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Nurturing Health Without Financial Strain

January 16, 2024

In a world where pace and pressure constantly escalate, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is more important than ever. Yet, many people are deterred by the assumption that health equates to high expenses. This article from Navigating Motherhood Coaching debunks that myth, offering insights into how a healthy lifestyle can be both attainable and affordable. By adopting practical and innovative strategies, individuals can enhance their well-being without imposing a heavy burden on their finances.

Explore Free Digital Fitness Resources

The digital era has revolutionized fitness by offering an abundance of free resources. Gone are the days when costly gym memberships and classes were the only options. Today, the internet brims with diverse workout routines suitable for various fitness levels, all accessible without cost. This transition not only saves money but also introduces a flexible, personalized approach to fitness, allowing individuals to exercise at their convenience and pace.

**Nurturing Health Without Financial Strain**

Digitize Health Records for Efficient Management

Efficient management of health records is a cornerstone of proactive health care. Digitizing these records not only saves physical space but ensures quick and easy access to vital health information. Incorporating a PDF splitter into this digital strategy can be particularly beneficial.

By using a PDF splitter, large health documents can be conveniently divided into smaller, more manageable sections, simplifying organization and retrieval. This tool streamlines the process of managing health documents, resulting in a more effective and organized approach to health record keeping. Furthermore, it facilitates easier sharing and referencing of specific sections of health records when necessary, enhancing overall healthcare management.

Invest in Energy-Efficient Home Solutions

Energy efficiency in the home is a crucial step towards reducing living costs. While energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs may require an initial investment, the long-term savings on energy bills are substantial. This strategy not only cuts down expenses but also contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle, reducing the ecological footprint of households.

Unearth Bargains at Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are treasure troves for budget-conscious individuals. These stores offer a vast selection of items, from clothing to home essentials, at a fraction of retail prices. Shopping at thrift stores is not only economical but also eco-friendly, as it promotes the recycling and reuse of goods, contributing to a sustainable consumption model.

Prefer Generic and Store-Brand Products

Opting for generic or store-brand products is a practical way to economize without compromising on quality. These products, available across various categories such as groceries and personal care, offer the same quality as their branded counterparts but at a more accessible price. This switch can lead to substantial savings over time, allowing for a more budget-friendly approach to everyday purchases.

Embrace Natural Clothing Drying Methods

Using natural methods for drying clothes, such as a clothesline or drying rack, is an effective way to reduce energy expenses. This practice not only decreases energy bills but also extends the lifespan of clothing. It represents a simple yet significant step towards a more sustainable and cost-effective household routine.

Embarking on a journey to a healthier lifestyle does not necessitate a hefty financial investment. The strategies discussed in this article demonstrate that with thoughtful planning and resourcefulness, maintaining health can be both affordable and effective. Embracing these budget-friendly approaches not only fosters physical well-being but also ensures financial health, proving that a healthy lifestyle is within reach for everyone.

Thriving on a Budget: Your Guide to Affordable Wellness

For burnt out moms who are unhappy with their current career and want to get unstuck and land a job they love, contact Navigating Motherhood Coaching today!

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Career, Goals and Dreams

How Moms Can Get Back into the Workforce by Becoming Successful Entrepreneurs

October 19, 2023

Many moms have had to step out of the workforce to take care of their children and families. However, with the evolution of technology and the rise of entrepreneurship, more and more moms are finding ways to balance both family life and running their own successful businesses. Starting a new business may seem overwhelming, but with proper planning, resources, and a determined mindset, becoming a successful entrepreneur can be a viable option for moms who want to get back into the workforce. Here, NMC Coaching provides some tips to get you started.

How Moms Can Get Back into the Workforce by Becoming Successful Entrepreneurs

Recognize New Market Trends

If you want to pursue an entrepreneurial endeavor, you’ll first need to recognize new market trends, including:

● Consumers want on-demand services and products

● More shopping takes place online than ever before

● Digital storefronts are just as important as retail storefronts

With this information in mind, you should come up with your business idea and business plan based on your interests or desires. For example, maybe you can start a new marketing agency, start up a freelance web design company, or do something else entirely.

