“Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.” — Joshua 3:4 NIV

This verse has been on my mind a lot. It reminds me that life can surprise you with opportunities that open up whole new worlds when you say yes to them. The Portable Life—traveling with my husband while he works —wasn’t something I had planned, but it’s something I’ve grown to love. It fits this season I’m in. And more importantly, it’s helping me be more deliberate about how I spend my time, whether I’m home or away.

My Story

The Portable Life—living and working on the move— wasn’t something I had planned. But as I’ve spent more time working remotely from hotel rooms, temporary rentals, and unfamiliar towns, it’s become a lifestyle I’ve learned to love.

I work remotely, and I didn’t really see the point in staying home alone while my husband was away for work. So I decided to start traveling with him. Initially I was excited—new towns, clean hotel rooms, someone else making the bed (yes, please). I imagined us exploring local attractions together, discovering new places hand-in-hand.

Of course, that's not always how it goes. Sometimes he works long shifts, and when he gets back he obviously needs to rest, so I end up exploring on my own. That part took some getting used to. I'm someone who usually likes to experience new things with another person so we can talk or laugh about it and make memories together.

And then there's the packing. Ugh! It's never been my strong suit. Even when I was in boarding school, my little sister used to help me pack or else I'd never get it done on time or well. Add in me missing my huge monitor I use back home, which I can never bring—yeah, it's a bit of a process. Working on a smaller screen isn't ideal for the kind of design work I do. But over time, I've learned to make it work.

What surprised me was how motivating this lifestyle became. I started setting small goals for each trip—finishing a section of a project, listening to a new audiobook, sticking to a particular skin care routine, completing a one week workout program, even just journaling more regularly. I began to see these trips as mini resets.

It also changed the way I see time. When I’m home, I’m more intentional with my routines. When I’m away, I try to be realistic about what I can do—and not do. And through it all, I’m reminded that this world isn’t our final destination. We’re always moving. There’s something sacred about embracing that.

One Thing That’s Helped

If you’re thinking about living this kind of life—even temporarily—my advice is this: Make the time count.

Be intentional. Plan your meals. Have a rough itinerary. Don’t let the days slip by just because you’re working and in a new place. And if you can, journal. Even if it’s just a few lines at the end of the day, it’ll help you process and remember the journey.

Here’s What I’m Learning

People have said to me, “I could never do that. Live out of a suitcase? No thanks.” And I get it. I didn’t think I could either. But I decided to try—and now I honestly look forward to our trips.

Sure, I still overpack sometimes. Or forget something important. But I’ve gotten better. I’m learning to balance structure with flexibility. I’m learning that this isn’t something I have to do—it’s something I get to do.

I get to work while traveling with the person I love. I get to explore new towns, try new routines, and reset my habits. I get to make the most of a season that won’t last forever.

And for all of that—I’m grateful.

Whether you travel for work, follow contract gigs, or just find yourself living out of a suitcase more than you expected—this is for you.
This post is part of my 30-day series: The Portable Life—notes from a remote-working woman on the move. Tag: #ThePortableLife

Up next in the series: “What I Miss—and Don’t Miss—About Staying Home.”
I’ll be reflecting on the comforts I’ve left behind—and the surprising things I don’t miss as much as I thought I would.

Hi there,

It’s been a while since you last heard from me, and I hope you're doing well. The last few months have been a whirlwind. I started a new job, traveled out of state for three work trips, and took four more trips to visit friends and family. I’ve barely had a moment to sit still—but now that summer’s here, I’m finally catching my breath.

With no more work trips on the horizon for the rest of this quarter, I’m leaning into a slower pace, some exciting new work projects, and little rhythms that help me feel more grounded. This slower pace is giving me the space to be more intentional. I’ve got a few meaningful work projects lined up that I’m genuinely excited about. And I’ve also carved out time to relax and unwind with some good books—specifically, the Yada Yada Prayer Group series. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s about a group of Christian women from diverse backgrounds who come together to pray. The stories are warm, messy, and inspiring—just like real life.

Body Doubling

On the productivity side, I’ve started experimenting with something called body doubling. Despite how it sounds, it’s not creepy—I promise. Body doubling is a simple productivity hack where you work alongside others (virtually or in-person), set an intention, and focus. It’s kind of like those study groups we joined in high school or undergrad, but for grown-up tasks and projects.

I joined a 3-hour virtual sprint, set my goal, and got to work. Within the first two hours, I’d ticked off all three of the tasks on my list. That’s when I realized: this works. It really helped drown out the mental noise and push past the procrastination that’s been lingering lately. I even had time left to write this newsletter!

Here’s the fun part: the group I joined gives me 20 invitations each month to share with friends. If you’re curious and want to try it—whether it’s finishing a tough work task, organizing your space, writing, studying, or just finally getting something off your list—reply to this email, and I’ll send you an invite.

My goal this quarter is to end my workdays with peace of mind, knowing I got the right things done. I want to fully switch off in the evenings, rest well, and show up for the other parts of my life—my faith, my relationships, my creative projects. Body doubling is just one tool I’m trying, but so far, it’s made a real difference.

Have you tried anything new lately to help you focus? I’d love to hear what’s working for you.

Scripture to Reflect On:

→ Let this verse guide you as you make space for stillness, clarity, and meaningful work this quarter.

Journaling Prompt:

What does “quiet strength” look like for you in this season of life?

Write freely for 5–10 minutes—don’t worry about the structure, just write your honest thoughts.

Coming Up Next:

If journaling has ever felt overwhelming or inconsistent, you’re not alone. In the next issue, I’ll be sharing 5 quick, actionable frameworks to help you build a daily journaling habit—even if you’ve never journaled before.

Stay tuned!

Ever feel like your creative well has run dry? I get it. Whether you're crafting content, trying to stand out in your industry, or solving a tricky work problem, sometimes fresh ideas feel impossible to find.

Now, you might think the answer is to power through—to sit at your desk and force those ideas out. And sometimes, that works. But here’s what I’ve found: some of our best ideas come when we stop trying so hard.

Surprisingly, creative breakthroughs tend to show up in three ordinary places: Bed, Bath, and Bus. Understanding why these moments spark creativity can change the way you approach problem-solving.

Once you start leveraging these moments, creativity will feel effortless.
Let me show you how…

The Bed: Fuel Creativity With Naps

Did you know that sleep is essential for creativity? A study by MIT found that people are more creative after waking from light sleep, especially when guided to dream about a specific topic. Yet, when facing deadlines or work challenges, sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice—at the cost of our ability to think innovatively.

This study highlights a concept called "targeted dream incubation." Participants were asked to think about a particular topic before taking a 45-minute nap. Those who dreamed about trees later produced the most creative stories, as judged by independent raters who didn’t know which participants were in each group. Interestingly, even those who napped without a specific prompt showed more creativity than those who stayed awake throughout the experiment.

Why Sleep Matters for Creativity

Sleep helps your brain process the problems and ideas you've been wrestling with. When you're asleep, your mind enters a relaxed, subconscious state, allowing it to solve problems and generate creative insights without the interference of stress or overthinking. Arianna Huffington, entrepreneur and founder of Thrive Global, sums it up perfectly, “Prioritizing sleep and establishing a bedtime routine has been a game-changer for my creativity and productivity.”

