REFLECTIONS TO MAKE MY LIFE BETTER EACH DAY

A) 5 Ways to Start Building More Confidence

Confidence is a topic we always come back to on The College Juice. Why? Because confidence is
the fuel you need to give you that extra kick in college, on the job, and just life in general. Here are
five ways you can start working more self-confidence into your day.

1. Focus on your strengths.

Have you ever heard that famous Albert Einstien quote? You know the one that goes, Everybody
is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it
is stupid. Yes? Okay, good.
Having confidence means knowing that you may not be good at everything, but there are some
things youre a total rockstar at. Be the fish that knows hes Michael Phelps, not the one still worrying
about the tree.

2. Hand out compliments when its deserved.

WaitCompliment others? Yes, thats exactly what we mean. Although were sure getting a
compliment yourself would give you some confidence, it also works the other way around. Making
others smile is an effortless way to feel good about yourself, and who knows maybe theyll
offer a compliment in return!
3. Start saying yes to new things.
This is basically one of those face your fears head on tactics. The more you expose yourself to
new situations, the more confident youll feel whenever life throws a curve ball at you. Got a
presentation next week? Pshhthats nothing compared to the karaoke gig you said yes to last
week!

4. Take the extra time to get ready.

While were total believers that you should love your appearance no matter what, theres no doubt
that you get an extra dose of confidence when youre totally feeling your look that day. We say go
ahead and rock that bold lip, spend the extra time picking out a pair of shoes, and dont forget to
glance at how fresh you look when you pass by your bedroom mirror!

5. Think ahead and prepare.

Sometimes a lack of confidence is due to a certain situation like a job interview youre not sure
youre cut out for, or a major exam thats worth a big chunk of your final grade. If you know whats
causing your doubt, start preparing ASAP! When youve gotten a good amount of studying in, or
youve done plenty of research before your interview, youll feel way more confident when the big
day approaches.

B) Learning to Speak Up at Work

Well admit it, the workplace can be super intimating for an intern or recent grad. Youve got the
skills, qualifications, and the determination to succeedbut what about confidence in your voice?
Whether youre on the introverted side, or just arent used to speaking up in a work environment,
dont sweat itweve got some tips!

Ask questions.
Speaking up doesnt just mean throwing out bold suggestions and ideas at your meetings. You can
start small by simply asking some questions. Its a bit less intimidating, and it still shows youre
engaged in your work.
Questions are also perfect stepping stones to speak up even more. For example: lets say youre
asking about a new project or initiative your team is working on. Once you understand the project,
youll see the best ways you can start offering your input and ideas.
Share your ideas ASAP.
Youre in a meeting with this stellar idea buzzing in your head, but youre waiting and waiting for the
perfect moment to bring it up. As the meeting moves along, you start over-thinking:
Maybe its actually not a good idea.
Ill just wait to hear what other people suggest first.
Well, its too late now. The subject already changed.
Sound familiar? Before the self-doubt and excuses roll in, share your idea!

And quit fearing the outcome.

Of course its going to be nerve-wracking speaking up if youre always focusing on potential negative
outcomes! First of all, nix the idea that youre not important enough to speak up. Thats righteven if
youre an intern, or if youre just a new employee, your input is wanted. Second of all, remember
that all ideas are valuable, so no one is going to berate you if they dont agree with you!

Prepare what you want to say before meetings.

Dont you hate it when you think of the perfect response, after youve already had the chance to
speak? Its easy getting flustered when youre nervous. Try writing a brief outline of talking points
before heading into your next meeting. Itll help keep your thoughts organized so youll have less of
those awkward flustered moments.

Avoid weak words and phrases.

If you dont sound confident, you wont feel confident. Get rid of weak phraseslike kind of and
sort ofand believe in what youre saying! Not only will you have more confidence in yourself, but
the people youre speaking with will, too.
Get to know your coworkers.
Sometimes becoming more comfortable with your colleagues is all it takes to speak up. Youre not
afraid to share your opinions with your friends, are you? Similarly, youll build more confidence
speaking up at work if youre friendly with your coworkers. Start engaging in some small talk and get
to know their hobbies and interests. Good working relationships are important for a reason!

