Career & Finance

One of the perks of not being in school anymore is that your days of receiving grades are long gone. At least, that’s what it seems like at first.
Every day you’re in the working world, you’re being graded by your superiors and colleagues. Unless you’re receiving consistent feedback from your manager, which is no guarantee, you may have no way to gauge your progress at work—until it’s time for your annual review.
But that end-of-the-year evaluation doesn’t need to be scary; an annual performance review is a chance for you to have an open, honest conversation with your boss about how they perceive your work performance—as well as what your opportunities for growth are. Make sure you’re going into yours as prepared as possible with these easy steps (that will also help you land that raise).

Do the math

Source: ColorJoy Stock
In an ideal world, your review will be a series of glowing compliments with an offer of a big, fat raise at the end. You’ve worked crazy hard for the past 12 months—the least you can get is a little acknowledgement, right? Wrong. Your boss may have generally positive feelings about your work, but chances are, they weren’t keeping as good of track of your progress as they should have.
Even if your review is going well, you owe it to yourself to come armed with stats about your career successes from the past year. Before your review, prep a few notes about your work successes. You may have to do some calculations to impress your supervisor. Did you grow your company’s Twitter followers by 25%? Write it down. If you found a new tool that increased your team’s productivity, estimate how much time and money you’ve saved.
Illustrating how you increased revenue or helped save the company money can be instrumental in receiving a raise. However you measure success in your job, come up with some cold, hard facts about why you’re killing it.

Tell the truth
In theory, an annual review is an appropriate time to raise any concerns you’re having. Your boss has an opportunity to critique your performance, so it’s only fair you can share any struggles you’re experiencing. But before you raise any complaints, evaluate how honest you can truly be. Does your boss take critical feedback well? Do they look at employees who air complaints as “difficult?” Even if your boss is receptive to feedback, tread lightly. You don’t want your boss to think you’re unhappy at work and that you want to leave, or they may not fully invest in your future at the company.
If a raise is your top priority, you may want to hold off on voicing any complaints unless absolutely necessary or if they help support your justification for a raise. For example, if you took over a colleague’s responsibilities when they left and your workload increased, that is a complaint that can help make your case. Too many complaints may distract from your goal.
If you do have complaints to make, pepper the conversation with compliments about your manager or some insight on why you love your job. A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, after all.

Know what you want
Now is not the time to waffle. When you go into your review, you should know exactly what you want. A raise, a promotion, or an office are the biggies—but those milestones aren’t going to happen every year.
If your job description has evolved over the past year, consider asking for a title change. Want to learn more about your industry? See if your manager will expense education resources or a trip to a conference for you. If you want to move desks because you don’t get along with one of your coworkers, now is the time to ask. Your boss is less likely to be taken aback by requests during your annual review. Take advantage of the opportunity.

Have a plan

Source: ColorJoy Stock
You won’t be able to solve all your work-related issues on your own, but coming to your manager with a list of complaints and no potential solutions could frustrate them. Make an effort to present possible solutions for any struggles you’re having at work. If you’re happy at work but still want to make changes, like taking on bigger projects, you’ll need to offer solutions. Before your review, ask yourself: If your manager is open to what you want, do you have a way to make it happen? Your boss will be much more receptive to change if they see a way to help right off the bat.

Practice makes perfect
You’ve done a lot of work to prep for this review. You’ve kept track of all the compliments you’ve received from clients, thought hard about what you want, and have considered areas you can improve on. That effort will pay off, especially if you practice. Your level of nerves will depend on how comfortable you are with your manager and how confident you are in your performance. Practicing any requests or complaints you have—I’ll take a raise, please!—will make the conversation go so much smoother.
Ask your best friend or a family member to practice the conversation with you. You’ll work out any kinks in the conversation and will be less likely to trip over your words when you’re nervous. Be prepared to receive and respond to constructive criticism as well. You should be aware of any areas you need to improve on. Also, remember not to get defensive. It’s better to prepare confident responses for how you can overcome any struggles.
If you’re asking for a raise, this is an especially important step. Use this time to practice a convincing ask. Outline why you think you deserve a raise (now is the time to use the evidence you collected) and how much of a raise you’d like (start high so your company can offer lower).

