How to Stay the Path in 2025: Motivation, Discipline, & Delusion

As the calendar flipped from 2024 to 2025, I found myself reflecting on what I’d accomplished—and what I hadn’t. I didn’t hit every goal I set for myself, and while some were wild and outrageous, I did achieve a few that mattered. I’m not disappointed.

I’ve never been one to wallow in self-pity when things don’t go as planned. Life has taught me that the full impact of our actions takes time to show up. Unintended consequences always find their way back, often long after we’ve forgotten what set them in motion.

Now, we’re halfway through January 2025. Tomorrow marks the inauguration of the 47th President—a symbolic moment that offers a chance to orient ourselves before the rollercoaster of the coming year fully picks up speed.

First, let me say this: don’t tie your identity to a political party or a single leader. Over the last decade and a half, I’ve watched as people’s sense of individuality has eroded. Hobbies pursued solely for joy have become rare, replaced by an obsession with self-improvement through a narrowly capitalist lens.

I don’t look to social media for life guidance either. Platforms flooded with “how to change your life” advice often feel shallow. And now, with TikTok’s ban in effect, we’re hearing influencers admit they fabricated the very content people built their routines around—faked health tips, staged workout results, misleading product endorsements.

Let me be clear: I’m not selling anything. I’m not sponsored. I’m not running paid ads. No brand is sending me free PR packages. Maybe one day I’ll accept such opportunities, but for now, the trust you place in my honesty is the most valuable return I could ask for.

This moment feels right to share these thoughts because we stand on the edge of significant societal change. While I can’t predict exactly what’s coming, I know the best approach is to keep a light heart and direct our discipline toward our dreams—what some might call our delusions.

The truth is, we don’t know what’s ahead. Even our most informed guesses are still just guesses. Only by living through it will we see the challenges and opportunities that await.

For those who find themselves endlessly consuming “winter arc” or “75 hard” content, or the endless productivity hacks on social media, I urge you to step back. Take the time to figure out who you want to be, not just what you want to achieve.

The decline in literacy among younger generations deeply concerns me. As someone straddling the line between Elder Gen Z and Young Millennial, I feel a responsibility to guide my peers—both younger and older. With siblings I care about and hopes of starting a family, I can’t help but think about what the future holds for society at large.

And when I say “society,” I mean more than just the future of work. While work ethic is valuable, there’s much more to life than professional success. Being human means connecting—to ourselves, to each other, and to the world around us.

Motivation, discipline, and a touch of delusion are what drive meaningful, lasting change. So be calm this year. Be the steady center of your own storm. You’ll handle any upheaval as long as you stay rooted in who you are.

If you haven’t yet discovered your own foundation—if you haven’t reflected on your values, learned from your experiences, or cared deeply for those who care for you—start now. By year’s end, you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come.

The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki

Reader’s Review

Central Themes & Their Development

At its heart, The Book of Form and Emptiness explores the themes of grief, mental health, materialism, and the relationship between humans and the objects around them. Ruth Ozeki develops these themes through the fragmented yet interconnected narrative structure, weaving Benny’s struggles with auditory hallucinations, his mother Annabelle’s hoarding, and the presence of objects as quasi-characters. The philosophical undercurrent of Zen Buddhism, with its focus on impermanence and the fluid boundary between form and emptiness, adds depth to the story’s exploration of these personal struggles. These themes reach a critical moment in the riot scene, where Benny’s journey collides with a broader critique of societal unrest and political tension. This powerful climax ties the novel’s introspective musings to real-world relevance, illustrating how personal grief and collective chaos are deeply intertwined.

Character Motivations & Societal Expectations

Benny’s motivation to make sense of the voices he hears conflicts with society’s expectations of normalcy, for sure. His journey toward understanding himself is paralleled by his mother Annabelle’s struggle to maintain control over her chaotic life. Their personal goals both align and clash, mirroring social pressures to conform and thrive despite adversity—shown in Benny’s search for inner peace and Annabelle’s attempt to preserve her home.

Recurring Symbols & Imagery

Objects and their voices serve as recurring symbols throughout the novel, representing memory, attachment, and the stories we imbue in our material possessions. For Annabelle, these objects symbolize the remnants of a life before tragic loss, while for Benny, they’re intrusive, discordant, and chaotic manifestations of his inner turmoil. The Library as a sanctuary symbolizes knowledge, escape, and community, deepening the narrative’s commentary on finding solace in chaos.

