Hiiii, welcome! I used to be the president of the “I’ll be happy once X happens” club!!

In this article, we’re going to cover how to stop putting off your happiness until you cross the next finish line, so you can start living (& enjoying) your life now instead of later. 

Sound like a plan?

Being achievement-oriented has gotten a bad rap in the personal development world over the last couple of years.

As we start critically examining the patriarchy and how it’s shaped our everyday lives, working, doing, and hustling are demonized.

Our culture tends to look at things through an all-or-nothing lens. So while there’s been a more significant focus on slowness, mindful living, and being (instead of doing), it’s also made people think that hustling or achieving is no bueno.

That’s not exactly true.

The point isn’t that you should give up your dreams, never set a goal again, and commit to being a couch potato, because GOD FORBID you work hard on something.

It’s about untangling achievements with your identity and sense of self. Because for a lot of us, achievement became less about what we do and more about who we are.

What you accomplish isn’t meant to define you. 

What it IS supposed to do, is give you healthy goals to strive for because you like them, it’s an enjoyable way to spend your time, and achieving them is an added bonus.

If you feel exhausted by your goals and what it takes to achieve them, it’s time to examine your relationship with achievement.

Things to consider:

1. Why do you want what you want?

I’ll give you a hint — the only reason we do or don’t do anything comes back to emotions.

For example, if you want to hit 10k followers on Instagram, have 100k in your bank account, or quit your full-time job, your desire has little to do with achieving those things, and everything to do with how you think achieving those things will make you feel.

So the better question is, how do you want to feel? 

Another consideration: what do you feel currently that you no longer want to feel?

If you crave safety and security by having 100k in your savings account, you most likely feel the opposite way now — maybe looking at your finances makes you feel unsafe, unsupported, or ungrounded.

An enlightening starting place is to identify how you feel, what you hope the next box checked will help you feel instead, and what you think prevents you from feeling that way now.

Another thing to get honest about: do you want this for you? Or because you want to manipulate how others see you?

Many people have a subconscious belief that achievement is what gains respect, love, admiration, and belonging (and that we aren’t good enough as-is).

We become invested in having what we want so that others will perceive us in a certain way.

Our egos love that, because it thinks we’re creating a buffer around rejection and disappointment — in reality, it’s not true.

Think about your goals and the things you want to achieve. Let’s say you are guaranteed to get what you want, but there’s a catch – you’d never be able to tell anyone about it. Not a soul. Ever.

Would you still want it? Would it still be important to you if it was all grind and no glory?

2. Circumstances won’t change how you feel

Is it easier to be happy when you have the house of your dreams, a doting and loving partner, money in the bank, and a snatched body?

Do those circumstances naturally produce better feelings than living in a cramped apartment with a roommate you hate because they never put their dishes away, going on your 7th failed hinge date this month, an empty bank account, and unwanted chin hairs? 

Maybe.

But what’s also true is that your brain has consistent beliefs about the world.

If your subconscious belief is “the next [goal I hit] will FINALLY make me feel [the emotion I want],” you will carry that with you everywhere. 

If you change your circumstances without changing your beliefs, your feelings won’t change either.

They might temporarily, but when the high of getting what you want wears off, it’s back to “well.. what’s next?”

It’s why people who thought getting rich and famous was the key to everything get what they want and still feel lonely.

It’s why women can lose 40 pounds and have their dream body, but still don’t feel good enough.

The only way to have the feelings you want later is to create them now (I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I don’t make the rules!).

What’s ONE thing you can do today to create your desired feeling? If you want to feel safe with money, what’s an action you can start and complete today to make that happen?

Is it transferring $5 to savings? Is it opening a high-yield savings account? Is it keeping $100 in cash in your wallet?

Maybe it’s not about money, and you want to feel safe by snuggling up on the couch with your favorite blanket and watching your favorite show for the 100th time.

The feeling of safety is the same no matter how you trigger it, so whatever makes you feel safe, do it! 

And at the risk of you wanting to slap me through the screen, my best advice is…

3. Fall in love with the process

I KNOW it’s cliche, but it’s a cliche for a reason. 

(Warning: tough love reality check incoming)

If you keep happiness locked away in the next box you check, you will spend 95% of your time hating where you are and 5% riding the high of whatever achievement you hit.

And that’s how you’ll spend your life until one day you wake up and realize you spent all of your life waiting to live instead of actually living.

Yikes, right?

I spent 25 of my years living that way. I’m so thankful I’ve changed my perspective, but I also kick myself for letting my ego call the shots for that long.

Today is all we have. So get out there and do something with your time that makes you feel alive.

You don’t have to stop dreaming, and you don’t have to stop achieving. But stop making that all you do.

Make the process as fun as the goal, so that when you finish, it’s just the cherry on top. Because you know that you lived, learned, and had a ton of fun along the way. Because that’s what it’s all about, anyway!

That doesn’t mean the journey is always easy — toxic positivity is never the goal.

It only means you stay present and commit to making the process as good (and hopefully better!) than the outcome.

In this article, we’ll explore specific blogging tips for each Enneagram type, empowering you to create compelling and effective content that resonates with your target audience. Whether you’re a perfectionist, helper, achiever, individualist, investigator, loyalist, enthusiast, challenger, or peacemaker, there’s a blogging tip just for you.

Type 1 – The Perfectionist: Done Over Perfect and Give Us Structure

If you are a perfectionist, you might struggle with publishing blog posts that are not perfect. However, it’s important to remember that perfectionism can hinder progress. Try to focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your audience, but don’t get too caught up in the details.

You value accuracy and thoroughness. When blogging for your business, focus on providing actionable advice and well-structured content. Break down complex topics into clear steps, and include practical tips and guidelines.

Use headings, bullet points, and subheadings to organize your content, ensuring it is easy to navigate and digest. This approach appeals to your desire for order and delivers valuable information to your readers.

Type 2 – The Helper: Engage with Your Audience and Encourage Convos

As a helper, you enjoy supporting others and providing value. Use your natural empathy and understanding to create blog posts that address your audience’s pain points and needs. Share your knowledge and expertise to help others grow and succeed.

You thrive on building connections and assisting others. Use your blog as a platform to engage with your audience. Encourage comments, questions, and feedback, and make an effort to respond promptly.

