I’ll never understand people who tell everyone ALL of their business and then get shocked when people become so invasive. STOP TELLING PEOPLE YOUR BUSINESS AND SHUT UP! Literally, people need to understand the power of privacy and not telling every single person your next move.
March 2023 "That Girl" Challenge
Helloooo :)
This is the 31-Day Challenge that I've created for us to do together this month. It's just something simple and fun. Enjoy! - BlissfullyEcho
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DAY 1: Deep clean your living space (bedroom, apartment, house, condo, camper, etc)
DAY 2: Deep clean your car (if you don't have a car, deep clean something else that you haven't done but should do: junk drawer, dresser, yoga mat, makeup brushes, etc)
DAY 3: Try a new (healthy!) recipe-- this could even be a healthy dessert or beverage
DAY 4: Try a guided meditation on YouTube for 10 minutes after waking up and before checking social media
DAY 5: Spend an extra 15 minutes working on something for school, work, hobbies, or your own personal development
DAY 6: Unfollow, delete, and block social media accounts and phone contacts that are just not part of your life anymore (or those who you plan on not having as a part of your life anymore)
DAY 7: Delete social media pictures that don't fit in with the best version of you. This could be the overedited photos, the thirst trap you put on there because that one person made you upset, etc.
DAY 8: Try a new workout that you haven't done. Pilates, ballet, barre, tennis, CrossFit, kickboxing, F45, cycling, running, swimming, etc.
DAY 9: Pamper your pet. Brush, clean, trim their nails, give them treats, etc. Go above and beyond for them today. (If you don't have animals, pamper yourself today!)
DAY 10: Enjoy the sunshine. Go outside (wear your sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat) for 15-20 minutes and enjoy your own company and nature.
DAY 11: No phone 30 minutes before bed. Set your bedtime tonight, and set an alarm 30 minutes prior to that. Once your alarm goes off, put your phone on DND and read a book before bed. Read until you are tired enough to turn off your lights and sleep.
DAY 12: Watch a documentary about something and learn! Maybe it's something you've never had an interest in. Just please make it positive! No heartbreaking or tragic documentaries. Let's not invite that into our "That Girl" challenge.
DAY 13: Buy a self-care item. This could be a yoga mat, face mask, cleansing oil, the Bible, perfume, etc. It can be as expensive or inexpensive as you'd like.
DAY 14: Go out on a date with yourself. Take yourself out to do something you've never done/been to before.
DAY 15: Aim to drink at least 60oz. of pure water today.
DAY 16: Spend 30 minutes learning a language you've always wanted to learn (and if you love it, practice for 10 minutes a day afterward)
DAY 17: Turn your notifications off.
DAY 18: No social media today.
DAY 19: Do something creative today. Buy a canvas, paint, and a brush, and follow a Bob Ross tutorial; maybe buy a jewelry-making kit. Take today and be creative for at least 30 minutes.
DAY 20: 10,000 steps OR walk for an hour
DAY 21: Go through your finances and see where you can budget. Take this time to audit your subscriptions and see if you would like to cancel any recurring subscriptions to save you extra money each month.
DAY 22: Avoid eating animal products today. Just focus on whole grains, fruit, veggies, nuts, seeds, water, and vitamins.
DAY 23: Schedule any doctor appointments you might have. If you don't have to, then take today to create a to-do list for the next 3 days.
DAY 24: Spend some time deleting pictures and making storage space in your phone. Any way you can-- it doesn't have to be from deleting your photos.
DAY 25: Listen to a new podcast or TedTalk.
DAY 26: Check your credit report/score and see if there's anything you need to do/complete.
DAY 27: Clear your email inbox and unsubscribe from the companies you don't shop from anymore.
DAY 28: Touch up on your resume.
DAY 29: Sort through your closet and throw away, donate, and sell your clothes and shoes that you don't wear (and that you know you'll never wear again)
DAY 30: Sort through your bathroom drawers and cabinets and organize them.
DAY 31: Create a vision board for April.
More career tips please!!
You should always be 10 steps ahead.
