by Samantha Ettus
Whether you are in a brainstorming rut or feel too exhausted to muster up a germ of imagination, here are five action-oriented steps to propel you to the creativity big leagues:
1. Take a New Route To and From Work
Inventor Scott A. Jones explains, “Doing something different every day gets you in the habit of stretching your behaviors and keeps your brain from…making mind-confining assumptions about how things are supposed to be done.”
2. Give Your Brain a Newton Moment
It is a simple equation: if you have no time to think, there will be no new ideas. Sir Isaac Newton discovered gravity while sitting under an apple tree. Albert Einstein came up with the theory of relativity while riding a bicycle. Take some time away from your desk to think. It could be in the car (with music off) or on a walk outside with your child, but make it happen daily. More on Forbes…
by Samantha Ettus
I recently made a fly-by at a holiday party where I was introduced to a vibrant entrepreneur. In our 15 minute conversation we exchanged a lot of information, a blend of personal and professional. Within two weeks, I set him up on two dates and he set me up with two terrific business contacts. It was the perfect exchange.
Many people, women especially, think of networking as a dirty word. We recoil at the term “network” even if we are already helping people on a daily basis. Yet “networking” is just a business term for “helping with a purpose.” It will add to your value as a professional, a person, and a friend.
You are a networker if you:
1. Set friends up on blind dates (There is a high correlation between people who make professional introductions and those who make personal ones)
2. Regularly introduce friends who don’t know one another. More on Forbes…
by Samantha Ettus
At every age, I have been a bit proud of the year under my belt. But this one is different. My 40th birthday arrives this week and I have become a wreck. I want a party. I don’t want a party. I am sad. I am hysterical. I have everything I have always wanted. I just want to crawl under the covers.
I am often accused of being that woman – the one that appears to have it all together. Whose Facebook page looks like a highlight reel, whose kids look at the camera in synch for the holiday photo, but at the end of the day, we are all busy fighting our own struggles and assuming others’ don’t exist. And I find that working moms especially, worry in silos. We don’t think we have more on Forbes…
by Samantha Ettus
We all like to think of summer as a blur of beach balls and barbecues but once the weekend comes roaring around it can also be filled with pressure to make the most of it. Here, six experts offer advice on how to maximize your summer weekends:
1. Reconnect with Your Partner
Sexologist Logan Levkoff suggests that you, “Be affectionate. Kiss. Really kiss. Optimize the time you have together. A little goes a long way. We often kiss cheeks and talk “at” and not “to” each other. Avoiding that will help you to reconnect.”
2. Make it Family Time
Parenting expert Michele Borba recommends, “Get the kids more on Forbes…
by Samantha Ettus
With mothers on the mind, I asked five moms who manage thriving careers – as an editor, actress, entrepreneur, radio host and reporter, to share their secrets:
Alison Brod, PR Firm Owner, Mom of 2
Bonnie Fuller, Editor, Hollywood Life, Mom of 4
Mel Robbins, Radio Personality, Mom of 3
Katie Rosman, Wall Street Journal Reporter, Mom of 2
Kelly Rutherford, Actress, Gossip Girl, Mom of 2
If you didn’t work, you…
Alison Brod: “This question I can’t comprehend because I can’t imagine not working.”
Bonnie Fuller: “wouldn’t be able to express myself creatively.”
Mel Robbins: “would drive my family insane.”
Katie Rosman: “would be looking for more on Forbes…
by Samantha Ettus
Your life shouldn’t be this hard. You are working, momming, juggling, and you are probably exhausted without a break in sight. If this describes you, take respite in knowing that small lifestyle edits can make great changes.
Here are 8 ways to make tomorrow easier than today:
1. Routinize Your Schedule
Even if you don’t live by a train, act as though you do. Make a daily departure time and proudly stick to it. This makes you more dependable at home and more reliable at the office. Colleagues will steer clear of the 5pm conference call if they know you leave at 5:30 and your family will be more organized if they know when to expect you.
2. Plan Your Dinners
Schedule the week of dinners on Sunday more on Forbes…
by Samantha Ettus
1. Master Your Story
Look at your life as a highlight reel. Connect the dots from the best moments from start until now.
2. Branch Out
Invite a new acquaintance or colleague to join your for lunch or cocktails, or to hear a speaker.
3. Live on the Sunny Side
When you smile the world smiles with you. Be a people magnet with your glass is full attitude.
4. Be Curious
Every person on this planet has more on Forbes…
by Samantha Ettus
As women, we do most of the holiday shopping, the planning, and the stressing. No matter the holiday of choice, we can replace some of the traditional load with greater enjoyment. I hope that these 10 wishes make it your way:
1. That you are surrounded by those who love and respect you.
2. That the snide comments bounce off you.
3. That you accept a hand from your happy-to-help husband or partner.
4. That you ease up on your more on Forbes…
