Looking for some inspiration to kick off a new chapter of growth or jumpstart your next evolution? Regardless of your goals, these words from some of the most notable authors, scientists, artists, philosophers, politicians, activists, business professionals and athletes are sure to resonate.

Bookmark these 50 best personal growthquotes to draw upon in the months ahead.

When your goal is personal development, fostering a growth mindset is a crucial first step.

Sometimes the word "change" is intimidating but it doesn't have to be. Whether you're experiencing shifts in your personal life, changing careersor navigating changes in the workplace, these quotes can help you alter your perspective and embrace what's ahead on your path to personal growth.

There's no doubt that education is important, and for many, personal growth and education go hand in hand. The following quotes might inspire you to harness education to usher in a new chapter of your life that's defined by knowledge and opportunity.

People often think of achievement as an end goal, but if you're wondering how to be successful, you should prepare for an ongoing process of growth and self-discovery. Look to these quotes remind you of what's really important on your personal quest for success.

Because personal growth is a long-term effort, you're bound to encounter obstacles along the way. These quotes might help you find your life directionor guide you toward growth when you're facing hardship or feeling discouraged.

Whether youre pursuing a new dream, working hard toward ongoing goals or making a plan to transform your life in some way, you're bound to encounter challenges along the way. But those challenges could be a gateway to growth and new opportunities.

If you find any of these quotes particularly inspirational, consider printing them out and posting them in the places you view often throughout the day. Sometimes a simple quote can impact you in the most positive of ways.

Know someone who needs a bit of motivation? Share these quotes and help them on their personal growth journey.

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University where they earned their bachelor's and master's, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon's short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. They're currently writing their debut novel, which was Longlisted for The First Pages Prize. Connect with them on LinkedIn.

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50 Best Personal Growth Quotes | SNHU - Southern New Hampshire University

Self-discipline, discipline, and self-control are foundational to success and personal growth. Cultivating these traits enables individuals to set goals and work meticulously towards achieving them, even when faced with distractions or challenges. Self-discipline is staying focused on long-term objectives without swaying from the path due to short-term temptations. It often involves setting strict personal rules and adhering to them with an iron will.

Self-discipline is the pivotal skill required to succeed and control ones life. It entails the consistent pursuit of goals despite challenges and temptations.

Self-discipline is about having the willpower to make choices that align with ones goals, even when complicated. Its the ability to regulate oneself and consistently direct ones actions. When individuals exercise self-discipline, they can say no to counterproductive behaviors and say yes to the actions that steer them toward their desired outcomes.

Discipline is a composite of various components that contribute to ones self-control:

Self-control regulates ones emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in the face of temptations and impulses. By employing specific strategies, avoiding pitfalls, and developing healthy habits, individuals can strengthen their willpower and foster consistent self-discipline.

Psychological inquiry into self-discipline sheds light on its mechanisms and effects on personal achievement. It delves into the impact of emotion on self-regulation and the challenges individuals might face, like ego depletion.

Psychologists play a crucial role in understanding and fostering self-discipline. They study how different factors, such as emotion and motivation, influence an individuals ability to exercise self-control. Through their research, psychologists seek to identify patterns and strategies that can help individuals enhance their discipline. For example, they have found strategies that help with emotion regulation, such as cognitive reappraisal, can bolster self-discipline in challenging contexts.

Several critical theories underscore the understanding of self-control and delayed gratification. The concept of ego depletion, suggesting self-control is a limited resource that can be exhausted, is influential in psychological circles. In contrast, the Marshmallow Test is a seminal study that illustrates the importance of delayed gratification. In this study, children who resisted a marshmallow in anticipation of a greater reward typically showcased better achievement outcomes later in life. These theories are critical to psychologists efforts to understand and improve individuals capacity for self-discipline.

The practical implementations of self-discipline, discipline, and self-control profoundly affect daily life, including education, workplace efficiency, and emotional well-being.

In educational environments, self-discipline is a pivotal factor for student success. Students who consistently adhere to study schedules and avoid distractions tend to perform better on tests and maintain higher academic performance. For example, a college student who dedicates specific hours to uninterrupted daily study is more likely to grasp complex material and achieve better grades.

At work, discipline often translates to increased productivity and job performance. An employee who avoids multitasking and focuses on single tasks with intentional breaks in between is likely to produce higher quality work than someone constantly switching between tasks due to distraction.

Effective self-control aids in managing emotions and maintaining mental health. An individual who practices disciplined thought patterns can mitigate stress and regulate emotional responses, improving mental health outcomes. They prioritize activities that support emotional balance, such as mindfulness or regular exercise, and ensure adequate sleep for recovery.

