Self-Help Books That Won't Make Your Eyes Roll: The Co-Worker's List

Self-Help Books That Won’t Make Your Eyes Roll: The Co-Worker’s List

Confession: I’m a self-help junkie. When I was growing up my Dad would make us listen to “Think and Grow Rich,” on cassette tape in the car, gift all four children his annual book of choice at Christmas, and frame excerpts from “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and put them around the house.

 I rolled my eyes at the time, but--what can I say--his thirst for being the best “you” you can be rubbed off on me. 

There’s been many times in my life when the right self-help book shifted me out of a funk, or given me the exact inspiration I needed to go after what I wanted (in relationships, business, personal healing and beyond).

 While there’s so many great books out there, what I’ve learned is that it’s really about picking up the right book at the right time. And with the overabundance of preachy texts lurking the shelves, it can be hard to tell what’s total BS and what’s filled with motivational gold that was meant for you.

Fear not my growth-hungry friend! I’ve compiled a list of the co-worker’s favorite here at Sourced. On this list you’ll find something for all personality types, reading styles and self-help needing moments in life.

SOURCED. community library (and many oracle decks)

1) “Journey To the Heart” by Melody Bettie 

Recommended by Heidi Dametz.  Designer and Co-founder at Aha Crafted Jewelry.

“This is a daily meditation book. The passages are dated for a full year and they are just under a page long. I try to read it daily. I’ve had it for 6 years. She has a way of putting a thought or idea that I think most people struggle with and offers a soft/gentle way for your mind and soul to embrace it.”

2) "Thinking with Type" by Ellen Lupton

Recommended by Jaclyn Florescio. Illustrator and graphic artist.

“When I need guidance about typography or graphic design, this is my go-to book.  "It's not a book about fonts, it's about how to use them." It provides examples, explanations and exercises that have helped me tremendously.”

3) “The Untethered Soul” by Michael A. Singer” and  4) “Notes to Myself” by Hugh Prather 

Recommended by Makenna Zur Schmiede. Actress and Yoga Instructor at Bala Shala Yoga.

“Rather than notating, I recommend with these books coming back to them every once in a while. Letting each new version of you get excited and inspired all over again.” 

5) “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho

Recommended by Gianfranco Pagliara. Remote Sales Manager at Direct Med.

“This book taught me that there is a world out there to be explored and to break past the status quo. Sometimes you have to take a risk (which is how I’m now out here in Cali!)”

 
6) “White Hot Truth” by Danielle Laporte

Recommended by Devon Walz (yours truly!). Artist and Creative Mentor. 

“This is spirituality and self-help for those who are sick of the BS being floated around in spirituality and self-help. Danielle goes into all topics that are medicine for the heart, while calling out what’s been toxifying the self-help world. I recommend it for anyone who wants to reconnect with truth, with themselves and with the divine in a refreshingly real way. 

I recommend one quick read to soak it all in and then returning with a highlighter to capture the gems.”

7) “You Are a Badass” by Jenn Scincero 

Recommended by Sharael Kolberg. Web Developer and Travel Writer.

All the personal development fundamentals with a no-bs, ass-kicking twist. Jenn’s writing style will ensure you keep the pages turning and her wisdom is on point. A great read for when you need that real deal pep talk!

Soak in one or more of these bad boys and you’re sure to hit your next level before Halloween. Sourced guaranteed. Enjoy!

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Written by Devon Walz. In addition to being a content creator for Sourced, Devon is mixed media fine artist and art educator. When she isn’t dreaming up new topics for the Sourced blog or chatting away with her co-workers, you can probably find her covered in paint and jamming out in her Santa Ana art studio. Find her on Instagram @devonwalzart and online at www.devonwalz.com. 

The Top 5 Best Things About Co-Working

Before working at Sourced, I either felt chained to my home office (aka the tiny desk in my bedroom) or constantly scrambling to find the perfect coffee shop (comfortable chairs, outlets, always a space, decently quiet, not Starbucks, great wifi...it doesn’t exist). 

Since becoming a Sourced member I can’t believe I waited this long to start co-working. However, I think the reason it took me so long to jump on that bandwagon is I didn’t realize what I was missing out on. It’s hard to put your finger on what’s been lacking until you’ve found it.  

