, crack open a good book. Reading for just five minutes a day is enough to reduce stress, not to mention that it gives you the chance to escape to a fictional world. You can leave reality behind for as long as you want and wipe out tension with ease.

Gardening:

It’s time for you to get your gardening gloves out and start planting! As the warmer weather hits, you will soon find that it’s easier than ever for you to get outside and garden. Studies have shown that gardening can boost your mood and it can help to regulate the hormone known as cortisol. Not only is gardening a proven mood booster, but it can also give you the chance to focus all of your attention on a single activity. This helps to distract you from whatever it is you’re going through right now.

Hiking:

Nothing beats a scenic view! Walking in nature can help to put an end to your pattern of obsessing, in addition to exposing you to a wonderful view. Hiking is an ideal form of aerobic exercise. You would be surprised at how beneficial it can be and it can help you in more ways than one. Why not see if there are any scenic routes you could take around your local area?

Shake your stress away by enjoying yourself with any of the hobbies above as they are tried and true methods to relieving stress!

Featured Image By: Pexels

May3

Jumpsuit Jams OOTD Bloopers

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Jumpsuit Jams OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Jumpsuit Jams OOTD! I fell off the horse last week and did not have the time to squeeze an OOTD shoot in so, to make up for it, I styled two brand new looks for all of you – as a treat. 🙂 Two new outfits means two new sets of bloopers and, I must say, I don’t think I have ever looked better lol! Check it out and then we’re going to have a chat on a minor thing featured in each of these pictures that can be majorly annoying. Can you guess what it is? Let’s get started:

Just gracing my neighbors with my presence as pretend mayor of Timber Top

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My “aw, shucks” face

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Look out! Sassy lady on the prowl!

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I feel like I thought I was working it SO hard in this picture, but I just look stoned lol

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Please tell me I’m not the only one who thinks of the Princess Diaries whenever your foot pops up

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I LOOK GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Hustling to get my phone to shoot the next look – check it out tomorrow! 😀

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Did you guess what annoying thing I was talking about is? No, it wasn’t my face lol but a little something known as “axillary fat”. You know, that pouch type thing that just kind of hangs out in the armpit region? Although it is not a big deal for most people, it can be a huge issue for some and I despised these pockets when I was in the throws of an eating disorder. So much so that I simply refused to wear any type of top or dress that would make them visible. Any tank or spaghetti strap top had to be high cut in the armpit so it would cover them up and I guess I didn’t notice until this shoot that I was still dressing with that frame of mind.

I have been eating disorder free for over half a decade now and my self confidence is in a really good place. In fact, I didn’t even notice that this “boob fat” or whatever you want to call it was visible when trying my jumpsuit on at TJMaxx. It wasn’t until looking at the pictures afterwards that I saw it in almost every shot. Back in the day, I would probably have never worn this jumpsuit let alone take pictures in it! However, rather than deleting every picture from this shoot, I decided that I looked awesome anyways and that felt great!

Insecurities are annoying. They just are and they have the potential to fester into something that prevents you from doing what you want to do or wearing what you want to wear. It took a long time for me to realize that I was shopping and styling with my insecurities still in mind – I just realized it as I started writing this! But, what if we all just said “who cares” and dressed the way we wanted without nagging thoughts? Pardon my French, but my literal thought when I saw something that made me insecure on full display was “fuck it” haha. I had an eating disorder, I work out every day and my axillary fat still exists. I can’t do anything about it so… fuck it!

I know better than anyone how scary it is to face the things that make you feel bad and I feel proud that I finally felt the nonchalance that I have been trying for forever to achieve. It might seem hard and it will be hard, but sometimes the best thing to do is confront your insecurities head on. Whether it be leaving the house with a fresh face, wearing that crop top that you feel shy about, or whatever it is – I know that you can do it because I just learned how to do it too. Yes, it might take some time, but it’s always a good thing to face your fears late than never. And, I promise – you look AMAZING! ❤

What makes you feel insecure? What helped you get over those insecurities? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar31

Four Tips For A Healthier Family

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Four Tips For A Healthier Family

Our health is the most important thing we have. How can you guarantee your family’s health and make your children aware of its significance? Let’s take a look at some of the ways to focus your energy:

Show Them How Important Nutrition Is:

Making water the go-to beverage in your household should be a top priority. While it’s tempting to give in to a child’s desire for juice or pop, it’s better to offer them water first. Try stressing the significance of staying hydrated and modeling good water-drinking habits for children. Also, consider what you now feed your loved ones. When you prepare meals for your family, give thought to serving a variety of nutritious foods. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, nutritious grains, nuts, and seeds. Indulge in takeaway or dining at restaurants occasionally, but don’t make it a regular habit. If your family enjoys dining out frequently, it’s important to instill solid decision-making skills in your children. Instead of letting young children get everything they want, provide them with a limited selection of options from which to choose.