The Aleph, my favorite character, is herself a living symbol—her name evoking Jorge Luis Borges’s story The Aleph, where the titular object holds all perspectives simultaneously. In Ozeki’s novel, The Aleph’s poetry and presence represent the intersection of material & immaterial worlds, bridging Benny’s experiences with objects and his search for meaning grounded in his romantic affection for The Aleph. Her character deepens the novel’s exploration of impermanence, interconnectedness, and the unseen stories in everyday life.

Author’s Context & Intellectual Climate

Ruth Ozeki’s multicultural background and training as a Zen priest influence the novel’s meditative exploration of form, emptiness, and the nature of being—gracefully exemplified through Ai Konishi’s character. The book reflects contemporary concerns about mental health, environmentalism, and consumerism, offering a critique of society’s obsession with material possessions and the emotional weight we assign to them.

Rhetorical Devices & Narrative Impact

Ozeki relies heavily on metaphor and personification, particularly in giving objects a “voice” within the narrative passages, which serves as both a literal and symbolic device. The narrative’s irony—manifested in Benny’s relationship with the Book narrating his life—creates a self-reflective lens that challenges the reader’s understanding of authorship and agency (free will). These choices are highly effective in immersing the reader in Benny’s world and provoking introspection about our relationship with things.

Dialogue

One of the book’s most striking features is its dialogue between humans and objects, which doesn’t rely on conventional quotations. Benny’s exchanges with objects like scissors or marbles carry an impressionistic quality, blurring the line between reality and imagination while amplifying his sense of alienation and connection. This approach is both unsettling and thought-provoking, allowing readers to experience Benny’s perspective more viscerally.

Narrator’s Voice & Stylistic Choices

The narrator—a sentient Book—is an unconventional and compelling choice, blending omniscience with subjectivity. This narrative device shapes the reader’s perception of Benny’s journey, balancing intimacy with detachment. The colloquial and formal language juxtaposes Benny’s youthful, pre-teen struggles with the philosophical, omnipresent musings of the Book, enhancing the story’s mood and complexity.

Literary Theories & Interpretations

Psychoanalytic: Benny’s auditory hallucinations and Annabelle’s hoarding symbolize unprocessed grief & trauma. The Aleph, a homeless drug-addicted poet and spiritual guide, serves as a mirror to Benny’s internal struggles. Her enigmatic wisdom challenges societal perceptions of sanity, offering a perspective that reframes Benny’s experiences as profound rather than pathological.

Feminist: Annabelle’s portrayal as a single mother critiques systemic pressures placed on women, while her friendship with Cory, the librarian, highlights the importance of solidarity and compassion among women in navigating personal and societal challenges.

Marxist: The novel critiques consumerism & capitalism, particularly through Annabelle’s attachment to objects and The Aleph’s transient existence. The Aleph’s presence highlights the alienation caused by materialism and offers an alternative lens on the conventional meaning of “value”—both in terms of possessions and human connections.

Political: The story’s climactic riot, sparked by election results, echoes the polarization and societal unrest of recent years, particularly resonating with the 2024 U.S. Presidential election and its aftermath. This timely critique underscores the fragility of social order and the impact of collective disillusionment on individual lives, with Benny caught in the literal & metaphorical chaos.

Conclusion

The Book of Form and Emptiness is a deeply layered exploration of the human experience, blending personal grief, social critique, and spiritual-philosophical inquiry into a narrative that feels both intimate and expansive. Ruth Ozeki’s ability to give voice to objects, to weave in Zen teachings, and ground her characters in raw, relatable struggles makes this novel an impactful meditation on the complexities of existence.

At its core, the story reminds me that the lines between form and emptiness, chaos and connection, are fluid. The ever-present question of “What is real?” being the main, most prominent example of the spiritual-philosophical inquiry I mentioned. By navigating these spaces, Ozeki invites us as readers to not only confront not only our relationships with other people but also the objects and environments that shape our lives. In doing so, she crafts a narrative that speaks to our shared humanity and the enduring search for meaning in a disorderly world.

Whether you’re drawn to its inventive storytelling, its philosophical depth, or its timely reflection on societal unrest, this book offers something uniquely resonant.

It’s a reminder that even in the clutter of life we can find clarity, connection, and perhaps even a measure of peace.

My Financial Habits In 2025

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not trapped in some illusory content cycle pushing me to embrace ‘my winter arc’ ❄️

To me, wealth is freedom, options, time, & health.