Translation: Your boss, team, or senior shouldn't have to remind you to complete tasks; ideally, you should have already completed the task and moved on to the next steps by the time they approach you. Being proactive means constantly seeking ways to enhance processes, workflows, and outcomes. Take the example from a few weeks ago when my boss requested a weekly search of specific KPIs for our client companies. After spending three hours searching and analyzing, and realizing the whole process was inefficient, I collaborated with our data team, organized a meeting, and together, we automated the process. Now, it's a seamless task done with just a click every Friday, much to my boss's delight. Similarly, recognizing the growing importance of AI in finance, I researched upcoming AI conferences, discussed them with my boss, and expanded my knowledge in the field. None of these efforts were particularly challenging or even well thought out--I just thought ahead and as a result, life is a whole lot easier for both me and my team.
Your first job is to make your boss's life easier
By optimizing processes and simplifying tasks, you can significantly enhance your boss's daily efficiency and in turn, make them love and appreciate you endlessly. Take proactive steps like volunteering to take notes during meetings, especially with important clients and while you're at it, follow up promptly by sharing a concise list of key takeaways to help your boss keep them top of mind. Be mindful of their time and present updates clearly and succinctly. Highlight any crucial developments and demonstrate your attentiveness by never making them to repeat instructions. Basically, strive to become indispensable through your proactive approach and valuable contributions.
Confidence is key, but so is humility.
The key is to strike a balance between confidence and humility. Overconfidence can lead to arrogance and closed-mindedness, but on the other hand, excessive humility breeds self-doubt and missed opportunities. So here's how you balance the two. You Listen: confident humility allows you to express your ideas assertively while being open to feedback and suggestions from others. You Empathize: you understand the feelings and perspectives of others, creating a supportive and inclusive environment. You Collaborate: Confident humility encourages teamwork and collaboration, leading to innovative solutions and successful outcomes.
You will be judged based on your appearance.
I don't care what anyone says, humans are visual creatures and we we all absolutely judge books by their covers. So if you dress kinda meh every day in the office, then people will see you as a meh kinda employee. If your clothes are always wrinkled people will think you're a messy worker. And if you look incredibly professional and well put together every single day, people will subconsciously view you as a top-notch worker. Moreover, if your job involves interacting with clients or customers, your appearance can influence their perception of the company as a whole. Dressing professionally and putting together a polished appearance in the office is not just about following a set of rules; it’s about presenting yourself and your organization in the best possible light. Your attire is a reflection of your professionalism, respect for the workplace, and consideration for your colleagues and clients. By investing in your professional image, you invest in your own success and contribute positively to the overall work environment.
Lovingly, Elle
Some alternatives to having an entire day before 9am that allow you to enjoy your life and help you find pleasure in reaching your goals. Enjoy xx
Focus on a consistent sleep schedule, not select times: Structure your day around your energy, not an idealized schedule is guaranteed to not work for everyone. Wake up at 6-7 am, if you're a true early riser, and head to the gym to get your day started. Otherwise, there's no reason why waking up at 8-9am and getting in an evening-time workout session is lesser than.
Plan your days & week around your energy peaks: Figure out the times of the day when you're most focused, productive, creative, fidgety, sleepy, etc., and structure your days/weeks/month around your internal clock to the best of your ability. While this may be slightly difficult if you have a 9-5 or go to school during the day, think about what blocks of time are best dedicated to meetings, creative work, planning, routine tasks, emails, studying, etc. For those with uteruses, consider your energy throughout your cycle to help you plan the month.
Create "bookend" routines: While these will often be your morning and nighttime routines, consider how you prime and unwind your mind from your biggest tasks of the day (for most of us, this will be work, school, and chores on the weekends). Some reading, light movement, and upbeat music can create momentum before starting your daily tasks. A long walk and some journaling are a simple yet productive combination to decompress from the day.
Embrace the power of 3s: Create a daily primer routine, workday, and relaxation routine around 3 core tasks/projects/rituals. For example: Mornings can include using your 5-Minute Journal, doing a quick 10-minute meditation/yoga/dancing session to get in some movement, and spending 10 minutes reading; Your workday should be focused on completing your "Big Three" tasks, projects, or meetings of the day; Evenings can include a quick 5-10 minute planning session for the next day, a 15-60 minute walk or workout (depending on how you're feeling), and some journaling/reading time after dinner. You don't need to do it all. Consistency is key.