Incorporate storytelling and personal anecdotes to create a warm and relatable tone. By fostering a sense of community through your blog, you strengthen relationships with your readers and cultivate a loyal following.

Type 3 – The Achiever: Showcase Success Stories and Expertise

As an achiever, you are driven to succeed and make an impact. Use your ambition to create blog posts that showcase your expertise and highlight your accomplishments. Share your success stories and tips for achieving goals to inspire and motivate your readers.

You are driven by accomplishments and recognition. Showcase tangible results in your blog posts. Share testimonials, case studies, or client success stories to demonstrate the impact of your products or services. Incorporate visuals, such as before-and-after images or infographics, to reinforce the effectiveness of your offerings.

This approach appeals to your desire for achievement and attracts potential customers who value proven outcomes.

Type 4 – The Individualist: Infuse Your Blog with Authenticity and Creativity

As an individualist, you have a unique perspective and creative flair. Use your creativity to create blog posts that stand out and capture your audience’s attention. Share your personal experiences and insights to connect with your readers on a deeper level.

You possess a unique perspective and a desire for self-expression. Infuse your blog with authenticity and creativity by sharing personal insights and experiences.

Use storytelling to convey emotions and captivate your audience. Experiment with different writing styles, incorporate visual elements, and embrace your artistic nature. By bringing your authentic self to your blog, you attract readers who appreciate your individuality and resonate with your brand’s authenticity.

Type 5 – The Investigator: Deep Dive into Topics and Provide In-Depth Analysis

As the investigator type, you enjoy researching and analyzing information. Use your analytical skills to create blog posts that provide valuable insights and data-driven solutions. Share your research and findings to establish yourself as an authority in your field.

You have a thirst for knowledge and intellectual exploration. Leverage your expertise and analytical skills by offering in-depth analysis and deep dives into your blog topics. Conduct thorough research, provide comprehensive explanations, and include references to credible sources.

Share your insights, theories, and discoveries to establish yourself as a trusted authority in your industry. This approach appeals to your desire for understanding and attracts intellectually curious readers.

Type 6 – The Loyalist: Address Concerns and Provide Solutions

As a loyalist, you value trust and reliability. Use your commitment to create blog posts that provide practical advice and actionable steps. Share your proven strategies and tips for success to build trust with your readers.

You possess a strong sense of loyalty and a focus on security. Use your blog to address common concerns and provide reassurance to your audience.

Write informative and reassuring content that helps alleviate fears or doubts. Offer practical solutions, tips, or step-by-step guides that address potential challenges. By providing valuable information and building trust, you establish yourself as a reliable resource in your field.

Type 7 – The Enthusiast: Add Positivity and Inspiration into Your Blog

As an enthusiast, you enjoy exploring new ideas and experiences. Use your curiosity to create blog posts that are engaging and informative. Share your enthusiasm and passion for your topic to inspire your readers to take action.

You are naturally optimistic and enthusiastic. Infuse your blog with positivity, inspiration, and a sense of adventure. Share success stories, motivational quotes, or uplifting content that sparks curiosity and excitement. Incorporate visuals, such as vibrant images or videos, to enhance engagement.

By offering an optimistic and inspiring perspective, you capture the attention of readers who seek fresh ideas and a sense of possibility.

Type 8 – The Challenger: Share Your Hot Takes and Thought Leadership

As a challenger, you are confident and assertive. Use your strength and conviction to create blog posts that challenge the status quo and provide thought-provoking insights. Share your bold ideas and opinions to inspire your readers to think differently.

You embody strength and assertiveness. Use your blog as a platform to share bold opinions and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. Write thought-provoking content that challenges the status quo, offers innovative perspectives, or discusses industry trends. Back your arguments with evidence and invite healthy debates.

This approach appeals to your desire for authority and attracts readers who value bold and authoritative voices.

Type 9 – The Peacemaker: Encourage Harmony and Collaboration through Your Blog

As a peacemaker, you value harmony and balance. Use your diplomacy to create blog posts that provide a balanced perspective and promote understanding. Share your insights and tips for resolving conflicts to help your readers find common ground.

You value peace and unity. Use your blog to promote harmony and collaboration within your industry or niche. Write content that fosters understanding, highlights diverse perspectives, and encourages dialogue.

Seek opportunities to collaborate with other bloggers or experts, and feature their insights or guest posts on your blog. By fostering a sense of inclusivity and cooperation, you create a welcoming space for readers and position yourself as a unifying force.

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Blogging is a powerful tool for business growth, and tailoring your approach based on your Enneagram type can enhance your effectiveness and connection with your audience. Whether you’re providing actionable content, engaging with readers, showcasing success stories, infusing authenticity and creativity, or addressing concerns, embrace the unique strengths and motivations of your type.

Remember to adapt these tips to suit your specific business goals and target audience, and watch your blog become a game-changer in your holistic marketing strategy.

Pinterest has over 450 million users every month, making it the perfect place for you to showcase your expertise, display your work, and give your best tips to your ideal audience.

If you’re already leveraging platforms like TikTok or Instagram and seeing success as a content creator, it can only strengthen your media kit to add Pinterest as another platform.

Let’s dive into 6 ways you can make some more money from Pinterest marketing.

1. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a popular way for bloggers and content creators to earn money.

As an affiliate, you promote products on your blog or social media platforms and earn a commission on each sale made through your unique affiliate link.

Pinterest is a great platform for affiliate marketing because it’s highly visual and allows you to create boards based on different product categories. You can also tag these affiliate links in Idea Pins, which can increase your chances of making sales.

To get started with affiliate marketing on Pinterest, find an affiliate program that aligns with your niche. Look for products that you believe in and would be excited to promote. Then create boards and pins that showcase these products and link to your affiliate link.

Pinterest has certain affiliate networks that are currently approved.

2. Sponsored content

Sponsored content is another way to make money on Pinterest. You partner with a brand and create pins that promote their products or services.

When creating sponsored content, it’s important to disclose the partnership. You’re able to do that inside Idea Pins.

To find sponsored content opportunities, reach out to brands that align with your niche. You can also join influencer networks that connect content creators with brands looking for sponsored content.

You’ll need to create a media kit to showcase your Pinterest stats and demographics to show the brand how you’ll promote their product, along with your past work.

3. Promoted pins

Promoted pins are sponsored ads that appear in a user’s feed, search results, or related pins. They can help you reach a wider audience and increase your chances of making sales or driving traffic to your website.