So I want my habits moving forward to reflect these values when it comes to financial success. It’s meant a refocusing of my energy—calling back my attention from past interactions, ruminations, and mental loops—towards the areas of my life that actually bring me vitality.

Here’s to charging forward boldly into your own life.

Solidarity is supposed to be hard.

When it comes to spending, take a firm stance.

Shop small, shop local, shop the businesses owned & operated by people you want to support. Support independent businesses over big brand retailers, trendy labels, and knock-off social media stores. I’ll only shop at these establishments if it’s absolutely necessary.

Shop for longevity. I’m done with low-quality, temporary solutions and designs. I don’t need to waste money or energy on things I don’t want, don’t need, or won’t last.

This year, I’m focused on looking “poor”— which just means looking like me. Not changing a thing about my current wardrobe, wearing what I own. I opt out of makeup, and all power to you if you choose to opt in. There are targeted occasions where dressing up is needed, I understand that, and the best formula for confidence in any situation is confidence in how you look first.

Yes, I wear comfy clothes outside the house, but no, I don’t wear them to meetings. Working from home has its perks, but I’ve kept a reliable set of professional clothes for virtual and in-person meetings that call for it. Those moments happen so rarely that I can’t justify buying new clothes constantly.

Metrics that matter.

My financial focus is crystal clear: building assets and increasing my net worth.

Net worth is the only number that matters to me right now. It’s my ultimate financial metric—an honest snapshot of where I stand financially. To grow it, my first priority is to pay off two key debts:

Car Note

Student Loans

I’m incredibly grateful that my student debt is below average for U.S. undergraduates. This wasn’t an accident. I worked hard during school, got good grades, and worked 3 jobs at the same time. I can credit this win to two strategic choices I made early in my college career:

Starting at a community college for two years before transferring to a university.

Supporting myself through school while living in a high-cost area like Seattle.

2025: A Year for Financial Discipline

The next few years are going to be certifiably chaotic—I can’t tell you exactly how, but I feel it in my bones. This is the time to focus.

Here’s my financial strategy for the year ahead:

Boost savings & investments. Build a safety net that offers security no matter what happens.

Get rid of unnecessary debt. Avoid taking on more than I can handle.

Prioritize long-term goals. Keep my eyes on building assets and increasing my net worth.

This year, I urge you to do the same: get your money right, focus on your paper, and set yourself up for success in the years to come.

Let’s get to work 💪🏽

Stop Setting Goals, Start Setting Systems

Every January, like clockwork, millions of people rush to gyms, journals in hand, full of resolutions. By March? Crickets. I used to see it all the time when I worked in the fitness industry—well-intentioned people with big goals, but no real way to make them stick.

It got me thinking: the problem isn’t the goal itself. Goals are great for giving you a sense of direction. The problem is they rely on motivation to get you there—and motivation is unreliable at best. What really works is having a system in place that keeps you moving forward, even when the spark fades.

That realization changed the way I approach everything: my habits, my routines, and even my career. I still set goals, but I don’t rely on them. Instead, I build systems—and it’s been a game-changer.

Why Goals Don’t Work By Themselves

Here’s the thing about goals—they sound great on paper, but they’re flawed in practice:

Motivation Is Fleeting

You might feel pumped when you set a goal, but motivation doesn’t last. Systems, on the other hand, don’t care if you’re motivated or not. They’re a b*tch to build, but they’ll keep you on track because they’re built into your day-to-day life.

Goals Focus on the Result, Not the Process

“Lose 10 pounds,” “Save $10K,” “Write a book.” These are all good goals, but without a clear process, they feel overwhelming—or worse, you might take shortcuts that make it harder to sustain progress.

They Have an Endpoint

What happens when you hit the goal? Do you stop? Without a system, it’s easy to lose momentum. You end up back where you started.

Here’s a personal example: When I graduated university, I had a whirlwind of a life at the time. Between a turbulent relationship, a brand new full-time remote corporate position, and a full-time course load at university—I thought I was going to go crazy. I loved the chaos at the time. I told myself I wouldn’t stop learning & growing, and I haven’t, but once I had my diploma in my hand, things felt different. My goal had been reached, and naturally my next thought was: Now what?

Systems are the answer. A goal is the next rung on the ladder of growth made possible by a solid system.

What Are Systems and Why Are They Effective?