Relax, you got this
You know you’ve been killing it at work. Unless they are bad at their job, any critiques your manager has shouldn’t come out of the blue. Going into your annual review calm and composed will impress your manager even more. When your review is glowing (of course it will be!), make sure you celebrate after. You’ve earned it.

10 Career Habits to Master in Your 20s More

So you got the job. You’re excited about the opportunity but nervous because you’ve never worked exclusively remote before. Besides onboarding, you may be worried about career growth opportunities in your new remote setting. I know my fellow Achievers are already a few days in and asking, “How will I stand out in this new remote job?”
Well, we’ve got good news. There are plenty of opportunities to excel and stand out as a high performer in a remote or hybrid work setting. We’ve connected with career experts Madeline Mann, founder of Self Made Millennial, and Lisa Kohn of Chatsworth Consulting Group to help us navigate just how to do this.

Meet the expert
Madeline Mann

Having years of experience as a Human Resources leader, Madeline Mann works with job seekers to land career-defining roles in various industries. Her clients have accepted jobs at Google, Deloitte, Hilton, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, NBC Universal, Netflix, EY, and more.

Meet the expert

Leadership Consultant, Executive Coach, Author, and Keynote Speaker
Lisa Kohn has over 20 years of experience partnering with Fortune 500 clients in areas of leadership, communication styles, strategy, and more.

Keep Introducing Yourself
It’s a simple concept, but many of us avoid introductions and miss out on opportunities simply in fear of rejection. Introductions, however, are especially important in a remote setting, where it’s common to not have face-to-face contact and communicate solely through chat.
You will be cued to introduce yourself the first week, so take initiative and continue to introduce yourself. Whenever you are in a meeting with people you don’t know, take the floor for a moment. “Every interaction is building deeper relationships that will support you later on,” Mann said. Preparation makes introductions easier and go more smoothly if you’ve practiced your opening lines. Something like, “Hi I’m [Maggie], I am a Marketing Specialist and will be working for [Manager name]. I started last month, and I look forward to working with all of you!”

Initiate 1:1 Post-Meeting Connections
Set up informal meetings with your new colleagues. Although it may feel manufactured, this is the best way to mimic in-person interactions that will leave you feeling more knowledgeable and connected to your job. Mann suggested doing a “listening tour,” meaning you set up a time with colleagues to ask them about their job and the company. “Make it a long one,” Mann added. This is your free ticket to get on as many people’s calendars as possible. Plus, Mann said, “In the process, you’re learning what they’re working on so you can add value to them in the future.” It helps to request to put time on their calendar before scheduling. Keep the meeting invitation short and sweet, like 1:1 Connection – Jane and Sam, and schedule it for 15-20 minutes.

Source: Ivan Samkov | Pexels

Keep Your Camera On
If you can’t be in the same room, being on camera in meetings makes up for the lack of nonverbal cues and emotion. You don’t have to keep your camera on for every meeting, but for meetings where you’re speaking or are new to the group, being on camera is crucial. “Familiarity breeds fondness,” Mann said. “Being seen will only help you be top of mind when you’re vying for a project opportunity or promotion.” Just as importantly, being on camera will support you in connecting with colleagues on a more personal level. “We crave community and connection. The more you build community remotely, the more successful you’ll be,” Kohn stated. We know meeting fatigue in a virtual environment is real, so pacing yourself helps. If possible, take breaks after a meeting to stretch or walk. And just as importantly, keep your routine fresh. 

Provide Brief Updates to Your Manager
You want to be an A+ employee, right? At the end of each week, whether through chat or email, keep your manager up-to-date on what you’ve accomplished as well as any outstanding questions you have. The most important piece here is to do it before they ask. “It also helps to figure out how they like to communicate; that way, you avoid miscommunications early on,” Kohn said. You’re helping your manager stay on track with your onboarding, consequently supporting both of you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like, “Why is this done this way?” A good manager is open to feedback and change, but they may be too busy to do it themselves. This is where you come in with a fresh perspective and good idea, therefore adding value to the team.

