#personal development better yourself

[goddessinnerglow]

Become Your Best Version Before 2025 - Day 5

Setting SMART Goals That Actually Stick

Yesterday we dug deep into our core values, and today we're going to channel that into something practical and exciting, setting goals that actually work. But not just any goals. We're talking about goals that make you jump out of bed in the morning, that align with who you really are.

You know that feeling when you set a New Year's resolution and by January 15th it's already forgotten? Yeah, we've all been there. But here's the thing, it's not your fault. The problem isn't your willpower; it's probably how the goal was set in the first place.

Let me share something that changed everything for me. A while back, I had this vague goal of "getting healthier." Sounds familiar? Weeks went by, and I felt stuck because what does "healthier" even mean? But when I changed it to "I will walk for 20 minutes every morning while listening to my favorite podcast," something clicked. Suddenly, it was clear, doable, and actually fun!

That's the magic of SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. But don't let these fancy words scare you. Think of them as your goal's best friends, making sure it succeeds.

Let's transform your dreams into reality together. Take out your journal (I know you have it nearby after yesterday!) and think about something you really want to achieve. Got it? Now, let's make it SMART:

Instead of "I want to read more," try "I will read one chapter of a book every night before bed for the next month." Instead of "I need to save money," try "I will save $100 each month by bringing lunch to work three times a week." Instead of "I should exercise more," try "I will do a 15-minute workout video every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning."

See how these feel more real, more doable? They give you a clear path to follow.

Here's your chance to create your own. Pick one thing you want to achieve. Now, let's break it down:

Make it Specific: What exactly do you want to do?

Make it Measurable: How will you track your progress?

Make it Achievable: Can you realistically do this?

Make it Relevant: Does this align with your values?

Make it Time-bound: When will you achieve this by?

Write down your SMART goal. Put it somewhere you'll see it every day: your mirror, your phone wallpaper, your coffee mug. Make it impossible to ignore.

But here's the secret, the part most people skip. Break that goal down into tiny, daily actions. I mean really tiny. Want to write a book? Start with writing just 100 words a day. Want to run a marathon? Begin with walking around your block.

And most importantly, celebrate these small wins! Did you write those 100 words? Do a little dance! Did you walk around the block? Text a friend and brag about it! These celebrations tell your brain, "Hey, this feels good, let's do it again!"

Keep in mind, this isn't about being perfect. It's about progress. Some days won't go as planned, and that's okay. The goal isn't your boss, it's your friend, helping you become who you want to be.

See you tomorrow for Day 6 of our journey to become our best selves before 2025!

♡ ☆:.｡ Keep glowing, babes! ♡ ☆:.｡ With love, Goddess Inner Glow.

[gayofthefae]

Queer ships are universally different and not comparable to straight ships in ship wars because without the ship/feelings/reciprocation all characters involved would still be queer because their queerness exists and is represented in them independently from specific romantic feelings and that queerness would still deeply affect their characters' relationships to themselves.

Queer ships are not the same as straight ships because queer ships are inherently indicative of something deeper in the individual that is affects their character arc to the core and straight ships are love stories.

Basically, the queer experience and the straight experience are not the same. I feel like people should know this, and I feel like people do, so I assume they just don't realize that that's what the conversation is. But I'm not fighting for the ship. I'm fighting for the characters to be queer. Your characters were already straight. You get what I'm begging for regardless. You think we'd have equal things - love stories - taken away but you're wrong.

If two people don't get together I don't have a love story to live vicariously through anymore. If two people aren't queer I'm not in the story anymore.

Hope this helps.

[silusvesuius]

this tree from my new drawing looking goated afffffff 👑👑

[unforth]

Saw a post where people in the notes were arguing that behavior is only manipulative if it's intentional and planned, and tried to "prove" it with, like, Baby's First Example Of Manipulation ("if you don't do xyz, I'm gonna do abc.") and it's been ten minutes and it's still giving me hives. They were literally like "do we need to take 'manipulative' away and put it on the shelf" because they don't understand what manipulative behavior is.

Look if you (generic) think manipulative behavior has to be conscious, intentional, and planned, you are absolutely clueless and ripe for being manipulated. People can be i.n.s.a.n.e.l.y. manipulative without realizing they're doing it, and not recognizing that is, frankly, dangerous.

Signed, someone who has been repeatedly abused by people who certainly thought they weren't manipulative BUT ABSOLUTELY WERE.