Just be sure to choose something that accounts for the above market trends!

From Stay-at-Home Mom to Successful Entrepreneur: A Guide for Moms

Consider Returning to School

Before your new business gets off the ground, you might want to go back to school to get an online degree or finish your education. There’s no better time to get a bachelor’s or master’s degree than when you’re laid off or working from home, as you have much more time on your hands. The right degree can give you the skills you need to thrive as an entrepreneur.

How to Start a New Business

Start your new entrepreneurial endeavor by:

● Writing a business plan

● Applying for funding (if needed), such as a business loan

● Hiring any necessary employees

● Buying supplies, like server hosting or product materials

● Choosing a business structure

As you grow your business, consider establishing a limited liability company. LLCs are advantageous as they shield your personal assets from potential lawsuits and offer tax advantages, flexibility, and minimal paperwork.

Ensure you get paid on time for your services by developing a process for invoicing. This can include billing clients immediately after services are rendered and offering them multiple payment options. You can create a branded invoice by using an invoice maker. Choose from a variety of templates and then add your terms, billing info, typeface, and logo.

How Marketing May Make a Big Difference

Starting a business is one thing — making sure that it thrives is another. You can market your business effectively and see stellar results or fail to market your brand and go out of business.

The best ways to market your business include:

● Using SEO (search engine optimization) and other research tools to identify your target audience

● Advertising directly to that audience with social media ads, banner ads, Google ads, and more

● Using email marketing to connect with and build long-term relationships with your core customers

Fortunately, the more you market for your business, the better you’ll get at it, and the more bang you’ll get for every marketing buck you spend. You may also want to bring in a digital marketing agency to optimize your website, SEO, and social media posts.

Also, make sure any marketing graphics or icons are of high quality and well designed; hire a graphic designer if need be. If you do work with a designer, get familiar with a file conversion tool so that it is easier for you to send high quality graphics through email. JPGs are often too large, but a PDF will preserve the quality while lessening the file size. You can easily convert your image format to documents using free online tools. Just drop in the file and the tool will do the rest.

The Mompreneur’s Guide to Success: How to Build a Thriving Business While Balancing Family Life

Achieve Your Entrepreneurial Dreams!

Ultimately, it’s more possible than ever before for women just like you to achieve their entrepreneurial ambitions. There are many digital tools and resources you can use to get started. All you have to do is trust yourself, make a plan, and work to achieve your goal!.

If you are stuck and need some help determining what to do next with your life, contact NMC Coaching for guidance!

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Career, Motherhood, Productivity

How to Effortlessly Cultivate Wellness in Your Remote Job

September 7, 2023

In the evolving landscape of remote work, prioritizing wellness has become paramount. This article presented by NMC Coaching delves into practical strategies to seamlessly integrate well-being into your remote job routine, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling work-life experience.

**How to Effortlessly Cultivate Wellness in Your Remote Job**

Establishing an Exercise Program

Incorporating physical activity into your remote routine can boost energy levels and mental clarity. As a working mom, finding time for exercise might seem challenging, but the benefits are worth it. Regular exercise not only enhances your physical health but also positively impacts your mood and productivity. Simple home workouts like yoga, stretching, or short cardio sessions can easily be incorporated into your daily schedule. Aim for consistency rather than intensity, even if it means starting with just a few minutes each day. A brisk walk during breaks or some calming stretches can make a world of difference in boosting your remote work wellness.

Care for Yourself

Remote work can blur the boundaries between work and personal life, making self-care essential. As a working mom juggling various responsibilities, taking care of yourself might feel like a luxury, but it’s a necessity. Dedicate time to practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply stepping away from your desk for a few minutes to recharge. Create a designated workspace that promotes relaxation and minimizes distractions. Setting clear boundaries between work and personal time will help you maintain focus, reduce stress, and boost your overall well-being.