If you're someone who has to sacrifice sleep—whether you're a working parent, running a business, or juggling multiple responsibilities—consider taking a short power nap before tackling creative tasks. Even a brief rest can recharge your brain and enhance innovative thinking.

Bedtime Creativity Tips

• Keep a Notebook Handy: Some of your best ideas might come just before you doze off. Don’t risk forgetting them—write them down immediately. Avoid using your phone to jot notes, as screens can be distracting and disrupt your sleep.

• Engage in Relaxation Techniques: Racing thoughts can sabotage both your sleep and creativity. Try a simple breathing exercise—inhale deeply, pause, then exhale slowly—or practice a short meditation to calm your mind before bed.

• Reflect on Creative Challenges: Before sleeping, spend a few moments thinking about a problem or idea you’re working on. This can prime your subconscious to work through it while you rest, leading to fresh insights upon waking.

• Journal in the Morning: Write down any dreams, thoughts, or ideas as soon as you wake up. Your brain is still in a creative state, and capturing these early-morning thoughts can lead to unexpected breakthroughs!

The Bath: Relax to Release Ideas

Believe it or not, some of your most brilliant ideas can pop up while you're in the shower or soaking in the bath. It’s not the water itself sparking creativity, but rather the calming rhythm of water against your skin or the soothing repetition of washing your hair. These simple actions put your mind in a relaxed, meditative state—creating the perfect conditions for an 'aha!' moment to strike when you least expect it.

Why Showers Spark Ideas

Studies show that creativity flourishes when your brain is relaxed. According to research published in Psychological Science by Benjamin Baird, engaging in non-demanding tasks—like showering—encourages mind-wandering, which has been linked to enhanced creative thinking and problem-solving. This explains why some of your best ideas surface when you're not actively trying to find them.

Bath-Time Creativity Tips

• Use a Waterproof Notepad : Some of your best ideas will be gone as quickly as they appeared. Keep a waterproof notepad in the shower to capture them instantly.

• Take a Midday Shower Break: Feeling stuck on a problem? A quick shower can reset your brain and help you approach challenges with fresh eyes.

• Enhance the Atmosphere: Use essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus, and play soft music to deepen relaxation and encourage free-flowing thoughts.

• Let Your Mind Wander : Instead of forcing solutions, allow your thoughts to drift. Reflect loosely on a creative challenge without pressure—sometimes, the answer will come when you least expect it.

The Bus: Harness Movement and Mundane Tasks

Getting creative doesn't mean you need to buy a bus ticket! And if you work from home, don’t worry—you don’t need a commute to unlock your creativity. This third ‘B’ is all about those everyday moments when your body is on autopilot. Routine activities—like commuting, walking, or simple chores—might seem like wasted time, but they’re actually prime opportunities for creative breakthroughs. These moments give your brain the space to wander freely, make unexpected connections, and generate fresh ideas.

Why Mundane Activities Work

It’s easy to see tasks like washing dishes, tidying closets, folding laundry, or sweeping as just more work—something that has to be done, not something that can actually benefit you. But what if these everyday chores could fuel your creativity?

Research shows that when you engage in repetitive, low-effort tasks, your brain enters a state of mind-wandering—a powerful mode where your subconscious takes over and makes unexpected creative connections. This is why some of your best ideas seem to appear when you’re doing something completely unrelated to work.

Instead of seeing your chores as a drain, think of them as a creativity boost. The next time you’re scrubbing a plate, know that you’re also giving your mind the freedom to solve problems, spark fresh ideas, and unlock inspiration without even trying.

Commuting and Chore Tips: Turn Grunt Work into Idea Fuel

• Dishwashing = Brainstorming Time – Instead of dreading it, let washing dishes be your thinking space. Let your thoughts drift, and you might just stumble upon your next big idea.

• Pair Chores with Creativity Boosters – Listen to an audiobook, a storytelling podcast, or music that sparks inspiration while you clean. These pairings make chores feel less like a burden and more like a mental recharge.

• Set an Intention Before You Start – Before doing a repetitive task, briefly think about a creative challenge you’ve been stuck on. Then, let it go. Often, solutions will come naturally while you work.

• Create a "Transition Ritual" – If you work from home, take a short walk or do a simple task (like making tea or organizing a small space) before starting a creative project. This small shift helps reset your brain for deep thinking.

Create Space for Everyday Creativity

Creativity doesn’t require a whiteboard session or hours of structured brainstorming. Some of your most brilliant ideas emerge when you’re not even trying—when you’re waking up from a nap, relaxing in the shower, or lost in thought during a routine task. The key isn’t forcing creativity—it’s making space for it.

Your mind is always working, even when you’re not actively thinking about a problem. The moments you spend resting, unwinding, or going through everyday motions aren’t wasted time; they’re opportunities for breakthrough ideas to surface.

So the next time you’re drifting off to sleep, stepping into a warm bath, or tackling the dishes, embrace the pause. Let your mind wander. Give yourself permission to daydream, reflect, and create—without pressure.

Want more strategies to harness your creativity, sharpen your thinking, and grow your business—without adding more to your to-do list? Subscribe to my newsletter for regular insights, tips, and tools designed to help you work smarter and think bigger.

Fasting is a powerful way to draw closer to God but staying focused while fasting and praying can be challenging. It’s easy to let hunger or daily distractions take over, leaving us going through the motions without truly connecting with Him. In Isaiah 58, God calls out His people for fasting with the wrong motives, saying, “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please…” (Isaiah 58:3). That phrase — "you do as you please…” — is a sobering reminder that fasting isn’t just about what we give up; it’s about how we fill that space with His presence.

To help you make the most of your time while fasting and praying, I’ve organized 28 practical and creative ideas into seven themes: Engaging the Bible, Creative Activities, Prayer Practices, Gratitude and Reflection, Acts of Service, Community and Accountability, and Media and Lifestyle Adjustments.
Whether you want to deepen your understanding of Scripture, express your faith through art, or take a prayer walk, there’s something here for everyone. Explore these categories to find practices that resonate with you and help keep your heart and mind focused on God.

Engaging with the Bible

These practices focus on deepening your understanding of God’s Word.

1. Read a Book of the Bible

Depending on the duration of your fast, you can read a book of the bible. For short daily fasts, books like Ephesians, Colossians and Philippians can be studied in a day or two while books like Romans, Genesis, Psalms and other longer books of the bible can be read or studied on extended fasts.

2. Memorize the Scripture

Choose a verse or passage to commit to memory. These days, we can pull up bible verses as soon as we think of them. It’s possible to even type up anything you recall about the verse and leave pulling it up to Google. While I’m thankful for all the technology at my disposal, I miss the days of memorizing scripture. Pick a verse or passage that speaks to you and repeat it throughout the day to focus to focus your mind on God.

3. Write Out Scripture

Choose a chapter or a set of verses and write them out slowly. Reflect on each word and sentence, asking God for deeper understanding.

4. Walk Through the Psalms

The psalms cover a wide range of human emotions and can be sung, recited like poetry or used as a prayer guide. Choose a Psalm each day and meditate on it, create your own tune and sing it, write it out by hand or make it a prayer. You have lots of options with the psalms.

5. Learn About Fasting in the Bible

Study how biblical figures such as Daniel, Esther, Jesus, Nehemiah, Paul, David, Anna, Joel, Moses, Elijah, etc., fasted and what breakthroughs they experienced. Reflect on how their stories apply to your life.