To use promoted pins, you’ll need to designate a budget. You can set a daily or lifetime budget for your campaign and choose targeting options such as demographics, interests, and keywords.

When creating promoted pins, make sure they’re visually appealing and relevant to your target audience. You can use A/B testing to determine which pins are the most effective.

According to Pinterest, their ads have a 2.3x more efficient cost than other social platforms and retail brands have seen 2x higher ROI, so it’s worth considering!

4. Offer products

If you have expertise in a particular niche, you can create and sell digital products such as e-books, courses, and printables on your website or through a third-party platform like Etsy or Shopify.

Pinterest is a great platform for promoting your digital products. Create pins that showcase your products and link to your website or online store where customers can purchase them.

When creating digital products, make sure they’re high-quality and provide value to your target audience. You can tag your products directly in the pins – whether it’s a standard or idea pin to increase your click-through rate.

5. Use Pinterest to drive traffic to your website

Creating visually appealing pins that link to your website or blog can help drive traffic to your website. This, in turn, can increase your ad revenue or the chances of getting hired for content creation projects.

When creating pins, make sure they’re visually appealing and relevant to your target audience. You can also use Pinterest’s analytics to determine which pins are the most effective and make adjustments to your strategy accordingly.

Creating a funnel can help you leverage the leads you get coming in from Pinterest to convert them into sales!

6. Join the Pinterest Creator fund

While Pinterest has shut down the Creator rewards program at the end of 2022 where it was paying users to create Idea Pins, they do seemingly still have the option for you to apply for the Creator fund.

From the Pinterest website: “This new initiative is focused on the growth and success of underrepresented creators: people of color, people with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The Fund’s goal is to foster creator talent through financial and educational support while aiming to make Pinterest an increasingly inclusive and diverse platform.” Applications are currently closed.

Up next: Learn how to create a cohesive, on-brand Pinterest presence.

With so many podcasts vying for listeners’ attention, it can be challenging to promote your show and attract new listeners.

One of my favorite platforms to reach a broader audience and grow my listener for Life Goals In Progress and Playground To Purpose is Pinterest.

In this post, we’ll explore six ways you can use Pinterest to get more podcast listeners.

1. Create shareworthy blog posts for each episode

Creating a blog post for each episode, also known as “show notes,” is a great way to provide additional context and information about your podcast.

However, instead of just recapping the episode, you can make your blog posts share-worthy by including additional information, tips, or insights that weren’t included in the episode. Or, at least structure them in a way that makes more sense in blog form: Outlined with subheadings.

Audio doesn’t perfectly translate to blogging, so repurpose the content in a way that works for the blog medium.

You can include quotes, images, links you mentioned in the episode, or other visuals that will make your blog post more engaging and interesting. This way, you can use your blog posts to attract new listeners and give your existing listeners something to share with their friends and followers.

2. Embed your podcast into your blog post

Once you’ve created a share-worthy blog post, it’s time to embed your podcast episode into the post itself with links on where they can listen.

This will make it easy for your readers to listen to the episode and encourage them to subscribe to your show. By embedding your podcast into your blog post, you can also help boost your show’s ranking on search engines like Google, which can help attract new listeners.

3. Create multiple pin graphics with call to actions

Time for some Canva pro magic!

Pinterest is a visual platform, so it’s essential to create eye-catching pin graphics that will encourage users to click through and listen to your podcast.

You can create multiple pin graphics for each episode, each with a different design, but with a consistent call to action to listen to the episode.

This will help you reach a broader audience and give you the option to test different versions of your promo graphics to see what captures the most attention.

4. Design an aesthetic roundup graphic of podcasts

Another way to promote your podcast on Pinterest is to create a roundup graphic of podcasts for your demographic.

You can include your podcast in the roundup, along with other podcasts that your listeners may be interested in. This will help encourage your listeners to share your content and reach new audiences. Make sure the graphic is visually appealing and aligns with your brand’s aesthetics.

For example, if your podcast is about social media marketing, you could do something like 10 Best Podcasts For Small Business Owners. Share the love! You could also tag the users included to encourage them to share!

5. Adjust the pin title to try out different versions

When publishing and scheduling pins, it’s important to test different titles and descriptions to see what resonates with your audience.

You can create multiple versions of the same pin graphic, each with a different title or description. This will help with finding the right keywords to reach your ideal audience. Try more than one thing to get your pin traction. You never know which version could go viral.

6. Create Idea Pins with snippets from the episode

Idea Pins are a new feature on Pinterest that allows users to create a series of images or videos that showcase an idea that someone can take action on.

You can use Idea Pins to share snippets from your podcast episodes, such as quotes or soundbites, in a visually appealing way. This will help you reach a broader audience and give your followers a taste of what your podcast is all about.

I love ones that are vlog-style with the inspiring sound clip from the episode.

Promoting your podcast on Pinterest can be an effective way to reach a broader audience and grow your listener base.

By creating share-worthy blog posts, embedding your podcast into your blog, creating multiple pin graphics, designing an aesthetic roundup graphic, adjusting pin titles, and creating Idea Pins, you increase your chances of getting your podcast to grow organically!

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And I’m not just talking about scrolling and creating your vision board, because I feel like we all love Pinterest personally. But, I’m talking, sharing your content on Pinterest.

Pinterest is a super visual platform that offers an excellent opportunity for your creative business to showcase their brand aesthetic.

From the colors, fonts, and imagery used in your pins to the overall vibe of your profile, your brand aesthetic plays a crucial role in attracting and engaging your target audience on Pinterest. Here are some tips for crafting a cohesive brand aesthetic on Pinterest:

1. Define your brand identity

The first step in creating a cohesive brand aesthetic on Pinterest is to define your brand identity. What is your brand all about? What values do you stand for, and what makes you unique?

When I kick off with a Pinterest client, I’m thinking about their main pillars and their target demo. What makes them unique? What’s their specific voice and vibe? And how can we create boards and a cohesive vibe that represents that?

2. Use your color palette

Your color palette is one of the most critical elements of your brand aesthetic. Choose colors that align with your brand identity and use them consistently throughout your pins and profile. You can use tools like Adobe Color to create a color palette or Pinterest itself to create color schemes.

3. Use consistent fonts but add some flair

Fonts also play a significant role in your brand aesthetic. If you have branding, use it! Don’t stray from your branding. You want your pins to be recognizable, so when someone is scrolling and already knows you, they immediately know it’s your content.

