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Don’t Worry, Everything Will Be Alright
I still don’t know the answers, but I believe everything will be alright, and so far it’s made a huge impact on my life and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
I had to stop worrying before worrying stopped me.
I used to think that a positive mindset meant you were always happy. I thought it meant you just went through life pretending that bad things didn’t happen, and cloudy days were simply not real. For years, I was convinced that in order to have a positive mindset, you could never admit that you were sad or in trouble. Thank God I discovered the truth before it was too late.
A lot of my life has been spent worrying that if I didn’t figure out how to be more positive, I would die without ever having truly lived. I worried about not understanding my dreams or fully knowing my purpose. I worried about feeling alone, especially when I was surrounded by people who said they loved me but never really took the time to get to know me. I was worried that even if I had a vision for my life, I wouldn’t know where to begin, and I probably wouldn’t have enough time to make my dreams come true.
This is going to sound so silly, but please believe me when I say this.
One day, a short while ago, I thought to myself, “what would happen if I just stopped worrying?” I really wanted to know what my life would be like if I just let go of the anxieties and the fears that have served as the majority of my thoughts for such a long time. I actually began to look up some quotes for inspiration and I’ll be honest – I don’t really know who all these people are, but here’s what I found:
“Don't carry worries around," she always says. "They're heavy.” ― Sona Charaipotra
“Don't spend your life wondering "what if" and worrying over something you have no control. What's done is done. Looking backwards will cause you to miss out on new blessings ahead. Move on.” ― Germany Kent
“Don't worry about not doing "it" perfectly right now. It's ok, just keep at it, you will soon settle in it and then you'll be glad you didn't give up.” ― TemitOpe Ibrahim
“Don’t feel guilty about what you didn’t know before; feel proud about the small step you already took by joining this great project.” ― Raad Ammari
“Release the burden. Letting go has all the answers.” ― Hiral Nagda
“Do not come into agreement with fear. Activate your faith, live in victory, speak over your life and expect great things to come your way.” ― Germany Kent
“Fear is nothing but an opportunity to practice Faith.” ― Jeanette Coron
Some of these things sounded faintly familiar, but then again some of these quotes were things I had never heard before. I chose my favorite seven and put them down in my notes app, so I can look at them throughout the week and be reminded that I don’t have to worry anymore. I still don’t know the answers, but I believe everything will be alright, and so far it’s made a huge impact on my life and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
About the Author
Bobby Pogue is a writer who describes theirself as a revisionist recluse and a dreamer in a daze. They recently picked up a love for writing, which led them to join the writers’ room at RFO Collective.
How to Be Assertive, Respectfully
The struggle to be heard or understood is often related to a lack of assertiveness. Today, we are going to focus on three things you can do to be more assertive, while also being respectful of others.
Have you ever felt the urge to tell someone how you really feel, yet you were nervous it might come off as a little too mean? Or maybe you knew what you said was mean, and you said it anyway? Have you ever felt like you needed to assert yourself, yet you were unsure of how to do so while also being respectful of others? If you said yes to any of these questions, then respectfully, this post is for you.
One of the things that connects us all as humans is the universal need to feel seen, heard and valued. An article published to Psychology Today actually explains that “the first experience in each brain… is the sense that you will die if you are not heard.”
I’m sure we all know what it feels like to be unheard from one experience or another in our lives—what are some of the things that keep us from feeling truly heard though?
The fear of someone thinking that what we have to say is unimportant
The fear that what we say will be packaged or perceived as mean
The fear that our feelings are invalid
Trouble with self-expression
The list goes on. The struggle to be heard or understood is often related to a lack of assertiveness. This is not always the case, however, when it is, it is something worth working on. Today, we are going to focus on three things you can do to be more assertive, while also being respectful of others.
Build Self Confidence
What is self confidence? Self confidence is a term that refers to “one’s capacity for believing and trusting in one's own abilities, qualities and judgement.” (The Academic Glossary) You can build self confidence by choosing to believe in yourself.
Of course you will fail. Of course you will make mistakes. That’s life. Self confidence is more of an “all in all” effort than an “all or nothing.” Choose to believe in your ability to say what you mean, and choose to speak what you know or what you believe with authority.
Practise Self-Expression
Self-expression refers to “one's capacity for sharing one's own thoughts, feelings and ideas with others, especially in writing, art, music or dance.” (The Academic Glossary) Being respectfully assertive requires clear and direct communication, which means that you’ll need to be able to accurately express your thoughts and feelings in order for you to get it right.
You can practise self-expression through the arts, through meditation, and in everyday conversations!