So I thought I’d break it down for you.

Here are my favorite things about CO-WORKING (and why you need to start co-working, too). 

1. Reason To Get Dressed

If you go to a job, you might not get this one. But for the rest of you entrepreneurs and freelancers, you KNOW how easy it is to stay in your pajamas and how much you miss having a reason to put on an outfit (the grocery store is simply not motivating enough-- am I right? ). I love having a reason to get ready and show up as I the kind of person I’d like to be in my business. But beyond just feeling cute, this actually has an effect on how I see myself as a business owner. And a human. 

Photo by Riley Starr

2. Laguna Beach Life

Obviously, this is only a benefit if you co-work at Sourced, but it’s been huge for me! Not only is Sourced itself the most adorable, love-filled beach cottage you’ll ever set foot in, but it simply cannot be separated from the fact that it’s one block from the beach. And a stone’s throw away from from my favorite coffee shop. And from my two favorite places to grab lunch (The Stand and Active Culture). Where you spend your time matters. It affects your productivity AND your joy.

Photo by Neighborhood Creative

3. Networking

While this isn’t my favorite word it IS important as a small business owner and it’s been one of the biggest benefits of co-working for me. Not to mention, this is NOT something you get from your local coffee shop (...or bedroom for that matter). 

New business often comes from people you already have some kind of connection with. When someone needs a logo designed, who are they going to turn to or refer out? The fun friend they sit next to all day or a random designer off Yelp? Without IRL connections, you’re likely going to have a hard time staying afloat. 

Photo by Neighborhood Creative

4.   Liking What You Do For Work WAY More

Did you know there was a study done that showed that those who have a best friend at work are seven times as likely to be engaged in their jobs, produce higher quality work, and are way happier? It showed that who you work with is a bigger factor in liking your job than what your job actually is.

If you’ve been a freelancer or business owner for awhile, you know it can be just as isolating as it is freeing. Co-working brings back into balance what you lack when you work for yourself: other people! Yes, as covered in #3 is this important for networking. But it’s also important for ENJOYING that independent lifestyle you probably dreamed about for so long. You need jokes and side convos and group coffee breaks-- not just 1-on-1 hours with a screen. It helps your productivity tons and allows you to work longer days, too.

Photo by Mary Hurlbut

5.  Support

Similar (but different) to  #3 and #4, another thing co-working brings to the table are people who can offer you help, feedback, encouragement and support. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked Riley, our photographer,  for help with Photoshop, or Jaclyn, an illustrator and designer, for a second opinion on business cards. In a co-working space you have access to people with a whole variety of specializations and skills, allowing you to up-level in ways you couldn’t of on your own. It also gives YOU the chance to lend a helping hand with what you do best, too. Again, your business and your happiness will be better for it.

Photo by Riley Starr

So there you have it-- 5 reasons to get your booty in community and start working alongside to people that help you out and make you laugh on a regular basis.

Want to find the RIGHT space for you and what you do? Try it out first! Go to an event or get a day pass.  Different spaces draw in different crowds. Since most these benefits listed have to do with the people you work next to, it’s important to find a space and a vibe that resonates with you. That’s also to say that if you’ve tried out a co-working space before and you didn’t feel very at home, it very well could’ve just been that office space. 

Photo by Neighborhood Creative

And if you need a little nudge in the right direction, I can tell you right now that if warm, supportive, welcoming energy is your thing and you don’t mind being next to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, SOURCED. is probably your place.

Happy Co-Working!

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Written by Devon Walz. In addition to being a content creator for Sourced, Devon is mixed media fine artist and art educator. When she isn’t dreaming up new topics for the Sourced blog or chatting away with her co-workers, you can probably find her covered in paint and jamming out in her Santa Ana art studio. Find her on Instagram @devonwalzart and online at www.devonwalz.com. 

Productivity Hacks

Productivity Hacks brought to you by SOURCED

Whether you’re working from home in your sweatpants or in a dedicated office space, we’ve all had those moments, days or even weeks when the struggle to focus is real!

No matter what type of industry or position you’re in, we all have calls to make, meetings to host, places to be, multiple project deadlines, and an email inbox that rarely (if ever) gets to that 0 unread point. So when time is money and it's time to focus, how can we stay focused to maximize our productivity & work efficiently?