Develop Healthy Eating Habits

Crafting nutritious meals while working remotely can positively impact your energy levels and productivity. As a working mom, meal planning can be a lifesaver. Design a weekly meal plan that includes a mix of whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Opt for balanced snacks that keep you energized throughout the day. Staying hydrated is equally important, so keep a water bottle handy on your desk. By nourishing your body with the right foods and staying hydrated, you’re setting the foundation for a healthier and more productive remote work routine.

Staying connected while working remotely

Develop Social Connections

Isolation can be a challenge in remote work, especially for working moms who are used to bustling family environments. Prioritize staying connected with colleagues, friends, and family through virtual meetings, group chats, and online communities. Schedule virtual coffee breaks or catch-up sessions with colleagues to maintain a sense of camaraderie. Join online groups or forums where you can share experiences and gain support from other working moms navigating the remote work landscape. These connections will not only combat feelings of isolation but also enhance your remote work wellness.

Wellness Made Easy: A Remote Worker’s Guide to Self-Care

Taking Pride in Success

As a working mom, you’re accomplishing feats both big and small every day. Acknowledging these achievements is vital for your motivation and mental well-being. Celebrate milestones, whether work-related or personal, by treating yourself to a favorite snack, taking a short walk, or simply reflecting on your successes. Creating a positive work environment that acknowledges your efforts can boost your self-esteem and overall satisfaction with remote work.

Going Outside

Fresh air and sunlight can work wonders for your remote work wellness. As a working mom, taking breaks outdoors can offer a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively. Consider incorporating short walks during breaks, having outdoor lunches, or even setting up a temporary outdoor workspace if feasible. These outdoor moments can help clear your mind, reduce stress, and enhance your focus when you return to your tasks.

Digitizing Documents into PDFs

Efficiency is key in remote work, especially for working moms who often juggle multiple responsibilities at once. Streamlining work processes, such as converting important documents into PDFs, offers easy sharing, accessibility, and compatibility across devices, ultimately saving you time and stress when searching for essential information. If you need to convert to PDF online, utilize tools that allow you to annotate, highlight, and make notes on PDFs, further enhancing your remote work efficiency.

Remote Work Wellness: Tips for Staying Healthy and Happy

Balancing wellness and remote work is not only feasible but essential for sustained productivity and happiness. By integrating exercise, self-care, healthy eating, efficient document management, etc., remote-working moms can effortlessly cultivate a thriving and fulfilling work routine. Remember, taking care of yourself ultimately benefits both your work and your family, creating a harmonious and rewarding remote work experience.

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Career

Advice for Parents With Disabilities: How to Make Your Dream of Running a Business Come True

September 25, 2022

As a parent with disabilities, you may not know how to make your dreams of entrepreneurship come true. How do you ensure you can balance your obligations as a parent, your health, and a business? Navigating Motherhood Coaching wants you to know that you can succeed with a plan, a home-based office, and a connection with clients.

For disabled parents: How to create your dream business

Start With a Plan

Before your dreams become a reality, you need a strategy. A business plan helps you manage your company through every stage. Many entrepreneurs choose a comprehensive traditional plan. This type of plan includes a summary of your mission, how you plan to be successful, and market analysis. It also details your financial projections, funding needs, and business structure.

To complete a market analysis, you need to look at your industry and target market. Check out the competitors and consider their strengths. What makes your competition successful? Figure out how you can offer something better. In addition to identifying your target audience, market research can also tell you if your business ideas are profitable. Always stay up-to-date on the market to ensure you know what clients want, even when needs change.

Make an Accessible Workspace

If your disability affects your mobility, you may want to consider a home-based business. Not only can you create an accessible workspace for yourself, but it also gives you more time to be with your children. You can sell anything from your home and use social media to advertise. And you don’t have to worry about non-compliant offices or other hurdles related to your disability.

You may need to meet with clients in your home depending on your business. Creating a distinct work area is vital for these interactions. You don’t want a client sitting at your dining room table with your toddler coloring next to them! Converting an unused room is the ideal situation, but if you can’t devote that amount of space, create a clear division between work and home by using dividers or strategic furniture placement. Also be aware that smells carry throughout your house. Even pleasant cooking smells should be whisked away by a quiet but efficient range hood in your kitchen. That way your client won’t be thinking about their dinner plans during your late afternoon meeting.

