My Bigger Picture: Hustling with Grace

Since I was a kid, I've always put a lot of pressure on myself to be the best at whatever task I was working on. In school, I was the girl secretly fighting back tears because I didn't understand a math problem. Or, in business, I wouldn't sleep properly for days at a time because I thought #TeamNoSleep was the only road to success. 

I have BIG dreams and subconsciously these dreams/goals have put me weird internal competition to push myself to extreme limits. Now, don't get me wrong... this go-hard mentality has brought some pretty great things into my life, especially in business. However, it's also added some unnecessary pressure. For example, at 8 months pregnant when I probably should have been relaxing, I worked my butt off and had my most profitable month as an entrepreneur. BUT, I was mentally and physically EXHAUSTED (with swollen ankles to prove it). 

Now, at this phase in life, especially as a new mom - my priorities are shifting. I'm learning that my go-hard relentlessness has to take a backseat to balance and peace of mind. Yes, I'm always going to be a hard worker... but, going forward my goal is to put less pressure on myself and work smarter.

This year, I'm embracing more grace, letting things flow organically, and leaving room for the unimaginable. I'm taking a chill pill and trusting God to align me with the work that really matters. I don't know exactly what's to come, but I'm excited to see it unfold. Less pressure, more purpose! 

I'll be using this blog to share the journey. So, stay tuned! 

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If you'd like to stay posted on the journey, sign up to my mailing list for updates. Then, let me know more about your journey in the comment section! 

Traveling With a Baby: St. Thomas and St. John

“To travel to is to live. And, we just livin life! ”

Travel is my life! No, really. It's one of my biggest passions (outside of business, God and family). I got my first passport in 2012 and I've been on the go ever since. Almost 30 countries and 5 continents deep, I guess you can say it's a part of who I am. 

When I first had Hendrix, some people told me that travel would have to take a back seat to motherhood. But, thank God I don't let other people dictate my life. ;) It's possible to be a dope mom and still pursue your passions! 

Yeah.. I can't do wild stuff anymore like hang off cliffs and swim with whale sharks, but we still have a good time!! Nothing beats seeing your baby's first reaction to sand and the ocean! (Even if she HATED the water because it was too cold, LOL! The sand was a winner though!)

Anywho, check out our album from the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas and St. John. We went with my cousin/Hendrix's Godmom, Katrina.  (P.S. If you're an American citizen, you don't need a passport to visit!) Also, if you do go, wear lots of bug spray. The "noseeums" didn't bother Hendrix, but they ate us adults up!! 

Have any cool/funny/inspiring travel stories? Would love to hear about them! Or, any questions about travel? Hit me up on instagram! @JasmineAlston . Let's talk!

How to: Stay Focused When You're Addicted to Social Networks

So, let's paint this picture. You're doing work and an Instagram notification pops up on your phone. Cool. You check the notification, then decide to scroll down your timeline "real quick." 30 minutes later, you've somehow ended up on your ex-boyfriend's best friend's mom's vacation pics from 32 weeks ago. Like... how... did... I... even... get... here?! *confused face* Now, 30 minutes of your work day is gone and all you have to show for it is photos of a random stranger! Sounds weird, I know. But, it happens every..single..day. 

Now, of course, social networks are GREAT for business and personal relationships - we just have to learn to use them in moderation! If you're spending more time on IG and Facebook and less time creating, maybe it's time to reevaluate your productivity. 

Keep reading to check out some of my personal productivity tips to help find balance with social networks.

Delete Social Media Apps While Working:

If you know you HAVE to click on Instagram or Snapchat every time you pick up your phone, just delete the apps during work time. You can always re-download after you're done. Easy fix.

Download the Stay Focusd App:

For the Google Chrome users, this is a GREAT extension!!! Stay Focusd is a productivity extension for Google Chrome that limits how long you spend on time-wasting websites. I use it on my computer for Facebook. I only allow myself 10 minutes daily for Facebook. After those 10 minutes, Google Chrome blocks the site until the next day.

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Get an Accountability Partner:

Accountability partners are my life!! No, seriously. I don't know what I'd do without supportive people helping me to stay focused and on target with my goals. I have different accountability partners for different areas of my life (sister, boyfriend, friends, etc). When someone else holds you accountable, your likelihood to stay focused is much higher. All you have to do is say, "Hey, can you hold me accountable for this goal?" Super easy. 

Set Productivity Alarms:

I learned this one from my sister. She has alarms on her phone throughout the day with sayings like, "What are you grateful for?" or "Be Present." I borrowed this idea to help keep me focused throughout the day. You can label your alarms with anything that'll keep you motivated. Ex) "Good or Great?" or "Work Smarter" ..etc. 

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Take a Social Media 'Fast':

Take a couple days off social networks and see how much work you get done. I've done this a few times. During every "fast," I was able to stop procrastinating and get some much needed outstanding work done. I had no other choice - no escape zone. 

Get an Alarm Clock:

Yup, turn your phone off at night and use an old school alarm clock! Think about it. What's the first thing you do in the morning? Turn off your phone's alarm, wipe the crust out your eyes, and scroll down Instagram/Facebook/Snapchat/WhateverElse. Instead of starting your day bombarded with tons of info, maybe try writing or reading for a centered start to the day. 

That's all I have for now! Comment below to let me know what works for you! 

Be Great Today! ~Jasmine 

When I Learned to Say "NO" as an Entrepreneur

No. Nah. Nope. No, thank you. Nizzy.

As an entrepreneur who offers a service, learning when to say "no" was a little difficult for me. For a while, I would take on projects simply because I needed the money or I was too afraid to decline a request (even if I had no interest in it). Sad, I know. However, on my journey, I've learned that peace of mind and professional dignity is much more valuable than temporary monetary gain. After all, saying "no" really isn't that hard if you're respectful and have sincere intentions. 

Keep reading to check out a few reasons why I've had to say "no" along my entrepreneurial journey:

1 - The Vibe is Off. 

Sometimes, you can tell immediately if a client is a good fit for you or not. It's kind of like dating, you know? If your personalities or creative views don't mesh well, that's okay. Every client is not for you and you are not for every client. Save both of you a headache in the long run. 

2 - Family and Friend Requests.

I love my family and friends! I really do. BUT, we all know that family and friends sometimes expect the "homegirl hookup." Now, I'm not saying never help family and friends. I'm just saying know your boundaries! If their request is something that's going to take up a lot of your time and energy, don't be afraid to say no. Business is business. Family is family. They'll still love you afterwards (hopefully)!

3 - Requests Outside of Your Niche.

Here's a simple example... When I first started photography, I would shoot parties and nightclubs. I had no desire to be there and I knew deep down that wasn't for me. (I was also afraid of my expensive camera being damaged in there!) So, I stopped shooting that niche of work. Nowadays, if I get requests outside of my desired niche, I just recommend other amazing photographers who specialize in that field. Try to stay focused on doing only the work that is aligned with your main goals.

4 - Low Budget or No Budget. 

This one is pretty self-explanatory. As business owners, we have to learn to set standards. If you set a standard as the cheap option, it's hard to break free from that. Why would someone pay you more if they know you'll accept little or nothing? Learn to stand your ground and value your work and time. Remember, professional dignity is much more valuable than temporary monetary gain. You'll thank yourself in the long run!

Have you had an experience with learning how or when to say "no" in business? Share it with me in the comment section! 

Be Great Today! ~Jasmine