From: Beyond deliberate self-control: habits automatically achieve long-term goals. Authored by Marco Stojanovic & Wendy Wood

A system is just a fancy way of saying “a routine you follow consistently.” Systems simplify your life by automating small decisions, so you’re not constantly debating whether to act. Here’s how it works:

Example 1: Instead of saying, “I want to save $10,000,” set up a system to automate monthly transfers💸 into savings and track your spending weekly.

Example 2: Instead of, “I want to get in shape,” schedule three workouts🏋🏽‍♀️ a week and meal prep🍛 every Sunday.

Systems work because they:

⭐️ Save your mental energy for bigger decisions.

⭐️ Build momentum through small, consistent wins.

⭐️ Adapt to life’s chaos—you can scale up or down, but the system stays in place.

You won’t be perfect, I’m certainly not. But it’s about being consistent.

My Systems for 2025

I’ll be honest—building systems takes trial and error. I’ve had plenty of routines that flopped because they were too ambitious or didn’t fit my life. But over time, I’ve figured out a few that really work for me. Here’s what I’m focusing on this year:

Morning Routine

I need structure in the mornings to set the tone for my day. Here’s my system:

⭐️ Hydrate: First thing, drink a glass of water (12oz -16oz).

⭐️ Move: A quick 10-minute walk or stretch. If I have the time, I walk to the nearest coffee shop☕️ and kill two birds with one stone.

⭐️ Reflect: Spend 15 minutes journaling & praying.

This simple routine has made a huge difference in how I start my day. I started noting down the Big 3 things I need to do with my day to stay on track with my goals as part of my morning planning & prayer—the Big 3 are determined by the quarterly vision, driven by the yearly & then longer-term visions from there. We’ll talk about my Notion dashboard another time, but I make all iterations of my life vision easy to reference so there isn’t any excuse I have for myself why I don’t just do those 3 things first—get them out of the way—and I can get to everything else.

The sacrifice I made for this is that I wake up at a holy hour every morning. I wake up anywhere between 4am - 7am depending on the day and whether an alarm is active. Then, I start my workday or get moving with my day. That’s the trade-off.

Bedtime Routine

How you end the day matters just as much as how you start it. My system is all about winding down intentionally:

⭐️ Tidy: Spend 10 minutes decluttering.

⭐️ Reflect: Write down 3 things I’m grateful for. Review wins, challenges, suggest improvements.

⭐️ Prepare: Set out what I’ll need for the next day.

Since I started doing this, I have less brain fog when it comes to where I should start to achieve my goals. I’ll share them later, once we’ve gotten to know each other better, but my clarity & focus has improved drastically since I’ve learned to cut out the thinking/buffering time I’m used to giving myself.

Rest & Relaxation Habits

I used to think rest meant being lazy. Now I see it as a way to recharge and stay productive. Here’s how I incorporate it:

⭐️ Under 15 minutes: Guided meditation or a quick stretch.

⭐️ Under 30 minutes: Reading or enjoying a cup of tea.

⭐️ 1 hour: Taking a walk or diving into a hobby.

The 7 Types of Rest is a newer idea in my sphere and I’m so grateful that social media shares gems like these with me from time to time.

I took a lot of inspiration from graphics in my Pinterest boards like this one to design systems that fit my life and that also get me to where I want to go.

How to Build Your Own System

Let’s break this down so you can try it for yourself. Pick one area of your life—health, finances, or creativity—and follow these steps:

Identify the Goal or Challenge

What’s something you want to improve or achieve?

Break It Into Easily-Digestible, Repeatable Actions

Focus on behaviors you can do consistently.

Example: Instead of “Write a book,” commit to writing for 20 minutes every morning or to writing 1000 words a day.

Track Your Progress

Use a journal, an app, or even a sticky note on your fridge—whatever helps you stay accountable. Me personally, I use 2 whiteboards, my Notion account, a planner/notebook, and ChatGPT.

Remember, systems don’t have to be perfect. They just have to work for you.

Ready to Make 2025 the Year of Systems?

This year, skip the resolutions. Instead, build systems that make progress inevitable. Start small, stay consistent, and watch how daily diligence transforms your life.

Let’s make 2025 the year of sustainable success.

ATTN: I’m a Travel Advisor with FORA

For the last year, I’ve been meditating, deliberating, and slowly piecing together the next chapter of my professional journey.

Now, I’m thrilled to announce that I’m officially a FORA-powered travel advisor, ready to help you transform your wanderlust dreams into reality. I can’t wait to share my expertise, insights, and resources to make your next trip truly unforgettable.