Source: Colorjoy Stock

Use Organizational Charts as a Tool
Visuals, visuals, visuals. See if you can get your hands on an organizational chart of your department and the company’s executive leadership team. This will show you the position hierarchy and help you make important connections faster. “Once you can see who is in your department, it makes it easier to schedule time with the right people,” Kohn said. Unlike an office environment, remote work doesn’t allow you to physically see departments, walk around office floors, or pass colleagues on a day-to-day basis. “A remote environment is difficult to navigate, so the more you can see and be seen is crucial for success,” Kohn agreed. If your company doesn’t have an organizational chart as a part of their People Management software, ask HR if they have a chart of your department.

Don’t Just Connect, Be Active on LinkedIn
Besides connecting with your new colleagues, being active on LinkedIn helps. Join groups and follow others in your industry to keep a pulse on current trends and practices. “This is a great way to have your name recognized in and outside of your company,” Kohn said. By doing this, you can share your industry knowledge in team meetings or during conversations with your manager. You’re demonstrating your strategic thinking skills outside of your job description. “Like grocery shopping, many of us utilize LinkedIn only when we’re ‘hungry.’ But if we were to use a “farming” approach, meaning we nurture connections on a regular basis, the results are better,” Mann said. This is a great way to show your value while continuing to network. The best part: You get to do it all without having to leave your home.

40 Amazon Finds That Will Elevate Your Work-From-Home Setup More

The last year and a half has been difficult for all of us, but it’s been especially hard for female small-business owners. Some had to close their brick-and-mortar stores for good while others had to follow social media tips and ramp up their digital media strategies to compete with big-name retailers. No matter the circumstance, the changing economy required these hardworking women to think outside the box. 
But what sounds like a tale of woe doesn’t have to be. According to a survey conducted by Adobe and Wakefield Research, 61 percent of female small-business owners say their business’s online presence is more important than their physical location—56 percent of solopreneurs rate their business’s digital and social media marketing as either fair or poor. In addition, 83 percent of solopreneurs noted that creative design will stand out and drive their business to be more successful, but they just lack the time, tools, and training to get it done.
If you’re trying to improve your digital footprint to help your business thrive, we have a few simple-to-follow tips that will drive you to success. And thanks to Adobe Spark, one of our favorite social media and marketing tools, you can navigate today’s complicated market—whether you’re rebuilding your following, trying to get more creative, or fighting to stand out amid a sea of competition. 

1. Develop a Cohesive Brand Image
It doesn’t matter what type of company you run. The way your social media content looks can make or break your business. Even if your photos are top-of-the-line or you’re a connoisseur with copy, a brand without any continuity can leave consumers feeling lost and uninterested. That’s why it’s essential to create a streamlined look to help people identify (and get sucked into) your content from the moment they discover it on social media. 

Australian craft-based designer Kitiya Palaskas built her small business around helping clients develop a brand image. Thanks to a massive collection of graphics, logos, fonts, and colors available on Adobe Spark, Palaskas finds her day-to-day branding tasks easier. On the platform, she can create tailored social graphics, videos, presentations, and more based on her client’s needs.

2. Streamline Your Workflow
You know that cohesive look we were talking about? A lot of what goes into that sort of linearity is repetitiveness. I’m not talking about repeating the same post day after day. I’m referring to using the same colors, formatting, and text to showcase a smooth look throughout your feed, blog posts, and website. 
In terms of social media, one of the easiest ways to do this is by creating templates that you can use over and over again. It cuts down on the time you spend meticulously formatting your graphics and creates consistency from one post to the next. 

When creating templates, small-business owners can turn to Adobe Spark’s resource library that houses thousands of curated blueprints from designers and other content creators. The great thing about these templates is that you can customize them by swapping out the original colors with your brand colors, or you can change up the font to match your logo, the text on your website, and more. You can also shift and maneuver things around to make them look exactly how you want them.
After you create a template, you can save it for future posts and edit it when needed. Just make sure you have your go-to brand colors, graphics, and fonts on hand to make changing your template quick and easy. 

3. Create Eye-Catching Graphics
A few years back, posting photos of your products was enough to grab some attention on social media. Today, it’s the vibrant graphics and compelling videos that stop people from scrolling past your post. 