In self-discipline, advanced techniques hinge upon strategic planning and adapting to modern influences like technology and social connections. This section delves into nuanced strategies to bolster long-term commitment and motivation.

Setting long-term goals is central to fostering self-discipline. Individuals must identify precise objectives and construct a step-by-step plan with measurable milestones. For example, a writer aspiring to complete a novel might set a daily word count target, turning a daunting goal into a manageable task. Perseverance develops from such incremental progress, encouraging dedication over time.

Social media and technology can impede and enhance self-disciplinetools like website blockers or apps that track time usage aid individuals in managing distractions. By setting limits on technology use during work hours, a person can prevent the habitual scroll through social media from undermining their focus, thus aligning their daily habits with their broader aspirations.

Personal relationships dramatically influence an individuals level of discipline. Supportive relationships, especially those that foster accountability, can significantly bolster ones commitment to their goals. For instance, gym partners or study groups create a social responsibility that can strengthen an individuals resolve and motivation to maintain discipline in pursuit of their goals.

Developing self-discipline, general discipline, and self-control are essential for personal success. Those who can exercise restraint over their impulses and behaviors while motivating themselves to persist in productive activities against obstacles or, when unmotivated, are most likely to realize their professional and personal goals. Whether it is maintaining physical health through proper diet and exercise, furthering education and skills, cultivating positive relationships, or advancing in a career, self-direction and self-governance are vital. The ability to do what is correct or needed rather than what is easy or immediately gratifying leads people to accomplish more, contribute meaningfully, actualize their potential for excellence, and be fulfilled with the fruits of their discipline.

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Self-Discipline, Discipline and Self-Control: The Pillars of Personal Success - New Trader U

Efforts Seek to Advance Equity for Students with Basic Needs Insecurity

UNION, N.J. Understanding that non-tuition costs like food, child care, and housing can impact the well-being and success of college students, the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) held a statewide convening on Friday to highlight efforts to address basic needs insecurity among New Jerseys diverse student populations and launched a free online navigation tool that will connect college students with a wide spectrum of basic needs resources.BasicNeeds.NJ.gov designed in collaboration with the Office of Innovation centralizes information relevant to students regarding housing, food, transportation, child care, and other similar supports, while providing an overview of eligibility and the processes for seeking State assistance.

This work is part of the Murphy Administrations ongoing efforts to help New Jerseyans successfully complete a college education and to make progress toward the statewide goal of ensuring 65 percent of New Jerseyans hold a high-quality credential by 2025.

As my Administration continues to work toward making higher education more affordable and accessible throughout our state, we recognize that success depends on what happens both in and out of the classroom,said Governor Phil Murphy.Todays students come from all different backgrounds and face any number of challenges in their day-to-day life beyond their ongoing studies. We must take a whole-of-government approach to supporting New Jersey students and understanding their unique challenges to help ensure their postsecondary success.

The day-long event at Kean University convened a dynamic set of speakers and stakeholders, including prominent national researcher Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab, representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and Complete College America, to inform and enhance basic needs programming for postsecondary students in New Jersey. Over 170 people attended, representing a combination of campus practitioners, students, community organizations, state agencies and policymakers.

Supporting students' basic needs security is not only the right thing to do, but it is also vital to ensuring that colleges and universities can fulfill their missions to help students achieve their academic goals,said Dr. Brian K. Bridges, New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education.In today's landscape, students grapple with unprecedented challenges and enhancing opportunities for communication between researchers, policymakers and practitioners is critical. This collaborative approach empowers us to innovate and formulate lasting solutions, focused on equitable support for all students.

In order to ensure that our services are truly meeting the needs of our residents, its essential that we include them and community partners in the design and development process,said Dr. Beth Simone Noveck, the New Jersey State Chief Innovation Officer.TheBasicNeeds.NJ.govwebsite marks one among a suite of partnerships the Office of Innovation has been proud to engage in. We are always seeking ways to better connect communities with the tools and information they need to thrive in New Jersey.

BasicNeeds.NJ.govis part of the broader Resident Experience Initiative (ResX) funded by the federal American Rescue Plan to streamline, simplify, and improve how New Jersey delivers benefits and services to residents.

As part of theBasicNeed.nj.govs design and development process, the Office of Innovation and OSHE connected with over 900 individuals and campus partners, which includes outreach to more than two dozen community groups statewide and ethnographic interviews conducted with New Jersey college students. The site will be continually updated and enhanced based on feedback from student users, various campus stakeholders, and community organizations.