[bwobgames]

Where can a humble girl buy some background music

Not even full on orchestral I just need some yume nikki vibes

[adolin]

Do you have any recommendations for feminist theory books?

genuinely I'm not as well versed on it as I'd like to be! I mostly read, like "contemporary mainstream" books rather than academic lit — currently I am reading delusions of gender by Cordelia Fine which is very good but it's taking me literal months because I need to stop in between chapters and yell a bit. as one does.

anyway. speaking of more academic-ys stuff: this is a cool reading list I'm working my way through. my all-time favourite work of feminist theory I've read was sister outsider by audre lorde, which should also be on that list iirc, or at least some essays from it.

also copypasting the OP note from that reading list because I think this is a very important context note that people often forget when it comes to academic & historical feminist writing lmao. especially on this website

I urge you to be highly critical of all of these authors. Take notes. Write a rebuttal and reason why you are opposed to or concerned about the aspects of some theories. Compare one author to another. Write down key notes that you find profound or impactful on how you think about something, and reason why. Analyze key points and think about how they can be expanded on and applied to current events. Write down a list of further questions to research later.

[gaytobymeres]

this will not be articulated well but i dont think the 'im not like other girls' phenomenon can always simply be attributed to internalised misogyny like for me i was different to other girls and they let me know that (albeit quite subtly). idk i think simply attributing it to internalised misogyny overlooks the fact that some girls are excluded by girls their age because they are different in some way. they are made to feel like they are not like other girls, its not just some imagined feeling.

[noctomania]

Fear: Manage your smoke alarm.

I'm gonna just brain vomit disjointed shit about what I've learned in my time about fear because I think there is a lot of that goin round these days for various reasons.

Fear is not a bad thing inherently. It is what you do in reaction to that fear that is important.

Do you let fear guide you? Or do you simply let it inform you.

It takes real strength to face your fears without treating them as automatically negative because they scared you.

Sensing fear in yourself can be misunderstood or misinterpreted.

Fear has different warning levels. Someone who is less accustomed to the warning levels may have a level 6 reaction to a level 1 alarm.

Fear can be instilled in people. Fear mongering is a tactic used by terrorists to make people submit.

When we face fear, as an animal, we have the choice to: flee, fight, find out, freeze, fake out, etc.

"Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back" If you let fear guide you, you lose opportunities to be curious and to learn. Sometimes you learn how to not be afraid anymore. I'd even say that's often the case.

Letting misinterpreted fear guide your actions can lead to unsavory results.

Fear of understanding is awfully detrimental to individuals and to communities.

Fear can look a lot of different ways externally. Sometimes it is trepidation, sometimes it is anger, sometimes it is a wall.

If there is anything in the whole world that binds us all together it is food and fear.

Fear is not weakness.

Fear is not bad.

We do not hate our smoke alarms when it saves the house! But we do hate it when the battery is running low and it's beeping, or if it goes off for "no reason". We must each manage our own smoke alarms. Make sure you are maintaining the battery every day to keep from beeping or burning out entirely. Make sure you are getting a management system in place for super sensitive alarms - they still work they just need a little assistance. Preventative action to keep your alarm from going off as if there is a fire when it was just the oven preheating. Know your smoke alarm. If it is sensitive, shaming it doesn't do anything dingus, it just gonna scream at ya nonetheless.

If it means you need some kind of medication, go for it. If it means you need to avoid certain scenarios or influences, you do you boo. If it means you have a shorter battery life for the day than others, you're fine to draw boundaries. Everyone's smoke alarm takes different kind of maintenance and preventative care. It takes time to know yourself and listening to and reflecting on other's criticisms is part of that. Therapy too.

Ya got one life, you're worthy of the time it takes to grow. It don't matter if you're 6, 60, or 600 years old. It's a new day. Be kind to yourself to practice being kind to others. Then you may realize we see one another in each other given the chance. Fear is valid, but kindness is strength.

[itseasierthanithought]

It takes a lot of courage to embrace being a restless soul. To realize not choosing yourself is living half a life.

There is beauty in this madness.

[goddessinnerglow]

Become Your Best Version Before 2025 - Day 2

Understanding Yourself Starts With Being Honest

Hi Goddesses! Yesterday we talked about what becoming our best selves means, and today we're diving into something really important, meeting ourselves exactly where we are.

Picture yourself packing for a journey. You'd check what you already have in your suitcase before deciding what else you need, right? That's exactly what we're doing today on our path to 2025, taking a inventory of where we are right now.

I know, I know. Self-assessment can feel a bit intimidating. Maybe you're worried about facing some truths, or perhaps you think it might be discouraging. But think of it as like turning on the GPS before starting a journey. You need to know your starting point to get where you want to go.

First things first: breathe. This isn't about judgment. Think of it as having coffee with your most supportive friend (that's me!) who just wants to help you reflect and grow. Ready? Let’s start.

