Design Your Lifestyle

So many of us put thought and time into designing our home, our wardrobe and special occasions but often give no thought whatsoever to designing our lifestyle. You may wonder...what does she mean, "design your lifestyle", but it's really an integral part in any happy, healthy life.

If you don't take the time to reflect, review, define and even design your lifestyle, your happiness and potential success are stifled. The key is to make certain that your home environment and your lifestyle (your thoughts, feelings, actions, desires, etc.) are in sync. This means that your home should complement your lifestyle and feed your energy, not inhibit it or deplete it.

Oftentimes, we progress through our day with a sense of complacency. We travel from task to task without giving it much thought. But, if you take the time to really prioritize and figure out what you truly need and want to be happy, you'll set yourself up for success. Just the act of reflecting upon your goals makes it that much more likely that you'll achieve them!

For example, if one of your goals is to live a healthier life (eat better and workout more), but your home does not complement this new lifestyle change, the change won't stick for very long. It's so important to align your home and lifestyle so that you can begin to live your best life. Set up a workout space. Buy healthier food. Cook more of your meals instead of getting take out.

Take some time to think about your lifestyle and to go through your home and identify areas that you wish to change for the better. I guarantee that once you better align your lifestyle and environment, your goals will be much easier to attain.

For more information about Cailen Ascher Design or my upcoming book, Well-Designed Living, email CailenAscher@gmail.com or visit www.CailenAscher.bravehost.com.

Believe in Yourself

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way you are right." -Henry Ford

For my 8th grade yearbook, each student was asked to select a quote that meant something to them. The quote above is the one I chose. I didn't really grasp what it meant then, but something about it appealed to me.

Now, at 23, having graduated college and being in the midst of building my business, Cailen Ascher Design, the truth of this quote has really sunken in. In so much of what we do, believing in ourselves is really what counts. If I didn't truly believe in my abilities to start and run a successful design business, I certainly would not be where I am today. If I hadn't had complete faith in myself and my talents, I would not have succeeded...and that's the truth.

Perception is reality. If you're convinced you'll fail or that you're not good enough, you're not going to make it very far. With that said, having unwavering faith in your abilities is not always easy. When there are few prospects on the horizon, we all have a tendency to go to that "dark place" and feel like a failure. The trick is to bounce back. Recognize that feeling, acknowledge it, and then dismiss it. Release it and remind yourself why you're great and why your business, idea, goal, etc. is worth working for.

Remember, it's not about perfection or never making mistakes. It's about trying your best, giving it your all and knowing that you'll succeed.

Believe and you'll succeed!

For more information about Cailen Ascher Design or my upcoming book, Well-Designed Living, visit www.CailenAscher.bravehost.com or email CailenAscher@gmail.com.