If you don’t already have professional branding, you can find some good font combinations on… you guessed it, Pinterest.

Choose two or three fonts that complement each other and use them consistently throughout your pins and profile. This will help create a cohesive and recognizable brand identity.

To add emphasis and create scroll-stopping images, add emphasis on your pins. Emphasizing or bolding important words can capture attention quicker.

4. Curate images that align with your brand

The images you use on Pinterest should align with your brand identity and color palette. Curate images that are visually appealing and align with your brand’s message. Using a mixture of original and curated images will help keep your profile fresh and engaging.

Need to use stock photos? Here are some good ones:

• Unsplash
• Pexels
• Adobe Spark
• Pixabay
• Dreams Time
• Death To Stock
• Styled Stock Society

5. Use pin templates

Creating a consistent style for your pins is essential to your brand aesthetic on Pinterest. This includes using the same font, color palette, and imagery in each pin. Consistent styling will help your pins stand out and make your brand more recognizable to your audience.

Use templates from:

• Canva
• Creative Market
• Envato Elements
• Etsy

Alternatively, if you have it in the budget, you could hire a designer or use your current designer to create templates for you to work with.

6. Create board cover images

Organizing your boards by category and using branded cover images will help create a cohesive profile aesthetic. Use your brand colors and fonts in your board covers to tie them into your overall brand aesthetic.

I don’t always create board covers for clients I’m working with, but if it works for your branding and helps you make everything feel more on-brand, I recommend doing that.

Basically, just create a simple template alternating your brand colors with the title of your board in the image.

7. Keep things clear over clever

While it’s tempting to make your board titles look aesthetic, avoid it.

Board titles and descriptions are important for helping users discover your content on Pinterest.

Use clear and descriptive titles and descriptions that reflect your brand values and messaging, and use keywords that are relevant.

8. Be consistent in tone and messaging

Consistency in tone and messaging is key to creating a cohesive brand aesthetic on Pinterest. Use a consistent brand voice in your graphics and board descriptions, and make sure your messaging is aligned with your brand values and positioning.

While people aren’t reading your pin descriptions much (except on Idea Pins), you still want your tone of voice to feel on-brand.

Crafting a cohesive brand aesthetic on Pinterest requires a combination of defining your brand identity, choosing a color palette, using consistent fonts and imagery, and organizing your profile.

By creating a consistent style for your pins and profile, you’ll attract and engage your target audience, build brand recognition, and drive traffic to your website. Take the time to define your brand’s aesthetic and create a Pinterest strategy that aligns with your brand identity.

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But come on now. We’re in 2022 – and being in your thirties is still young. I turned 30 last year and discovered Brittany Allyn of ThirtyWaves and felt so connected to her story, her love for travel, and her coined term of “MeMoons” aka a honeymoon to celebrate your love for you.

So we chatted with Brittany all about her mission and why she’s living her best life in her mid-thirties, and you can too! I hope you take away a lot of inspiration here, especially if you feel like you’re starting over in your thirties or want to make a change and feel like it’s too late for you!

Let’s get into it!

@thirtywaves Day 1: my bougie #memoon in the South Of France #travelvlog #memoon #solomoon #30s #travelbucketlist #frenchriviera #fyp #foryou ♬ I Love You So – The Walters

Coley: I discovered you through your amazing TikTok @ThirtyWaves from a video talking about how you’re living your best life in your mid-thirties, can you share what the inspiration was behind this account?

Brittany Allyn: Yes, to be honest, I’ve actually been doing this for over a decade! 

In my twenties, as a way a cathartic way to work through relationship and life’s problems I’d sit in bed and blog every night. I started a website called twentywaves, discussing the ups and down (the waves if you will) of your twenties. I took a break for a few years, and later developed thirtywaves.

It started as a blog and insta, and then Covid’s Tiktok phenomenon came around and the rest was history! I never loved the perfectly curated image and always wanted to focus on the captions and storytelling, so videos made more sense.

I started getting messages on the daily from other women finding it relieving to see other women on a similar path (alternative in terms of marriage or society timelines), and those sweet messages were, and still are, what keeps me going. 

What did you think your thirties would look like when you were younger & what surprised you about them?

Ha! Like many of you: Married, perfect husband, suburb life with 2 kids by 30. 27 was my dream marriage age. I was in a relationship from 21-25 and almost went down that route. Then, when I got closer to that age I realized my soul was pushing me in a different direction. I wanted to see what it was like living in new cities, traveling the world, and expanding life as I knew it. As the years went on, I realized I was always meant to live this more independent life and have never had doubts that I made a mistake by moving away.

You’ve started completely over in your 30s several times. You went to NYC to London, can you tell us about these experiences of deciding to do something completely new?

Yes, I moved to NYC the week I turned 30.

What’s funny is I felt SO young then, and that the world was my oyster. It didn’t feel any different than I was 25, and while it can be a detriment sometimes in terms of avoidant attachment styles, NYC is a glorious little bubble where you don’t feel like you have to “act your age” or pressure to grow up.

Of course, I would sometimes compare my life to friend’s back at home on the marriage/children track, but I focused on enjoying my new experiences. I’ve also always known that I can settle or go on the other track at anytime if I want. I just followed my gut and what felt right…which also led me to London last fall.

What does living your best life look like for you? And how did you figure that out for yourself?

First and foremost, being independent.

For years in my twenties, I didn’t prioritize my career or being financially responsible. I figured I’d get married one day (by 30 at the latest) and it would all work out. I wish I could shake my younger self and tell her that I had so much power to make my mark in the world, make my own money, and make my own freedom.

I grew up in a community where many of my friend’s mothers stayed at home and many women I went to University with followed on that path. I have a lot of respect for raising a family, but I idealized that as being the end-all-be-all best way to live.

And for me personally, it isn’t. As I’ve built my career and seen growth, I realize that I enjoy having my independence and it’s something I work for every day to get more of. With that, I think living your best life of travel, planning fun experiences with friends, and living in a space you love, comes with it. 

Can you tell us about “me moons”? What are they, and what did you do for yours in the French Riviera?

Yes! My coined term #memoon is when you stop waiting for the perfect relationship or opportunity for your dream trip, and take it yourself – aka a solo honeymoon!

