Vanya Wryter Consulting Services

Tag: motivation

  • What Gives You Direction in Life?

    What Gives You Direction in Life?

    Daily writing prompt
    What gives you direction in life?
    View all responses

    Finding direction in life isn’t always easy—you can walk through life aimlessly and without a compass, unsure of what’s ahead. Over time, I’ve found some key sources that help me stay on course, even when life gets confusing or uncertain.

    1. People I Admire

    I’m constantly inspired by the accomplishments of people I look up to. For example, Barbara Corcoran’s story—I love reading about how people like her approach life and overcome challenges and become successful. I try to apply those lessons to my own life. Learning from successful people reminds me that direction doesn’t always come from knowing the answers, but from making bold decisions and adapting as you go.

    2. Friends and Family Who Get Me

    I’m lucky to have friends and family members who share similar values and experiences. When I feel lost or unsure, I can turn to them for life advice. Especially those who are a few steps ahead and they’ve tackled the same dilemmas I’m facing now. Their stories and support provide me with greater clarity and confidence. There’s something comforting about knowing you’re not alone in figuring things out.

    3. Goal Setting

    I’m a planner by nature, so goal setting is a huge part of what gives me direction. I set goals at different increments—yearly, monthly, weekly—and I check in with them daily. These goals help me check that my actions align with my bigger goals. They don’t just keep me productive—they give me purpose. Even when I don’t hit every goal perfectly, the process keeps me focused and intentional about how I’m spending my time.

    4. Self-Reflection and Personal Values

    Lastly, regular self-reflection helps me stay in touch with why I do what I do. When I take time to pause and ask myself what matters most—what kind of person I want to be, what kind of life I want to live—it gives me clarity. My personal values act like a compass. Even when the path isn’t clear, those core beliefs point me in the right direction.

    At the end of the day, direction comes from both outside inspiration and inner clarity. It’s a mix of learning from others, planning ahead, and self reflection.

  • How to Beat Procrastination and Finally Get Things Done

    How to Beat Procrastination and Finally Get Things Done

    We tend to think of procrastination as a bad habit — and it is — but it’s also a way to cope. When we feel overwhelmed, unsure, or just mentally drained, avoiding a task can feel like the only option. The problem? That relief is temporary, and the stress always circles back.

    If you’re tired of riding that cycle, here are four practical ways to break it when you’re not feeling 100% motivated.

    1. Lower the Barrier to Starting

    Most of us don’t procrastinate because we’re lazy — we procrastinate because starting feels like a mountain. So instead of saying “I need to finish this,” reframe it to “I’m just going to work on this for ten minutes.” Ten minutes is a small commitment compared to finishing a whole task. Starting is often the hardest part, but it’s easier to keep going once you’re in motion.

    2. Make the Task Clearer

    Vague goals result in vague actions. If your task is “Work on project,” it’s harder to measure how much you’re getting done. Break the task into specific actions: “Write intro paragraph” or “Choose paint color for bedroom wall.” This removes decision fatigue and gives you a clear starting point.

    3. Change Your Environment

    You can’t expect deep focus in a space that’s set up for distraction. If your phone’s constantly buzzing with notifications or you’re working where you relax, your brain won’t switch gears easily. Create a work-friendly zone, even if it’s just clearing off a part of your table or playing mood music to shut out unwelcome noise.

    4. Find Rewards That Reinforce

    It’s tempting to binge YouTube after a productive hour, but make sure your rewards don’t undo your progress. (Work for one hour, and watch fun videos for one hour.) Think small and restorative — a short walk, a coffee, a chat with a friend. Your brain should associate completing a task with feeling good, not being distracted.

    Key Takeaway

    Procrastination isn’t about fixing yourself — it’s about adjusting your systems. With a few intentional changes, you can build momentum from small accomplishments instead of waiting for the best moment to get an entire project done.

  • Tips to Improve Your Mindset and Well-Being

    Tips to Improve Your Mindset and Well-Being

    Words have tremendous power and influence. Terse statements such as “I love you,” “I hate you,” “You’re hired,” and “You’re fired” can dramatically change a person’s life. But it isn’t just what we say to another person that can have a tremendous impact. The words we choose to say can change how other people perceive us, and change our own mindset. Here are some tips to create a positive way of thinking.

    Tip 1: Choose words that put you in a positive light.

    Compare the following statements. What does each pair of statements say about the speaker’s mindset? Which words are confident? Which words are apologetic?

    Sorry, I’m late.

    Thank you for waiting.

    The first expression is very common. However, you are starting off with an apology (nothing wrong with that). But by saying, “Thank you for waiting,” you are acknowledging the other person and speaking in a more positive way by not beginning with sorry.

    Tip 2: Say what you mean to avoid a possible misunderstanding.

    Giving an order with “Don’t” is quick and to the point. “Don’t step on the grass.” But using “don’t” also emphasizes the negative. Sometimes, what people hear is not “DON’T step on the grass” but “Step on the grass.” You can make the same point using positive wording: “Remember to avoid the new grass.” Or “Remember to log off before you leave the office.”

    Tip 3: Be careful with meaning and intent.

    I didn’t hear what you said. Could you say it again?

    Could you repeat what you said in a different way? 

    A slight change in wording changes your meaning and intent. In the first example, you’re admitting you weren’t paying attention and the speaker must remember what he or she said. In the second example, you’re implying you were listening (even if your mind drifted) and you want to make sure you understood what was said.