Things to consider if you are starting a home based business

Create a Financial Strategy

There are grants available for small business owners with disabilities, including those to help you with medical expenses, housing, and equipment. In some cases, you may have to establish a limited liability company before applying for the grants. In addition, look for other small business funding sources, like loans and lines of credit. It’s important to check your credit score before you go out soliciting funding. Many lenders will only fund individuals whose credit report shows they can handle money well. If your score is too low, consider postponing your quest for loans until you are able to raise your score.

Creating a financial plan can help you work toward your small business goals. If you are interested in investors, you need to have a proposal written out to show them how you plan to generate revenue and manage your expenses. If your company requires equipment, you may benefit from equipment financing. When you finance equipment, you do not have to worry about collateral because the equipment is collateral.

Use Accounting Software

Unless you’re a sole proprietor, you probably can’t get by without business accounting software. When you have business accounting software, it’s much easier to keep track of your business finances. This type of software can help you track your business income and expenses, so you always know where your business stands financially. Without business accounting software, it would be very easy to overlook crucial financial details, which could eventually lead to problems for your business. This software can also help you manage inventory and invoicing, so you can streamline your business operations and save time.

Connect With Your Clients

Make your customers feel special. Take note of how they interact with your brand. The way clients engage with you and your company can tell you a lot about your customer base. Learn to take constructive criticism. Respond to client concerns and encourage client satisfaction. Nowadays, most people have online platforms. Use your business page to connect with the customers. Keep your social media voice relatable to others. Be fun and casual on the internet.

As a parent with disabilities, you have your hands full at all times. Sometimes, you may not have time to generate your own content. Share your clients’ content on social media. For instance, if you sell products and your clients highlight the product on their page or take pictures of your services, repost them on social media. Encourage customers to talk about your brand.

Many people choose to include their pets on their social media posts to get the attention of the many pet-lovers out there. If you do choose to include your fur child on camera, make sure they’re at their best through regular grooming. You don’t have to spend a fortune on a professional though. Look online for great smelling pet shampoos. Then, get the kids involved in a designated spa day for your pooch to ensure they are always camera ready.

For disabled parents: How to start a home based business

You Can Juggle It All

Your life is full of hurdles. You may feel like you do not have the time for your professional ventures, but if you have a dream then you should pursue it. Start by creating a space that is designated for you to work, and ensure it has everything you need exactly where you need it. And take advantage of help through formation services and by re-posting your client’s content on social media. Juggling it all is about finding the shortcuts and the right support. You’ve got this, so make your vision a reality!

If you’re looking for a coach to come alongside you and motivate you to make your business a reality, then contact Darcey at Navigating Motherhood Coaching.

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Personal Development

How To Make Decisions When You Feel Stuck

September 19, 2022

If you are preparing for a career transition or another big event in your life, you may feel stuck. You may feel like you can’t take the first step. Maybe you don’t feel courageous. Maybe you feel hopeless about your current situation. You could just be feeling too drained to make that first move. However, there is one thing that stops people time and time again from achieving their goals. This one thing makes us play small and stay in our comfort zones.

How to make decisions when you feel stuck

You probably think I’m going to say fear of change, but while that is a factor, it’s only part of it. The one thing that stops us in our tracks is the difficulty with or inability to make decisions.

Do you ever have this problem? You are thinking about something for weeks or months. You want to make a decision, but you just can’t. You haven’t picked an end date, you’re asking everyone you know what you should do, you’re going back and forth and this decision is hanging over you like a dark cloud. Moths or years will go by and you still haven’t taken action. Why not? Well, because you’re afraid of making the wrong decision. You want to please others and be well liked. You are placing too much emphasis on what others think. Then where does that leave you? It leaves you stuck and with unfulfilled dreams. In this post, I’ll give you several strategies to help you make decisions when you feel stuck.

