Mo’s 5 for 5 Holiday Hustle: Get MO’ving Through the Holidays!
Here’s a 5-week workout plan featuring the Top 5 [...]
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Remember, Reflect, Refocus: A Path to Self-Development in November
As November rolls in, it brings with it a sense of introspection. This month, themed “Remember, Reflect, Refocus,” serves as a perfect bridge to prepare for the year ahead. With 2 months, 8 weeks and 61 days and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season fast approaching, it’s essential to take a step back and evaluate our journeys. Are we truly moving toward the goals we’ve set for ourselves? In my mission to inspire positive change, I encourage you to delve into your self-care, self-development, and self-empowerment as we approach 2024.
Reflecting on the past year, we can often see where we’ve succeeded and where we might need to shift our focus and trust me there is still time to achieve your goals and realize your dreams. This self-reflection is crucial; it allows us to acknowledge our achievements, understand our challenges, and clarify our motivations. As the insightful Gail Sheehy said, “If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living.” Let’s explore how we can embrace this idea in our lives through self-development. For those who know me, you know I love self-development and I choose to prioritize self-development personally and professionally.
Remember: Acknowledge Your Journey
Before we can move forward, we must first remember where we’ve come from. What were your goals at the beginning of 2024? Take a moment to celebrate your accomplishments thus far—no matter how small. Did you pick up a new hobby, learn a new skill, advance your business or improve your health? Each step counts, and acknowledging these milestones is vital in keeping your motivation alive.
Reflect: Identify Your ‘Why’
Now that we’ve remembered our journeys, it’s time to reflect deeply on our ‘why.’ Why do you want to achieve your goals? Understanding your underlying motivations can provide clarity and reignite your passion. Is it to improve your health, create a better work-life balance, or foster stronger relationships? Whatever it is, reconnecting with your ‘why’ will help you stay grounded as you move forward. Remember too, when you know why, the way will appear (especially if you fuel your why will passion).
One of my guiding principles for 2024 is the concept of self-change, which aligns closely with self-development. The act of changing ourselves—whether through learning, personal growth, or overcoming challenges—is at the heart of achieving our goals.
Refocus: Set Intentions for the Future
With your memories and reflections in mind, it’s time to refocus your energy for the remainder of 2024. As we gear up for the new year, here are my top tips to help you embrace self-development in the remaining days, weeks and months of 2024 to fast start your 2025. Why wait for the future to change your future.
1. Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Embrace the idea that your abilities can improve with effort and dedication. Adopting a growth mindset not only boosts motivation but also opens doors to new opportunities. Remember, every challenge is a chance to learn and grow. An immediate way to achieve a growth mindset is by way of stacking a new practice that is challenging on top of a habit that are consistent with. For example, if you know that you need to stretch to reduce joint pain and stiffness from prolong sitting at your desk during the day, commit to stretching following your workouts. Just do it! Within 2 weeks of habit stacking a new fitness exercise (stretching) with an existing fitness habit (walking or weight-training 2 days a week), you will experience the positive benefits from stretching and wonder why you didn’t stretch regularly before. This technique works with any and every habit you do regularly. My favorite new habit-stacking strategy. Every time I brush my teeth I bring a glass of water to the sink and consumer 2 extra glasses a water as day (sometimes 3😊).
2. Keep Learning
Learning is the foundation of self-development. Explore different avenues for knowledge, from books and podcasts to online courses. For example, have you checked out my podcast, A MO’ment with Mo? It’s a great resource to learn while you’re on the move! The more you learn, the more you empower yourself to create change. If you commute to the office, even a couple times a week use your commute time to listen to a podcast (trade in social scrolling time for self-development/learning time).
Join me for my November “MO’ve with Mo” Podcast, featuring Toronto’s first financial therapist, Aseel El-Baba. In this enlightening episode, we’ll explore the often-overlooked emotional aspects of our relationship with money. Aseel will introduce strategies to understand and heal your financial mindset, helping you to understand that by learning how to break free from limiting beliefs and cultivate a healthier, more empowering relationship with your finances, you can change your relationship with money. Tune in for practical insights and transformative conversations that can change your financial journey for the better! Listen wherever you find your favourite podcasts or visit AMomentWithMo.MoHagan.com.