It’s crazy all the amazing feedback I got after I went on my first one. Some may think it’s depressing, but I promise you, you will feel SO empowered on a fabulous trip with yourself, in a beautiful setting, and it’s still magical. 

You do some solo travel, what are your best tips for someone wanting to do that but feel afraid to go alone?

Break up the days with activities in a few hour time slots. For example, morning pick a really cute breakfast spot and people-watch.

Bring a journal or work. Plan something in the afternoon to see like a museum or cool shop. Then it’s already lunch! Go home and get all dressed up and take yourself to a happy hour for sunset, followed by a dinner- and there’s almost your whole day.

If you stay busy and focus on exploring and seeing new things, the chatter in your head is less. 

What are your best skincare recs?

I’m constantly testing products on the weekly. If I had to pick one, my favorite skincare product I’ve discovered this summer is the Tulip Dew Sunscreen serum by Bloomeffects. It’s a lightweight, glowy serum with all the vitamins you need that’s also mineral-based SPF 50. I’ve tried so many sunscreens, and this wins hands down. 

For bougie skincare, Augustinus Bader Rich Cream and Bilogue Recherche PS50 is a dream combo.  For more affordable I love Beauty Pie and Belif. I’ll make a TikTok on my day and night routines soon! 

Do you have a life motto? Or a quote you are inspired by?

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? It leaves me feel empowered to make bold moves. Especially when traveling and if I get scared or nervous. If I knew it was going to work out, or told myself that, I’d be SO brave and take on the world. 

Lastly, what would you say to someone in their thirties who is feeling “behind on life”? 

That even if you got married at 45, you could have 40 years with that partner!

Age is different in society now, and there’s never been a time where women can be independent for 10-20 years in adulthood.

So, try to enjoy it- we are the lucky generation! Also, all the “things” you feel behind on aren’t all perfect or fun, they come with their own positives and negatives and each path is not better or worse than the other.

This trip was incredible in so many ways, but one of the biggest lessons it taught me as an entrepreneur was how inspired and fulfilled I felt while traveling, and how I really could grow my business from anywhere in the world. 

When the 4 months was up, I returned home to NYC—I had a fiancé holding down the fort & a wedding to finish planning, after all—but since then, I’ve continued to take shorter working trips any chance I can get.

So whether you’re looking to head to a tropical beach, a big city, or to work from a totally different time zone – here are my top 8 tips for your next workcation: 

1. Plan ahead

The most Type A advice I can give you is to plan ahead!

While it’s always good to leave room for some spontaneity while traveling, your working trip will go a lot smoother if you plan a few things out. This includes looking at any deadlines you may have during that time, planning and scheduling content ahead of time, and reworking your call scheduler to fit in with your travel schedule and potential new time zone.

I also recommend looking into what sort of activities you want to do while you’re there. If there’s a day trip or a morning tour, for example, you’re going to want to make sure you get ahead of any deadlines and avoid scheduling calls that day.

2. Choose the right accommodation 

Where you decide to stay is going to have a huge impact on how comfortable and enjoyable your time working is. For me, hotels are not ideal for traveling when I plan to work, because it may mean being holed up in a small room for several hours a day or working from a bed.

Instead, I usually opt for an Airbnb that has good natural light, fast wifi, and a kitchen table or desk for working. Coworking and coliving accommodations are also popping up more now, such as Selina, which is a hostel with private or shared rooms and coworking space for an extra fee. 

3. Find other cute spots to work 

While I usually work from my Airbnb if I have lots of calls, I also like to make sure I’m getting out & about during the day. And for me, checking out cafés and restaurants is one of my favorite parts about traveling and experiencing local life in a new city.

So naturally, it’s a win-win to find laptop-friendly cafés and restaurants to work from! I usually do some research ahead of time and flag any places that look good to me in Google Maps. 

4. Sort out your cell phone plan 

If I’m traveling out of the country for a full-on vacation, I may be inclined to skip the international data plan, instead opting to utilize only wifi to save some money. But when working, I find it really important to have a data plan—even if it costs a bit of extra money.

This makes it easier to keep up with emails and client correspondence if I’m on a tour, or connect to a hotspot if I’m trying to work on the go (such as in an airport or on a train).

For shorter trips, I typically use the “AT&T Passport” plan which allows me to have unlimited data out of the country for $10/day, but you can also explore options like Google Fi or a local SIM card.

5. Schedule dedicated work time 

After you have a loose plan of the activities you want to do—which may include a morning tour or a day trip out of the city—fill in the blocks of time that you can dedicate to working.

Unlike when you’re at home and in your usual routines, this may mean working nights, weekends, or while you’re in the air. The important thing is to have an idea of when this “work time” will be – it will help you know when you have to be plugged in and focused, which will make it all the easier to fully unplug and be present when you’re on that tour or checking out that famous landmark. 

6. Hold onto any routines or non-negotiables 

Sometimes when traveling it can be easy to abandon our usual routines because we’re in a new setting or just in “vacation mode.” But when workcationing, it’s more important than ever to maintain balance and prioritize your wellbeing—and a key way to do that is through the routines that help us stay grounded at home!

Keep it simple: such as taking your morning walk, journaling, doing a 10-minute meditation, or drinking enough water. I guarantee these practices—whatever they are for you—will help you feel your best so that you can be extra focused for your “work time” and extra present for the new things you experience!

7. Put yourself out there

I recently started working with a client that I met on none other than a food tour in Lisbon, Portugal last month. And I still can’t get over how cool that is!

Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with friends, be open to striking up conversations with new people. And not just because they might turn into future clients—that’s certainly not what I was expecting in this case—but because human connection fosters understanding, empathy, and is just, simply put, fun!

Some of my favorite ways to meet people (especially when I travel solo) is through free walking tours and Airbnb Experiences.

8. Go with the flow & enjoy

Last but certainly not least, enjoy it! This past April, I took a working trip to Europe where my client work happened to slow down and I only had to work a couple of hours a day to keep up.

One month later, I took a trip to Mexico City and my workload was insane. The cool lesson? Both trips were amazing in their own way, and it was a good reminder that I can live this lifestyle no matter what comes up with work.

Ready to plan your next workcation? I recently started a travel blog as a fun way to help show my friends, family, and fellow #bizbesties that traveling more often is well within reach. Check it out to help you choose your next destination! 