Why Travel Matters

Travel is about exploration and adventure - it awakens our senses and feeds our innate curiosity. As social beings, we crave new experiences, perspectives, and the thrill of discovery. Whether it’s a bustling city halfway around the world or a serene retreat closer to home, travel helps us break free from routine, nurture, meaningful connections, and add depth to our ever-evolving life stories.

Responsible Travel: Moving with Grace & Respect

While exploring new places, it’s essential to remember that we are visitors. Treat the communities and environments you encounter with a level of care and decency afforded to them as your hosts. Respect local customs and traditions and intentionally choose your itinerary so future generations can enjoy these destinations for years to come.

For more insights on sustainable tourism, check out this guide on eco- & local-friendly travel.

Why Work With a Travel Advisor?

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of travel options online, that’s where I step in. As a travel advisor, I streamline the process, cutting through the noise to uncover the best deals, destinations, and experiences that match your interests.

• Personalized Recommendations: Instead of sifting through countless websites and forums, I’ll craft an itinerary tailored to your style, whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a culturally immersive trip.

• Exclusive Perks: Through Preferred Partner Programs, I can secure VIP perks like room upgrades, spa & dining credits, and welcome amenities - turning an already great trip into an extraordinary experience.

• Maximizing Points & Miles: Travel advisors know how to leverage points and miles to their fullest potential, helping you access the benefits of loyalty programs without extra fees or complexity.

Where to Eat, Stay, & Play in Paris

What I Would Do With 1 Week in Florence

Your Cheat Sheet for Traveling in Japan

A World of Possibilities: Events & Adventures

Travel and events share a common magic 🪄: both have the power to bring people together. While events connect folks who share a distant social link, travel allows strangers from around the globe to meet and bond in unexpected places. From family reunions and wellness retreats to conferences, festivals, and cultural celebrations, travel expands our understanding of the world — and each other.

Your Next Journey Awaits

Whether you’re drawn to scenic coastlines, hidden culinary gems, or thought-provoking historical sites, now is the perfect time to start planning. Learn more about my travel advisory services here and find out how I can help you design a trip that aligns with your values, goals, and sense of adventure.

Ready to take the plunge?

Leave a comment & share where you’re headed next! ✈️

And if you liked articles like this, make sure you follow me on Insta, subscribe to my Substack newsletter, and stay tuned here for future posts 💻

Best Practices for Using AI as an Executive Assistant

Introduction

AI isn’t new. Some of the earliest algorithms were developed decades ago to help humans compute and build software. What is new is the breadth and depth of its applications in our daily lives.

Today, AI is everywhere—across platforms, companies, and software. Yet, the media narrative claiming it will replace jobs like mine, an Executive Assistant, misses the mark. AI isn’t the productivity magic bullet Big Tech and Wall Street might have us believe. While its capabilities are impressive, much of its functionality still requires human input, refinement, and oversight.

In this post, I’ll share my experience using AI as an Executive Assistant, highlight its strengths and limitations, and provide actionable best practices for maximizing its value in your workflow.

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Why AI Won’t Replace Executive Assistants (Yet)

As an EA, my role involves handling complex, dynamic tasks that require adaptability, judgment, and interpersonal finesse. While AI tools have transformed some aspects of my work, they aren’t a replacement for the human touch.

Here’s why:

• Prompt Dependency: Generative AI tools require precise inputs or “prompts” to deliver useful results. They excel when given clear instructions but falter in ambiguous situations.

• Oversight Required: Even the best tools need human supervision to ensure accuracy, tone, and context.

• Lack of Adaptability: Humans can improvise when faced with unexpected challenges. AI relies on predefined rules and lacks the capacity to intuitively “think on its feet.”

While AI is a powerful assistant for routine and creative tasks, its limitations mean it’s not a standalone solution for the nuanced demands of executive support.

Why You Should Start Using AI Now

The pace of AI development is staggering. If you’re reading this in 2025, the tools and workflows I use today may already look outdated. Waiting to adopt AI only makes the learning curve steeper as changes and updates accelerate.

Starting now ensures you’ll:

• Gain familiarity with existing tools.

• Adapt quickly to new updates and features.

• Stay ahead of the curve in your role.