Before you start messing around with shapes and images, remember that social media is an extension of your business, so you want your graphics to reflect your brand. Trying to evoke a lighthearted feel? Opt for pastels or bright colors. Catering to a professional audience? Neutrals might be better. Whatever you choose, come up with five or fewer colors to use from one graphic to the next. 
If you’re using imagery in your posts, only use high-quality photos (because even the most creative design will be overshadowed by a blurry image). You also want to make sure that your graphics aren’t too busy or distracting. Contrast is key if you’re adding text, and it’s OK to have some white space on your designs. 

4. Improve Clarity and Collaboration
Nothing is worse than nearing the end of a big campaign only to realize everyone is on a different page. It’s frustrating, time-consuming, and it can completely derail your brand goals. So if you’re adding a few helping hands to your small business, it’s imperative to prioritize effective collaboration and communication. 
Start by getting everyone on the same page with a clear goal. You can follow the SMART format—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This will allow you to clearly track your progress from start to finish. Communicate the goal to your team and ensure everyone understands it clearly. This is also a good time to address anyone’s questions or concerns. 

When you’re ready to dive into the busy work, make sure everything you need for your project is in one location. With Adobe Spark’s collaboration feature, you can create a project on the platform and easily invite people to join. When the invitation is accepted via email, everyone will be able to edit the project in the same place (and see the changes made when the project is updated).
This tool is a major time-saver and key to efficiency. One person may be incredible at writing copy while another is more design-savvy. Project sharing allows you to pass the same graphic, presentation, or document back and forth while utilizing everyone’s strengths and keeping everyone on the same page. 

5. Find a Supportive Community
It’s normal to run into roadblocks when running a small business, but when obstacles keep getting in the way of your goals, it’s easy to get down on yourself. The good news is that you’re not alone—even if it feels that way. 
As soon as you conjure up the idea for your small business, find a group of individuals in the same boat. If you browse social media, you’ll discover dozens of support groups dedicated to improving social media efforts, running an online business, or even coming up with creative brand marketing ideas. You can also create your own community via social outreach. 

CEO of Girl Gang Craft Phoebe Sherman consistently creates templates and graphics for other content creators and small-business owners to use for free. This strategy not only helps her build her own following but also helps her build a group of women who can rely on one another for their creative needs. 
According to the study conducted by Adobe Spark and Wakefield Research, over 53 percent of female small-business owners use social media as a way to find creative inspiration. So if you’re needing a little more support from your community, you can turn to your favorite apps and lean on other hardworking women to keep your small business thriving for years to come.

This post is sponsored by Adobe Spark, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

Last week, for the first time ever, I talked about working from home like the end-all rather than as a temporary thing. And I even opted to work from home instead of going into the office when I had the choice. After 18 months of manifesting going back to the office, I’m finally at a place where I can accept and appreciate some of the luxuries of working from my living room (and the bedroom, kitchen, and occasionally bathroom). But that doesn’t mean I’m not getting a little sick of sitting in the same spot all day every day. My work routine is in desperate need of a refresh.
Working from home, a once novel idea that then became temporary and is now what most of us consider normal, isn’t the same crux it once was, but it still comes with some questions, namely: How do I feel inspired when I’m stuck in the same place all the time? I started implementing a few tricks to keep me motivated and make my routine feel fresh again, and they’ve made a major difference in my productivity.

1. Try blue light glasses
One of the biggest hurdles I faced when I started working from home was figuring out how to stay productive. When my phone, the TV, and the kitchen are right there, I’m keen to get distracted. I tried afternoon walks, more coffee, and putting my phone in the other room, but nothing worked. Then, I got down to business and really focused on adding function to my routine, and WearMePro’s blue light glasses have made a huge difference in making me feel productive and actually be better at work.
Blue light glasses are designed to protect your eyes from the continued exposure to the blue light we get from our phones, computers, and TV—which we’re all getting tons of if we’re sitting at a computer doing work all day. If you notice sitting in front of a screen for a long time gives you headaches, strains your eyes, or makes it hard to fall (and stay) asleep, blue light glasses help improve all of that. I tried a pair from WearMePro—a small, independent, family-owned business based in Arizona—last year, and it made the biggest difference in my productivity.
With the glasses, I’m able to look at my computer screen for a while without getting headaches, and I end the day with my eyes feeling so much better and less strained. But overall, the act of putting my glasses on just makes me feel ready for the day, the same way I feel after putting on a button-down or making a cup of coffee.
The best part: WearMePro’s glasses look super cute in all your video calls without costing you a pretty penny. All products are under $35, a pretty decent price that’ll make getting through the workday a bit easier. Plus, a portion of every eyewear purchase goes back to the Arizona Humane Society to help animals in need, so you get some while you give some—something I love.