    Tip 4: Speak like you are being proactive, not reactive.

    How do I know if I can finish the task correctly?

    What if I make a mistake using the new software?

    These two examples have the same negative mindset in common. The speaker is focused on failure or possible failure. The speaker is leaving the outcome to chance and fate.

    What can I do to ensure I finish this task correctly? 

    What are some common mistakes and what can I do to avoid them?

    Compare the negative mindset examples to the sentences above. Notice the change to a positive mindset. The speaker is taking initiative and controlling the outcome. The speaker doesn’t know what to do, but is telling the listener that he or she wants to be prepared and will make sure the outcome will be the best possible one.

    Key Takeaways

    The words you choose to express an idea are part of your mindset. You can express an idea in a way that makes you appear negative and lacking in confidence. Or you can choose words that show initiative and positivity. Your words are a powerful extension of your personality and mindset.

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  • Strategies To Help You Cope With Negative Feelings

    Strategies To Help You Cope With Negative Feelings

    Daily writing prompt
    What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?
    View all responses

    Negative feelings are a natural part of life, but managing them can make all the difference in our mental and emotional well-being. We need to make a conscious effort and employ the right strategies to prevent them from overwhelming us. Here are some unconventional yet effective ways to deal with negativity.

    1. Write a Letter You’ll Never Send

    Sometimes, we bottle up emotions because we feel unsafe expressing them. Writing a letter to someone (or even to yourself) without intending to send it can be a therapeutic way to release frustration, disappointment, or sadness. This process provides emotional clarity without the fear of judgment.

    2. Engage in Safe Destruction

    Find a safe, non-harmful way to release pent-up frustration. This could be throwing rocks in the water, smashing a piece of junk you planned to throw out anyway, or popping balloons. The physical release can be surprisingly satisfying and help channel emotions productively.

    3. Try Music or Singing

    Music has a profound impact on our emotions. Channeling your emotions into music or singing can change your mood, particularly if it’s loud music or angry song lyrics. These activities can release tension, change your focus, and instantly improve mood.

    4. Have a “Worst-Case Scenario” Brainstorming Session

    Instead of suppressing worries or replaying negative thoughts over and over, fully explore the worst-case scenario in a structured way. Write down what could go wrong, how you would handle it, and the most likely outcome. This method helps put things into perspective and often reduces anxiety.

    5. Create a “Letting Go” Ritual

    Develop a personal ritual that symbolizes releasing negative emotions. This could be writing worries on a piece of paper and setting the paper on fire (in a safe place) or taking a symbolic shower to “wash away” stress. Associating emotions with actions can make it easier to move on.

    6. Make Small Changes to Your Environment

    Our surroundings can influence our emotions. Instead of a drastic change, make a small shift—rearrange your furniture, remove objects you associate with bad memories, or change your routine by going to a different room. These subtle changes can refresh your mindset and break negative thought patterns.

    By incorporating these unique strategies, you can find creative and effective ways to manage negative feelings while maintaining a healthy emotional balance.

    Thanks for reading!

  • 6 Ways to Get People to Remember You

    6 Ways to Get People to Remember You

    You can make lasting impressions when you are easy to remember and hard to forget. Whether it’s a social situation, a job interview, or a business situation, people will want to speak with you because they like you, and you create a strong initial impression. To help you achieve that goal, here are six ways to get people to remember you.

    1 Say and Spell the Other Person’s Name

    After you meet someone new, say their name during your conversation as soon as possible. Repeat their name at the end, closing with, “It was nice meeting you, (name).” People like to be remembered, and if you make an effort to remember this person, they are more likely to remember you as well. For me, it also helps to mentally spell that person’s name in my mind because it’s a visual attempt to associate their name and face in my memory.

    2 Radiate Positive Energy

    People associate you with what you say. If you complain a lot about the news, the weather, or other people, you may be perceived as negative. If you compliment others and speak positively about people, places, and events, others will associate you with this optimism. Make positive energy your brand, and that is what people will remember about you.

    3 Be a Great Listener

    People appreciate it when you show that you’ve been listening to what they say. If you repeat part of the last point they made or summarize what they’ve been talking about, it shows that you are a good listener. It also gives the impression that you value what the other person has said.

    4 Share a Story

    People remember stories. If you have a name that is difficult to remember, an anecdote about your name makes it easier to recall. Something catchy is as simple as an adjective + name: smart Sam or adventurous Alex. Then they will remember your name and something about your personality.

    5 Give a Gift

    When someone gives you something, you feel obligated to give them something in return. This is the Law of Reciprocity. You see this often when you go shopping. A staff member gives out free food samples, increasing the chances that the shopper will reciprocate by buying an item from the store. Similarly, when you open the door for someone, buy a coworker a coffee, or share useful information (like telling someone about a 2-for-1 deal you heard about), that person will view you more positively.

    6 Be Vulnerable

    One way to get people to remember you is to be vulnerable. When you make mistakes, others see you as more human and relatable. When you meet someone for the first time, share a quick anecdote about an embarrassing moment. For example, share how you ate the spicy green wasabi because you thought it was mint ice cream. People like people they can relate to.

    Key Takeaways

    Sometimes our first interaction with someone is brief. To create a lasting impact, try one of these six techniques to make yourself more memorable. As the saying goes, you have one chance to make a lasting impression.

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