Career Archives | The Rakstar

Why Not Me?

The Rakstar — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 21:00:51 +0000

A Self-Guide to Believing You Can Achieve—No Matter What Life Throws at You

Let’s get real for a second.

Life doesn’t always hand you the perfect script. Sometimes it hands you chaos, curveballs and a whole lot of “Why me?” moments. But here’s the shift:

What if you asked, “Why not me?”

That question changes everything. It moves you from self-pity to self-power. From stuck to unstoppable.

1. You Are Not Your Circumstances

You are not your job title, your past mistakes, your bank account or the people who didn’t believe in you.

You are potential. Power. Purpose.

Your story is still being written—so pick up the pen and write away Rakstars.

2. The Dream is Yours for a Reason

You didn’t randomly wake up with a dream in your heart.
That vision? That fire? That whisper of “there’s more for me”?

It’s yours because you’re meant to chase it.
Own it. Pursue it like your life depends on it—because the best version of you does.

3. Resilience is Your Superpower

Every setback is a setup.
Every “no” is making room for a bigger “yes.”

Every tear, every lesson, every late night grinding when no one’s watching—it’s shaping you into someone unstoppable.

4. Someone Out There is Waiting for You

Your story, your voice, your dream—it matters.
There’s someone who needs your light, your courage, your example.
You showing up for you gives someone else permission to believe in themselves.

So next time life hits you with the doubt and the fear:

Rise tall.
Take a deep breath.
Look in the mirror and say:
“Why NOT me?”

Because you’re not just capable.
You’re chosen.
You’re ready.
You’re a Rakstar—and Rakstars rise. 🌟

: Photo by Anna Tarazevich

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How to Make Friends at Work: 10 Quick & Easy Tips

The Rakstar — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 20:28:00 +0000

Making friends at school was so easy when we were little. We smiled at each other, saw what they were playing with and asked if we could join them on the slides. All was fine in the world. But when making friends at work, it can be daunting. You don’t know them at all! What brings them to work besides a paycheck is out of the question. School was easy since we were all grouped by age. So how do we make friends at work?

Making friends at work can make your 9-to-5 (or longer) life a whole lot brighter. Whether you’re starting a new job or trying to break out of your shyness, work friends don’t have to feel awkward. Just take a look at Selling Sunset, Selling the OC or Selling the City on Netflix. It’s all about work + friends + (a whole lot of drama!). But ignore the drama for now!

Here are some ways to help you make friends at work.

1. Smile like a Star

Start with a smile Like when we were young. This sounds simple right? But it works. Smiling makes you feel more approachable. Passing someone in the hall or in the break room or in the common space, a smile can set the stage for friendly interactions.

2. Say Hi

Don’t be shy and wait for others to come to you. Just say Hi! But don’t just say Hi and then suddenly leave. Say “Hi! How’s it going?” Start the conversation – see where it leads. See if the person wants to communicate. These small exchanges can grow into deeper conversations – maybe you find out that they are going ice skating on the weekend and well you love ice skating. Find a common connection.

3. Bond Over Coffee or Lunch

As you make conversations with co-workers, you have a feel of who you would like to talk more with…so invite a co-worker to grab a coffee with you or sit together at lunch. A casual setting outside the office vibe often makes people more open and relaxed. Plus, who doesn’t bond over food?

4. Offer Compliments (Genuinely)

Be kind to others – genuinely. If you compliment someone at work, whether it’s their great presentation or their desk plant. Whatever the case may be – a genuine compliment can break the ice and bring you closer.

“I enjoyed your presentation.”

“Really, thanks. I was a bit nervous.”

“You killed it, I couldn’t tell.”

“Thanks. I’m glad you liked it. Listen, I have to do another presentation, do you mind if I do a practice run with you?”

“Of course, we can chat about it at lunch?”

“Awesome. Thanks!”

5. Find Common Ground

Discover shared interests by asking open-ended questions:

“Have you seen any good movies lately?”
“What do you like to do for fun?”
Any favourite restaurants you recommend?
What books have you been reading? I really like…

Chances are, you’ll find something to connect on, whether it’s your favourite television shows, hobbies, or sports teams.

