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scrabble pieces spelling 3 words. Gain, Goal and Discipline

The Game-Changer: Discipline

Written by Carrie-Ann Barrow on . Posted in Carrie-Ann Barrow, Finding Purpose, Passion and Prosperity, For Leaders, Personal Development, Professional Development, Prosperity, Purpose, The Queen’s Decree.

Happy New Year, Queens!

I want to chat about something that has been a game-changer for me on my personal growth journey that I’m taking from 2023 to 2024: discipline. Last year, I sat with some big goals for myself, feeling the rush of inspiration, envisioning a future self that has it all figured out. But let me tell you, all that excitement is like a firework display on a cloudy day without one crucial element – discipline.

Now, I’m not here to rain on your New Year resolutions; in fact, you know I’m the biggest advocate for dreaming big! But what I’ve learned, and what I want to share with you, is that goals without discipline are essentially wishful thinking.

I want to share with you everything I learned this last year about how I achieved my goals with discipline.

Set Clear And Attainable Goals

Begin by defining your goals for the year. Make them specific, easy, and rewarding. Ambitious goals are admirable, but they must also be achievable to maintain motivation and avoid burnout. Burnout is the absolute killer of discipline. Staying on top of it is essential.

Be Disciplined About Routine

Discipline thrives in routine. Establish a daily schedule that aligns with your goals. Dedicate time for work, exercise, personal development, and (you know this is coming, Queens!) SELF-CARE. Adjusting routine is difficult at first, keep your head above water by remembering to keep things attainable. You’ve got this!

Embrace Accountability

Share your goals with friends or family members who can check in and offer support. Discuss your progress, shortcomings, and how you want to be better next time. Keep your ego in check! Things are difficult, but that leads me to my next point…

Learn From Setbacks

Yup. My Queens, we’re all too familiar with the setbacks. I know that as soon as you start to shift your schedule to prioritizing new goals, there will be the inevitable pushback from life. You must learn from it. Discipline is NOT about perfection but RESILIENCE. Adjust your approach when needed, but never lose sight of your ultimate goals.

Cultivate a Productive Mindset

You read that correctly, not a positive mindset, a productive one. Sometimes it’s in our best interest to take the L, learn from it, and continue forward. Stay productive by any means necessary. Take the Wins with grace, then continue on your path to the next goal. A productive mindset ALSO knows when to ask for help! Keep your eye on the prize and you’ll fuel perseverance, resilience, and essential elements of a disciplined approach.

If you want to conquer 2024, discipline is the key to unlocking your full potential in the new year. By setting clear goals, establishing a routine, prioritizing effectively, and holding yourself accountable with a productive mindset, you can manifest the discipline you need to make your goals a reality. I know if I can do it, you can too.

Happy New Year, Queens! Here’s to a year of growth, achievement, and self-discovery!

XOXO,

saying no this holiday season and enjoying a mocktail

The Art of Saying No and Enjoying Mocktails This Holiday Season

Written by Carrie-Ann Barrow on . Posted in Carrie-Ann Barrow, Finding Purpose, Passion and Prosperity, For Leaders, Personal Development, Professional Development, Prosperity, Purpose, The Queen’s Decree.

My dear Queens,

In today’s holiday season, we find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of social obligations and expectations. It’s as if we’re constantly racing from one event to another, one happy hour to the next, all while trying to meet the demands of our professional lives. But what if we could revisit the art and language of what it means to BE a QUEEN? I want to ask you, why don’t you take a step back and reclaim the power to make choices that prioritize your well-being, and authenticity, and manage the stress like we promised to do in every part of our lives… and apply it to the holiday season as well?

I’m proud when women step into their own and start seeing how valuable their time is. That doesn’t change in December! You don’t have to succumb to the stress or overindulge to fit in. You have the power to make choices that align with YOUR values, preferences, and self-care, all while navigating the holiday chaos.

Embracing the art of saying “no” is not about being a Grinch.

It’s about setting boundaries and making choices that nurture your soul. Isn’t that what the holidays are supposed to be about? It’s about understanding that you don’t have to conform to the expectations of others if it doesn’t serve you. You can still be the Queen of your holidays and the star at gatherings without sacrificing your mental health.

It’s perfectly okay to have a mocktail instead of the numerous alcoholic beverages pushed your way.

You can still be part of a holiday festivity without compromising your values. Enjoying a mocktail or non-alcoholic beverage allows you to engage in conversations and create memorable moments without the negative side effects of alcohol. You can maintain your regular schedule throughout the holidays if you prioritize boundaries and say no! Think of it as a gift to your liver!