The convening and development ofBasicNeeds.NJ.govfollow findings from OSHEsCOVID-19 Student Impact Surveyand the2019 #RealCollege Survey, which illustrated an increasing prevalence of material hardship among New Jersey postsecondary students, most acutely in the areas of food and housing insecurity.

Basic needs insecurity among students is a significant concern that affects students not only in New Jersey but nationally,said Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab, Senior Fellow at Education Northwest and the convening keynote speaker.At least one in every three students faces food insecurity, one in four is a parent while studying, and one of every two may be housing insecure. Knowing this allows us to recognize that students are humans first and addressing their personal needs and overall well-being is not tangential but central to their academic success.

The work of the convening complements several of the strategic investments by the State, such as the annual Hunger-Free Campus grants, the statewide Some College, No Degree initiative, and the mental health supports for college students, that are strengthening postsecondary student success in New Jersey. It also builds on the Murphy Administrations overall efforts to fulfill the vision set forth in theState Plan for Higher Education, which is essential for reaching New Jerseys economic goals and seeding prosperity more broadly across the state.

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Office of the Governor | ICYMI: Office of the Secretary of Higher ... - NJ.gov

Newswise High interest rates persisted throughout 2023, with an increasing number of Americans now believing that inflation is the new normal. With the holiday season now upon us, many consumers are also cutting back on gift spending with 42 percentof shoppers telling Bankrate.com that they expect to buy fewer items this year, and 41 percent planning to seek out more coupons, discounts, or sales.

As the New Year approaches, will Americans continue to simply survive, or will consumer spending tell a more optimistic story?

Wenyao Hu, Ph.D., CFA, assistant professor at New York Institute of Technologys School of Management, shares his predictions.

In response to inflation, the Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate since the beginning of this year, but forecasts, including those from Goldman Sachs, suggest a possible decrease in rates by the year 2024 if inflation subsides, says Hu. This anticipated shift aims to prevent economic slowdowns, echoing the strategic rate cuts of 2019 amidst stable unemployment and inflation rates.

Hu notes that, as higher interest rates are expected to cease in 2024, investors should consider exploring alternative investment opportunities beyond quasi-safe assets.

Diversifying into dynamic, growth-oriented strategies may become essential to adapt to these changing economic conditions and maintain portfolio resilience in the face of shifting monetary policies, he says.

According to Hu, 2024 will also be an interesting year to watch Gen Z spending and saving trends.

Gen Z is leading a soft saving trend, prioritizing quality of life and present experiences over traditional savings, he says. This means they're more likely to spend money on things that bring immediate happiness and are open to investing in causes that reflect their values.

For members of Gen Z, as well as others, theres a good chance this means prioritizing spending on entertainment.

The post-COVID era is witnessing a surge in the concert economy, exemplified by the success of Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour. This trend demonstrates a strong consumer appetite for in-person entertainment experiences, significantly boosting local economies, said Hu, adding that Swifts tour has had a remarkable economic impact, with each show grossing around $13 million and generating substantial consumer spending.

This phenomenon is not just limited to ticket sales but also extends to related spending on travel, accommodation, dining, and retail, which significantly benefits local businesses, says Hu.

Savvy investors could also have potential opportunities to capitalize on the concert economy. Hu notes that individuals can profit from the concert economy trend by investing in businesses related to the entertainment and events industry, such as companies involved in event management, ticketing platforms, hospitality, and transportation services that benefit from increased consumer spending around major events. Additionally, investing in stocks or funds related to the entertainment sector can be a strategic way to leverage this growing trend.

Hu is available for interview/comment. Contact [emailprotected].

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Expert Forecasts 2024 Personal Finance and Spending Trends - Newswise

As the Commanders get ready for their rematch with the Giants, Howell is first in yards (2,783) and completion (264) as well as tied for fifth in passing touchdowns (17). According to the Commanders' public relations department, Howell is the only quarterback in NFL history to have thrown for over 2,900 passing yards, rush for over 200 yards and have a 65% completion rate within their first 11 career games.

As a result, the national media is starting to pick up his performances. Howell isn't paying attention to that, either.

"It really doesn't change anything for me," Howell said. "I haven't really noticed if it is out there, but I just try to do everything I can to stay focused on this team and stay focused on each and every game that we play and just taking it one day at a time."

Howell is more concerned about the Commanders getting wins, which he said haven't come as often as he would like. To drive that point home further, the Commanders are 1-3 when Howell has thrown for 300 yards or more. That's not to say that the Commanders are better when Howell underperforms (they aren't), but it does show that Howell's individual stats don't guarantee a win.

Howell would rather get a win over racking up stats.

