Jessica's Friday Five

Hi Reader, Happy New Year, friends. Let's hope that, at all levels, this year is joyful, easy where we need it to be, and caring for all of us. Today I'm thrilled to be sharing several practical tips and tools to help us create that reality. Also, I had an idea the other day - I've been building something behind the scenes, and I really need some input to finalize it. If you're up for hearing my ideas and getting some input (I'll also be giving out some prizes), check this out and see if...

Hi Reader, A few weeks ago, sickness and then travel took me away from my regular exercise routine (which, these days, is reformer Pilates classes). I am back at it now that I'm well and at home, and I have noticed that I feel a lot less irritated and grumpy. If I made the rules, exercise probably wouldn't be required for mental health, but alas, I don't make the rules. I'm learning again and again that taking care of my body pays significant dividends. Looking back, I would have likely...

Hi Reader, I don't know about you, but the last few weeks of work have felt like a struggle for me. While there have certainly been many moments of being really energized (like doing this analysis of my year), there has also been a lot of "why do I have to do X when all I really want to be doing is reading a book under a cozy blanket?" kind of vibes. The biological pull towards hibernation and slowness as the cold weather descends is a real one. Let’s get to your Monthly Management Memo - as...

Hi Reader, I had a chance to get away this week for two nights to a city nearby - it was a time to reflect on 2025 and dream for 2026 (and I'm publicly sharing some of that data/reflection here!). I also got the lovely chance to see friends and sleep a bit later than my regular school drop-off routine allows. I like to set a theme for the year, and I think I've decided on it, but I'm letting it marinate for a bit longer before fully committing. Once I do, I'll look back on my own advice here...

I'm excited to share more with you about Joyfully Managed Worklife over the next week or two. If you know you're not interested in this program at this point, I get it! Click here to manage your preferences and unclick the button next to Joyfully Managed Worklife. That'll mean that I won't email you again about this topic, but you can stay on my list for Jessica's Friday Five and other topics you enjoy! Hi Reader, One thing that often goes unmentioned is how overwhelming modern work life can...

Hi Reader, I don't know about you, but goodness gracious, this week has been a struggle to stay motivated to get work done. It's become a predictable pattern for me: around this time of year, when the days are short and the holidays are approaching, I'd much rather be reading a good novel or watching a Hallmark movie than working through a to-do list. So if you're feeling that way, you're not alone, and it's natural for living things to slow down and rest during this season. Unrelatedly but...

Hi Reader, This week has been so, so interesting. I've been documenting what I'm up to from the time I wake up until the time I fall asleep, and sharing it with y'all in a Google Doc. I have really enjoyed connecting with you in the comments, and I think it's made a positive impact on my focus for the week. I'll keep it up throughout the rest of today - keep the questions and comments coming! Oh, and thank you to everyone who joined me for my live workshop yesterday (replay here for a few...

Hi Reader, It's hard to believe we're just weeks away from the end of the calendar year. Here are 4 practical tips from me to help you close the year strong. It's your Monthly Management Memo - as always with something bold, something new, something borrowed, and something to pursue. 🔥Something Bold - The More Power You Have, the More You Must Do This RegularlyIt's pretty clear to me that as your seniority (and power) increases in an organization, the less useful feedback you are likely to...

Hi Reader, Instead of creating a Black Friday deal for y'all this year, I thought I'd do two free things next week. Feel free to join either or both if you'd like! The first is a live Google Doc where I'm going to try what I'm up to next week, hour-by-hour - the good, the annoying, the productive, the mistakes, the lunch choices, all of it. I'm calling it "Jess's Journey". Sign up here, and I'll send you the Google Doc link on Monday morning when I start. The second is a free webinar - Why...