People volunteering at a food bank on thanksgiving showing one of many thanksgiving volunteer opportunities

Philanthropy

Philanthropy Archives

Philanthropy | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>Now that <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/15-inspiring-quotes-about-giving/">the season of giving</a> is upon us, you might be eager to give back to your community. But knowing where to volunteer can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you want to volunteer on Thanksgiving. </p>



<p>Whether you want to donate time, money, goods or all three, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities for everyone. And it won’t be only <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-is-volunteering-important/">your community reaping the benefits</a>; you’ll <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-personal-and-professional-benefits-of-volunteering/">gain skills and insights from volunteering</a>. </p>



<p>Keep reading to learn where to volunteer on Thanksgiving Day this year and how to find community service opportunities in your community.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-can-i-volunteer-on-thanksgiving-day">Where Can I Volunteer on Thanksgiving Day? </h2>



<p>This time of year is meant for gratitude, and many people put their gratitude into action by volunteering. Check out these nine ideas for where to volunteer on Thanksgiving so you can <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-can-i-increase-my-community-involvement/">get involved in your community</a> this holiday season.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-serve-thanksgiving-meals-at-local-food-banks">1. Serve Thanksgiving meals at local food banks</h3>



<p>Serving meals at a food bank or soup kitchen is one of the most common choices for Thanksgiving volunteers. As a day to give thanks and enjoy a meal with others, your local food bank might seem like the perfect place to volunteer. Just remember: Many people sign up to volunteer on Thanksgiving, so you might want to choose a different day to volunteer to ensure you’re helping when the soup kitchen or food bank is in need.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-enjoy-thanksgiving-dinner-with-the-elderly">2. Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with the elderly</h3>



<p>Meals on Wheels is a longstanding organization that helps deliver nutritious meals to elderly or disabled community members. Volunteering with the program is a great way to get out of the house and provide a vital service for your community. Many programs encourage volunteers to stay and visit with the recipient after making a delivery.</p>



<p>Delivering meals isn’t the only way to volunteer with the elderly or sick on Thanksgiving. Many hospitals and nursing homes invite community members to share a meal or spend time with residents during the holidays. Visiting with residents is a great way to help bring joy to those who don’t have someone to share the holidays with.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-see-if-the-animal-shelter-has-opportunities-to-volunteer-on-thanksgiving">3. See if the animal shelter has opportunities to volunteer on Thanksgiving</h3>



<p>Are you more of an animal person than a people person? Your local animal shelter or rescue is a great place to volunteer on Thanksgiving. Many shelters are overrun with pets and can use the extra help. Volunteering on a holiday also gives employees the chance to take a day off and spend time with their families and pets. Be ready to help where you can, even if that means cleaning a kennel in addition to playing with puppies.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-get-a-workout-while-helping-a-good-cause">4. Get a workout while helping a good cause</h3>



<p>Even if you’re not training for a marathon, signing up for a turkey trot can be a fun way to get exercise while giving back. Most turkey trots and Thanksgiving Day races are sponsored by local organizations that give back to the community. Typically, entry fees and other donations go to a local charity or cause, often relating to food insecurity in the area.</p>



<p>Not much of a runner but still want to help out? Turkey trot races often need volunteers to help run the event itself. You might be able to help sign in participants at the beginning of the day or hand out water after the race.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-show-appreciation-for-those-who-have-to-work-during-the-holidays">5. Show appreciation for those who have to work during the holidays</h3>



<p>Unfortunately, not everyone can enjoy a day off on Thanksgiving. Essential service providers—from first responders to road workers—often have to work on holidays. A great and easy way to show your appreciation is to deliver care packages with tasty treats and thank-you notes to those who have to work. Some places to deliver your goodie bags include the fire station, police station and hospital. Don’t forget the highway department if you live in an area with snow!&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-put-together-care-packages-for-soldiers">6. Put together care packages for soldiers</h3>



<p>Local workers aren’t the only ones who can’t be with their families on Thanksgiving. Double your impact by putting together care packages for overseas troops in addition to local first responders. There are many programs to help you pack and mail care packages to soldiers stationed around the world. Try contacting your local VFW or other veterans organizations to see if there’s a program in your area.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-find-volunteer-opportunities-to-clean-up-your-community-on-thanksgiving">7. Find volunteer opportunities to clean up your community on Thanksgiving</h3>



<p>Who doesn’t enjoy clean streets or pristine community parks? Call your friends and family and make a day of picking up trash in your local area. Common places to start include hiking or walking trails, playgrounds and along roadways.</p>



<p>As a bonus, you’ll get a chance to spend some <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/8-reasons-why-walks-are-good-for-relationships/">quality time walking with loved ones</a> as you move through the park or down the road.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-host-or-work-a-donation-drive">8. Host or work a donation drive</h3>



<p>Hosting or working at food drives can be a rewarding opportunity to volunteer this Thanksgiving. Check your local community calendar for any upcoming donation events or start your own with family and friends.</p>



<p>You don’t have to donate just food, either. Other types of donation drives include winter clothing and toys to help bring joy to underserved families during the holidays.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-give-your-time-to-public-resources">9. Give your time to public resources</h3>



<p>Your local public library, community center and schools are great places to volunteer. Depending on your skills and interests, you might be able to tutor students or host events like story time and arts and crafts. While they might not have volunteer opportunities on Thanksgiving Day, giving your time to these public resources directly benefits your community and helps take the stress off of employees during busy holiday seasons.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-find-volunteer-opportunities-for-thanksgiving-near-you">How to Find Volunteer Opportunities for Thanksgiving Near You</h2>



<p>The easiest way to find local volunteer opportunities is to reach out to known community service organizations, such as faith-based groups or nonprofits in the area. Many of these organizations will have websites or social media pages with contact information for volunteers.</p>



<p>Another way to find Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities is to work with established national programs. For example, <a href="https://www.feedingamerica.org/our-vision">Feeding America</a> is a nonprofit that helps raise money and food to lower food insecurity across America. They make it easy to find volunteer opportunities through their website, which can help you find and contact local food banks or soup kitchens.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by</em> <em>Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com</em></p>

Tara Seboldt

Looking to give back this holiday season? Explore these Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities that go beyond the food bank or soup kitchen.

Looking to give back this holiday season? Explore these Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities that go beyond the food bank or soup kitchen. | SUCCESS

The 9 Best Thanksgiving Volunteer Opportunities to Consider This Year

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The 9 Best Thanksgiving Volunteer Opportunities | SUCCESS

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Michelle Janikian

Professional Growth

Professional Growth Archives

Professional Growth | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p><a href="https://www.rockygarza.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocky Garza</a> doesn’t measure success by titles or achievements. For him, success is about understanding who you truly are. The Dallas-based leadership coach and keynote speaker has spent over a decade helping individuals and organizations discover the unique intersections of personal conviction and professional ambition.</p>



<p>“I’ve never met a person [who] didn’t want to be seen, known and understood,” says Garza, who specializes in helping people gain clarity about their identity. This simple yet profound insight forms the foundation of Garza’s approach to leadership development and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/what-is-personal-development/">personal growth</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-priorities">Shifting priorities</h2>



<p>Garza’s journey to becoming a sought-after leadership coach wasn’t exactly conventional. After eight years in ministry, he and his wife Sarah launched a successful wedding photography business, traveling the world to shoot around 40 weddings each year.</p>



<p>“She quit her job in ’09. I quit my job in 2010, and our parents thought we were crazy,” he recalls of the business’ early days. “This was pre-Pinterest, pre-Instagram. Those things all came about while we were in the throes of wedding photography.”</p>



<p>The turning point came when the couple learned they were expecting their first child. “Personal conviction said, ‘I don’t want to travel 40 times a year and have a kid. I don’t want to be gone every Saturday and have children. That’s not the kind of father that I want to be,’” Garza explains.</p>



<p>“If I could do anything, I’d want to help people know who they are,” he continues. “I’ve spent my whole life trying to figure out what that means, and it’s only been identified by the role I play personally or the title I carry professionally. And surely there has to be more to who I am than how I’m going to be identified at a networking event.”</p>



<p>Personal conviction led to professional reinvention. Garza began helping creative entrepreneurs build businesses that aligned with their values—a service that eventually expanded to include team coaching and keynote speaking.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-your-true-self">Discovering your true self</h2>



<p>At the heart of Garza’s methodology is a process called “<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/rocky-garza-on-how-to-define-your-purpose/">identity mapping</a>”—a four-hour journey of self-discovery for individuals and an eight-hour workshop for teams of 15 or fewer. Unlike standard personality assessments, identity mapping doesn’t tell you who you are based on someone else’s rubric. Instead, it helps you extract and articulate what you already know about yourself but may lack the language to express.</p>



<p>“I believe every person knows who they are; we just lack the language to describe it such that it’s understandable to anybody else,” Garza explains. “I think we struggle with the right questions and the right curiosity and the right environment to get that out so that we can look at it and then we can understand it.”</p>



<p>The process helps participants identify three key elements: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/build-life-aligned-with-values/">their core values</a> (why they do what they do), their strengths (how they do what they do) and their identifiers (words like “strategizer,” “analyzer” or “caregiver”).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-meaningful-collisions">Creating meaningful collisions</h2>



<p>Garza says there’s a critical distinction between being a contributor on a team and being what he calls an “impact player.” While everyone contributes something, impact players approach life and work proactively rather than reactively.</p>



<p>“Impact, meaning that I am fully aware of what happens when my life, my world, who I am, collides with somebody else,” he says. “The best players are proactive. They wake up in the morning and they say, ‘I know exactly what I’m going to do today. I’m gonna control what I can control.’”</p>



<p>This shift from reactive contributor to proactive impact player forms the basis of Garza’s leadership development program, <a href="https://www.rockygarza.com/thepath" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Path</a>. This 24-step process includes identity mapping, the confidence method (addressing fear, doubt and impostor syndrome), the influence appraisal (developing the self-awareness to lead with maximum impact) and strategies for creating lasting habits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-conventional-wisdom-through-media">Challenging conventional wisdom through media</h2>



<p>With a growing following across platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, Garza uses social media to create what he calls “significant disruption.”</p>



<p>“I love talking about things on LinkedIn that go against typical business knowledge,” he says. “Not because typical business knowledge is bad, but I just want to break the monotony. And not because I want to be right. I just want to make sure that what you think is what <em>you</em> think.”</p>



<p>His content aims to help people recognize their uniqueness, receive affirmation for that uniqueness and believe they can use it for good in the world. This stands in contrast to the typical professional world, where value is often reduced to titles and responsibilities.</p>



<p>“The reason so many folks professionally feel tired and burned out and whipped and distraught is because we have taken that… uniqueness… and we have diluted it down to the title and roles and responsibilities,” he explains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-his-values">Living his values</h2>



<p>Garza practices what he preaches. When introducing himself at the start of our interview, he began not with his professional achievements but by talking about what matters most in his life, his family: his wife of 16 years and their two children.</p>



<p>“I made a commitment to myself a couple years ago when speaking started picking up again, and I was on stages in front of thousands of people,” he says. “I will not get on that stage and tell you to pursue who it is that you want to be and make sure you don’t sacrifice who you are while sacrificing who I am.”<br>Through his coaching, speaking and media presence, Garza continues to challenge leaders to find their own path to impact—one that honors both their personal conviction and professional ambitions. In doing so, he’s helping reshape how we think about success, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/everything-you-need-to-know-to-become-a-great-leader/">leadership</a> and the meaningful life we all seek to create.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>This article originally appeared in the September/October 2025 issue of </em><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/magazine/"><em>SUCCESS® magazine</em></a><em>. Photo by ©Afritina Coker/courtesy of Rocky Garza</em>.</p>

Joel Swenson

Rocky Garza helps professionals trade burnout for sustainable success by aligning who they are with what they do. Learn more.

Rocky Garza helps professionals trade burnout for sustainable success by aligning who they are with what they do. Learn more. | SUCCESS

Rocky Garza Helps Professionals Avoid Burnout By Aligning Who They Are With What They Do

Rocky Garza Helps Professionals Avoid Burnout By Aligning Who They Are With What They Do | SUCCESS

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Culture &amp; Workplace

Culture &amp; Workplace Archives

Culture &amp; Workplace | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>There are currently four generations in the workplace. This brings a lot of experience to the table but also different approaches to accomplishing the same tasks, influencing how we work together. Although a cross-generational team can have its challenges, making an effort to understand each generation’s drivers and recognizing employees’ individual qualities will lead to a greater chance at success.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the <a href="https://guides.loc.gov/consumer-research/market-segments/generations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Library of Congress</a>, the “date ranges for generations are based around common economic, social or political factors that happened during formative years,” which are generalized and subject to interpretation. These ranges may vary depending on the research.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-different-generations-nbsp">The different generations&nbsp;</h2>



<p><strong>Generation Z:</strong> People born between 1997 and 2012. They “value individuality, are digital natives, independent, creative and entrepreneurial,” says Natasha Kehimkar, CEO of <a href="https://www.malidaadvisors.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Malida Advisors</a>. “They care about belonging, mental health, wellness, inclusion and whether their work actually means something to them personally,” says <a href="https://louiscarter.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Louis Carter</a>, founder and CEO of Most Loved Workplace and Best Practice Institute. They prefer to communicate using social media, text and instant messages.</p>



<p><strong>Millennials:</strong> People born between 1981 and 1996. They currently make up the majority of the workforce. “They want purpose, growth and the freedom to move around,” says Carter. They “are pioneering flexibility and fulfillment as workplace currency in place of heftier salaries,” says <a href="https://www.stantonchase.com/consultant/chartise-clark" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chartise Clark</a>, managing director at Stanton Chase. Millennials usually communicate using instant messages, texts and emails.</p>



<p><strong>Generation X:</strong> People born between 1965 and 1980. This “is the stealth bridge between generations—mentoring down and understanding up,” says Clark. This generation is “independent [and] agile, [they] value diversity, flexibility and [are] comfortable switching jobs to better match their values and needs,” says Kehimkar. They are comfortable using a variety of communication methods as long as they’re efficient.</p>



<p><strong>Baby boomers:</strong> People born between 1946 and 1964. “Boomers built [their] careers on loyalty and the belief that hard work speaks for itself,” says Clark. “Many are learning to leverage tech and adapt but still value in-person connection and a ‘live-to-work’ mindset.” They are hardworking, team-oriented and they like structure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-benefits">The benefits</h2>



<p>Varied experience from employees of all ages brings “diversity of thought you can’t manufacture,” says Carter. “Older employees often bring depth, long-game thinking and pattern recognition. Younger team members bring speed, creativity and a different relationship with risk. When managed well, this dynamic creates balance—you get both urgency and wisdom in the same room.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-challenges">The challenges</h2>



<p>While diversity brings a wealth of knowledge, it can also bring <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/team-conflict-tips/">communication challenges</a>, misunderstanding and differences in how each individual wants to get work done.</p>



<p>“Each generation has its own expectations around feedback, authority and pace,” says Carter. “For example, one group might value structure and clarity while another thrives on flexibility and quick iteration.”</p>



<p>Not addressing those differences upfront can lead to delays in productivity or an unhappy work culture. “If you don’t name those differences and address them head-on, they turn into frustration, silence or worse—disengagement,” says Carter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-solutions">The solutions</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-talk-about-it">Talk about it</h3>



<p>First, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/unlearning-silence-at-work/">making space for people to talk</a> about how they like to work and lead opens up the dialogue and helps reach an understanding of everyone’s comfort level and expectations.</p>



<p>One way to do that is by creating a generational employee resource group (ERG). Having a conversation about generational differences can help people understand that there is more than one way to get things done. They will also appreciate the different styles everyone has to offer, explains <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/reggie-willis-0a4a0b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reggie Willis</a>, chief diversity officer at Ally.</p>



<p>“Every organization can benefit from creating space for these conversations to happen… People are thinking about it, talking about it and if you’re not doing it in a constructive way, an organized way, it can sometimes be more about labeling people and creating false narratives about groups instead of understanding what the motivators are behind what they’re doing,” says Willis.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-together-in-person">Get together in person</h3>



<p>Technology makes it easy for us to work anywhere and any time of day, but asynchronous communication can create misunderstandings, especially if people misread an email or text, explains Carter. Without subtle body language or nuance in tone of voice, people misunderstand one another, which can slow productivity or create ill feelings.</p>



<p>“Having a real conversation with somebody face-to-face requires [effort],” says Willis. “It requires you to be willing to have dialogue and not just a one-sided conversation… I'm going to get much more from the interaction and the engagement face-to-face than I'm ever going to get over the phone or via a text message.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-be-clear">Be clear</h3>



<p>Once you’re in person, there are several ways to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/communication-skills/">make sure your point is coming across</a> the way you intended. The first is the EIA method—or emotion, intent and ask—says Carter. You explain how you feel, what your intent is and why you’re reaching out. Then you ask for what you need from them. Another option is mirroring, which is simply repeating your understanding of the other person and confirming it.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-don-t-label">Don’t label</h3>



<p>While it may seem easy to stereotype people according to their age, understanding how each employee actually works is more beneficial to the organization. “Rather than relying on generational labels and their accompanying stereotypes, we use validated assessments and tools to identify the cognitive (skills, experiences), affective (motivators, style, values) and underlying modus operandi of individuals,” says Kehimkar. “These tools cultivate <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-be-more-self-aware/">self-awareness</a> at the individual level and are especially powerful for pinpointing enablers of both collaboration and conflict in teams.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-commonalities">The commonalities</h2>



<p>While we may work differently, we also have a lot in common, and recognizing those similarities helps us relate to one another. Most generations want <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/importance-of-healthy-work-life-balance/">work-life balance</a>, explains Willis, but that balance can mean different things to each generation. Many of us also want to be connected to the work we’re doing.</p>



<p>Overall, our similarities outweigh our differences, so communicating our needs, making sure everyone understands one another and not making assumptions based on someone’s age will alleviate misalignment and help us all be productive together.</p>



<p>“The most successful workplaces—the ones actually creating competitive advantage—aren’t force-fitting people into the same mold,” says Carter. “They’re listening, adapting and letting each generation bring its strengths to the table and grow with them.”</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by</em> <em>hobo_018/iStock.com</em></p>

Jaclyn Greenberg

Although a cross-generational team can have its challenges, learning to work together will lead to a successful and happy workplace. Learn more.

