Our lives are complicated enough without a cluttered or complicated office (real or virtual) adding to the overwhelm. And when our workspaces are a mess, we often can’t see how or when we have reached our goals. But simplifying is like cleaning your house – you’re never really finished. Keeping up with filing, messages, emails and the like is often the first step on the path of simplifying.

Here are my tips on eliminating the unnecessary to simplify your work life.

Keep It Simple: Each day, spend about 10 minutes keeping the office space well organized. Use that toss, file, act method to throw away things you don’t need at the end of the day and reorganize your desk before you quit working. Create a “To Do list” at the end of each day. When you walk into your office the next morning, you’ll have a handy reminder list of things to work on.

Toss/File/Act: Organization starts with paper, but this advice holds for emails and electronic files, too. Use the toss, file, or act mantra whenever you pick up a piece of paper or file. Start first with the paper piles and then any paper that enters your office after you get it organized. Once you get the piles of papers under control, keep them under control!

At Close Range: To organize your physical desk or computer desktop, think about what you use on a daily basis and keep those things within close reach. What do you grab often? Warning – don’t keep too much stuff on your desk, or you won’t have room to move and work.

Out of Sight: The quickest way to focus on a big project is to clear away the junk around you. Move the papers, mugs, notes, and other distractions from your workspace. Anything you don’t need for the project, get it out of your line of sight. For electronic files, create an Archive folder and put files and folders there that you haven’t accessed in a year. You’ll still be able to access them, but they won’t be cluttering your menus.

Avoid Extra Supplies: Do not store extra supplies in or around your working area. Store those pens, sticky notes and other extra supplies in a cabinet, drawers or storeroom.

Social Networks: Social media is either one of the greatest inventions ever, or the bane of our existence. I have made a rule to check my socials ONCE in the morning while I’m drinking my coffee, around 6 am. I might then check in after work when I’m relaxing at home. Checking them throughout the day can be a real time suck, so don’t give in to the temptation. Or set a timer to prevent yourself from going down a rabbit hole, spending more time that you intended doomscrolling. Notice how much you get accomplished at work when you give yourself clear cut boundaries.

Go Paperless: I know this can be a huge task, especially for the generations that grew up without computers. Once you commit to going paperless, though, it can really free up your physical desk and desktop. Synching your phone with your email, Teams/Zoom or other calendars also boosts efficiency.

Reading Material: If you collect articles you want to read from magazines and newspapers, make a folder marked “Reading.” Access that folder when waiting for appointments, on airplanes, or eating lunch alone. You’ll catch up with that backlog of TL/DR in no time. (This advice holds true whether you’re ripping pages out of magazines or saving electronic links.)

Add Plants: A few fresh indoor plants in your office helps control clutter by simply taking up space that you now can’t use for piles. As a bonus they make your office a welcoming place to work and improve air quality.

Give Yourself A Break: Some days we just don’t have the wherewithal to accomplish everything, or even anything. Don’t be afraid to put your work aside and enjoy some time relaxing with friends, family or by yourself. Life awaits you on the other side of risk – sometimes it’s a risk to do nothing and let your energy recharge.

Organizing your physical or virtual office will help you be at your best. So, to increase productivity and keep you on top of your game, use these simple tips to keep your office humming along. Just sayin’.

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Last time, we talked about building your leadership brand. One thing leaders are usually good at is building connections. After all, success is not just about who you know, it’s about forming connections quickly and authentically. Both personal and business accomplishments are about having the right connections, which lead to new opportunities.

But how can we shape these connections? From spearheading my own company and forming a close group of friends, I’ve learned a thing or two about building relationships. Here are some ways I’ve found that work to cultivate a positive network where everyone involved believes in the principal of win-win relationships.

Make eye contact and smile. When you focus on the person speaking, you let them know they’ve been heard and that you aren’t worrying about what to make for dinner or how bad traffic on the Big-I is. Smiling is an easy way to convey warmth and likeability, and it’s contagious. Some of the most important people in my life have been won over by a smile and genuine interest in what they have to say. People will walk away thinking you’re a friendly, relatable person, which is exactly what you want when creating connections.

Give a firm handshake. A handshake that’s not too hard and not too soft, or these days a purposeful elbow bump does wonders to help people decide whether they like you or not within seconds of meeting you. No matter if it’s introducing yourself to a new employee or a potential business partner, a firm handshake contributes enormously to a positive first impression.