Maintain Sensitivity to Others
Sensitivity to others is a universal core competency that refers to “one's capacity for communicating and understanding the feelings and perspectives of others while maintaining balance in one's own decision making and thought process.” (The Academic Blog)
Sometimes, if we’re not careful, we over-sensationalise the idea of being sensitive to the thoughts and feelings of others—so much so that we refrain from ever saying what we truly mean, believe or desire. As you build self confidence and self-expression, remember that being sensitive to others should never stop you from being honest. If anything, it should allow you the freedom to be more transparent, vulnerable and assertive when you speak.
Put these tips to work as you go about your day and see how it feels. Try it out for a month and see how things begin to change in your life. Take your power back, and use your voice.
Why sink when you can SWIM?
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How To Let Go Of The Past
Among the many challenges compounded by one’s decision to live in the past is the barrier to balanced decision making for your present and for your future. Today, let’s look at four action items you can employ to let go of the past and live in the present.
Have you ever felt like your life was on an endless cycle? Like you were stuck on a loop and just couldn’t figure out how to successfully turn the page in your life? Have you ever felt like you just couldn’t let go of the past? In this post, we will explore four action items to help you let go of the past and live in the present.
Living in the past comes with a whole lot of consequences. Take it from certified health coach Karen Ann Kennedy:
“Living in the past is a problem because it robs you of the opportunity to enjoy the present.”
Among the many challenges compounded by one’s decision to live in the past is the barrier to balanced decision making for your present and for your future. Today, let’s look at four action items you can employ to let go of the past and live in the present.
Give Yourself Grace
Have you ever said something mean or belittling to or about yourself? Have you ever been mad at yourself for doing something wrong, or underperforming? Sometimes, if we’re not careful, we hold ourselves back through negative self-talk and other behaviours that convince us of our insufficiency or our ineptitude.
Give yourself grace.
Maybe you woke up late this morning because your body needed some extra rest. Give yourself grace. Maybe you spent a little more than you had planned for this month, and now you will have to restructure your finances in order to meet your goals this season. Give yourself grace. Maybe you said something unnecessarily harsh about someone else, or passed judgement a little too quickly instead of working to understand the situation better. Give yourself grace.
Everyday we are presented with new opportunities to learn, grow and improve as individuals. In order for that to happen, we have to uproot the behaviours that tell us we are unworthy of that growth or that progress, and we must provide ourselves a safe space to bloom.
Choose to Be Present
All your feelings are valid. They all have context and purpose because they all come from something, someone or somewhere. Your feelings are legitimate, but they are not good leaders. As a sentient being with the power to make up your own mind, it is your responsibility to manage your emotions and decide what you will believe and do in each moment of life. If it sounds like a lot, well… that’s because it is.
Choosing to be present puts the power back in your hands. When we choose to avoid conflict, difficult situations and big decisions, we deceive ourselves and give into delusions of inferiority where we play the role of someone who is incapable of rising above their life’s problems. When we decide to be present, we are able to balance the reality of what is happening with our desire and our ability to create change.
Feel your feelings. Communicate your experiences. Build understanding and progress towards your dreams through mindfulness and intention.
Choose to Build Positivity
Research has found that on average it takes five positive experiences to counteract one negative experience. That seems like a really challenging statistic in the face of what would seem to be a non-stop barrage of negativity in the world today. Fortunately, we have the power to build experiences of positivity.
The key to succeeding in this area is to build positivity without fear or worry of experiencing negativity. Don’t wait until something bad happens to try and turn it around while you’re feeling down. Start building positivity in your work, your education, your finances and your relationships now. And whatever you do, keep going. Never stop building positivity while you are able.
Hold Yourself Accountable
Grace means nothing without accountability. The universe, as we understand it, operates on cause and effect. That means there are consequences for the choices you make, the words you say and the actions you take. Get clear about your values and your objectives in life, and hold yourself accountable to making them happen.
Hopefully with this post you are inspired to take action and be present more in life! After all…
Why sink when you can SWIM?
Three Ways Serena Williams Impacted GOAT Culture
You don’t become the most valuable player by happenstance.
You don’t become the most valuable player by happenstance.
Over the last couple of days, we’ve seen publication after publication calling attention to Serena Williams—a brilliant athlete with a tennis career consistent of 23 Grand Slams and spanning nearly three decades. From photo posts, to video features, collected words of admiration and even some pointed criticism, it seems like everyone had something to say. Over here, we’ve just been taking it all in. The massive career. The oxymoronic reality of being the GOAT and also being eliminated in your final match. The undeniable influence of a real life champion.
Ultimately there are three key takeaways that we’ve been able to see through it all—three major ways in which Serena Williams impacted GOAT culture.