C) 7 Genius Ways to Upgrade the Way You Take Notes

09.06.17
After summer break, were all feeling a little bit fuzzy trying to get back into the groove of things with
classes, schoolwork, and studying Its been awhile! But time flies fast, and your first set of exams
will be here before you know it. Thats why its super important that youre on your A game from the
very start, and we think these note-taking strategies will help you do just that!

1. Come up with a symbol system.

The best note-takers know that short and quick always does the trick. Thats why we recommend
getting familiar with a symbol system. For example, you can put a dash in front of any definitions, a
question mark for things you need more information on, and an asterisk for anything super
important. Skimming your notes will be so much easier.

2. Practice the Cornell method.

Cornell note-taking is probably the most popular method for organized students. Youll have to split
your page into three sections: right, left, and bottom.
Right: This is the largest section. Use this side to jot down keywords, definitions, and any other
general notes while youre listening to your lecture. Still, you should keep it brief!
Left: This section is smaller, and you can section it off by using a vertical line only a couple inches
away from the left edge of your page. Take your notes from the right side, then condense them into
main points and jot them down on the left. You can also use this section for any questions you have.
Bottom: Across the bottom of your page, summarize the whole days lecture in your own words.
Learn more about Cornell notes here.

3. Make use of outlines.

Youre probably familiar with creating outlines, but have you ever taken your notes in this manner?
Outlining is a definitive way to keep your notes organized and flowing consistently. Simply start out
with a main point (maybe the chapter or section title?) and then work downward by creating smaller
subheadings with different learnings and points throughout your lesson.

4. Or, try mind mapping if youre a visual learner.

If youre stronger at visual learning, the previous two methods might not be the best option for you.
Instead, try mind mapping a diagram that uses a main point and visually shows how it relates to a
whole concept. Start by writing a main point (or multiple main points) in a large circle on your page.
Then as the lecture goes on, use lines to branch out the circle into smaller circles with keywords,
definitions, or other information that pertains to the point its connected to. Learn more here.

5. Label, label, label.

Of course, you always want to label each page with the date and the chapter. Imagine trying to study
when you dont even know where to look in your notebook! Thats stressful, for sure. We recommend
even more labeling, though. In addition to the chapter, make sure you label each section of the
chapter. It also helps if you jot down your textbooks page numbers for each chapter and section, in
case you need to quickly reference your textbook while studying your notes.
6. Use an app.
Its kind of surprising that we still rely on paper notes when everything else is going digital these
days! Thats why we like apps like Evernote. You can type down your notes directly into the app, or
you can scan any handwritten notes, upload any PDFs or videos, and even upload sketches (good
news, mind mappers!).

7. Remember that less is more.

This is so important! Its easy assuming you should jot down every last word while note taking
You dont want to miss something important, right? But this is actually doing more damage than
good. When youre so consumed in writing everything down, you dont leave room to
actually listen and digest what youre learning. Also, short and concise notes make it easier for you
to search and skim while youre studying. As for the little details? You can always refer back to your
textbook if needed!

8 Tips to Help You Conquer Early Mornings

09.11.17
Youre probably familiar with those infamous warnings from upperclassmen: You may have woken
up early for class in high school, but DO NOT take an early class in college.
Its probably safe to say that if youre here reading this, you likely didnt heed those warnings. No
worries! Not only do early classes have a bunch of perks, but theyre totally manageable with a little
bit of prep. Check out what we recommend below.

1. Dont skip breakfast.

They dont call it the most important meal of the day for no reason! Breakfast is the fuel that gives
you energy for your day, so skipping it is a big mistake if you want to rid yourself of your morning
grogginess. Plus, you dont want your stomach grumbling in class do you?
2. Take in the sunlight.
Do you ever notice how when you wake up before the sun rises, its incredibly hard getting yourself
going? Thats not just a lack of sleep doing that to you. Sunlight actually lets your brain know that its
time to rise and shine. Try opening your blinds a bit before bed so that youre not waking up in a
completely dark room and if its still dark outside when youre waking, at least make sure to flip on
a bedside lamp after your alarm rings!