"We just got to try to take it one week at a time and...I think we've played alright the past few weeks, [but it] doesn't mean we're going to play alright this week," Howell said. "So, we got to take it one week at a time, one day at a time, and make sure we approach it the right way to give ourselves a chance to try to play well on Sunday and give us a chance to win."

And with the Commanders at 4-6, there isn't much room to gloat.

"I want to go out there every single weekend, play well and give our team a chance to win," Howell said. "Obviously, we haven't won enough games. We haven't won the games that I feel like we should have won this season. So that's a little bit disappointing, but I really don't look too much into what I'm doing on a personal level."

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Practice notes | Sam Howell focused on team success, not individual ... - Washington Commanders

New initiativeaims to increase revenues for businesses owned by underrepresented communities in Seattle particularly Black-owned businesses.

Seattle Seattle small businesses can now apply for theLiberty Project a new innovative business growth program launched by Mayor Harrell, the Consulting and Business Development Center (CBDC) at the University of Washingtons Foster School of Business, the Albers Business Foundry (ABF) at Seattle Universitys Albers School of Business and Economics, and Tabor 100. Named after the legacy of the Liberty Bank the first Black-owned bank in the Pacific Northwest that served individuals and businesses who were excluded from financial services and investment opportunities the Liberty Project is nowaccepting applicationsfrom local small businesses for the inaugural business cohort.

The Liberty Project is one of many tangible actions we are investing in to drive economic empowerment and create pathways to grow generational wealth, particularly for Black-, women- and other minority-owned businesses. The Liberty Bank has always symbolized resilience, empowerment, and opportunity, and now, the Liberty Project will build upon that rich legacy,said Mayor Bruce Harrell.We are making a deliberate and proactive effort to address the economic disparities faced by communities that have endured disinvestment. By aligning our values, resources, and actions, we are creating tangible opportunities for business growth and success, and I am excited about the possibilities this collaboration brings.

Powered by the M3business success model, the Liberty Project will provide services to participating businesses aimed at (1) improving theirmanagementcapacity and (2) growing access tomoneythrough loans and investments, which will lead to (3) increased access tomarketsthrough corporate and government contracting opportunities and access to new consumers in downtown Seattle and throughout the region.

The program will offer an array of support including business consulting, finance and accounting services (including loan application assistance), marketing services, technology services (such as website development and equipment assessments/upgrades), contract bid preparation and limited legal support provided through Communities Rise and local minority Bar associations.

The initiative will serve businesses in six priority industries: retail, personal services, commercial construction, food and beverage manufacturing, restaurant, and power utilities contract industries. These six industries are prioritized due to their high concentration of black-owned businesses and significant market demand for their services.

Applications for the Liberty Project will be accepted on a rolling basis through anonline portalmanaged by Tabor 100. Interested businesses must meet the following criteria:

Currently, Black/African Americans account for approximately 7.9% of Seattles population but earn revenues at a rate well below their share of Seattles population. Statewide, black-owned businesses earn less than1% of total business revenuesand earn2.3 times lessrevenuethan white-owned businesses on average.

While the projects initial focus will be on Black-owned businesses that meet the stated criteria, applications from businesses owned by other demographic groups, industries, size, or earned revenue will also be considered. Selected businesses will participate in the program for one year and, upon completion, become part of an alumni network offering ongoing technical assistance and support for continued business and revenue growth.

Businesses interested in applying for the Liberty Project canlearn more here.

For nearly 30 years, the CBDC, Tabor 100, and the ABF have collaborated and worked independently to support the growth of Black-owned and other underserved businesses in Seattle and the Puget Sound Region. Building on these existing partnerships, The Liberty Project will partner with the Office of Economic DevelopmentsSeattle Restoredprogram to assist restaurant, personal service, and retail businesses with downtown Seattle site locations as part of Mayor HarrellsDowntown Activation Plan.

What People are Saying:

Ollie Garrett, President and CEO of Tabor 100

At Tabor100 we are committed to economic power, educational excellence and social equity for African Americans and the community at large. Through the Liberty Project we are living out our mission and deepening our collaboration with two of the most successful small business assistance programs in the nation to help grow Black-owned and other underserved businesses. Together, we are leveraging our resources and expertise to support our local business and our communities. We are ready to get to work.

Michael Verchot, Director, Consulting and Business Development Center, University of Washington Foster School of Business

Growing from research by our Emeritus Dean William Bradford and others, the Liberty Projects M3model of improvingManagement capacity, growing access toMoney, will lead to increased access toMarkets thorough corporate and government contracting opportunities and access to new consumers in downtown Seattle. We have already proven this model to be successful in growing Black-owned and other underserved businesses in Seattle and across the US. This past year alone, we helped companies increase sales by more than $38 million using this model. The Liberty Project will enable us to engage at a deeper level with our long-term partners at Tabor 100 and the Albers School of Business and Economics as we collectively will grow even more wealth-building businesses in Seattle while contributing to the downtown Seattle.