GOAT = Greatest Of All Time (Urban Dictionary, 2004)
01 – Clarity
Repetition Compulsion is a condition where someone feels the need to constantly return to an experience from the past. It is often brought up to explain the behaviour of someone who appears to inexplicably reinvite previously endured pains or traumas into their lives, however, it is best understood as a byproduct of the human tendency to dwell in familiarity. One of the unique qualities of this condition is the particular cloud of confusion that tends to settle in the minds of those impacted by it.
When it comes to GOAT culture, we’ve seen repetition compulsion play out in many different ways. Certainly in entertainment, and certainly in sports. But as country music star Eric Church would say, “it’s over when it’s over.” And as Serena made the announcement in her Vogue essay that she was “evolving away from tennis,” we got to see the kind of clarity that we don’t often see with stars of her magnitude let alone within ourselves. She was sad, but she was certain of what was good and right for her and her family.
02 – Confidence
Many notable figures including Jelena Ostapenko, President Joe Biden and Tiger Woods have made public remarks for Serena Williams since the close of what would be her final match.
"Serena Williams, what an amazing champion you are and what an amazing athlete and person! Role model for so many of us. Tennis is gonna miss you so much! Wishing you all the best in your next chapter of life," — Jelena Ostapenko
“.@SerenaWilliams, you’re an inspiration, a champion of all time.
Thank you for dreaming, daring, and proving that anything is possible.” — President Joe Biden
“@serenawilliams you're literally the greatest on and off the court. Thank you for inspiring all of us to pursue our dreams. I love you little sis!!!!!!” — Tiger Woods
The key takeaway for us in these remarks, and the articles that surround them, is that even though she was eliminated after losing her final match, the win within seemed bigger than everything else. The amount of gratitude Serena has expressed. The amount of resolve she is conveyed. The amount of love poured out from the greats in various different industries and professions. Serena Williams has influenced millions of people to embrace confidence; to believe in themselves and trust that they are capable of making the right decisions in their lives.
“Serena, THANK YOU. It is because of you I believe in this dream. The impact you’ve had on me goes beyond any words that can be put together and for that I say thank you, thank you, thank you, GOAT!” — Coco Gauff
“Congratulations, Serena, for your heart, skill, intelligence, dedication, and grace. Few athletes have inspired more people both in and beyond their sport!” — President Barack Obama
03 – Consistency
Last and certainly not least, another way in which Serena Williams has impacted GOAT culture is with her consistency. Two core values that have remained very close to her heart throughout her life are family and faith. Serena has mentioned on many occasions how important it is to spend time with her loved ones, and make space to continually build her faith and grow spiritually.
As a number of people cited her impact, influence and inspiration being just as meaningful off court as on, perhaps this is something that’s come to mind.
However you put it, Serena Williams is one of the greatest champions we’ve seen in many years. May she continue to pursue her dreams with clarity, confidence and consistency, and in all the ups and downs this life has to offer, may she continue to rise.
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JOB DESCRIPTION – AFFILIATE MARKETER
Create, curate and regularly publish content introducing an independently grown and managed audience to academy courses and products.
OVERVIEW + KEY CONTRIBUTIONS
Create, curate and regularly publish content introducing an independently grown and managed audience to academy courses and products. Our courses are designed to resource the next generation of independent learners and thinkers with the tools they need to succeed in life. Affiliates publish content and report insights to communicate needs and best practices on a regular basis. Qualified candidates must have a demonstrable passion for empowering others and helping them succeed!
QUALIFICATIONS
1-2 years social media experience required
Excellent time management required
Content creation experience a plus
Affiliate experience a plus
COMPENSATION
$1,738.50 - $4,346.25 per month (commission-based)
TIME COMMITMENT
03-05 hours per week, self-determined schedule
JOB DESCRIPTION – DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST
Help build brand awareness in the market by fostering good relationships and communications with various different publishers and publications.
OVERVIEW + KEY CONTRIBUTIONS
Help build brand awareness in the market by fostering good relationships and communications with various different publishers and publications. Successful candidates will have a clear understanding of the mission at SEA, and a strong outgoing personality that is inviting to other media personalities and organisations.
QUALIFICATIONS
1-2 years communications experience required
Must be able to complete work on time, always
Previous digital marketing experience a plus
SEO experience a plus
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$1,303.88 - $3,259.69 per month
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20-35 hours per week
JOB DESCRIPTION – SEO SPECIALIST
Help modify on and off page data (including but not limited to Headings, body content, meta data, URL slugs, etc.) on company websites and online platforms, panels and databases to improve search engine ranking and drive organic traffic for conversion.