3. Prep the night before.

We know, we know. After a busy day, you probably want to wind down at the end of the night rather
than worry about the next day ahead of you. But hear us out how do you feel when you need to
brush your teeth, comb your hair, rummage for an outfit, grab a snack, and get your belongings
together for classall right after youve just woken up? Starting your day with a crazy to-do list right
off the bat is a recipe for stress, so prep the night before and take it easy when you wake.

4. Say no to FOMO.
We all know the feeling. You have an important lecture first thing in the morning so you plan on
staying in and getting rest, but then you see all of your friends getting ready for a night out and you
just cant stand the thought of missing out on the fun! FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out, is all too real in
college. Just keep reminding yourself that there are plenty of more opportunities for fun when
you dont have to wake up bright and early.

5. Pick the right caffeine fix.

If you like grabbing a cup of coffee or tea before class, so be it! Just make sure the drink youre
choosing isnt loaded with sugar and other ingredients that weigh you down. You may want to rethink
those energy drinks!
6. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
You may not even realize it, but you might be dehydrated if you often feel drained and fatigued. Start
your morning with a glass of water, and make sure to bring a refillable bottle with you to class.

7. Get yourself moving.

Okay, you dont have to get out of bed and immediately do jumping jacks! But getting yourself
moving, even if its just a good stretch, will help you get blood pumping through your muscles. Its
refreshing and revitalizing!

8. Laugh a little.
Mornings are rough. Thats the whole reason youre reading this post, isnt it? Well, thats exactly
why we think you should laugh a little. Look at a funny meme, watch that YouTube clip from your
favorite late night talk show, or just crack a few jokes with your roommie! Not only will it start your
day on a brighter note, but itll reduce your stress. Less stress = More energy

Inspiring Quotes to Kick Start Your Day

06.09.17
Some days you jump out of bed ready to take on the day, other daysnot so much. No worries,
though. We gathered some of our favorite inspirational quotes for those mornings when youre really
just not feelin it.

Your life is your message to the world. Make sure its inspiring. Unknown

Its not about ideas. Its about making ideas happen. Scott Belsky
If you dont go after what you want, youll never have it. If you dont ask, the answer is
always no. If you dont step forward, youre always in the same place. Nora Roberts

There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs. Zig Ziglar

Just be yourself. Let people see the real, imperfect, flawed, quirky, weird, beautiful person
that you are. Mandy Hale

Do it now. Sometimes later becomes never.' Unknown

Use what talent you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those
that sang best. Henry Van Dyke

If it is important, you will find a way. If not, youll find an excuse. Unknown

Dont limit yourself to someone elses opinion of your capabilities. Be you. Dream, plan,
execute! Dr. Steve Maraboli

Dont be afraid of the answers. Be afraid of not asking the questions. Jennifer Hudson
The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you. B.B. King

Either you run the day, or the day runs you. Jim Rohn.

10 Thought-Provoking Quotes from The Handmaids Tale

04.19.17
Readers cannot get enough of The Handmaids Tale. If youre not familiarthis captivating
dystopian novel written by Margaret Attwood explores a futuristic totalitarian government in which
women are revoked of their rights and reordered into a class system.
The acclaimed novel is even getting its own series on Hulu! Check out the trailer below.
Were just as excited as everyone else, which is why we decided to compile some of our favorite
thought-provoking quotes from the novel below. Check em out!
1. Ignoring isnt ignorance, you have to work at it.

2. But who can remember pain, once its over? All that remains of it is a shadow, not in the
mind even, in the flesh. Pain marks you, but too deep to see. Out of sight, out of mind.

4. Better never means better for everyoneIt always means worse, for someone.

5. When we think of the past its the beautiful things we pick out. We want to believe it was
all like that.

7. A rat in a maze is free to go anywhere, as long as it stays inside the maze.

8. I believe in the resistance as I believe there can be no light without shadow; or rather, no
shadow unless there is also light.
10. One and one and one and one doesnt equal four. Each one remains unique, there is no
way of joining them together. They cannot be exchanged, one for the other. They cannot
replace each other.