Joseph M. Phillips, Dean, Albers School of Business and Economics, Seattle University

The Albers School and Seattle University are excited to get started with this first phase of the Liberty Project. Many underserved businesses in our community have a crucial need for the services our three partner organizations will be providing, and we are all anxious to get started with this important work.

Markham McIntyre, Director of Seattle Office of Economic Development

The Liberty Project is an innovative approach to a systemic need. Were excited to work with our anchor institution partners to help Black-owned businesses grow and thrive in Seattle. We have a moral and economic imperative to end systemic racism, including closing the racial wealth gap, which is why its a major pillar of our Future of Seattle Economy framework and why were committed to the Liberty Project.

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The Liberty Project: New Small Business Growth Program Accepting ... - Seattle.gov

STOCKHOLM After Leon Draisaitl, Tim Sttzle has emerged as Germanys great offensive weapon in the NHL. The Ottawa Senators young star center can, to some extent, thank a Swede for his successes.

It was the former Elite League defenseman Jan-Axel Alavaara who convinced the super prospect to stay in Adler Mannheim and take the next big step in his hockey career.

His belief in me opened many doors, Sttzle said tohockeysverige.seahead of the NHL Global Series.

As a player, Jan-Axel Alavaara was an effective defenseman, playing 573 games in the Elite League for MoDo, Frlunda, and Skellefte. He also won two Swedish championships during his years in Gothenburg and played a handful of matches in the blue and yellow national team jersey for Tre Kronor.

As a leader, the 48-year-old from Kiruna has been equally successful especially since he took over as the sports director of top German squad Adler Mannheim in 2018. There, he helped the team win a championship in his first season and has since narrowly missed out on the final with a couple of semifinal losses.

However, the most significant thing he has done for German hockey may have been signing a first-team contract with a certain young German in the summer of 2019. The top prospect had moved four hours south from Krefeld to Mannheim two years earlier and spent two seasons in the clubs junior operation. Despite this, it was anything but certain that he would stay and play senior hockey during his draft year in 2019-20.

Alavaara, however, managed to convince him and especially his parents to stay.

My parents were actually strictly against me turning pro, laughed Sttzle during a conversation with hockeysverige.seahead of the NHL Global Series in Stockholm. They were afraid I wouldnt get the matches and ice time I needed during my draft year. But Axel gave me the chance. I asked him and the coach how much I would get to play so I could calm my parents down, but they promised I would get my chance and if I behaved, I could get a good role in the team while they were careful to point out that they couldnt play me if I didnt deliver.

It worked out well.

As a 17-year-old, Sttzle stepped up and formed a successful line with former Swedish league players Ben Smith and Tommi Huhtala. He scored 34 points in 41 games from the German prodigys stick and was subsequently picked third in the 2020 NHL draft by the Ottawa Senators. His NHL debut came during the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season. Since then, he has proven to be one of the leagues best young players.

Alavaara has been an important figure in that journey.

Absolutely, he has meant incredibly much. His belief in me as a player opened many doors, said Sttzle, who also praises the Swedes significance for the club as a whole. He is very tough and sets high demands on his players, but he is also the first to back them up if they need help. Every year, he puts together a good team and they are almost always favorites to become champions. Sure, they have good resources with the money and all that, but it takes more than that to be able to have a good team. He has done an incredibly good job.

One of the initiatives that has made Adler Mannheim successful is their investment in junior operations, which is far from a given for German clubs.

The youth program is fantastic. Its very unusual to find such in Germany, explained Sttzle. I was lucky to play there for two seasons and had a fantastic time. I am very grateful to have been part of that organization. They have helped me enormously to become the player I am today, and I still go there every summer and train with the guys.

Even though he is now an NHL star, his heart remains close to domestic operations. He speaks at length and passionately about German hockey and its future prospects.

All teams in the top league must have three U23 players in their teams, he said. There are many guys who may not be ready when they are 17, 18, or 19 years old, but this gives them the chance to develop. The best example is Nico Sturm [on] the San Jose Sharks who really got a boost when he was around 23 and now he has won a Stanley Cup (with the Colorado Avalanche). He is the perfect third or fourth-line guy in the NHL. He is one of those guys who really worked hard to make it all the way to the NHL, and thats what German hockey is about. Helping the players improve and assisting the guys to get used to tougher play and hopefully help them make it to the NHL.