Be An Active Family:

You should spend time together exploring the outdoors, learning about each other’s interests, and visiting new locations. Get your kids moving and teach them the value of fitness. Make plans for the weekend, even if it’s only to go to the park and play some soccer. Children are more likely to follow their parent’s example and lead an active lifestyle if they see it modeled at home. Take them on outdoor hikes and keep an eye out for animals and animal footprints if they have an interest in wildlife. Talking to youngsters and seeing what they’re interested in trying is a great way to get them excited about outdoor activities.

Go To Regular Check-Ups:

As an adult, you are aware of the importance of routine visits to the doctor, dentist, and eye doctor. It’s important to start sharing what you learn about health with your kids when you see the doctor, whether it’s for a problem or a routine exam. Children often express anxiety about medical visits due to their lack of knowledge and experience. If they see you visiting these places when they aren’t there, they may feel more comfortable and confident in going to such experts. Including the kids as soon as possible is the greatest option.

Even if you’re anxious, taking a proactive stance and reassuring them that they have nothing to worry about might help them develop a heightened awareness and, perhaps, a reduced level of fear. Show your kids where you’re going to appointments instead of just saying you have them. This is especially helpful for younger children who are venturing into the unknown for the first time. One poor encounter is all it takes to put them off coming again so make sure that you involve them in anything you may be having done such as same day teeth treatments.

Be A Good Example:

No one is flawless, therefore there’s no pressure to be. Nonetheless, parents can better influence their children’s behavior by leading through example rather than lecturing them. Be mindful of your words and actions. Many unhealthy parents raise unhealthy children, which in turn increases the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles. It has the potential to become a vicious cycle. It’s important to set an example for others by talking about your efforts to eat well, exercise regularly, spend time with your family, and maintain a positive mental and physical state. Provide unambiguous, truthful responses wherever possible.

Focus your energy on these four steps for a healthier family and lifestyle!

Featured Image By: Jason Briscoe on Unsplash

Mar18

A Trip To The Periodontist

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A Trip To The Periodontist

Hello! At the beginning of 2019, I had my wisdom teeth removed and got gum grafting done. Unfortunately, what should have been a pretty routine surgery went horribly wrong and I was limited to a liquid diet for over a month. I still shudder at the sight of Ensure! After this mishap, I refused to go to any type of dentist because I was scared and my oral hygiene deeply suffered from it. This went on for over a year until I finally agreed to make an appointment with the periodontist who my mom recommended and promised was really nice. She was right!

Since 2020, I have gone to my periodontist several times for regular cleanings and deep gum cleanings to repair the damage that had been done. I tried my best to go along with their recommendations, but ended up falling short of expectations every appointment. It was very disappointing, to say the least. During my last appointment this past October, I had to get X-rays taken of my teeth to prep for my next deep cleaning. The process was long and uncomfortable and after that appointment, I threw my hands in the air and said “screw it”. Then, I went to the store and bought floss picks for the very first time in my adult life.

After that fateful appointment, I flossed morning and night like my life depended on it. I was so sick and tired of lackluster results and knew that some of the fault was my own at this point. At first, the flossing hurt like a mother and don’t even get me started on using Listerine afterwards because that was about a bitch too lol. However, it did get easier and less painful as time went on. I just didn’t know if it was enough to finally get the stamp of approval from my periodontist.

This past Wednesday, I had an early morning appointment to get a deep gum cleaning and I was nervous AF. Not for the cleaning itself because it’s not that bad, but for what would be found when my gums were examined. I informed my periodontist that I started flossing and he took a look at what was going on before prepping for the cleaning. Within ten seconds, he told me that they weren’t going to do anything and that I could go home. You could have knocked me over with a feather!!

Thanks to the new step in my oral hygiene routine, the pockets around my teeth started to shrink and went down over two sizes. This was the first time in FOUR years that I had not just good results, but excellent and I was beyond thrilled. The entire team at the office was so proud of me and, damnit, I was too. I couldn’t stop smiling all morning because of my GREAT SUCCESS and the fact that the smile I was flashing was a healthy one.

