March 2013

March 28, 2013

Insurmountable? I Don’t Think So!
What’s the biggest obstacle you’re facing right now? Raising your grade before the semester ends? Managing your finances in a tough economy? Balancing quality time with your family with extra hours at work? Despite our best efforts, life has a way of throwing curve balls our way; sometimes, it can feel like our goals are simply unattainable. So often, our biggest enemy is the girl staring back at us in the mirror. How can the girl looking back at you become your staunchest advocate? Here are some tips…
  • Purchase a pack of post-it notes or a dry erase marker. Challenge yourself to leave an inspiring message on your mirror for you to see in the morning, every night for one week. Relate it to the obstacle you want to overcome. For example: if you’re struggling in a class you want to do well in, write a note that says, “You’re going to ace that exam!” Our thoughts affect our reality.
  • Prioritize. Learn to purposefully make time for what matters most; often, we are less busy than we think we are. Choose your language when choosing what you want to do. Exchange the phrase “I don’t have time” for “It’s not a priority.” Being deliberate with your language reminds you that time spent is a choice made…and if we are more aware of our choices, we can be more aware of ourselves and those around us.
  • Avoid overwhelming yourself. The swiftest way to set yourself up for failure is to be unrealistic. Breathe. Remember you are human and that humans must value humility to succeed. Despite the conflicting messages sent your way by bosses, co-workers, and peers, you needn’t do everything at once.

March 21, 2013

Traveling Turns Your World Around

With summer fast approaching, thoughts of fun-filled vacations are occupying minds everywhere. Summer is a wonderful time to relax and let the cares of the busy world slip away for a while. But just because school isn’t in session doesn’t mean you can’t continue to learn! Be sure to pack these tips on your next trip.

Thankfulness for the experiences you will have and the new memories you’ll create. Time with those closest to you is extremely valuable- spend it wisely and you’ll have memories to smile about for years to come.

Respect for new and different cultures. The quickest way to feel like a local is to embrace the place you’re in as much as possible. Pick up a phrasebook or taste something you’ve never eaten before. Even if you don’t enjoy it, you’ll gain reverence for the place you’ve traveled and the people who occupy it.

Immerse yourself in the excitement of traveling…and imagine the stories you’ll have to tell when you return home!

Positivity! Imbue those you’re traveling with, as well as those you meet on your adventure, with a sense of brightness and self-worth. No human is greater or lesser than any other. Remember this before stamping anyone you meet with a limiting label.

 

March 15, 2013

Lean In!

Sheryl Sandberg is exactly the type of woman who exemplifies what it means to be a Super Girl. At 43, she’s had a lot of experience in the business world and lots of advice to give women who want to forge their own path. Here are two of Sheryl’s tips that resounded with us most…

  • Imagine your career as a jungle gym, not a ladder. Ladders are limiting – you can climb up and down and movement is limited. But a jungle gym allows you to swing from bar to bar, to suspend yourself by one hand, to climb atop one of the bars. Implement creative thinking and expand your possibilities.
  • Make your decisions your own. Keep others in mind, but don’t try to please everyone. You’ll burn out very quickly and the only person who will end up displeased is yourself.

We’d like to add on to Sheryl’s tips here and offer a few of our own for all the Severson Sisters Super Girls or Super Women out there.

  • Get involved at school, in your neighborhood and around your community. When you see something that can be improved – STEP UP and TAKE A STAND to improve it with your own skills!
  • Surround yourself with people who you JIVE with you at your happy-level. Release anyone in your life who will work at keeping you down.
  • Be vocal. When you see someone do or behave in a way you want to celebrate – CELEBRATE IT. We promise you…it will come back around to find you when you least expect it.

 

March 7, 2013

No Negativity, No Nonsense!

As humans, we’re bound to mess up sometimes. The ideal of perfection is one that cannot realistically be achieved by any person; as stated before, it is in our best interests to find perfection in imperfection and joy in the small things. But when the negativity of the world brings you down and problems pile up, it can be hard to see why you’re special. Here are our best tips for constructively dealing with the troubles life throws your way, so you can face them head on like the Super Girl you are.
- Visualizations have been clinically proven to reduce stress and promote feelings of calm. Imagine the Grand Canyon in all its wonder. Then imagine your problems as pennies. Take a penny and toss it down into the canyon. Imagine it disappearing as it falls further and further down. Remember: you have so much more good in your life than bad! In comparison, your life’s problems are naught but a drop in the ocean and will disappear as you continue to expand your life and make new memories.
- When someone criticizes you or something you’ve done, take their words in stride. Perhaps they think you’d be happier with the change they’re suggesting…or maybe they’re unhappy with themselves. Criticism should be constructive – that is, it should build you up so you can make better decisions in the future. If the criticism you receive is harsh and unwarranted, take a moment to write down 5 things you love about yourself. You’ll feel calm and confident in no time.