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Help modify on and off page data (including but not limited to Headings, body content, meta data, URL slugs, etc.) on company websites and online platforms, panels and databases to improve search engine ranking and drive organic traffic for conversion.
QUALIFICATIONS
1-2 years SEO experience required
Must be able to complete work on time, always
Previous digital marketing experience a plus
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$1,593.63 - $3,984.06 per month
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20-35 hours per week
JOB DESCRIPTION – VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
Virtual Assistants are the backbone of every operation in a trailblazing company.
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Virtual Assistants are the backbone of every operation in a trailblazing company. Here, they are helpful in each department as needed. Not necessarily an expert in everything, they are at least willing to discover how they can help make each operation they participate in successful.
QUALIFICATIONS
1-3 years communications experience required
Must be able to complete work on time, always
Previous virtual assistant experience a plus
Previous data analysis experience a plus
Previous leadership experience a plus
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$2,028.25 - $5,070.63 per month
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JOB DESCRIPTION – SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETER
Help manage the image of the company on social media platforms.
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Help manage the image of the company on social media platforms. This includes, but is not limited to, publishing content, interacting with others virtually, and analysing, reporting or monitoring insights on a regular basis.
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1-2 years communications experience required
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JOB DESCRIPTION – CONTENT WRITER
Help prepare, proof and publish written content from the academy.
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Help prepare, proof and publish written content from the academy, including but not limited to informational, instructional, legal and other. Work closely with virtual instructors and the community growth director to ensure quality, accuracy and authority of all written content.
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1-2 years proofreading experience required
1-2 years blogging experience preferred
Experience working in education a plus
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JOB DESCRIPTION – DATA ENTRY SPECIALIST
Help build the databases used by our recruitment, marketing and community growth teams. Data Entry Specialists at SEA are focused on creating actionable opportunities for positive connections to bloom.
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Help build the databases used by our recruitment, marketing and community growth teams. Data Entry Specialists at SEA are focused on creating actionable opportunities for positive connections to bloom.
QUALIFICATIONS
1-2 years communications experience required
Must be able to complete work on time, always
Data entry experience a plus
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$579.50 - $1,448.75 per month
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JOB DESCRIPTION – VIRTUAL INTERN
Virtual internships at SEA are designed to help aspiring professionals gain the practical skills and experiences needed in order to perform well in the workforce and reach their goals. Each internship is a standard 10-12 week term, where interns will have an opportunity to learn and develop in communications, operations and data management.
OVERVIEW + KEY CONTRIBUTIONS
Virtual internships at SEA are designed to help aspiring professionals gain the practical skills and experiences needed in order to perform well in the workforce and reach their goals. Each internship is a standard 10-12 week term, where interns will have an opportunity to learn and develop in communications, operations and data management.
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Open to high school graduates, college students and college graduates
Open to candidates looking to build professional skills
Must have excellent time management skills
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This is an unpaid internship with the option to receive commissions.
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10-25 hours per week, part time
35-40 hours per week, full time
Waking Up In the Morning, Thinking About How Grateful I Am to Still be Alive
I hope this story will inspire you to rethink the way you start your day, whatever time your day begins. Choose gratitude and see how the universe responds.
I changed my morning routine and it changed my life.
A wise woman once told me that “everyday above ground is a blessing,” and I really felt that. You know, it’s not always easy trying to get through everyday life. Time moves way too fast, most people let you down, and I never seem to have enough money. Still, I must say I’m grateful.
I’m grateful that even though time moves way too fast, if I make up my mind, I can be present in each moment it brings. I’m grateful that even though most people have let me down or left me behind, there are a few who haven’t. Those people who stand by you through thick and thin are worth more than any number of people who choose to stand against you. I’m also grateful that even though I never seem to have enough money for all the things I want, I know that at the end of the day I will at least have access to the things I really need.
Sometimes we get so caught up in the things we dislike about our lives that we forget about all the goodness that surrounds us. I’m not writing this to say that you should just go about your day pretending bad things aren’t real, that they don’t happen or that they don’t have meaning. I’m simply saying that if we’re not careful we’ll begin to give them too much attention, significance and power in our lives.
Waking up in the morning, thinking about how I’m grateful to still be alive gives me the courage to face each day as a new beginning full of positive potential. I already know that there will be things I like and dislike about the day ahead, so it sort of gives me the heads up so I can game plan and be intentional with my time and my energy.
Starting each day with gratitude has been wonderful, but it wasn’t always this way. I used to get up (super late) every morning with nothing but sadness in my heart, because I just felt like life was too hard to handle. It wasn’t until mid-2020, when Beyoncé released “MOOD 4 EVA” from The Lion King: The Gift [Deluxe Edition], proclaiming that “everyday above ground is a blessing,” that I was released from the shackles of this miserable routine.
