Use the Right Tool Like a Chef
Sometimes when I cook, I flip the food in the pan with my fingers. Not because it’s the best way—but because I don’t want to dirty a spatula or a pair of tongs. To keep going, I end up reaching for whatever’s nearby—a fork, a spoon, the wrong lid—just so I don’t have to clean […]
Prepare Like a Chef
In professional kitchens, chefs rely on a practice called mise en place—a French phrase meaning “everything in its place.” It’s the first step before cooking even begins. Ingredients are prepped, tools are ready, and every component is within reach. This isn’t about making cooking slower—it’s about making it smoother, more efficient, and more adaptable when things […]
Organize Like a Kindergartener
In kindergarten, organization wasn’t complicated. We had cubbies, labeled bins, and cleanup time built into the day. Everything had a place, and we knew where to find it. No one expected perfection—we had simple systems that made life easier. As an adult, I thought this was unnecessary and that organization was for rigid, overly structured […]
Recharge Like a Kindergartener
In kindergarten, nap time wasn’t optional. The adults around us understood something we tend to forget—no matter how much energy we have, we still need rest to keep going. Even the kids who insisted they weren’t tired had to lie down for a while, and more often than not, they ended up falling asleep. The […]
Master Pressure Like a Game
When I’m under pressure, my first instinct isn’t always the best one. I catch myself rushing, overthinking, or reacting too fast—like I’m button-mashing in a game, hoping something works. But that usually just makes things worse. (And no one likes playing with the button-smasher.) Good players don’t just hit buttons at random. They move with […]
Recharge Like a Game
Some days, midday hits and my energy crashes. It feels like I’ve been drained of everything I need to keep going. Like I just ran out of steam, all at once. But when I really look back, there were always signs—hunger, thirst, tension, or just a general sense of overwhelm. I decided to try thinking […]
Managing the To-Do List
Today, like you, I have a list of things I need to do. I have to get out of bed. I have to get dressed. I have to feed myself. I have to exercise. The list goes on. We all know that feeling. And as the list builds, so can feelings of dread. The more […]
Create Yourself
I talk to myself all day. Sometimes, I have full-blown conversations, asking myself questions and answering them. This is common. We talk to ourselves, sing to ourselves, and even yell at ourselves sometimes. Recently, I realized that I invented a “me” that helps me be more productive—the “me” I want to be. When I don’t […]
Make Everything Easier
Every now and then, I take my laptop to a coffee shop to get some work done. I’ve also taken it to parks, campgrounds, friends’ places, rooftops, and more. While I have a perfectly good table at home that even turns into a standing desk with the push of a button, changing my environment increases […]
Mind Your Business – Why Sticking to Your List Empowers You and Others
Ever feel the urge to swoop in and take over other people’s responsibilities? Sure, it might feel like the helpful thing to do in the moment, but sometimes it can backfire. Imagine you’re at a potluck. You’re assigned a simple side dish, a manageable task. But instead, you end up bringing the entire spread: salads, […]
