Why You Should Read Lean In: Powerful Woman Series

I am an avid reader, but I don't post about it because I'm really into historical fiction, and most aren't! However I heard about Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg from Levo League, and I am encouraging all of your to read it, regardless of gender, age and position in life. In order to raise a generation of equals, everyone needs to take part. 

Sheryl Sandberg did this Ted Talk which put her on the stage for feminism. Here are reasons why I am glad I read Lean In, and why you should too. 

1. She encourages the idea that females and males are inherently different, but she explains why females in business is a good thing. Females can have a positive impact. 

2. She gets rid of the stereotype of feminism. It's no longer the bra burning movement it once was. Her definition makes me want to be a feminist. 

3. She wants everyone to work together. Not just woman helping woman. She wants men to realize the double standards, and she points out men who realize that and who have helped. 

4. She encourages women to support men in a new role, and to find men who are going to be equal partners. When you have an equal partner, both of you can have successful careers and personal lives. 

5. Women need to take more risks. In the book, Sandberg conveys a statistic that is a little sad. Men will apply for a promotion when they meet 60% of the criteria, while women will when they think they meek 100%. "Owning one's success is key to achieving more success" 

6. She redefines leadership for everybody. "Leadership is about making other better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence".  Honestly, this will be my new mantra this year as I step into new leadership roles. 

7. "I want to do that -- and I'll learn by doing it" She encourages everyone to embrace the ever-changing business culture and learn along the way. 

8. She gives real world business advice to everyone. "An all-business approach is not always good business". She encourages people to look at people as actual humans when they do business. It's bound to make the world a better place. 

9. She encourages everybody to help women. Their parents, grandparents, partners, girlfriends, guy friends, basically everyone needs to pitch in. Her dream, and my goal is that my daughter will have equal opportunities without workplace bias. 

Go get this book on Amazon. Read it. Loan it to your friends. Have them loan it to their friends. Spread the word about this new revolution in the workplace. 

Have you read Lean In? What do you think of it? After reading this will you read Lean In? 

xoxo

aEv

ps. I will be posting about other books I read, either by women or men to make us more powerful women!

Confidence

Confidence. As young women we are told to be confident in ourselves. But there are always people telling us we should be like this, or act like that. Be good at this, and not at that.

I'm not going to lie, I've had confidence issues especially with my body image and even my personality sometimes. With my family, I am extremely outgoing but with new groups I can be a bit awkward and shy because I don't know how much "Ashley" I should let out. But as I slowly started to try new activities, such as debate, Model United Nations and choir I learned where my strengths were. My parents were great and as a child they had me try every sport open to me even ice skating. However I found that I was not the most athletic girl, and my parents still  supported me in everything I did. I have tried just about everything, and I found my niche. This made college easier for me then for others. But I have to tell you that there were a lot of speed bumps on my road to confidence.

Then one day while talking with a friend what I would trade about my personality to be "thin", I realized that there wasn't one part about me I would. Knowing that I am confident in myself not to change anything for the perfect body, made me realize that I can work hard enough to get a body that is strong and healthy. A body that I would be proud of.  I believed in myself enough to start training for a 5k even though I'm not athletic, and to join a sorority where I knew no one.

 I have luckily found confidence because I tried everything and I had a great support system.

I know my strengths and I know my weaknesses. By working on my weaknesses, I realize more of my strengths and become a better person.

Example?

I am a horrible procrastinator, I mean horrible. My goal in college was to have a better GPA then I did in high school, so I needed to start working on planning out my homework more. What did I do? I started to plan out each day what I was going to do. I promised myself that I wouldn't go to sleep until everything was done. For me, sleep is a reward. ( I know it's weird, but I can fall asleep literally anywhere, at anytime. I really love to sleep) It paid off, because I made the dean's list my first semester of college. I'm not saying this to brag, but more to show you that you can do something. Make a list of your goals, and then make a reward for yourself. If I make my GPA goal this semester, I might by myself this Longchamp tote that I've wanted for a year now!

I wish you good luck on your goals, and I hope that you gain confidence from setting realistic goals and reaching them!

If you want any tips, or more examples feel free to comment (I'm not even close to an expert, but I can tell you what I've done!)

Have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo

AV

Pinterest Picks of the Week!

Whoa. It's already Wednesday! It is definitely my favorite day of the week, because I have the least classes, and I get to see all my sisters! 

1. Love Puzzle Pendant :This is such an adorable pendant! Love is definitely people who fit together, whether it be your best friend, you siblings, your sister, your parents, cousins and even a significant other. Maybe this is a cute surprise Easter gift? 

2. Power Cup:This would be so useful! I am thinking about getting a car, and this would make long trips very easy. I use my iPhone for a GPS and I talk on the phone during long trips in order to stay awake! 

3.Mid-Week Inspiration:What do you plan to do? The first three days of the week are hectic to say the least for me, so Wednesday's I need a little motivation. We are blessed with one life, and each and everyone of us can decide what we are going to do with it. I remind myself that everything is a step towards my goals. 

4.BillaBong Crossing Over Sandals:Wouldn't these be perfect for the summer? You could wear them to the beach, with a cute sundress or with some cute shorts! I have got some serious spring fever, and the good news is that March 1st is Friday! I can't wait for spring! Have you caught it yet?

I hope your hump day has gone well! Have a great rest of the week,

xoxo

AV

Monday Motivation

Happy Monday everyone? This morning I was in such a funk, but thankfully I worked through it!

Don't you feel like sometimes all you do is work and work, and sometimes you don't get where you want to go? That is exactly how I feel sometimes lately, especially because I feel like I am always applying for something, or interviewing. That can take a toll on me sometimes, because there's a voice in my head saying "you don't have to do this, you can just get by like so many others do. Why don't you watch TV instead of reviewing your notes, or take a nap instead of applying for a second job" 

Fortunately, I don't let this voice win almost ever. 

I have dreams, and I have goals that I know I need to work for if I am ever going to achieve them. This quote really keeps me going. 

Whenever I feel like giving up, I remind myself that I am capable of anything I put my mind to. I can succeed in anything I put my energy into.

 

 

There are times when things seem to be too much, and I wish I could go out with my friends, surf the internet or start watching a series on Netflix and finish it. This quote by Robert Frost reminds me that I chose a different path then many others, and that it has opened doors for me that wouldn't have opened if I didn't work at it. 

How do you keep yourself motivated? 

Have a wonderful day!

xoxo,

AV