3. Be Passionate and Persistent
Change doesn’t always happen overnight. It requires patience and tenacity. Combine your passion with persistence, fueled by your ‘why,’ to push through obstacles. Even if you are not sure of your ‘why’ always turn to your passion as this will fuel your actions. Your unwavering commitment to daily actions in the direction of your goals will be the catalyst for meaningful change.
4. Follow Mo’s Circle of Change
To navigate the inevitable challenges of self-development, I encourage you to follow my Circle of Change framework.
- It begins with Courage—the courage to step outside your Comfort zone—try new things.
- Foster Connections and seek support to get the help and accountability you might need
- Practice steps 1 & 2 to enhance your Confidence, making it easier to navigate the Changes you desire in your life.
Check out “Mo’s Guide to MO’ve your Self-Care, Self-Development and Self-Empowerment Forward and Create Change in 2024” for a review of my Circle Of Change.
Conclusion: The Power of Self-Development
As we approach the end of the year, let’s remember, reflect, and refocus our energies toward self-development. Embracing change isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about transforming ourselves from within. By cultivating a growth mindset, committing to daily consistent learning and action, and practicing persistence, we can pave the way for a fulfilling 2025.
Let’s make this November a time for introspection and empowerment, ensuring we enter the new year ready to take on our biggest dreams. Remember, you have the power to create the change you seek both in your life and in the lives of those around you.
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Reflecting on the Year: Embracing Gratitude as We Approach Thanksgiving
As we enter the final quarter of 2024, it’s a perfect time to pause and reflect on the year that has been. With Canadian Thanksgiving just around the corner, the themes of gratitude and connection take center stage. This holiday reminds us of the importance of recognizing our blessings while also preparing for the transitions ahead. Reflecting on the past months, we can all feel a blend of emotions. This year has likely brought challenges, joys, and significant personal growth. Each experience, whether a milestone or a hurdle, shapes our perspective as we move forward.
Thanksgiving—both in Canada and the upcoming celebration in the U.S.—serves as a reminder to take stock of what truly matters. It’s a time to gather with friends and family, sharing not just a meal but stories, laughter, and gratitude. This communal aspect is vital, especially in a world that can feel increasingly divided. The essence of Thanksgiving goes beyond the day itself; it’s about acknowledging the connections that enrich our lives.
This year, my gratitude is particularly enriched by a special moment I shared with my husband at the Cliffs of Moher and neighboring Kilkee Cliffs in Ireland. There, amidst the breathtaking views, of the Kilkee Cliffs and coastline he presented me with a Claddagh ring purchased earlier on our trip in Galway. The design—two hands holding a heart, topped with a crown—captures the essence of what I cherish most. It serves as a reminder of the love we share, the friendship that grounds us, and the loyalty that keeps us united. Just as Thanksgiving encourages us to celebrate our connections, the Claddagh ring embodies the spirit of gratitude I feel for the relationships in my life with Ken.
In the spirit of reflection and gratitude, I’m also excited to share my upcoming podcast, “A MO’ment with MO,” which celebrates women in leadership. This platform will highlight the journeys of inspiring women who have broken barriers and made significant contributions in various fields. Through candid conversations, we’ll explore their triumphs, challenges, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way—each story a reminder of the power of connection and community.
As we reflect, consider what you are thankful for this year. It might be the small victories—a project completed, a friendship or relationship deepened, or moments of clarity gained through solitude. Among these blessings, we can also be grateful for the benefits gained through investing in health through regular fitness and physical activity. Gratitude has a remarkable power to shift our mindset. When we actively acknowledge the good in our lives, it fosters resilience and optimism, helping us navigate the uncertainties that lie ahead. Additionally, the discipline of maintaining a fitness routine fosters a sense of accomplishment providing motivation that spills over into other areas of life.