Create a "pleasure" and "pain" list. Own your inner masochist: Open up a fresh journal page or web document. Create two separate lists titled "Pleasure" and "Pain." The first list captures all of the simple pleasures that make your days enjoyable (from coffee rituals and your skincare routine to small work successes, daily movement, and indulgent evening treats, like a favorite TV show, a glass of wine, tea, etc.). The second list captures the tasks you regularly dread or procrastinate out of hatred and overwhelm (includes tedious or mentally-draining work tasks, meetings, chores, difficult workout sessions, necessary conversations with emotionally immature people, etc.). Looking over these two lists gives you an overview of your daily experience to help you (realistically) optimize your day for more ease and enjoyment.
Incorporate a pleasurable element into every ritual: Find ways to pair these more "painful" activities with something pleasurable. Examples include having a favorite coffee or tea while working on a draining work project, listening to a fun playlist, taking a walk/doing a face mask or massage while having a less enjoyable conversation, etc.)
Leverage habit stacking: Build habits on top of one another to set yourself up for success. Use a nearly mindless or enjoyable "cue" to spark action that results in habit formation. For example, use sipping your morning coffee as a cue to read your 10 daily pages or do some journaling. Leave your workout clothes out beside your bed with your yoga mat all laid out to make it stupidly easy to get your workout done right away. Have a playlist curated and opened to let you press "start" immediately when you need to begin your work day.
Create a capsule menu/wardrobe: Streamline your everyday meals and outfits by curating a handful of healthy breakfasts/lunches/dinners/snacks and outfits that you can put together mindlessly throughout the week. While creativity in these areas is fun, pre-determined options for busy days can help minimize decision fatigue. Know what staple groceries you need in your kitchen to make these recipes, and ensure to keep them in stock when going on your weekly grocery run. Have a few go-to outfits for work, running errands, working out, and social outings. Choose 5-10 well-fitting wardrobe staples that pair well together in the front of your closet at all times.
Become a playlist master: Curate different playlists for particular tasks, activities, and times of the day. Having playlists for creative/admin work tasks, reading, working out, cleaning, waking up, and winding down for the day can give you the energy to focus and not procrastinate or simply enjoy a necessary task more.
Focus on systems, not habits: Consider the domino effect of each practice and activity. Determine whether your current strategies and routines align with your energy, goals, and desired outcomes. Reflect on the parts of your routine that increase/decrease your energy and motivation. See how you can create a system – a pattern of consistently-practiced habits – that supports your goals and desired lifestyle that does not compromise your overall life satisfaction and well-being.
Experiment until you find an achievable balance: Focus on progress, not perfection. While there may be days or even seasons where hard work and fewer pleasures take priority, life is meant to bring you joy, peace, and satisfaction at the end of the day. Remaining in your comfort zone does you no good. However, learning ways to find pleasure in the process remains the key to long-lasting discipline and the energy necessary to maintain the determination required for success.
Sending you healthy and prosperous vibes xx
When to say NO:
When you're already committed to too many tasks and taking on more would be overwhelming.
When you need time for yourself to relax, recharge, or pursue your interests.
When someone invades your personal space or asks intrusive questions.
When someone asks for something that's beyond your capacity or comfort.
When someone tries to involve you in gossip or negative conversations about others.
When someone uses guilt, threats, or manipulation to pressure you into doing something.
When your generosity is being taken advantage of, and it's affecting your own needs.
When someone asks you to do something that goes against your values or principles.
When someone borrows money from you without a clear plan for repayment.
When someone consistently disrespects your boundaries or treats you poorly.
When to Say YES:
When a close friend genuinely needs your support and you're capable of providing it.
When you're passionate about a cause and want to contribute your time and skills.
When an opportunity arises that aligns with your goals and helps you learn and develop.
When you're invited to gatherings or events that you genuinely enjoy and benefit from.
When saying "yes" to social or professional opportunities can help you make valuable connections.
When your family members or loved ones need your emotional or practical assistance.
When saying "yes" involves trying something new or acquiring useful skills.
When taking on a new task or responsibility can push you to grow and overcome obstacles.
When saying "yes" to maintaining healthy relationships involves compromise and mutual understanding.