I’m capable of making decisions that are best for me

Follow Your Intuition

The most important thing is to follow your intuition. Some of us don’t trust us and have fears of this because we don’t trust ourselves, but this is the only thing in the end that really matters.
If we can feel that a decision is good for us in our body, that is so important. That means it’s a healthy decision for us. If there is negative tension in our body around this decision, we may need to rethink it.

Set a Deadline

The second most important thing to do is set a dead line. Pick a date to make a decision by and stick to it. Market on your calendar if you have to. Meanwhile you can use the strategies listed below.

Do Research

Do your research. If it’s something you’re deciding such as which product to buy, how much to spend on certain items, which school your kids should attend, which classes you want to take etc. Google is your friend. Other times research may involve calling a company, driving to different locations, interviewing people, visiting a library etc. Write down the results of your research if necessary. If something doesn’t seem right, don’t be afraid to keep investigating. Your intuition will serve you well here. For example, if you are making a career decision, Talk to people who work for the company you are interested in. Visit their website, check out the company culture and values, look for salary information, look at reviews etc.

If you do the proper research, you can make your decision not only on your intuition and feelings, but the hard facts as well. Using both of these methods, you will make a decision you feel comfortable with.

I believe in my ability to make decisions

Meditation

Meditation can work as well. If you were questioning something major in your life, maybe you want to meditate over it for several days or weeks. Let your intuition guide you. After each meditation, you may want to write down your thoughts and or feelings about what came up for you. Then using what you wrote down, you can use this information to guide your decision.

Pros and Cons List

A simple way is to make a pros and cons list. Which ever list is longer is the one that is your deciding factor. This may be a good strategy for simple decisions, but if it’s something more complicated where you have to weigh all the factors, this might not work for you.

Deciding between healthy and unhealthy food

Ask for Advice

Finally, you may want to ask someone for advice. However, if you have a pattern of struggling to make decisions based on what other people think or fear that they will not like you depending on the decision you make, I would use this sparingly. It should be someone you trust, someone that can keep an open mind and someone who can keep things confidential. Especially if it’s a sensitive topic. Again, someone that is trustworthy is key. I would also suggest against asking too many people for advice. The more people you involve, the muddy or the waters. Unless the decision directly affects someone, you don’t have to involve them. unless you feel good about doing so.

Some questions you should ask yourself in the decision making process:

Am I calm and thinking clearly?
Do I need to step away from the situation before making my final decision?
What are the consequences of either side of my decision?
Does my decision align with my values?
What would I tell a friend if she came to me asking for advice?

How to make confident and clear decisions

To summarize if you are having decision fatigue or you are struggling to make decisions because of fear or people pleasing,, there are several strategies that can help. Following your intuition, setting a deadline, meditation, using a pros and cons list, doing your research and or asking others for advice. What strategies do you use to make decisions? Tell me in the comments.

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Productivity

How to Adjust to a New Routine

September 12, 2022

I’ve been talking to my audience and one thing that keeps coming up is the struggle with adjusting to a new routine. It’s September, so that means back to school. That means getting up earlier, rushing out of the house and having to be on your kids about getting dressed and doing anything to get them out the door. If you struggle with this, you are not alone. Here are several strategies to adjust to or create a new routine that your family will love. If they don’t love the new routine, it will be at least tolerable. Maybe even enjoyable.

The Purpose of Your Routine

First, look at your why. Why does this new routine need to happen? It being September, the most obvious reason would be the kids going back to school, but there may be other reasons to start a new routine such as a new baby, a move, the start of a new job etc. Looking at the reasons behind any new routine will help you stay clear and focused.

Planning Your New Routine

To begin creating your new plan, ask the following questions. Write out the answers and share them with family if necessary.

What needs to happen in the morning?
What needs to happen at night?
Who needs to get up when?
What could you do to speed up your morning routine?
Who will do which tasks?

Routine Tweaks and or Suggestions

Create a schedule for use of the bathroom if you have to.
Maybe kids need baths at night instead.
Create a chore chart for the kids.
Set out clothes the night before.
Pack lunches the night before.
Start the routine a couple weeks before the actual change needs to happen.