Although a cross-generational team can have its challenges, learning to work together will lead to a successful and happy workplace. Learn more. | SUCCESS

Better Together: Working With People Across Different Generations

How to Work With People Across Different Generations | SUCCESS

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Trends &amp; Insights

Trends &amp; Insights Archives

Trends &amp; Insights | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>A Grinch shirt. Sports day shirt. Crazy hair day. 100 days of school T-shirts. Extra book fair money so your “kids don’t have trauma the way you did.” These are just a few of the zillions of items parents might have left off their back-to-school shopping list, according to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C974JBsRb3j/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">one hilarious Instagram mom’s rant</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Joking aside, <a href="https://www.understood.org/en/press-releases/more-than-half-of-parents-of-children-under-18-identify-backtoschool-season-as-the-most-stressful-time-of-the-year-according-to-understoodorg-study" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">one study</a> indicates that 87% of parents with children under 18 report feeling stressed during the back-to-school season. Another shows that 60% of parents are driven to tears and spend just over two entire work days coordinating family schedules. Additionally, more than half of parents struggle to balance their personal and professional responsibilities during the back-to-school chaos.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To prepare for this chaotic time of year, working parents can secure products now that make life easier before they are a month into the school year, neck deep in homework help and trying to take a conference call from the other room at the same time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The truth is, stress multiplies when decisions pile up. And during seasons like back-to-school, everything feels urgent. That’s why a little prep—paired with the right tools—can go a long way in making things feel more manageable,” says Laura Hunter, co-founder of <a href="https://momsoncall.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moms on Call</a>, pediatric nurse and mom of five.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-back-to-school-clothes">Back-to-school clothes</h2>



<p>They say getting dressed is half the battle. Here are some products that will help you win.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stitch-fix-a-styling-service-for-kids-nbsp">Stitch Fix: A styling service for kids&nbsp;</h3>



<p>They are still figuring out who they are—and how to express themselves through clothes. Meanwhile, you don’t have time to go to seven stores to help them determine just what that looks like. Enter: <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/kids" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stitch Fix for kids</a>, where you help your kid take a quiz, skip the store and get access to a first box of styles for free. You only pay for the items you decide to keep, and send the rest back. From there, you can determine your delivery frequency and budget for clothes.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kiziks-hands-free-shoes">Kiziks’ hands-free shoes</h3>



<p>You can now literally squeeze and <a href="https://kizik.com/products/squeeze-it-bellwether-blue?closeout=true" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pop on</a> your baby's and toddlers’ shoes. Your elementary-age kids can also slide <a href="https://kizik.com/collections/kids-shoes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">right into their shoes</a> while they race outside for the bus—no tying required. Eliminating difficult shoes that need loosening, double-knotting or help from a parent might be the best gift working parents give themselves this season. Be warned, though—you’ll want a <a href="https://kizik.com/products/womens-brisbane-amberlight?closeout=true" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pair of your own</a>, too.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toddlers-who-dress-themselves-with-carter-s-new-line-otter-avenue">Toddlers who dress themselves with Carter’s new line, Otter Avenue</h3>



<p>One of the biggest time sucks is getting toddlers dressed in the morning. Many parents have missed an older kid’s bus, or their first meeting, while negotiating with a toddler over whether their pants are on backwards (pro tip: skip the battle!). The new line from Carter’s called <a href="https://www.carters.com/b/otteravenue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Otter Avenue</a> seeks to empower toddlers to solve their clothing conundrums with a cute “F” bubble letter on the front of clothes, larger and easier-to-navigate buttons and other accessibility features that mean more time for parents to get ready.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-perfect-working-mom-jumpsuit">The perfect working mom jumpsuit</h3>



<p>If you haven’t jumped on the jumpsuit train yet, you are missing out on some serious ease when it comes to getting dressed on busy mornings. <a href="https://www.boden.com/products/gwen-slash-neck-jumpsuit-navy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boden’s Gwen Slash Neck Jumpsuit</a> and <a href="https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/by-anthropologie-shirting-parachute-jumpsuit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthropologie’s Shirting Parachute Jumpsuit </a>will both have you ready to run as a working mom juggling all the things.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food">Food</h2>



<p>To pack or to buy? That is the question.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalized-lunch-boxes-from-bentgo">Personalized lunch boxes from Bentgo</h3>



<p>You are going to want a <a href="https://bentgo.com/collections/personalization/products/bentgo-modern-lunch-box" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personalized Bentgo Modern Lunch Box</a>, as are your older kids. Younger kids might have more fun with the <a href="https://bentgo.com/products/bentgo-pop-lunch-box?variant=39725147947102" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pop Lunch Box</a>. But all can be personalized, preventing mix-ups and making lunch prep much easier.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cerebelly-fruit-and-veggie-smoothie-pouches">Cerebelly fruit and veggie smoothie pouches</h3>



<p>Who says fruit and veggie pouches are just for babies? <a href="https://cerebelly.com/product/smoothiepacks/sweet-potato-blueberry-banana" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cerebelly’s sweet potato banana blueberry smoothie</a> offers even teens a grab-and-go option when they need something to hold them over between the last bell and band practice. These smoothies have no added sugar and also work well as a quick morning breakfast.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-b-box-s-spill-resistant-drink-bottle">B. Box's spill-resistant drink bottle</h3>



<p>Durable and easy to use, this spill-resistant bottle is great for keeping kids hydrated throughout the school day without extra cleanup. There are a variety of sizes suitable for kids, but make sure to get yourself the <a href="https://www.bbox.com/products/690ml-insulated-flip-top-bottle-olive" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">23-ounce insulated spill-resistant bottle</a> for carpool and the office. Also consider <a href="https://amzn.to/4oiHoe0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">removable labels</a> for these and other supplies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-organization-tools-for-back-to-school">Organization tools for back-to-school</h2>



<p>Calendars and schedules and apps and plans and meetings, oh my.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-2025-2026-clever-fox-academic-student-planner">A 2025-2026 Clever Fox academic student planner</h3>



<p>The <a href="https://amzn.to/45dwKMI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clever Fox planner's</a> monthly and weekly pages help keep elementary through college-aged students on top of their assignments during the academic year. The planner has room for their endless schedules, goal tracking, and even has stickers (which you’re never too old for!). Your student couldn’t ask for a better tool to keep them organized.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coordinated-digital-or-magnetic-calendar">Coordinated digital or magnetic calendar</h3>



<p>“Whether it’s a shared Google calendar or a family-style dry-erase board on the fridge, having one central hub where caregivers, spouses and family can view and update the weekly schedule takes so much pressure off your mental load,” Hunter says. She recommends <a href="https://www.cozi.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cozi</a>, a family organizer app to easily color code and manage every school, extracurricular and family life event.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-artkive-s-solution-to-paper-overload">ARTKIVE’s solution to paper overload</h3>



<p>You are about to get inundated with papers. If you haven’t found a book report or drawing from your kid’s elementary school mixed in with one of your work papers recently, are you even parenting in 2025? <a href="https://www.artkiveapp.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ARTKIVE’s</a> solution is to turn the most keepsake-worthy papers into a book to preserve what you want to save, and give yourself permission to recycle the rest.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technology-to-ease-the-transition">Technology to ease the transition</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-home-phone-hold-the-spam-from-tin-can">The home phone—hold the spam, from Tin Can</h3>



<p>Picture this. You’re racing home from your last meeting, but you know the bus is going to beat you by five minutes. Your kids are too young to have phones (or you don’t want them to have smartphones yet), and you need to get ahold of them. However,&nbsp; traditional home phones have a serious spam call problem. Enter the <a href="https://tincan.kids/products/tin-can-flashback-wired-no-wifi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tin Can Flashback</a>. This phone doesn’t need Wi-Fi and won’t allow spam calls. Rather, it only permits calls from numbers approved by you and your kids. This innovative yet simplistically retro device connects directly to your internet router. We also can’t wait for their <a href="https://tincan.kids/products/tin-can" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new style</a> coming soon.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-good-inside-app-a-parenting-coach-in-your-pocket">The Good Inside app: A parenting coach in your pocket</h3>



<p>From bullies to grades, back to school season isn’t just about logistics and schedules. Instead, it’s rife with emotional needs and big feelings from kids of all ages. Created by clinical psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy, <a href="https://www.goodinside.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Good Inside</a> is an app that helps you parent on the go. It provides feedback in the moment, whether dealing with teens slamming doors and telling you to go away or younger kids with oversized tantrums. You’ll find tangible takeaways such as what to do when you get triggered that your kid is being super rude.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-reusable-digital-notebook-nbsp">A reusable digital notebook&nbsp;</h3>



<p>For older kids, consider the <a href="https://amzn.to/455aAO1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocketbook</a>. It’s a reusable notebook, meaning students won’t need to keep track of different notebooks for each class. Rather, notes can be uploaded to a laptop. It just might be the trick to convincing any reluctant notetaker to be a bit more involved this semester. Beware: You might end up wanting one for work, too, when you see how it works.</p>



<p>Hunter also says to remember that “the point isn’t to do everything perfectly. It’s to set yourself up so the little things don’t constantly demand your attention. When we take care of the basics and lean into tools that support our routines, we free ourselves up to be more present with the people who matter most. And when we approach it all with grace, we find a rhythm that’s peaceful, not perfect—and that’s enough.”</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by</em> <em>Evgeny Atamanenko/Shutterstock.com</em></p>

Alexandra Frost

Back-to-school can be a tough transition for working parents, which is why we rounded up the 13 best products to make this season go as smooth as possible.

Back-to-school can be a tough transition for working parents, which is why we rounded up the 13 best products to help make it as smooth as possible. | SUCCESS

13 Products to Make Back-to-School Easier for Working Parents and Their Kids

13 Products to Make Back-to-School Easier for Working Parents | SUCCESS

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Smiling boss speaking to her employees and building trust as a leader

Young,Black,Woman,Stands,Addressing,Colleagues,At,Meeting

Leadership

Leadership Archives

Leadership | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>Building trust as a leader is one of the most important factors in shaping workplace culture and team performance. When staff trust their leaders, they are more likely to communicate openly, collaborate effectively and stay engaged. Without trust, teams may experience low morale, poor accountability and high turnover.</p>



<p>Trust in leadership is built through consistent actions, transparency, follow-through and a commitment to fairness. This article outlines some actionable strategies for building trust in the workplace. These include leadership behaviors that promote trust, practical team exercises, methods for repairing broken trust and ways to sustain it over time.&nbsp;</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-leaders-build-trust-in-the-workplace">How Do Leaders Build Trust in the Workplace?</h2>



<p>Research published in the <a href="https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/how-to-build-a-high-trust-workplace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT Sloan Management Review</a> suggests trust is linked to employee engagement, reduced absenteeism and retention. But, as a leader, how do you build trust in the workplace? Earning and keeping trust is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s the result of consistent behaviors over time.</p>



<p>Leadership expert and award-winning author <a href="https://www.franksonnenbergonline.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frank Sonnenberg</a>, author of <a href="https://amzn.to/4nPL2fg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Follow Your Conscience</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://amzn.to/44G41QD" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Marketing to Win</em></a><em> </em>and <a href="https://amzn.to/3Ih9JB2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Managing with a Conscience</em></a><em> </em>emphasizes that “good intentions are just the beginning.” His work on leadership focuses on living with character, values and personal responsibility. He discusses core behaviors that build credibility for those in leadership roles. Here are 10 strategies that leaders can implement as long-term habits aligned with Sonnenberg’s concepts.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communicate-openly-and-honestly">Communicate Openly and Honestly</h3>



<p>Transparency is vital. Leaders should share information, admit mistakes and provide clear rationale behind decisions. This openness fosters a safe environment where employees feel valued and included.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Sonnenberg emphasizes this principle: “Take the time to provide the rationale behind your recommendations.” For example, if a strategy changes mid-project, a leader might say, “Here’s what shifted, here’s why we’re pivoting and here’s how it affects us.”&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-encourage-employee-autonomy-and-ownership">Encourage Employee Autonomy and Ownership</h3>



<p>Empowering employees to take initiative and make decisions demonstrates trust in their capabilities. This autonomy boosts confidence and fosters a sense of ownership over their work.</p>



<p>You might say: “I trust your judgment on this. Take the lead and let me know what you need.” Giving people decision-making power helps them grow and signals that you believe in them.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-give-credit-where-credit-is-due">Give Credit Where Credit is Due</h3>



<p>Recognizing and celebrating team members’ achievements boosts morale and reinforces a culture of appreciation and respect. Sonnenberg reminds us, “You gain more by making others look good than by singing your own praises.”&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-be-consistent-and-reliable">Be Consistent and Reliable</h3>



<p>Consistency in actions and decisions creates a sense of predictability, which is a building block of trust. Leaders should follow through on commitments and keep their behavior and reactions steady.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This means you show up when you say you will, honor deadlines and handle tough moments with emotional steadiness. As Sonnenberg notes, “A promise should be as binding as a contract.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-show-empathy-and-understanding">Show Empathy and Understanding</h3>



<p>Sonnenberg’s guidance is to: “Show people that you care about their needs.” Taking the time to understand employees’ perspectives and challenges demonstrates genuine care and concern, strengthening the leader-employee relationship and building trust at work. If someone is overwhelmed, try asking: “What’s your biggest stressor right now, and how can I help make it more manageable?”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-provide-constructive-and-objective-feedback">Provide Constructive and Objective Feedback</h3>



<p>Offering timely and constructive feedback helps employees grow and shows that leaders are invested in their development. It’s also important to remember that how you provide the feedback is crucial, and Sonnenberg reminds us: “Be objective.”</p>



<p>One idea for leaders is to use the “Situation-Behavior-Impact” model, as outlined by the <a href="https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/closing-the-gap-between-intent-vs-impact-sbii/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Creative Leadership</a>. In this model, you clarify the situation, describe the behavior and explain the impact. For example: “In today’s meeting, I noticed you spoke over some of your colleagues. It cut their ability to contribute to the conversation short. Let’s work on giving others space to finish.” Being objective and focusing on the problem when providing feedback can help resolve issues.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lead-by-example">Lead by Example</h3>



<p>Leaders should embody the values and behaviors they expect from their team. Demonstrating integrity, accountability and professionalism sets the standard for others to follow. Sonnenberg explains it well: “Your actions must match your words.” If you ask for transparency, model it yourself, especially in moments of difficulty.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foster-a-collaborative-environment">Foster a Collaborative Environment</h3>



<p>Encouraging teamwork and open dialogue promotes mutual respect and shared responsibility, essential components of a trust-filled workplace. Make collaboration a norm by soliciting diverse opinions and rewarding group wins. Ask: “Whose perspective haven’t we heard yet?”</p>



<p>Leaders can also ensure they are promoting true collaboration by being part of the solution. As Sonnenberg shares: “Never ask someone to do something that you’re not willing to do yourself.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-be-transparent-about-challenges">Be Transparent About Challenges</h3>



<p>Openly discussing obstacles and setbacks enables teams to face challenges collaboratively and with greater resilience. When transparency is the norm, team members aren’t worried about being left in the dark or caught off guard by the unexpected.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invest-in-personal-connections">Invest in Personal Connections</h3>



<p>Taking the time to know team members beyond their professional roles builds rapport and a deeper sense of trust. Start meetings with a brief personal check-in, or follow up on something someone shared last week. These simple touches matter. As Sonnenberg mentions, you can’t “expect people to look up to you if you look down on them.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>These strategies are central to how leaders build trust and create a strong foundation for high-performing, connected teams.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Quick Tip: To further strengthen your leadership toolkit, explore these <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-tips-for-fostering-a-sense-of-trust/">5 tips for fostering a sense of trust</a> and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/8-tried-and-true-steps-to-building-trust/">8 tried-and-true steps for building trust</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-build-trust-in-a-team">How to Build Trust in a Team</h3>



<p>Day-to-day interactions and shared experiences solidify trust within a team and aid in building trust as a leader. Intentional activities like trust team-building exercises that promote openness, collaboration and vulnerability can accelerate trust-building in powerful ways.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trust-team-building-ideas-and-exercises">Trust Team Building Ideas and Exercises</h3>



<p>Trust is built through consistent, meaningful engagement. Engaging the whole company in trust-building exercises for leadership teams like these can strengthen bonds and enhance workplace dynamics:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Team Retrospectives (or After-Action Reviews)</strong>: After major projects or milestones, gather the team to discuss what went well, what didn’t and what could be improved. Emphasize learning over blame. This builds psychological safety, an essential ingredient for trust.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>“Failure Stories” Sessions: </strong>Normalize vulnerability by creating space for team members (and you, as the leader) to share professional setbacks and what was learned from them. These honest conversations strip away perfectionism and help teams humanize each other, deepening connection and mutual respect.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Role Clarity Workshops</strong>: Many workplace trust issues stem from confusion about who owns what. Host quarterly check-ins where team members openly discuss responsibilities, overlaps and boundaries. Ensuring everyone understands their roles reduces friction, builds accountability and reinforces trust through transparency.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>360-Degree Feedback Rounds</strong>: When done respectfully and constructively, 360 feedback helps teams grow stronger. Encourage regular peer-to-peer feedback alongside leader-to-team assessments. Structure rounds with questions like “What’s something I do well that helps the team?” and “What’s one behavior I could improve on?” Questions should focus on growth, not judgment.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Cross-Training and Job Shadowing</strong>: When team members understand each other’s roles, they’re more likely to show empathy and support during busy or stressful periods. Create opportunities for employees to shadow or temporarily assist each other in their roles. This boosts collaboration and cultivates appreciation for different contributions.</li>