Attend to your appearance. Although this might go without saying, good hygiene and paying attention to your physical appearance is important for social and psychological health. It improves the way others view you – remember, first impressions are lasting ones. Taking care of yourself and dressing professionally is a form of self-respect that encourages others to treat you with that same level of respect.

Listen. Whether it’s a business deal or making plans with your friends, communication is key to a strong, lasting relationship. Recap what you’ve heard to ensure you’ve understood correctly. If you find you’re unsure, say, “If I’m understanding you correctly, you said….” Try it! But most importantly, don’t talk over or interrupt the speaker. When you listen, you show the other person you respect what they have to say, whereas interrupting someone shows that you don’t.

Remember names and personal info. Practice using someone’s name in conversation. Not only does it help us cement their names in our mind, but it signals that you’re interested in making a connection with the other person. Bonus if you remember their spouse/children/pets’ names. It shows you are genuinely interested in them and their life.

Talk about yourself. Once you’ve done all the above, reveal something about yourself. Find some common ground: a love for horses, a desire to be physically fit, or bettering your business. Whatever your meaningful, authentic connection is, just make sure it’s not gossip and it’s not a complaint. They’re instant turn-offs!

Be patient. Expecting an instant connection is unrealistic. Like most important things, it takes time to develop lasting relationships. Remember, everyone has different comfort levels so don’t rush the process. You catch more flies with honey.

To be truly successful and reach our full potential, we should aim to create important and meaningful connections with a broad sweep of people. When we’re open to the universe putting the right people in our path, we’re sure to find relationships everywhere. Just sayin’.

As leaders or up-and-coming leaders in our companies, communities and families, we know that surrounding ourselves with smart, confident people is the key to creating effective teams. Setting high standards for ourselves and others, and always looking for ways to improve ourselves, is key as well. How we build our own leadership brand is vital, and the reason that people see us as leaders in the first place. And why they look to us for advice, mentorship and direction. Here are some tips I’ve learned along the way to build a successful leadership brand.

Recognize who you are. First, ask yourself who you are. Are you a take no prisoners and shoot from the hip leader, or one who gathers information and deliberates before taking action? Do you draw on your own experience and instincts when facing an issue, or seek collaboration? Somewhere in between? When you understand and own your own style, you’re better able to evaluate how well it works with your people. Adaptability to people and circumstances is a hallmark of a good leader. In fact, being flexible and open to meeting people where they are is your number one job as the person in charge.

Take a leadership inventory. If you’re uncertain about, have never considered or need a refresher on your own leadership style, take a leadership inventory to understand your strengths, weaknesses and how they impact your role. There are online leadership style assessments you can take for free, but think about sitting with a professional organizational development person, your HR department or a business coach who can run you through a comprehensive assessment of your skills and preferred ways of being in the world. These professionals can help you interpret the results and how you can implement them to improve your skills.

Get real. Leaders must possess strong self-awareness. That is, they must understand their own core expertise, experience and credibility, and where they fall short or need improvement. Where are you ahead of the competition in your industry or organization? Where do you fall behind and could use some study or course corrections? You don’t have to be all things to all people, but you should recognize where you shine and where you need polish.

Find a mentor. Every successful leader has had someone or someones in their corner who can help them understand their blind spots and where opportunities and challenges lie. Finding a mentor usually isn’t difficult either. Look at the larger business world for role models, mentors and coaches. Consider joining a peer group network to gain a larger perspective on what makes a leader successful in different organizations. Then use what you’ve learned to improve your own leadership abilities within your own company.

Create your narrative: What’s your unique story as a leader? Steve Jobs positioned himself as an innovator in technology. Warren Buffet relies on his image as a down-to-earth, tell-it-like-it-is person to run one of the most successful companies in the world. People listened and still listen to them and their stories. Once you’ve found your unique narrative, keep it simple and share your point of view and insights from that position.

Now tell it: Start telling your story to your employees and customers – the thing that makes you unique as a leader. Use social media, newsletters, blogging and letters to the editor to explore ways of getting the word out. Find hot button issues and share your perspective, always staying consistent with your unique message. People follow leaders because they want to be inspired and motivated. Inspire and motivate them with your story.