6. Meditate on a Name of God

Choose one of God’s names (e.g., Jehovah Jireh, El Shaddai). Read the story of how it occurs in the bible then reflect on what it means in your life. If you choose to Jehovah Jireh, for instance, think back to all the times you have experienced God’s provision in your life. Pray and worship God through this lens.

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Creative Activities

These practices focus on worship through creativity.

7. Engage in Creative Worship

Paint, draw, or create something inspired by a scripture or your experience with God. This is such a fun one even if you feel like you don’t know how to draw or paint. No one has to see it. This is between you and God. If you own a journalling bible with artwork, this might be a time to pull it out. You could use stickers as well. What’s important is that you use your creativity as an offering to God.

8. Create a Worship Playlist

Put together a playlist of worship songs and hymns that exalt God. Save the list on any of your favorite music apps. Listen to it throughout the day to stay in a spirit of worship. Go a step further and share your playlist with friends and family.

9. Create a Scripture Art Piece

Design a visual representation of your favorite verse or promise. Choose a verse that deeply resonates with you, e.g., "Be still and know that He is God." Use it as a meditative tool throughout the fast. Another thing you could do is create an art piece that reminds you of the theme of your fast.

10. Write a Psalm or Poem to God

Craft your own Psalm of praise, lament, or thanksgiving. Don’t try to sound like anyone else or put yourself under pressure to sound rhythmical and spiritually verbose. Write as you would speak to a friend, using your own words and experiences.

11. Make a Vision Board

Create a vision board with prayers, scriptures, and images that align with your faith goals. Use it to remind yourself of God’s promises.

12. Write Out Worship Lyrics

Choose a worship song that resonates with your heart. Write out the lyrics, reflect on their meaning, and personalize them into prayers.

Prayer Practices

These practices strengthen your connection with God through intentional prayer.

13. Pray Over Specific Areas of Your Life

During your fast, dedicate time to pray for different aspects of your life (e.g., family, career, health). Praying shouldn’t be like a grocery list that you tick of as you buy items. Remember to incorporate praise and thanksgiving.

14. Write Prayers for Others

Write personalized prayers for your friends, family, or community. Bring their needs, struggles, and situations before God. Devote some time to pray for your leaders, nations, and coworkers.

15. Pray with a Friend

Call or meet up with someone to pray together. Share prayer points and support each other during the fast.

16. Practice Holy Listening

Spend time in silence, asking God to speak to your heart. Jot down any impressions, words, or scriptures that come to mind. It’s important to remember that listening to God speak is a part of prayer. Prayer shouldn’t be a one-sided conversation.

17. Take Prayer Walks

Walk through a park or your neighborhood while praying or meditating on scripture. Let nature remind you of God’s creation and His power.

18. Meditate on the Cross

Spend time thinking about Jesus’ sacrifice and what it means for your daily life. Use the fast as a time of gratitude, rededication, submission and recommitment.

19. Practice Deep Breathing and Scripture Meditation

Combine deep, calming breaths with meditating on short scripture phrases.
For example:

• 'Be still and know that I am God' (Psalm 46:10)

• 'Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer...' (Philippians 4:6)

• 'The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear?' (Psalm 27:1)

Pause at different times during your day to repeat this practice.

20. Read Books on Fasting and Prayer

Some people say the only way to learn to pray is to actually pray. While that's true to some extent, I can't emphasize enough how inspiring it is to read good books on fasting and prayer. I always feel more motivated to pray when I read about other people's experiences and encounters during prayer. In fact, the first time I prayed for 5 hours in one day was because I got super charged after reading a book on prayer.

Here are some powerful books that can fire up your prayer life:

"Atomic Power with God Through Fasting and Prayer" by Franklin Hall The raw testimonies in this one will challenge you to go deeper in prayer.

"The Circle Maker" by Mark Batterson This one's full of real stories that'll make you want to pray bigger prayers.

"Fasting" by Jentezen Franklin Super practical - helps you understand different types of fasts and how to actually do them.

Gratitude and Reflection

These practices that center your heart on thankfulness and self-reflection.

21. Journal Your Fasting Journey

I’ve done this on some fasts. I write down my thoughts, prayers and insights. I find it refreshing to look back at what I have journaled to reflect on my thoughts during that time or simply look at how far I have come. I’m always grateful to discover that some of my prayers have been answered.

22. Scripture Affirmations

Write down affirmations based on Bible verses (e.g., "I am more than a conqueror through Christ" – Romans 8:37). What areas of aspects of life cause you to struggle? Where do you need a breakthrough? What qualities of God do you need to keep front and center in this season? Write and repeat these affirmations throughout the day to renew your mind.

23. Start a Gratitude Chain or List

Write one thing you’re thankful for in a notebook or sticky note each hour. Set a reminder! There’s always so much to be thankful for. List the big and little things. Listing things you’re grateful for is a way to shift your focus from hunger to God’s goodness.

24. Write Letters to God

Do you miss the days of writing and receiving letters? I know I do! Just maybe God misses hearing from you. Write a letter from your heart to God expressing your desires, struggles, and gratitude. Keep it as a personal reminder of your journey.

Acts of Service

This practice shifts the focus from yourself to serving others.

25. Serve Others

Look for ways to serve during your fast, like volunteering, donating, or helping someone in need. Isaiah 58:6 – 7 reads:

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:

to loose the chains of injustice

and untie the cords of the yoke,

to set the oppressed free

and break every yoke?

7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry

and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—

when you see the naked, to clothe them,

and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Acts of service can bring your focus back to God’s love and purpose.

Community and Accountability

This practice can help you to stay encouraged and inspired.

26. Fast with Friends

Fasting with friends can help keep you accountable and serve as a source of encouragement during your fast. Schedule a virtual or in-person gathering and pray for one another, read the scriptures, worship, share testimonies and things God is teaching you during the fast.

Media and Lifestyle Adjustments

Reduce distractions and build a fasting-friendly routine.

27. Fast from Non-Spiritual Media

Replace time spent on secular media (TV, social media, etc.) with uplifting Christian content. Watch Christian films or series to keep your focus on God’s work in the world. Read Christian fiction to gain insights into faith and perseverance through fictional characters. Read inspiring Christian biographies and nonfiction, listen to sermons, and use apps like YouVersion to replace scrolling mindlessly. Use this detox to clear your mind and focus on God and create space for deeper spiritual connection.

28. Build a Routine for Your Fast

Structure your day in a way that allows you to intentionally make room for God during your fast. It may vary from day to day, but having a structure will help you maintain your focus on God. An example could be:

• Morning: Prayer and scripture writing

• Midday: Prayer walk or time with a friend

• Mealtimes: Brief prayer moments during mealtimes if doing a food fast

• Evening: Worship or a Christian movie

Experiment with these practices to discover which ones resonate most with your spirit.
Do what works for you and don’t guilt trip yourself if you don’t adhere to it. It’s meant to be a guide, not your judge.