When you're confident that saying "yes" won't negatively impact your overall well-being or other important obligations.
saw this today
how to build self worth: keep the promises you make to yourself. if you're not going to follow through, stop saying you'll do it. stop saying you're going to exercise daily if you aren't going to keep your word. either say, 'i'm going to do my best to exercise as much as i can, but i'm not at a place to be rigid about it yet' or hold yourself to it. if you do the latter but can't keep it up, there's no need to force it. just introduce compassion: 'i tried my best but it's not working for me right now and that's okay. moving forward i'll do what i can.'
you need to be able to trust yourself. when you constantly break promises to yourself you destroy your self worth. could you build a life with somebody you don't trust? somebody who never holds their word? who is full of big promises and nothing to show for it? ...yet this is what you do to yourself.
raise the standard, you deserve better. you need to keep your promises.
how to focus on yourself
limit your social media usage or delete entirely
if you use social media for work, school, or self-development, this might not work for you but if you use social media for friend updates, stalking your ex, obsessing over other people, etc., then take some time off social media; whether you want to limit yourself to 30 minutes a day for a month or deactivate entirely for a month (or however long you want). sometimes you just need to fall off the face of the earth and not allow for distractions to take your attention off of you.
work inwards and see what needs fixing within you
do you self-sabotage, have a lack of self-control, have a bad temper, or have any other traits that hinder your process of growth and development? spend some time with yourself and get deep. it takes a lot of honesty and self-awareness to even do this step so you might spend weeks trying to figure out your weaknesses. once you figure them out, you research and practice day in and day out the steps to fight/heal what you need to work on.
create a list of standards
have a list of standards for every area + person in your life. what are your must-haves and what are your like-to-haves? when you have a set of standards for everything in your life, you will make time for things that meet your standards and you will not make time for the things that don’t. i’ll be uploading a standards template today that you can print out or follow if you want to be organized and specific.
create daily, weekly, and monthly (short-term) goals and make working on those goals a priority
if you’re working on your goals everyday, you are undoubtedly working on yourself and focusing on yourself. i suggest having no more than 3-5 goals you’re working on at a given time to avoid burnout, but you do what’s best for you. when i fully focus on myself, i literally don’t have the time to do anything else.
get in the mindset of “i deserve” rather than “i want”
when you say you want something, it’s putting you in the mindset of “wishful thinking”. if you say “i deserve” instead, you will operate from a mindset of standards like i talked about earlier and expectation. in return, you will be more motivated to work on what you deserve, rather than wish for what you want.
What is the winter arc?
If you're on social media, especially TikTok, you may have heard content creators mentioning phrases similar to this:
"#enteringmywinterarc: Time to level up before the new year."
"Get ahead of the game—step into your winter arc."
"Transform your life in 30 days by embracing your winter arc."
But what exactly is a "winter arc"?
To me, the winter arc is a period during the colder months—October, November, and December—when we can really focus and get ahead of the game. While others are slowing down and getting comfortable for the holidays, those in their winter arc step up, putting in the work in whatever area they want to improve. By doing this, they’re already making strides toward their goals and establishing habits, so by January 1, when most people are just starting on their resolutions, they’re already well on their way.
Now, I'm not saying that winding down during the winter season is wrong. But if you want a head start, consider stepping into your own winter arc. This way, when the new year arrives, you’re already disciplined in your habits and not starting from scratch, driven only by fleeting motivation.
How to enter your winter arc?
Don’t worry, I wouldn’t just tell you what a winter arc is without giving you concrete steps on how to enter your own (I've got you! 😊).
Step 1: Create a List of Goals for Your Winter Arc
To truly enter your winter arc, you first need to define what you’ll be focusing on. I recommend choosing five goals to work on during this time (having too many can get overwhelming, and we don’t want that).
These goals could be about your health, academics, personal life, or even your spiritual life—literally anything you want to improve. Just make sure your goals are measurable, achievable, and realistic. For example, if your goal is to get 10k steps a day, but you’re currently struggling to reach 5k, that might be too ambitious. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to frustration, and by the end of this season, you may end up without genuine progress because you’ll likely have given up.
Remember, even if your goal is as simple as a 5-minute workout each day, that’s still progress. It’s better to move a little than not at all.