Give back: Part of being a leader is acting like one. That means mentoring or assisting people in your organization, and contributing to the success of your industry and community. Serve on committees and boards. Sponsor business and non-profit group activities. Spend time nurturing the next generation of leaders, wherever you find them.

Leaders come in all shapes, styles, and forms. When you stop to think about some of the leaders that have inspired you, or even some that have made you mad, you’ll be able to identify the qualities of good leadership. And those that you find ineffective and don’t want to model. When you use these tips to build your own leadership brand, and you’ll be successful in demonstrating to others that you’re a leader worth following. Just sayin’.

As we head into the end of year holidays, we’re sure to get the same question from friends, family and new acquaintances: What do you do for a living? Many of us love talking about what we do because we genuinely enjoy it. Others cringe at the question, because they don’t. This column is for anyone thinking about a career change.

When is the right time to switch jobs, or even career fields? My answer is whenever you want, provided you find something that will make you happy. But, the prospect of a career change is never a decision that should be taken lightly.

However, moving on may be the most rewarding thing you can do for yourself. I changed my career COMPLETELY – moved to a different state and into an industry I knew nothing about – in my mid-forties. And it was the best decision I’ve ever made.

There are many reasons why people seek a career change. Here are a few for you to consider.

The Sunday Night Dreads. It is unrealistic to think you’ll wake up every day excited and eager to get to work. We all have days that seem harder than others to get out of bed and be motivated for work. But if you consistently get the “Sunday night dreads” or feel the need to constantly compensate for the pain of your working life by buying things, or self-medicating with food, drugs or alcohol, it’s probably time to pivot.

The 90-Day Dreads. Feel worse than the Sunday Dreads? Dread going to work every day? You definitely need to start looking for a new job. The rule of thumb is that you’re unhappy or miserable for more than 90 days in a row, it’s time to leave.

Money Over Everything. Making a lot of money but hating every second of your job (or worse, feeling indifferent to it) is just not worth it. Money doesn’t buy happiness, remember? A career change could give you the chance to land a job that brings both personal and professional satisfaction and still pays the bills.

Low Self-Esteem. A fulfilling career should provide a boost to your confidence and self-esteem, not make you doubt yourself or the work you do. Enduring a toxic workplace culture or a career you no longer enjoy can grind you down and impact your long-term physical and mental health. If that’s how you feel, then it’s time to get out.

You’re Stressed. High stress jobs – healthcare, public service, law enforcement or public safety – have high burnout rates. But any job can be stressful given the right circumstances. So if seeking a less stressful life is the goal, leaving a high pressure career is vital.

You’ve Stopped Learning. Some jobs have long learning curves and provide meaningful experiences for years. Others simply don’t. Wisdom says it’s time to think about a new job or change in career entirely when there’s nothing more for you to learn. Every aspect of your job should not be mind-numbingly dull, but if you don’t feel quite ready to take the leap to a new career, a good step would be asking to work on a project or task that excites you. If you’ve learned everything you can from your current career and want to learn more, it’s time to move along!

You Need Flexibility. These days, many jobs can be done from home as easily as in an office. If you need more flexible hours to care for family, go back to school, or deal with other circumstances, and your current workplace won’t accommodate you, don’t feel bad about finding another position that will give you the flexibility you need.

Boss Energy. If your dream is to run your own business or turn a hobby into a career, there might never be a better time than now to do so. That holds true for whenever “now” is! Because there’s never a more perfect time than when you decide to make it happen.

So whatever the motivation, if you’ve identified with one, several or all of these telltale signs, start the process of moving out of your current position and into a new one. Just sayin’.

The chill of fall is in the air. Why not use this change of season as an opportunity to not only set new goals for the months to come but to remember those resolutions you made at the start of the year. Revisiting the hectic spring and summer months could reaffirm those months’ old goals or help you refocus on newer priorities and build momentum for the New Year.

The fall also tends to be a little calmer than when things start to go crazy for the holidays. Here are some ideas for taking stock of the past months and adjusting or resetting your goals for the future:

Review. Looking at where you’ve been tells you where you want to go. Think back on the year so far and the goals you set back in January. Any big victories? Roadblocks? Lessons learned so you can adjust in the future? Taking the time to review these simple questions can make a huge difference in setting the tone for the rest of your year.

Plan.