Up next: What It’s Like Working As A Digital Entrepreneur in the Dominican Republic

After graduating from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration, diving into entrepreneurship in 2017, and building a brand with global impact, I know what it takes to build a business from the ground up. I love to infuse business strategy with intentional lifestyle so our clients can build a business that is sustainable, aligned, and impactful.

Through my simplistic approach to business, I empower women to own their power as CEO, deeply connect with their vision, & sustainably scale their business with the long-term trajectory in mind.

What time do you wake up in the morning, and how do you wake up? (To an alarm, music, the sun, etc.)

I am a morning person through and through, so I love waking up earlier rather than later. In this season, I enjoy rising between 6:30 and 7:00 AM to my alarm clock. This allows me to have plenty of time to prioritize my morning routine before heading into the office for the day!

How do you like your coffee (if you drink it)?

“IF” I drink it?! Everyone in our community knows that I’m a huge coffee lover – not only for the taste. I truly love the practice of making my morning coffee. I use our pour over and allow it to be a moment of presence, gratitude, and slow moving as I ease into the day.

Normally, I love a good black coffee if we’re making it here at home. Right now, it’s Spring here in Raleigh, NC so when we go out for breakfast, I love a good lavender latte as well. 

What’s on your bedside table?

A huge mason jar of water (hydration, yes please), an essential oil blend I’m loving at the moment (right now, it’s Orange + Lavender), and whatever book I’m currently reading – right now, it’s The Shadow and Bones Trilogy.

Do you prepare for your mornings the night before? If so, how?

Yes, but very minimally. I always like to take a look at my schedule for the following day so I have a nice refresher on what to expect and prioritize. 

If I have anything on my mind, I’ll do a quick brain dump in my Awakening Notebook to get all of my thoughts out of my head and on paper to reference the next day (in really busy and / or creative seasons, I’ll just keep my notebook at my bedside table so I can write in the middle of the night if a thought pops in my head). 

I also like to lay out my workout clothes and create my workout for the day (if it isn’t already pre-created), so the morning feels easy breezy.

What are your skincare/body care rituals?

I love to keep my morning skincare routine fairly simplistic and easy and leave more of the luxury steps for the evening!

In the morning, I start by using my CocoKind Cleanser. This cleanser is so gentle and always leaves my skin feeling so soft! From there, I pat this Brightening Essence into my skin to lock in moisture and provide an extra glow. I complete the routine with this Brightening Lotion. I love it because it’s very soft and lightweight so it absorbs into the skin really well – which is nice if I’m going to wear makeup that day!

In the evening, I like to add some steps in:

1. CocoKind Cleanser (From the morning routine)
2. Brightening Essence (From the morning routine)
3. From there, I massage this Eye Cream in. We love anti-aging around here.
4. *This is my favorite step* I use this Brightening Lotion, and it’s my favorite I’ve ever used! It is thick, silky, and creamy which is exactly what I want for overnight.
5. Finally, I use this CBD Beauty Boost oil to lock everything in. This leaves my skin oily, dewy, and SUPER moisturized!

What does your morning routine flow look like?

6:30: I hear my alarm clock ringing and wake up. The first thing I do before I ever leave our bedroom is make up our bed. I put on my workout clothes that have already been laid out, brush my teeth, and pull my hair up.

6:45-7:30: After waking, the first thing I prioritize is movement. I’ve come to the realization that if this isn’t prioritized first thing, it won’t get done.

Moving my body is a huge priority for me – not only because it makes me feel better, but also because I’m sitting at my desk for most of the day.

Right now, I’m enjoying a mix of CrossFit workouts, punching with my husband, or a long walk. Having a variety of options allows me to honor how my body is feeling – either tapping into excess energy or moving easy on a recovery day if my body is super sore.

No matter what workout I’m doing, I like to be outside and in the sunshine – yes, even if it’s cold! This allows me to accomplish my first three goals of any day: 1) movement 2) fresh air and 3) Vitamin D.

7:30-8:00: From there, I head back inside to take a quick shower, do my skincare, curl my hair, and put some makeup and clothes on (if I’m taking meetings that day).

8:00-8:30: Then, we nourish the body. My husband and I alternate every other week on making breakfast, but no matter who is cooking we always like to have a substantial meal to start the day.

Lately, we’ve been having eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and half an avocado. When I made the shift from having a morning protein shake to a full breakfast, I noticed the biggest shift in energy and stamina throughout the day!

Finally, I move on to my second set of 3 in the morning: 1) My adrenal cocktail (this is a mix of orange juice, coconut water, collagen powder, and a sprinkle of salt) 2) Espresso (in my well-known espresso cup from Italy) 3) Wellness shot – depending on the season (this is a combination of ginger root, turmeric powder, honey, lemon juice, and water). 

8:30-9 or 9:30: Once we’ve wrapped up movement and nourishment, we move over to mindset and soul care. This tends to look different day-to-day depending on what I need. Some of the things I love doing during this time: 

• Praying and declaration
• Getting grounded through journaling what I’m grateful for
• Brain-dumping when I’m feeling chaotic in my mind
• Embodiment practices: envisioning my next level self, what she believes, thinks, does, says, has and integrating 1-3 of those things into my day. For example, if I know my 7-figure self has a spacious schedule, I may set aside an hour to go to the pool mid work-day.
• Reading my affirmations out loud. I create key affirmations each year that are aligned with my current season, beliefs, and what I’m working to create in my life and business – so, I reference these at this time!
• 5-minute breathing exercises to get grounded and present
• Visualization (similar to my embodiment practice but more so tapping into the visionary space and having FUN with it)
• Reading my Bible or current business book (I’m obsessed with anything leadership based)

When do you kick off your workday? And do you have any starting-work rituals?

I like to kick off my workday around 9 or 9:30 depending on 1) how long my morning routine was and 2) what my schedule looks like that day. My favorite way to start the day is:

1. With my espresso in hand (yes, I am known to be the slowest drinker of all time which means I still have my espresso in hand at this point)
2. Looking at our Awakening Wall (post-it-note style with all of our Awakening Students names on them) and speaking abundance, breakthrough, divine opportunity, clarity, and confidence over them.
3. Supporting our private clients on Voxer. I love to start each day by catching up on messages, strategizing and supporting clients, and checking in with those that have key projects in the works that day. I always tell our clients that I love to be “in the trenches” of their businesses with them. This is one way I’m able to do that!
4. Once this is wrapped, this is the point where I finally make my morning coffee before diving into either A) meetings or B) creative projects.