With better players and international successes like the Olympic final in 2018 and the World Championship final this year, hockey has grown stronger in Germany.

Its hard to beat soccer, Sttzle said with a laugh. We just try to get better year by year. We have several really good players who can become very good, (J.J.) Peterka in Buffalo and (Lukas) Reichel in Chicago not least. You can notice that the interest is growing and that feels like the most important thing.

Considering the successes that he, Leon Draisaitl, and Moritz Seider have had, does Sttzle get recognized more often back home in Germany now?

In Mannheim, which is more of a hockey town, I get recognized, but its definitely more relaxed than in Canada, he said. There, its hard to go out without being recognized. So, its quite nice to come home and have a bit more privacy, but of course, we play for the fans and depend on them, so its always fun to sign autographs and take pictures with them.

Why did you choose hockey and not soccer, which should be more obvious for a young German guy?

It was actually difficult, he said. I was quite good at soccer too, maybe even better than I was at hockey at a young age. But my closest friends played hockey and my dad played when he grew up so I liked the sport more. No one told me I could earn $50 million (laughs), we just played because we loved the sport.

Sttzle has established himself as a superstar in just over three seasons with the Senators. Last year, he hit 90 points and already has 20 points in 14 games this year including a three-point effort against Detroit to kick things off in Sweden.

For Sttzle, the rapid success hasnt come as a surprise.

I think you always have to have self-confidence and believe in what you can do, he said. I have always believed in myself and now its just about getting better every year and focusing on what you can do to improve. But for me, its not about achieving personal success. I want the team to get better and for us to win more games.

Is the next goal to reach 100 points and become the second German after Leon Draisaitl to achieve this milestone?

No, for me, it doesnt matter if I have 70, 90, or 100 points, Sttzle said. Its about how good we are as a team and how tight we are as a group. I think the most important thing is to set high expectations for ourselves in the locker room and try to fulfill them. If I score 100 points and we miss the playoffs, nothing is won.

Many believe this will be the season when the young and promising Ottawa Senators take the next step and become a playoff team. The start of the season has been a rollercoaster, though. In 13 games, theyve only earned 12 points, and the team is unexpectedly last in the Atlantic Division.

Despite this, Sttzle chooses to focus on the positive.

It feels like we have the team to be successful, he said. We have a group where many have signed up to stay in Ottawa for a long time and enjoy being there. This has been shown by our ability to sign good free agents, like G [Claude Giroux] and Vladdy [Vladimir Tarasenko], which maybe wasnt the case before. We just need to find a way forward to take the next step.

This story appeared on hockeysverige.se this week and has been translated from Swedish to English

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Tim Stutzle is the pride of German hockey but a Swede has been crucial to his success - Daily Faceoff

We all go to

Natalia Ramsden, an organisational psychologist turned executive coach, founded Sofos Associates as a way of helping clients to do exactly that. Combining new developments in neuroscience with her own clinical and consulting experience, the business describes its mission as enhancing executive performance through cognitive excellence.

So can Sofos Associates really help you to get ahead at work, just by re-training your brain with a few simple exercises and techniques? Traditionally, if an employee wanted to develop skills, their HR department would have sent them off on a leadership programme of some kind, says Ramsden, but I wanted to offer something more empirical and scientific. I see a lot of clients who realise that as working individuals, their brain is their asset and they want to invest in it as a long-term strategy.

Sofos Associates approach is tailored to the individual, with possible solutions including advice on nutrition, exercise and sleep, personalised coaching, and access to cutting-edge techniques such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, laser treatments and biohacking. Progress is measured through a mix of quantitative data brainwave measurements, heart rate, vitamin levels and qualitative feedback.

I had a client come to me and say that he used to feel so burnt out by Friday afternoon that hed be asleep in an armchair by the time dinner was ready, but since working with us, he's had the stamina to have a proper meal and a conversation with his wife, says Ramsden. That kind of anecdotal evidence means a lot to me.

You don't have to sign up to a course of treatment to start training your brain, however there are easy exercises you can undertake that will kick-start a rethink. Here, Ramsden shares her five top tips:

When you go to sleep at night, spend one to five minutes thinking through your day and try to remember how it played out, step by step. This is great for developing your sense of gratitude, but its also a way of exercising your memory muscle.

Simple activities such as brushing your teeth with your left hand (assuming youre right-handed) have been found to boost neuroplasticity. Its about looking for novelty, so that you can stop your brain from going into autopilot mode.

I'm a huge advocate for good-quality sleep all the research shows it has positive effects on your mood, as well as on health and longevity.