2. Change up your beverage
If you typically drink the same iced coffee with almond milk every single day, varying your morning coffee order or making something else every now and then might be the extra flavor your day craved (no pun intended). I notice that drinking too much coffee is not the best for my body, so I started drinking alternatives like matcha and using add-ins that made me experience the ritual of coffee without the adverse effects. We all know the big change we feel when doing the annual switch from iced to hot drinks or when we can finally get our favorite seasonal flavors—imagine what that might do for your productivity if you feel that all the time?

3. Schedule out your morning routine
Instead of jamming your morning routine into those few precious hours you have before signing onto work, schedule them throughout your day. The one luxury of working remotely is flexibility. Maybe you do a lunch break workout and get ready in the afternoon before your calls rather than at 7 a.m. when you’re groggy and unmotivated. You could do your journaling in the afternoon to take a quick break from the computer screen. I always leave the chores I would normally do first thing (usually washing and putting away dishes) for a break in between signing on for work and lunch to give myself a quick moment to listen to a podcast and recharge.

4. Decorate your desk
I used to live in a very small studio that only allowed for one desk, so it became a vanity/desk/dining table/buffet hybrid that really just became a catch-all for every single thing I owned. When I moved, I finally had a desk of my own to do work from—and then I really just started using that as a catch-all for everything I owned. Once I finally organized it and made its place as My DeskTM, I noticed my productivity skyrocketed. I finally had a dedicated place for everything—including things that would help me be more creative—and I was able to make the space my own.
I added a lamp to use when it starts getting dark out at 4 p.m, inspiring photos of my favorite magazine layouts, lots of notebooks to write down ideas, and obviously my blue light glasses. Now, I don’t do anything at my desk but work, but even if I was still living with the makeshift vanity/desk/buffet situation, I’d definitely make it feel like a proper workspace while I’m working. When I wake up in the morning, my makeup brushes come down and in go pencils and pens.

5. Schedule weeknight events
Remember when we used to go to happy hours and events and have things to do after work other than catch up on the latest episode of your favorite Real Housewives franchise? There’s something in the air when you know you have plans or somewhere to be after work that inspires you to work a little harder, have a little more creativity, and not stay on your computer all night working. Whether it’s a get-together with friends, watching a new movie, a video chat with your family, a walk through the park (Sex and the City style), or a date out with yourself, having something to look forward to after a long day of work breaks up the monotony of your day and entire week.

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This post is sponsored by WearMePro, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

We’ve all been there: Maybe you’ve been asked to take charge of party planning for your coworker’s birthdays or go on a coffee run (even if you said goodbye to the “intern” title years ago). Or perhaps one of your colleagues keeps talking over you in meetings (been there, done that!). You know you should be strong and confident, but maybe you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to empowerment in your career. 
We know what it’s like to feel undermined in the workplace, and we’re here to help you feel like your best self at work. We partnered with our bubbly of choice, La Marca Prosecco, to help you overcome challenges and feel confident in your career. La Marca Prosecco believes in celebrating the joy in everyday moments, including all the work that so many women go through to make their dreams come true. We are proud to partner with them to bring you advice on how to overcome challenges and feel confident in your career. 
With everything from imposter syndrome to dismissive bosses, it might be hard to feel like the powerful badass that you are at the office. La Marca Prosecco is the perfect accompaniment to celebrate the boss that you already are and how bright your future career can be. Grab your La Marca mini and read on for 10 behaviors to be aware of in order to be your strongest self at work.