6. Participate in Office Events

Who said office events were boring? Okay maybe…well it depends on who’s organizing it. A lecture on understanding the Science of Geology. Snooze Fest! Unless you are so totally into it, then go for it. You will meet people with the same interest as you. But we’re talking team lunches, book clubs, office yoga sessions and even office parties. Getting involved in social activities can help you meet people organically. Bond over some party games, or the chapter of a book and well – there you go – you found someone who you can talk to. Chances are you may have some similar interests.

7. Lend a Helping Hand

Let’s just say someone is drowning in work. They are constantly working late and seem overwhelmed. Ask them if you can offer to help. Small acts of kindness can leave a lasting impression and show that you’re a team player. This helps with team morale and it’s just overall nice.

8. Share (a Little) About Yourself

Building friendships requires give and take. Share small snippets about your weekend plans, pets or favourite pastimes. This invites others to do the same, paving the way for connection. If you start talking about yourself, so will others. These connections help build stronger bonds.

9. Be Consistent

Friendships don’t form overnight. Keep showing up for those casual chats, coffee breaks, or group outings. Consistency builds trust and strengthens bonds. The more someone sees you – the more likely they will start a conversation and want to hang out with you during work. Maybe work on a project together or go to office parties together instead of being on your own. It definitely helps make the job a little less boring.

10. Respect Boundaries

Lastly, not everyone is looking for work friendships and that’s okay. Be mindful of how people respond to your efforts and adjust accordingly. If someone doesn’t want to speak, don’t push them. They can be shy or just not looking for any friends. And that’s okay. Speak to a group of people and see who is accepting your conversations and want to converse. They are probably looking for a work friend too.

Finally,

Making friends at work doesn’t have to feel like a chore. By being approachable, taking small steps and showing genuine interest in others, you’ll build meaningful connections before you know it. And remember—every great friendship starts with a simple “Hi!” So, go ahead, give it a try. Don’t be too hard on yourself and remember it takes time. It’s not a one shot thing.

Go for it Rakstars!

: Photo by Christina Morillo

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What is it that we See, when we feel Lost and Lonely?

The Rakstar — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 19:06:50 +0000

For only happiness rains, when you are in spirits of joy. A feeling so high above the water, that one day, you feel as if you are a fast car running off the bridge only to be saved by a gravitational force. Moments of love, identity and a cup of coffee – bring warmth, but what about the other joys? Is there joy in feeling lost and lonely? It is often quite comforting but the sound of silence, feathers away your thoughts, just hearing nothing but silence. A way to teach your mind to shut it. Looking at your surroundings, noticing the tiniest of details like a crack in the molding or a stain on the floor, lets you sit and ponder.

Feeling lost and lonely isn’t something to be sad about. It is something to embrace and feel happy. This is the time where we search for the answer, it is the climax of the story, the shifting moment in time that cannot be lost or surrendered. This is the gazing point to the tip of the highest mountain, you are already there, no force can change that but you.

Are you ready to take the next stance?

Hit the highest level.

Stand far from the ground.

Hit a tornado or two but still rise for the challenge?

Do you have the ground running or are you running the ground?

This is the moment to not feel sorry for yourself. This is the moment to exaggerate your presence of self-obsession, self-confidence, self-care, self- you. You are in this moment of loneliness so you can figure it out on your own. Don’t let feeling down make you a victim. Feeling down is what the hero needs for their transformation. You are the hero of your own story. You are the Rakstar that you set out to be. No one can change that. You walk the streets with the crown on your head, you light up the world with your presence and you are always kind.

So shine bright like a diamond!

: Photo by Los Muertos Crew

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Journaling: Lost and Unsettled

The Rakstar — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 18:19:08 +0000

I never felt so lost before and so unsettled. Who said being an adult was easy? When we were young, all we wanted to do was to grow up. Have no one tell us what to do, make our own decisions and do whatever we want. But who said that was easy. Life grown up may just be as miserable as when we were told no as a kid because now we are telling ourselves no to something because we know it’s not the right decision, whether it’s a career, relationships, or even eating ice cream before dinner. How do we get out of the rut? Feeling so unsettled! Does it ever go away? Does it ever get better?