Start With Your Gut

Remember when you wake up in the morning and have that first quiet moment to yourself? That's when our gut feelings are often the clearest. Take a moment right now. How do you feel about where you are in life? Not what others think, not what social media says you should be doing, just your honest feelings. Grab a notebook (or open your Notes app) and write down whatever comes to mind. No filtering, no judging.

The Life Wheel Check-In

Here's something I find super helpful: imagine your life as a wheel with different spokes. Think about these areas:

Your physical health and energy levels

Your relationships (family, friends, romantic)

Your work or studies

Your personal growth and learning

Your fun and recreation time

Your living space and environment

Your financial situation

Your emotional wellbeing

For each one, ask yourself: "On a scale where 10 is 'couldn't be better' and 1 is 'needs serious attention,' where am I?" Be real with yourself, this is just between us.

The "What's Working" List

Here's something we often skip: celebrating what's already good! Before diving into what you want to change, write down what's working well in your life. Maybe you're great at maintaining friendships, or you've been consistent with your morning routine, or you finally learned how to cook that one dish you love. These wins, big or small, are your foundation for growth.

The Honest Reality Check

Now comes the part that requires some courage: looking at areas where you feel stuck or unsatisfied. But here's the twist, we're going to do this with compassion. Instead of thinking "What's wrong with me?" ask yourself:

What's challenging me right now?

What keeps coming up in my thoughts as something I wish were different?

Where do I feel like I'm not living up to my own standards (not anyone else's)?

Your Future Self Letter

This is one of my favorite exercises: Write a letter from your future self (let's say December 2024) to your current self. What would they thank you for starting now? What changes would they be grateful you made? This isn't about pressure, it's about connecting with your hopes and dreams.

Getting Real with Yourself

Now, let's make this assessment more practical. Pick just three things:

One thing you want to maintain (because it's working well)

One thing you want to improve gradually

One thing you want to change significantly

Write these down somewhere you'll see them daily. Your phone wallpaper, a sticky note on your mirror, wherever works for you.

Remember This, you're not broken and you don't need fixing. You're a human being on a journey of growth, just like all of us. This self-assessment isn't about finding faults, it's about understanding where you are so you can move forward with purpose.

Take a moment to appreciate yourself for doing this work. Seriously. Self-reflection takes courage, and you're already showing up for yourself by reading this and (hopefully) doing these exercises.

Stay tuned for the next post in our "Become Your Best Version Before 2025" series! Remember, you've got this!

♡ ☆:.｡ Keep glowing, babes! ♡ ☆:.｡ With love, Goddess Inner Glow.

[countthelions]

I wonder if being a stage manager has rewritten my brain a lil bit

[keystocompanionship]

Personal Development: Enhancing Your Relationship By Being a Better Partner

Developing oneself personally can greatly contribute to being the best partner in a relationship. To achieve this, it's essential to focus on various aspects of personal growth that can positively impact your role as a loving and supportive partner. Here are six key areas that, when honed, can help you become a better partner for your significant other:

1. Effective Communication:

Effective communication serves as the cornerstone of a healthy and thriving relationship. Improving your communication skills involves not only expressing yourself clearly but also actively listening to your partner. Additionally, it entails understanding non-verbal cues and learning to communicate in a manner that fosters openness and understanding between you and your partner.

2. Emotional Intelligence:

Enhancing emotional intelligence allows you to better understand and manage your own emotions while also being attuned to your partner's feelings. Developing this skill involves recognizing and articulating emotions, empathizing with your partner's experiences, and navigating conflicts with emotional maturity and empathy.

3. Self-awareness:

Self-awareness is the foundation upon which personal growth is built. It involves understanding your own strengths, weaknesses, and thought patterns. Through self-reflection, you can gain a deeper understanding of how your actions and emotions impact your relationship, enabling you to make conscious decisions that positively influence your partnership.

4. Empathy and Compassion:

Cultivating empathy and compassion enables you to connect with your partner on a deeper level. By actively demonstrating empathy and showing genuine concern for your partner's well-being, you create an environment characterized by mutual support and understanding, ultimately strengthening the emotional bond in your relationship.

5. Continuous Personal Growth:

Committing to ongoing personal growth and development not only benefits you as an individual but also enriches your relationship. Whether it involves pursuing personal interests, setting and achieving goals, or overcoming challenges, continuous personal growth demonstrates your commitment to self-improvement, inspiring and motivating your partner to do the same.

6. Patience and Understanding:

In any relationship, patience and understanding play a vital role in sustaining harmony and mutual respect. Practicing patience allows for the natural progression of the relationship, while understanding fosters empathy and acceptance. These qualities create a nurturing environment where both you and your partner feel valued and supported.