<li><strong>Team Charter Creation</strong>: Collaboratively create a “team charter” that outlines shared values, behavioral norms and how conflict will be handled. Revisit it regularly to ensure the team is living up to the agreements. When everyone co-creates ground rules, they’re more likely to buy in and hold each other accountable.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Monthly “Trust Pulse” Check-Ins</strong>: Schedule 15-30 minute monthly discussions (as a team or one-on-one) focused solely on team health. Ask questions like: “Do you feel heard on this team?” or “Is there anything that’s blocking your ability to trust the process or people?” Treat this as maintenance, not crisis management.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Shared Goals, Shared Wins</strong>: Instead of siloed performance metrics, set shared team goals. Celebrate wins collectively. This fosters collaboration over competition and reinforces everyone’s efforts to contribute to the bigger picture.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<p>Incorporating these team-building and trust activities can significantly enhance team cohesion.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-trust-issues-in-the-workplace">Overcoming Trust Issues in the Workplace</h2>



<p>Trust can be fragile. Recognizing and addressing breaches promptly is key. When trust begins to erode, it often stems from a few common issues: miscommunication, inconsistent leadership behavior, perceived favoritism, broken promises or unresolved conflicts. Even high-performing teams can experience setbacks when expectations aren’t clearly communicated or when team members feel unheard or undervalued.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If trust issues have surfaced, here’s what leaders can do to address the damage and begin rebuilding belief in leadership and the team:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Acknowledge the Issue:</strong> Ignoring broken trust can exacerbate problems. Leaders should address issues directly and empathetically. Clear communication and consistent follow-through are key to building trust with employees, especially after mistakes or misunderstandings have occurred.</li>



<li><strong>Apologize and Make Amends:</strong> A sincere apology, coupled with corrective actions, can pave the way for re-establishing trust.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Implement Transparent Decision-Making Processes:</strong> Clarify how and why key decisions are made, consistently explaining the rationale behind any changes. This reduces suspicion and builds clarity-based trust.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Establish a Clear Accountability System: </strong>Create structured accountability by setting clear expectations, following through on commitments and applying standards fairly across the board.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Handle Conflict Constructively: </strong>Don’t let tension fester. Address conflict directly, facilitate open dialogue between team members and build discussions toward solutions.&nbsp;</li>



<li><strong>Be Visible and Consistent as a Leader:</strong> During periods of low trust, consistency is the remedy. Show up, follow through and communicate regularly to build a sense of security.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ongoing-process-of-building-trust-in-leadership">The Ongoing Process of Building Trust in Leadership</h2>



<p>Building trust in leadership is a continuous journey. Leaders must consistently demonstrate behaviors that foster trust, adapt to evolving team dynamics and remain open to feedback. The path may not be easy, but the results can be well worth the effort. Try practical strategies from leadership experts like Sonnenberg, along with simple actions, to build trust and become a leader your team knows they can count on.</p>



<p>If you’re looking to strengthen your leadership skills and build deeper trust with your team, <a href="https://coaching.success.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SUCCESS Coaching</a> offers personalized programs dedicated to your growth. You can also explore <a href="https://offer.success.com/leadership-lab/">SUCCESS Leadership Lab</a>, which is full of practical tools, workshops and resources to help you lead with clarity, connection and confidence.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by</em> <em>Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com</em></p>



<p><br></p>

Brett Hanley

Discover practical strategies for building trust as a leader, improving team dynamics and strengthening workplace relationships for lasting impact.

Discover practical strategies for building trust as a leader, improving team dynamics and strengthening workplace relationships for lasting impact. | SUCCESS

Building Trust as a Leader: How to Strengthen Workplace Relationships

Building Trust as a Leader in the Workplace | SUCCESS

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Two,Workers,Smiling,Happy,High,Five,During,Meeting,At,The

<p>Understanding how to motivate employees is a game-changing way to build a workplace where people want to show up and give their best every day. A motivated team performs better, works smarter and helps shape a strong, thriving culture. Recent <a href="https://high5test.com/employee-motivation-statistics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> shows that companies with more engaged employees outperform other companies by as much as 21% in profitability. And, sadly, according to <a href="https://www.gallup.com/workplace/231668/dismal-employee-engagement-sign-global-mismanagement.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gallup</a>, 85% of employees in the U.S. don’t feel particularly motivated at work. This sobering statistic illustrates how imperative motivation is.</p>



<p>Motivated employees tend to stay around longer, refer other high performers and positively influence <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-characteristics-of-a-great-company-culture/">company culture</a>. If your goal is to build a team that’s productive, resilient and invested, prioritizing motivation is key. Cultivating that energy starts with leadership. Strong leaders seek to understand what makes people tick and create an environment that helps them thrive.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A big part of the equation is company culture, and great cultures share specific traits that reinforce shared purpose and employee growth.&nbsp; Learn how to solve the puzzle of boosting motivation at your company to improve company culture and the bottom line.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-top-workplace-motivators-that-drive-employee-performance">Top Workplace Motivators That Drive Employee Performance</h2>



<p>To spark real engagement, leaders must understand the most influential workplace motivators that drive performance and inspire <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/whats-the-secret-to-workplace-happiness/">workplace satisfaction</a>. These motivators typically fall into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intrinsic-motivators">Intrinsic Motivators</h3>



<p>These are internal and include drivers such as personal growth, mastery, autonomy and a sense of purpose. For example, a higher performer who thrives on personal growth might become reinvigorated when given the chance to mentor junior staff or lead a new project aligned with their interests. Someone driven by purpose may need to see how their work contributes to the company’s mission in a meaningful way. This type of motivation focuses on the <em>why </em>of what a person is doing.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extrinsic-motivators">Extrinsic Motivators</h3>



<p>External motivators can include things like bonuses, recognition, promotions and even public praise. If recognition at work fuels someone on your team, then making sure they receive regular shout-outs or leadership attention can go a long way. Similarly, some people may work best when they know their performance is being tracked and measured and that there are financial rewards in the pipeline for hitting targets.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalize-approaches-to-your-employees">Personalize Approaches to Your Employees</h3>



<p>To tap into intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, it’s essential for managers to personalize and differentiate their approaches. Spend time understanding what drives each employee and tailor incentives accordingly. This type of focus can transform engagement levels across your team. The result is a team of motivated individuals who produce results and contribute to a <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-build-a-thriving-culture-at-work/">thriving workplace culture</a>.</p>



<p>Quick Tip: Consider using <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/disc-and-emotional-intelligence/">DISC to enhance your emotional intelligence</a> and further learn to motivate employees.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-motivate-your-team-through-strong-leadership">How to Motivate Your Team Through Strong Leadership</h2>



<p>Employees can tell when leaders care about their engagement and motivation. Showing them their motivation matters to you can make all the difference. Here are some actionable strategies you can start implementing today to foster and build motivation on your teams:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-lead-by-example">1. Lead By Example</h3>



<p>People take cues from leadership. When you show up with integrity, passion and discipline, your team is more likely to mirror your behavior. If they perceive you as checked out, they’ll likely disengage too. Many successful leaders have helped motivate others through their examples. <a href="https://www.thewoodeneffect.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Wooden</a>, for example, was known as a being a proponent of leading by example and servant leadership. This approach helped him gain success and inspire others for generations.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-encourage-employee-autonomy">2. Encourage Employee Autonomy</h3>



<p>Another way to motivate employees is to encourage autonomy and avoid micromanaging. Trust your employees to own their own work. Autonomy is a powerful intrinsic motivator that helps people feel valued and capable. For example, you might allow employees to be involved in creating project deadlines, create their own organizational processes for completing tasks or consider flexible work arrangements like hybrid or remote work.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-recognize-and-celebrate-wins">3. Recognize And Celebrate Wins</h3>



<p>A simple “thank you” or public acknowledgement can significantly boost morale. Regular recognition keeps motivation at work strong. Along with celebrating big-picture wins such as meeting benchmarks or goals, consider providing recognition for small things as well. For example: launching a new campaign, completing a project or receiving positive customer feedback.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-offer-opportunities-for-growth">4. Offer Opportunities For Growth</h3>



<p>Whether through mentorship, workshops, or new responsibilities, providing people with room to grow reinforces their value to the team and the organization. According to a <a href="https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/to-keep-employees-focus-career-advancement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survey by MIT Sloan</a>, 67% of participants wanted career advancement, but only 49% felt they were receiving advice to do so. Managers can ensure that career pathways and promotions are apparent to existing employees and provide opportunities to learn and grow.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-give-constructive-consistent-feedback">5. Give Constructive, Consistent Feedback</h3>



<p>Support employee development by regularly offering clear, constructive feedback. This helps employees feel seen and supported. According to Dennis Grossman, CEO of the Grossman Group and an expert in leadership and communication with over 30 years of experience, there are several key aspects to remember when providing feedback. Start by framing the feedback discussion, helping employees understand your intent and ensuring it is a safe space for them. Be specific with your feedback. Ask how they feel and listen actively to their response. Follow up by asking how you can help in the future.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-be-approachable-and-present">6. Be Approachable And Present</h3>



<p>Check in often and be available. Employees should feel comfortable sharing challenges and wins with you. Being visible and approachable can be especially important to motivate employees during times of turbulence or change. Managers who display empathy and stay approachable, even when there are challenges, exhibit adaptability and can dispel anxiety among teams.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-align-roles-with-interests">7. Align Roles With Interests</h3>



<p>Ensuring employees are in the right roles and are taking on the right projects not only improves output but also helps with long-term commitment to their work. It can contribute to employee engagement and reduce turnover. Managers and leaders should first fully understand the requirements of each position. They can also use assessments and interviews to identify the skills and strengths of different employees and provide ongoing training to help employees stay motivated and adapt.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-promote-collaboration">8. Promote Collaboration</h3>



<p>A collaborative environment and team motivation can build trust and fuel innovation. Collaboration can also improve company culture through fostering a sense of connection. If employees feel siloed, they can start to lose their connection to purpose. Instead, motivate them by promoting collaboration. To do this successfully, leaders can consider implementing cross-functional work, ensure communication is clear across teams and use collaborative tools. Additionally, managers can encourage open communication and invite team members to collaborate on projects.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-share-the-bigger-picture">9. Share The Bigger Picture</h3>



<p>This is particularly important for motivating staff who want to understand their <em>why</em> on the job. It’s pivotal for them to understand how their role fits into the company’s vision and to be able to see the larger impact of their work. Consider looping employees into larger discussions about the organization and how their work ties into the big-picture goals and objectives. Affirm how their roles and tasks support the mission and why it matters. The result can be increased motivation and engagement.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-show-empathy">10. Show Empathy</h3>



<p>Life happens. Empathetic leaders make space for personal struggles and provide the support needed to keep employees motivated. Seeing your employees first as people, with distinct needs and struggles, can go a long way. Empathy promotes psychological safety, enhances communication and creates a culture of trust. It can help boost engagement and growth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As a leader, you don’t have to have all the answers. If you lead first with empathy, kindness, understanding and enthusiasm, your people will follow.</p>



<p><em>Related: </em><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/17-motivational-quotes-to-inspire-you-to-be-successful/">Motivational Quotes to Share With Your Employees</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-motivate-employees-as-a-manager-in-challenging-situations">How to Motivate Employees As A Manager In Challenging Situations</h2>



<p>The true test of leadership comes when motivation starts to slip. Here are a few tips on how to motivate employees during the moments that matter most.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-employees-feel-burned-out">When Employees Feel Burned Out</h3>



<p>Even your highest achievers can hit a wall. If you notice a dip in energy and output, don’t jump to conclusions. Instead, schedule a one-on-one and ask thoughtful questions. You may learn they are overwhelmed, dealing with personal challenges, or simply need a break from routine. One effective tactic is to switch up their responsibilities by giving them a passion project or allowing them to take the lead on an internal initiative. This kind of variation can help in motivating employees who are in a rut.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-there-is-organizational-change">When There Is Organizational Change</h3>



<p>Change can bring uncertainty, which often leads to fear and performance losses. To counter this, communicate transparently and frequently. Involve employees in the transition where possible and reaffirm their importance to the team. Helping people feel seen during transitions makes them more likely to stay engaged.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-morale-is-low">When Morale Is Low</h3>



<p>Low morale is contagious, but so is enthusiasm. Focus on rebuilding team connection through shared goals, collaborative projects, or even lighthearted initiatives like volunteer outings or internal team events. You can often reverse a dip in morale by focusing on relationships, purpose, and recognition, all essential ingredients of workplace motivation.</p>



<p>These are times when your strategic and compassionate leadership really makes a difference. You have the honor and responsibility of setting the tone for how the team will recover and rebuild after challenging seasons.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-your-team-motivated-for-sustainable-success">Keeping Your Team Motivated For Sustainable Success</h2>



<p>There are no quick fixes or cheap tricks to mastering how to motivate employees. Your long-term dedication to showing up and encouraging continuous growth, collaboration and ownership of work is what matters most. Great leaders revisit what works, adapt to what’s changed and never stop learning about their team’s evolving needs.</p>



<p>As you grow in your leadership journey, consider gifting yourself expert guidance. <a href="https://coaching.success.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SUCCESS® Coaching</a> offers personalized strategies to help you unlock your full potential. Whether you’re trying to reignite a burned-out team or improve performance across the board, coaching can give you the edge you need.</p>



<p>You can also explore the <a href="https://offer.success.com/leadership-lab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SUCCESS® Leadership Lab</a> for tools, resources, and real-world insights designed to help leaders build high-performing, ultra-motivated teams.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by</em> <em>Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock.com</em></p>

Discover practical strategies for how to motivate employees, from understanding workplace motivators to navigating burnout and organizational change.

Discover practical strategies for how to motivate employees, from understanding workplace motivators to navigating burnout and organizational change. | SUCCESS

How to Motivate Employees: 10 Strategies for Building a Highly Engaged Team

How to Motivate Employees: 10 Strategies for Success | SUCCESS

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Madison Smith and Britt St George of Smith & Saint Talent Agency

Business &amp; Branding

Business &amp; Branding Archives

Stay ahead in business: strategies and insights for success

<p>Stephen Nedoroscik never expected to become a global celebrity. But, while competing for Team USA during the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, the American gymnast went viral—and his life changed forever. Over the course of a few hours, Nedoroscik went from being an unknown, glasses-wearing, Rubik’s Cube-solving self-described nerd to a household name—with an endearing nickname to boot, the “pommel horse guy.”</p>



<p>Nedoroscik was overwhelmed by the sudden flurry of attention—so, for help, he turned to <a href="https://www.smithandsaint.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SMITH&amp;SAINT</a>, a Boston-based boutique talent agency. The female-founded, female-led company sprang into action, putting a team around Nedoroscik to help him navigate the uncharted waters of his newfound fame. Since then, SMITH&amp;SAINT has helped Nedoroscik launch a partnership with an eyeglass retailer, compete on <em>Dancing with the Stars</em> and use his platform to raise awareness about men’s gymnastics and vision impairment.</p>



<p>“He just said, ‘I need help,’” says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittstgeorge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Britt St. George</a>, the co-founder and chief executive officer of SMITH&amp;SAINT. “And because this was such a new world for him, and his life turned upside down—for the good—overnight, he really wanted people who were kind and friendly and just took a step back and said, ‘How are you feeling about all of this?’”</p>



<p>Nedoroscik’s choice wasn’t random: He signed with SMITH&amp;SAINT because of the agency’s proven track record of representing athletes on the biggest stage—including several of his Team USA teammates. The agency works with some of the most recognizable names in American gymnastics, including Nastia Liukin, Sunisa “Suni” Lee, Jade Carey, Alicia Sacramone, Kayla DiCello and Hezly Rivera.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smith-amp-saint-s-mission">SMITH&amp;SAINT’s mission</h2>



<p>SMITH&amp;SAINT’s roster may be a “who’s who” of gymnastics royalty. But the agency also represents digital creators, as well as athletes in other disciplines like fencing, swimming and dance, where professional opportunities postcollege or post-Olympics are limited. The SMITH&amp;SAINT team helps athletes become entrepreneurs, supporting them in everything from launching influencer businesses to negotiating name, image and likeness (NIL) deals. They also help their clients explore opportunities in TV or commentary and develop their personal brands—not only online but also in real life.</p>



<p>“We work with a lot of people who don’t have the opportunity to sign lucrative players’ contracts because there is no professional league to go into for their specific sport,” St. George says.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“And that’s a really daunting thing. Whether you’re an Olympian who’s sort of at the end of your Olympic cycle or a collegiate athlete who doesn’t have a pro league to go on to, it can be a really scary time. But it’s also a really exciting time because of social media, which gives athletes the ability to market themselves and pursue other career paths.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-360-degree-approach-to-talent-representation">360-degree approach to talent representation</h2>



<p>St. George co-founded SMITH&amp;SAINT with her sister, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-smith-11931791/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madison Smith</a>. They were both accomplished sports and entertainment attorneys with experience in influencer marketing when they decided to join forces and launch their own agency in 2018. Smith and St. George never expected to work together, let alone start a business. But, after growing up with entrepreneurial parents as role models, it was “just kind of in our blood,” says Smith, who serves as the company’s chief operating officer.</p>



<p>On top of that, St. George remembers the exact moment she realized she wanted to be a talent agent. When she was 10 or so, she watched <em>Jerry Maguire</em>—the 1996 film starring Tom Cruise as a sports agent—for the first time, and something about the title character’s <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/what-ultra-athletes-can-teach-us-about-grit/">grit and persistence</a> stuck with her. “I thought, ‘That’s exactly what I want to do. I want to help people in that way. I want to help them achieve their dreams,’” she says. “Being in that position to champion and empower people was something that really resonated with me.”</p>



<p>From the very beginning, Smith and St. George knew they wanted to do things differently. They take a 360-degree approach, which means supporting clients with all aspects of representation—from day-to-day collaboration on essential functions to developing a high-level, big-picture strategy for their career outside of their sport. Sometimes, that means acting a bit like career counselors.</p>