Looking toward the last three months of the year, it’s an ideal time for intentional planning and goal setting. Whether it’s dedicating time to personal passions, investing in relationships, or contributing to your community, reflecting on your values can guide you toward fulfilling pursuits. As we transition into the holiday season, consider how to extend the spirit of Thanksgiving beyond a single day. Acts of kindness, volunteering, or reconnecting with someone can create ripples of gratitude and positivity, enriching our lives and uplifting those around us. This cycle of appreciation not only enhances our own experiences but also fosters a more compassionate world.
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Embracing Summertime: A Holistic Approach to Physical and Mental Wellness
As the sun climbs higher and the days grow longer, summertime MO’tions us to embrace its warmth and vitality. However, amidst the sweltering heat and occasional lethargy, staying physically, mentally, and emotionally balanced becomes essential. Here’s how you can make the MO’st of the summer months while keeping your well-being in check.
Physical Well-being: Keep Moving, Stay Hydrated
Even when the temperature soars, it’s crucial to keep your body moving. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, whether it’s early morning yoga, a refreshing evening walk, or a swim in the cool waters of a nearby pool or lake. Exercise not only boosts your energy levels but also enhances mood and promotes better sleep—crucial for overall well-being during the summer. I personally know that when I set a goal for either number of minutes and/or steps I aim to achieve each week I’m 90% more likely to achieve it—that’s a great return on my investment of the time it takes to think about and declare the goal.
Hydration is another key factor in maintaining physical health. As temperatures rise, our bodies lose more water through sweat, making it essential to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Opt for water-rich fruits like watermelon and cucumbers and carry a reusable water bottle wherever you go to ensure you stay hydrated and refreshed. I start my day with a watermelon pre-biotic dissolved in a large cup of cold water that alone sets me up for feeling my best all day long.
Mental and Emotional Wellness: Relaxation and Connection
Summer offers ample opportunities for mental rejuvenation. Take time to relax and unwind—whether it’s lounging in a hammock with a good book, meditating in a shaded garden, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature around you. These MO’ments of calm can help reduce stress levels and improve overall mental clarity. Just recently I participated in a ‘walkie-talkie’ challenge at my workplace and learned that taking one meeting a week on the phone while walking is MO’s doable and definitely therapeutic. Even though the challenge is over I plan to schedule a walkie-talkie every week going forward. Perhaps you will join me.
Social connections also play a significant role in emotional well-being. Plan picnics, outdoor gatherings, or even virtual meetups with friends and loved ones to foster a sense of belonging and joy. Sharing experiences and laughter with others can uplift spirits and create lasting memories.
Embrace the Season with Intention
Embracing summertime isn’t just about enduring the heat—it’s about thriving in it. Explore outdoor activities that excite you, such as hiking trails with breathtaking views, trying your hand at golfing or pickleball, or even joining a local dance or fitness class under the open sky. These activities not only keep you active but also enhance your appreciation for the season’s vibrancy. I continue to teach a outdoor fitness class on Sunday on my street for my family and neighbours and it’s one of the MO’st enjoyable ways to embrace the season and experience social fitness.
Remember, balance is key. Listen to your body’s cues and adjust your activities accordingly. Summer offers boundless opportunities for enhancing your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By nurturing yourself holistically, you can make this season truly unforgettable. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
Stay Hydrated: Make it a habit to sip water throughout the day. Try this trick: place 8 elastic bands on your water bottle and move one up each time you refill – sip and repeat!
Protect Your Skin: Prioritize skincare with SPF. Start with daily dry brushing and gentle exfoliation, then layer on products with sun protection. For that extra glow, try a natural self-tanning gel – no grease, stains, or odors.
Dress Wisely: Opt for caps, hats, and light fabrics to shield yourself from the sun’s heat. Explore new fabrics and styles designed to keep you cool this season.
Celebrate Achievements: Smile more and reflect on your accomplishments from the first half of 2024. Express gratitude for both small victories and major milestones.
Set New Goals: Begin the second half of 2024 with determination. Re-evaluate and reset your goals as needed. Consider signing up for events, courses, or training to keep yourself motivated and focused on your aspirations.