Practice Gratitude

In order for change to be welcome and to stick, you have to find some benefit in it. It can take at least 21 days for new habits to stick, so don’t get discouraged if anyone in the family slips back to their old ways of doing things.

What are the benefits of the new routine?
What are you grateful for?
Will it give you more time to yourself.
Will it give your kids more structure?
Will you get more work done?

Relieve Your Anxiety

Is there any anxiety around your new routine? Change can be scary if it is a large change. Humans are creatures of habit so even small changes can be bothersome. If you find yourself resisting, it’s time to look at any anxiety you have around the new routine. Here’s a list of some examples, but you may have some that are different.

I’ll be late for work.
We won’t get enough sleep.
I’ll have to get up earlier and I’m not a morning person.
I won’t have enough time to myself.
I’ll be yelling at my kids.
I’ll feel rushed.
My kids can’t do enough for themselves yet and I’ll have to do everything.
I’ll be busy looking for things. The keys, a pair of shoes, the child’s homework etc.

Get Organized

One way to beat some of this anxiety is to get organized. Find places to keep things and make sure they are kept there. A basket by the door, a place for the backpack, a hanger for keys, Organize drawers so that clothing or personal items can easily be found.

Have a morning routine you love.

Do you feel stressed and hurried in the morning? If so, you will want to create some nonnegotiable rituals. Some examples may be Meditation, exercise, journaling, a cup of tea or coffee, watching the news, watching cat videos etc. Whatever gives you a boost, relieves some stress and can be done in a short amount of time, do it! Even if you have to get up a few minutes earlier. You may have to delegate some tasks or do them the night before. Doing something for yourself in the morning is so worth it. It starts your day on a more positive note and it may only take a few minutes depending on your rituals. If possible, do this before the kids are out of bed. This way you have some quiet time to yourself.

To summarize, get clear on why your routine needs to happen if it isn’t obvious. Then create a plan. Who does what tasks and when? Figure out what makes you anxious about the change and then get organized. Decide what you can let go of and what are your non negotiables. Through this process you will create a new routine that you love. If it’s not something you love, it will be a routine you can tolerate. Did I miss anything? What helps you get adjusted to a new routine? Tell me in the comments!

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Personal Development

30 Back To School Prompts for Teachers

September 10, 2022

Here are several prompts to help you through the transition of getting back to school. You may want to use these prompts to shift your mindset, get clear on your goals for the first quarter of the school year or create a self-care plan.

30 back to school journal prompts to help you through the transition30 back to school journal prompts to help you through the transition

School Related Journal Prompts

How do I feel about teaching at this moment?
What is my purpose for teaching?
What do I enjoy about teaching?
What do I dislike about teaching?
What lessons have I learned from teaching?
What are my favorite lessons to teach?
What plans do I have for the first quarter?
How will I stay energized throughout the day?
What will cheer me up if I have a bad day?
My plan for time management at school is…
What can I do if I feel unheard?
How can I be better at listening?
What can I learn from a failed lesson plan?

Home and personal Time Journal Prompts

How will I take care of myself?
Create a self-care plan.
My plan for time management at home is…
How will I stay present with my family?
How will I deal with stress at home?
Who can I go to for support?
What tasks can I take off my plate and or delicate?
The activities that bring me joy are…

30 back to school journal prompts for teachers

Journal Prompts for Moving Forward

What is my biggest struggle right now?
What is the first step I can take to overcome that struggle?
What is coming easily to me right now?
How can I bring that feeling to other parts of my life?
What am I grateful for in this moment?
How can I bring more joy into my life?
What are my long-term goals? (Personally or professionally)
What action steps do I need to take to achieve my goals?
What small actions can I take? (Today, this week, this month etc)

There you have it. 30 journal prompts to help you through the transition back to school. You can pick the ones that call to you and work from there. Even if you write for five to ten minutes a day. Journaling is a great way to process thoughts and feelings as well as a brain dump. You can get rid of all that clutter in your head before starting the day or going to bed at night. Does journaling help you in any aspect of teaching? Let me know in the comments.

