Focusing on the little wins is what matters the most

nagging feeling that arises. A little voice that tells people they aren’t good enough. Why is that?

Is it a feeling of inadequacy? A feeling of envy? Doubt? Inferiority (which I’m pretty sure isn’t too dissimilar from inadequacy but I digress).

other states for help. Being able to live in Texas shouldn’t mean joining one large, controlling Bible study. Texas is large enough to house plenty of people, and it does. There are people of so many different back- grounds that it may be hard to cover all the bases in the Texas government, but supporting regulations that are clearly in favor of one group cannot be good for a state’s health.

This begs the question, of course, how many people are affected by these bills in Texas? The answer is, enough of them are.

It is enough that the first thing that shows up when Uvalde is searched is the shooting at Robb Elementary School. When victims’ families are calling for justice and tighter gun laws, they should be heard. Uvalde residents should never have had this moment. It should not define them.

When 50.9% of the Texas population has a uterus, according to the 2020 Census, and must plan a road trip if they come across a pregnancy they cannot support, how can they say their government supports them?

Of course, the job of being in government is not easy and walking into an office every day to make decisions for an entire state is presumably hard. The government should listen to people instead of leaving them in the dark.

Texas’ actions are always going to be watched. There is a standard set. It’s the responsibility of the state to pass legislation supported by the people.

Finally arriving at college is a great blessing, so how come it still feels like it isn’t enough?

Not too long ago, a number of college students were in high school. Not too long ago, many of said students would show up to school each day, eagerly anticipating yet another insightful chat with their friends on who other students are dating, what last night’s homework was or talk proudly about how much sleep they didn’t get. Usual high schooler stuff, really.

It may not be true for all, of course, but it’s likely not a stretch to say a few of the people many of those students went to school with are probably off doing their own things.

While some of us have gone to pursue our education at community college (which is a beautiful thing), some have gone and accomplished — a lot.

It’s fascinating seeing people’s paths play out so differently. For every new college student fresh off the heels of high school, there’s another that has become a proud social media influencer, actor, globetrotting traveler, becoming homeowners, starting families, etc.

Speaking from experience, it’s definitely surreal and cool seeing familiar faces (or just anyone around your age) going on to do such amazing things. Though, there’s a bit of a

There’s a bit of an uncomfortable and more than a slightly self-deprecating gut feeling that flares up when seeing someone from middle or high school become a runaway celebrity sensation. It’s a human response, but it can be damaging if left unchecked.

We all get that feeling from time to time, but it wallowing in the envy and that selfloathing can hurt more than it can help. It’s a feeling that can be frustrating for sure, but it is important to understand that if you’re feeling this way – you’re not alone.

We all walk different paths in life, and that’s okay. Maybe some people need to remind themselves of that every now and again, and that’s fine.

Acknowledging that nagging feeling – that envy and doubt – is the first step in a journey that could lead to a magnificent, flourishing lifestyle. It may feel like time is running thin sometimes, and it may feel suffocating, but don’t panic.

Speaking from experience (again), try to focus on the little successes in life. Take your time. Don’t worry about what others are doing. Don’t worry about things out of your control. Life isn’t a race after all.

If you see someone from high school that is wildly successful with a million dollars and 17 kids, be happy for them and keep it moving. Don’t dwell on these types of things. Again, focus on the little successes. Be happy and keep on living.

The idea of professionalism is changing. As society becomes more accommodating and accepting of every person’s individuality, the workplace has adapted as well. Building personable connections is an important part of networking, and has taken over some of the “stuffy” norms that used to be standard. Instead of focussing on one’s superiority when engaging with others, this new age of professionalism places friendliness and genuinity at the forefront of each interaction. Professionalism set standards that discriminated against marginalized groups of people. Women with curly hair may have been expected to straighten it to meet the guidelines of their work space. Women with braids have also been told that their hairstyle isn’t appropriate for work. In 2019, The CROWN Act became law to prohibit discrimination based on hairstyle and texture.

It was a step in the right direction. Recognizing and embracing people’s differences, especially for service jobs and people focused jobs, allows employees to connect with those they’re working with more effectively. Connections drive human beings. Losing the elitism and performance like act in workplaces is beneficial for everyone involved.

Authenticity is now a part of the conversation when discussing professionalism. Being professional shouldn’t conceal who a person is.

A standard of respect for others should be set, such as being punctual and kind. However, this standard shouldn’t shame others for simply being a different race, having a different sexual orientation, identifying as female or male, or identifying in a way that doesn’t adhere to society’s binary structure, or being dedicated to a different religion.

The culture of shaming others in the workplace and calling it professionalism is an act Gen Z is dismantling.

Working from home became a reality for many people during Covid, playing a role in the shift of what’s considered professional. An attitude of understanding became prevalent. People were just trying to get by –attending Zoom meetings with their four year olds in the background. The pandemic led people to practice empathy and be more considerate of what people may be going through in their personal lives.

Instead of continuing an elitist, “stuffy”, hustle culture in the workplace, it’s becoming more valuable to have a good work life balance. Being able to manage one’s time well, enables one to show up in a more productive way.

With Gen Z settling in professional positions, social media is becoming a large part of the conversation. What’s appropriate to post and what isn’t is something that’s changing as well. Being able to have fun is important as long as it’s respectful.