6 ways to maintain your sanity while achieving your goals

The internet has been a buzz for several years with words like #BossBabe and #She-EO – all of which sound incredibly hazardous because as of recently they are also followed by themes of burnout and mental wellness.

I love being ambitious and setting goals that I work towards.  But I also strive for balance and grace.  And I think being both a mom (at home) and a mentor (in my corporate career) I feel compelled to underline the truth: give yourself grace because you can have it all…but not at the same time!   Sharing my suggestions below, with a mini recap of some outfits I wore on vacation recently (you know me, all about the inspiration & motivation!)

Outfit mirror shot, vacation outfit, bathroom selfie, give yourself grace while you ambitiously work on your goals

 

  1. Plan ahead and prioritize: Whether it’s on a Sunday for the week ahead, in the morning before things get going or a Friday afternoon brain dump.  Take time to think about what you need to focus on and figure out what needs to get done when.  You plan to fail when you fail to plan – check out my digital planner page on Etsy if you are looking for a great planning tool.
  2. Time Block your schedule: whether its timeblocking your day or your week, figure out what you want to work on when instead of trying to multi task.  Even better, try and fully complete the work you planned on before starting something new.  You’ll get a natural dopamine kick and you also won’t feel scattered from having too many unfinished tasks on your to-do list at the end of the day. 
  3. Let the Pomodoro timer be your best friend: I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again.  When you feel stressed or anxious about doing something – set a time for 20 minutes and do as much of that task in time alotted.
  4. Take breaks (both physical and mental): This is something I learned from running but it applies to everything! Literally schedule it into your gCal or planner.  I always block my workouts and my lunch, but now I need to add a morning and afternoon walk.
  5. Give yourself grace: Sometimes we all need a reminder.  Ambitious people tend to be perfectionists, but it’s okay because you can’t overwhelm yourself and do your best work – it just doesn’t work that way.
  6. Release limiting beliefs: Sometimes we feel guilty for doing less, not doing things fast enough or not doing it right the first time.  It’s important to work through that (everyone’s journey is different) – but it all cases, those ideals need to be demolished! Knowledge is power, and these book recommendations can help :) 
Chichen Itza, Mayan Ruins, Mexico travel, Tulum Travel, Outfit ideas, Ambitious woman, successful, life is rigged in my favour

Review, Refocus & Readjust – Mid year goal review

As we round out the first half of the year and slide into the second half, I thought it would be a great idea to provide some inspiration to reset, readjust, restart and refocus.

Greenery in Paradise
Sunset in Tulum
  1. Review your goals and determine priority
    Before blindly continuing to do something that may no longer be serving you, take some time to review your goals. Maybe you’ve plateaued in some areas, or maybe you haven’t given enough time to one area of your life. Even better, maybe you’ve accomplished a goal and it no longer requires your attention. Creating self awareness is really important and it’s also a good idea to get organized in a way that makes sense to you. Maybe writing the goals that you will continue to work on on a sticky or using a Moleskin to help refocus an area where you’ve been lacking.
  2. Disrupt and edit your routine
    Once you’ve figure out what you want to focus on, redesign your daily habits to meet those goals. It’s true what they say…success is a series of small wins. Use your day planner, Gcal or Notion to structure your day and include activities that help you work towards ticking off those goals by end of year
  3. Level up, track your progress & give yourself grace
    As you continue your goal achievement journey, do you best to stay accountable (whether that is through a private IG account, blog or good ol’ pen & paper). I’m a big believer in documenting your life and it’s always nice to see how far you’ve come. But what’s even more important is giving yourself grace. Working towards your personal and professional goals are not meant to be invigorating and inspiring so remember to take breaks/rest, celebrate your wins and smile!
Waves hitting the break wall
Reflections are everywhere

Current listings on my Etsy Shop – Part 1

I’ve realized recently that I need to do a better job of sharing more about my shop (my Etsy Shop that is)!

I guess some history to start. In 2016, I participated in the Vaughan of a Kind show #VOAK. I applied as an artisan vendor, with my photography as my art. The application process was pretty involved (application, your story and samples of your work) but overall do-able.

The entire process of applying and being accepted to the fair made me and my photography feel part of something. I felt supported – like making my art and sharing it with the world was safe to do.

With all that said, I wasn’t anticipating how much work it would be to prepare for the show. Although it might have felt like more work as I was a new-ish mom (about 2 years in) so finding time to prepare was a challenge.

You can read more about my experience and tips here.

I did have a positive experience as a seller at the show, and immediate decided that I wanted to continue selling my photography art. I turned to e-commerce and Etsy was up and coming at the time so I went that route.

And again, I had a rude awakening as Etsy was harder to maintain than I expected, especially as I shortly there after became a mom to two. During those first few years, I did make a couple (read: 2 lol) sales and I shipped off physical products to my customers!

So I let my listings expire… until a few months ago when I decided to switch from a physical product to a digital product.

And now here I am, starting again with a beginner’s mindset who has a little more experience and better time management practices. I’ve been using youtube to learn more about Etsy and leaning into my Digital Marketing education to help me make the most of the online advantage. I’m trying new things which makes me feel good. So without further ado, my current Etsy shop listings!

Bhangra Life PNG/SVG

This a new product type for me but something I’ve wanted to put out there. I have so many ideas in this area, just working on some designs and colours. PNG/SVGs can be used for any personalized products and home printing (like cricut). I love the idea of gifting this to a Bhangra dancer or my husband 😆

Surfer Digital Print

I took this photo during a family trip to San Diego. My kiddo was sleeping as we were driving towards La Jolla, when I realized the sun was setting across the water. While the fam waited in the car, I ran to the shoreline to grab some pics. It was so dreamy that a surfer was there so I had to capture the moment. I love this piece for because with the muted warmth of the ocean and mountain vista it will compliment any space.

Las Vegas Sign Digital Print

Taken again on another family trip! It’s pretty tricky to get a shot at this sign since there is always a long line of people. But thankfully this shot does really well on an angle. Even the power lines don’t look intrusive. This pice will always have a special place in my heart – it was my first Etsy sale!

Dessert Mountain Vista

Also taken on the same trip as mentioned above. We were driving to the Grand Canyon and this camper van was positioned perfectly. Desert shots can be tricky because the brightness can cause over exposure. So I’ve had to post process this a few times and decided on the warmer unsaturated tones. I love this for traveller in your life!

Hello New Year

Welcome 2023.

Pouring champagne for our friends during #RockinEve

It’s 11pm on Jan 1 and I’m listening to a podcast.

For me the start of a new timeline (I say timeline because to me it could be the start of the school year, the final day of Diwali or Jan 1) is powerful. Beginnings are powerful, and we get a new beginning every time we see the sun rise, a new moon and a full moon. 🧿

My New Year Run – on a treadmill this year

The beauty for me is harnessing the power of beginnings

Captured this beauty during our family forrest bath (post processed in Fotor)

For as long as I can remember, I’ve tried to be mindful of the things I do on the first day of the new year. Some of those activities include:

  1. Meditation, Journaling & Workout
  2. Get outdoors
  3. Study
  4. Do something creative
  5. Eat Health
  6. Smile & be positive
  7. Enjoy time with friends and family (and hug them and tell them I love them)

As you can see, these are really things we should all be doing daily, so doing this on the first day of a beginning really just sets the tone for the rest of that time line.

We aren’t perfect, and that’s okay – but thats why we should reset and re-try. Remember, energy grows where intention flows.

How did you spend the first day of the new year?