Tag: life

Writers of Color Women’s Empowerment Initiative

“Ask yourself, what would I do if I weren’t afraid? And then go do it” — Sheryl Sandberg

Inspiring. Intentional. Take charge. Grow. These were common words that described the Writers Group of South Florida’s Women Empowerment Event held at the West Regional Library in Plantation, Florida.

Guests turned out in numbers to be educated or refreshed as seasoned authors shared nuggets on leadership, balance, wellbeing, and becoming financially independent.

Thanks to fellow writer GMoss Designs for being Instrumental and singer songwriter Ettosi Brooks for the delightful music entertainment.

Panelists Award winning Reggae legend Miss Pat Chin and others did an exceptional job in highlighting the challenges women face as well as the Strategies to overcome.

Missed it? Plan for it Next year same time.

Cheers!

16 Ways For A Procrastinator To Get Things Done

Procrastination makes easy things hard, hard things harder.

Mason Cooley

Author? Writer? Project Manager? On-the-job administrator? Are you one of those persons who find themselves with several lists of things to ‘finish’? Procrastinating it’s called. You start doing laundry, then realize you need to mow the lawn, or pick up groceries so off you rush to do that leaving several observable tasks undone. You mean well but it keeps happening. A task here, another there and on and on it goes. You never seem to catch up.

Well for people who struggle with completing projects and find themselves juggling multiple unfinished tasks, here are some effective strategies:

  1. Prioritize and focus:
    • List all ongoing projects.
    • Rank them based on importance, urgency, and potential impact.
    • Choose 1-3 top priorities to focus on exclusively.
  2. Break projects into smaller tasks:
    • Divide each project into manageable, specific steps.
    • Create a detailed action plan for each step.
  3. Set clear deadlines:
    • Establish realistic timelines for each project and its components.
    • Use a calendar or project management tool to track deadlines.
  4. Implement the “Two-Minute Rule”:
    • If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately.
    • This helps prevent small tasks from piling up.
  5. Use the Pomodoro Technique:
    • Work in focused 25-minute intervals, followed by short breaks.
    • This can help maintain concentration and prevent burnout.
  6. Create accountability:
    • Share your goals and deadlines with a friend, colleague, or mentor.
    • Regular check-ins can help keep you on track.
  7. Limit new commitments:
    • Learn to say “no” to new projects until current ones are completed.
    • Assess carefully before taking on additional work.
  8. Eliminate distractions:
    • Identify and minimize common distractions (e.g., social media, unnecessary meetings).
    • Create a focused work environment.
  9. Celebrate small wins:
    • Acknowledge and reward yourself for completing project milestones.
    • This builds momentum and motivation.
  10. Re-evaluate regularly:
    • Periodically assess if projects are still relevant or necessary.
    • Be willing to abandon or postpone projects that no longer align with your goals.
  11. Use visual progress tracking:
    • Employ kanban boards or progress bars to visualize project advancement.
    • Seeing progress can be motivating.
  12. Address perfectionism:
    • Recognize if perfectionism is causing delays.
    • Focus on “good enough” for initial completion, then refine if necessary.
  13. Schedule dedicated project time:
    • Allocate specific time blocks for working on projects.
    • Treat these as non-negotiable appointments.
  14. Seek closure:
    • Develop a habit of finishing what you start, even in small ways.
    • Practice completing minor tasks to build the “finishing” muscle.
  15. Learn from past patterns:
    • Analyze why projects typically remain unfinished.
    • Address recurring issues (e.g., lack of resources, skill gaps).
  16. Use the “Sunk Cost Fallacy” awareness:
    • Be willing to let go of projects that are no longer serving you, regardless of time already invested.

Are you a procrastinator? If so, did any of the above appeal to you? Hope you find a few useful. Note that by implementing these strategies, individuals can improve their project completion rates and reduce the stress of managing multiple unfinished tasks. The key is to find a balance between focus, organization, and flexibility.

Happy Finishing!

30 Common Side Hustles To Choose From …

It’s not how much money you make, but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for.

Robert Kiyosaki

Women often face unique financial challenges due to various societal, economic, and cultural factors. These challenges have been exacerbated especially since the pandemic. To become financially independent simple solutions through participating in additional income streams can help.

There are many side hustles people pursue to earn extra income. Here’s a list of common and popular options.