I’d love to hear which practices you’ve tried or plan to implement during your fast. Let’s encourage one another on this journey—share your thoughts in the comments!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, but before you reach for the usual chocolate boxes and red roses, here’s a little food for thought. According to Psychology Today's fascinating research on the science of gift-giving, thoughtful presents can significantly strengthen relationships. With this in mind, what if this year, you celebrated the incredible women in your life by supporting their dreams instead of gifting them something fleeting? Whether it’s your sister who’s starting a new business, your mom who’s rediscovering a passion for painting, or your partner who’s taking her love for writing to the next level, or your friend who’s pursuing a new hobby or career path, Valentine’s Day can be a perfect opportunity to say, “I see you, and I believe in what you’re passionate about.

Here are 14 thoughtful gift ideas plus 2 bonus ones that go beyond the ordinary, each designed to inspire and celebrate the beautifully unique aspirations of the women who enrich our lives.

1. A Personalized Vision Board Kit

If there’s a visual dreamer in your circle, this gift speaks volumes. Start with a high-quality corkboard and add decorative pins, colorful cardstock, and inspiring magazine cutouts. Include motivational quotes or even personalized messages to encourage her at every glance. Not only is this a physical way to map out her goals, but it also becomes a daily reminder that her dreams matter.

2. A “Dream Building” Journal

There’s something magical about penning down goals. A leather-bound journal with guided prompts for self-discovery and goal-setting makes an excellent gift for the planner, writer, or even thinker in your life. Add a set of colorful gel pens or markers for that creative touch, and you’ve given her a thoughtful space to map out her future in style.

3. Dream Destination Travel Fund

Support her wanderlust with a financial gift toward her travel dreams. Present it in a beautiful card alongside a travel journal for planning her future adventures. You might write, "Here's $100 (or whatever amount) to start your adventure fund - because I believe in your dreams of exploring the world." Add some inspirational travel quotes or print out images of her dream destination to include in the card. This gift says, "I'm investing in your adventures, and I can't wait to hear about them.

4. Subscription to Professional Development Courses

For the ambitious go-getter aiming to climb new heights, platforms like Skillshare, Coursera or LinkedIn Learning offer courses ranging from creative writing to entrepreneurship and leadership. Giving a subscription with a thoughtful note, like “I can’t wait to see where this takes you,” not only shows your belief in her abilities but also in her personal growth.

5. Dream Studio Starter Kit

Sometimes all she needs is the right push to begin. If she’s always talking about painting, or even creating her own podcast, why not help her get started? High-quality art supplies, writing tools, or even equipment for her creative projects can be the encouragement she needs to finally take the plunge.

6. “Dream Big” Workspace Makeover Kit

A workspace that inspires can do wonders for creativity and motivation. Think chic desk accessories, a motivational desk calendar, beautifully designed notebooks, and even a candle to brighten her working hours. Whether she’s starting a business from her spare room or journaling her thoughts at the kitchen table, this makeover kit can transform her space— and her mindset.

7. Future Business Owner Package

For the budding entrepreneur, why not give her the ultimate business kickstarter? Pack a stylish planner, books by female founders, and even subscriptions to business leading publications for female entrepreneurs such as Forbes Women, or sign her up for newsletters like Girlboss Daily, and Women’s Business Enterprise National Council a 2025 or a She Leads Media paid event.
Add a heartfelt note that says, “I can’t wait to see where this idea takes you.” Sometimes, all they need to take the next step is a little nudge.

As Women's Health magazine points out in their guide to meaningful gifts, the best gifts demonstrate that you’ve taken time to think about her interests.

8. Fitness Goal Achievement Set

For the woman who finds her joy in movement, support her fitness goals with high-quality workout gear, a sleek fitness tracker, or even a few personal training sessions. It’s a great way to say, “I see the goals you’re working toward, and I’m here cheering you on!”

Subscribe now

9. Coffee Shop Gift Card Bundle

There’s something magical about sitting in a cozy corner of a café, immersing yourself in your thoughts or tasks. Pair a coffee shop gift card with noise-canceling headphones, a planner, or even a reusable coffee cup. It’s a small but meaningful way to give her time to work on her passions while enjoying her favorite cup of coffee.

10. Dream Tech Setup

A tech-savvy woman deserves tools that make her more efficient as she pursues her goals. Whether it’s a portable laptop monitor, ergonomic wireless mouse, or a subscription to a project management app, this tech bundle can make tackling her dreams smoother and a lot more enjoyable.

For more trending gift ideas that combine functionality with thoughtfulness, Amazon.com offers additional inspiration for the tech-savvy woman.

11. Language Learning Bundle

Is there a country she dreams of visiting or a language she’s always wanted to learn? Gifting her premium software like Rosetta Stone, or a Duolingo subscription along with travel guides, makes the perfect package. It’s a practical gift that encourages her to expand her horizons and connect with the world.

12. Music Dream Toolkit

If she’s interested in learning a new instrument or experimenting with music production, this gift can hit all the right notes. Curate accessories like instrument care kits, a digital keyboard for beginners, or music production software that she can experiment with. She might just compose an award winning song!

13. Photography Dream Package

For the shutterbug in your life, support her creative eye by gifting her accessories she’s been eyeing—whether it’s a new lens, a tripod, or even access to an online photography course. Every time she captures a stunning moment, she’ll think of how much you believe in her potential.

14. “Dream Author” Package

Maybe she loves storytelling and is passionate about penning her first book. Equip her with everything she needs—a subscription to writing software, passes to online workshops with authors, and tools to create a cozy writing nook. It’s a simple yet profound way to say, “You’ve got a story worth telling.”

Bonus Dream-Supporting Gifts: Sometimes the best way to support her dreams is to remove the everyday obstacles that drain her time and energy. Here are two bonus gift ideas that do exactly that:

15. “Focus Time" House Cleaning Service

Gift her uninterrupted time to chase her dreams by arranging for a professional cleaning service. Include a beautiful card explaining that this isn't about cleaning - it's about giving her precious hours back to work on her goals. Whether she uses that time to write her book, develop her business plan, or learn new skills, she'll appreciate the gift of time more than any physical item.

16. "Dream Work" Dining Package

Create space for deep focus by removing meal planning from her mind. Either get a gift card to her favorite restaurant where she can work while enjoying great food, or set up a meal delivery service subscription. This isn't just about food - it's about creating mental space and energy for her to pursue what matters most. Include a note about how you want to fuel her dreams, both literally and figuratively.

Final Thoughts

Valentine's Day is about showing the people you love just how much they matter to you—not just today but every day. As a thought-provoking TEDx talk on gift-giving reveals, the best presents are those that express genuine appreciation while fitting meaningfully into the recipient's life. These thoughtful gifts we've suggested go beyond the surface, celebrating her dreams, passions, and everything that makes her unique and incredible.

Loved this fresh perspective on transforming Valentine's gifts into goal achievement catalysts? This is exactly how we think at A Triple Cord. Twice a week, we deliver frameworks, tools, and data-driven insights that transform goal setting into goal-achieving. Join our community of achievers who are serious about turning dreams into reality.

What if your biggest goals and dreams could be front and center every single day?

Imagine unlocking your phone and seeing — a daily reminder of what you’re working towards. Vision boards have long been celebrated as powerful tools for goal setting and now, thanks to Canva, you can create your own digital version that lives right on your phone’s home screen.

If you are a person like me that needs reminders of the big picture, stay with me as I guide you through how to create a vision board phone wallpaper in Canva.

Whether you’re creative, a goal setter, or a digital nomad, this guide is for you. But first, let’s get into why vision boards work for your goals.