Although flossing was a better late than never situation for me, don’t be like me lol. I was absolutely traumatized from my surgery gone wrong and it made me stubborn. Had I done what I needed to do in the first place, my oral hygiene would have been in a good place years ago. Listen to your healthcare professionals because I promise you they know what they’re talking about and the small changes to your routines can really help!

Do you have a fear of the doctor or dentist? What helped you overcome it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb28

4 Easy Ways To Get More Confident

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4 Easy Ways To Get More Confident

Self-confidence is a powerful asset that can immensely impact your life. It helps you reach your objectives and feel secure in everything you do. If you want to boost your self-confidence, there are countless ways to go about it. These suggestions will help boost your spirits and enable you to realize your aspirations:

See your dentist to fix oral issues:

Having your dentist address oral issues can have a lasting effect on your well-being. It saves time, money, and hassle in the long run and may protect you against severe conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease. Beyond the apparent teeth cleaning and checkup, your dentist may offer recommendations to improve your smile or suggest a cosmetic treatment that could boost self-esteem and confidence. Visiting a dental center such as Wahroonga Dental can help you to correct common dental issues with cosmetic treatments, including having braces fitted, dental crowns, teeth whitened, and more.

Dress for confidence:

Dressing to impress can boost your confidence and enhance how you feel and interact with others. Dressing in bright colors and styles that flatter your figure can also boost self-confidence. A red skirt or top is especially great for those wanting to radiate power and confidence. If you have a favorite dress or suit that makes you feel amazing, wear it often. Doing so will help you remember why you chose it and how it made you think, which in turn can boost your confidence levels. To feel confident in your clothing, select pieces you enjoy wearing in colors and styles that also fit well. The better fitting your clothing is, the better you will feel.

Fake it till you make it:

Just because you don’t particularly feel confident doesn’t mean that others should be aware of that. The fake it till you make it mindset can help you to push through times of doubt and uncertainty when you need to be confident. It can be as simple as making eye contact with others to give off an air of confidence or standing up tall and maintaining your posture throughout a presentation. Eventually, you will find that the more you fake being confident, the less you will need to do so.

Emulate others who are confident:

One of the best ways to increase your self-assurance is by studying those who possess it. Pay attention to how confident individuals interact with one another, their work habits, and how they dress for success. This type of role modeling can give you invaluable insights into what it takes to succeed in any area of life.

Another excellent idea is to step outside your comfort zone and try something different. For instance, volunteer for a community service project or enroll in a training course that could benefit your career! It’s a great way to build confidence and you might even land your dream job. Plus, this exercise will make you think on your feet and feel like an experienced leader quickly.

Over 85% of Americans report having low self-confidence, and improving this even a little bit can greatly benefit your overall mental health. These tips can go a long way to getting you started on boosting your confidence!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan4

Feel More Confident Without Changing Your Look

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Feel More Confident Without Changing Your Look

With the start of the new year, chances are high that you have chosen to make resolutions about changing yourself or trying to be more confident. The thing is, there are plenty of ways that you can feel more confident in yourself and about who you are without having to change your look. Your weight doesn’t need to change, your hair doesn’t need to change, and you don’t need to change who you are as a person to be confident. Instead, you have to believe who you are as a person.

There are plenty of ways that you can be more confident without completely overhauling your look, and you can consider anything from a spritz of Michel Germain perfume to a course on public speaking to help you. As long as you can understand that your confidence isn’t based on your looks, you will go a lot further in life than you think. Here are some of the ways that you can be more confident without having to do an extreme makeover for it:

Stand tall:

If you sit in a coffee shop and look out the window you could point out everybody who has little confidence in themselves. They hunch and walk with their shoulders low and their heads down. If you want to feel confident, you need to stand up straight and tall, with your shoulders and head back. Think about commanding a room even when you’re just walking down the street. A powerful presence starts with good posture!

Change your environment:

What is it around you that is hindering your confidence? What’s making you feel less than you should? Did you know that people who spend all of their time in offices find that spending just a couple of minutes outside puts them in a better mood? You need to look at what it is that is pushing you down and go to the place that makes you feel most creative, happy, and relaxed. See, you don’t have to change who you are, you just need to change where you are.

Try something new:

It can be hard as an adult to try new skills or hobbies because of the fear of failure. We all want to be amazing at what we try right off the bat! However, persevering through something difficult and finally achieving success is going to do wonders for your confidence. You worked hard and you reached a goal, and that’s enough for a huge confidence boost.

Adopt a positive mental attitude:

A great way to be more confident without changing who you are is to be positive with everything that you do. Your thoughts will influence your behavior and your decision making, so reframing your thinking can drastically change everything. If you start each morning thinking that today is going to be a bad day, then it probably will be. Wake up every morning ready to take on the day and see what a difference it makes!