I feel so much better writing. Maybe that’s why I love writing stories. But what’s the point of writing if it can’t be shared. Take a leap of faith and now I am here in front of you as you read this!

The best way for me to get out of a rut and try to move one, is journaling. Journaling has been a journey of self-reflection, thoughts and moods. Although I’m not consistent, it still helps to find a moment of calmness. Eliminating any noise and distraction, it gives me five minutes of peace and tranquility.

With journaling, I can express my thoughts, challenges and even some ideas – turning a blank page into a scribbled document – well, that’s encouraging. With the everyday struggles of life, sometimes it’s easier to undermine your mind and just keep going, ignoring the build up of feelings whether it’s anxiety, depression or frustration. When you pick up the pen and write you can put your thoughts in order – decluttering your mind. From the very first word you write, to the very end of your sentence – you will see a pattern forming, thoughts developing and solutions become clearer. This brings you a sense of calm within the chaos. In every word that you write, you are present, reflecting on the day’s events and it makes you appreciate something. With journaling, you are taking the first step to a positive approach for your mental wellbeing by being mindfully aware. Moreover, you have released your inner creativity – journaling is not all about words but it can be about doodles and sketches or even the array of colours you chose to write with. You can brainstorm your ideas, write down your dreams and plan your next big thing.

I love using a journal that is nice to look at. It makes the writing experience more fun. But not only that, smooth gel pens turn up the creative flow.

Remember Rakstars, journaling is personal and it will evolve each time. You become self-discoverable – bring you clarity, creativity and mindfulness. So what are you waiting for Rakstars, grab a favourite journal, pick up your colourful pens and let the pages soak in ink.

: Photo by Keenan Constance

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Creating Calm Energy

The Rakstar — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 18:08:31 +0000

Creating Calm Energy

In the pace of our fast, often busy, very busy, extremely busy lives, achieving a state of calm can feel like a dream that will never see fruition. The hustle and bustle of everyone’s daily routines whether it’s going to school or work pressures – the never ending demands can leave us yearning for a sense of peace and tranquility – a beach vacation. A feeling where you just want to snuggle up to a good book, read beneath the stars and call it a day. But, in reality, our lives are far different than that of our wants. Rakstars, let’s create calm energy—something that can help us achieve a balanced and harmonious life.

The Essence

What is calm energy? Why do we need to be calm? What is the purpose of calm energy? What does it truly entail? It’s not about suppressing your emotions or becoming a yoga master overnight. Instead, calm energy is all about learning a state of mind that empowers you to live your life while navigating your life’s challenges with a good mindset.

Mastering the Calm Energy

Here are some actionable strategies that can help you master your calm energy:

1. Mindful Mornings: When you wake up and take in that sunshine. Remember to breathe and smile. Meditation or deep breathing exercises can help encapsulate a positive and serene tone for the hours ahead.

2. Declutter Your Environment: A messy, cluttered space can often lead to a cluttered mind. Take the time to tidy up your surroundings, creating a sense of calm and order. When everything is organized and placed in the proper spot, it makes life a little easier. Making you keep calm and carry on.

3. The Breath: Deep and intentional breathing can help you throughout your day. This simple practice can serve as a support or a grounding mechanism so you can feel level headed amidst life’s challenges.

4. Nature Time: When you delve into natural surroundings, it can help to recharge your inner calm energy. Try taking regular walks in the park or simply find a quiet spot in your garden and sit. Take in the air and breathe and let your mind wonder. It feels good.

5. Digital Detox: Try to spend at least one hour away from any screens. It’s hard these days because you can’t operate anything or do anything without one. Keep it simple. Take a look at your surroundings and just relax. Forget about the pings and the messages and the emails and the new posts. In fact, take a break right now before you read the rest of this post. Here, I will keep a bookmark right here so when you come back from your break you know where you left off.

START HERE

Welcome back, how did you like it? Feel more refreshed! We sure hope you do!

It is important to recognize the impact of digital devices on your peace of mind, especially before bedtime. No one wants to think of work before going night night. Limit your screen time so that you can have a more restful and calm night’s sleep.

6. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: It is important to prioritize your well-being by living a wholesome lifestyle. Remember Rakstars, this includes nourishing your body with healthy foods, regular workouts, and ensuring you get enough sleep.

7. The Gratitude Gift: Create a gratitude journal to shift your focus toward the positive aspects of your life. Sometimes we delve too much in the negative that we forget about us and all the good things that have happened. For example, when you woke up in the morning you had that amazing matcha latte – let’s be grateful to our barista for making it wonderful! Expressing our gratitude can help to foster a sense of calm contentment and appreciation.

So there you have it, Rakstars, the pursuit of calm energy. This is an absolute necessity not a luxury. Try to create inner peace within you, by remembering that you’re not only enhancing and making your life better but also becoming a source of inspiration for those around you.

If you are calm, so will others. You can create a ripple effect of calm and balance creating a better world. Rakstars, are you ready? Share your gift of calm to others.

: Photo by Kelsey Erin Sky

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Bathing Bliss (Step by Step Guide to Relax)

The Rakstar — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 17:40:32 +0000

View this: the world outside fades away as you step into your personal oasis, a haven of warmth and serenity—your beautiful bathtub. In this haven, time slows down. You find yourself immersed in a soothing blend of relaxation, a good book, a warm drink and dare we say fragrant flower petals. Welcome to Self-Care!

Draw a warm bath, one that’s just the right temperature. Immerse yourself in soothing waters to melt your worries and stressors away. Be a Queen or a King by adding a handful of fragrant rose petals, to create a spa-like ambiance right in your bathroom. You are regal after all.
Choose your escape by selecting a good book to another world. Forget that daily grind. Submerge into a gripping novel, maybe a cozy mystery or a self-help gem—the choice is yours! The best way to make sure those pages do not get wet is to find yourself a waterproof e-reader, like the Kindle Oasis, so you can fully immerse yourself in your literary escape without worrying about water damage.
Sip and Savour this bliss because that’s what a bath is all about. Brew your favourite herbal tea or prepare a rich favourite drink. Consider investing in a spill-proof mug, such as the Yeti Rambler, to ensure your drink stays in the cup.
Luxuriate yourself as you sink into the bath, book in one hand, warm mug in the other and rose petals adrift, close your eyes for a moment. Yes, take a deep breath, feel those stressors of the day start to dissolve. Breathe in the subtle scent of the petals, letting their aroma whisk you away to a peaceful scene.

Links to Your Relaxation Luxuriate

Rose Petals: Transform your bathtub into a floral paradise.
Kindle Oasis: Your waterproof portal to countless literary adventures.
Yeti Rambler: Keep your beverage warm, no spills allowed.

The Power of Self-Care

Rakstars, it is important to take time for yourself. Try having a luxurious bath-time ritual. This is an investment in you – your well-being. When you take care of yourself, you can alleviate burnout and stress and be more uniquely yourself. Your productivity soars, your body is rested and you can fly (okay, so maybe that is more of a metaphor – don’t actually try to). This is a reminder that you deserve moments of self-indulgence. As you soak in the warm water, can you feel yourself nurturing your mind, body and soul.

So Rakstars, when life feels overwhelming, remember that your sanctuary awaits, along with petals, pages and the promise of calm. Let the stressors melt away in the soothing embrace of your bathtub bathing bliss.

: Photo by Monstera Production

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It’s Me, Hi, I’m the problem, It’s Me – 5 Realistic Ways to Actually Manage Stress (No fluff)

The Rakstar — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 22:34:15 +0000

Hello Rakstars,

Cue Taylor Swift: It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me

Do you find that ringing in your ears during crunch time through a stressful period? Never feeling good enough. It can be during work year end files are just popping through your inbox like spam mail during a festive parade and your boss keeps on micromanaging, dictating that the spreadsheet is not right and you just can’t take it anymore. You turn to your colleagues but you don’t even see them because they are just whining through their tasks. Are you really the problem?

In a time of struggle to make it to the deadline date or just through the day with someone watching over you, it can seem like at times that you are the problem. You can’t do things right and you are not capable of completing whatever the task may be correctly. It could simply be – peeling a banana and you hate yourself because you didn’t peel it right? (Is there really a correct way to peel a banana – top or bottom, so long you eat it right?)