In summary, focusing on personal development plays a pivotal role in becoming the best partner you can be for your loved one. By prioritizing enhanced communication, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, empathy, personal growth, patience, and understanding, you can strengthen the foundation of your relationship and nurture a deeper, more meaningful connection with your partner. Remember that personal growth is an ongoing journey—one that, when pursued, enhances not only your own life but also the bond you share with your significant other.

Thank you for reading!! Get more out your relationships with these other blog posts on my profile here. Enjoy your day!

[g1rlonl1ne]

if you’re newly getting into any sort of art: learn everything in the worst way possible im so serious. i think tbis is so important creatively

you have to do things wrong and figure things out that way. do not get too focused on doing everything “correctly” just learn the absolute basics (or don’t even do that if you don’t need to) and take that and run with it. firm believer in this method of creating

[llycaons]

I know I’m beating a dead horse but fics that recognize that jyl is chronically ill or disabled and take that into account and treat her with respect/as a person are always so much better than the shallow ‘how dare you look down on me I can take care of myself’ content that implies that she’s worthy of respect only because she's physically powerful and can fight. I love women who fight I do but it’s so ugly to act like her canon self is inferior or worthless just because she doesn’t fight or cultivate and try to ~improve~ her by making her able-bodied

[cruelsister-moved2]

this is the weirdest transandro.phobia strawman ive ever seen like comparing the fact that ablebodied people will say disabled people’s bodies are triggering and something people need to be protected from to women who have some form of discomfort with men due to genuine trauma they have experienced. literally NO one is out here claiming men shouldn’t be allowed to exist in public or something, it’s genuinely just an excuse to be uncharitable towards traumatised people also the classic truther rhetoric of drawing in instances of gender conforming women saying masc women r scary/white women saying black men are scary etc in order to legitimise their claim that men r oppressed or “masculinity is oppressed” while ignoring the fact it’s actually specifically how these groups are failing at cis white male masculinity that gets them in trouble. honestly treating ‘people finding you scary’ as a consequence of oppression is silly as hell when being perceived as intimidating simultaneously allows privileged men to get away with sexual assault + gets black men killed by police. again white men designed the patriarchy on purpose to be beneficial to them, being found intimidating is a feature not a bug!! the fact its designed to be able to deploy the accusation of posing a threat against marginalised people in order to victimise them (whether or not they are men, btw, since black, trans, and masc women suffer worse from this whilst simultaneously having even less power to actually make it so) does not then mean marginalised people are actually the Real Oppressors for having legitimate feelings of discomfort and hesitation around their oppressors 

[askshivanulegacy]

THIS. This is why your vote MATTERS.

There are bigger things at stake than your feelings over not having the perfect candidate.

You're not voting for a candidate. You're voting for a party, which is nothing but a TOOL to do things with. You're voting for the US, and you're not voting for anyone else.

Did you know?

Democrats have won the popular vote in seven out of the last eight presidential elections going back to 1992? The only time the GOP has won the popular vote in the last 36 years in a presidential election was in 2004, and it was a pretty narrow margin. This was a wartime election and the first election post-9/11. The Democratic candidate was the unfortunately uninspiring John Kerry, who had been lied about. You know how in politics we say someone has been "swiftboated" when a successful lie is told about them? That term originates with the 2004 election because a bunch of people concocted an elaborate lie about John Kerry's military service. He wasn't super inspiring as a candidate, but that was the worst thing he did. He wasn't a bad guy. He was just running in a very gross, jingoistic time after the worst terror attack in American history, and had a bunch of successful lies told about him to the point where a whole word about a specific kind of lie was invented about it. THIS is the only time since 1988 that the Republican party has won the popular vote. George W. Bush did not win the popular vote in 2000. The Supreme Court ordered that votes stop being counted in Florida and handed the victory to Bush.

Donald Trump has never ever won the popular vote. The electoral college handed him the victory in 2016, less than 15,000 votes across three states decided the election. Hillary Clinton in total won about 3.7 million more votes than Donald Trump. Trump HATES hearing this number. He hates even more that Joe Biden got about 7 million more votes. He hates even more that you bring up the fact that he lost his midterm elections for his party in 2018, badly. And that the "Red Wave" in 2022 did not happen because of backlash at his Supreme Court. Or that in 2023 voters continued to reject his Supreme Court at the polls.

He knows, the Republicans know, that if more people vote, they lose. They don't want small d democracy. They want authoritarianism. They want to suppress it.

So when you get cute about not wanting to vote, you're not doing activism. You're surrendering.