Embrace these tips to maximize your well-being this summer and set the stage for a fulfilling year ahead. If you are looking for some MO’tivation join me at canfitpro Global this August at canfitpro Global (conference) or come out to the tradeshow and workout with the best Fit Pro’s in the world! Learn more at www.canfitpro.com/events2024/global
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Take Five: MO’ve with MO at Your Desk for Your Mental and Physical Health
In today’s hustle and bustle, it’s easy to find ourselves glued to our desks for hours on end, overlooking the importance of staying active during the workday. Yet, the repercussions of prolonged sitting extend far beyond physical discomfort—they can deeply impact both our bodies and minds.
“Sitting is the new smoking” is a well-known phrase that highlights growing concerns over the negative health effects of prolonged sitting for everyone – even those who engage in regular exercise. Research shows that sitting for prolonged periods is associated with a higher risk of chronic health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and even premature death. One study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests prolonged sitting can counteract the benefits of regular exercise. The study found that prolonged sitting, defined as sitting for over 3 hours per day, was associated with an increased risk of death, regardless of physical activity level. In other words, even if someone exercises regularly, spending long periods of time sitting at a desk or in front of a screen could negate the positive effects of working out. This statistic underscores the importance of reducing sedentary behavior throughout the day, not just during structured exercise sessions.
Carving out MO’ments for MO’vement throughout the day is not just a luxury but a necessity. Reflecting on one of my power words for 2024, which is self-CARE, I say MO’vement is medicine, and it is why it is a crucial component of self-care. In as little as five minutes in the morning and afternoon, and with just five simple stretches, you can revitalize your body, enhance your posture (easing back discomfort and pain), kick-start circulation and joint flexibility, uplift your spirits, and sharpen your focus for heightened productivity. It’s time to break free from the desk-bound monotony and embrace the transformative power of MO’vement—let’s embark on this journey to a healthier, more vibrant you, right from your very own desk.
Incorporating movement breaks into your daily routine, such as standing up and stretching every hour or taking short walks, can help counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting and contribute to improved mental health and overall better health. Start with a seated stretch routine such as the one I share here and MO’ve on from there. Once you experience the benefits of stretching in your chair at your desk, you will wonder why you didn’t think about doing this before.
I have prepared and filmed this quick 5-minute routine which you can watch and follow along here. Move your chair back from your desk, move yourself to the front edge of your seat and plant your feet on the ground just wider than hip-width, arms at your side.
Exercise Sequence:
5 Shoulder Rolls
4 Alternating Overhead Reaches
3 Side to Side Torso Twists
2 Chest & Back Openers
1 Slow Deep Breaths (inhale through your nose, pause. Exhale through your nose or mouth, pause). Repeat 10 times.
So, whether it’s a few quick stretches at your desk (as outlined and demonstrated here), a quick walk around the office, or even a midday workout, make it a priority to MO’ve MO’re during your workday. Your body and mind will thank you for it!Want MO’re ways to get MO’tivated to MO’ve? Check out this 28-day MO’ve with Mo Challenge for Mental Health downloadable calendar. Mental Health Week in Canada is May 6 to 12, 2024 – the theme of which is #CompassionConnects – which is another reminder about why it is so important to take CARE of ourselves and get MO’ving for mind and body.
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MO’ve with Mo at your Desk!
Stuck at your desk all day? Get MO’ving with Mo!
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Spring into MO’tion and Keep MO’ving
Spring is the time for renewed energy, new beginnings, and fresh growth. As nature bursts forth with new life, so too can we invigorate our personal and professional pursuits. Spring ignites a sense of revitalization, MO’tivating us to set ambitious goals and chase after them with enthusiasm. Yet, the journey towards success isn’t always smooth. It’s during times of challenge and setback that our resilience is truly tested. Just as a sturdy tree relies on its deep roots to weather storms, we must draw upon our inner strength to persevere. In this blog, we’ll explore how to harness the MO’mentum of spring, confront obstacles, address weaknesses so we can overcome obstacles, and ultimately achieve our goals.
Procrastination is one of the MO’st common obstacles or roadblocks to creating change. I confess I struggle with procrastination. I enjoy being creative and innovative, but I find it difficult to stay on course with the minute details, especially when my work invites me to work on several projects at the same time. Task overload and getting distracted by all the new trends often lead me to neglect the tried and true, foundational progress required to see things through to the finish, even when I know how good it feels to cross the finish line.