I hope this story will inspire you to rethink the way you start your day, whatever time your day begins. Choose gratitude and see how the universe responds.
About the Author
Emily Ginsenburg is a young author, obsessive journalist and meme enthusiast. Follow her on Instagram @emilyginsenburg.
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How to Respect People You Dislike
At the end of the day, we are all human. Fortunately, you don’t have to allow something you dislike to take up so much of your time. Leverage this advice to move on to bigger and better things. Why sink when you can SWIM?
Let’s be honest. At some point or another you’ve either done, said or thought something that wasn’t nice. No need to confess it! We already know, because we’re human, just like you. But if you’ve ever had a hard time treating someone you dislike with respect, then this post is for you.
Before diving into today’s topic, let’s just start off by clearing up one thing. The vast majority of things we like and dislike about ourselves and other folx in our lives come from associated behaviours. Think of your favourite artist, teacher, motivational speaker, writer, business owner or manager, family members and friends.
“I like Sharon because she always greets people with a smile on her face.”
“I’m in love with Charlie’s sense of style. I just adore it so much!”
“The way Abel SLID on “Best Friends” literally changed my life. I will always love him for this.”
“I really can’t stand the way Justin feels the need to over explain every little thing we do in the office, and I just wish he’d stop talking sometimes.”
“I strongly dislike Sammy, because they never show up on time to anything, and they always think it’s okay and no one’s gonna notice because they look cute and they brought wine. It’s like, of course, I’m gonna enjoy the wine, but I don’t care about your outfit and I don’t want to hear why you were five hours late to the function… again!”
Spotlighting a condensed excerpt from psychology professor, Dr. Donald A. Laird’s Why We Like Some People and Don’t Like Others (published in 1931), co-authors Brett and Kate McKay published an article that describes a common list of behavioural traits that could be deemed as determining factors in whether a person is going to be liked or disliked. The list covers everything from cleanliness to humour, anger, gossip and generosity, and gives additional insight or advice on some of the more nuanced traits. Certainly if you read through this list, you found some things that remind you of others, and if you’re honest you probably found a few things that remind you of yourself too. Right? Right.
In another article published to Psychology Today by author and teacher, Beverly D. Flaxington, we’re reminded of one of the greatest behavioural research tools ever invented—DISC. The DISC tool is perhaps the most comprehensive tool known to date, as it has been used and relied on for many years, and in many countries across the world.
D stands for Dominance.
I stands for Influencing.
S stands for Steadiness.
C stands for Compliance.
Using this tool can help you to better understand yourself and others, as well as why you may or may not like someone both now and in the future. But not everyone will have the time or the resources to use this tool to its fullest potential, which is why we created this post.
We can safely assume that it is virtually impossible for you to make it through this life without encountering someone you dislike. However, disliking someone is not a warrant for disrespect. Here are some ways you can still respect someone you dislike:
Limit your interactions with that person
Refrain from discussing this person unnecessarily
Unfollow or unfriend them on social media
Stop consuming the content this person creates
At the end of the day, we are all human. We each have our own unique thoughts, perspectives and personal interests, and yes, sometimes we will encounter people we dislike. But why allow something you dislike to take up so much of your time when you can literally move on to bigger and better things?
Why sink when you can SWIM?
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How to Stop Procrastinating.
You are more powerful than your procrastination. Take back your power with this advice. Why sink when you can SWIM?
Have you ever struggled with procrastination? Put off something important and then just never got back to it? Do you ever start something new only to abandon it prematurely? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this post is for you.
Raise your hand if you identify as a procrastinator. Maybe you’ve been putting off certain responsibilities at work, in your relationships or with your dreams. Whatever the case may be, procrastination presents additional challenges in our lives when they keep us from accomplishing our goals and moving forward or being productive.
By the way, if you raised your hand just now, don’t worry—you’re far from alone.
According to the American Psychological Association, approximately 20% of the United States adult population is living with chronic procrastination. From routinely slapping the snooze button each morning instead of getting up on time, to saving important communications and action items until the last minute possible to complete, millions of people procrastinate each day with little to no hope of improving their lives. Fortunately, there is still hope. Especially if you feel like you’ve been procrastinating because of fear, anxiety, insecurity or uncertainty.
Shift your perspective.
Today, if you’re struggling with procrastination somewhere in your life, you can change the way you handle the situations you face by simply changing the way you look at them.
Instead of dreading getting up in the morning, choose to focus on what positive experiences you have to look forward to that day. Right? And if you feel like you have nothing to look forward to, take the time to brainstorm how you can create something to look forward to during each day or somewhere in your week.