<p>“We spend a lot of time listening to the athletes and talking to them about what they really want to do—where are their other passions?” St. George says. “And a lot of them have never thought about that question before. ‘My passion is gymnastics; it’s fencing; it’s swimming.’ We really have to dig deep and think, ‘OK, do you want to commentate in your sport? Do you want to have a career as a motivational speaker? Do you want to be a coach in your sport? Start your own company?’ There are so many avenues we can go down.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brands-are-catching-on-to-olympians-star-power">Brands are catching on to Olympians’ star power</h2>



<p>These days, athletes have more career opportunities than ever before, thanks to the power of social media, the rise of <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-influencer-marketing-done-right/">influencer marketing</a> and the possibility that anyone, in any sport, can go viral at a moment’s notice. “We really saw this at the 2020 [Olympic] games,” Smith says.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“That was really the first time where athletes were showing what it’s like to be in the Olympic Village, what’s going on behind the scenes and after they win…. In the four years leading up to the 2024 Olympics, brands really started to catch on, and there was a massive increase in spending on influencer marketing within the Olympic space…. It’s all because of social media and these athletes being able to show themselves [outside of their sport]. Now, everyone wants to work with them.”</p>



<p>But because anyone and everyone can be a celebrity, that also means athletes have to work harder than ever to stand out from the crowd—and that’s where SMITH&amp;SAINT comes in. The team helps athletes navigate next steps after they retire from their sport, as well as in the four years between Olympic games. “That four-year time period is so crucial—and it’s long,” Smith says. “It’s just being able to advocate for [the athletes] during that time and align them with like-minded brands and long-term partnerships. With some athletes, it’s letting brands know they’re going to compete in the next Olympics, so how do we continue to work with you over the next four years and build a meaningful partnership? We’re always thinking of the future.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-putting-relationships-first">Putting relationships first</h2>



<p>The team also puts relationships at the center of everything they do—and their high-touch, uniquely personalized, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-a-compassionate-leader-gets-results/">compassionate</a> style is a big reason why so many high-level athletes want to work with SMITH&amp;SAINT. “Our first priority is being there as a support system,” St. George says. “We are there to help them through anything.”</p>



<p>That people-first mentality also helps SMITH&amp;SAINT internally. The agency is small—with less than 20 employees—but continues to attract some of the industry’s best agents, creatives, attorneys and business-forward thinkers because of its culture. “We want to be the smartest in the room, the most innovative in the room, the most kind in the room,” St. George says. “Every single person within this company is so special and unique and pulls their own weight and provides so much value to each of the individuals they represent, and that makes us very special and unique in this space.”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>This article originally appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of </em><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/magazine/">SUCCESS®<em> magazine</em></a><em>. Photo by ©Veronica Costa Photography</em></p>



<p></p>

Sarah Kuta

Learn how boutique talent agency SMITH&SAINT takes a 360-degree approach to working with Olympians, helping them shine their brightest.

Learn how boutique talent agency SMITH&SAINT takes a 360-degree approach to working with Olympians, helping them shine their brightest. | SUCCESS

Representing the Brightest Stars on the Biggest Stage

Representing the Brightest Stars on the Biggest Stage | SUCCESS

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Smiling successful entrepreneur standing in a doorway

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Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship Archives

Entrepreneurship | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>The characteristics of successful entrepreneurs go well beyond having a groundbreaking idea. While innovation might kick-start a business, it’s often traits like resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic that determine whether a venture can survive and thrive. In today’s fast-paced and unpredictable business environment, having the right mindset is just as critical as having the right product.</p>



<p>In this article, we’ll break down the most essential traits of <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/grant-cardone-embracing-the-learned-habits-of-successful-entrepreneurs/">successful entrepreneurs</a>. These qualities not only lay the foundation for launching a business but also support sustainable growth and help entrepreneurs overcome inevitable setbacks.</p>



<p>Whether you're building your first startup or scaling your tenth, understanding these characteristics of a successful entrepreneur<strong> </strong>will help you strengthen your foundation and boost your long-term success.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-traits-of-successful-entrepreneurs">Key Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs</h2>



<p>Entrepreneurship is a dynamic and constantly evolving journey. With rapid changes, financial ups and downs, and intense competition, the road to success demands more than just skill—it also requires specific traits.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although each entrepreneurial path is unique, the most accomplished leaders tend to have the following core traits:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Resilience</li>



<li>Adaptability</li>



<li>Vision</li>



<li>A strong work ethic</li>



<li>Risk tolerance<br></li>
</ul>



<p>Let’s dive deeper into each of these defining characteristics.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-resilience">1. Resilience</h3>



<p>Resilience is the ability to recover quickly from setbacks, adapt to adversity, and keep moving forward. Building resilience isn't something that happens overnight. Rather, it’s a mindset developed through <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/7-daily-habits-to-build-your-resilience/">daily habits</a> and self-awareness.</p>



<p>Entrepreneurs who bounce back after failures, learn from mistakes, and remain committed despite challenges are the ones who endure. Resilient individuals don’t view failure as defeat; they treat it as a stepping stone toward growth.</p>



<p>Charles Bark, founder of Hinounou, once said, “Failure is the pathway to success, and the harder you fall, the more you’ll take away from it.” Adopting this mindset allows entrepreneurs to reflect, re-strategize, and come back stronger.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-adaptability">2. Adaptability</h3>



<p>Knowing how to be a successful entrepreneur includes learning how to pivot quickly and efficiently. Adaptability is crucial for responding to shifting markets, new technologies, and unexpected obstacles.</p>



<p>According to the <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/developing-a-resilient-adaptable-workforce-for-an-uncertain-future#:~:text=But%20those%20who%20score%20high%20on%20both%20dimensions%20are%20over%20three%20times%20more%20likely%20than%20peers%20to%20report%20high%20engagement%20at%20work%20and%20almost%20four%20times%20more%20likely%20than%20peers%20to%20report%20an%20increase%20in%20innovative%20behaviors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McKinsey Health Institute</a>, people with high adaptability are three times more likely to become leaders in their fields. A strong example of adaptability is Netflix’s shift from a DVD rental service to a dominant streaming platform. This evolution helped the company stay ahead of competitors.</p>



<p>Adaptable entrepreneurs are not only reactive, they’re proactive. This means they’re constantly scanning the horizon for the next opportunity or challenge.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-vision">3. Vision</h3>



<p>Vision is what guides entrepreneurs when things get tough. Vision-driven entrepreneurs tend to set specific, measurable goals and think innovatively.</p>



<p>Setting clear, actionable goals creates a roadmap for success. Jeff Bezos, for example, exemplifies this trait with his clear vision to make Amazon the world’s most customer-centric company. This goal continues to shape every business decision he makes.</p>



<p>Innovation, on the other hand, helps entrepreneurs stay competitive, drive growth, and anticipate change. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/brand-innovation-top-10/">Visionaries</a> who think creatively are more likely to disrupt industries, find untapped opportunities, and build brands that last.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-strong-work-ethic">4. Strong Work Ethic</h3>



<p>Sure, you might have all the skills, ideas, and resources. But without a strong work ethic, lasting success is unlikely. Work ethic involves both discipline and focus.</p>



<p>Discipline requires showing up and giving your best effort, even when motivation is low. Entrepreneurs with this trait maintain high standards, build habits that support consistency, and push through challenging phases. Warren Buffett is a prime example of disciplined entrepreneurship. By sticking to his investment philosophy regardless of market trends, he built one of the most successful financial empires in history.</p>



<p>Additionally, focused entrepreneurs are intentional with their time. They eliminate distractions, prioritize tasks aligned with their vision, and put their energy toward high-impact activities. Their focus helps prevent burnout by creating a sustainable work rhythm and reducing decision fatigue.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-risk-tolerance">5. Risk Tolerance</h3>



<p>Taking risks is inevitable in business. The most successful entrepreneurs don’t shy away from uncertainty. Instead, they lean into it with courage and preparation, taking risks and embracing uncertainty along the way.</p>



<p>Calculated risk-taking involves weighing the pros and cons, assessing the potential outcomes, and making informed decisions. These choices may feel uncomfortable at first but can unlock major breakthroughs for your business.</p>



<p>Rather than fearing the unknown, top entrepreneurs see it as a chance to experiment, innovate, and evolve. In fact, <a href="https://www.meridithelliottpowell.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2021-The-State-of-Uncertainty.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">85% of successful business leaders</a> believe that the ability to handle uncertainty is essential for company success.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultivating-the-key-traits-for-entrepreneurial-success">Cultivating the Key Traits for Entrepreneurial Success</h2>



<p>The good news? The traits to be a successful entrepreneur aren’t fixed. They can be learned, practiced, and improved over time. No matter where you are on your entrepreneurial journey, understanding the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs is key to unlocking your full potential and building a business that lasts.</p>



<p>If you’re looking to elevate your game and truly learn how to be a successful entrepreneur, start by nurturing these essential qualities. With time, effort, and a commitment to personal growth, you’ll not only sharpen your entrepreneurial edge but you’ll also set the stage for long-term success.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by</em> <em>PeopleImages.com - Yuri A/Shutterstock.com</em></p>

Joy Ogide

What sets great entrepreneurs apart? Discover the mindset, habits and personality traits that fuel long-term success in business and life.

What sets great entrepreneurs apart? Discover the mindset, habits and personality traits that fuel long-term success in business and life. | SUCCESS

Key Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs: What Sets Them Apart

Top Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs | SUCCESS

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Smiling, confident woman with make up wearing tank top, looking in mirror, standing in bathroom

Personal Development

Personal Development Archives

Personal Development | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

Positive self-talk can change your mindset, boost confidence and improve relationships. Find practical ways to reframe your inner dialogue.

Learn how positive self-talk can change your mindset, boost confidence and improve your relationships. Find practical ways to reframe your inner dialogue. | SUCCESS

How to Use Positive Self-Talk to Reframe Your Inner Dialogue

The Power Of Positive Self-Talk: How to Shift Your Inner Dialogue | SUCCESS

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<p>While friendship is essential and can have a positive impact on our well-being, it’s not always easy or simple. We might feel a range of emotions when it comes to our friendships. Feeling friendship anxiety can be confusing and distressing, and many people wonder, “Why do I feel anxious toward a friend?”</p>



<p>Navigating a relationship with a friend is similar to navigating other relationships in your life. You may have to figure out how to deal with specific issues, face certain obstacles, work on how you can be a better friend and communicate how your friend can have a better relationship with you.</p>



<p>Feelings of worry or inadequacy, known as friendship anxiety, often stem from past experiences, social dynamics or personal insecurities. Understanding where these feelings come from and learning how to manage them can help you maintain healthy relationships.</p>



<p>Find out more about friendship anxiety, where it comes from and how you can <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/scuba-diving-with-anxiety/">manage your anxiety</a> to build fulfilling friendships in this article.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-friendship-anxiety-and-why-do-i-feel-anxious-toward-a-friend">What Is Friendship Anxiety and Why Do I Feel Anxious Toward a Friend?</h2>



<p>Friendship anxiety often answers the question, “Why do I feel anxious toward a friend?” by uncovering hidden triggers and past experiences. Defining it and learning what it involves can help us manage it.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-what-friendship-anxiety-is-nbsp">Understanding What Friendship Anxiety Is&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Friendship anxiety is a type of anxiety that triggers feelings of worry, inadequacy and anxiousness related to platonic relationships. It can be similar to social anxiety or social phobia for most people. However, where social anxiety symptoms generally manifest in any social setting, friendship anxiety is tied specifically to relationships with friends.</p>



<p>Friendship anxiety isn’t typically considered a specific “diagnosable” condition like social anxiety or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). While many people who experience it may have other types of anxiety disorders, feelings of friendship anxiety can happen to anyone.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-and-symptoms-nbsp">Signs and symptoms&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Some of the most common symptoms and signs of friendship anxiety include:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Trouble fully trusting family or friends</li>



<li>Physical reactions, such as a rapid heartbeat, when thinking about an interaction with friends</li>



<li>Worry that you don’t have enough friends or that your worth is dependent upon the number of friends you have</li>



<li>Distorted thinking patterns that have you constantly replaying and overthinking conversations or interactions with friends</li>



<li>People-pleasing and avoiding friends in an attempt to avoid rejection or conflict</li>



<li>Seeking constant reassurance from friends, such as regularly asking, “Do you hate me?” or “Are you mad at me?”</li>
</ul>



<p>Research suggests that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in someone’s predisposition to anxiety. In addition to general anxiety factors, friendship anxiety is often tied to a lack of meaningful in-person interactions.</p>







<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-common-causes-or-triggers-nbsp">Common Causes or Triggers&nbsp;</h3>



<p>There are multiple things that can impact friendship anxiety, including our past experiences and current social norms. Common triggers of friendship anxiety include:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>More digital interactions and fewer in-person meetings</li>



<li>Frequent use of social media and smartphones</li>



<li>Past experiences, such as those related to unhealthy relationship dynamics or related to rejection or conflict</li>
</ul>



<p>Some <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9915904/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research suggests</a> that the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to social anxiety. Though there is more limited research specifically on friendship anxiety, the pandemic could be a contributing factor. Lockdowns, cancellation of events and a move toward digital interactions left many people with fewer in-person relationships. This lack of in-person interaction can strains relationships, and many people are still recovering.</p>



<p>Likewise, society’s modern obsession with social media and technology could be contributing to feelings of friendship anxiety and the fear of losing friends. For example, if you see a friend post an Instagram story of dinner with another friend, it could make you feel left out or wonder if they’re mad at you. While you might logically know that the dinner was just a chance for two friends to catch up (just as you might do with someone else), seeing it on social media can trigger friendship anxiety symptoms.</p>



<p>Finally, people who’ve faced rejection or high levels of conflict in the past may be more at risk for experiencing friendship anxiety. For example, someone who was bullied in school or treated as an outcast might have trouble accepting that their friends like them for who they are.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-tips-to-overcome-friendship-anxiety-and-help-your-friendships-thrive-nbsp">5 Tips to Overcome Friendship Anxiety and Help Your Friendships Thrive&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Friendship anxiety could be harmful to your mental health and your relationships with friends. Luckily, there are several ways to cope with mild anxiety and friendship that you can put into practice right away. Getting past these issues could potentially help you have stronger friendships.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you’re asking, “Why do I feel anxious toward a friend?” these tips can provide a starting point for managing and reducing those feelings.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-challenge-negative-thoughts">1. Challenge Negative Thoughts</h3>



<p>Anxious feelings are commonly rooted in emotions, which can be unreliable when working through a problem.</p>



<p>If you’re feeling friendship anxiety, a first step might be to take a step back and look at a situation logically. Putting an objective lens on your interactions with friends and challenging any negative thoughts can help you identify when your anxiety is taking control, so you can push back mentally and challenge those negative thoughts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-be-open-and-honest-with-friends">2. Be Open and Honest With Friends</h3>



<p>One of the best ways to cope with friendship anxiety is to be honest with your friends about how you’re feeling. This can lead to open conversations about anxiety and how you and your friends can support each other in the relationship. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/benefits-of-being-vulnerable/">Being vulnerable can have many benefits</a> and can even strengthen relationship bonds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Ultimately, having honest conversations with friends about your anxiety struggles could help you build trust and connection with others.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-practice-mindfulness-and-self-care">3. Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care</h3>



<p>Anxiety can to leave us feeling overwhelmed by things we can’t control, such as overanalyzing past interactions or worrying about what will happen in the future. Try to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-practice-mindfulness/">practice mindfulness</a> to help counteract the effects of friendship anxiety.</p>



<p>Some ways to practice mindfulness include meditation, journaling or going for walks to give your mind a rest or a reset.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-define-your-friendship-values">4. Define Your Friendship Values</h3>



<p>Part of reducing friendship anxiety is defining and living according to your friendship values. Start by asking yourself questions such as:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>What kind of friend do I hope to be?</li>



<li>What do I want to offer to my friends? What do I hope they offer me?</li>



<li>What does the relationship stand for?</li>
</ul>



<p>Answering these questions can help you better understand what you want out of a friendship and what you can offer your friends in return.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-build-your-self-esteem">5. Build Your Self-esteem</h3>



<p>In some cases, friendship anxiety can come from feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt. Working on your self-esteem and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/8-ways-to-be-a-more-confident-person/">building your confidence</a> could help you reduce friendship anxiety.</p>



<p>Try these methods for improving your self-confidence:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>List the things you love and admire about yourself.</li>



<li>Practice saying “no” to others.</li>



<li>Set challenges to step outside your comfort zone.</li>



<li>Try a digital detox and step away from social media.</li>



<li>Start each day with a positive conversation with yourself.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-if-anxiety-is-harming-your-friendships-consider-professional-help">If Anxiety Is Harming Your Friendships, Consider Professional Help</h2>



<p>Are you trying to manage your feelings surrounding the question, “Why do I feel anxious toward a friend?” but nothing seems to work? It might be time to reach out to a professional.</p>



<p>While the five methods listed above can help you cope with some aspects of anxiety, it can be helpful to speak to a professional if the anxiety persists or interferes with your daily life. In fact, most mental health professionals advocate for therapy or related mental health services even if you’re not diagnosed with a mental health disorder.</p>



<p>A mental health professional, such as a licensed therapist who specializes in relationships, can help you work through friendship anxiety triggers and develop a management plan.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-face-and-overcome-your-friendship-anxiety">Face and Overcome Your Friendship Anxiety</h2>



<p>It’s <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-friends-are-important/">important to have friends</a>, so find ways to identify why you worry about your friendships or ask, “Why do I feel anxious toward a friend?”.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Remember that some options may work better than others for your particular bout with anxiety, and those strategies could be different depending on each relationship with a friend. Look at factors that affect your particular views of friends and find ways to adjust your mental load, including getting professional help if you need it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faqs-about-friendship-anxiety">FAQs About Friendship Anxiety</h2>



<p>You may still wonder, “Why do I feel anxious toward a friend?” Here are some answers to common questions. These can help you better understand why you have friendship anxiety and how you can handle it in your life.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-i-feel-anxious-toward-a-friend-even-though-we-get-along">Why do I feel anxious toward a friend even though we get along?</h3>



<p>Even positive relationships can give you friendship anxiety, so it’s good to explore your personal insecurities, past experiences or social dynamics to see if you can find the origins to your anxiety.</p>



<p>Spend some time focusing on yourself to see if you can adjust your own attitude and views of your friendship to have a more positive relationship.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-past-experiences-contribute-to-friendship-anxiety">Can past experiences contribute to friendship anxiety?</h3>



<p>Your previous friendships may have included past rejections, conflicts or negative social interactions that could influence your current anxiety about losing friendships.</p>



<p>Try to identify these issues in your past relationships and use them to inform your current views of friendship anxiety so you can move forward with solutions that could help you alleviate your anxiety.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-i-feel-anxious-around-certain-friends">Why do I feel anxious around certain friends?</h3>



<p>Each friendship is different, and you may only have friendship anxiety with some friends but not others.</p>



<p>Think about why you have the fear of losing friends in some cases, as that could help you get a better grasp on why you’re having these feelings in some circumstances with some friends but not others.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-can-i-know-if-my-friendship-anxiety-is-part-of-a-larger-issue">How can I know if my friendship anxiety is part of a larger issue?</h3>



<p>While being proactive and following some helpful tips can be beneficial, you may wonder if there is more to your anxiety surrounding your friendship. Talking to a credentialed therapist or mental health professional is the best way to help determine if your friendship anxiety is part of a larger issue, such as generalized anxiety or another mental health concern.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>This article was updated June 2025. Photo courtesy of Cookie Studio/Shutterstock</em></strong></p>

Jenny Cohen

From understanding triggers to practical coping tips, learn how to handle friendship anxiety and maintain healthy connections.