Start Small. A fresh start resets old thinking and behaviors and gives you a chance to change. Setting goals that are too ambitious can overwhelm you, though, which ultimately leads to disappointment. So instead of planning the entire year like you would in January, think about some short-term goals you could accomplish by December 31.

Think Motivation. The right motivation makes a world of difference. Do you need external validation but you’re not getting it? Is money what drives you? Are you a people person but stuck in a job that requires lots of alone time? Figuring out what drives you means knowing what really matters to you. Remember to set goals that allow you to use this internal motivation. You’ll be amazed at how much you can get done.

Uncover Your Strengths. If your goals aren’t aligned with your strengths and skills, think about slowly shifting them towards what you really thrive at. This will make them much easier to achieve them. Your strengths are your talents, skills, and abilities—the things that people praise and seek your guidance for. Knowing what you’re best at allows you to take advantage of opportunities; most of the time these strengths and skills are the things we love to do or what we’re naturally good at.

Define Your Beliefs. Your strengths address “what?” Your values and principles answer “how?” These underlying beliefs steer everything you do and help define who you are or want to be. If you don’t value money, then reaching a sales goal won’t matter. But if helping people is an underlying belief, then a goal of having 100% customer satisfaction could really get you moving.

Set 3 Work-Related Goals. What are your top three work-related goals for the remainder of the year? Why are those goals important to you? What habits and processes do you need to adopt to support those goals? Being happy with your work life can lead to happiness outside it, too.

Set 3 Personal Goals. What are three personal goals for the remainder of the year? Why are those goals important? Who can you share those goals with to help hold you accountable? No matter how great your work life is, you can never be truly happy if you’re not satisfied with your personal life. Make sure that the goals in both of these parts of your life complement one another; conflicting goals often lead to little or no progress at all.

The fall is a great time for reflection. As the leaves are falling, try turning over a new one yourself, using these ideas to help you get a firm grasp on those last few goals of yours. There are probably still items you want to achieve this year. Put them on the top of your To-Do list. Getting things in order for the rest of the year will help you feel less overwhelmed when the craziness of the holidays hit. Stop making excuses and accomplish them! Just sayin’.

We all know how easy it is to get into a routine. They’re good because they keep us on schedule, keep us moving forward, and help to create a stable daily life. But they can also turn into ruts and leave us unmotivated to grow.

Some of you have heard my story – in my mid-forties, I changed careers to start a business in a garage. In a different state. Who does that? But sometimes shaking up our regular routines is the best way to grow.

Was I scared? You betcha! But by welcoming the unfamiliar, I achieved incredible benefits for myself – emotionally, physically, creatively, and more.

Is a leap into the unknown for you? The benefits of trying new things can be incredible. Believe me, it’s never too late to venture out of your comfortable routine. Here are some of the gains you can achieve by trying new things, whatever they may be.

You’ll get to know yourself better. You may find that salsa dancing, making bread from scratch, learning to fly a plane are all things you really enjoy. Or that you don’t. Really, how do you know if you like or dislike a new food, activity or adventure before you try? The more new things you try, the more you figure out what you really like and dislike – because these preferences are unique to you!

Fear takes a backseat. As you practice new adventures, fear transforms from a crippling factor to a minor bump in the road. You’ve created a new routine after all! One of the best and most exciting benefits of trying something new is that you overcome fear – fear of the unknown, fear of the imaginary consequences and fear of failure.

Your sense of adventure grows. Your adventurous self is set free when you try new things. These new things can be as simple as a food you’ve never tasted or a recipe that’s not in your usual rotation. Or they can be as complicated as learning a new language or planning a vacation to an exotic, faraway land. Approaching these new opportunities with the spirit of adventure sets us up for success and helps us approach the next challenge with even more confidence.

You listen to your gut. Don’t make an immediate snap judgement, remember that being uncomfortable is part of the process of trying something new. But if after taking those piano lessons for a few weeks, maybe you’re not enjoying them because they feel too much like homework. Then stop. Listen to your gut when it talks to you. If a new venture isn’t exciting or fun anymore, take the experience and move on to the next one.

New experiences stimulate creativity. That creativity naturally transfers to other areas of your life. You begin to think about everything differently. That’s amazing! When you try new things, you challenge your brain to think and adapt. This stimulates creativity.