Top 3 Ways I Use AI as an Executive Assistant

1. Drafting Emails, Meeting Descriptions, and Written Correspondence

AI tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly are lifesavers when it comes to writing clear, concise communications. Whether it’s drafting a follow-up email or summarizing a meeting agenda, AI helps streamline the process while maintaining professionalism.

Best Practice:

• Start with a strong prompt, specifying the tone and key points to include.

• Always review and refine outputs to ensure they align with your executive’s style and needs.

2. Learning and Outlining Documents

From creating spreadsheets to slide decks, AI can help outline and guide the development of materials. Need a starting point for a presentation? AI can help you structure your thoughts and suggest layouts.

Best Practice:

• Use tools like Notion AI or Microsoft Copilot to build templates for documents.

• Let AI handle initial drafts but add your expertise to ensure the final product is polished.

3. Strategizing and Planning

AI acts as a virtual assistant for brainstorming and long-term planning. Whether I’m organizing tasks for an upcoming event or strategizing quarterly goals, AI helps me think ahead and structure ideas efficiently.

Best Practice:

• Use AI to generate outlines or explore different approaches to planning.

• Combine AI suggestions with your insights to create actionable, realistic strategies.

The Bigger Picture: AI’s Role in Everyday Operations

AI tools are being designed for non-technical users like me, not software engineers or coders. This accessibility is crucial for companies to achieve widespread adoption and ROI on their AI investments.

For EAs, embracing AI isn’t about replacing your skills but amplifying them. By leveraging AI thoughtfully, you can work more efficiently, focus on higher-value tasks, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving workforce.

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What’s your experience with AI? Are there tools you love—or challenges you’ve faced using them? Share your thoughts in the comments or subscribe to my blog for more insights on navigating AI and executive support roles.

How I’m Building & Maintaining a Top-Tier Personal Brand

Discover the step-by-step strategy for creating and sustaining a top-tier personal brand. Learn how to make your brand stand out authentically.

Building a personal brand doesn’t start with a color palette or a logo.

It starts with something much deeper: a persona—a version of yourself that is both authentically you and aspirational. My personal brand is built around the person I am becoming.

Why? Because my aspirational self is the reason I started creating my personal brand in the first place. In this post, I’ll share my step-by-step strategy for building and maintaining a top-tier personal brand, the challenges I’ve faced, and the methods I use to ensure my brand remains flexible and true to me.

1. Start with your narrative

A strong personal brand begins with a written narrative. This is your brand’s story, the foundation of its identity. For me, writing is my strength, so I started by crafting a clear narrative that outlined my values, goals, and the message I want my brand to convey.

How I did it:

1. Wrote out my brand story, focusing on the persona I want to embody.

2. Bolded key ideas that resonated and crossed out elements that felt unfocused.

3. Created a document to store my narrative, which became the basis for all other branding elements.

Tip for you: If you don’t know where to start, look at the affirmations you tell yourself. It’s the phrases you tell yourself when the going gets tough or when you feel the most inspired. What’re you known for saying & sharing in your friend groups?

2. Choose visual elements after the narrative

While I love the creative side of branding—picking color palettes, fonts, and logos—it wasn’t my first step. These elements support your brand; they don’t define it. After solidifying my narrative, I experimented with design elements that felt aligned with my story.

How I did it:

• Narrowed down 2-3 color palettes with complementary toens.

• Explored 6-7 font combinations that were simple enough for me to manage on my own.

• Integrated these elements into my brand narrative document.

Tip for you: Use Canva and/or Pinterest to brainstorm and test different combinations before finalizing your visuals.

3. Build a central hub for your brand

Your personal brand needs a “home base",” a place you own. For me, that’s my website. While social media platforms are great for initial connections, they’re not places where you truly own your audience.

My approach:

• Made my website the primary location for all my content and projects.

• Developed a content strategy where full posts live on my site, while snippets or edited versions are shared across platforms like Substack, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

• Focused on building my site as the foundation, ensuring consistency across all platforms.

Why it matters: Social media can disappear or get banned, but a website gives you long-term control and scalability.

4. Create content, brick by brick

Building a personal brand is a long-term effort. It requires consistency and persistence. Follow the plan, not your mood. Because every post, project, and piece of content adds another “brick” to the foundation of your brand.

My strategy:

• Batch-create content to balance my full-time role and freelance work.

• Pull inspiration from platforms like IG, Pinterest, and YouTube, ensuring I don’t get sidetracked by consuming too much content.

• Stay committed to publishing regularly, even when battling imposter syndrome or doubts.

