Personal Development

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When I was young (and sometimes still now), my mom would say, “Kathryn, the Reader’s Digest version, please!”

I loved to tell stories.

And I loved to talk to my mom. Still do.

Reader’s Digest is the largest subscriber-based magazine in the world. It features short stories, jokes and advice. SHORT stories. I loved reading it when I was younger. But I couldn’t for some reason, tell a story succinctly like the “Reader’s Digest version.”

It’s easier when you write. When you write, you can go back and edit over and over and over. I highly recommend that. We’ll talk about that in a moment.

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Life is hard. You don’t need me to tell you that. In fact, some of you may be thinking that it’s the understatement of the year! But I think this is a good thing. Life is hard when you live hard. You work hard, you mom hard, you love hard. And you wouldn’t have it any other way because by living hard, you create meaning and purpose. Success doesn’t just simply happen — unless you live hard and make it happen.

Living hard is all about defining your “why”. It’s not about how you make it happen, or what you do to make it happen, it’s about why you make it happen.

Why do you get up in the morning?
Why do you push forward when you fail?
Why do you do what you do?

If you’re looking for your why, your purpose, try living hard!

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Guest Blog by Allison Spooner, mConnexions Writer

So, I’ve got this theory. I’m gonna call it, Three To Thrive and the idea is that there are three things about you, three core things, that you need to take care of and nourish and keep in alignment, in order to truly thrive.

Not just get by, but thrive.

Not just be happy but feel fulfilled and, in a way, complete.

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You’ve been invited to interview for a job that will elevate your career. You have the credentials and know you can make a difference at the company. Now, you just have to prepare. There’s a lot of advice out there on how to best approach this important meeting, and it’s overwhelming.

Or is this you?

You’ve been interviewing and interviewing… but no call-backs. You have the experience and knowledge — but something is stopping you from landing your dream job.

Or is it this?

You have the years of experience, you’re ridiculously brilliant, everyone says you should be in “his job”… but you just can’t interview. You won’t apply. You won’t leave and go for the opening that would have you managing a larger team at your competitor. You’re stuck. You’re afraid. You’re afraid of the interview, putting yourself out there… the possible rejection.…
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Can we have an honest conversation about stress and self-care?

I’m hearing the online buzz more frequently about self-care as stress management. It seems like ‎every day there’s a new article or post targeted at women with tips on how to better balance it ‎all. ‎

Get a mani/pedi!

Make time for brunch and make sure you hashtag it on instagram!

Get your Orangetheory workout in with before and after selfies!

And it’s so enticing. Who wouldn’t want 10 tips on how to do it all, look amazing and feel ‎refreshed!

But is it real? Is it helping? Is it all bull? Is it just another thing that women are expected to do perfectly? Is self-care another chore to check off? …
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Guest Blog by Katie Frankhart, mConnexions WriterKatie Frankhart | mConnexions Writer

Throughout my career, I’ve been privileged to have mentorship from brilliant female leaders who show me what I am capable of, and who give me the power to explore and understand myself as a woman and a professional. Working alongside strong women has taught me a lot about the relationship dynamics it takes to be empowered and successful, both in and outside of the workplace.

I’ve had great experiences working with women, and I’ve had experiences so difficult that I started to become jaded about the overall idea of working with a female team. But, I will tell you this: every single experience was dependent on the female leadership, and the overall approach to building a strong team dynamic.

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You work, and work, and work some more. Sometimes you get enough sleep, water, and time for yourself to decompress, but are you getting enough? What happens to our bodies when we forget about the number one person in our life: ourselves?
Today’s podcast features Beth Heller, with a personal story that could change your life.

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The beginning of the year, in fact, the entire first quarter is my favorite time of year. We’re making plans, building out vision and focusing on how we’ll execute on the strategy.

I find this time of year to be invigorating but also overwhelming. The beginning months of the fiscal year means the possibilities are endless. The sky is the limit and I’m always tempted to try and make it bigger this year than last year.

And by February, I’m swimming in the busyness of all of that. Why?

Because no matter what, if you’re not hyper focused on a couple of big initiatives, you’ll get swept away by all the other busy work.
Despite “shiny distraction” syndrome, I know that the best plan is to focus at the beginning of the year. I have a couple of tips to reign myself back in.