  1. Freelance writing or editing
  2. Virtual assistance
  3. Social media management
  4. Online tutoring or teaching
  5. Web design or development
  6. Graphic design
  7. Photography or videography
  8. Rideshare driving (Uber, Lyft)
  9. Food delivery services (DoorDash, Uber Eats)
  10. Pet sitting or dog walking
  11. House cleaning or organizing services
  12. Personal shopping or errand running
  13. Selling handmade items on Etsy
  14. Dropshipping or e-commerce
  15. Blogging or vlogging
  16. Podcast hosting
  17. Affiliate marketing
  18. Renting out a spare room on Airbnb
  19. Selling items on eBay or Amazon
  20. Online surveys or user testing
  21. Transcription services
  22. Voice acting or voiceover work
  23. Personal training or fitness coaching
  24. Lawn care or landscaping
  25. Car detailing
  26. Bookkeeping or accounting services
  27. Resume writing
  28. Translation services
  29. Music lessons
  30. Event planning or coordination

Before You Choose

When considering a side hustle, it’s important to:

  1. Assess your skills and interests
  2. Consider the time commitment required
  3. Evaluate the potential income versus effort
  4. Ensure it doesn’t conflict with your primary job
  5. Research any legal or tax implications

Did any of the above side hustles appeal to you? Here’s hoping you got a few ideas to choose from. The only caution is to make sure that your skills are up to par with the side hustle selected. And also to be mindful of your work/life balance.

Happy Hustling!

12 Common Financial Problems Women Face

Women and Challenges Faced

At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.

Frida Kahlo

Women often face unique financial challenges due to various societal, economic, and cultural factors. Lots of changes on the horizon albeit slow. Here are some common financial problems that women frequently encounter:

  1. Gender pay gap: On average, women earn less than men for comparable work, which affects their overall financial health.
  2. Career interruptions: Women are more likely to take time off work for caregiving responsibilities (children or elderly parents), impacting their earning potential and career advancement.
  3. Longer life expectancy: Women generally live longer than men, requiring more savings for retirement and potentially facing years of managing finances alone.
  4. Lower lifetime earnings: Due to pay gaps and career interruptions, women often accumulate less wealth over their lifetimes.
  5. Underrepresentation in high-paying fields: Women are often underrepresented in STEM and other high-paying industries.
  6. Financial literacy: There’s often a gap in financial education and confidence in managing complex financial matters.
  7. Divorce financial impact: Women may face significant financial challenges following divorce, especially if they were not the primary earner.
  8. Single parenthood: Single mothers often face additional financial strain managing household expenses on a single income.
  9. Investment gap: Women tend to invest less and more conservatively than men, potentially leading to lower long-term wealth accumulation.
  10. Healthcare costs: Women typically have higher healthcare expenses over their lifetime, including reproductive health costs.
  11. Debt: Women, on average, carry more student loan debt and may take longer to pay it off due to lower earnings.
  12. Entrepreneurship challenges: Women-owned businesses often face greater difficulties in securing funding and investments.

Can you align with one, two or a few? Any challenges missing that you can add? Please share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Empowering Women’s Ascent

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We can endure much more than we think we can.

Frida Kahlo

Empowering Women’s Ascent. A great event for sisters, friends or colleagues to boost your self esteem, increase your knowledge, set goals, become assertive, practice self-care and more. The Writers Group of South Florida’s upcoming Women’s Empowerment event promises to be inspiring and an event not to be missed. It will be held at the West Regional Library Broward Boulevard, Plantation, Florida on Saturday, September 28.

Attendees will be inspired by thought provoking topics including:

  • Women in Leadership: Empowering Women to rise into leadership roles to reach their full potential
  • Learn the Challenges women face and the strategies to overcome
  • Breakthrough: Transitioning from Burnout to Balance helping driven women and busy moms transform their thinking and redefine balance in their lives
  • Achieving Financial Independence: Enabling women to gain control of their financial futures and becoming financially secure.

The event will be cemented by an exciting Panel Discussion with Founder, VP Records and Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Patricia Chin (Miss Pat).

Other guest speakers include Dr. Susan Davis, Attorney Asiah Wolfolk Manning, The Sisters and yours truly, Dr. Shelly.

This empowerment event promises to be great. In South Florida? Plan to attend and if you’re not, we will revert with all the Deets post event.



50 Things I’ve Learned In The Last 50 Years

50 Lessons At 50

Wisdom deepens with age, and at 50, it’s a treasure.

Here are 50 things I have learnt as I traversed a life dedicated to learning, community and personal growth of myself and others. The excess have been included as a gift for those who are more curious and may choose to adopt a nugget or two as you transition at ages 30, 40, 60 or above.

May you be inspired to achieve.