Why Do I Feel Anxious Toward a Friend? Friendship Anxiety Explained | SUCCESS

Why Do I Feel Anxious Toward a Friend? Understanding &amp; Managaing Friendship Anxiety

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Smiling woman on her tablet before giving a presentation

I stayed up to make it all happen

<p>That nervous feeling many people get just as they’re about to deliver a presentation is completely normal—and even happens to some of the best public speakers. Here’s what happens behind the scenes. The part of your brain that is responsible for fear (the amygdala) senses a threat. In this case, the threat is your audience or the atmosphere wherever you’re doing your presentation.</p>



<p>The amygdala will then send a distress signal to the hypothalamus, which triggers the release of adrenaline. Adrenaline makes your heart race, breathing more difficult and palms sweaty. But these reactions don’t mean you’ll do badly in your presentation―they indicate that you’re ready to perform and that you care.</p>



<p>You can start calming your nerves by shifting your mindset. Rather than fear and worrying about impressing your audience, you can move toward focusing on your delivery and aiming to connect with them. The tips below can guide you on how to not be nervous for a presentation. Mastering these tips can help you overcome overall presentation anxiety and deliver them with less stress.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-calm-nerves-before-a-presentation">How to Calm Nerves Before a Presentation</h2>



<p>So, how do you stop feeling nervous when it’s your turn to speak? Here are some simple ideas of how to relax before a presentation. Try these tricks before and during your presentation:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-breathe-like-a-zen-master">1. Breathe Like a Zen Master</h3>



<p>Breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 7 and exhale for 8. We can equate this action to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/breathwork-intentionality/">hitting the reset button on your nervous system</a>. This technique is called the 4-7-8 method and is proven to be effective in calming your body down by knocking you out of adrenaline-induced “fight-or-flight” mode. Also, take a sip of water to give yourself a chance to pause.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-relax-those-tense-muscles">2. Relax Those Tense Muscles</h3>



<p>If you’re trying to calm down before a presentation, this tip could be highly effective. Try progressive muscle relaxation—squeeze your muscles for five seconds, then let them go, working from your toes to your face. It’s like a mini-massage without the awkward spa music. This technique is also effective against general anxiety and can help ease presentation anxiety when practiced regularly.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-visualize-yourself-succeeding">3. Visualize Yourself Succeeding</h3>



<p>Picture yourself crushing your presentation. Imagine the audience nodding along, engaged, maybe even laughing at your jokes. Having a <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/you-can-overcome-any-challenge-with-a-positive-attitude/">positive mindset</a> may be the only difference between succeeding and falling flat in your presentation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-nbsp-be-well-prepared-but-don-t-overthink">4.&nbsp; Be Well-Prepared (But Don’t Overthink)</h3>



<p>Know your material so well that you can keep going like a boss even if a rogue PowerPoint slide betrays you. Overpreparing is a highly discouraged approach—and overthinking can contribute to nerves and anxiety—but being comfortable and well-prepared can help ensure you’ve mastered your material.</p>



<p>To be as well-prepared as you can, consider going over your presentation notes as frequently as possible. You might also think about delving deeper into anything that might not be clear to your audience.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-practice-like-you-mean-it">5. Practice Like You Mean It</h3>



<p>Once you’ve mastered the content of your presentation, talk to a mirror, record yourself or present to an unsuspecting pet. The more you practice, the less your brain freaks out when it’s go-time. You may have everything at your fingertips, but the delivery is equally important.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-strike-a-power-pose">6. Strike a Power Pose</h3>



<p>Stand like a superhero—arms up, chest out—for two minutes before your talk. Some research suggests that striking a power pose can boost confidence and improve performance. Plus, you’ll feel like you just won an award for “Best Presenter Ever.”</p>



<p>Quick tip: Keep in mind that not every approach to combat nerves and anxiety will work for every person. Try a few techniques out to see what makes you feel the best and adds to your confidence—then leave the ones that don’t behind.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-get-there-early">7. Get There Early</h3>



<p>Running late is a sure way to throw yourself off before you even begin. With that in mind, one of the best tips for how to get over anxiety for a presentation is to arrive early, test the tech and walk the stage. Get comfortable before the crowd arrives. A smooth start will help in getting rid of the nerves.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-start-with-a-smile">8. Start With a Smile  </h3>



<p>Besides bringing happiness, smiling is contagious. It also contributes to positivity, boosts mood and relieves stress. When you smile at your audience, they are likely to smile back—or at least you might make them subconsciously happy. By smiling, you and your audience may be more comfortable. Helping convey a relaxed and positive feeling may have them on your side and rooting for you in no time. This positive energy should see you sail through the presentation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-focus-on-your-audience-not-your-nerves">9. Focus on Your Audience (Not Your Nerves)</h3>



<p>The more you worry about your nervousness, the more likely you are to mess things up. Look at your audience’s faces; they are most likely listening keenly. Assume that you know your stuff—then take advantage of that and deliver your message. The deeper you get into your presentation, the more confident you’ll get and the less nervous you’ll be.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-engage-the-audience">10. Engage the Audience</h3>



<p>Connecting with your audience is also important in learning how to improve presentation skills. Ask questions, crack a few jokes and open the floor for questions from your audience. You’ll connect with them, and when you do, you’ll be more comfortable and gain more confidence to see through a successful presentation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-11-use-prepared-notes-but-don-t-read">11. Use Prepared Notes (But Don’t Read)</h3>



<p>Before your presentation, ensure you have prepared notes, preferably in bullet-point form. You can always glance at them so that you don’t forget to deliver the most important points.</p>



<p>Having this kind of backup system will grant you more confidence as you continue with your presentation. This is especially helpful if anxiety and presentation nerves tend to get the best of you. While at it, avoid reading verbatim or you’ll sound robotic and your audience will lose interest in your presentation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-12-pause-whenever-necessary">12. Pause Whenever Necessary</h3>



<p>One of the most powerful tools in presentation or public speaking is silence. Pauses in between critical points not only give your audience time to digest the information but also give you a break during your presentation. Well-timed pauses will usually be just as powerful as the words you’re going to speak.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-13-accept-the-small-mistakes">13. Accept The Small Mistakes</h3>



<p>No one is perfect. If you stumble, keep going—most people won’t notice, and if they do, they’ll understand. Anxiety and presentations often go hand in hand, but what matters most is whether you get your message across by the end. The key is to move past any stumbles and focus on acing the rest of your presentation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-14-reward-yourself-after-the-presentation">14. Reward Yourself After The Presentation</h3>



<p>Set a reward for yourself in advance. Doing so will motivate you to strive toward better preparation and, consequently, a great presentation when the actual day comes. Celebrating your presentation efforts will also help with building confidence for future presentations. Keep the momentum going.</p>



<p><strong><em>Related:</em></strong> <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/4-scientific-principles-behind-a-killer-presentation/">How to Give a Great Presentation: 4 Scientific Principles</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-get-over-anxiety-for-a-presentation">How To Get Over Anxiety For A Presentation</h2>



<p>You can use advanced techniques like <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-use-meditation-to-reduce-anxiety/">meditation to overcome general anxiety</a>, but these simple, actionable steps can help to deal with presentation anxiety:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-break-it-down">1. Break It Down</h3>



<p>If you find yourself thinking of your presentation as one giant, terrifying block of words, stop and break it into bite-sized sections. Focus on one idea at a time instead of stressing over the whole thing.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-make-it-about-them-not-you">2. Make It About Them, Not You</h3>



<p>Stop thinking, “What if I mess up?” and start thinking, “How can I help my audience?” Shift your focus from impressing people to giving value. People love useful info way more than perfect delivery.</p>



<p><strong><em>Related: </em></strong><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/11-subtle-signs-of-anxiety-you-might-not-notice/">11 Subtle Signs of Anxiety You Might Not Notice</a></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-accept-nervousness-as-part-of-public-speaking">3. Accept Nervousness as Part of Public Speaking</h3>



<p>Nerves and excitement exhibit the same physical reaction. Tell yourself “I’m pumped” instead of “I’m panicking,” and your brain just might believe you. This mentality will gradually turn into confidence, and your presentation will be a success.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-remember-nobody-wants-you-to-fail">4. Remember—Nobody Wants You to Fail</h3>



<p>Your audience isn’t there to judge—they want you to do well. No one is waiting for you to stumble. They’re rooting for you, especially if they notice you’re nervous and want to learn from you.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nerves-are-just-a-sign-you-re-about-to-crush-it">Nerves Are Just a Sign You’re About to Crush It</h2>



<p>Stop trying to eliminate nervousness. Instead, embrace it. Those sweaty palms and racing thoughts mean you’re about to do something that matters. Start small—try one or two of these techniques before your next presentation. Maybe it’s the 4-7-8 breathing trick or power posing in the bathroom before your big moment. Confidence isn’t built overnight, but every step you take makes you a <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/afraid-of-public-speaking-7-tips-to-do-it-well/">stronger speaker</a>.</p>



<p>And the next time you’re on stage and your heart is doing the Macarena? Just remember that as many as 3 out of 4 people would feel just as nervous in your shoes. You’ve got this.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by</em> <em>Adene Sanchez/iStock.com</em></p>

Brian Abuga

Wondering how to not be nervous for a presentation? You’re not alone—find tips to calm your nerves and deliver a stress-free speech.

Wondering how to not be nervous for a presentation? You’re not alone—find tips to deliver a stress-free presentation. | SUCCESS

How to Not Be Nervous for a Presentation: 14 Techniques That Work

How to Not Be Nervous for a Presentation | SUCCESS

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Three professionals doing market research for small business

Three colleagues stand around conference table meeting about financial reports strategy

Stop guessing, start winning. See how market research powers startups with insights to thrive in any market.

Stop guessing, start winning. See how market research powers startups with insights to thrive in any market. | SUCCESS

Market Research: Your Startup’s Blueprint to Thrive

How Market Research Fuels Startup Wins | SUCCESS

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Volunteers work for a nonprofit organization

Volunteer,Providing,Assistance,By,Handing,A,Food,Box,To,An

<p>Giving back to your local community is a rewarding experience that can have a major impact on <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/this-non-profit-restores-mobility-to-amputees/">those in need</a>. Maybe you started small by gathering food, toiletries and other basic necessities for local residents after a storm. You reached out to friends and neighbors who were happy to donate money and goods to your cause.</p>



<p>Maybe you’ve been making such an impact that you’re thinking about how to expand your efforts to help neighboring communities as well. Meanwhile, donors are asking if they can deduct the cost of the donated items on their tax return. Perhaps a few people have asked what the name of your organization is and where they can find more information. Or, maybe you've had a dream to help a specific cause or need. Do any of these resonate? It might be time to start a nonprofit. </p>



<p><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-give-back-purposefully/">Projects that help others</a> are incredible for both the givers and receivers, but if you want your charity to be official to make the most impact possible, it’s important to cover your bases. Here are the steps for how to start a nonprofit organization with purpose. The steps involve careful planning and legal compliance so it can be successful from the start.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-community-needs-the-first-step-in-starting-a-charity">Identifying Community Needs: The First Step in Starting a Charity</h2>



<p>Before you pick a name and logo or set up a website for your nonprofit, spend some time conducting a needs assessment to identify gaps in services within the community.</p>



<p>As you're learning how to start a nonprofit, ask yourself some questions. Is there a big enough need for your services? Are any other nonprofits already meeting these needs for the community? Researching existing organizations is critical to ensure your nonprofit addresses unmet needs and isn’t just reinventing the wheel.</p>



<p>Nancy Eberhardt, executive director at Pro Bono Partnership, an organization that helps nonprofits with legal support in the tri-state area, explains that nonprofits need to check the industry. Just like any other for-profit business, it's important to make sure there is a need in the community for the charitable service you intend to provide. Also, you might have a harder time obtaining funds from donors if the charitable group you want to support already has access to the resources you intend to offer.</p>



<p>The National Council of Nonprofits suggests contemplating the following questions in order to determine if your nonprofit is a go:&nbsp;</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>What problems will the new nonprofit solve?</li>



<li>Who will it serve?</li>



<li>Are there similar nonprofits (or for-profits) fulfilling the same needs/serving the same people?&nbsp;</li>



<li>Are these similar nonprofits financially stable?</li>



<li>What will make your nonprofit better equipped to solve these problems?</li>
</ul>



<p>While gathering this information may seem overwhelming, it’s a necessary step to figure out how to start a charity. And remember, none of this has to be set in stone. “You don’t have to have everything figured out,” says Eberhardt, “but it’s important that you’ve at least thought about it and have some ideas.” This initial research can help point you in the right direction and narrow your focus for your new nonprofit organization.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crafting-a-mission-how-to-create-a-nonprofit-with-a-clear-vision">Crafting a Mission: How to Create a Nonprofit With a Clear Vision</h2>



<p>Once you’ve determined that starting your nonprofit makes sense at this time, you’ll want to brainstorm about the organization’s core values and goals. While this might seem simple, it’s still important to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-big-stretch-discovering-your-dreams-purpose/">write down the exact mission</a> of the nonprofit. By outlining the services the organization will provide and who you will serve, this unique statement will establish your nonprofit’s identity. It can also help keep you focused as you move forward to meet your goals and transform your community.</p>



<p>Keep your mission statement succinct and digestible. Make sure it encompasses your organization’s fundamental purpose, philosophy and values. It can also include some language that is inspirational, motivational, informative and even emotional.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-leadership-how-to-form-a-nonprofit-board-of-directors">Building Leadership: How to Form a Nonprofit Board of Directors</h2>



<p>Now it’s time to gather the necessary support for your nonprofit. You’ll want to find a solid group of people to have by your side to serve on your board of directors. Members of the board should not only be aligned with the mission but should also have the skills necessary to support the organization.</p>



<p>A nonprofit board of directors is its governing body, helping with strategic decision-making. They play a key role in managing the nonprofit with regard to financial, marketing and legal operations. Your board members often help support the organization financially through <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/nonprofit-fundraising-goals-giving-tuesday/">fundraising</a>.</p>



<p>A president, secretary and treasurer are all key roles, and the people filling these positions should be capable and willing to complete the required job, says Eberhardt. Will the treasurer be able to oversee the money, including finding someone to prepare the annual tax return? Will the secretary be able to keep track of the records and filings? Having a strong governing body in place will help you figure out how to start a nonprofit organization and set you up to incorporate your organization in the next step.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legal-steps-how-to-incorporate-and-obtain-tax-exempt-status">Legal Steps: How to Incorporate and Obtain Tax-Exempt Status</h2>



<p>It’s critical to understand and adhere to federal and state regulations to ensure your nonprofit can continue to operate legally. Follow these steps to incorporate your nonprofit organization on both the state and federal levels. This will help ensure you receive <a href="https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/application-process" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tax-exempt status</a>:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-file-a-certificate-of-incorporation-with-the-state">1. File a Certificate of Incorporation With the State.</h3>



<p>The articles of incorporation for the organization will typically include the name of the entity, the principal address, the charitable purpose and other basic information. Each state has different rules and regulations for filing. For example, one state might require the board to have at least three members, and another state may require only one. A charity can incorporate in a different state from where they are based.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-apply-for-a-federal-employer-identification-number-ein-from-the-irs-nbsp">2. Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) From the IRS.&nbsp;</h3>



<p>An employer identification number (EIN) is a nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the number an organization uses when filing paperwork. Filing for an EIN can be done on the <a href="https://sa.www4.irs.gov/modiein/individual/index.jsp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IRS website</a>, and the task is relatively simple. Once the basic information is completed, you will receive a PDF with the new EIN. This is a document that should be stored in a safe place but kept handy because the entity’s EIN will be used on many documents going forward.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-apply-for-tax-exempt-status-from-the-irs">3. Apply for Tax-Exempt Status From the IRS.</h3>



<p>Many people are familiar with the term 501(c)(3), which refers to the section of the tax code set up for entities with charitable purposes. What people may be less familiar with are the 28 subsections under section 501(c). Because of the various ways a group can help a community, the IRS has designated multiple other subdivisions under section 501(c). For example, section 501(c)(4) is for social welfare organizations, section 501(c)(7) is for social and recreation clubs and section 501(c)(19) is for veterans’ organizations. A <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p557.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complete list</a> can be found on the IRS website.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Form 1023</a> is the application needed to apply for section 501(c)(3) status. The cost to file is $600, and the form itself is 28 pages long, although many organizations can skip some of the pages. Smaller organizations that want tax-exempt status (those with revenue less than $50,000 a year) can file Form 1023-EZ. The cost to file Form 1023-EZ is $275.</p>