Step 2: Create A Mission Statement
Now that you have your five specific, measurable goals, it’s time to create a mission statement.
In business, a mission statement is a concise declaration that defines an organization’s fundamental purpose, explaining what it does, who it serves, and its core values and objectives.
You might wonder why this matters for your winter arc. Well, understanding the core purpose behind your winter arc is essential. Knowing why you’re doing this, what you hope to achieve, and what drives you is crucial to truly connecting with the five goals you’ve set. I recommend answering these seven questions in-depth, then using ChatGPT to condense your answers into a concise mission statement:
What is your primary purpose for this winter? (e.g., to learn, to grow, to reflect)
How do you want your actions this winter to impact yourself or others?
What specific areas of your life do you want to concentrate on? (e.g., health, career, relationships)
What mindset do you want to cultivate during this season? (e.g., positivity, resilience, openness)
What inspires or motivates you? (e.g., experiences, quotes, people)
What personal values do you want to embody during this winter? (e.g., integrity, growth, compassion)
By the end of this winter, what do you hope to have achieved or learned about yourself?
Having a mission statement is a powerful way to stay motivated and disciplined during your winter arc, especially on challenging days. A simple, one-sentence mission statement that you can easily look at to remind yourself why you started is elite (even better if you set it as your phone lock screen).
Step 3: Develop An Action Plan
Now that you’ve got your goals and mission statement, it’s time to build a solid action plan to keep yourself on track.
An action plan breaks down each goal into manageable steps, helping you clearly see the path from where you are now to where you want to be. Start by listing out specific actions or habits that align with each of your five goals. For example, if one of your goals is to improve your health, your action steps might include planning daily workouts, setting a hydration goal, or meal-prepping on Sundays.
Prioritize Your Tasks: Decide which actions are most important and schedule them first. This will help you stay focused on your highest-impact goals.
Set a Routine: Consistency is key for progress, so set up a routine that allows you to work on your winter arc daily or weekly.
Track Your Progress: Keep a journal, use an app, or create a simple checklist to track your progress. Seeing what you’ve accomplished can be incredibly motivating.
Plan for Challenges: Think about any obstacles that could arise (like busy days or lack of motivation) and have a backup plan ready. For example, if you miss a workout, can you fit in a quick 10-minute routine at home?
With an action plan you will have some structure to your winter arc, helping you to stay committed and organized as you work toward each goal. By the time the new year comes around, you’ll already be deep into your goals, with the discipline and results to prove it.
I really hope that this helped y'all and inspired you to enter you winter arc. Please feel free to ask me any questions that you might have.
Inspired by LenaLifts youtube video <3
P.S. Even if you’re reading this after November 1st, you can still start your winter arc. It’s not about when you start; but starting in general.
Welcome to my Blog 💕
My name is Elle and I'm a 23-year-old Black girl from New England who's obsessed with proving that there is nothing that we, as women, cannot achieve.
Dating/Femininity:
Flirting tips
Men 101
The Seduction Process
How I approach men
Book recs
On Charisma
Tips for a Roster
Lesser known seduction tips
More book recommendations
Questions to ask on a date
How to Create a Dating Profile to Attract High-quality Men
Love and Intimacy from a man's perspective
'I am the Best' Series Archive:
Impressionism
Surrealism
Realism
Abstract Art
Investing Pt. 1
Investing Pt. 2
Key Financial Resources
Finance/Education:
Cryptocurrency resources
Magazines/Newsletters
LinkedIn Networking
10 Lessons from My Last Internship
Conference Lessons 1
Conference Lessons 2
Lessons from Boarding School
More Boarding School Lessons
Sponsorship vs. Mentorship
Wall Street Advice
Miscellaneous:
The Power of the Alter Ego
Do's and Don'ts in High Society
How to Succeed as a Black Woman in Society
How to Exoticize Yourself in High Society
Red and Green Flags when Dating Wealthy Men
Quick Summer Glow-up Routine
Elle's Essentials
Quick Summer Glow Up Routine
Essential History Topics
Introduction to Black High Society
Lessons from my Hypergamous Mother
Guide to Oxford
Favorite Success Tips
How I am improving my life in 2023
Tips on navigating private clubs
If you'd like to contact me personally, message my backup: @elletheroyal-backup.