You learn empathy. Trying something new teaches you about other people’s experiences and the struggles they went through to achieve their goals. Trust me, you aren’t the first person to take up a paintbrush, mount a saddle for horseback riding or attempt to learn French. Empathy and insight into another person’s life are perhaps the most valuable lessons you can ever learn.

Your emotional health improves. Being emotionally centered is good for you, and those around you. Studies show that people who engage in a variety of experiences are more likely to retain positive emotions and minimize negative ones than people who have fewer experiences.

Your physical health will benefit. There are health benefits that come from constantly developing and living one’s life to the fullest. Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle called it eudaimonia, or the condition of human flourishing or of living well. Today, research posits that the greater sense of purpose and personal growth associated with eudaimonia correlates with lower cortisol levels, better immune function, and more efficient sleep. Health bonus unlocked!

Time becomes more memorable. By trying new things, you benefit from new and special memories that will last a lifetime. Trying something new gives you a fresh perspective. And gets you excited with the anticipation of what might happen!

Here’s your challenge: do something that you’ve been interested in for a while. Is it designing a new garden or painting your kitchen? Is it joining a writer’s group to hone your story telling skills? Is it volunteering with homeless pets? Whatever the new thing is you’ve wanted to try – go for it! You’ve got nothing to lose but your fear. And so very much to gain. Just sayin’.

We’ve all heard the saying, “There’s no ‘I’ in team.” What that means is that teamwork isn’t about a single person, it’s about working together to achieve a common goal. When you’ve got a great team behind you, you don’t worry about your business if you’re sick, on vacation or dealing with important family matters. I certainly don’t because I have great confidence in my team. They know what to do, even when I’m not there.

We’ve put systems and procedures in place to ensure that (almost) whatever the situation, the people in the office and the field know who is in charge of what, who knows the answers to certain tricky questions, and where to look for information. Here are some tips to ensure that your team can carry on without you, when necessary.

Defined Roles & Responsibilities: Everyone on the team should understand their individual roles and responsibilities and how they fit into the larger picture. A maverick salesperson may work best on his or her own with little supervision, while others thrive in a group environment where feedback comes regularly from the group. What’s important is that everyone knows what is expected of them and where they fit in the puzzle. When all the pieces fit, each individual’s unique strengths unite to make the team a powerhouse.

Team Purpose: Constant feedback keeps any team on track. The act of reminding the team of how and what they can be doing better, and receiving feedback from them as to how they could improve the process is important. Don’t wait until a problem occurs to make a course correction. Your team should meet regularly (whatever regularly means to your team) to discuss progress toward its goals. Every team is different, so reminding the team of their purpose and receiving updates from them doesn’t need to be formal or overly structured. A quick check in each day and a team meeting once a week is often just right for some teams. Other teams may need less frequent check-ins. The leader’s job is to keep them on track.

Know Their Needs and Motivations: Your team is a puzzle full of pieces. There are lots of ways to put them together. Each way yields a result, and some ways give better results. When you get to know your team, you get to understand their needs. Knowing your team means investing the time to understand what motivates them, how they think and how to get the best from them. By embracing the different personalities, you get the best from them.

Reward the Team: Acknowledgement and reward honors the work of the team. People love recognition, so take time to give your team rewards they deserve. Don’t take performance for granted, even if you believe the team is just doing their job. They could be doing the job anywhere, and remain loyal to leaders and companies they feel respect their skills and effort. Buying lunch on a busy or stressful point in a project, or arranging a team outing builds camaraderie.

Celebrate: Celebration at the end of a project or reaching a goal is different from a reward. Celebrations reflect on the process and what your team has done well, as well as what it could improve. Remember what allowed you to reach your goal as part of the celebration of success – the often-tremendous effort of the team – not you as the leader.

Be a Great Leader: Great leadership builds great teams – leaders make decisions (often difficult ones), set high standards and look for ways to improve. Leaders are only as successful as their teams and the great ones know that with the right team dynamics, decisions and diverse personalities, everyone wins in the end. Building great teams is a balancing act between finding the right people, giving them enough direction and freedom to experiment, fail and (hopefully) succeed.

Successful teams require attention. When your team members feel like they are part of something larger than themselves, their collective energy brings extraordinary results. If your team isn’t delivering, ask yourself why. Are you, as the leader, too much or not enough involved? Could you be gone for a week or two weeks without the team falling apart or losing focus? Just sayin’.