By making self-care choices that prioritize your well-being and managing the holidays, you become an example for those around you.

Imagine your kids in the future who are able to actually enjoy the holiday season as adults because of the example you set for them. Your friends and family will see that you’re taking steps to manage stress and if they’re fussy about it, so be it, they’ll see you’re enjoying the holidays with your family not caring about anyone’s opinion.

The truth is that the holiday season should be about being around those you love, cherishing the moments of a beautiful year, and feeling grateful. You don’t experience any of that if you’re spread thin, trying to live up to other’s expectations, and beating up on yourself for not being able to keep up.

Queens, we’re here because we decided that our time matters. Our values matter. Our health matters. Don’t let that change during the holidays. Don’t let anyone shift your focus from being authentically happy, healthy, and whole.

I’m wishing you the most relaxing holiday season. I’ll see you next year!

XOXO,

How I’m not overcommitting this holiday season.

Written by Carrie-Ann Barrow on . Posted in Carrie-Ann Barrow, Finding Purpose, Passion and Prosperity, For Leaders, Personal Development, Professional Development, Prosperity, Purpose, The Queen’s Decree.

Hey Queen,

Ah! It’s time. November. School’s back in session and it’s time to start thinking about hosting dinners, holiday parties, exchanging gifts, and pulling it all off without feeling stressed. Because as always, you have somehow found yourself to be the party planner on top of everything else.

I’ve been there. I still am guilty of overcommitting during the holidays, and this is what I’m doing to actively prevent myself from doing that. I hope these reminders and tips help you stay calibrated and as relaxed as you can this holiday season.

Say NO.

It’s always my number one. I need to be better about saying no, and I’m sure you do too. Remember to keep an updated calendar with all of the obligations that you are happy to take on first. If you find it full and something comes up? DON’T negotiate. Either reallocate your priorities to make room or say you’re not available. It’s never worth the stress and there’s nothing wrong with passing something up or rescheduling to meet up another time.

Celebrate & Strategize.

This time of year is always a whirlwind. So make sure that between the holiday lights and festive tunes, toasts and the turkeys, you take a moment to reflect on your year. Jot down your valuable lessons and inspirational triumphs so you have them for the upcoming year. It’s not just about gearing up for festivities, but also gearing up for a proactive year ahead. Embrace the season as a bridge between valuable past insights and future engaging strategies.

Schedule self-care.

Do you have your budget for self-care? You should! Make sure that the budget is available for you year-round, especially during the holidays when you’ll be spread a little more thin! Make sure you’re taking deep breaths periodically throughout the day, checking in with your heart, taking walks, and having some time alone to read or journal. You need this! Self-care is a necessity, it isn’t a gift.

Laugh.

This may seem obvious… but I tend to forget to just shake things off. Stuff falls through the cracks, mistakes happen, and it’s okay. Nothing needs to be perfect. If you find yourself overwhelmed or feeling guilty, remind yourself of the peace you deserve and watch a funny video.

November is a strange month. We’re just getting into the swing of things with school and then it’s time to shake everything up with the holidays. Queens, don’t sweat it. Life is too short. Stop feeling guilty for actually trying to make the most out of this season.

Oh! You also have my permission to nag your partner, friends, kids, or whoever is in arm’s reach for help, because doing this all solo is so last year.

XOXO,

budgeting self-care

Is self-care in your budget?

Written by Carrie-Ann Barrow on . Posted in Carrie-Ann Barrow, Finding Purpose, Passion and Prosperity, For Leaders, Personal Development, Professional Development, Prosperity, Purpose, The Queen’s Decree.

Queen,

I’m going to talk about something that’s often overlooked, but crucial for your personal and professional journey: budgeting to invest in YOURSELF.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, sticking to your budget, and putting your well-being on the back burner. But here’s the truth: your life, professional and personal, is going to be a marathon. Not a sprint. The reality is that I’ve seen strong women collapse under their own expectations and burnout.

Self-care matters. It improves our mental health, inspires new ideas, and allows us to be clear-headed when turbulent times come – because you know they will!

If you look at your current budget and don’t see a fund for your self-care, that needs to change immediately.

I’ve worked with many strong women who have never considered setting money aside for themselves. They can’t fathom a spa day, a shopping spree, or just scheduling a quiet afternoon to themselves.

I want you to challenge yourself by looking into your income and setting aside 3% of your income for YOU. Whatever that looks like!