1. Instead of apologizing, share your perspectives with confidence. 
Admit it: You’ve responded to an email or sat in a meeting and said something along the lines of, “I’m sorry, but I disagree because…” You felt compelled to share your point of view, but you didn’t want to hurt your colleagues’ feelings in doing so.
You don’t have to agree with everyone else in the room or on the project, and you certainly don’t have to feel sorry for feeling differently. Your view is essential and additive, and you can meaningfully contribute to the conversation without worrying about how others might respond to your opinion. Instead of apologizing before stating your truth, try saying, “Let’s talk about this through a different lens.” This approach welcomes varying perspectives without the unnecessary apology.

2. Rather than be the designated notetaker in every meeting, help empower others to do the job.
Somebody has to be responsible for taking notes in meetings, but it shouldn’t always be you unless your job description clearly states that responsibility. There’s an assumption that women are more equipped or “better at” these types of tasks and duties, so they often fall into our laps without our permission. 
If you’re always the assigned note-taker, consider recommending that this responsibility gets divided amongst meeting attendees or alternates. And if you still find that colleagues call on you because you “do it best,” offer to show them your note-taking strategies and say, “I’d be happy to teach you the strategies I use while taking notes so you can try them during our next meeting.” 

3. Finish your thoughts and don’t hesitate to call out interrupters.
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been interrupted or talked over during a meeting or presentation (We’re all raising our hands, right?). Interruptions are disheartening and happen to the best of us. It’s best to nip this behavior in the bud right away to eliminate the precedent that you will accept it in the future.
You can shut down interruptions through a variety of tactics. In one-off situations, try continuing to talk or raising your hand to finish your thoughts. If you’re dealing with a repeat offender, address the behavior with specific instances of interruption in a private setting and talk it out. 

4. Don’t feel pressured to say “Yes!” to everything.
There’s a difference between being a helpful team player and being taken advantage of at work. Women in the workplace tend to take on tasks such as planning for birthdays, cleaning up the kitchen, ordering lunch for a group, sending out meeting invites, and more. While you might think volunteering to do the “stuff no one else wants to do” is going to make you more likable, you might be unintentionally undermining your value. 
If you turn down tasks every once in a while, does that mean you’re not helpful? Absolutely not. If you get asked to do one of these tasks, offer a group of team members the rundown on how you’ve made it successful previously, and then hand it off for good. You can say something along the lines of, “While I’ve volunteered for these tasks previously, my bandwidth is currently full, but I’m happy to onboard someone else to the task.”

5. Don’t minimize your accomplishments—celebrate them!
Look, there’s a difference between bragging and owning your successes. Women are known for downplaying their work and not giving themselves enough credit. Imposter syndrome brings about feelings of unwarranted self-promotion, but advocating for yourself and promoting your achievements aren’t bad things.
Take getting a promotion or landing a new role, for example. We say things like “I got promoted, but it’s no big deal!” instead of sharing these achievements with honor. Next time you catch yourself getting ready to downplay your success, try to focus on sharing the update paired with feelings of excitement: “I got promoted, and I’m excited about this new opportunity!” Celebrate your success so others will celebrate you, too. La Marca minis are what we keep on hand to celebrate successes big and small. You deserve it!

6. You’re worth every penny, so don’t work for less money than you deserve.
We could spend all day talking about the gender pay gap and the history behind women getting underpaid in the workplace. While we continue to make progress towards equality, the reality is that compared to men, women are underpaid, and there are more significant wage gaps for Women of Color. Accepting unfair pay sends the message that your employer can get away with taking advantage of you.
All that’s to say that you don’t deserve to feel undervalued and receive less pay than what you’re worth. If you’re doing more work than your job description requires of you, ask for a raise. If you’re preparing to accept a job offer, consider negotiating your salary.

7. Communicate up rather than venting sideways.
We all have issues that come up at work. The truth is that no matter what the office environment is, miscommunications and misunderstandings are unavoidable. What matters is how you address them to remain as professional as possible in the workplace. 
If an issue arises at work, communicate up and have a healthy conversation with your manager about what’s going on rather than venting sideways. Your manager is there to help you and can support you in these situations. While venting to a colleague might help temporarily, sharing what’s going on with your manager can help build a strong relationship built on trust and can yield a long-term solution. 

