Improving Your Mindset
1 August 2015
If there isn't a reason behind an action, it's very difficult to justify why you're doing it in the first place. One of my biggest challenges is motivating myself to get tasks done, simply because I'm unbelievably and embarrassingly lazy. I would rather scroll through Tumblr for three hours than actually begin to attack my to do list. One thingI like to do, which always improves my outlook on hard work, is think about the reason I'm doing it. Thinking about the positive outcome pushes me to get the job done, so I can reach that outcome as soon as possible.
Be grateful
Taking a step back and really looking at a situation can help you to be thankful for where you are. Comparison is the complete opposite, and focusing on what others posses or have achieved is moving backwards. Focusing on our own achievements and how you got to that place will improve the outlook on the future.
Take breaks
A very common notion but one of the most useful. The brain needs time to chill too. Even if it's just one evening a week or 20 minute intervals, take some time to sit back and relax, totally detaching from he world. If I want to take a break, I usually move away from all technology around me and go outside or read a few pages of a book. Even taking off my headphones, which seem to be glued to my ears, is advantageous and I feel refreshed when I return to a task. It's easy to slip into procrastination mode, so finding an element of motivation to get you back into work is essential for staying productive.
Sleep
One of my all-time favourite pastimes. This doesn't mean sleep whenever something isn't working. It means sleep when you're supposed to sleep. Staying up late seems fun at first but I always regret it and feel much better when I head to bed in good time and wake up with a bit more peace of mind. It's recommended that we get a minimum of seven hours of sleep a night which isn't always possible for everyone, but should be he ultimate goal.
Try to be positive
I'm constantly being told I'm pessimistic and my response will the same: "I'm not negative I'm just realistic." Sometimes reality has its limitations and it's good to dream above the bar or think outside the box. My automatic reaction is to see the bad side, seeing the glass as half empty is never efficient thinking. The best think to do is actually try to be positive, even if it seems impossible. Give it a go!
Career Goals: Be Happy
29 July 2015
There are hundreds of thousands of people that could spend days talking about how much they hate their job. They could describe every abominable moment of the working week without a single detail missing, from the unnecessarily packed trains, buses or traffic jams to the constant sound of a pretentious manager and wiseacre workmate. Not that I struggle with this on a daily basis, but from working 35 hours a week I'm started to see a generic adult routine setting in, I have decided one career goal: to be happy.
Financially, it's not the best option. I live in the North which is a little easier on my current account but I'm also 19 and haven't been working for a full year so my pockets aren't exactly tearing at the seems. I'm so happy that I have been able to find a job in such an established corporation, where I'm able to learn more about the real world that I was every taught during my education years. However, being an employee has also helped me to realise it's very easy to get lost in the crowd. My day begins at 6:30am and I could go through the day to 5:00pm without remembering anything that happened - it's actually quite scary.
Jumping around from job to job isn't the way for me to find happiness in employment. Sometimes it's not even the job that makes me smile, it could be a great conversation or a manager that shows realy confidence in me.
Blogging full time would be the ultimate dream, to spend all day writing and editing is the equivalent to a online sanctuary. My interests vary, it's not difficult for me to dive into a project as I like to keep busy. It may result in me trying brand new experiences and taking on unfamiliar job roles. But I know, that in 20 years, the last thing I desire is to wake up dreading the journey to an industry I detest. Ambition isn't something that's considered to be one of my traits, but determination to aim higher just never seems to fade.
How to Cure Boredom
26 July 2015
Get crafty
I often act like I'm an artistic person. Although I studied graphic design in school, I'm far from a Lee Krasner or Vivienne Westwood. But when I'm struggling to find something to do, it's nice to pull out all those expensive art supplies I keep buying and actually try to use them. Even if it's drawing a simple picture or (an attempt at) painting the Yorkshire scenery.
Read
By getting stuck in a page-turning book, the time passes ever so quickly. There's nothing better than getting lost in a captivating plot no matter what the storyline or genre. It's a great way to pass time, but I also use reading to expand my vocabulary which is very helpful for me. I quite like the idea of being able to use a wider range of words, which works for me as someone who is trying to develop their journalism techniques.
Refine a skill
To expands techniques, you must be able to have the right skill level. This applies to just about anything and the only way to getting better at something is to practise. I've tried, there's no shortcut. Finding that urge of motivation and working hard soon takes your mind away from how dull the day was.