The goal is to move to a more conscious way of living. Its easy to get into the habit of thinking we can sit at our desks all day long and then work out at high intensity for an hour. Consider whether there are gentler approaches to build movement into your day, such as going for a walk while taking a work call.

Challenge yourself to sit and eat peacefully in the park or at a table, rather than just grabbing a sandwich to have at your laptop.

For more information or to book a complimentary consultation, contact Natalia Ramsden at natalia@sofosassociates.com.

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How to train your brain for success at work - Harper's Bazaar UK

Days after graduation, Emily Bradys career took an unexpected turn. Does anyone know what SEO is? she remembers a colleague asking. She didnt at the time. But as a content developer, she was naturally curious. So she learned. That was more than 10 years ago when the criterion for boosting SEO performance was a website that worked and had the right keywords in the content. Since then, Emily has helped countless law firms rise to the top of search engine results.

Shes Omnizants new director of SEO and an expert in the field of law firm SEO.

Emily credits the constantly changing nature of what resonates with search engines for piquing and keeping her interest in the hard work of getting websites to rank well. Plus, the SEO communityespecially publications such as Search Engine Roundtable and Search Engine Journal keeps her informed. Shes also an active member of the Women in Tech SEO community because its the best way to stay on top of all the digital marketing news, strategies, and continuous algorithm changes, she says.

I could spend another decade doing digital marketing and not scratch the surface of everything there is to know, she says.

The bulk of her career has been spent optimizing legal websitesspecificallyfor organic search. Emily has also gained experience in SEO at other marketing agencies and businesses that rely on local SEO and innovative tactics to grow. At Omnizant, she leads our largest team of SEO professionals, who are responsible for increasing the number of visitors to our clients websites with a variety of techniques and by analyzing performance data and adapting quickly.

While shes focused on delivering results for our clients, Emily is generous in sharing the intricacies of SEO in 2023 with clients and colleagues. Here are some of my favorite excerpts from an interview with Emily, edited for length. She offers tips on how to stand out on Google and her two cents on artificial intelligence, or AI.

A. Oh gosh, its evolved so much! When I started doing SEO in 2012 content had a totally different meaning, and high-quality content meant something entirely different as well. The types of blogs that ranked back then were much less focused on being helpful and more focused on including the right keywords.

Today, Google is much better at understanding what content should rank by relevancenot just through keyword stuffing. So the way we approach SEO (and content specifically) is very different because now we get to focus fully on the needs of the people who will be reading the content and less on including the right words so Google knows its relevant. In short, content quality has improved by leaps and bounds and thats a good thing for law firms and their clients.

A. One thing thats peculiar about SEO for legal websites is the local aspect. Google views searches for lawyers as local searches. Thats why you see a map show up when you search for personal injury attorney even if you dont include the city youre located in. Google just assumes you want a local attorney.

That said, not every area of law is local in the same way a plumbing business or dog walker is local. Class action lawsuits, for example. This creates a unique challenge for SEOs (and law firms) when it comes to optimizing their websites because Google has a strong preference to rank them locally, even if the firm serves a much larger geographic area.

Legal websites are unique in other ways too, such as the fact that the general topics discussed on them are very impactful to the financial and general well-being of clients. (Google calls these types of websites Your Money, Your Life content.) Because of this, having factual and helpful information on the website is super importantbecause lawyers are helping people when they need it the most, and the outcome of their cases will have a big impact on their money and their lives.

A. I think were already seeing the next big thing in SEO, which is AI. At the most basic level, AI makes it possible for anyone to create content about a given topic, whether they have the expertise to do it well or not. This means were going to face (and we are already) a lot of content that is repetitive and just doesnt have enough unique value to be useful to people.

So, in a way, standing out has become easier than ever because Google is not only better at understanding what pages are most relevant but SEOs and content marketers who arent willing to put in the time to do it right will have a hard time ranking, and those who are creating longform, robust content pages will come out on top.

Thats one thing to take into consideration with the advent of AI. The other consideration is this: How do we actually use it effectively? AI has the ability to help us create high-quality content faster, as well as the ability to automate other SEO tasks.

Thats why its so important to start figuring out how we use AI well now, so we dont get left behind in the next five years. At the most basic level, AI should be something were exploring now and at least using as a tool to scale content creationwith writers at the helm who can edit and improve the content so it has the unique value and demonstrated expertise search engines are looking for.