<p>“Very often, a new nonprofit wants to collect money right away, or it has a pending grant that is dependent on it receiving its tax-exempt status,” says Tracy Snow, partner at Lowenstein Sandler. “The founders should form the organization as soon as possible, but the application can take months for the IRS to review and approve. The good news is that once you incorporate, as long as you file the tax-exempt application within the next 27 months, your exemption is retroactive to the date of incorporation.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-file-for-charitable-registration">4. File for Charitable Registration.</h3>



<p>You’ll need to file for a charitable registration in your state, plus others where you will solicit. Generally, when starting a nonprofit, you should register with the <a href="https://www.nasconet.org/resources/state-government/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attorney general’s office</a> in the state where the charity is incorporated. You should also register with any states where it solicits donations, whether in person or by mail, email or telephone.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-apply-for-sales-and-use-tax-exemption-with-your-state">5. Apply for Sales and Use Tax Exemption With Your State.</h3>



<p>While 501(c)(3) organizations do not pay income tax, they still need to pay sales tax when they purchase items for the organization. Another form to consider obtaining is a sales tax exemption form. Rules vary by jurisdiction, but in general, a sales tax exemption will allow sales tax-free purchases for businesses that are registered nonprofits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planning-for-growth-how-to-start-a-nonprofit-with-a-strong-strategy">Planning for Growth: How to Start a Nonprofit With a Strong Strategy</h2>



<p>Like a for-profit business, you’ll want to formulate a strategic plan for your nonprofit organization. Your plan should highlight the goals, objectives and action plan for moving forward. The plan should consist of the following: products, programs and services; a marketing plan; the organizational structure, an operational plan; and an impact plan.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To ensure financial sustainability, the strategic plan should also include a financial plan, including a fundraising strategy and donor profiles. An <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-create-a-budget/">estimated budget</a> is also essential for any new business. While you might not be sure how your nonprofit is going to solicit donations in the foreseeable future, it’s important to estimate income for the next three years in order to know which form to use when you apply for tax-exempt status.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-an-impact-how-to-launch-and-evaluate-your-nonprofit-s-programs">Making an Impact: How to Launch and Evaluate Your Nonprofit’s Programs</h2>



<p>Now that you have an official nonprofit, you’re ready to get started.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-launch-programs">Launch Programs</h3>



<p>You can begin launching programs that align with the mission and address identified needs for the community you serve. To get your nonprofit officially up and running, you might need to rent a space, hire staff, order supplies, launch a website and social media pages, build relationships with various organizations and community members and start getting the word out.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keep-ongoing-records-nbsp">Keep Ongoing Records&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Throughout this process, it’s critical to keep thorough records and maintain compliance. It’s also important to evaluate and assess the organization’s impact and effectiveness. Most states require nonprofit corporations to file an annual report. The report is straightforward and includes confirmation of the nonprofit’s address and registered agent, as well as a payment. You can complete the annual report online, and it is often due at the end of the fiscal period.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-file-a-tax-exempt-form">File a Tax-Exempt Form</h3>



<p>Nonprofits do not pay income tax, but all nonprofits must file <a href="https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/exempt-organization-annual-filing-requirements-overview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Form 990</a>, or a Return of Organization Exempt from Tax. Form 990 asks for detailed information about revenue and expenses for the current and prior years, a current balance sheet, as well as the names and titles of everyone on the board, including any salaries of those individuals. It’s due five and a half months after the end of the fiscal year but can be extended for an additional six months.</p>



<p>Some organizations with income less than $50,000 can file Form 990 E-Z or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/new-form-990-n-submission-website-now-open#:~:text=Form%20990%2DN%2C%20Electronic%20Notice,can%20only%20be%20submitted%20electronically." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Form 990-N</a>, a short electronic form also referred to as an “e-postcard.”</p>



<p>If a nonprofit fails to file a 990 for three consecutive years, it will automatically lose its tax-exempt status. By making sure all paperwork is well documented, incoming board members can easily understand the process and continue to keep the organization running smoothly. This way, everyone involved can spend as much time as possible focused on the mission at hand.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-your-passion-into-a-successful-nonprofit-organization">Turning Your Passion Into a Successful Nonprofit Organization</h2>



<p>Ready to make a difference? Start building your nonprofit today with purpose, clarity and impact in mind. A simple idea to help a neighbor can sprout into a larger endeavor that can <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/katie-blomquist-going-places-nonprofit/">make a major difference</a> in your local community and beyond. </p>



<p>By following the key steps in this nonprofit startup guide, you can establish a new organization. The trick is to approach the process with diligence, passion and a commitment to making a positive difference.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by</em> <em>Studio Romantic/Shutterstock.com</em></p>



<p></p>

Learn how to start a nonprofit to make in a difference in your community. Use these simple steps to learn more.

Learn how to start a nonprofit to make in a difference in your community. Use these simple steps to learn more. | SUCCESS

How to Start a Nonprofit Organization: A Simple Guide

How To Start a Nonprofit Organization | SUCCESS

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Smiling business woman in front of her team who practices value based leadership

Face, business and woman with arms crossed, smile and career with teamwork, meeting or planning. Portrait, person or employee with cooperation, staff or professional with brainstorming in a workplace

<p>You might have noticed that the leadership structure in organizations is changing rapidly. Today, employees crave something deeper than authority; they want authenticity, which is where value-based leadership comes in.</p>



<p><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-become-a-values-based-leader/">Value-based leaders</a> base their decisions on their core beliefs. As businesses grapple with new matters like mental health, sustainability and inclusion, leaders who are ethical and values-driven—rather than loud—are rising to the top. But what exactly is value-based leadership, and why is it becoming non-negotiable in modern organizations?</p>



<p>Let’s find out.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-characteristics-af-value-based-leadership">Characteristics af Value-Based Leadership</h2>



<p>To properly understand what values-based leadership entails, it helps to compare it with other <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/what-kind-of-leader-are-you/">leadership styles</a>.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Transactional leaders</strong> focus on getting the job done.</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Transformational leaders</strong> aim to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/co-ceo-model-shared-leadership/">change the status quo</a>.</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Value-based leaders</strong> lead from the heart, with principles that guide every decision, irrespective of size.</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Leadership Style</strong></td><td><strong>Core Focus</strong></td><td><strong>Key Motivation</strong></td><td><strong>How it Works</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Transactional leadership</td><td>Performance and results</td><td>Structure and meeting set targets</td><td>Leaders use results and penalties to drive compliance from team members</td></tr><tr><td>Transformational leadership</td><td>Vision and innovation</td><td>Passion, the bigger picture and meeting targets</td><td>They inspire team members by painting a big picture and motivating them to achieve it</td></tr><tr><td>Values-based leadership</td><td>Integrity and principles</td><td>Authenticity, ethics and shared values</td><td>Leaders align decisions and behavior with core values, building trust and purpose.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<p>Across the globe, leaders who utilize values-based leadership get swift and efficient results. <a href="https://www.sci-int.com/pdf/638491323739153812.%20Khaled%20Khalaf%20Alzureikat%20paper%20(8).edited.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Recent scientific research</a> shows that value-based leadership significantly influences modern organizations and drives results.</p>



<p>Take Satya Nadella, Microsoft's CEO, for instance. When he took over, he focused on reshaping the organization's culture. He fostered a more inclusive and innovative environment by emphasizing empathy, collaboration and continuous learning.</p>



<p>Satya believes that "empathy makes you a better innovator," and his leadership reflects this belief.</p>



<p>Jacinda Ardern, the former prime minister of New Zealand, is another example of a value-driven leader. Arden was known globally for her empathetic and compassionate leadership style. Her calm, human-centered approach, rooted in values like kindness, unity and transparency, showed the world that strong leadership is about portraying shared values.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-four-principles-of-value-based-leadership">The Four Principles of Value-Based Leadership</h2>



<p>The most effective <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-5-pillars-of-authentic-leadership/">value-based leaders show authenticity</a> and anchor their decisions in four non-negotiable principles of value-based leadership.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-reflection">Self-Reflection</h3>



<p>Great leaders are intentional about self-reflection. They constantly evaluate their thoughts, motives and actions, ensuring their decisions are always driven by clarity and purpose. This smart habit builds emotional intelligence amongst leaders, ensuring they are always the best versions of themselves.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balance-and-perspective">Balance and Perspective</h3>



<p>It's easy to get caught up in short-term wins or narrow views in leadership. Values-based leaders always step back to consider the bigger picture, balancing the needs of stakeholders, employees and the community. They strive for thoughtful decisions that align with long-term vision and ethical responsibility.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-true-self-confidence">True Self-Confidence</h3>



<p>True self-confidence comes from a secure sense of identity and purpose. Value-based leaders don’t need to apply force to feel powerful—their conviction in their values speaks louder than force. This kind of confidence creates psychological safety and inspires others to act with courage.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genuine-humility">Genuine Humility</h3>



<p>One mark of a true leader is their willingness to learn. They admit mistakes, invite feedback and give credit where it’s due. Humility keeps value-based leaders grounded. It opens the door to collaboration, continuous learning and trust, making teams more connected and resilient.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-value-based-leadership">Importance of Value-Based Leadership</h2>



<p>Why is leading with values important? Value-based leadership is essential for positively impacting individuals, teams and organizations.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-it-builds-trust-and-loyalty">1. It Builds Trust and Loyalty</h3>



<p>When leaders consistently act in alignment with their values, it creates a culture of credibility and trust. Teams feel safe, seen, and respected—leading to stronger loyalty, lower turnover and a more unified workplace.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-strengthens-decision-making">2. Strengthens Decision-Making</h3>



<p>When tough choices arise, values become a compass, helping leaders and teams navigate ethically and confidently. This clarity reduces confusion and inconsistency, especially in high-pressure situations.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-drives-purpose-and-engagement">3. Drives Purpose and Engagement</h3>



<p>People want to work for more than a paycheck—they want to contribute to something meaningful. Value-based leadership gives teams a sense of shared purpose, boosting motivation, creativity and ownership in their work.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-fosters-inclusive-and-respectful-cultures">4. Fosters Inclusive and Respectful Cultures</h3>



<p>Leaders who demonstrate empathy, integrity and fairness naturally create space for diverse voices and perspectives<strong>.</strong> This not only improves collaboration and innovation but also ensures everyone feels valued and heard.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-develop-value-based-leadership-skills">How to Develop Value-Based Leadership Skills</h2>



<p>Fortunately, you can learn to become a values-based leader. If you want to transition from your current style of leadership to value, here are some steps you can take:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-clarify-your-core-values">1. Clarify Your Core Values</h3>



<p>Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you.</p>



<p>Ask yourself:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>What principles do I refuse to compromise on?</li>



<li>What kind of legacy do I want to leave?</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-practice-self-awareness">2. Practice Self-Awareness</h3>



<p>Track how your thoughts, emotions, and actions align (or misalign) with your values.</p>



<p>Use tools like journaling, 360-degree feedback, or personality assessments to build emotional intelligence.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-lead-by-example">3. Lead by Example</h3>



<p>Demonstrate your values in everyday behavior—especially when it’s inconvenient.</p>



<p>Whether you're handling conflict, giving feedback, or making decisions, let your values guide you. People will watch how you act more than what you say.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-encourage-value-in-others">4. Encourage Value in Others</h3>



<p>Create a culture where others are empowered to lead with integrity, too. You can do this by:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Recognizing team members who uphold core values.</li>



<li>Building processes and policies that reflect your values.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-stay-accountable-and-keep-growing">5. Stay Accountable and Keep Growing</h3>



<p>No leader is perfect. Own your mistakes, learn from them and recommit to growth. Surround yourself with people who challenge you yet encourage you to stay true to your values.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-purposeful-leadership-starts-from-within">Purposeful Leadership Starts From Within</h2>



<p>Value-based leadership is a powerful, transformative approach that builds trust, drives engagement, and creates lasting impact. Whether in business, politics or nonprofit work, leaders who act from a place of integrity and principle inspire others to do the same. They foster cultures where people feel valued, heard and empowered to contribute their best.</p>



<p>Now it’s your turn. Take a moment to reflect: what values do you live by, and are they visible in how you lead? Start small, act daily and watch your influence grow from the inside out.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by Jacob Wackerhausen/iStock.com</em></p>

Discover what value-based leadership is, why it matters in today’s world and how to develop this leadership style.

Discover what value-based leadership is, why it matters in today’s world and how to develop this leadership style. | SUCCESS

What Is Value-Based Leadership? Principles, Benefits &amp; How to Lead With Purpose

Is Value-Based Leadership the Future of Effective Leadership? | SUCCESS

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Male Tik Tok creator making content on his phone and smiling

Influencer,,Ring,Light,And,Smile,At,Phone,For,Streaming,,Follower

<p>Since its launch in 2016, TikTok has become a top social media site. Lots of people enjoy making content, but a recent <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/02/18/what-we-know-about-tiktok-content-creators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pew Research study</a> showed that only 10% of TikTok creators have 1 million or more followers.</p>



<p>So, what do those creators do that the rest of us don’t? What makes “better” <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/tiktok-is-here-to-stay-is-your-brand-ready/">TikTok content</a>? And what elements trigger the algorithm in your favor? Experts share their tips and tricks so you too can create more popular videos.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-stay-genuine-and-personal">1. Stay genuine and personal</h2>



<p>Users are drawn to genuine content, explains <a href="https://www.giselleugarte.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giselle Ugarte</a>, social media expert and online performance coach. “In the first frame [of the video, the creator pulls] you into their world, whether it feels like you’re FaceTiming a friend, eavesdropping on a real moment in their life, or sitting in the front row of their podcast,” she says.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The video catches the attention of the watcher by showing or talking about something relatable; something you want to know more about. “The best TikTok creators make you feel like you’re a part of their existing conversations,” she adds. The videos are seen as authentic and allow the watcher to feel close to the creator.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“[The best creators make] content about topics they care about rather than solely because it's trending,” says <a href="https://www.ranksecure.ca/baruch-labunski-seo-marketing-specialist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baruch Labunski</a>, founder of Rank Secure, a digital marketing SEO company. “Most [people] follow creators because they like them. Above everything else, that stems from a feeling that they know them.”</p>



<p>“A good TikTok creator is someone who puts authenticity over technical skills like video editing or slick transitions,” says Lindsey Chastain, CEO of <a href="https://www.writingdetective.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Writing Detective</a>, a content marketing and PR firm. “While both are good skills to have, it’s personality and engaging content that attracts people to watch the videos.”</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-hook-viewers-within-the-first-three-seconds">2. Hook viewers within the first three seconds</h2>



<p>“Great TikTok creators understand that people have a short attention span, so have something that hooks the viewer in within the first two to three seconds,” says Chastain. “Their page tends to have a specific niche, such as talking about books, DIY projects, politics, etc. so viewers know exactly what to expect when a certain feed pops up in their FYP.” The FYP (For You Page) is the personalized page that pops up when you open your TikTok app.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-create-longer-content">3. Create longer content</h2>



<p>While the content needs to hook the watcher, longer videos tend to do better overall. <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/02/18/what-we-know-about-tiktok-content-creators/#:~:text=39%20seconds%20on%20average%20for%20the%20most%20popular%20accounts%2C%20compared%20with%2021%20seconds%20for%20the%20least%20popular." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">According to the Pew Research Center</a>, the average video length for the most popular accounts is 39 seconds compared with 21 seconds for the least popular. “People will watch longer content all the way through because it either has information not previously known, is entertaining, or both,” says Labunski.</p>



<p>“With short-form content, you can stage, script, and edit yourself into the perfect persona,” says Ugarte. “But with long-form, it’s harder to hide. After 30 minutes, the act starts to fade, and the real you comes through. That’s why people are drawn to it. It’s like fast-tracking a relationship—seeing someone in different moods, over time, across different conversations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“My mom used to say, ‘Never marry someone until you’ve spent two Christmases and two winters with them.’ The same goes for content: the longer someone sticks around, the harder it is to hide.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-provide-value-and-engage">4. Provide value and engage</h2>



<p>“Several things trigger the <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/future-proofing-your-tiktok-content-strategy/">TikTok algorithm</a> in your favor including good video&nbsp;quality, high sound quality, and user interaction,” says Labunski. “The more engagements, the more visible the video will be.”</p>



<p>Engagement means both asking questions and responding to them. “Great TikTokers ask questions… and chat with followers in the comments,” says Chastain. “They usually offer a unique perspective or angle, even when it comes to trending sounds or videos. There is clear value in what they are providing.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-post-a-lot">5. Post a lot</h2>



<p>“Here’s the key: TikTok isn’t just about showing up, it’s about showing up consistently,” says Ugarte. “The creators who thrive are the ones posting daily, sometimes even multiple times a day.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/02/18/what-we-know-about-tiktok-content-creators/#:~:text=Post%20more%20regularly." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pew study</a> backs that up. The most popular creators posted several times per week on average, while the least popular accounts only posted around once per week. Posting frequency isn’t only for user satisfaction, but also to boost the algorithm.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“That doesn’t mean overproduced, highly edited content,” says Ugarte. “In fact, it’s the opposite. The best TikTok videos feel raw and unfiltered, like they were filmed and uploaded in real-time. Viewers want to feel like they’re engaging directly with a real person, not a perfectly curated agency-run brand.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-stay-trendy">6. Stay trendy</h2>



<p>Staying tuned into which hashtags and songs are popular as well as which keywords are trending is also key. “Hashtags are more important on TikTok when it comes to the algorithm than other platforms,” says Labunski. And using them can help boost visibility and engagement, prompting more people to view your videos and eventually follow your page. You can add hashtags of name brands or celebrities if applicable, for more visibility.</p>



<p>“A good TikTok creator understands how to use trending topics with creative ways to engage the audience. That could be using humor or documented information to validate their comments,” he explains.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The more engagements your video has with comments, likes and shares, the more visible the video will be. “However, controversy shouldn't be your first choice to engage users,” adds Labunski. “TikTok emphasizes positivity, so videos reflecting that get higher visibility.”</p>



<p>Many things contribute to the rise of a popular TikTok creator. From posting consistently, to staying genuine to regularly engaging with other users, top TikTok creators spend a lot of time and energy online. So, it’s important that you post about things you feel passionate about and that you stay committed to the project. Both you and your viewers will have more fun, which will ultimately contribute to long-term success.</p>



<p><em>Photo by PeopleImages.com - Yuri A/Shutterstock.com</em></p>



<p></p>

Staying genuine, being consistent and posting regularly are just a few ways to engage your audience. Learn how to improve your TikTok game.