Tip for you: At first, focus on putting out a lot of content fast. You’ll fail a lot & it’ll seem embarrassing, but push through that barrier and you’ll get a better sense of what content is actually performing well. Once you have that general outline, quality naturally follows.

5. Evolve & stay aligned

A personal brand isn’t static. It grows with you. As I’ve developed my brand over the years, I’ve faced challenges. The self-doubt and the pressure to stay consistent felt like more than I could bear at certain times. But I remind myself that branding is about connection and that adjustments are a natural part of growth.

Challenges I’ve faced:

• Fighting feelings of inadequacy or imposter syndrome.

• Balancing creative freedom with the need for focus and discipline.

• Learning to let go of what doesn’t serve my brand’s message.

• Having to juggle more than what I’m comfortable with in order to achieve what I set out for.

Tip for you: Schedule regular check-ins to revisit your brand narrative and ensure it reflects your current values and goals.

A personal brand in today’s world.

The landscape of work & technology is changing rapidly. Job security and success metrics are evolving, and having a strong personal brand is more critical than ever. By launching your brand thoughtfully now, you set yourself up for long-term success in this shifting environment.

Key takeaway: A personal brand isn’t just about attracting opportunities—it’s about creating them.

Fall 2024

Curated Corner

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Topics to Cover:

1. Music → Alligator Bites Never Heal, Chromakopia,

2. Fashion → Fall Fashion Week

3. Art & Entertainment → Spotlight: Law Roach, Superbowl Drama

4. Intelligent Industries → Boeing 751 Union Strike, Presidential Elections, State of the Labor Union (Taxes, Debt, & Finance)

5. Cultural Synopsis →

6. Predictions & Moving Forward →

Music

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Alligator Bites Never Heal

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Doechii

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Alligator Bites Never Heal 〰️ Doechii 〰️

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I’ve been a rap fan for as long as I can remember. As a young woman from the Bay Area, the culture of hip hop is something I’ve been close to my whole life and it’s a notable part of my personality. I struggle with the content music put out by many male and female rappers, but Doechii has single-handedly saved feminine music for me.

It’s so very refreshing to hear a woman actually get down and rap. Don’t get it twisted - Doechii can do more than just rap, and if you haven’t heard “Sunday’s Best” you really really should.

Her lyrical capability, homage to the roots of classic hip hop, and ability to synthesize revolutionary sound with real talk is a breath of fresh air after years of algorithm-tailored entertainment. I have had this whole album on repeat since it was released and if you love to listen to music the way one would watch a movie - with rapturous attention and willingness to be open to the experience - then you will find this album a pleasure to listen to.

The album is the greatest, most recent, example of an artist doing whatever the f*ck they want and hitting home runs every track for vastly different reasons.

I recommend this album (and artist) for music lovers who can tell when an artist enjoyed making their art. I put a heart next to my favorite tracks on the album and a star next to my top notable mentions, just in case you’re not invested enough to give a full listen just yet.

Tracklist:

STANKAPOO
BULLFROG ⭐️
BOILED PEANUTS
DENIAL IS A RIVER ⭐️
CATFISH ⭐️
SKIPP 💚
HIDE N SEEK
BLOOM
WAIT
DEATH ROLL 💚
PROFIT 💚
BOOM BAP 💚
NISSAN ALTIMA ⭐️
GTFO by Doechii & KUNTFETISH ⭐️ 
HUH!
SLIDE
FIREFLIES
BEVERLY HILLS
ALLIGATOR BITES NEVER HEAL

---

Law Roach

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(E)merging Style & Skill

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Law Roach 〰️ (E)merging Style & Skill 〰️

Oh Law Roach, how the masses have been blessed with your come-up.

First, to call oneself an “Image Architect” is absolutely iconic. The name implies a multi-dimensional artistic & technical expertise and Roach has most definitely been on a showstopper run of pure creative genius. His longstanding relationship with Zendaya has my deep respect since…

Net Worth in the Making: 4 Key Lessons

Learn how early life experiences with money influenced my approach to financial growth and strategies for building wealth from a place of resilience. Practical, real, and tailored for those starting from behind the starting line.

Growing up, my family didn’t have much. My parents made some good choices in my early childhood, giving us a taste of peace and prosperity—until the Fire Nation attacked, so to speak. But when things changed, they changed drastically. We lived as a family of seven: my mom, dad, two younger brothers, my aunt, grandmother, and me. It was a full house, and I quickly learned that circumstances beyond my control would shape my views on money.