Why Vision Boards Work for Your Goals

Visualization is powerful. Studies have shown that regularly visualizing your goals can improve focus, motivation, and even performance. When you see your aspirations consistently, you’re subconsciously programming your mind to work toward them. It’s like setting your internal GPS to success.

Dr. Barbara Nusbaum after analyzing a TD Bank survey on customers visualization and financial goals noted that, "Images connect us more immediately and emotionally to our personal and financial goals, and to our setting and achieving them. And images help us in our thinking and moving toward these goals."

Here are some other findings from the survey:

• Among small business owners who used vision boards when starting their business, 76% reported their business was where they envisioned it would be.

• 82% of small business owners who used vision boards from the start reported accomplishing more than half of their goals.

But here’s the twist—traditional vision boards might sit in the corner of your room or in a file on your computer, easily forgotten. Turning them into a phone wallpaper makes your aspirations portable and impossible to ignore.
After all, how many times a day do you check your phone?

Let's turn your phone into a powerful psychological tool by creating your own vision board wallpaper. Here's how to get started.

Getting Started with Canva

Canva is an easy-to-use, beginner-friendly design tool that makes creating stunning visuals a breeze, even if you have zero design experience. Here’s how to get started with your vision board wallpaper in Canva.

Step 1: Log in or Sign Up

Head to Canva and either log in or create a free account. Canva’s user interface is simple, so you'll feel right at home even if it's your first time.

Step 2: Set Up Your Canvas

Once you’re in, type the word, “Phone” into the “Create a Design box.” Then hit enter. Most smartphones use 1080 x 1920 pixels for portrait mode. Canva offers pre-made templates for phone wallpapers, or you can customize your dimensions by clicking, “Custom Size”

Step 3: Start with a Template or a Blank Slate

Canva provides a variety of templates that can help you get started. Type in words like “Vision board,” “Mood board,” or “Collage,” then scroll to view the templates.
However, starting with a blank slate lets you fully personalize your vision board. Choose whichever option resonates with your creative process.

Choosing Inspiring Images

The key to a great vision board lies in visualizing what truly inspires you. Here are some tips to gather the perfect images for your wallpaper.

• Focus on Personal Meaning

Select images, words, and quotes that reflect your unique goals and dreams that reflect your unique goals and dreams. For example, if you dream of traveling to Greece, use an image of Santorini's iconic blue and white buildings.
If your goal is to lose a few pounds, you could use an image of a fit-looking person working out at the gym.

Take a moment to reflect on what each image represents.

• Use Free Resources

Platforms like Unsplash and Canva’s image library offer high-quality, royalty-free images that you can incorporate into your design.

• Keep it Balanced

Avoid overcrowding your layout with too many elements. Simplicity is key to making your wallpaper both visually appealing and practical.

Arranging and Designing Your Vision Board

Now comes the fun part—bringing your vision to life! Follow these design tips for a wallpaper that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Identify Your Categories

Organize your vision board by identifying the categories you want to display—health, career, relationships, finances, spiritual, travel etc.

Leverage Canva’s Features

Canva makes it easy to resize, align, and layer your elements. Adjust images, experiment with fonts, and use its background remover (available in Canva Pro) to make your design pop.

Saving and Setting Your Vision Board as Your Phone Wallpaper

Once your vision board is complete, it’s time to make it your wallpaper.

Step 1: Export Your Design

Click the “Download” button in Canva and save your design in high resolution as a PNG or JPG file.

Step 2: Transfer the Design to Your Phone

If you created the design on your desktop, transfer it to your phone via email, cloud storage, or a USB connection.

Step 3: Set as Wallpaper

• The exact steps you take will differ depending on the make of phone you use. Search the internet on how to change the wallpaper on your phone if you are not certain how to do this.

• Confirm, and it’s set!

  

  Get the Template!

Now, every time you unlock your phone, you'll see your beautifully designed reminder of the life you’re building.

Start Designing Your Dream Wallpaper Today

Your best life starts with a vision. Make it personal, make it inspiring, and make it visible every single day.

What if I told you that the most powerful technology for achieving your dreams was invented over 5,000 years ago? Before smartphones tracked our goals and AI predicted our futures, ancient civilizations discovered something so fundamental about human achievement that modern neuroscience is just catching up. Their secret? The simple act of writing things down.

This wisdom appears in one of humanity's oldest texts. There's a verse in the Bible:

“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.”

– Habakkuk 2:2

This ancient instruction, from thousands of years ago, turns out to be more than just spiritual wisdom – it’s a principle backed by modern science.

A study by Dr. Gail Matthews on goal achievement found that people who wrote down their goals were 42% more likely to achieve them than those who simply thought about them. This finding resonates with what the prophet Habakkuk understood centuries ago – there's power in making our visions tangible through writing.

Beyond writing down goals, Dr. Matthews discovered that more than 70% of people who created action commitments, shared their goals and progress with a supportive friend, and stayed accountable, achieved their goals.

But why does this matter to you? In a world filled with distractions, where smartphones seem to have replaced pens and paper, the simple act of writing our goals down may seem outdated. Yet, both scripture and science tell us that this practice can significantly increase the likelihood of goal achievement.

There are four key principles that can transform the outcomes for your goals:

1. The power of writing your goals (connect biblical wisdom with neuroscience)

2. Make it simple and visible (why simplicity and visibility catalyze action)

3. Take action (turn written words into tangible results)

4. Stay committed (don’t quit before you achieve your goals)

I. The Power of Writing Your Vision

One of the saddest realities in some African cultures is the lack of the written word. Black Africans have a rich cultural heritage and oral history passed down from generation to generation, but much of it was lost over time. This sad reality gives weight to the saying:

“The faintest ink is more powerful than the strongest memory.”

– Chinese proverb

This quote holds truth. Personally, I can’t recall many of the folktales I heard as a child, but I know that writing preserves thoughts and words.

Let’s look at the science. Research has shown that writing by hand activates more brain networks than typing, especially in regions linked to memory and sensory processing.

While typing your goals is certainly better than doing nothing at all, who wouldn’t want to activate more brain networks? And here’s another interesting thought: Have you ever noticed how, once you decide to buy a particular car, you suddenly see it everywhere? That’s your Reticular Activating System (RAS) at work, filtering what you perceive based on what you’ve decided is important to you.

So, if you decide to buy a 2024 red Honda Accord, your RAS will help you notice more Honda cars and fewer white Mercedes. In the same way, writing down your goals may activate your RAS, making you more attuned to the resources, people, and tools that can help you achieve those goals.

What if writing down your goals activates the RAS better than typing them? Perhaps, but at the very least, it’s a step toward focusing your brain on what matters.

II. Making Goals Plain

Research suggests that setting clear, visible goals helps people focus on what truly matters and avoid distractions.

Distraction is a major reason people fail to achieve their goals. For example, let’s say I set a goal to write 13 newsletters in the first quarter of 2025 and post pins to Pinterest. That’s a clear goal. But if I find myself getting distracted by setting up my Instagram or other platforms, I’ll lose focus on my core objectives.

Research supports the idea that making your goals visible can significantly enhance recall. Your RAS tells your brain what to focus on, so having your goals clearly displayed might increase your receptivity to the opportunities and resources that can help you meet them.

Let me share a story that changed how I think about goal visibility. At 25, Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, wrote in her journal that she would one day invent a product that would reach millions. She didn’t know what it would be, but she was certain of one thing: it had to make people feel good.