8. Uplevel your emails by removing modifiers like “just” and “actually.”
The way we communicate verbally and in written communication is powerful, and adding modifiers can make you seem less competent and confident. The words “just” and “actually” are often unnecessary and can easily be eliminated for a stronger message. 
Instead of saying, “I just wanted to follow up on this!” say, “I am following up on this…” Rather than saying, “I actually have one more question,” say, “I have a question.” Practice reviewing your emails before you send them and removing these modifiers until you get in the habit of not including them.

9. Don’t worry that you aren’t making sense.
Have you ever spoken up during a meeting and shared your perspective thoughtfully and thoroughly, only to wrap up with a “Does that make sense?” at the end? I used to do this all the time. It can feel almost natural to close a point this way, but when you do, you imply that what you just shared makes no sense or that your audience is incapable, making you sound condescending. 
Try avoiding this phrase and replace it with something along the lines of, “I look forward to hearing others’ thoughts on this” or “I’m happy to answer any questions or provide clarity.” 

10. Your ideas aren’t silly or “out there,” so be proud to share them.  
Your ideas are not silly, and you shouldn’t lead in with a preface that discredits what you’re about to share. Whether your imposter syndrome is getting the best of you or you fear judgment and rejection, you need to leave the phrase “this might seem silly, but…” in the past. 
Look, if you don’t believe in your ideas and present them confidently, how do you expect others to believe in them? Sure, sometimes we all come up with ideas that might seem like a stretch, but there’s no need to say it out loud. Next time, jump straight into sharing your concept without any preface and ask for feedback after sharing it. 

La Marca Prosecco is an elegant sparkling wine grown in the heart of Italy’s Prosecco region. La Marca Prosecco believes in celebrating the joy in everyday moments, including all the work that so many women go through to make their dreams come true. A focus on career empowerment has always been part of The Everygirl’s mission, and our partnership with La Marca Prosecco has helped us take that mission into the real world with live and virtual events, small business grants, and more. Let’s raise a glass to that!

This post is sponsored by La Marca Prosecco but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl Media Group editorial board. More

We’ve all fallen victim to a bad case of the Sunday Scaries. You know what I’m talking about: those days where all you can do is lay in bed and binge an entire Netflix series, feeling sad that the weekend is over and worried about the stressors that Monday will bring. But news flash: the weekend is not over, and how you spend your Sundays can ease a lot of those Monday stressors. In fact, the most successful women know their Sunday routine can make or break their entire week. Read on for eight Sunday rituals that successful women never skip. 

1. Clean your home
You might not think you’re a neat freak, but trust me when I say that you will sleep better with the shower cleaned and the dishes put away. Plus, your week will feel so much more manageable when some of those chores you put off (looking at you, pile of dirty laundry) are already taken care of. Clutter in your home leads to clutter in the mind, so a one-hour deep clean or a quick closet reorganization can make a huge difference in not only your home environment, but how you feel for the rest of the week. If those major chores (like organizing the junk drawer) feel overwhelming, start with a quick clean-up of the kitchen (doing dishes and wiping up counters), tidy up the living room (fold throw blankets and stack coasters), and declutter your bedroom (that means putting away the clothes on your “worn-but-not-yet-ready-for-laundry chair–I know you have one!).

2. Map out the week
If your go-to for coping with Sunday Scaries is to completely ignore the fact that work starts again tomorrow, this one is for you. You may think that not acknowledging your to-do list is the best way to deal, but even if hours of Netflix helps you “forget,” you still know Monday morning is coming, leaving you with dread, anxiety, and a whole lot of stress at 9 a.m. the next day. The ideal way to set up your week for success and feel a lot better when Monday morning comes along is to plan out the week in advance. Review your upcoming schedule, add in time to prepare for big meetings or presentations, and include time for when you’ll actually get those things on your to-do list checked off. You’ll feel much more in control and will be better prepared throughout the week. 