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Career

5 Ways Women Can Attract STEM Recruiters

September 1, 2022

It’s no secret that science, technology, engineering, and math — collectively called STEM — are dominated by men. According to research, women represent a stunningly low 27% of STEM professionals. There are many intersecting issues that contribute to this problem, but it’s clear that something must change. Women who want to break into these fields can take control of their careers and attract the top recruiters by following these five tips from NMC Coaching.

1. Work on Improving Your Confidence

Unfortunately, the lack of women in STEM may be a self-fulfilling prophesy. Because there are so few women, women feel unwelcome, and they don’t pursue careers that they would otherwise be interested in. Those who do pursue STEM careers may be stymied by a lack of confidence that costs them opportunities. Women should work on boosting their professional confidence by eliminating negative self-talk, practicing professional presentation, and setting clear goals.

5 Ways Women can Attract STEM Recruiters

2. Get a Mentor Who Can Offer Career Guidance

One of the greatest assets a woman in STEM can have is a dedicated mentor. Your mentor should invest in you and advocate for you, and if you haven’t connected with this person yet, it’s time to find them. You can find a mentor through networking opportunities, online platforms, and professional conferences. If you can find another woman in STEM to mentor you, this may be particularly advantageous to helping you achieve your goals.

3. Start Your Own STEM Business

Even if you have all the right qualifications, STEM is a hard field to break into. You may realize that you’re tired of endless job searching, and instead, you want to start your own business. In addition to the lucrative potential that this path has, it’s a great way to build your resume and create your own opportunities — if another company won’t hire you, hire yourself. This will demonstrate ambition and drive that will attract recruiters if you return to the job market.

4. Craft an Expert-Level Business Plan

If you do choose to go the entrepreneurial route, it’s important that you’re prepared for the challenges of owning a business. Your first few months will likely be a learning experience, but you can avoid many common mistakes by crafting a detailed business plan. In addition to an overview of your financial expectations, your business plan should include its structure, marketing strategy, and sources of funding.

5 Ways for Women to Attract STEM Recruiters

5. Enroll in a Professional Development Class

Sometimes you simply need to sharpen your skills in order to gain an edge in the STEM job market. A professional development course is a great way to do so, and you can choose a class that’s aligned with your skills. For example, if you’re naturally a leader, a SCRUM class will give you more tools to apply these skills in the STEM workplace. Learn about advanced courses that can provide the necessary curriculum to beef up your abilities. Courses should be through an accredited school that provides a certificate of completion.

Women Can Get Ahead in the STEM Job Market

Searching for a job is an incredibly stressful experience, and it’s even more stressful when your gender seems to be working against you. Rather than be discouraged, though, you can take steps to build your resume, become a more competitive candidate, and attract attention from recruiters. In addition to a professional development course, you can build experience by starting your own business and enlisting help from a mentor.

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Personal Development

5 Lessons I Learned From Starting a Meditation Practice

August 22, 2022

You may have noticed that I haven’t been very active on the blog this year. I have had a difficult year and perhaps I will explain more in a future post. I’m still pretty guarded with the details, but I will say that I am now using this time to improve myself. Personal growth can be a life saver in the difficult times, but one lesson I’ve learned is that we should never drop the ball on this.

We should always be growing and learning. Not that there’s anything wrong with where you are at, but in my experience the times where I’ve been stuck are the times when I’ve stopped caring for myself. Some of the things that I use to keep me grounded are gratitude journaling and having my crystalsaround me. One thing I’ve never been good at, but have recently added to my routine is meditation.

I was inspired by a course I was taking. The first module involved creating a morning routine that set the tone for the day. I found that the tone for my morning was frantic, irritated and generally grumpy. I’m a bear in the morning. I’ll admit it! It’s not pleasant, so I wanted to change this. First, I decided to get up earlier and do some journaling about what I’m grateful for. This allows me to focus on what’s good in my life as soon as I open my eyes. Then I added meditation to the practice.