The 2008 financial crisis hit us hard.

My mom lost her job and, for years, couldn’t hold one down, which stretched my parents’ savings to their limit. Around the time I was 12 or 13, things at home became challenging. By age 15, we had moved to Seattle, away from extended family, and started again. I tell you this backstory to emphasize a point: my family and circumstances taught me some unintentional money lessons, some I’m still unlearning today.

4 Key Financial Lessons

Question All Financial Advice (Even from ‘Experts’)

I’ve learned to take advice with a grain of salt, especially around money. While financial gurus seem to be everywhere, only you know what’s best for your money. Others can help you understand the how, but the what is ultimately your call.

Keep Money Matters Private

When it comes to money, privacy is key. Money attracts more money, and having a solid, private relationship with it sets the stage for wealth-building. I keep financial decisions and goals close, focusing on what I want rather than outside opinions.

Understand that Money and Opportunity Are Linked

Money and Opportunity are sisters—where one goes, the other often follows. As I’ve seen, money paves the way for the life you want, creating opportunities that align with your goals. Recognize that each dollar spent or saved can create a path toward a more secure, intentional future.

Start from Where You Are, Not Where You ‘Should’ Be

Many of us start saving or investing from a place of debt, not zero. Acknowledge where you’re beginning from, and don’t get bogged down by comparison. The real journey is in building a foundation that works for you, one step at a time.

Upcoming 👩🏽‍💻

“How to Stay Motivated While Building Wealth from Scratch” article launching ✨ November 30 ✨

Society’s Influence on Your Financial Mindset

Our society doesn’t exactly prepare us for financial success, and I think it’s important to address how systems and lack of accessible financial education play a huge role in this. Most of us enter adulthood with little guidance in money management, forced to navigate it alone. The reality is, while some people hit the lottery or get lucky breaks, the rest of us build wealth from trial, error, and persistence.

Leave a note in the comments if you'd like a blog post on "Navigating Financial Challenges in a High-Cost City Like Seattle"

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Leave a note in the comments if you'd like a blog post on "Navigating Financial Challenges in a High-Cost City Like Seattle" 🖤

Starting from behind the starting line is tough, but it doesn’t have to define your financial future. Through resilience and intentional strategies, you can build a healthy relationship with money that grows with you over time.

📣 If you’re ready to take control of your life’s journey…

Consider subscribing to Libran Ledger for more insights, tips, and personal experiences on building wealth from the ground up, living a good life, and thriving.

Welcome To The Libran Ledger ⚖️

This article is just the first of many.

If you asked me five years ago, three years ago, or, hell, even this time last year, I would’ve told you that I avoid digital profiles and channels like the plague.

I don’t post on Instagram and I don’t f*ck with TikTok at all. Facebook has been annoying for the last ten years and I don’t see that changing. LinkedIn’s main appeal is the professional and business connections, but it’s so rife with AI posts that I’m sure I can reverse engineer any of them for the prompt that was used in ChatGPT.

Not to hate on ChatGPT, since I’m an avid user myself. My point is that this space, this Ledger, is the only place I have on the internet where I can really show up.

I’ve spent the last three years in corporate America as an Executive Assistant. Before that, I ran a 6-figure revenue luxury day spa for 5 years. Before that, I owned and operated my own marketing and event agency that’s still alive today.

My agency has changed names over the years, but it’s the one constant I’ve had since my early 20’s. But you didn’t come here for my backstory (yet).

What is the Libran Ledger?

As you can probably guess by the title, I identify as a Libra (yes, my birthday is in early October). One of my most loved aspects of my sun sign is the fact that we are the only inanimate object within the zodiac. We consider multiple dimensions, angles, and possibilities with everything in life and it gives us a bit of a reputation for being indecisive.

Indecisive, my ass. If you’ve never met a focused Libra, you are either very lucky or very unlucky depending on your own character. We’re vicious and definitive. The best kind of villains in a Batman movie, the wizened strategist to a tragic hero success story, and the Jessica Pearson to any Harvey Specter (shoutout to my fellow Suits fans).

The Libran Ledger is a digital journal, yes, but it’s so much more than that.

I don’t want to spoil the fun & love to orchestrate a good surprise so stay tuned for upcoming posts by subscribing to the email newsletter.

If you’re that excited, you can find me over on Substack & LinkedIn too 😘