A Book for Procrastinators and Perfectionists Alike

If you are paralyzed by inaction or stress, then Gretchen Rubin's book Better than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives will prove incredibly helpful. The book is a must for self-improvement junkies. It will make you understand not only how habits function but also why they're so imperative. As the author emphasizes throughout the book, "the habit of the habit is even more valuable than the habit itself." She further iterates that having daily rituals, or habits prevents stress by freeing you from decision making. Fewer decisions equals less time wasted. When the focus of your energy is predetermined by the existence of a habit you simply get more done. Habits work when they become automatic. To better understand why they exist for some and less so for others the author offers a classification system that aims to identify different personality traits that affect the formation of habits and how you may be sabotaging your efforts. Ultimately though, what matters most is the preservation of the habit until its ingrained.

"What I do every day matters more than what I do once in a while." (Gretchen Rubin)

Tips and Strategies from the book:

1.  Figure out a way to quantify your efforts and what you want to accomplish

2.  Establish and maintain a solid foundation of habits that deals with or nurtures the following: sleep, activity, diet, clutter

3.  Make a habit fixed by committing to do it everyday.

4.  Schedule to reduce pressure

5.  Just get started. Don't wait for the right time. 

6.  Make things more convenient and plan two activities/goals at the same time
7.  Be careful about using rewards as they may sabotage your good behaviour
8.  Distract yourself when necessary, but preferably with a habit that incorporates physical activity 

While skeptics may deem some of the information obvious this is a well-researched book and it's well worth the read, even if you just want to better understand your own behaviour. If you're not convinced by the power of a daily habit consider the quotation Gretchen Rubin cites from novelist Anthony Trollope. It may prove convincing enough:

"A small daily task, if it be really daily, will beat the labours of a spasmodic Hercules." 
Anthony Trollope

Book Review: Birthing The Elephant

If you have ever considered leaving your job and starting your own business this book is a great introduction. Not only is it filled with real life success stories of entrepreneurial women but it also highlights the emotional stages you're bound to experience while launching a new venture. Throughout, the book illustrates the tactical solutions and creative strategies you can employ to ensure you're ready for the challenge. And while the book might be geared for women its advice is essentially universal.

I still remember when I first discovered this book. I was having lunch with a co-worker at a local cafe not far from my office. We were both having a tomato basil soup that was incredibly good and a perfect antidote to the chilly weather. A couple tables away from us was a woman sitting alone, eating her lunch and glued to this book. I could only make out the title and the elephant on the cover. But as soon as I got back to the office I looked up the name that I saw. I located it at the library and ended up reading it in two days. It was a quick and easy read and exactly what I needed at the time. In hindsight, it almost seems like fate that I found it in the first place.

I was really miserable at my workplace and I thought I'd be stuck there forever. The years just kept on passing by and each year I couldn't help but think, well here we go again, nothing has changed, I'm still at the same place, doing the exact same thing, and not moving forward with any area of my life. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has ever felt stuck before, but knowing how to get out of this situation and enact some sort of change is always easier said than done.

It takes so much time and energy to figure out what you want to do.  And then you have to decide to do it.  Even once you muster up the courage and commitment needed what usually happens is that you either become discouraged or you simply abandon the idea mid-way.  It's so much easier to fall back on the status quo.

What I liked about Birthing the Elephant is that it really explores the bouts of doubt and anxiety that are an integral part of the start-up process.  And once you embrace the experience as a learning opportunity you're well on your way to success.  After all, nothing can really hinder your progress unless you let it.  While this philosophy might seem obvious to some, it's quite another when you're trying to juggle a whole new set of demands on your time and money. 

This book will teach you some of the pitfalls to avoid while running your business as well as the importance of staying true to your vision.  You will hear about women who have launched a variety of start-ups including ones in baked goods, interior design, make-up, maternity wear as well as in pet foods. Ultimately, what this book does best is it teaches you to be open and adaptable to the unforeseen set-backs that will undoubtedly arise. For some this book might be a refresher course; but for others it just might be the inspiration that you need to get started on your own.

Holiday Wish List

Here is my list of favourite things for the holiday season.  Whether you're looking to treat yourself or a gift for others I hope you enjoy my curated Wish List. 

1.  The first is a porcelain bowl from Boston artist Isabelle Abramson.  I don't know about you but I love all things white and these are just beautiful.  Whether you display them on their own or overflowing with some Fuji apples they're sure to add a touch of elegance to your home.  The cost for this one below is $250.  You can purchase these from her website or through Etsy.

2.  Like many art lovers I have a long list of artists whose paintings I would love to own: Cy Twombly, Caio Fonseca, Ingrid Calame and Elliotte Puckette are just a few that come to mind.  However, most of them are just a little bit beyond my price range if you know what I mean.  Besides I promised myself that the first work of art I ever purchase (if I'm ever in the position to do so) will be from Ewa Stryjnik a Polish-born Toronto artist who I first discovered while still in university.  This is Garden Series #141 and you can find out more information about the artist from Trias Gallery in Toronto.  Price upon request.

3.  I don't normally purchase olive oil because of its bottle but this one from Dean and Deluca is impossible to ignore.  The design is so simple and appealing that I'll trust that the oil is just as good as the design. The cost for this Antico Frantoio Muraglia 'Intenso' Extra Virgin Olive Oil is $48. 

 

 4.  I'm definintely in need of a new laptop case and this one from Diane Von Furstenberg is both chic and classic.  I love the Mariela print.  Available from Netaporter or from the DVF website for $135. 

5.  If you like watercolour prints you'll love these cushions from UK design firm Bluebellgray.  This one is available from their website for £80.00.

6.  I already have one of these and I love it.  Whether you're a designer or you just like to doodle this Wacom tablet is just plain fun.  It comes with Corel Painter Essentials 4 and Photoshop Elements 7.0 for all of your artistic needs. Cost $219.99 approx.

7.  I love this necklace from jewelry designer Lara Adrienne.  She uses the most beautiful gemstones and mixes together amazing colours.  If you like this piece you have to check out her earring collection available from Etsy.  This necklace sells for $750. 

8.  If you read fashion magazines you have probably heard of Maryam Keytani, a Toronto artist turned jewelry designer whose unique pieces are carefully crafted from unique finds such as ribbons and tassels.  Prices start from $250.

9.  If you're looking for something really original this sculptural piece is sure to become a conversation piece. Designed by UK designer Jill for Maisy and Alice it's also available from Etsy for $38.  Made from recylced plastic it is handmade and has the texture of lace.  It measures approximately 40" and comes ready to hang wherever you dare to daydream.

10.  I really wanted to recommend Cambodian black pepper but trying to find some online became an impossible task.  So my last item of equal measure is Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood.  If you're not familiar with this Japanese writer you need to pick this book up asap.  It's such a treat to read and one of those books that'll remind you of your 20's and stay with you for long after you finish it.

This list was almost too much fun to compile.  I can't wait to do it again soon enough for another occasion.

Happy Holiday Shopping everyone. If you have any recommendations I'd love to hear from you.