We get caught up in our minds. Our minds become our anti-hero or even the villain. It makes us feel defeated because if our boss says something bad about our work, a colleague makes a snarky remark or just the pile of work is too long and we can’t accomplish our to do list – our state of mind rolls down the hill into the dump and just sits in the garbage. We smell the rusty old dirt and that’s it – we stay in the mindset. We can’t handle it anymore and we turn against ourselves. We don’t even defend ourselves from ourselves. If someone called us incompetent or made us feel like one – we agree instantly. No push back. We simply stare at the wall, with a huge frown and agree.

But you are not incompetent – you feel like it because you feel hurt, sad, insecure, unstable, a mix of battling emotions and darkness tends to win.

So how do we possibly manage stress during busy season?

Exercise!

Wait! Don’t leave, keep reading. This is not your typical exercise get fit routine. This is the exercise routine of just walking with your head up high even though you don’t feel like it or it’s taking yoru anger and frustration and moving vigorously on the elliptical. Either way, move yoru body. Take a dance break and put up your type of music on full blast and dance it out. Pretend your own stage with your full Beyonce outfit and get grooving. There is no time to stop, just move. Moving allows you to really feel present. So move it or lose it! Literally.

Singing!

So you don’t have to have an Adele voice to sing. Go to your bathroom, lock the door, taking out your hairbrush and sing to your favorite song. Just feeling and gratifying that sense of emotion that is on your shoulders, makes you feel better. It really does. Turn up the music or sing a capella. Either way, enlighten your soul. Make yourself feel better.

Writing!

You don’t have to write thanks or a to do list. Simply just writing rants can really help to alleviate your stress and just feel better. Don’t like what happened or maybe you hated what someone said. Just make sure to not write a burn book. Spread kindness and positivity! After you have written your rant, you feel lighter, the world is more sunnier and it looks like it’s an ice cream type of day unless your lactose intolerant than vegan ice cream is just as great!

Sleeping!

Who said naps were just for kids? Naps are great for us to calm down, wind down and just forget about our troubles temporarily. When we are so caught up in the moment, there is a feeling of fear, nervousness and bogged downness. Whatever it may be – sleep helps us to heal ourselves, by giving us a clear mind and sometimes we even solve our solutions in our sleep!

Take a Break!

There is such a thing as burnout. If you have never felt it – lucky you but if you had it and didn’t realize what it was – let’s just say it’s like putting a pot on a gas stove, watching the burners burn. Burn out can happen and before it occurs, we must tell our bodies and especially our mind that we need a break. Jump on the couch and watch Netflix. Or go hang out with some friends. Maybe spend time with your family. And if all those don’t look like suitable options – volunteer at a retirement home and bring joy to people’s faces. Taking a break is not defeat. It is the best solution when you are not feeling yourself. You need to unwind, enjoy your time and spread out fun.

Remember Rakstars, don’t get caught up in all the seriousness. Make sure you recognize when you feel a bit off and help remedy the steps you need to take before you are thrown off balance. Whether you are juggling your career, personal life and relationships – you need to prioritize yourself, because without you – you can’t really do much can you. So don’t forget to love yourself and smile on.

: Photo by cottonbro studio

The post It’s Me, Hi, I’m the problem, It’s Me – 5 Realistic Ways to Actually Manage Stress (No fluff) appeared first on The Rakstar.

What is Scarier? (Job Interview or Social Media)

The Rakstar — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 22:22:50 +0000

Anticipate, Deliberate and Meditate

Rakstars, what is scarier going for a job interview or posting pictures on social media for the whole world to see?