5 lessons I’ve learned from starting a meditation practice

What does it mean to be good at meditation?

I decided that even though I’m not good at it, that’d I’d make it a habit, but when I thought about it, what does it mean to be good at meditation anyway? I’m picturing these people at retreats spending hours in stillness and silence. Other times I picture that people who are good at meditating have all these awesome visualizations and or revelations. I’m lucky if I can stop my mind from wandering. I picture people being able to meditate without any guidance. They can just go into this state of total relaxation and feel so refreshed afterward.

Lessons Learned from Meditation

I am good enough!

I can’t say that I’ve ever been in a meditative state, but I can say it’s relaxing. I can’t always still my mind, but I go with the flow. I have the thought and then try focusing back on the meditation. I use guided meditations, so I have something to concentrate on. Even though I sometimes find it hard to visualize, the guided meditations help with this.

Get in touch with your body

I’m learning that it’s okay not to be in a certain position. Sometimes I sit or lay down. I pick which ever position feels best to me at the time. Usually, I’m laying since it’s right after I wake up, but if I try meditating later in the day, I sit. If you need to be moving to stay focused, they even have walking meditations. Meditation is also a great way to check in with all parts of your body, but more on that later.

Trust Your Intuition

I used to feel guilty or bad if my mind wandered. Now I go with it because maybe those thoughts are the start of a break through. You never know unless you follow your intuition. You can use some of your thoughts while you are meditating for journaling as well if you feel you need to explore something further. You can also use your intuition to find which meditation will work best for you.

What you can learn from starting a meditation practice

You can Meditate on Anything

Is there a specific issue you are working through? There are meditations for just about anything as I’ve recently discovered. Some of the themes I’ve chosen are the beach, letting go, forgiveness, crystal healing and being more confident. I’ve even used a couple meditations for kids with Rosebud to help her calm down after a bad day. I had no idea of the possibilities open to me.

The importance of trying something new

One of the promises that I’ve made to myself is that I will take as many new opportunities as I can. Meditation has never been something I put much effort into, but it was relatively easy for me to try. I didn’t think it would benefit me, but I figured why not try? Here is what I found so far. It helps me get and stay more relaxed while starting my morning. I have a space to either think or zone out. It’s my choice. I can explore specific themes or just listen to some nature sounds or restful music. I can get in touch with my body. Where is the tension? Where do I feel pain? How am I feeling today? Finally, I can feel good about taking ten minutes each day to care for my mind and body.

There are numerous benefits of meditation, but each person’s experience is unique. I have learned that you don’t have to be good at meditation to get started. You should always trust your intuition. You can meditate on any topic. Meditation is a fantastic way to be in touch with your body. Last but not least, you won’t find the good stuff if you never try something new.

Why you should start a meditation practice

Do you have a meditation practice? What have you learned along the way? Do you have any favorite meditations? I’d love to hear in the comments!

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Personal Development, Self Care

60 Journaling Prompts To Tell Your Story

August 14, 2022

I was inspired by a quote I saw today. It was about how we are all unique and have our own story to tell. There are so many benefits from not only journaling, but telling our stories as well. We can work through feelings, think creatively, express ourselves, share our ideas with others, let others know that they are not alone and once we feel comfortable with our story, we become more confident.

60 Journaling Prompts to tell your story

You may be wondering what telling our stories has to do with career coaching. Well, I find that when exploring possible new careers or if you are in the job search process, it takes a certain level of confidence and or courage. You will make mistakes. You will face rejection. You may wonder if you are making the right decision. You may be telling yourself stories about yourself that keep you stuck. That leaves you feeling under valued and less confident.

This type of activity may not work to build confidence for everyone and that’s okay. Take what works for you and leave the rest. You may just want to use some of the prompts to explore. If you are a teacher, these prompts may be useful to some of your students. These prompts can be a fun way to get you thinking outside the box which is something you need for career exploration and or job searching these days. The cherry on top is if you enjoy writing, consider it a form of self-care.