If you’re holding off on filing your taxes because you’re dreading the numbers and the fees involved in the process, take a moment to pause and really think about how your decision to procrastinate with this responsibility is impacting this and other areas of your life. The longer you put off the things you’re supposed to do, the longer you sit with discomfort around the fact that eventually it must get done. And if you’re choosing to complain about something whilst doing absolutely nothing to change your situation, then you’ve chosen to be a victim without hope of experiencing positive change.
Instead of wallowing in misery about something you cannot change, build the courage and the confidence to do what is required of you in a timely manner, and see how your life transforms. You may need some guidance! You may need some help and accountability along the way. Nevertheless, if it is something you desire, then it is something you can have. You are more powerful than your procrastination. Take back your power.
Why sink when you can SWIM?
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Nicki Minaj Advocates For Mental Health During 2022 Video Music Awards Show
The “Super Freaky Girl” rapper urged people to “take mental health seriously.”
On Sunday Night August 28, 2022, the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award was presented to its 34th recipient; rap superstar Nicki Minaj. Minaj has a career spanning more than a decade, and currently reigns as the highest selling female rapper of all time.
During her speech on Sunday, where she stood on stage surrounded by adoring fans, Nicki shared a message from her heart, that she wishes people “would take mental health seriously.” In and of itself at that moment, the message was well received. The crowd broke out into a roarous approval at once, but what stood out to me and I really appreciated was that she didn’t stop there.
“I wish that people took mental health seriously — even for the people that you think have the perfect lives.”
Even for the people that you think have the perfect lives.
Wow.
Sometimes, when we discuss the topic of mental health, if we’re not careful we begin to judge others who don’t appear to be dealing with the same mental health challenges as us in a way that we understand or accept. Some people are of the mind that rich people and celebrities have a certain privilege that precludes them from the experience of mental health challenges, disorders and illnesses, when that is simply untrue.
Perhaps one day we will accept that in order to understand the experience of another human being, regardless of who they are or where they come from, we must give them space. Space where they will feel free to communicate the truth of their experiences, feelings and beliefs without fear or retaliation or shame.
Thank you, Nicki Minaj, for using your platform to remind us all how important it is that we exercise accurate listening skills, empathy and sensitivity instead of prejudging or excluding others because of our unwillingness to take mental health seriously.
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The Complete List of Universal Core Competencies.
We know how challenging it can be at times to keep track of core competencies, so we’ve compiled the full list here in one central place.
We know how challenging it can be at times to keep track of core competencies, so we’ve compiled the full list here in one central place. Ideally this post will satisfy any curiosities you might have about the complete list of universal core competencies, however, if you should have any questions, please feel free to contact us or click here.
What is a universal core competency?
A universal core competency is a noun that refers to one's capacity to demonstrate an ability or a skill. Applicable in almost any aspect of life, a universal core competency is useful in, yet unrestricted by the context of a specific job or job function. (The Academic Glossary) In this post, we will explore each of the 95 universal core competencies, and exactly what they mean.
Here is the complete list of universal core competencies.
Explore courses at SEA designed to help develop universal core competencies at the end of the list.
Ability to Follow Directions
One's capacity for aligning one's actions with the instructions or the requests of another person, especially in a professional, medical, religious, governmental or academic setting.
Accountability for Others
One's capacity for actively embracing responsibility for the actions of others under one's management (i.e. team, class and family members).
Accountability for Self
One's capacity for actively embracing responsibility for one's own actions.
Accurate Listening
One's capacity for exercising a willingness to hear what others are actually saying instead of what one believes others will or should say, or what one believes others may have meant.
Admonishing Others
One's capacity for confronting inconsistency, innacurracy, controversy and dishonesty, especially in interpersonal relationships.
Aesthetic Awareness
One's capacity for demonstrating an awareness of and conscious skill with visual composition and perceived beauty in nature and/or design.
Attention to Detail
One's capacity for displaying an ability to perceive and communicate various different parts of something.
Awareness of Motivational Needs
One's capacity for perceiving, understanding and communicating that which drives a person to take action towards a goal or a directive.
Awareness of Others
One's capacity for seeing beyond one's self to observe and understand the existence, the objective qualities, the needs and the interests of others.
Awareness of Self
One's capacity for observing and understanding one's own existence, objective qualities, individual needs and interests.
Balanced Decision Making
One's capacity for objectively evaluating available options against desired objectives and potential outcomes, and selecting a course of action with confidence and resolve.
Belongingness
One's capacity for being or feeling they are a part of a particular group.
Collaboration
One's capacity for cooperating and taking action with others, especially in the process or the creation of something.