Staying genuine, being consistent and posting regularly are just a few ways to engage your audience. Learn how to improve your TikTok game. | SUCCESS

What Strategies Do the Best TikTok Creators Use?

What Strategies Do the Best TikTok Creators Use? | SUCCESS

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Lifestyle

Lifestyle Archives

Elevate your lifestyle for success and happiness

<p>Our lives are increasingly digital, whether we are working, managing our home and family or being entertained. The average person spends 6.5 hours on the internet every single day, according to the <a href="https://www.gwi.com/hubfs/Digital_vs_Traditional_Media_Consumption.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Web Index</a>.</p>



<p>But most of us don’t realize that our online activities contribute to energy usage and carbon emissions, which impact climate change. The information and communication technology (ICT) sector is responsible for 7% of global electricity consumption and is expected to rise in coming years. For reference, this is a bigger chunk than what’s produced by the global airline industry.</p>



<p>Every click, search, download, streamed video and email sent contributes to your personal digital carbon footprint. “The digital carbon footprint refers to the greenhouse gas emissions generated by digital activities,” explains <a href="https://www.lboro.ac.uk/schools/business-school/our-people/tom-jackson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thomas Jackson</a>, professor of information and knowledge management at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom, whose research is at the frontline of tackling our digital carbon footprint. “These [activities] include the energy consumption of data centers, devices and digital infrastructures required for data processing and storage.”</p>



<p>Here are 10 tips that help to reduce your digital carbon footprint both at home and in the office.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-delete-files-especially-photos-and-videos">1. Delete files, especially photos and videos</h2>



<p>Never deleting electronic files, such as images and documents, from cloud storage services can be problematic, says Jackson. Many photos and videos hog a lot of storage space. Take the time every few weeks or months to go through your saved files and purge those you no longer need. Jackson especially recommends identifying and deleting redundant data.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-unplug-devices-when-not-in-use">2. Unplug devices when not in use</h2>



<p>Leaving devices like phones and laptops plugged in unnecessarily can increase your energy consumption without realizing it, says Jackson. When electronics are plugged in, they still consume electricity even when they are turned off or in standby mode. Known as “vampire draw,” this phenomenon is responsible for an estimated 10% of the total energy consumption in an average American household.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-adjust-your-video-streaming-habits">3. Adjust your video streaming habits</h2>



<p>Watching all those videos and television shows requires an entire system of networks, devices and data centers that consume an exorbitant amount of energy. In fact, a 2022 report by the Shift Project found that online video streaming accounts for an estimated 60% of global internet traffic. “Reduce video streaming quality when high definition is unnecessary,” advises Jackson. Another tip is to play songs as audio files instead of streaming them as YouTube videos.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-research-where-your-data-is-stored">4. Research where your data is stored</h2>



<p>“Where your data is stored matters significantly,” says Jackson. Many data centers are located in areas prone to flooding or climate change or use fossil fuels for power and cooling. He recommends choosing energy-efficient servers and encouraging <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/sustainable-business-practices/">green IT practices</a> at work when possible. If you’re not sure where and how your data is stored and the energy consumption involved, ask your provider or do an internet search.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-reduce-dark-data">5. Reduce dark data</h2>



<p>Dark data is “data that is used once and then forgotten but remains in data storage,” according to an article in The Chronicle of Higher Education highlighting Jackson’s work. As the article points out, “smart devices from thermostats to trackers, are a large contributor to this kind of data.” IBM estimates that up to 90% of sensor data collected from smart devices is not used.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Companies should audit and reduce dark data. As a consumer, you can help by deleting data you no longer need. That could mean removing outdated information from your smartwatch or keeping just one perfect picture of your family at the beach and deleting the six other nearly identical shots.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-control-emails">6. Control emails</h2>



<p>We are constantly inundated with emails pertaining to both our personal and professional lives. An estimated 347 billion emails are sent each day globally, with the average person receiving about 120 emails per day, according to data from Venngage. Help minimize your footprint by keeping up with your email inbox; regularly delete unnecessary emails, remove spam emails and carefully consider how many newsletters you subscribe to. Jackson also recommends doing what you can to reduce email traffic. That might mean actually picking up the phone instead!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-use-ai-responsibly">7. Use AI responsibly</h2>



<p>Jackson warns that using AI, such as ChatGPT, for simple tasks can consume too much energy. For instance, Microsoft’s CO2 emissions have gone up nearly 30% between 2020 and 2024, and Google’s greenhouse gas emissions have gone up almost 50% between 2019 and 2023 due to expansion tied to running AI data centers.</p>



<p>While most of the impact comes from training the models, we can engage in responsible data management practices when it comes to AI. Ask yourself if you really need to use an <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/best-ai-tools-for-business/">AI tool</a> for a particular task and try not to hang onto that data for too long since it takes up storage space. A ChatGPT query uses about 10 times the energy of a Google search.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-vote-with-your-dollars">8. Vote with your dollars</h2>



<p>“[T]he biggest lever you have is who you buy from,” says Ty Colman, co-founder and chief revenue officer of <a href="https://opteraclimate.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Optera</a>, an environmental, social and governance (ESG) and carbon management software provider. He suggests looking at where your biggest buckets of dollars are going and asking if those companies are aligned with the environmental impact you want to have.</p>



<p>“There are certain organizations that provide the information that a consumer [wants],” he says. “[T]here’s [also] data that can be extracted from those organizations and used to inform those calculations for things like your cloud services or your other app purchases.” He suggests visiting corporate websites to find details such as their ESG report.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-be-more-mindful-with-your-digital-time">9. Be more mindful with your digital time</h2>



<p>While this may sound basic (yet hard to do), limiting the amount of time you spend mindlessly scrolling social media and Google search results can help put a dent in your digital carbon footprint. <a href="https://planbe.eco/en/blog/what-is-the-digital-carbon-footprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Here’s a list</a> of the most carbon-intensive social media outlets, with TikTok at the top.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-track-your-digital-carbon-footprint">10. Track your digital carbon footprint</h2>



<p>If you are interested in taking the next step to track your digital carbon footprint, here are some helpful resources to explore.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Jackson and his team developed a <a href="https://digitaldecarb.org/toolkit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Digital Decarbonization Toolkit</a> that includes a data carbon calculator and data carbon scorecard.</li>



<li>Colman recommends checking out Wholegrain Digital’s Website Carbon Calculator to estimate the carbon footprint of your website.</li>



<li>The <a href="https://small99.co.uk/digital-emissions-calculator/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Digital Emissions Calculator by Small99</a> is another helpful tool.</li>
</ul>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>This article originally appeared in the </em><a href="https://offer.success.com/success-plus/"><em>March 2025 issue</em></a><em> of SUCCESS+ digital magazine.</em> <em>Photo by</em> <em>Troyan/Shutterstock.com</em>.</strong></p>

Sandi Schwartz

Our internet activities produce significant greenhouse gas emissions. Here are 10 ways to help minimize their impact.

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10 Ways to Reduce Your Digital Carbon Footprint

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<p>This expert principal strategist is transforming the core of businesses—from culture to people—by introducing efficient and refined organizational change, communications and digital strategies. As a member of <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/allie-fendrick-3b522814/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hush Collaborative</a>, Fendrick lives as a freelance <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/future-of-digital-nomads/">digital nomad</a> and has collaborated with companies worldwide, such as Walmart, Target, Google, L’Oréal and Molson Coors. Her on-the-go lifestyle has deepened her understanding of diversity and inclusion and has improved her capacity to elevate and provide leaders with dynamic, people-centric solutions. She shares with us segments of her creativity and innovative approaches.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-i-always-start-my-day-with">I always start my day with…</h2>



<p>quietness. With all the noise in the world, I like to start my day with a little quiet time to reflect. It helps me feel grounded, at peace and ready to take on the day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-my-mantra-is">My mantra is…</h2>



<p>“Wherever you go, there you are.” We often believe that changing our surroundings will make our problems disappear, but, in truth, the power to face our challenges lies within us. Real growth comes from embracing that <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/13-powerful-quotes-about-inner-strength/">inner strength</a>, rather than relying on external sources as distractions, temporary fixes or perceived shortcuts to progress.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-it-comes-to-change-readiness-i-wish-more-businesses-knew-that">When it comes to change readiness, I wish more businesses knew that…</h2>



<p>change requires people and people resist change. A lot of organizations are approaching big changes with top-down mandates instead of people-led solutions. This is the main reason—I believe—why 70% of change initiatives fail.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-my-biggest-source-of-inspiration">My biggest source of inspiration…</h2>



<p>is travel. Few things broaden your perspective like immersing yourself in a completely different way of life. Experiencing new cultures, traditions and ways of thinking not only opens my mind but also challenges my assumptions, helping me see the world—and myself—from a fresh viewpoint.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-thing-that-s-difficult-for-me-but-that-i-enjoy-is">One thing that’s difficult for me but that I enjoy is…</h2>



<p>conflict. I know it sounds weird, but I find that I grow a lot when I tackle challenging situations involving others. Initially, I wasn’t taught <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-handle-conflict-with-your-boss/">how to handle conflict</a> directly; instead, I tended to avoid it. However, I’ve learned that when I approach conflict effectively, it opens up more space for understanding and strengthens the connections I have with those around me.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-i-handle-negativity-by">I handle negativity by…</h2>



<p>getting to the root of it because negativity often reveals something worth empathizing with. By understanding its source, I can learn from it and shift my perspective, transforming what once felt draining into an opportunity to understand something more deeply.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-i-need-a-jolt-of-energy">When I need a jolt of energy…</h2>



<p>I go for a walk in nature. It’s easy for me to remember how alive (and small!) I am when I absorb the vast and vibrant world around me.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-the-hush-collaborative-i-m-currently-looking-forward-to">For The Hush Collaborative, I’m currently looking forward to…</h2>



<p>being a part of the transformative movement around the evolution of how work works. We’re witnessing significant shifts in how people relate to their work and the expectations they have from organizations. More and more, individuals are demanding to be treated as human beings rather than mere employees. They seek workplaces that value their well-being, respect their personal lives and offer meaningful work experiences. I’m looking forward to helping to accelerate the evolution toward more empathetic and people-centered work environments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-most-surprising-thing-about-me-is">The most surprising thing about me is…</h2>



<p>how creative I am. Because I work in consulting and specialize in structural organization, people think I am purely analytical. But transformation work within organizations is incredibly creative as you have to imagine solutions that many people think are impossible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-i-want-people-to-know-me-for">I want people to know me for…</h2>



<p>my empathy. I genuinely care about both being understood and understanding others. My goal is for people to feel that they were truly listened to and valued when they interacted with me. It’s important to me that my interactions leave a lasting impression of compassion and insight, making others feel acknowledged and respected. I aim to connect on a deeper level, ensuring that every person feels heard and understood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-10-years-i-hope-to">In 10 years, I hope to…</h2>



<p>have played a significant role in shaping a more people-centered work environment. Transforming how organizations treat and perceive their workforce is a formidable challenge, given that traditional systems have been entrenched since their inception. However, there’s a growing recognition that there is substantial room for improvement. While we still have a long journey ahead, we are witnessing meaningful shifts driven by both passionate employees and visionary leaders. These individuals understand that valuing and investing in people is not just a moral imperative but also a path to greater profitability. Their efforts are gradually changing the landscape, proving that prioritizing people can lead to more successful and sustainable organizations.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>This article originally appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of </em>SUCCESS® <em>magazine. Photo courtesy of Allie Fendrick</em>.</strong></p>

Rena Machani

Learn how Allie Fendrick, an expert principal strategist, is transforming the core of businesses—from culture to people.

Learn how Allie Fendrick, an expert principal strategist, is transforming the core of businesses—from culture to people. | SUCCESS

My Way: Expert Principal Strategist Allie Fendrick on Effecting Organizational Change

My Way: Expert Principal Strategist Allie Fendrick on Effecting Organizational Change | SUCCESS

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Money

Money Archives

Achieve financial success and freedom

<p>It’s a typical Wednesday night for Katie Gatti Tassin. Her blonde hair is pulled back; light reflects off her oversized glasses. She’s spent all day working on her latest project: edits for her forthcoming book, <a href="https://amzn.to/3DfL2SZ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Rich Girl Nation</em></a>, which examines women’s relationship with money.</p>



<p>But she has just <em>one more thing</em> to get off her chest before she finishes her day. Gatti Tassin takes her plight to Instagram Stories, broadcasting to more than 250,000 followers. This time, it’s a spiel on how “aesthetic capitalism co-opts things that are naturally healthy” to sell women more items, such as hyaluronic acid-infused eye patches, under the guise of wellness.</p>



<p>“This trend feels dark because of the cultural context that produced it,” Gatti Tassin writes. “One which is rarely concerned with the genuine well-being of women and girls, unless it’s a means of selling them something.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connecting-the-dots">Connecting the dots</h2>



<p><em>This</em> is where Gatti Tassin excels, and it’s what sets her apart from other “finfluencers,” or financial influencers.</p>



<p>Gatti Tassin, 30, heads Morning Brew’s podcast <a href="https://moneywithkatie.com/the-money-with-katie-show" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Money with Katie Show (MwK)</em></a>, which has 9 million lifetime downloads and counting. She’s also created tangible resources for her audience, such as a free early retirement mini course and a wealth planner that helps users understand where they are on their financial journey. Gatti Tassin authors a prolific blog and an insightful weekly newsletter that has nearly 200,000 readers, while maintaining an engaging presence on <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/social-media-for-professional-growth/">social media</a>.</p>



<p>Watching her Instagram stories is like FaceTiming with your most passionate—and smartest—friend. The cadence of her speech is quick, fervent and pointed—much like her innate ability to connect with her audience while providing accessible personal finance content that intersects popular culture.</p>



<p>“That gives me the opportunity to paint with a way broader brush,” Gatti Tassin says. “I can really talk about anything, because money touches everything…. Sometimes, I think people just want help making sense of the world around them.”</p>







<p>Her well-researched social-financial commentary has touched topics ranging from “trad wives” (married women who practice traditional gender roles in marriage) and overconsumption to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/tony-robbins-will-show-you-the-surest-path-to-financial-independence/">gaining financial independence</a>. She covers anything that intrigues her with thoughtfulness, insight and finesse.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-growth">Embracing growth</h2>



<p>Gatti Tassin started documenting her own financial journey to “#RichGirl” status on her “side hustle” blog, <a href="https://moneywithkatie.com/blog" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Money with Katie</em></a>, in 2020. She left her marketing job at Southwest Airlines in 2021 to pursue content creation full time. A year later, media company Morning Brew acquired the MwK brand, growing her audience and team from a literal one-woman show.</p>



<p>Gatti Tassin’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is concise: Move through the discomfort. “Just start doing it and get comfortable figuring it out as you go,” she says. “There’s no substitute for actually doing the thing that you want to do….”</p>



<p>One of Gatti Tassin’s biggest areas of growth has been critical thinking—and realizing that she can be whatever she wants to be. “I’m far less sheltered than I used to be,” she says. “Once I started to learn more about how things really work and how things really are, I just kind of couldn’t get enough.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-evolving-audience">An evolving audience</h2>



<p>Much of Gatti Tassin’s content focuses on women’s relationship with money. (“Finance bros are out, #RichGirls are in,” her podcast description reads.) But she’s piqued the interest of people of all genders, backgrounds and ages.</p>



<p>“I do have a lot of fun with trying to see if I can scratch at something beneath the surface,” she says. “Nothing feels better than when something like that resonates with people.”</p>



<p>And resonate, it does. What started as Gatti Tassin talking to her peers, fellow 20-something women navigating the financial ramifications of adulthood, has evolved into a larger conversation with a broader audience. One listener billed the show as “life-changing, hilarious, addicting.” Another says they feel “richer by association.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-being-self-conscious">Being self-conscious</h2>



<p>Initially, when Gatti Tassin realized that people with “more life experience” were listening, it made her “a little bit self-conscious,” as she’d imagined her audience as similar to herself.</p>



<p>“Ultimately, I feel like if people who are in a different stage of life, or who have a completely different background than I do, still find something that I have to say interesting and valuable, then I am happy with that,” she says.</p>



<p>But she tries to stay in her “lane of either lived experience” or topics she feels strongly about “because I know enough about it to speak with authority.”</p>



<p>One of Gatti Tassin’s most popular topics has been childcare costs. She doesn’t have children, but that doesn’t stop her from tackling the topic in her signature way. She keeps it light, joking that “your favorite childless cat lady” is weighing in on parenting. (Her tabby cat, Sam, makes frequent appearances on MwK’s Instagram Stories.)</p>



<p>Gatti Tassin’s approach is ubiquitous. “A lot of this stuff is so universal, and I think people, regardless of age... feel and react to these same forces in many of the same ways.”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>This article originally appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of SUCCESS magazine. Photo courtesy of Katie Gatti Tassin.</em></p>

Staci Parks

Learn how ‘finfluencer’ Katie Gatti Tassin is leading the charge for financial independence, starting at the intersection of feminism and finance.