Two years later, while working as a door-to-door salesperson, Sara had an idea. She was wearing pantyhose in the Florida heat, and while she appreciated the slimming effect, she hated the visible seams in open-toe shoes. So, she snipped off the feet of her pantyhose and wore them under her slacks. This small experiment sparked the idea that would later revolutionize women’s fashion.

Drawing from her experience with goal setting, Sara recommends placing your goals where you can see them and looking at them every day. The benefits are evident in Sara’s results. She became the youngest self-made female billionaire in 2012.

Visualizing your goals helps keep you accountable and focused on taking action.

III. Be the First to Run with Your Vision

Setting and visualizing goals is important, but execution is everything. It might be tempting to wait for clients, customers, or universal approval, but sitting still won’t make your vision a reality. True visionaries don’t wait for permission; they take decisive action.

The reality is that others may not yet see what you see, and that’s okay. Instead of waiting for others to catch up, use the time to build. Write that business plan, develop that prototype, make those calls, or perfect your pitch. While others are still trying to understand your idea, you can be bringing it to life.

Don’t let a small audience, even if it’s just friends and family who support or doubt your vision, stop you from moving forward. Let their presence fuel your determination to demonstrate what’s possible through consistent action.

Vision without action is merely a dream. Your daily choices—the early mornings, the late nights, the countless revisions—these are what transform your vision from an idea into reality. If you're not willing to put in the work to make your vision clear and accessible to others, how can you expect them to invest in its potential?

Start running with your vision today, and others will eventually join the race.

Martin Luther King Jr. perfectly illustrates this principle. Long before his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963, MLK was actively pursuing his vision for civil rights. His first public speech in 1944, as a college student, was a testament to his commitment. He didn’t just talk about change, organized rallies, led peaceful protests, and consistently worked to make his vision a reality.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were passed as a direct result of his tireless action. Even today, his legacy continues to inspire generations of people to take action in their own lives.

IV Stay Committed

Vision doesn’t materialize overnight. Just ask Sara Blakely, who was 25 when she wrote her vision for Spanx, or Martin Luther King Jr., whose public advocacy began in 1944 and culminated in the 1963 March on Washington. Both of these iconic figures stayed committed through years of hard work and challenges.

Your vision might not seem world-changing, but it could be the start of something significant. Maybe it’s growing your email list to 1,000 subscribers, creating multiple income streams, or reaching $10,000 in sales. When progress feels slow, it’s tempting to give up. But remember: every significant achievement began with someone staying committed through the difficult days.

As the Bible says:

“Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”
– Habakkuk 2:3

And Proverbs reminds us:

“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
– Proverbs 21:5a

If you don’t already have a vision, take the first step and write it down today.

Life moves fast. Between meetings, deadlines, and the endless buzz of notifications, finding time to pause and reflect feels almost impossible. But what if I told you those few intentional moments could change the trajectory of your health, wealth, faith, decisions, career, and even your entire life.
This week, we’re diving into Donald Schön’s Reflection-on-Action, a simple yet transformative framework to help you make intentional decisions by learning from your past.

Reflection-on-action: What It Is and Why It Matters

At its core, Reflection-on-Action is about intentionally pausing after an event or decision to ask:

• What happened?

• What worked or didn’t?

• What can I do differently next time?

It’s really important to note that this isn’t about dwelling on mistakes—it’s about mining them for insights that guide smarter choices in the future.

How to Start Reflecting: A Simple Framework

Here’s how to get started in 3 easy steps for any area of your life—be it physical, emotional, career, or even finances!

1. What happened?
   Be honest about the results. (“I gained weight instead of losing it.”)

2. What worked or didn’t?
   Identify your wins and missteps. (“I was consistent with workouts but overlooked meal planning during travel.”)

3. What would I do differently?
   Create an actionable plan. (I’ll research healthier food options for future trips and build a meal plan in advance.”)

Where to Apply It:

Where will you start reflecting today?

What’s Happened Lately: Real-Life Lessons in Action

Last Friday, I was excited to end my vacation on time and spend a relaxing weekend at home. Unfortunately, life had other plans. After an hour-long delay on the tarmac, I missed my connecting flight and had to rebook into a downgraded seat—or wait hours for the next flight.

Frustrated? Absolutely. But I decided to reframe the situation.

Lesson Learned:

Rather than wallow in frustration, I asked myself, “What if this delay saves me from something worse, like an accident?” Once I shifted my perspective, I used my downtime to set meaningful goals for the first quarter of 2025.

Sometimes, all it takes is shifting your focus early on. It’s amazing how things start falling into place and working out for your good when you do!

New Learnings This Week

Lately, I’ve been exploring new AI tools, including Sora and Image FX, and the results are incredible! I created videos and GIFs using Sora and hyper-realistic, prompt-based images using Image FX.

• Sora brings text to life with dynamic visuals.

Here’s the prompt I used to create this GIF: Show a black woman making a moping face while talking to a group of her excited-looking friends because she thinks everyone else's business and side hustle ideas are so much better than hers so she’s not going to do hers again.

• Image FX produces stunning, true-to-prompt images that look professional.

Here’s the prompt I used to create these images: Create a photorealistic image of a black woman looking burdened by the thought of writing a newsletter.

These tools prove once again that the possibilities with AI are only expanding.
Are there tools you’ve been experimenting with?

Over to You

This week, I invite you to:

• Choose one area of your life (Maybe it’s a career decision, a family relationship, or a health goal, etc.).

• Use the 3-step reflection framework shared earlier.

• Write down your insights and one actionable next step.

Remember, reflection isn’t just about looking back but moving forward smarter and stronger.

Share

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Most people don't realize they're sacrificing their faith practice, fitness progress, and financial discipline every time they pack a suitcase - I learned this the hard way.

The worst part is that I was doing everything else right.

• Checking flight prices.

• Booking the perfect hotel.

• Planning my itinerary down to the minute.

But with each perfectly planned trip, my most important goals silently slipped away.

The real goal-killer isn't jet lag, busy schedules, or limited options. It's the pause button mentality - the subtle belief that it's not just our location that's changing, but our standards. This invisible mindset is why even committed individuals watch their morning devotionals vanish, their workout streaks end, and their spending limits crumble each time they travel.

As a result of having to get back on track each time I return from a trip, I’ve developed a counterintuitive approach that strengthens my faith, fitness, and finances while traveling.

Faith Goals While Traveling

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Find a Space: Find a corner in your hotel room or guest room that you can use for prayer or reflection.

• Set a Morning or Evening Routine: This could be as soon as you wake up before you launch into your day or just before you sleep at night when you have some alone time. Determine ahead what you are going to read or listen to.
  
  Here are two devotionals I listen to on my tablet anytime I go on short trips. They don’t require a lot of space or time.

  • In Touch Daily Devotionals by Charles Stanley

  • The Word for Today by Bob and Debby Gass

They are short and packed with insights and practical applications for living out your faith. There are a lot of useful journaling apps, Bible apps, and guided prayer apps that allow you to connect with your faith on the go.

• Share your Faith: Traveling can give you many opportunities to meet new people, speak to them about your beliefs, and pray for or with them. This is a great time to be mindful of how you portray yourself to others while far away from home, where no one knows you.