Play a game
Competition is in my blood. I'm a fierce Mario Kart player and will happily play every track until I win each one. There's no chance of mercy if I play monopoly and a solid game of hide and seek will feel more like the Hunger Games. Not that games have to be that serious, but they easily cure boredom even if you're alone. There are plenty of free games online that you could get lost in and thousands that's spend hours glued to a games console!
Get outside/work out
Walking is one of my favourite things to do this summer, and strangely enough - so is working out. My playlists are ready to go and I cam happily stroll across the Leeds Liverpool canal for hours. Pack a bag full of snacks and drinks and head out the door. If you hate walking, why not just sit outside and absorb your surroundings? Take in the great things this season has to offer and you'll quickly end up in deep thought. Before you know it, an hour or so has passes!
De-Clutter Your Life
23 July 2015
Sometimes sticking to the same thing every day means an out-of-the-blue task becomes a shock to the system. It's good to have structure, especially with a very busy lifestyle. But it's also important to remember we must enjoy life and value spare time we have. Trying a new routine and mixing things up will help get some of those tasks on the never-ending to-do list to calm down.
Reduce commitments
There's a saying, it's something to do with spreading butter too thin on toast. The exact wording always slips my mind but I'll never lose the real meaning behind it. When we're constantly multitasking we naturally lose track of time and eventually energy. It's not always easy for everyone, but prioritising certain responsibilities will wash a way a little clutter.
Enjoy the good bits
Majority of the working world have very busy lives. It's hard to de-clutter because there seems to be so much and it's difficult to know where to start. That's why it's vital we treasure special moments that could occasionally be once in a lifetime chances. Many people have bucket lists or constantly carry a camera so they can get the very best out of what life has to offer.
Write things down
When I have the time to really sit down and thing about de-cluttering my life. I like to write everything down. Just grabbing a pen and paper and listing everything and anything I can think of. Visual aids help my brain to stop stressing and it's much easier for me to focus if I see all my obstacles in front of me.
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5 Things I've Learned by Growing Up
20 July 2015
I'm still a very shy person. I think that's a trait I'll always have but I'm okay with it. I was never okay with how low my confidence used to be. Nowadays, I still get nervous when there's a lot of attention on me, but my immediate thought is no longer a negative one. I don't automatically think people are looking at me because they've spotted one of my insecurities. That's all because I slowly began to realise my increase in confidence is all about what's in my mind, not what I can see in the mirror. I began to adopt the "I don't care" attitude about a lot of things which can be a blessing and a curse. When I shop, I don't buy clothes two sizes bigger or avoid shoes with heels, and that's a pretty big step for me.
Turn comparison into motivation.
It's incredibly easy to see another blogger, or just another person and begin over analysing and comparing what you have with what they have. It's not difficult to scroll through Instagram and immediately begin to correlate appearances. When I first started blogging, I used to compare my blog with every other blog I came across - it's not healthy. Now when I stalk other blogs, (which I live to do), I realise how this amazing community is expanding and how much I love being a part of it. It become motivation to continue doing what I love rather than jealously and a really unhealthy attitude.
I want to see the world.
There's something so fascinating when learning about new places. Developing the mind and beginning to understand cultures and different ways of living keeps each day interesting. Do research from home and creating Pinterest boards is fun, but I know my future plans include jetting off to every edge of the Earth. A different view every month is what I'd like to achieve and my journey to Oslo taught me that. Travelling is an experience that can be very humbling, but also opens your eyes to the world around you.
I want/need more friends.
I know followers aren't friends, but I can't lie, having those few people say nice things to you every so often is something that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. It doesn't have to be a comment, it could be a tweet or even a tumblr message. I'm not exactly the most the social butterfly in the North, but I know how much I love the social aspect of blogging - it's something I really want to expand.
The working world is not all it's cracked up to be.
I can't wait to one day say "started from the bottom now we're here" because at the moment, the bottom isn't too fun. School always made out like the working world was going to be an easy journey. Once you're done with education, you'd immediately get a job (doesn't happen) and success just flows in (doesn't happen either). It takes a whole lot of hard work and elbow grease to work your way to the top, and at 19 I still have a long way to go.
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