3. Prep your meals and wardrobe
Speaking of being prepared, another way to help you feel in control of the week ahead is to meal prep and plan out your outfits. We make a lot of decisions every single day, even just within the first few minutes of waking up: whether or not to hit snooze, when to turn on the coffee pot, what to make for breakfast, and what to wear (which is approximately 1000 different decisions). No wonder we all feel exhausted or overwhelmed when we’re required to make decision after decision throughout the work day itself. No matter how big or small, decisions add up–decision fatigue is real.
But good news: you can spend your Sundays to limit your decision making throughout the week. Prep your meals in advance (whether that looks like actually chopping veggies and making easy dishes, or just writing out a plan and making a grocery list) and plan out outfits (including which shoes you’ll pack to transition into happy hour on Thursday). You’ll limit some of the decision fatigue throughout the week so you can spend more time on those really important decisions, but you also might find yourself excited for those meals or that power outfit, instead of dreading the week ahead. 

4. Set goals
Yes, Sundays are not just for self-care or laziness; they can also be for goal-setting. Think about what specific, attainable things you want to accomplish by next week, and how they relate to your bigger goals. For example, if you’ve always wanted to learn piano, add in a goal to practice for a total of two hours by next Sunday. If you wish you exercised more, set a goal to attend three workout classes at any point throughout the week, and then schedule in when they’re going to happen. If you want to be in a relationship, plan to go on one date this week, or if you’re dying for a promotion, set an intention to connect with your boss. No matter what your goals or intentions are, check in with what you want out of life setting them. You’ll feel more excited for your week, but will also feel like you’re making progress towards those huge life goals.

5. Unplug
PSA for whoever needs to hear it: you do not have to (and should not) be “plugged in” 24/7. If your weeks feel overwhelming and Sundays are scary, consider doing a temporary digital detox to reduce stress. When we’re constantly bombarded by Instagram, work emails, or even that never-ended group text, we can feel like we’re constantly missing out on something (I like to call it chronic FOMO). Turning off your phone for a few hours helps reduce that overwhelm and can allow you to actually relax. Try a full unplug and turn off all screens to read a book, take a walk with your dog, or do something creative, or just put your phone in the other room while you unwind with your favorite show for a couple hours. 

6. Set Monday morning alarm for a few minutes earlier
I get it: Monday mornings are a rude awakening. That 6 a.m. alarm is probably the last thing you want to hear, and you’re tempted to sleep in until the last second possible to savor the last of your weekend bliss. But hitting the snooze button can lead to a rushed morning so you feel stressed, overwhelmed, and behind before you even start your workday. Instead, set your alarm on Sunday night for 10-15 minutes earlier the next morning. Whether you spend the extra time meditating, indulging in a luxurious skincare routine, or just brewing a cup of coffee with a moment of silence, you will not miss the 10 minutes of extra sleep, and feel much more prepared for the workday and entire week ahead. 
 
7. Read something 
One of the best secrets of successful women? Reading. Many of us have a plethora of excuses when it comes to reading more often. “I’m too tired,” “I don’t have any new books,” and “How am I expected to do anything else in my free time when all six seasons of Sex and the City are on Hulu!?” are excuses I personally use on a regular basis. But reading is not only enjoyable; it’s good for you. Whether it’s winding down before bed, taking a break in the afternoon, or as a way to kick off your Sunday, fit in some time to read during the day to inspire you and help you feel motivated for the week ahead. As for what to read? Check out these inspiring books or books to educate yourself to help you grow in both your success and life goals. 

8. Get your inbox to zero
If your Monday mornings feel like a race against the clock starting the second you wake up, set your week up for success by getting ahead with your emails. While Sundays should feel like Sundays (rather than an extension of the workweek), spending just 10-20 minutes getting some work done will help you start your week already feeling ahead. If emails are a source of stress, tackle your inbox, or if scheduling feels like a tedious task on Monday mornings, plan out your meetings and deadlines the day before. Just think about how good your Monday morning will feel when your inbox is already at zero.

9. Have a financial check-in
Self-care doesn’t always mean bubble baths or face masks. Sometimes, self-care means being an independent adult and doing what you can to feel in control of your finances. While having a detailed financial plan and setting goals can help you reduce money-related stress and achieve what you want in life, feeling in control of your finances doesn’t always require a lot of time and energy. Spend fives minutes on Sunday to glance over your bank account and credit card statements. Getting in the habit of frequently checking in can help identify fraud early on and will also give you a good idea of where you’re spending and where you can be saving. Set a financial goal for the week, whether it’s to put a certain amount of cash into your savings account or invest in a course or service that will improve your wellbeing. 

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