A. This is a tough question! I think it depends. In the legal space specifically, organic rankings tend to be very competitive. To my observation, law firms are one business type that adopted SEO early on and were willing to invest in organic search marketing from the beginning. Because of these, there are lots of businesses that have very strong organic rankings, which means its difficult to displace them. The search engine results pages (SERPs) are often saturated with strong websites so SEOs have to be very strategic about how they get their clients ranking for important terms. You cant do it half-baked and expect to win in an industry as competitive as the legal industry.

That said, this also means there are marketing firms that have been doing SEO for law firms for a very long time, so working with the right team is the first step to getting traction on Google.

A. This is related to my earlier answer regarding Googles objective to surface the best possible search results, and the SEOs role in demonstrating that a given law firm is, in fact, the best result. Theres another piece to that equation, which is whether or not the firm actually is the best result. What I mean by that is, firstly, does the firm have the background to serve its client base as well or better than competitors? If not, it doesnt mean SEO isnt worth it, but it does mean that continuing to gain reviews and testimonials and case results is important.

The most successful SEO and marketing campaigns include a certain amount of involvement from the business itself. SEO never works in a vacuum. Creating a meaningful footprint in the local communitywhether it be through charity drives, scholarship sponsorships, getting interviewed, or generally being newsworthy and involvedcan influence your online success as well.

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An Interview with Emily Brady on Law Firm SEO Success - JD Supra

WASHINGTON, D.C. An Oklahoma student was one of five poets from across the nation to be honored by first lady Jill Biden at the White House Monday during the Class of 2023 National Student Poets ceremony.

Chosen from thousands of award-winning poets, Kallan McKinney, a Norman High School student, was selected to represent the Southwest region for a year as a National Student Poet the highest honor for youth poets in the country.

"In a world that asks us to sprint from moment to moment, to meeting to meeting, poetry reminds us to slow down, take a breath and appreciate the celestial beauty that surrounds us," said Biden, a professor of English and writing at Northern Virginia Community College, during her opening remarks.

"Thank you for reminding us to stand and stare," Biden told the poets. "You've added so much beauty and texture to our world with your words. And we need your talents and gifts now more than ever."

The National Student Poets Program partners with The Institute of Museum and Library Services and the nonprofit Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, which presents the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, the longest-running scholarship and recognition program for U.S. young artists and writers.

Created in 2011, the program aims to inspire young people to achieve excellence in their creative endeavors and to promote the role of writing and the arts in academic and personal success, according to Scholastic.

The National Student Poets were selected from students in grades 10 and 11 who collectively submitted more than 24,000 works in the 2023 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and received top honors in poetry. Forty semi-finalists were then chosen as the most gifted young poets in their regions based on their originality, technical skills and personal voice, according to a press release for the event.

After submitting additional poetry and performance videos to jurors, the five National Student Poets were then selected: Jacqueline Flores (Southeast) from Florida, Miles Hardingwood (Northeast) from New York, Shangri-La Hou (Midwest) from Missouri, Gabriella Miranda (West) from Utah and McKinney (Southwest) from Oklahoma.

"(Poetry) means so much to me," McKinney told Gaylord News after the ceremony. "Sometimes I have trouble saying what I mean, and poetry is a way to have conversations. For everything to mean what I want it to mean and to share with other people, and to listen to people. And I think that's so important. And I want everyone to feel like that."

During the ceremony, McKinney was introduced by their best friend, Fishie Madden, along with classmates and teachers from Norman High School, before approaching the podium to recite their poem, "The Shell Gas Station Sign."

"The shell gas station sign floats in floodwater," McKinney began, the first lady listening intently along with the rest of the audience. "...Haven't you noticed? The hour we give up in the spring returns as autumn."

McKinney said the 11 line poem is a nod to the subtle ways in which climate change affects our everyday lives, and how these changes represent something much larger.

"Everywhere it feels like there's something that's hurting the environment, and it's been going on for so long. And then all of those things worsen climate change," McKinney explained.

"I hear the oil rigs from my house in Oklahoma, and I just think about it all the time," they said.

Throughout the year, the National Student Poets will act as youth poetry ambassadors, spreading poetry to their communities through individual service projects, April Poetry Month readings and workshops, and a variety of other opportunities, such as national poetry conferences, galas and festivals, according to the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards website.

Additionally, each poet will create a community service project that expands the reach of the program by engaging audiences in their region around the issues that are significant to them.

McKinney said they feel proud to represent the Southwest, and that they hope their poems will help others to feel seen and understood.

"I want people to feel seen," McKinney said. "That's my main goal. I just want them to feel like someone else gets it."

Gaylord News is a reporting project of the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. For more stories by Gaylord News go to GaylordNews.net.

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Norman High School student honored in White House ceremony for ... - The Oklahoma Daily