All of these ideas are natural confidence boosters – no pricey trip to the salon or store required!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan3

Habits That Boost Your Mood & Health

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Habits That Boost Your Mood & Health

Life can be very busy and chaotic at times and may not always go as planned. All of this can begin to negatively impact your attitude and health as time goes on. Avoid negative consequences by choosing to take good care of yourself and being more mindful of your behaviors and lifestyle. Focus on what’s in your control and live healthily for the best outcome. These are some simple habits to incorporate into your day that will boost your mood and health and make those crazy days easier to manage:

Exercise Daily:

It’s in your best interest to fit in daily exercise if you want to feel happier and boost your health. Move more and get your heart rate going so you can get fit and have more natural energy. It’s a great way to reduce your stress and you’ll feel more motivated to tackle your to-do list after a rewarding workout.

Maintain A Clean & Orderly Home:

Boost your mood and health by maintaining a clean and orderly home. Declutter and get on a regular cleaning schedule to get rid of dust and dirt. Go a step further and invest in natural and eco-friendly household cleaning products such as L’AVANT Collective, which are non-toxic and will get the job done right and well.

Slow Down & Recharge:

Be present and live more mindfully. Slow down and avoid rushing around and multitasking all of the time. Make sure you take breaks and set aside time to rest and recharge so you don’t experience burnout. Ask for help when you need it and make a priority list of to-dos so that your daily schedule becomes more manageable.

Eat Wisely:

Sugar and saturated fat can slow you down and cause you to gain weight. Instead, get in the habit of eating clean and make smart choices. Be picky about what you put in your body during mealtime and for snacks. Consider cooking for yourself at home so you have more control over the ingredients and your portion sizes. You’ll feel much happier and healthier when you are taking good care of your body and mind by making wise food choices.

Reflect & Give Thanks:

Practicing gratitude will go a long way in helping you to feel more at peace. Reflect and give thanks daily and regularly so that you can focus on the positives and your blessings instead of what’s lacking or missing in your life. Consider volunteering your time, as well, which is an effective way to demonstrate kindness. Helping others will put a smile on someone else’s face but also on your own. Be thankful for what you do have and work toward being a more generous and giving person, which will make you feel more content in the long run.

Add one or many of these habits into your daily life to start a positive change on your mood and health. A New Year’s resolution, perhaps?!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov1

Motivating Your Team To Do Better Starts With You

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Motivating Your Team To Do Better Starts With You

Putting together the right team is arguably one of the most challenging aspects of running a business these days. You can have all of the right ideas and strategies, but without a competent team to help you turn them into a thriving business, it’s going to be a daily uphill struggle. In order to help motivate your team, it’s important not to look at what they’re doing but how you conduct your business. You also need to think about how you speak to your team, how you interact with them through your work, and ultimately how you run your business:

Your actions and attitude will reflect in your team:

When people talk about company culture, they often think about how your team functions and acts as a whole. Things like ideas and attitudes tend to be quite infectious, and they usually spread throughout an office. But where does that chance come from? It’s certainly not just your employees!

The key here is you; the boss. When you run a business, your ideas and the way you behave often reflect on your team. You’re the person that your team looks to when they need guidance, so your personality and attitude will constantly affect the people around you. This is why a motivated team leader often leads to a motivated team. As such, you need to be more diligent about how you conduct your business. Stay motivated, be positive, and don’t forget to work with your team in order to run a better business.

Think about the future of your team:

Teams should be fluid. They should be able to change and adapt to market conditions and you should be open to trying new things in order to stay ahead of the curve. It’s a good idea to think about using brands such as STL to help you train your team and motivate them to learn new skills. New knowledge is great because it helps your team members be better employees, but it also provides them with a sense of safety and security knowing that you’re willing to invest in them. In short, think about how you want your team to be in the future. Think about the responsibilities you want them to have and consider the skills and knowledge they need to carry them out.

A healthy boss means a healthy team:

One of the most underrated ways to start protecting your business is to look after your health. When you pay more attention to your personal health, it leads to a much stronger business because you’re able to make decisions quickly and efficiently, and your focus on personal health will extend to your team members. A business can’t function correctly if it’s not healthy at the core. Think about how much you push yourself and your team, and always take frequent breaks to ensure that you’re not overdoing it. Look after your health and take note of team members who are stressed or struggling with their work.

A great team starts with a great boss so always strive to improve yourself so your business can improve too!

Featured Image By: Unsplash