Commitment
One's capacity for developing and maintaining loyalty, especially to a task or a person.
Commitment to the Task at Hand
One's capacity for maintaining loyalty to carrying out the responsibilities of the role that was assigned, especially in a professional, academic, religious or governmental setting.
Communication
One's capacity for expressing one's own thoughts and ideas in an effective manner.
Competitiveness
One's capacity for developing and maintaining skills and competencies that are objectively superior to those of one's peers.
Comprehension
One's capacity for practising the ability to understand.
Conceptual Thinking
One's capacity for successfully evaluating abstract and nonlinear ideas, processes and organisations in an accurate and dependable manner.
Concrete Thinking
One's capacity for understanding and managing immediate, tangible and common needs, facts, thoughts and ideas.
Consistency and Reliability
One's capacity for developing a dependable work ethic in such life areas inclusive of personal, academic, religious and professional commitments.
Conveying Role Value
One's capacity for leveraging a myriad of skills and individual contributions to effectively communicate the significance of a particular job to the organisation.
Creativity
One's capacity for applying the use of one's imagination or original thoughts and ideas, especially in the production of art.
Customer Oriented Mindset
One's capacity for placing their focus on the patron of a business, especially in an effort to ensure satisfaction with the goods and services provided by the business.
Data Analysis
One's capacity for demonstrating skillfulness in managing and interpreting data in an accurate and timely manner.
Developing Others
One's capacity for leveraging a conscious awareness of the needs, interests, skills and competencies of others to effectively influence growth and improvement, especially in their professional or academic performance.
Directing Emotions
One's capacity for managing one's relationships with various different feelings in order to make more objective observations and rational decisions, especially when faced with stressful or otherwise high pressure situations.
Empathy
One's capacity for observing, understanding and actively sharing the feelings and perspectives of others.
Evaluating Others
One's capacity for accurately and objectively observing, understanding and communicating the performance and impact of others based on their words and actions.
Flexibility
One's capacity for demonstrating an ability and a willingness to adapt or respond to change with minimal resistance.
Foresight
One's capacity for taking action on the estimation of what will happen or be needed in the future.
Goal Oriented Mindset
One's capacity for maintaining focus on and taking definitive action towards a desired or expected end, regardless of their circumstance.
Humility
One's capacity for viewing one's self without pride or arrogance.
Impartiality
One's capacity for exercising fairness in dealing with others without the conscious use of explicit or implicit bias.
Initiative
One's capacity for making decisions and taking action before or without the direction or input of others.
Integrative Ability
One's capacity for being able and willing to observe and communicate various different factors of a situation in order to better understand the situation as a whole, especially when solving a problem.
Integrity
One's capacity for maintaining internal consistency and employing the practise of truthfulness in one's words and actions.
Internal / Personal Commitment
One's capacity for developing and maintaining loyalty, specifically within one's self and without external influences.
Interpersonal Relationships
One's capacity for developing and maintaining prolonged positive connections with other people.
Intuitive Decision Making
One's capacity for an ability to accurately judge a situation and resolve to take action without conscious reasoning.
Leadership of Others
One's capacity for organising, influencing and directing others.
Literacy
One's capacity for reading and writing, demonstrating competence.
Long Term Planning
One's capacity for identifying goals that may be accomplished over an extended period of time, and devising intelligent plans to reach their objectives.
Objective Listening
One's capacity for hearing what others have to say without employing the use of explicit or implicit bias.
Observation of Others
One's capacity for watching and listening to others in an objective manner in order to develop a fuller understanding of their identity, their ability and their performance.
Organisation
One's capacity for taking an efficient and orderly approach to a task.
Persistence
One's capacity for maintaining a goal oriented mindset, getting back up to try again, especially after facing adversity and failure.
Personal Drive
One's capacity for feeling and adhering to a compulsion to achieve or accomplish something.
Personal Relationships
One's capacity for building and maintaining interpersonal connections outside the structure of a professional, academic, religious or governmental setting.
Persuading Others
One's capacity for influencing others to think, speak or act in any particular way.
Political Drive
One's capacity for feeling and adhering to a compulsion to achieve or accomplish something related to a policy that will have an impact in the lives of others.
Positive Attitude
One's capacity for consciously employing a thought process that encourages the production of confidence and clarity in real life experiences through words and actions.
Practical Thinking
One's capacity for determining how one might adapt to or change their environment in order to pursue and accomplish a goal.
Presence
One's capacity for being physicially, mentally and emotionally present, without being distracted by what was or what is to come.
Proactive Thinking
One's capacity for contemplating the implications of a current course of action to better understand and communicate what might happen as a result of the decisions one makes.