I recognize my tendency is to procrastinate and it’s something that I am committed to working on this season. I recently came across this blog series and course by my good friend Nathalie Plamondon-Thomas on how to stop overthinking and procrastination. Nathalie’s training and advise here in her blog series MO’tivated me to contemplate strategies for reducing my tendency to procrastinate. In alignment with my 2024 theme “to MO’ve your self-care, self-development and self-empowerment forward and create change” here are some of my thoughts and tips to help you spring into MO’tion and keep MO’ving in the direction of your goals and true purpose in life.
Self-Care: Renew Your Skin Care Routine
Procrastination can make us feel bad about ourselves which keeps us from MO’ving forward. This is why self-care is essential for keeping us strong and resilient. I start and finish each day with a healthy skincare self-care routine specific for this reason. Not only is springtime a perfect time to renew and refresh our self-care routines, having a self-care routine to start and finish your day is a great exercise to bring you into positive self-awareness which can help counterbalance feelings of frustration, shame, or guilt from procrastinating on those not-so-magnificent days. Committing to a morning and evening self-care routine can be a great first step to set us up for confronting and overcoming procrastination in our lives.
To give you some fresh ideas and inspiration for creating your new springtime skincare self-care routine I am running a special discount on skincare self-care products on my site from April 2-8. ALL NuSkin products will be at wholesale pricing for the first seven days of April. Check out these products and be inspired here.
Self-Development: Learn A New Skill or Sign up for a Course
Sometimes, our procrastination is caused by not having the skills or knowledge we need to achieve our goals and/or overcome our weaknesses. Consider what steps you need to take for self-development to gain the knowledge and skills to break through obstacles in your own habits and behavior and achieve your goals. Where can you learn these skills? Who are the people you can talk to and seek advice from? The process of learning and obtaining the knowledge you need is incredibly MO’tivating and propels you to make progress towards your goals. For me, I always seek to learn from my mentors, and I’m blessed to have many. I am MO’tivated by deadlines to renew both my license to practice physiotherapy (yes, I am still a licensed physiotherapist 😊) and various fitness certifications. Continuing education and training fuels my passion as a leader and teacher and keeps me MO’ving forward.
I’m looking forward to increasing my knowledge and being inspired by learning something new at two upcoming events: canfitpro ASPIRES Women’s Health and Fitness on May 3 and the canfitpro Global Conference and Trade Show on August 9 and 10. Both events are going to offer fantastic sessions with rich learning. In addition, investing in personal and professional development and leadership training, committing to my community and profession by showing up for my peers and my profession, being seen, heard, and involved are all essential as professionals. On a personal level planning for and investing in events like the two mentioned here help hold us accountable in beating procrastination and MO’ving towards our goals.
Self-Empowerment: Practice Humility and Embrace Your Procrastination Tendencies
Let’s face it – we all tend to procrastinate. It’s part of being human. Once you honestly confront this fact, you will experience a newfound level of self-empowerment and freedom. Taking this step of releasing and acknowledging is crucial for us to start MO’ving forward and getting past our procrastination. It helps us become more proactive and focused on finding solutions, which is the change we need to make. Identifying your weaknesses and dedicating time to improve them will lead to long-term improvement and help you MO’ve forward faster and further.
This requires us to set aside time and detach ourselves from distraction. So, my challenge to you this week or MO’nth is to set aside time, even if it is just 15 minutes in the morning to reflect on what your goals and priorities are and confront your biggest distractions. From here you can decide on a plan that will help you spring into MO’tion and keep MO’ving!If you are not sure where to start and are looking for a way to get focused on figuring out your goals to MO’ve you forward this year, I encourage you to check out my 2024 Guide to MO’ve your Self-care, Self-development and Self-empowerment Forward and Create Change. In this resource, you will find my MO’st effective strategies to get you MO’ving. Getting into MO’tion begins with one step. Remember “Every great journey starts with a single step” (Maya Angelou).