Learn how ‘finfluencer’ Katie Gatti Tassin is leading the charge for financial independence, starting at the intersections of feminism and finance. | SUCCESS

Katie Gatti Tassin Is Leading the Charge for Financial Independence, Starting at the Intersection of Feminism and Finance

Feminism & Finance with Katie Gatti Tassin | SUCCESS

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<p>It may be cold outside, but it’s not too early to start preparing your yard for spring. Don’t wait for the temperature to rise before starting to plan. That way, once spring arrives, you’ll be prepared to sow your seeds and invite friends over for lazy nights in <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-surprising-benefits-of-communal-gardening/">your garden</a> without missing a beat.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Here are nine steps you can take now:</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-decide-on-a-cohesive-theme">1. Decide on a cohesive theme</h2>



<p>“Creating a welcoming and relaxing yard begins with thoughtful design and planning,” says Jennifer Cassels, president of outdoor decor retailer <a href="https://theblissfulplace.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Blissful Place</a>. Once you’ve decided, on your overall layout and decor, “get to work and start dividing your space into distinct areas—like an entertainment area with seating, a garden for greenery and color and pathways that seamlessly connect the different spaces.”</p>



<p>Decorative elements like rustic stone and ceramic pieces “blend beautifully with greenery, while metallic accents add a sleek, modern touch,” she notes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-start-the-groundwork">2. Start the groundwork</h2>



<p>Before you can make your garden beautiful again, you need to wake your plants up “from their deep winter slumber,” says <a href="https://rainegardendesign.co.uk/team/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raine Clarke-Wills</a>, founder and head consultant designer of Raine Garden Design. She suggests starting by removing leaves and other debris, trimming off dead growth from grass and flowers and clearing out garden beds to bare soil.&nbsp;</p>







<p>Once that’s done, turn over the earth and cover it with a layer of compost and mulch, advises <a href="https://taim.io/team" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Valeria Nyman</a>, chief product officer at Taim.io, a platform that helps people learn how to cultivate gardens. “That combo feeds the soil and insulates it for spring planting,” she says.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-choose-your-summer-flowers-now-nbsp">3. Choose your summer flowers now&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Winter is the perfect time to order summer flowers and seeds, according to Clarke-Wills. “Take the time to explore seed and bulb varieties that inspire and excite you, and think about the colors, textures and blooms that will ignite your garden to life,” she says.&nbsp;</p>



<p>She suggests choosing plants that attract butterflies and bees to make your garden more lively. She also recommends thinking about how your garden will look from inside the house to create a cohesive aesthetic.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-plant-early">4. Plant early</h2>



<p>You can get an early start on <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/back-to-the-roots-makes-organic-gardening-accessible/">growing some plants</a>, even if there’s still snow on the ground. Plants like peppers and geraniums “benefit from an early start to take full advantage of a longer growing season,” Clarke-Wills explains. This planting should be done inside. <a href="https://app.qwoted.com/sources/chrissie-handley" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chrissie Handley</a>, a lawn care specialist and gardening expert at <a href="https://www.onlineturf.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Online Turf</a>, recommends using indoor seed starters and moving them outside when the weather warms up. </p>



<p>“Egg carton starters are a popular DIY method,” she says. “Herbs like dill, parsley and basil are good herbs to start indoors, [and] pansies and petunias are good floral starters.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you don’t have a sunny window, don’t worry. An inexpensive grow light “can save you from leggy, weak seedlings,” Nyman says.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-pay-attention-to-patio-furniture">5. Pay attention to patio furniture</h2>



<p>Patio furniture that’s been neglected all winter may need some TLC. Before spring arrives, Clarke-Wills recommends examining your outdoor furniture to see if it needs to be repaired or replaced. You can apply a fresh coat of varnish or paint before spring arrives. If you need to replace your furniture, order it while it’s still chilly outside, and it should arrive in time for spring.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While you’re at it, don’t forget to clean your patio. Clarke-Wills advises using a powerwasher as well as dusting off your firepit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-choose-the-right-lighting">6. Choose the right lighting</h2>



<p>Don’t overlook outdoor lighting. “The right lighting can create allure, illuminating the space with a graceful glow that allows you to enjoy your outdoor haven as day shifts to dusk,” Clarke-Wills says.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead of using one type of lighting, Cassels recommends layering.<strong> </strong>“String lights overhead, lanterns along walking paths and accent lighting in garden beds provide a soft, inviting glow after dark,” she says.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-change-your-space-to-reflect-how-you-use-it">7. Change your space to reflect how you use it</h2>



<p>As spring approaches, Clarke-Wills suggests re-evaluating how you use your outdoor space and making adjustments accordingly. “Do you want to bathe in the spring sunshine, or would you prefer to create dappled and protective shade?” she asks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Depending on the answer, it might make sense to rearrange your patio furniture or add accessories. For example, if you want to spend evenings outdoors while it’s cool, consider adding a firepit or patio heater to your seating area. If you like to be outside in the hottest part of the day, add a pergola so you aren’t in direct sunlight.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-make-sure-your-seating-area-is-inviting">8. Make sure your seating area is inviting</h2>



<p>“A well-designed sitting area blends comfort, style and functionality,” Cassels says. To create a backyard perfect for entertaining, arrange seating in a circle or semicircle shape around a coffee table or firepit to encourage conversation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>She also advises having a variety of seating options, such as chairs, chaise lounges or benches to suit different preferences. “Ottomans and side tables are also wonderful as they can be used for holding drinks, magazines or decorative accents,” she says. “Add outdoor throw pillows, cozy blankets or a vibrant rug to elevate the look and make the area feel welcoming.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-choose-the-right-materials">9. Choose the right materials</h2>



<p>When it comes to selecting outdoor furniture, Clarke-Wills suggests choosing weather-resistant materials that require minimal maintenance and prioritize comfort.<strong> </strong>Vanessa Carter, creative director and art advocate at <a href="https://paintvibe.com/about-us/">Paint Vibe,</a> recommends using natural materials like wood or stone throughout your yard to create a welcoming feeling. You can also add stone or wood planters around your garden.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helpful-products-for-your-garden">Helpful Products for Your Garden</h2>



<p>Here are some products you can get now to help get your yard ready for spring and make it as welcoming as possible.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deck-box">Deck Box</h3>



<p>A <a href="https://www.keter.com/en-us/outdoor-storage/large-deck-boxes/signature-150-gallon-deck-box-ashwood-brown-259271.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Keter deck box</a> is a great way to keep your yard tidy. The Signature 150 is made out of durable, weather-resistant material that mimics the look of wood. It can also double as a place to rest drinks or display plants. The deck box is big enough to hold seating cushions, throw pillows, blankets and other items when they need to be stashed away during bad weather. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outdoor-tv">Outdoor TV</h3>



<p>Why watch your favorite movie or a highly anticipated game indoors? <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Aurora-50-Inch-Partial-Sun-Outdoor-Smart/dp/B0C1PVM23B/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2K26W2JUB3D7R&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gewXSHFM4X9-VIESRXeWQxYVW6c97e1zQ9jiMo_lserV19dGHadqp8iD8ev2Nv9-AbZPY1bn8p12QIIQ9pz_gj6BXVlkkK2iiN7hDRdTXyFAtsuge9bbWfG_SuK3hw8U9DFUPZ9wWvi5afVuhD9JB6tsynmXALUvcJX5Lrkur4KLI9jrtPDLd-jBNFlir7e4J6JQVyzqWr96eRwKufkYfVun5wwcs4IjjNMlus-ZV_c.EiEU7HL9KMKcFdt1mdDs7o_j7eLfKXql_P1taxqTD-g&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=outdoor%2Btv%2Bfurrion%2B2024%2B55inches%2B4k&amp;qid=1738776557&amp;sprefix=outdoor%2Btv%2Bfurrion%2B2024%2B55inches%2B4k%2Caps%2C78&amp;sr=8-5&amp;th=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Furrion television,</a> made for use outdoors in full sun, is a great way to extend your time outside during the spring while watching your favorite shows.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pretty-planters">Pretty Planters</h3>



<p>The <a href="https://www.hooksandlattice.com/journeys-planter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journeys planter</a> from Hooks &amp; Lattice has a modern look with etchings that resemble tree branches. It comes in three sizes, which can be used individually or as a set. Its versatile look means it can work in traditional gardens or in those with a contemporary twist. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-pit">Fire pit</h3>



<p>To make cooler nights cozy outdoors, consider a <a href="https://breeo.com/products/backyard-warmth-bundle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Breeo fire pit</a>. These fire pits are a good choice because they are smokeless and come in a variety of sizes. Many include heat deflectors to make sure everyone around the fire stays warm. Breeo has a number of bundles so you can customize your fire pit, whether you want to use it for grilling and searing or for making s’mores.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perfect-patio-set">Perfect Patio Set</h3>



<p>Wayfair’s <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/outdoor/pdp/latitude-run-waldman-4-person-outdoor-seating-group-with-cushions-w110562183.html?piid=826415973%2C829129253" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waldman outdoor seating group</a> comes with two armless chairs, two corner sofas, 10 cushions in a variety of colors and a coffee table. The set is made out of brown weather-resistant wicker that resembles the look of wood.</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by Ground Picture/shutterstock.com</em></p>

Jamie Davis Smith

It may be cold outside, but it’s not too early to start preparing your garden. Here are some great ways to upgrade your yard for spring.

It may be cold outside, but it’s not too early to start preparing your garden. Here are some great ways to upgrade your yard for spring. | SUCCESS

9 Great Ways to Upgrade Your Yard for Spring

9 Great Ways to Upgrade Your Yard for Spring | SUCCESS

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two women talking about silently struggling

Longevity &amp; Performance

Longevity &amp; Performance Archives

Longevity &amp; Performance | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>It would be easier to be a supportive friend if everyone felt comfortable opening up and asking for help when they were having a hard time. However, some people may prefer to keep to themselves or act like everything is fine, even when they are in a crisis.</p>



<p>It can be difficult to stand by and watch someone you care about struggle, but it’s often difficult to support someone who isn’t asking for help. We asked some top therapists for their advice on how to approach someone you care about when they are having a hard time, even if they don’t want to talk about what’s going on.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-can-you-tell-if-someone-needs-help">How can you tell if someone needs help?</h2>



<p>Sometimes, it may be obvious that someone needs help. However, not everyone will break down crying or ask for support. Because it can be hard to spot the signs that someone is struggling, it helps to know what to look for.</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-orren-phd-854169128/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pamela Orren, Ph.D.</a>, a clinical psychologist at <a href="https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaiser Permanente</a>, there are six common warning signs that someone needs help:</p>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>They may lose interest in activities they normally enjoy or stop spending time with friends.</li>



<li>The person may “become more irritable or emotional.”</li>



<li>They may experience “changes in sleeping or appetite” by sleeping or eating too little or too much.</li>



<li>Someone struggling may also “show a decline in personal care” and “no longer care about how they look.”</li>



<li>The individual may have a “negative or hopeless outlook.”</li>



<li>They may start to abuse alcohol or drugs.</li>
</ol>



<p>However, signs that someone is struggling may be more subtle, says <a href="https://www.lenoratherapy.com/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Attiya Awadallah</a>, a licensed and board-certified creative arts therapist at <a href="https://www.lenoratherapy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lenora Art Therapy and Counseling</a> who specializes in treating depression, anxiety and complex trauma. For example, Awadallah once suspected that her friend was having a hard time when the friend’s responses to her texts became uncharacteristically “brief and infrequent.” Since her friend was usually “very engaged,” Awadallah sensed that something was wrong. After a little prodding, Awadallah’s friend “admitted that she was feeling stressed but didn’t want to bother anyone with it,” she says.</p>



<p>Other subtle signs may include a drop in productivity or sudden mood changes.</p>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-some-people-ask-for-help-when-they-need-it">Why don’t some people ask for help when they need it?</h2>



<p>In a perfect world, everyone would feel comfortable asking for help when they need it. However, people in need may not reach out for several reasons.</p>



<p>Some may not want to disclose personal information about themselves or a family member, even to close friends, Orren says. “They may feel too proud or embarrassed, or [they may] be afraid of looking weak and incompetent,” she explains. “[Or] if they’re used to being an independent person, they don’t want to look vulnerable.”</p>



<p>Others may feel they are a burden if they ask for or accept help, she adds. “Understanding these reasons can help you approach the situation with more tact.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-you-do-if-someone-needs-support-but-isn-t-asking-for-help">What can you do if someone needs support but isn’t asking for help?</h2>



<p>Anyone can have a bad day, but if you think someone is struggling and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/mental-health-first-aid/">may need help</a>, it’s perfectly OK to ask them what’s going on.</p>



<p>“Let them know that you’ve been noticing changes in their behavior and that you’re concerned and there to listen,” Orren recommends. “Just listening with an open mind without judgment can help someone feel understood and supported. [Taking] the time to truly listen and not offer solutions may be the best way to support an individual who does not ask for help.”</p>



<p>Although simply listening may not feel like enough, “we don’t need to take action” to help someone feel better, Orren stresses. “They may just need someone who will listen.”</p>



<p>Awadallah adds that focusing on “giving them a safe space to express their feelings rather than trying to fix the problem immediately” may be more helpful than anything else.</p>



<p>If you sense that someone needs more help, Orren suggests asking, “‘What can I do to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/seasonal-depression-at-work/">support you</a>?’” Awadallah also recommends trying to get the person to focus on the here and now instead of fixing a larger problem. For example, asking, “What would be most helpful for you right now?” can help the person focus on small steps or how they can feel better in the short term. This can be helpful even if they still need to deal with the underlying problem.</p>



<p>If the person wants more support but can’t tell you what would be helpful, “do not ask open-ended questions,” Orren says. “This can often feel overwhelming.” Instead, she recommends providing concrete suggestions. For example, asking, “Can I set up a meal train for you or watch your kids for a few hours to give you a break?” takes the pressure off them and may spark some ideas.</p>



<p>When Awadallah’s friend finally opened up and confided that she was struggling, Awadallah suggested that they sit together virtually while her friend worked through her to-do list. “It wasn’t something [she] would have asked for, but it ended up being exactly what [she] needed to feel supported without feeling like she had to tackle everything alone,” Awadallah says.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-if-they-still-don-t-want-to-talk">What if they still don’t want to talk?</h2>



<p>Not everyone will feel like talking. If that’s the case, simply saying, “‘I’m here for you. Whenever you want to talk, I’ll listen. I’m just a call or a text away,’” shows them that you care, Orren explains. Then, “check in on them frequently. Provide them with a text, card or note just reminding them that you are there and willing and able to help. Let them know that you are thinking about them.</p>



<p>“Small tokens of appreciation for the person may help” as well, she adds. “Bring them a cup of coffee or tea or something to brighten up their day like a plant or flowers.” Orren also recommends encouraging them to engage in self-care, such as going for a walk.</p>



<p>It can also be helpful to let your friend know that “talking about problems is not easy,” that “they’re not alone” and “that asking for help is actually a sign of strength,” she recommends.</p>



<p>Orren also emphasizes that even if someone doesn’t feel comfortable talking to you, they may open up to someone else. You can suggest that they reach out to someone they trust, such as a family member or another friend, or ask them if “they’ve talked with their doctor about how they’re feeling.” If they are open to it, you can sit with them to show your support while they make a call to a family member or doctor’s office. Giving them the number for mental health hotlines such as the 988 Lifeline and the 741741 Crisis Text Line “are great options,” Orren adds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-shouldn-t-you-say-to-someone-who-is-struggling">What shouldn’t you say to someone who is struggling?</h2>



<p>As well-meaning as you may be, some phrases are not helpful and may make the situation worse. While it’s impossible to make an exhaustive list of what not to say, there are some common phrases you should avoid.</p>



<p>Saying, “I know exactly how you feel,” may ring hollow because “no one knows exactly how anyone else feels,” Orren says. She also adds that it sounds dismissive to say something along the lines of “everyone gets depressed.” It’s also “not helpful [and] may not be true [to say that] ‘this will pass,’” especially if the person has been struggling for a while, she explains. Similarly, telling someone, “‘You have no reason to feel depressed,’” can make someone “feel guilty or ashamed or as though their feelings don’t count.”</p>



<p>Orren stresses that everyone should be cautious before taking action without someone’s consent. Even the most well-meaning friend should not reach out to an adult’s family members without their permission. Some people may have “complicated family dynamics” and may not want to share that they are struggling with their family. Orren also cautions against setting up a GoFundMe page without someone’s permission. They may not feel comfortable accepting financial donations or may not want their story shared widely.</p>



<p>In addition, Awadallah cautions against “offering unsolicited advice without being asked.” She recalls a time that she overheard a co-worker offering a colleague unsolicited financial advice. “Although well-intentioned, it came across as intrusive because it wasn’t what she needed at that moment,” she says. “Instead of feeling supported, [the co-worker] felt judged and overwhelmed.” She adds that “even with the best intentions, it’s crucial to wait until someone asks for advice or help before stepping in with suggestions or actions.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-if-they-still-refuse-to-accept-help">What if they still refuse to accept help?</h2>



<p>Although it can be hard to see a friend struggling, it’s crucial to know when to step back. There will come a point where “it will not help to continue to push them” to ask for help, Orren says. If this happens, “it can be very beneficial to let them know that you have tried to get them help and that you hear that they are not quite ready to get the help at this time,” she adds. “Let them know that you understand and will be there and will be ready to help should they change their mind in the future.”</p>



<p><em>This article originally appeared in the January 2025 issue of <a href="https://offer.success.com/success-plus/?utm_medium=navigation&amp;utm_source=website&amp;utm_campaign=success-plus&amp;utm_content=dts&amp;utm_term=early-adopter">SUCCESS+</a> digital magazine.</em></p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Photo by Prostock-studio/shutterstock.com</em></p>

Clinical psychologist Pamela Orren, Ph.D., reveals 6 warning signs that someone is silently struggling—and how you can help.

Clinical psychologist Pamela Orren, Ph.D., reveals 6 warning signs that someone is silently struggling—and how you can help. | SUCCESS

How to Help Someone Who Is Silently Struggling

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