How does your morning routine change on the weekends?

It changes pretty drastically because my theme over the weekends is “go with the flow.” This means that I usually don’t set an alarm clock. I allow myself to sleep in and have really slow, spacious mornings with all the caffeine, journaling, and reading my heart desires! Short answer: it isn’t structured at all. Just super spacious.

What does your mindset look like at the beginning of the day? Do you have any tips or tools for getting in a good mindset?

It depends on the day. Obviously, not every morning is “picture perfect.” Some mornings I’m feeling high vibe and confident and others I may be feeling “bleh.” But I do believe that the way you start your day determines how you approach the rest of your day, which is why I almost always prioritize my morning routine no matter how I feel. This ensures that I give myself the space, care, and opportunity to “reset” that I need.

That said, I do aim to enter into an empowering mindset at the start of every day – tapping into my purpose, passion, drive, vision, and belief. One of the main ways I do this is through declaration. I speak life over myself every morning. I’ll give you a peek into part of my declaration:

“I am destined for greatness and goodness and all that I touch prospers. I walk in light and favor everywhere I go. I am a champion, earth shaker, and atmosphere shifter. The seeds I’m planting today are creating a ripple effect on future generations.”

I encourage you to create your OWN declaration. Speak this over yourself at the start of your days until it is so ingrained into your mind that you know it by heart. Let it sink into your subconscious and rewire your beliefs.

What’s non-negotiable vs. what does an extra-luxurious morning look like?

Non-negotiables are movement, nourishment, and embodiment – basically, all that I have listed for my morning routines. At this point, I have this down to a science so I’m usually able to make all of these happen each morning! If I need to decrease my workout time, journaling time, or whip up something easier for breakfast, that’s okay. But each of these key elements have to be prioritized for me!

What would you like to improve with your mornings?

Honestly, I would love to train my body to wake up on its own around 6:30 without a device necessary. The idea of waking up to the sunshine or birds chirping vs. my phone alarm, sounds like a total dream.

What’s your #1 recommendation to others who struggle with mornings?

Find out what works for YOU. If you’re a morning person by nature, you may be able to expect more of yourself in your morning routine. If you’re not a morning person, release the pressure! Identify what your non-negotiables are, and let that be enough. Your morning routine should be designed to serve YOU not to fit into a construct based on what everyone else is doing or what “looks good” on Instagram. 

Want more morning routine inspo? We got you. Check out our collection of past morning routine features from inspiring women.

Suddenly, I was out of the familiar comfort of my closet-sized Alphabet City apartment and discovering a totally new lifestyle in a town that had just one (!) traffic light. 

After graduating from college in the middle of a global pandemic, I basically had two choices: 

1. Start looking for an entry-level job in Corporate America with ~0.05% odds of success. 
2. Go back to school. 

Neither of these options really spoke to me. 

I knew there was something out there that would allow me to use my writing skills (I was an English major), live a fulfilling life that didn’t involve a cubicle, and have a flexible lifestyle where I could prioritize my wellness. 

I started digging deeper and discovered a path that seemed so perfect I was mad at myself for not thinking about it before – becoming a remote digital entrepreneuer! 

Working as a Digital Entrepreneur in Copywriting

Using my research and writing skills every day? Check. Working remotely with clients all over the world? Check. Having a lifestyle that aligns with my values? Also check!

Fast-forward to two years later, I now run Deeper than Copy, a copywriting studio for creative entrepreneurs and small businesses. And I get to do it from a place that is everything I’ve ever wanted my home base to be — and more. 

Of course, it’s not all tropical fruits and sunshine. I had to learn lessons along the way that forever changed the way I think about life, running a digital business, and all the things in between. 

Lesson #1: Western perception of time is skewed

I learned this one the hard way. 

After living in NYC for almost five years, I had this subconscious expectation of everything being fast, almost instant. 

Ordering a coffee? I have to get it in under a minute. Sending some paperwork to the US? It has to arrive the next business day. Going to a party? I need to get there five minutes early. 

If you’ve ever been to the Dominican Republic, you know that some of the most used words here are “tranquilo” (calm, chill) and “mañana,” (tomorrow), so it’s no wonder that things often don’t happen on time…just because! 

At first, I’d get super frustrated when a simple task like getting someone to come check out what’s wrong with my WiFi connection would take literal days. 

Over time, I’ve learned to embrace it. Now it’s one of my absolute favorite things about living here. 

I expect my life to move at a slower pace and it’s been a game changer for my mental and physical health! 

I love that people are not just going to choose work over life to get something done fast when it can get done tomorrow and literally nothing bad will happen. The world will still be there. 

Or that I don’t have to stress about being an hour late to a social thing because I got caught up in my novel. #IntrovertProblems

People just show up on their own time and have fun.

There is a joy in things taking their time.

My day-to-day is much more intentional now. And the minor inconveniences? I just plan around them!

Lesson #2: Healthy living can be simple

This one may be a little controversial and different people have different experiences, so this is simply my story! 

When I was living in NYC, I was practically on a vegan diet and regularly bought substitutes, such as plant-based meats and cheeses. 

During my first months in the DR, I spent a ton of time trying to maintain my eating habits, driving to the next town over with a bigger supermarket to stock up on imported foods I was used to.

Over time, I realized that I was doing it backwards. 

Instead of buying expensive + imported plant-based alternatives, I started eating local and supporting small businesses over big foreign corporations. 

Instead of plant-based burgers, I now buy meat and eggs from a small local farm. Fish from local fishermen. Fruits and veggies from street vendors. 

I’m not a nutritionist, but for me this way of eating has proved to be much more natural, simple, and supportive of my health AND local communities! 

Lesson #3: You need much less than you think

I’m a true Taurus and love my stuff. Give me all the candles, soft blankets, and cozy loungewear. 

But living in the DR these last two years showed me that I actually need fewer things than I thought I did to be happy. 

I’m renting an apartment and it’s far from the perfect, neutral aesthetic houses I see on Instagram. But it’s just a couple of minutes away from the beach and has everything I need (even though I do run out of counter space sometimes!). 

I started valuing human connections over stuff. Experiences. Memories. Small moments. 

I’m pretty minimalist with my possessions now, which has been great both for my mental health and my bank account.