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Inspire Inclusion, Empower Yourself and Practice Self-care to Achieve MO’re
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is #InspireInclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we will forge a better world. When women feel inspired to be included, they experience a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. The campaign theme urges us to “Invest in women: Accelerate progress” (International Women’s Day, 2024). Despite progress in gender issues globally, it is still an unfinished business, and setbacks are still of concern. Canada is estimated to need another 160 years to achieve gender equality, and the challenges intensify as we get closer to that goal.
In the first episode of my podcast this month, I had a conversation with Dwayne Smith, who is the Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at GoodLife Fitness. We explored the topic of women’s leadership and delved into the powerful theme of the 2024 International Women’s Day campaign, #InspireInclusion. We discuss the significance of breaking barriers and promoting a collective effort for a more equitable and inclusive future. However, fear impedes us from addressing biases and stereotypes to create a gender-inclusive world. A highlight from this episode is when we discuss ways we can work towards cultivating our courage to confront our fears and create CHANGE.
In my second podcast this month, join Meghan Jarvis and Debbie Bellanger as we explore empowering ourselves through knowledge of upcoming trends and utilizing our skills to achieve MO’re and create MO’re positive change worldwide. Three crucial ingredients from this conversation that I am going to focus on in this blog because they can help us take action and collectively #InspireInclusion are: 1) Career innovation (change) 2) Women’s empowerment and 3) Self-care (which just happen to align with my 2024 Power Words – CHANGE, POWER, and CARE 😊). Reflect upon these three points and how you can use them to #InspireInclusion.
- Career Innovation (Change)
At its core, innovation is about intentional change, whether it be through new products, systems, processes or profession. We should consider innovating not only our actions and procedures, but also our approach to connecting with people to build community. Building a community to create a sense of belonging for women is extremely important. We are much stronger and can do so much more together than we can on our own. Being in a community is where you find support and inspiration to achieve your goals. Where #InspireInclusion and Innovation converge, powerful positive CHANGE happens!
Enter the “All Inclusive Fitness Professional”, or the innovation of fitness professionals becoming wellness pros. Becoming a wellness pro means approaching your work using a holistic approach. You have to recognize that client success is more than the number of sets and reps and exercise science techniques. We have to be mindful of, develop and innovate our coaching language, listening, and leadership skills. Since I began teaching group fitness classes four decades ago, there have been a multitude of changes from what and how we teach to what we wear. Change is constant if we want to keep getting better and it is important to embrace and recognize this. The ongoing drive to innovate and improve by embracing a change mindset offers hope for advancing #InspireInclusion. By meeting people where they are, we can inspire and offer hope, support, and encouragement.
Whether you’re a fitness professional or not, consider your current role and activities and identify opportunities for change and innovation where you need it the MO’st. How will you create innovation in your workplace to build community and #InspireInclusion?
- Women’s Empowerment
Women’s empowerment specifically refers to supporting women’s self-worth and affirming that women have the “ right to influence social change for themselves and others” (World Vision Australia, 2024). In our podcast, Meghan shares how female fitness professionals need to celebrate and support women MO’re in order to create a sense of belonging for women. Meghan specifically mentions three groups of women to focus on to support: business owners, athletes and fitness professionals, saying that the best way to support these groups of women is by becoming a safe harbour (place for women to come for support, training, mentorship) and creating a non-judgemental space by meeting women where they are at (acceptance vs judgement).
There are many ideas and initiatives that have been developed to support women’s empowerment. It is crucial that we empower ourselves to utilize all available skills to advance our businesses, particularly in relation to technology. Technology is allowing us to accelerate and progress our business at rapid speeds. Knowing what is coming and at your fingertips is essential to help you work more creatively and efficiently, remain relevant and feel connected and included in this busier than ever, fast-paced world. I find it empowering! Knowledge is power and educating empowers us to MO’ve forward which is why we must continue learning and investing in continuing education.
The UN Global Compact and UN Women endorse 7 Women’s Empowerment Principles. While all of these seven areas are important, I find Principle 1 (Create high-level corporate leadership for gender equality), Principle 3 (Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all women and men workers) and Principle 4 (Promote education, training and professional development for women) the MO’st striking. What are your thoughts?