In a job market flooded with Help Wanted signs, employers face the tough challenge of securing and retaining top talent amidst the aftermath of our economy’s two-year rebound and significant employment shifts. With more options available, workers are rethinking what they value in a job, from where they work to what they’re paid. It’s crucial for employers to step up and highlight not only the job roles and work environment but also the strengths of the company to attract today’s job seekers. So, how can you make your workplace a magnet for talent? Here are some practical tips to guide you.

Create the culture. CEOs are now talking more about equity, inclusion, and fairness, according to the Harvard Business Review. Employees want to be part of a company that prioritizes these values, too. Creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, regardless of skin color, gender, or sexual orientation, is essential.

Fuel your workplace with positivity. Are your employees truly engaged? Do you fully embrace remote, flexible, or hybrid working environments? Are your employees happy working for you? Consider ways to show your appreciation for them, such as catered lunches or after-hours events (dinners, ballgames, movie nights). And if you’re unsure how to achieve this, ask your current staff — they’ll have plenty of ideas.

Focus on skills, not just experience. Hiring someone who can quickly adapt and excel means focusing more on skills and less on the resume. Today’s perfect candidates might not have the “perfect” resume. Look beyond employment gaps, education, and years of experience – seek individuals who are eager to learn, adapt, and positively influence the workplace while having the necessary skills to excel in the role.

Revamp your compensation strategy. Looking to stand out in attracting and keeping employees? Think beyond traditional compensation. While some may prioritize a higher salary or hiring bonus, others value generous time off, health insurance, or retirement packages. Offering any or all of these perks can make your company more appealing.

Prioritize employee wellbeing. With a renewed focus post-pandemic, many companies have introduced or expanded benefits and perks aimed at supporting both physical and mental health. From gym memberships and mental health days to programs promoting work/life balance and parental leave, these efforts highlight a commitment to employee wellbeing and reducing burnout and stress.

Upgrade your tech. There’s no excuse for outdated technology, particularly with tools that encourage collaboration and remote work (i.e., Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zoom, Dropbox). Over 85% of job seekers consider technology when evaluating a potential job. Stay current and provide training on the latest tools and systems.

Reward your flock, watch them soar. As the saying goes, “birds of a feather flock together” — happy employees attract more like-minded individuals, after all. Your current staff can be your company’s best advertisement. If they’re incentivized to refer others like themselves, it can make all the difference. Consider offering a referral bonus or other signs of appreciation when a current employee refers a new hire. It’s a simple way to encourage your team and strengthen your workforce.

As employers, let’s refine our approach to hiring and keeping talent, discovering effective ways to elevate our workplaces, enrich the employee experience, and become highly desirable companies to work for. It’s time to make our mark. Just sayin’.

The holidays stress some of us out, but for me, it’s the post-holiday weeks that really get to me. The festive buzz is over, and it’s back to tackling projects we postponed. When anxiety about the future or past troubles me, I recall advice from a wise horse trainer: Breathe. Stay in the moment—right here, right now.

Living in an age of distractions, constant technology disrupts our focus on the future. At work, I daydream about vacation, yet on vacation, I fret about the mounting workload back at my desk. Appreciating the present is a challenge; our minds, like monkeys, swing from thought to thought. Phones and devices only add to the chaos.

Here are a few post-holiday tips that help me stay present: 

Recharge: Sick of feeling exhausted? Our bodies need energy to face challenges, and stress saps it away. A gym membership could help, but I often end up yawning on the machines. My solution? Spin class! With a set time and supportive companions, it’s the perfect boost. If group classes aren’t your style and you’re in a chilly locale like me (thanks, Albuquerque), try walking on an indoor track. Local high schools or community centers might even offer it for free – check out your options! 

Renew: So, let’s talk about sleep—it’s kind of like the VIP pass to recovering, right? I’ve found that getting into a cozy routine of hitting the hay and waking up around the same time, even on lazy weekends, has been my secret weapon for renewing that energy. It’s like a subtle yet powerful reboot for the day. 