Settle your worth, too. Do you believe you’re worth 3% of your salary? Can you fathom setting aside 5% or 10%? This is completely up to you and what your budget allows. My point is that we can spend our entire working careers being spread thin, underappreciated, and pushed to burn out if we don’t look out for ourselves.

Value yourself. Value your time. Value your self-care.

By budgeting for self-care, you’re making a commitment to your own well-being, and that’s a decision that will pay dividends in every aspect of your life. Go ahead, embrace self-care, invest in yourself, and evolve every aspect of your life.

XOXO,

Embrace Your Inner Queen: The Art of Self-Investment

Written by Carrie-Ann Barrow on . Posted in Carrie-Ann Barrow, Finding Purpose, Passion and Prosperity, For Leaders, Personal Development, Professional Development, Prosperity, Purpose, The Queen’s Decree.

Queen,

As the brilliant late summer sun casts its long, golden shadows, I’m reminded that just as nature effortlessly moves through her cycles, we too must embrace the transformative power of self-reflection and growth. Queens, this month, as we anticipate the coming retreat in November, let’s delve deep into what it genuinely means to prioritize ourselves. Investing in oneself isn’t about occasional indulgences; it’s a lifelong commitment to our purpose-driven journey.

Where Do YOU Feature in Your Budget?

When we sit down, pen in hand, to chart out our monthly expenses, do we account for our self-care? Not just the fleeting luxuries but the very essence of self-love and self-growth? In our meticulously planned budgets, it’s time we mark a dedicated space for our mindset nourishment, our visionary aspirations, and our desires to live life on our own terms.

Reflect on this, Queens: If that opulent spa day or that exclusive retreat costs you a mere 5% of your monthly earnings, isn’t that an investment in your well-being, your peace, and your rejuvenation? Isn’t gaining clarity around what you want the ultimate power move?

The Power of the Purse: More Than Just Money

Financial acumen isn’t just about numbers; it’s intertwined with our life’s aspirations. Every dollar you set aside for yourself, be it for a book, a course, a vacation, or even a quiet evening of solitude, echoes a profound mindset — you are valuable, and you deserve it.

A budget line for self-care? It might sound avant-garde to some. Yet, for the Queens who’ve realized that they’re their most significant assets, it’s a non-negotiable. It’s a tangible affirmation of their worth and a testament to their commitment to personal growth, both professional and spiritual.

Self-investment isn’t merely a financial term; it’s a life choice. As autumn unfolds, let us remind ourselves of our worth, bask in our desires, and make intentional choices that align with our heart’s deepest yearnings. After all, to live regally, one must invest in her own crown.

Sincerely,

Let’s Break Up, Social Media – For The Time Being

Written by Carrie-Ann Barrow on . Posted in Taking Control of Your Kingdom, A Queen’s Guide to Self-Care, Bring Out The Queen, Choose Your Velocity, Clarify Your Vision, Determine Your Royal Decree, Developing Queen Confidence, Discover Your Core Values, Finding Purpose, Passion and Prosperity, Finding Regal Fulfillment, Personal Development, Professional Development, Self-Awareness, The Queen’s Decree, The Royal Treatment. No Comments on Let’s Break Up, Social Media – For The Time Being

Hey Queen,

Ever felt like saying, “let’s break up” to social media?

Recently, my teenage son and I were talking about social media – and something he said really struck me.

He talked about how breaks from the social media apps (Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, TikTok and the like) are important – especially when you’re feeling down – because all you see are ways to become a better version of yourself. And that type of perfection is unattainable.

I thought about how many times I’ve felt that way over the course of my life (even pre-social media), and how sad it is that kids today feel that pressure so soon. There was a time when “Keeping up with the Joneses” was an adult-only worry.

Breaking Up With Social Media Provides Perspective

So, Queens, how do you deal with this pressure?

An important part of stepping into your role as Queen of your kingdom is remembering that you are the only one who can fill it – so there is literally no competition. None. Zilch. Zero. There is only one you.

That means you have no reason to compare yourself for not being “as rich as…,” “as fit as…,” “as successful as…,” or any other “as.” My kingdom can only be ruled by me – and I, just as I am, am perfect for the job.

I remind myself of this when I’m feeling the pressure my son described. And through my modeling as a parent, and conversations about his experiences – I remind him that he has agency over his life. He decides what he invests his time and energy into. And yes, he is so, so right. Breaks are important, as is the deep knowing and believing that he is enough.

Give yourself a break, Queen. You deserve it.