What does empowerment mean to you? When was a time you felt empowered? What knowledge or skills do you need to learn to help you MO’ve forward in your life and career and empower others through your commitment to #InspireInclusion?
- Self-Care is Essential
Addressing gender equity issues can be overwhelming. Many of us can be very driven by our desire to achieve MO’re and create positive change we forget about our personal needs as human beings for rest and recovery. However, we must learn and consistently remind ourselves to prioritize recovery and self-care in order to keep MO’ving and creating change. For women, this is especially important to remember and affirm. Many women have multiple and competing responsibilities caring for their families and children which can lead to a lot of stress. Juggling all of that while pursuing a career can be overwhelming. Caring for ourselves and caring for each other is essential and having that understanding can #InspireInclusion.
Debbie and Meaghan brilliantly shared their insights and strategies, reminding us to invest in ourselves and that self-care is more than luxury. It involves being inclusive of and caring for all aspects of your health, including sleep, mental health needs, nutritional, social, physical, and spiritual needs. I hope you will tune into our conversation on A MO’ment with MO!
What are your top needs for self-care? What is one area should you prioritize this month that will help you support yourself to achieve MO’re and commit to #InspireInclusion in the future? Let that be your focus, set a daily and/or weekly goal that will inspire you to act.
Last Words
If you are looking for MO’re ways to create change, improve your self-care, and empower yourself check out my “Guide to MO’ve Your Self-Care, Self-Development and Self-Empowerment Forward and Create Change in 2024”. Each year, I release a guide filled with my best insights and advice to help you have an amazing year. I invite you to download and fill out this guide for yourself. his workbook offers a chance to find your power words for 2024 and complete guided activities to help you achieve MO’re self-care, self-development and self-empowerment this year. Why not share the guide with a friend to #InspireInclusion – do the activities together to help each other achieve MO’re together!
7 Strategies to MO’ve Forward into Your Personal POWER in the Year of the Dragon
Achieving your 2024 goals requires not just a burst [...]
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Increase your Self-EMPOWERMENT to Maintain Your MO’tivation and MO’mentum
With the first month of 2024 almost over, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on our goals and priorities and evaluate our current progress. You may either be excelling or require some extra support to give you a little boost. No matter where you are or what you need, this blog post – the last in my January series – is on self-EMPOWERMENT strategies which will provide the extra MO’tivation you need to stay on track in the direction of your goals starting now and throughout 2024.
My MO’tivation for writing my January blog series this year was to give you a source for MO’re purpose, guidance, and inspiration to help you MO’ve forward and create the change you want to manifest in 2024. I was inspired by my three power words for 2024 which are CARE, CHANGE, and POWER. In my first blog of the series, I reviewed and reminded us all of the foundational importance of finding and reflecting on our WHY and living in line with our WHY statement. In my second post, I wrote about self-care and the reasons self-care is important for supporting and sustaining our commitment to living our WHY. In my third post, I shared my tips for self-development (i.e., self-CHANGE) how this helps your growth, and why CHANGE is essential to help you realize your goals. In this final installment of my January 2024 blog series, as previously mentioned, I’ll provide tips on building and maintaining self-EMPOWERMENT in 2024.
What does self-EMPOWERMENT mean and why does it matter? The act of self-empowerment entails making purposeful decisions and assuming responsibility for your path. Self-empowerment includes making positive choices, taking action, and having confidence in your abilities to achieve your goals. When you become a self-empowered person, you recognize where you have strengths and what your opportunities for growth are, and actively look for ways to improve. Again, an important part of the process to building your self-EMPOWERMENT is continual learning which is something that I talked about in my third post in this series on self-development.
Below you will find four strategies I recommend for building your self-EMPOWERMENT.