A job interview is nothing like presenting a project to your school mates. It is life or death. The moment you wake up, hesitate each and every single thought you have in your head. Second guess your outfit that you chose, hate your skin because it’s not glowing and self-talk yourself down. You anticipate, deliberate and mediate. The world is turned upside down. Why? Because you want the job, you want to be that person. That person whose dreams come true. Could this actually be your dream job or is it a stepping stone to what you actually want? Either way anxiety fills in, you can’t breathe and on top of it all – the interviewers scare the heck out of you. Some are friendly but you can’t help to notice they are too friendly – are they waiting for you to fail, choke up or cough up? What about the rude ones? They think that they are better than their whole team, sneering at you the whole time, like a ghoul or a reptile? They want you to go red in the face, feel incompetent and hate yourself. What about the dreaded question, the one that is so important yet the most awkward? Salary!

In a world of people, who strive to do their very best. Job hunting and job searching are stressful. When you get the call for the interview, your heart races. The day of the interview – you can’t breathe. When you get the call to determine if you made it or not – or they will just ghost you – you feel like a failure. What is it with job interviews? Can’t we make them fun.

Sure we can. Rakstars, at the end of the day, job interviews don’t have to be scary. They are scary because we make them scary. Our perceptions, movie scenes and talks with other people – are dramatized. If you live in a world where job interviews are like going to the candy store – do you feel a sense of relief? Do you feel better and happier to go? If only it was that easy.

Posting pictures on social media for the whole world to see is something of scariness. Yes, it’s scary to post a picture because we are self-obsessed with ourselves. How many likes, hearts, follows and reposts? Who knew statistics became everyone’s new math. You take a picture, you look at it and you hate it, You take another one and another one – only to critique every part of yourself and not the background. Then eventually, you blame it on poor lighting, stick a filter and you are ready to post. But before you post, your heart races, anxiety fills your lungs and now you anticipate, deliberate and meditate. The world is turned upside down. Why? Because you want the picture to do well, you want to be that person. That person who has a cool instagram account.

Can a picture not do well? You know what we mean. Then you wait for those hate comments to soar in like a boxing day rush. You are scared to read what people are saying about you. You don’t know them but yet they believe they know you incredibly well. It hurts, not going to lie.

When you post the picture – your heart races, when people comment – you can’t breathe. When you see the hate comments from strangers saying random hurtful things which are not true but yet those words are published on their account directed at you, like an arrow – you feel like a failure. What is it with social media? Can’t we make them fun.

People can bring us down, people can control our lives – whether we get the job or whether we get the like. But that’s just one side of our brain thinking. What about the other side? If we don’t get the job, it wasn’t meant for us. It’s not the end of the world, we have better things to do with our lives, different directions we want to go and taller heights to reach. So what if people hate our picture, do we like it ourselves? Of course we did. We posted it because we were happy with it. If people don’t see it the way we see it, then it’s on them, not on you. Liking the picture yourself is the real prize, not that others like it or not.

Practicing failure is the ultimate tool, but in order to practice it – you must experience and experience is the greatest teacher.

But when we don’t have the opportunity to practice, there are other ways to solve through the scariness of the world.

Anticipate, Deliberate and Meditate

Anticipate

Mind thoughts thinking and worrying, jumping up and down like a kids bouncy castle. Thoughts race and mind is exerted. Note to yourself: You are not a fortune teller, so why act like something bad is about to happen?

Deliberate

Long careful reasons flood the head, going back and forth, back and forth. You become self-conscious. But you are aware that your thoughts are actually thoughts, not reality. You realize you are not a fortune teller and can’t predict the outcome.

Meditate

You are thinking but not thinking. You have had enough of your thoughts. You spray cold water on your face and sit and stare out the window. Silence is good, silence is nice. Maybe you like to listen to music, play your favourite song and just forget about what was so scary in the first place. You relax.

Rakstars, in times of distress, please use the Anticipate, Deliberate and Mediate (ADM) method. I find that it works. Even when you try to ignore those useless thoughts in your head, your brain works harder to annoy you. So entertain it for a quick second, but change to deliberate and then mediate. You are stronger than you think you are. Scarieness is not scariness – they are just things that we go through in life for life to be life. Either way, it takes time. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. We are here for you, cheering you on from the sideline. Now go and win! But first,

What is scarier, going for a job interview or posting pictures on social media for the whole world to see?

Do something that scares you today!

Let me know in the comments below, what scares you?

: Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

: Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva

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How to Manage Stress at the Workplace?

