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It’s been three weeks since we connected this way—how are you?

Did you think, “fine” or “good” or “great”? Or are you not-so-great, but your instant response is to pretend all is well?

We all need to stay energized and focused in 2025, and that starts with connecting deeply with ourselves and allowing the feelings to be felt.

There’s a psychological difference between positive thinking (if you think it, you will be it) versus denying your current reality.

So if you’re just “fine” or “okay” or “good” but you’d rather be “great” or “excellent,” feel the feelings and give yourself the gift of figuring out what’s getting got you down. And then, create a path to get there.

As always, if you need a sounding board, you know where to find me. 😊

🚀 Stories to Help You Drive Change

The movement to improve workplace interactions is growing. Great work is being done by people focused on workplace change (e.g., ChangingWork.org) as well as individuals elevating our awareness of the benefits of kindness, such as Jefferson Fisher, Linda Cohen, Sarah Browning, Kim Stokes, and so many more.

Let’s get our workplaces—and our personal lives—off to a great start as we jump into 2025. Here are thought-inspiring posts:

SPECIAL NOTE: If you hit a paywall on any of the stories I share, go to Google Search, enter the name of the publication and something about the story (author, title, subject) to get a natural search link that usually by-passes the pay wall. And hey, if you like the publication, consider subscribing to it—that’s how they keep the good info rolling! I’m hearing some paywalls are impenetrable, so for pubs like The Wall Street Journal and the NY Times, I’ll share a bit more here for those of you without subscriptions.

  • Start 2025 off clutter-free for huge productivity gains. This article by Dr. Cheryl Robinson in Forbes talks about the benefits of decluttering your physical workspace for increased clarity and focus. I did something similar over the holidays by organizing paper files to shred or scan. 13,000+ documents later, my mind is clear knowing everything is in its proper place. Try it!
  • Writing for Inc., Annabel Burba summarizes the findings of new research by Prudential Insurance about Gen Beta (born 2025-2039) who will enter the workforce around 2040. Expected changes include shorter workweeks, flexible jobs vs. traditional careers, and job titles that don’t exist today. What can we be doing now to pave the way for a better future for all?
  • Neela Singh asks “Whose Office Is It Anyway?” in a new post on Medium. Here’s just one of several brilliant POVs: “RTO mandates are, at their core, about trust — or the lack of it. That’s how employees see this anyway. The self-determination theory of motivation posits that autonomy is critical to human fulfillment. Take that away, and you breed resentment. Force it upon a workforce that’s tasted flexibility, and you risk outright rebellion.” Here’s the rest.
  • Does your business deserve more sales? Henna Pryor, a sales expert and TEDX speaker writing for Inc., suggests three counter-intuitive approaches, all backed by science.
    • Instead of pressuring a prospect to buy, step back and make it clear that the decision is entirely up to them.
    • Focus your message on what they will lose by not choosing you rather than what they will gain by selecting you.
    • List pricing in highest to lowest order.
  • More good news for flyers: airlines continue to be held accountable for their bad behavior. This time, it’s JetBlue being charged $2 million for schedules that were unrealistic. The Department of Transportation will split the penalty fees it receives with passengers affected by the delays.
  • Want more press coverage for you and your business? Authority Magazine lists its upcoming topics here, if you’re an expert, reach out to them.

✍️ Plan for Kindness in Your Workplace with Our Free, Downloadable Planner

Here’s the prompt for Week 8 from A Better Paradigm’s compassionate workplace planner:

How can you be more present in your workday and beyond? Write 2-3 strategies you can try each day (i.e., listening, conscious breathing, meditation, breaks, etc.).

This week’s prompt is about being present. Taking time to center yourself throughout the day helps you feel more in control rather than treading in chaos, and who doesn’t benefit from that?

Download the full, free planner/reflector, and let us know what you think.

🌟 Do Good Spotlight: Generation Hope

Becoming a parent at any age is a huge lifestyle change. For student parents, the stress of this transition can be amplified. Generation Hope supports teen parents and their children as they pursue their education. The charity provides families with custom assistance, so they are empowered to create the best futures for themselves. See how they are making a difference: Generation Hope.

🎉 Just for Fun

Take a virtual tour of an Amazon fulfillment center. I expected tech, but this was eye opening!

⏳Until Next Time…

Here’s to feeling your feelings and channeling them into positive action for you and your colleagues. Have a great rest of the week!

Niki

Niki’s Notes for Better Workplaces

Weekly news and insights on the compassionate workplace movement with commentary, spotlights on innovative companies, and not-for-profits that deserve extra love! Edited by A Better Paradigm Founder, Niki.