Take actionable steps to build your confidence
Confidence and self-empowerment are closely intertwined. Although they are not the exact same, they build upon one another to assist you in advancing towards your goals. Confidence is an inner force that means you believe you can achieve your goals. Having confidence boosts self-empowerment and decisiveness, enabling you to make the changes you desire in life. Confidence is like a muscle, which I mean it requires time and dedicated practice and strategies to build and maintain. Since we are all unique, we will require different strategies to cultivate our confidence. Discover inspiration with my top tips from this blog I wrote to CREATE MO’RE CONFIDENCE IN BODY, MIND AND LIFE.
Looking for MO’re ways to to learn more and build your confidence and self-EMPOWERMENT? Check out the book THINK Yourself Successful which I co-authored with Nathalie Plamondon-Thomas and Tasha Hughes. This book will show you that you have the power to change and become whoever you aspire to be. This is a mindset shift that is critical for helping boost your confidence and self-empowerment.
Surround yourself with other Confident and Self-EMPOWERED People
Surrounding yourself with powerful peoples is a sure strategy to improving your own self-empowerment. We learn by doing and seeing others in action. This is why attending events, especially in-person ones, is extremely important. I am eagerly anticipating various events this year where I will have the opportunity to connect with truly self-empowered individuals. The canfitpro Global Conference in Trade Show every August in Toronto is the flagship event. I am in the process of building the curriculum and recruiting some incredible fitness professional from around the world who will be presenting at this year’s event. I can’t wait to see them all in action and the EMPOWERMENT that is going to emanate from this event!
I would also like to invite you to join me at the All Women L.E.A.D. International Women’s Day event in London, Ontario on March 4, 2024. The mission and work of the All Women L.E.A.D. Organization has inspired me greatly, which is why I feel so honored to be speaking at this event. The acronym L.E.A.D. Stands for Leverage, Empower, Achieve, Do. This organization has a reputation for establishing safe spaces where women can connect, learn, network, and develop together. Get ready for an unforgettable event, as Jully Black, the incredible Canadian R&B legend, takes the stage as the keynote speaker! Learn more and register here: https://allwomenlead.ca/#events
Stay tuned for my EMPOWERING conversation with the three co-founders of All Women L.E.A.D. – Melissa Maloney, Jennifer Slay and Courtney Hance – on my podcast “A MO’ment with MO” in February 2024.
To help you elevate your relationship building skills, so that you can connect and build a network check out the book and course I created with Nathalie Plamondon-Thomas called THINK Yourself a Relationships Pro.
Practice Feeling POWERful
If you’ve been following me, you’re aware of my strong belief in and advocacy for POWER Posing. The theory of POWER Posing is based on the research conducted by Dr. Amy Cuddy. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend watching Dr. Cuddy’s impactful TedTalk here on how your body language can change your life.
Feeling it and believing it is possible are one and the same. Power posing helps you build confidence in your body at a physical and psychological level. If you want to dive deeper into my thoughts on power posing, check out this post about POWER POSES TO BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE.
Do an Achievement Audit
Take a moment and reflect on all your accomplishments in the past years – last year, the year before, in the past decade. Is there something you’ve done that you’re particularly proud of? Reaffirming our power to make things happen can strengthen our belief/confidence in ourselves. Try this exercise. Set a timer for 3 minutes and write down as many of your accomplishments as you can think of. Pay attention to how your body feels as you jot down as many things you can think of that you’re proud of accomplishing. Once you get going, if you can go longer than 3 minutes, then of course go for it! This exercise is great and simple for enhancing self-empowerment and MO’tivation, helping you keep MO’ving forward and achieve MO’re.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ve learned and gained valuable insights from this post and my January 2024 blog series that will help you keep MO’ving toward your goals this year. In case you missed any of the earlier installments, here are the links to Blog #1, Blog #2, and Blog #3.
Stay tuned because the month is not over yet! Next week, I’ll be sharing a bonus post with a gift that will assist you in implementing the principles I’ve discussed this month, allowing you to continue MO’ving forward and creating meaningful change in your life in 2024.
Keep an Eye out for a New Mo’ment with Mo!
Join me for the next episode of A Mo’ment with Mo on Monday, January 29th! I’ll be speaking with the incredible power couple of Gerry Visca and Angela Kontgen!
Listen wherever you find your favourite podcasts, or visit:
amomentwithmo.mohagan.com.