  1. Let no one define what success means to you. Define it for yourself.
  2. Afraid? Do it anyway. Fear will fade.
  3. Life is just for living. Live it well.
  4. Care for others.
  5. Trust is important.
  6. Try new things. Keep learning. It helps you grow.
  7. Self-actualization stops at the top. When you get there, go higher or step back to something that you missed along the way.
  8. Be there for your loved ones. If not, you’ll miss the best things in life.
  9. Find meaning in the things that you do.
  10. Place Work in the right place.
  11. Spirituality is important.
  12. Some people are beautiful. Others are just searching. They Maybe sad or even lonely. Don’t hold it against them.
  13. When you’re at the top, stay true to who you are. You’ll see the same people on your way down.
  14. Be cordial. It contributes to your success.
  15. Smile often. It attracts.
  16. Read. It’s an action.
  17. Pray about everything.
  18. Give thanks in all things.
  19. Say thank you.
  20. Stay curious. Ask Questions.
  21. Find a mantra – a quote that drives you to achieve.
  22. Believe that all things are possible because they are.
  23. Get a dog.
  24. Don’t understand something? Ask. You may help someone in the same situation as yourself.
  25. Show up.
  26. Get involved in your community.
  27. Roll up your sleeves and work.
  28. Go to the beach. Be mesmerized by the waves, the sea and its natural beauty.
  29. Look up. Get inspired.
  30. Dream it. Then work it. You’ll achieve it.
  31. Embrace love. It’s beautiful.
  32. Fight for what you want.
  33. Don’t give up too easily.
  34. Be smart. Know when it’s time to let go.
  35. Move on when the time is right.
  36. Try something new.
  37. Get away often. Stress dissipates.
  38. Travel the world.
  39. Try a staycation.
  40. Bask in beautiful memories.
  41. Celebrate other’s success.
  42. Mourn with those who mourn.
  43. Appreciate depth.
  44. Be yourself… always.
  45. You’re never too old to try something new.
  46. Take care of yourself.
  47. Listen to your body. It speaks.
  48. Save for a rainy day.
  49. Age teaches wisdom but it also brings sighs when you watch others making the mistakes you did because they won’t listen. But remember everyone has to grow on their own path. Don’t be sad, they will learn and make their own U-turn.
  50. Pray with others.
  51. Listen to that still small voice.
  52. Don’t let life pass you by. Stop and smell the roses.
  53. Stay engaged. Learn.
  54. Relax. Watch a movie.
  55. Smell the rain. Embrace the sunshine.
  56. Plan a trip with extended family.
  57. Be there for someone who needs you.
  58. Dress up for no reason.
  59. Have dinner by yourself. Experience you.
  60. Surprise a friend.
  61. It’s time. Don’t put it off anymore.
  62. Go for a walk. Ease stress.
  63. Call a parent, grandparent or someone elderly.
  64. Volunteer to help a neighbor.
  65. Go on a solo retreat at least once in your lifetime. You’ll find out a lot about yourself.
  66. Keep your eye on that goal.
  67. Get an accountability partner or a coach if you need help.
  68. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
  69. Journal your thoughts. It’s great to look back and reflect on how far you have come. Besides, it helps build mental strength.
  70. Keep your mouth shut. Share only what needs to be said.
  71. You can count on me. Can others count on you?
  72. Take accountability for your actions.
  73. Stay focused on your future but don’t become so obsessed that you miss the journey.
  74. Life is what you make it. Make it great.
  75. You win some. You lose some. That’s life. Move on.
  76. Celebrate.
  77. Dance like nobody is watching.

What Is Your Biggest Fear?

We all become fearful at one point or other. So when this Question was asked in a public forum: “What is your biggest fear?” I was in intrigued and quickly scanned the conversation. Here I share excerpts gleaned as the public chimed in.

  • Not being enough
  • Unhappiness
  • Financial stability
  • Being alone
  • Gaining weight
  • Losing myself
  • Marriage breaking up
  • My writing failing
  • Being list at my career
  • The vast ocean
  • Can’t help family financially
  • Not living up to expectations
  • Losing my dream
  • Fear of disappointing everyone
  • Failing exams
  • Abandonment
  • Adulthood
  • Being left alone
  • Taken for granted
  • Choosing the wrong career path
  • Not knowing how to make new friends

Fear is real. Sometimes it puts a limit on us. Like I have always said, don’t let fear stop you from achieving your goals and dreams. Do it afraid if you have to. Don’t let fear stop.

What are you afraid if? Share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Photo by Ono Kosuki on Pexels.com

South Florida’s Banned Book Event …

Pleased to join The Writers Group of South Florida who have been invited to attend the upcoming Book Fair where the goal is to celebrate banned books in Florida

The event is an exciting opportunity for writers to come together and support educational freedom while highlighting the rich literary contributions of authors from Dade, Palm Beach, and Broward Counties.

Event Details:
Date: May 11th
Time: 11 AM – 2 PM
Location: Weston Community Center

In the area? Come over and say hello.

See you there!

Cheers

Waiting For The Next

Some sit in silence

Waiting for death 

Then a day passes. 

Then a week, month, a year

And before we know it, 

A decade has passed by

In a flash

Young, old, sick, depressed

Sit silently, waiting

Time passes while we wait on life for the perfect life

Don’t wait I say. 

Get out there

 Do something 

No matter your age, status or health

Just do something 

Don’t wait

The perfect life doesn’t exist

A Long And Lasting Life

What’s the concept of living a very long life?

A extraordinary leader, Martin Luther King, Jr., was a Baptist minister. His death catapulted a movement so others could live. Many national heroes and legendary leaders have made an impact through their deaths. Their deaths helped others live. It causes us to wonder if some people are born with the purpose of making a difference after death.

The concept of long life is not summed up in years but by the quality of how those years are spent. The impact we have on those we love and others. The difference we make in life.

That’s the concept of living a long life.

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