• Books, Movies, Sermons, and Songs: If you find that you can’t stay on top of prayer and Bible time, a great way to continue to keep your mind on God is to read Christian fiction or watch a Christian movie.

  Alternatively, you could create and listen to a song or message playlist on any theme area you are focused on in a season of your life. Let’s say you’ve been dealing with fear or anxiety.

  How about creating a playlist of songs or messages that address fear to help you focus on faith?

Guess which movie and book I’m taking on my next trip?

The Forge!

Christian books and movies can help keep you centered on God and your faith while away from your everyday routines. They are also fun and relaxing and very suitable for vacations and trips.

Now let’s take a look at how you can stay on top of your health goals while on the move.

Fitness Goals While Traveling

• Exercise: When possible, book your stay at a place with a gym or some workout classes that you can participate in. If you don't have access to a gym, you can stay active with bodyweight exercises. You could download an app on your phone with bodyweight exercises and join a challenge for some duration of your trip.

A pro tip is to keep it short, about 10 minutes or less, so you won’t dread doing it. If you know you only have to work out for 5 minutes; you are more likely to get started than if you set a goal of 60 minutes. You might even find yourself working out longer than you expected.

Just set a goal so small that you can’t fail. You could also use your trip to stay on track to your goal. Explore your surroundings, and walk instead of driving when possible.

• Eat Mindfully: If you plan to eat out a lot on your trip, eating a salad before your main meal is one way to stay healthy. It might help you skip dessert.

  Ensure that the meals you choose are a mix of proteins and fiber.

  Pack some snacks like nuts and protein bars to help you reduce your intake of unhealthy options.

Pro tip. Water is your friend.

• Sleep and Recovery: Prioritize your rest. Do your best to sleep and wake within an hour of your usual sleep routine. Take an eye mask and earplugs to help you adjust to new time zones or unfamiliar places. Here’s how you can maintain your wealth goals while traveling.

Here's how you can maintain your wealth goals while traveling.

Finance Goals While Traveling

Use the Fixed/Flexible Framework: Some expenses, such as hotels and flights, might be fixed. Book them in advance. What's left determines your flexible expenses, which include daily spending on:

• Food and Drinks

• Transportation

• Activities/Entertainment

• Shopping/Souvenirs

Budget in Advance: Pre-allocate your daily spending limit for flexible categories before the trip. Track spending in each category and stop spending when you hit its cap!

Each morning, "reset" your daily budget. If you underspend, you could roll it over or save it. If you overspent, take it out of the next day's budget. Recording your expenses daily while traveling will help you stay accountable.

Pro Tip: Transfer your total travel budget before leaving

Follow the Rule of Three: The rule of three allows one splurge meal, one moderate meal, and one budget meal each day. It also makes allowance for one paid activity, one moderate activity, and one free activity daily. 

This rule should help you stick to your budget, be more deliberate about your choices, and ensure you still have fun while away.

Weekly Key Takeaway: When we treat travel as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, we learn to embrace the disruption of travel as a chance to strengthen our practices in new and refreshing ways.

Reflection Question:How do you stay connected to your goals when you're on the road?

Look out for my next post on, Overcoming Life Disappointment: How to Love the Life You Have.

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Toni Morrison published her first novel, The Bluest Eye, at age 40 and went on to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Vera Wang entered the fashion industry at 40 and became one of the most famous wedding dress designers. Julia Child was 49 when she published her first cookbook. Ray Kroc took over McDonald's in his 50s, transforming it into one of the world's largest fast-food chains through his business acumen and perseverance. Grandma Moses began painting in earnest at 78.

So don't worry if you haven't done anything groundbreaking in your twenties or if you're about to leave your thirties with not much to show for it.
These examples demonstrate that it's never too late to pursue your passions and achieve great success. Creativity and success can flourish at any age as long as you're willing to persevere, leverage your life experiences, and embrace new opportunities.

You may have missed out on the conceptual innovator phase—the period when some achieve early success, like Mark Zuckerberg, who launched Facebook at 19, or Steve Jobs, who co-founded Apple Computer at 22. Conceptual innovators are known for their ability to think outside the box and develop groundbreaking ideas.

Experimental innovators, on the other hand, peak later in life, sometimes in their 50s and beyond. They build on their knowledge and experiences over time to find new and innovative approaches to problem-solving.

If you feel behind, if doubt and fear about catching up are crippling you, if you worry you'll never have enough savings in the bank, if you feel you're not where you ought to be or aren't living up to your full potential, here's a framework to get you closer to where you want to be:

Personal Audit of Current Resources

Take stock of what you already have in your arsenal. This isn't just about money in the bank—it's about the skills you've mastered, the problems you've solved, and the insights you've gained. Think about that time you navigated starting a business, took on a new role, completed a difficult project by the deadline, or managed family dynamics over decades. These experiences are intellectual capital that many younger professionals haven't yet acquired.

Skill Gap Analysis

Look at where you want to go, then map it against what you already know. Maybe you're excellent at face-to-face networking but need to understand LinkedIn's ecosystem. Or perhaps your money-saving skills are on point, but you'd benefit from understanding how to invest your money or show up in the digital space. The key is to identify gaps that matter for your specific goals, not every possible skill you could learn.

Network Assessment

Examine your relationships through the lens of your new chapter. That former colleague who started a consulting business might become a mentor. Your neighbor who teaches coding could be your tech guide. Your friend who has grown her social media following and is making money online might be able to show you the ropes. Most importantly, look for people who've made similar transitions—their paths could make yours a little brighter. Your network isn't just who you know; it's who knows what you're trying to achieve.

Your network isn't just who you know; it's who knows what you're trying to achieve.

Goal-Setting Workshop

This isn't about vague aspirations—it's about designing experiments you can run in your life. Start with a three-month projection and work backward. What's one small project you could complete? One relationship you could strengthen? One skill you could practice weekly? The best goals at this stage aren't about dramatic transformations but about building momentum and staying consistent.

The Path Forward

I want you to remember that your journey isn't a race against time or others—it's a personal evolution that benefits from the wisdom, resilience, and perspective you've gained over the years. The next chapter of your life isn't about making up for lost time; it's about leveraging everything you've learned so far to create something meaningful and authentic to who you are now.

If this newsletter encouraged you, please share it with someone. I’m rooting for you.

Join thoughtful readers exploring the intersections of work, wealth, faith, and health. Get weekly insights on living a purposeful, well-rounded life delivered straight to your inbox.

Greetings!
I’ve been thinking a lot about Proverbs 31:16 NIV this week. It says,
"She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings, she plants a vineyard." This powerful verse isn't just about a hardworking woman who is praised for her virtue and multi-tasking abilities; it's about action. It's about turning dreams into reality through deliberate steps.

The Proverbs 31 woman considers what she wants and takes the leap!

Watch the Proverbs 31:16 Animation Video

I got so excited about this verse that I created a short (under two minutes) animation to inspire you and remind you that simple actions can lead to great achievements.

Transcript

She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings, she plants a vineyard.
Watching others live out their dreams on social media is not buying a field.
Continuously postponing your start date because you feel it's not the right moment is not buying the field.
Don't allow fear of failure or lack of confidence to hold you back from taking action.

Stop wasting your time comparing yourself to others who are further along in their journey.
Don't be guilty of continuously taking courses or reading books without applying the knowledge.
You know there's such a thing as using self-care activities as an excuse to avoid work.