The Rakstar — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 22:12:09 +0000

Do you always feel stressed when you work?

Too many deadlines, an annoying boss, not feeling fulfilled?

What about no kindness?

No thank you, just demands and orders and no humaness shown with your boss, your co-workers or Frankie the receptionist. What’s up with that?

There’s more of a chance of singing trees than a boss saying “Thank you. Well done. Superb! Excellent. Keep up the good work.” Instead they are like Hell’s Kitchen, creating fires and spreading them across office politics. Don’t get me started.

In a time where self-care is more important than anything else, we often find ourselves, setting ourselves as the least priority. But in order to be effective and efficient at work and at life, self-care is as important as brushing your teeth in the morning. Please don’t tell me you skip that? Do you? I hope not!

How to Manage Your stress?

Identify your stressors

What are your stressors? Is it your boss’s manners, your coworkers’ incompetence or the fact that no one really cares and they all just pass the work like a baton of self-indulgence? Figure out what they are and write it down.

Time

For a week or two, place a checkmark each time your stressor occurs. This will ensure, you know that something is actually stressing you out compared to just a one off.

Condense

Narrow your stressors to the top 3 – if there is 3, hopefully, it’s one or maybe two, but if it’s more, just narrow it down to 3, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Take a look

Read your stressor out loud to yourself in front of the mirror (make sure you are alone, don’t want anyone to hear.) Repeat it to yourself. Does it make you cringe? Feel exhausted or just plain shivers run down your spine.

Mindfulness

These stressors are challenges, just like in work, you must solve the challenge (Yippe said no one ever). How can you solve the problem without choking your co-worker?

Here are some tips:

1. Practice deep breathing: Anytime, you can a ping from the person, take a deep breath before reading it.
2. Guided Imagery: Keep an image on your desk, pull it out, when you have a difficult task to do and pretend you are in that picture working. You will feel a lot better.
3. Meditation: Have a stressful meeting – try meditating for 3 minutes before. Close your eyes and just think happy thoughts. It changes the game.
4. Add happy things to your office: If you feel stressed, placing plants, comfortable chairs, decorations and a fridge may just help ease you into enjoying your work time alleviating some of the stress.
5. Party: Don’t be a workaholic, you need the break. We all do. We are human after all. Don’t be afraid to stop work at 5 and go and hang out with friends. Forget what your boss said and let it go. How much longer can you obsessed with impressing the boss?
6. Alter your negative thoughts: When your boss/co-workers say something to you that you feel is rude, it may just be that they are under pressure and there is no self-reflection on you personally. So take it with a pinch of salt even though it seems like you feel like hot sauce. Easier said than done. Don’t listen critically. You know your worth. Someone doesn’t have to tell you, that you are doing a good job because it is way easier to criticize someone to make themselves feel better. But in reality, we both know, you were right!

Remember Rakstars, when encountering stress in the workplace, it is inevitable to get rid of it all. But the stress involved should not increase your risk of health issues, decrease workplace morale and productivity. Stress – will always be part of our lives – but we shouldn’t feel crippled of stress hanging on our shoulders causing intense neck pain. Know when it’s time to take a break, set your boundaries and soar to the heights you can manage.

When you identify and understand your stress, then you can create a plan of action to reduce the amount of stress, allowing you to live your best Rakstar life!

: Photo by fauxels

The post How to Manage Stress at the Workplace? appeared first on The Rakstar.

Sorry, do I know you?

The Rakstar — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 22:02:54 +0000

Sorry, do I know you?

We get it all the time. That feeling of being an imposter. Are we really who we are? Am I really an employee of a well-known company? Am I actually a graduate student? Did they really accept me into the program? Like what? Ah! Pinch Me!

Am I really doing a presentation in front of the client and partners? No I couldn’t. They are asking me a question. But they are highly competent and more skilled than me. Who would ever want to listen to me? I knew it! I wasn’t good at the presentation. Yep! I’m so silly. I can’t believe I just said that.

Mean time, in the partner meeting: That was wonderful. They really knew their stuff. Get them to do the presentation with the next client.

Your brain:

I was horrible. I will never be good enough. Did you see those looks? Aw gosh!