Problem / Situation Analysis
One's capacity for observing, understanding, prioritising and communicating various different components of a situation or adverse circumstance.
Problem Management
One's capacity for accurately contextualising problematic words, events and activities, so as to better understand what is happening in any particular situation.
Problem Solving Ability
One's capacity for understanding and communicating an issue, contemplating and communicating potential solutions, and taking definitive action towards resolving the issue at hand.
Project Scheduling
One's capacity for effectively handling one's schedule and actions to ensure they are exactly where they need to be when they need to be there, especially in the context of an event or a project.
Quality Oriented Mindset
One's capacity for focusing on the value or condition of a project, product or service, with a commitment to rid the item of any flaws.
Realistic Expectations
One's capacity for believing in an objectively reasonable or practical potential outcome, especially with one's self or with other people.
Realistic Goal-Setting for Others
One's capacity for developing immediate, seasonal, short-term or long-term objectives that are actionable, practical and relevant to the abilities and interests of others.
Realistic Personal Goal-Setting
One's capacity for developing immediate, seasonal, short-term or long-term objectives that are actionable, practical and relevant to one's own abilities and interests.
Rejection Management
One's capacity for navigating the experience of being refused or otherwise told no, especially as it relates to maintaining composure and making balanced decisions.
Resourcefulness
One's capacity for discovering efficient solutions to various different problems.
Respect for Policies
One's capacity for honouring an established set of rules and guidelines, especially in a professional, academic, religious or governmental setting.
Respect for Property
One's capacity for honouring that which belongs to others.
Results Oriented Mindset
One's capacity for focusing on the outcome of one's words and actions, including the accuracy and the timeliness of one's performance.
Role Awareness
One's capacity for observing and understanding one's own position, potential and performance in the world or the environment they currently occupy, including any expectations one may be responsible for meeting.
Role Confidence
One's capacity for belieiving in one's own ability to succeed in their current position, in any area of life.
Satisfaction of Standards
One's capacity for demonstrating sufficient understanding of performance requirements, and meeting those requirements with the results of one's own words and actions.
Selection
One's capacity for narrowing from a wider range of options.
Self Confidence
One's capacity for believing and trusting in one's own abilities, qualities and judgement.
Self Control
One's capacity for maintaining responsibility for and authority over one's own beliefs, words and actions.
Self Esteem
One's capacity for perceiving and respecting one's own inherent value.
Self-Assessment
One's capacity for observing, understanding and accurately judging the quality of one's own skills and abilities based on their performance.
Self-Direction
One's capacity for exercising authority and initiative over one's self .
Self-Discipline and Sense of Duty
One's capacity for making values-based decisions instead of being led by one's emotions, especially when faced with situations that encourage impulsivity or emotional distress.
Self-Expression
One's capacity for sharing one's own thoughts, feelings and ideas with others, especially in writing, art, music or dance.
Self-Improvement
One's capacity for taking definitive action towards enhancing one's own knowledge, status or character.
Sense of Timing
One's capacity for accurately perceiving and assessing information in a way that allows one to make decisions and take action in a timely manner.
Sensitivity to Others
One's capacity for communicating and understanding the feelings and perspectives of others while maintaining balance in one's own decision making and thought process.
Social Awareness
One's capacity for accurately perceiving and understanding the nonverbal communications of others.
Social Drive
One's capacity for feeling and adhering to a compulsion to achieve or accomplish something related to serving and connecting with others.
Specificity
One's capacity for being able to communicate clearly with reference to key or concrete details and resources.
Stress Management
One's capacity for handling difficult or high pressure situations without being controlled by one's own emotions.
Surrenderance of Control
One's capacity for participating in events under the authority or direction of others.
Theoretical Drive
One's capacity for feeling and adhering to a compulsion to achieve or accomplish something related to the application of specialised knowledge and intellectual growth.
Theoretical Problem Solving
One's capacity for contemplating potential solutions to hypothetical issues.
Traditional / Regulatory Drive
One's capacity for feeling and adhering to a compulsion to achieve or accomplish something related to principle.
Truthfulness
One's capacity for committing to and actively practising honesty, to the extent that one would demonstrate a significant level of respect for clarity, structure and consistency for one's self, one's interpersonal relationships, and the larger society.
Urgency
One's capacity for taking immediate action.
Use of Common Sense
One's capacity for applying sound judgement to practical matters.
Utilitarian / Economic Drive
One's capacity for feeling and adhering to a compulsion to achieve or accomplish something when one can expect to be rewarded for the investment of one's time, talent and resources.
Versatility
One's capacity for adapting to various different functions.
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