Breathe: Ever notice how we can totally forget to do something as basic as, well, breathing? It’s kind of funny, but seriously, it works wonders! Take a sec—right now if you want—and take a slow inhale. Then let it out. These deep breaths help you stay focused and centered. Throw in some deep breaths during your commute, whether you’re cruising to work or running errands. And hey, don’t forget to pull out this trick when you find yourself in some wild or unfamiliar situation—it helps release the fear that comes along with it.

Unplug: Once a week, I make it a mission to ditch the screens and immerse myself in a good book instead of binge-watching TV. Picture this: my favorite classical music playing softly in the background, creating the perfect soundtrack to my tech-free day. Welcome to my “Sanity Sundays.” It’s like a mental reset button, helping me refocus and gather my thoughts for the week ahead.

Trade-Off: Now, here’s my game plan for tackling the office chaos. Channeling the vibe of “Sanity Sundays,” I make my Fridays escape. I take off on Friday, then I swing back into the office on Sundays, tripling my productivity. It’s a savvy trade-off, keeping me sane and setting the stage for a week of peak performance.

Multi-tasking: Ever catch onto the irony that the person claiming to juggle twenty things is usually not in the best mood? Trust me, been there. Trying to do ten things at once turns into an internal battle for me. I’d rather tackle one thing at a time, fully present and, of course, happy, than juggle ten things and risk forgetting I’m doing any of them—or worse, doing them all poorly.

Flow: Acceptance is key—we can’t control every detail. It can be tough to ride the waves of uncertainty, but when it happens, I take a breath and remind myself that others need the freedom and trust to handle their roles. If the end result is solid, it’s time to ditch the micromanaging and let the flow take its course.

Embrace the moment: According to General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt, “Do every job like you’re going to have it forever. People start to get derailed when they say [about a task], ‘This one is beneath me.’ Being the best at whatever you’re doing, in the moment, is very, very rewarding.” So, dive in, give your all, and savor the satisfaction of being fully present in each task.

So, when the post-holiday buzz sets in and I find myself stressing about all the things I need to tackle—returning calls & emails and getting those projects back on track—I keep these tips in mind to help me stay right here, right now. Just sayin’!

The holidays are coming, and while I’m looking forward to friends, family and those special, holiday-only dishes, I’m not looking forward to the more around the middle that’s sure to follow. So I’m starting now to think about how to keep fit this holiday season. My first idea? Get moving!

You only need a little time and you’ll discover that being physically active is the best way to live a longer, healthier, and happier life. And it can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight while lowering the risk for certain diseases. Here are some of the ways to add a few more steps to your Fitbit – all low or no cost.

Prescription Trails. Healthcare professionals assess their patients’ fitness at the beginning, then write a tailored walking prescription based on the current physical condition. Walking programs can contribute to the treatment and prevention of a number of chronic conditions such as diabetes, depression and high blood pressure. For more information on local walking trails and parks go to: www.prescriptiontrailsnm.org.

Walk the dog. You and your best friend will benefit from even a quick stroll around the block. Our dogs love to get out, but when it’s cold and getting dark at the end of a long day, it sure is hard to go for the leash and head outside. That’s when I look at my furry kids and remember that their health is just as important as mine.

Buddy up! Exercising with a friend is one of the best ways to get and stay motivated. You make a commitment to each other – and no one wants to disappoint their friend. Plus, you wind up pushing each other to do more, faster and longer than if you go it alone.

10,000 steps. Conventional wisdom says that 10,000 steps a day is the minimum we need to move. In the normal course of events — just living and working — the average person takes anywhere from 900 to 3000 steps in a day and not much more. Walking 10,000 steps is the approximate equivalent of walking 5 miles. You can totally do that.

Pedometer or mobile app: Unless you are really good at counting, you will probably want to pick up a quality pedometer to measure your steps. Some pedometers also monitor distances, and even heart rate, calories burned, etc. or find a mobile app that you can add to your phone.

Truck it. You’ve heard this one over and over again. Park as far away from entrances when you shop. I started this years ago when I got my first new car, and didn’t want any door dings. Then I realized, it takes just a few seconds longer but worth it to burn that few extra calories. It all adds up.

Hit the mall. Did you know that most malls open an hour or so early for walkers? Cold weather is here, so move your walk time indoors. And even if the stores are open, you can leave your cash and credit cards at home and simply stroll around the mall in a temperature-controlled, relatively safe environment. As long as you plan your route away from the food court, you’ll be fine.

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – November/December 2023