In January, I participated in a 21-day plank challenge with personal trainer Coach Kelli Poindexter. “There’s no way,” I thought, when she told me the goal was to hold a plank position for 3 full minutes. But with her guidance and a few adjustments, I increased my hold time in small increments every day and…I did it! The experience blew away my expectations of what I thought I was[...]
In January, I participated in a 21-day plank challenge with personal trainer Coach Kelli Poindexter. “There’s no way,” I thought, when she told me the goal was to hold a plank position for 3 full minutes. But with her guidance and a few adjustments, I increased my hold time in small increments every day and…I did it! The experience blew away my expectations of what I thought I was[...]
I rarely listen to music, and when I do, it’s usually background music while I cook—and it’s usually from a small selection of CDs that live on the kitchen counter. I gotta break out of this rut! I am inspired by the example my friend Arturo set for me many years ago. He had actual albums featuring jazz and classical musicians. He would put one on the actual turntable, settle int[...]
I rarely listen to music, and when I do, it’s usually background music while I cook—and it’s usually from a small selection of CDs that live on the kitchen counter. I gotta break out of this rut! I am inspired by the example my friend Arturo set for me many years ago. He had actual albums featuring jazz and classical musicians. He would put one on the actual turntable, settle int[...]
Back in August 2022, I was inspired by Guest Nudger Judith Alex to embark on a staircase climbing adventure ("Do Something Touristy"). A couple of months later, I roped my sister into joining me on the inaugural climb ("52+: Bonus Nudges"). I had BIG PLANS to explore my city and check off each of the 21 staircases I had on my list. I've done none since. Nada. Zip. Fortunately, I kno[...]
Back in August 2022, I was inspired by Guest Nudger Judith Alex to embark on a staircase climbing adventure ("Do Something Touristy"). A couple of months later, I roped my sister into joining me on the inaugural climb ("52+: Bonus Nudges"). I had BIG PLANS to explore my city and check off each of the 21 staircases I had on my list. I've done none since. Nada. Zip. Fortunately, I kno[...]
I think the key word in this nudge is "Stop." Get off the crazy treadmill, break out of an unhealthy routine, notice, breathe. It's also intended as a treat for my sense of smell, so I hope to be more aware of this as the week progresses. Maybe instead of roses, I'll stop to smell my morning cappuccino, or freshly roasted veggies, or wet dog (a scent that strangely makes me very happy[...]
Gina McKuen has long created mixed-media art for her own pleasure. She squeezed what was a passionate hobby in between her full-time work as a teacher and her full-time calling as a wife and mother to twin girls, who are heading into fifth grade this fall. A series of big life events nudged her to reprioritize. The trauma of the pandemic, the death of her father, the death of George Fl[...]
I think the key word in this nudge is "Stop." Get off the crazy treadmill, break out of an unhealthy routine, notice, breathe. It's also intended as a treat for my sense of smell, so I hope to be more aware of this as the week progresses. Maybe instead of roses, I'll stop to smell my morning cappuccino, or freshly roasted veggies, or wet dog (a scent that strangely makes me very happy[...]
This Nudge was inspired by transformational coach Kelly Mishell, who has written a couple of guest posts for us (read them here and here). It's a technique she taught me a few years ago when I was up against a huge deadline and feeling all my fears. Here's how it works: Be aware of my "stinkin' thinkin'." Catch myself and take note of what I'm saying. Come up with an affirmation th[...]