Jessica's Friday Five: I finally stopped fighting my exercise challenges + smartphone calculator trick
Published 10 days ago • 4 min read
Hi Reader,
Finding ways to fit exercise into my day has never been a strength for me. About a year ago, I discovered that "body doubling" is effective for me in getting things done at work, especially when I start attending FLOWN sessions (I go daily). My good friend Sierra recently reminded me that exercise classes can give that same kind of support when it comes to taking care of my body, and she's right - when I'm signed up for a class and it's on my calendar, I'm nearly always going to get to that class. I wish it were different, honestly (so many folks successfully work out at home or go for a run!), but I'm leaning into what works for me. So lately I've been going to Pilates (the reformer machine kind) classes in my town, and I'm having a total blast. Here's your reminder to accept that you might need different conditions/supports than someone else to get something done. Let that be okay.
Useful iPhone Calculator Feature: I learned online this week that the iPhone calculator app has an icon of a calculator. If you tap it and toggle "convert" to on, you can use it to convert various units, including currency, temperature, volume, weight, data, length, and more. So useful!
Personal Brand & Networking: My friend Rupa is hosting a workshop series this summer to help folks with their career. August's workshop, coming up in a few weeks, focuses on your personal brand and networking. In September, she'll help you glow up your resume. Check it out if you're searching or might be searching for a job soon.
Joyfully Managed Worklife: This cohort is shaping up to be SO GOOD. We've got an incredible crew of folks joining, and the doors will close a week from today so that I can get us all prepared to start in September before I go spend a week facilitating and camping the last week of August. I've created a sample letter to help you request reimbursement from your employer if needed. I've distilled the program to its most impactful elements to make it even more affordable for participants than in prior cohorts, just $997 for this 4-week program. To put that into perspective, a typical 2-3 day conference can easily run you $2,500 once you factor in registration, flights, hotel, and food. And all you leave with is a tote bag (you don't need another tote bag, my friend) and some notes you will not have time to review when you come back to your post-travel to-do list. This program is designed to be actionable and create momentum from the very first session.
Get some back-to-school help if you can: My kids are in their second week of school, and my dad happened to be in town visiting for their first week. It was incredibly helpful to have Grandpa around - he took care of a ton of the drop-offs and pick-ups for school and activities, and cooked dinner many nights. He also provided much-needed conversation breaks for me amid a busy week of paperwork, routine adjustments, shopping needs, big feelings, cranky mornings, and other unexpected tasks that arise at the start of the school year. If you have kids and anyone who might want to visit you who is also interested in and able to help with these needs, consider scheduling them during a known-to-be-busy stage, such as the start or end of the school year. Oh - and if you have kids, I made these printable lunchbox notes you can print if you want (they're free).
Costco for Rental Cars: Our good friends Jess and Jon visited last week, and during our conversations, I captured many little tips to share with all of you in the coming weeks. One thing I shared with them but not with all of you is that if you have a Costco membership, I've never found a better place for affordable rental cars. It's often a TON of savings compared to going through any other site. So use the Costco Travel site next time you're renting a car if you have a membership!
Bonus Sponsor Resource: Fab Fit Fun. We all need some joy in our lives, and this seasonal box with goodies that I get to pick is one of my joyful moments a handful of times a year (and I often end up finding products that I then purchase again and again after loving them; the things they curate are always pretty amazing). Right now you can get the Fall Box free (which is worth over $250, so that's not bad!) when you sign up (use code BOGO). This resource is from one of our Friday Five sponsors - thank you to them for keeping this newsletter free for readers!
Last Friday's Most-Clicked Link:My friend (and brilliant parent coach) Rachel's free Back-to-School Reset webinar for families. I went to the first one yesterday and it was great. She's doing it again this coming Tuesday.