When we look at the mirror, who do we really see? You! Well, yourself anyways. Our mind versus who we really are ACT like they are two different people. Your mind plays a game, downplaying your achievements versus your actual accomplishments. In a world of self-apprehension, our thoughts are not necessarily facts, yet since we thought them, they must be.

Try it! Say to yourself: A banana is orange.

Is your mind convincing yourself that it is? I see you tilting your head to the side to think.

YOUR BRAIN:

Well, if you take a look at it from a different angle and you flip it upside down and yes, when they are grown they are actually orange. Like an orange that’s close to a yellow. Yes, that’s it and then when we go to the grocery store – it automatically becomes yellow. Yes, a banana is orange.

Rakstar, don’t kid yourself. A banana is yellow, sometimes green and sometimes yellow with brown spots. But it will never be orange.

So our thoughts are not facts. Right? I mean think about it. If you say, the sky will rain lollipops in 2 seconds.

1 second

2 second

Did the sky rain lollipops? Nah, I didn’t think so either.

So why do we self-talk ourselves down? We say to ourselves that we are a fraud, or we can’t do something but in reality we can. Heck Yeah! We can!

Culture and Environments are the living bacteria for our imposter syndrome. When you are in a group of people who don’t seem to validate you for you, you feel like you can’t do something. But in fact, actually, let me tell you a fact, right now, cause I know this is one.

You can do anything you want to do. It may not be successful, it may not be anywhere near you expect it to be, but you are capable of doing it! Whether you’re lazy like the rest of us or nervous and scared. We all are! It doesn’t make you any different than the rest. It is those who have cheerleaders cheering on in the stands that have the courage to get up and pursue their dreams. But not all of us have those cheerleaders.

So here we are today! You are reading this. We are your cheerleaders. Rakstars!! You are a Rakstar! We are cheering you on from the sidelines because in reality, we believe in you. So get up right now and make your dream a reality.

So next time, when your mind infiltrates a story of a secret spy saying that you are not good enough, you are not smart enough, you are stupid, what are you doing here in a position like that – how dare you think you can move up to leadership position, what makes you think you are so smart when you only got 75% on the exam, are you really intelligent to go to graduate school. Just say this one thing. One thing only.

Sorry, do I know you? Because if you did, you would know what I am capable of. (**Drop the mic**)

Sorry, do I know you? (True story: In high school, I added my crush’s girlfriend on facebook who knew me since we were in the same class, but yet, she sent me a message saying that! Ouch! What a way to spy on your crush’s girlfriend. LOL! I wonder if she knew.)

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Career Archives | The Rakstar

Why Not Me?

A Self-Guide to Believing You Can Achieve—No Matter What Life Throws at You

1. You Are Not Your Circumstances

2. The Dream is Yours for a Reason

3. Resilience is Your Superpower

4. Someone Out There is Waiting for You

So next time life hits you with the doubt and the fear:

How to Make Friends at Work: 10 Quick & Easy Tips

1. Smile like a Star

2. Say Hi

3. Bond Over Coffee or Lunch

4. Offer Compliments (Genuinely)

5. Find Common Ground

6. Participate in Office Events

7. Lend a Helping Hand

8. Share (a Little) About Yourself

9. Be Consistent

10. Respect Boundaries

Finally,

What is it that we See, when we feel Lost and Lonely?

Journaling: Lost and Unsettled

Creating Calm Energy

Creating Calm Energy

The Essence

Mastering the Calm Energy

***START HERE***

Bathing Bliss (Step by Step Guide to Relax)

The Power of Self-Care

It’s Me, Hi, I’m the problem, It’s Me – 5 Realistic Ways to Actually Manage Stress (No fluff)

Exercise!

Singing!

Writing!

Sleeping!

Take a Break!

What is Scarier? (Job Interview or Social Media)

Anticipate, Deliberate and Meditate

Anticipate, Deliberate and Meditate

Anticipate

How to Manage Stress at the Workplace?

How to Manage Your stress?

Identify your stressors

Time

Condense

Take a look

Mindfulness

Sorry, do I know you?

Your brain:

YOUR BRAIN:

START HERE