Don't wait for motivation or delay taking action until you feel inspired!
Quit spending excessive time seeking for opinions and approval from others.

The clock is ticking.

Don't just contemplate your aspirations; take decisive action to make them a reality. Whether it's refusing to settle for an unfulfilling job, pursuing your dream career, or taking the courageous leap into entrepreneurship by starting your own business – be it launching an innovative tech startup, opening a boutique bakery, or turning your freelance gig into a full-fledged agency – commit to your goals and "buy the field."

I’m all Ears

What are you waiting for? Reply to this message to tell me what actions you will be taking to move toward something you've been wanting to do but haven't started.

Let's inspire each other to take that first step and then the next one.

Looking forward to hearing your stories of action and progress.

I recall a pivotal moment from my childhood when I kept ranking in the middle of my year group. By identifying whether my inertia stemmed from perfectionism, overwhelm, a fixed mindset, lack of purpose, or fear of the outcome, I was able to develop targeted strategies to overcome these mental obstacles.

This is where taking a quiz like the Wayfinder Type assessment can be incredibly valuable. Answer ten questions and gain insight into the friction that's holding you back and receive personalized recommendations for overcoming it. If you're ready to identify your friction points and start overcoming inertia today, I highly recommend taking the Wayfinder Type quiz.

Take the Way Finder Quiz

Understanding Inertia

Inertia is the resistance to change, whether it’s starting something new or stopping something habitual. It’s rooted in our comfort zones and often manifests as procrastination or avoidance. The common frictions that fuel this inertia are all too familiar: perfectionism, overwhelm, a fixed mindset, lack of purpose, and fear of the outcome. These mental obstacles can leave us feeling powerless to break free from the status quo. But how do we overcome these mental obstacles that result in a perpetual internal struggle?

I've been reflecting on how bold I once was in pursuing my goals and enacting change in my life before I got bogged with the conflicting notions of how the world works. I remembered an incident from my childhood and extracted the framework I used to overcome inertia.

Identify the challenge:

Clearly define the specific challenge or goal you want to achieve. Understanding what you're up against will make it easier to formulate a plan. In my case, I wanted to get into the A-Class.

When I was in junior secondary overall position in my year group for the first six terms looked like this:

Find Your Why (Motivation)

Prior to the 6th term, my main source of motivation was extrinsic and driven by external factors, in my case, a fear of consequences:

• My parents had been admonishing me incessantly.

• My school had decided that going forward, they’d place the first 30 students in the A class, the next 30 in the B class, and the last 30 in the C class.

I narrowly missed making it into the A class by finishing 25th in the 6th term. While this achievement was significant and met my initial goal, I soon faced another challenge: I didn't want to remain at the bottom of the A class.

Sometime after this, my intrinsic motivation kicked in!

Intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in an activity for its own sake, out of interest, enjoyment, or inherent satisfaction. It arises from within the individual and is driven by personal passions, curiosity, or the pleasure derived from the task itself.

I believe that extrinsic motivation has its place but it’s not enough to sustain momentum for the long haul. If you want to get started, find some extrinsic motivation but if you want to go far find some intrinsic motivation.

Identify Your Friction

Pinpoint the mental obstacles that hold you back. These could be perfectionism, overwhelm, a fixed mindset, lack of purpose, or fear of failure.

The moment I began envisioning how I’d advance from the bottom of the A class, fear kicked in!

Develop Your Counter Strategy

Write down your goals and the steps necessary to achieve them.
I quickly defined my own version of success and meticulously wrote it down:

• Get A’s in all 14 subjects.

• Take a nap every afternoon. *Inspired by a girl who consistently topped her year group. Previously, I would chat with my bunkmate during siesta hour, risking getting caught.

• I committed three quotes to memory, which served as motivational anchors to keep me focused.

• I created a reading schedule.

Implement Your Strategy

Adhere to it!

I believe this to be the most important component of the framework!

Evaluate Your Results

In the next term, I ranked 14th, achieving 12 A’s, 1 B, and 1 C. The following term, I advanced to 7th place with 13 A’s and 1 B. Interestingly, in both instances, I had more A’s than those who ranked ahead of me.

This experience reminds me that overcoming inertia doesn't require an overabundance of information. I didn't know the methods for goal setting nor the science behind writing down goals and striving to achieve them. I also wasn't aware of the importance of sleep when learning and retaining information. Sometimes, amassing information can be a form of procrastination. At some point, you need to take action with what you already know.

To overcome the inertia that arises from fear:

• Identify your challenge

• Find your motivation

• Develop a counter-strategy

• Implement your plan consistently

• Evaluate your results!

If you find yourself struggling with inertia, taking this quiz can help identify your most common friction points and determine your Wayfinder type. It's a fun quiz designed not to pigeonhole you but to offer insights and inspiration, helping you recognize the friction you face and the best ways to address it.

What Type of Way Finder are You?

If you intend to take the quiz, don’t procrastinate! It expires on the 10th June.

Your Turn

What strategies have you used to overcome inertia? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other’s journeys.

If you found this newsletter valuable, don't forget to share it with friends who might benefit from these insights.

Thank you for reading this week’s edition. Your engagement means the world to me. Stay tuned for next week’s topic, where we'll explore counter strategies for different types of friction that cause inertia.
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I wanted to share some exciting news with you. I’ve just launched my new newsletter, "A Triple Cord," and I’ve added you to the subscription list because I think you’ll really enjoy it.

In "A Triple Cord," I’ll be sharing insights on Finances, Faith, and well-being.
I’ll also include motivational pep talks, practical advice, and personal stories that I hope will inspire and empower you.

I understand if you didn’t expect this, so if you prefer not to receive these emails, you can easily unsubscribe using the link at the bottom of this email. No hard feelings, I promise!

However, if you’re curious and would like to give it a try, I’d love to have you join me on this journey. Your support and feedback would mean a lot to me.

Why this, why now?

Now is the perfect time to launch this newsletter because we all need a bit of extra support and motivation, especially when times are tough. Many of us are re-evaluating our goals and looking for ways to bring more meaning and productivity into our lives. I want to help you navigate these changes and find your path to success and fulfillment.

I created "A Triple Cord" because I understand the challenges of feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Life can throw us curveballs that leave us feeling jaded, disillusioned and depleted. I want to share the tools, insights, and encouragement that help me overcome my own challenges. I believe that where there’s a wall, there’s always a way through, over, or around it.
Let’s turn those challenges into milestones together!

2. What to expect

In "A Triple cord," you can expect:

Pep Talks and Motivation: Energizing messages to kickstart your week with enthusiasm and purpose.

Practical Advice: Tips on learning new skills, staying productive, and managing your workflow.

Spiritual Reflections: Insights on building and maintaining your relationship with God in today’s overly stimulating world.

Personal Updates: Stories from my own journey, including the challenges I face and the lessons I learn.

Key Takeaways from Readings: Nuggets of wisdom from the books, articles, and podcasts I’m diving into.

Frequency: I’ll be posting two to three times a week. Occasionally, I might send special editions or extra content if there’s something particularly exciting or important to share.

If you’re ready to thrive in the areas that make life truly meaningful, subscribe to "A Triple Cord" and join our community. Click the subscribe button below to get started!

Thank you for being here, and I’m excited to share this journey with you.