12 Things the Most Successful People Think About

We can learn a lot by observing the most successful among us in action. What thoughts do
they have during their day? What makes them tick? Here are 12 of their most powerful
thoughts.
1. I love my job!
The most successful have taken the time to find out who they are and what makes them
tick. Their work resonates with every fiber of their being, and they love what they do.

2. I will see this through.

Even when things are looking grim or there are huge obstacles in the way of success,
remarkably successful people persevere toward the achievement of their goals.

3. I will find a better way.

When they see that a system isn't working any longer, they brainstorm ideas for making
something that is broken work again.

4. I have my day mapped out.

They schedule out their day and conquer their top priorities first, crossing tasks off their
list as they are accomplished.
5. I might stumble, but I will not fall.
Successful people know that they won't succeed at everything and that there will be
those inevitable failures. They turn these failures into learning experiences and keep
going strong, knowing the next success is right around the corner.

6. I have the time.

Successful people find the time to achieve their goals of the day, even if it means
getting up at 5 a.m. or working late into the night.

7. I will continue to grow as a person.

The most successful people aren't searching for perfection and instead have an
insatiable curiosity and thirst for learning new things and ways of doing things. They
have a deep desire to grow personally and professionally and learn as much as they
can along their way to huge success.

8. I create my own success.

They don't rely on others to pave their way to success. They truly believe that through
their commitment, work ethic, and beliefs, success can be theirs.

9. I am focused on the here and now.

They don't let past mistakes bog them down and instead live each day as if it is a new,
fresh beginning--a new day to lay down the path for accomplishing their goals and even
to begin new goals.

10. I have clear goals.

Even if they aren't necessarily 100 percent sure how they are going to achieve them at
first, the most successful people always have clearly defined goals and know where
their headed or, at least, where they want to be headed.

11. I know when it's time to pull the plug.

When others might be tempted to hold on a few more days or weeks, the most
successful people have an innate ability to know when the pursuit of a particular goal
needs to end--that defining moment when they come to the realization that continued
pursuit is a waste of their time and resources.

12. I am so thankful for what I have.

They never forget to be thankful for what and whom they have in their lives and the
successes they have achieved. They appreciate the support from family, friends, and
colleagues and make sure to let them know how appreciated they are on a regular
basis.

6 Things Successful People Do Differently

JULY 7, 2017 LEAVE A COMMENT

Everyone has their own definition of success, but we all want to feel successful in
life. Right? By picking up some of these habits, you can be even more successful than
you already are. Why not be the best you can be?! 6 Things Successful People Do
Differently:

1. They wake up early. Did you know that Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple Inc., starts his day
as early as 4:30am to send emails? I am not saying you have to get up at 4:30am, but
maybe get up 30 minutes earlier than you are used to and start conquering the day. You
can get a lot more done than you think in just those 30 minutes.
2. They take care of their bodies. Regular exercise and healthy eating does not just
assist the physical aspect of your body, but it also assists your mental health. By
making small lifestyle changes to take care of your body, you will see many
improvements (better moods, decreased fatigue, etc.)
3. They focus on the positive. Successful people are almost always optimistic about
situations. It is so much easier to make quick, accurate decisions when you have a
bright outlook on the situation. Just as this saying goes, Your positive action combined
with positive thinking results in success. Shiv Khera
4. They know their to-do list will never be completed and they are okay with
that. Many of us are guilty of making lists and feeling upset when we do not mark all of
the items off. However, sometimes we can be more productive by accepting the fact its
just not going to happen the way we planned. Avoiding perfectionism will free up your
mind and allow you to place that energy on other tasks.
5. They express gratitude to those around them. Success does not happen on its
own. Give credit where credit is due. Acknowledge the people that helped you succeed
throughout your journey. Appreciate the people around you, and they will appreciate
you in return.
6. They focus on minutes, not hours. Dont give yourself too much time to complete one
task or you will find yourself procrastinating and not working to conquer the specific
task. Give yourself the amount of time you need for the project and, once it is finished,
move on. Dont just block out hours at a time because you will find yourself fitting other
things into that time instead of what you originally blocked the time out for.