It’s interesting to think how many things that I thought of as absolute must-haves are actually not necessities at all. They just have clever marketing!

My day as a digital entrepreneur in the Dominican Republic

I typically wake up around 6:30-7AM and go for a beach walk with my dog Luna. 

Cabarete is famous for its kitesurfing scene and one of the reasons for that are the consistent, year-round wind conditions. Mornings are usually the only time when it’s not windy, so it’s nice to get a walk in before the wind picks up!

After my walk, I refuel with a big breakfast and go through my morning routine. It changes depending on my mood, but it’s usually either reading, journaling, or doing light yoga.

Mornings are the most productive and creative time for my brain, so I jump into client work and focus for a few hours on writing copy or doing brand messaging research. 

Then I make a quick lunch, tie up any loose ends with client work, and spend the afternoon on business tasks, marketing, client communication, lead generation, and anything else on my list for that day. 

Sometimes I work from a coffee shop in town. In this case, I always stop by a cute Belgian bakery on the way back to pick up a pastry…or a couple!

I usually wrap up work around 5 PM, take my dog for another walk (yup, my life DOES revolve around her), and spend the rest of my evening relaxing or doing something creative. 

It’s a slow and simple life. I seriously love it!

Should you become a digital entrepreneur?

Running a digital copywriting studio is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. 

I get to dig into emotions and human psychology and meet people from all over the world. I’ve had clients from the U.S., Canada, Australia, the Netherlands — you name it!

I also write for a living, something everyone and their mother told me was NOT possible when I decided to get a degree in English.

However, being a global entrepreneur comes with its own set of challenges, such as finding clients, legal business setups, bank accounts, and more. It can certainly be tough, but there are amazing global business solutions out there that make it 100% possible. 

The bottom line is: you can figure it all out. 

You just have to take the first, imperfect, messy first step. 

If you have any questions about starting your own digital business, feel skeptical about the whole thing, or want to chat about living in the Dominican Republic, simply send me a message on Instagram and I’d be super happy to share more about my experience!

Your turn – Would you become a digital entrepreneur in Dominican Republic? Or where would you want to work remotely?

Read next: Becoming A Digital Nomad in Italy

For me, I wanted this year to be all about breaking away from what was hindering me and breaking through to new levels of my personal and professional life. Simply put, I wanted to get unstuck and since breakthroughs don’t just “happen” to most of us, I knew I needed to take action.

So, to support this shift towards something new, I decided to let go and fast from something different each month in order to interrupt my daily patterns and reveal anything that might be holding me back.

I wanted to turn off auto-pilot, be more aware of my motivations and my hope was that by removing something I was leaning on too heavily, I would get a new perspective on changes I could implement in key areas of my life.

To be clear, the purpose behind each month’s fast was not to deprive myself or to make some big sacrifice to force a desired result.

It wasn’t a new diet or publicity stunt to gain a few followers. Rather, it was to make simple changes that would lead to a bigger impact on my overall health and well-being.

In a world where hustle culture screams we take massive action, I knew there had to be a way to make change a gentle and healing process – and that’s exactly what happened.

The Social Media Fast

Even though I didn’t consider myself much of a scroller, I knew social media would pop up at some point during this year of letting go.

But if it really wasn’t a struggle, then why was I hesitating when it came time to hit “delete?”

While I don’t often connect social media to my identity as a person, I DO use it heavily to support my business.

I took some time to do some soul searching and I realized that I was nervous about stepping away out of fear of missing out on some unknown potential client.

Now, I am NOT about to live and work out of fear, so I knew I had to let go right away.

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting anything profound after I hit submit on my “BRB IG” post letting my community know I was off for the month and how to reach me.

Maybe I would get a bit more time here and there but after all, since I felt “nobody” was seeing my posts thanks to Mr. Algorithm (I call him Al for short), I assumed this social media fast probably wouldn’t make a difference in the end.

Oh, how wrong I was!

Here are a few things I learned when I took a month long social media break

Being more present wasn’t an immediate reaction

Admittedly, I wasn’t instantly more present when deleting my social apps. It took a few days to detox but when I did, it was wonderful. I was able to breathe deeper, get a little more rest in between tasks and be more present in all the ways.

My eyes opened more toward what could be coming my way rather than opportunities I might have missed with a well-timed post or story.

Getting out of the habit of reaching for my phone – even to snap a picture for a later post – allowed me to really see what was in front of me and enjoy the fullness of the moment.

Social media isn’t the only avenue for growth in business

I started the month afraid of missing out on business connections but during my online absence, I celebrated booking my biggest client to date, I created a new program that brings me JOY to offer my community and I brought on a new team member to get the support I needed for the rapid growth.

Because my hands weren’t gripped so tight on what I thought should be the next step, I was ready to receive unexpected opportunities with open arms.

More people see your posts than you think

When I posted about my hiatus, friends and family quickly reached out to make sure I was ok.

Was I being bullied? Was I burnt out or drowning in comparison? I was happy to report this was simply a release rather than a cry for help.

My intention with taking a break wasn’t a test to see how many people truly cared but it became evident that our virtual communities do keep us in the circles with our favorite people.

A social media fast wasn’t life-altering but it was great

Hitting pause on my social media accounts didn’t feel like the huge weight lift I anticipated. You’ve likely seen examples of influencers taking social media breaks and or leaving altogether and if you’re like me, it seemed to result in an all-or-nothing approach.

And if you are also someone who participates on social platforms to build community, create content and grow or be present for your business, you know it can feel like a job at times.

I incorrectly assumed that stepping away would leave a gaping hole in my day.

What I realized was that I had been trying to shove it into pockets of time meant for other tasks so I felt like I was on it all day long.

By removing this task from my stack of multi-tasking, I was able to concentrate better and get other projects done more efficiently.

True community on social media is alive and well

I was shocked at how people continued to reach out during the month saying they noticed my absence and were used to seeing my family and me in my regular posts. When would I come back? Am I gone forever? How are my kids doing? Was I sure I was ok?

The consistent check-ins led me to evaluate how I connect with friends on and offline and solidified my desire to return back to social media after the month ended, but this time with more intentional content.

Have you considered or been nervous about taking time off social media?

I encourage you to examine why that feels so scary and then do a social media fast anyway! I am thankful to come back refreshed, refocused, and realigned and you deserve to have that, too.