I asked this question to the SOURCED community where #radpeoplework, and received a motherload of valuable tips and tools to set your work days up for success.

Here are some of our favorite Productivity Hacks from the SOURCED. crew:

Turn the Notifications Off!

Yeah, limiting distractions can be easier said than done- but did you know that every distraction can cost you 30 minutes!? (according to The Muse). So when you need to get in the zone, that means shutting off anything that can take you off track - even if just for a minute.

Here are some ways to help stop common distractions:

1. Turn on a daily social media limit via the “screen time” application on your phone

2. Delete social media apps off your phone completely until your work is done

3. Turn off all notifications or silence your phone so you won’t be distracted by texts from friends

4. Place your phone completely out of sight - if you can’t completely shut your phone off during the work day, placing it out of sight will help keep interruptions out of sight but allow you to still hear it if it starts ringing

Embrace a Tidy Space

When you walk through SOURCED and notice the blank desk spaces, open shelving and organizing containers - know this set-up is not just for the cute decor, it’s to create a productive place to work!

Here’s what we recommend to create a productive work space:

1. Keep your desk space tidy & decluttered - with less objects in your surroundings you’re less likely to get distracted!

2. Add some inspiring energy to your workspace with some plants, a nice view or decor that represents your creativity and personality! Just make sure it doesn’t add clutter.

3. If you’re like me and have not been able to create this kind of space at your main desk, then move to your favorite coworking space or cafe, and don’t leave until you’ve finished all the work you need to get done!

Work that Work Schedule

If you have the freedom to control your schedule, it’s easy to just not have a set schedule then. However, for the team at SOURCED, we’ve found that we are most productive when we actually do set a standard routine or set time batches - at least for the days when we need to stay productive.

Here’s how you can set a schedule:

1. Start work at the same time everyday

2. Schedule blocks by the hour or even by the day to focus on a specific project or set of tasks.

3. Put these time blocks on your calendar! Unless it’s on your calendar, it's basically imagery.

Give it a break!
To keep your full focus and energy, you need to take dedicated (aka. planned) breaks throughout the day. Reaching burnout or fatigue is not going to help you stay productive.

This is how we break up our days at SOURCED:

1. Take a walk

2. Eat! Don’t work through your lunch or snack breaks, instead use this time to shut off for a bit

3. Dance party!

4. Journaling

Truth: As you can see, we all work a little bit differently and it may take some trial and error to see what productivity hacks will work best for you - so the next time you’re unable to focus, give one of our SOURCED hacks a try and get back in your productivity groove!

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Written by Nicole Prybula.

Nicole is a Corporate Event Producer that loves turning a standard business meeting into an impactful brand experience that attendees fall in love with. If Nicole isn't soaking up inspiration working with her co-workers at Sourced, it's because she's traveling and working from a cafe on the other side of the world. Find her online at www.cultivatedexperiences.com and follow her adventures on Instagram at @cultivatedexperiences

Meet the Co-workers: A Conversation with Jaclyn Florescio of Yellow and Lace

When I walk into SOURCED. and see Jac set up with her laptop, I light up because I know it’s going to be a fun day.

Not only is Jaclyn a seriously talented artist, but she’s become my biz bestie in the office (we can pass HOURS chatting strategy, art, jokes, just about anything).  She also has a killer eye for design. When I need visual feedback on anything at all, Jac’s who I call.

Jaclyn runs a one-woman design and illustration company called Yellow and Lace where she does a little bit of everything: wedding invitations, custom paintings, typography and more. She’s a hard worker, loving officemate and can draw just about anything...in any style.

Taken from @yellowandlace

I hope you enjoy getting to know her as I have. Without further ado- here’s my convo with Jac!

What is your favorite kind of project to work on? And with who?

In general, I like projects that require intentional planning and creativity.  From mocking up PDF presentations (yes, I was that girl who was stoked to make her own powerpoint) to an invitation suite.   One project may be more graphic design heavy and the other is more focused on illustration, but both require thoughtful planning.  Whether it's through placement of shapes and text or illustration and painting, my job is to communicate what needs to be communicated.    Anyway, lately invitations have been a lot of fun and mainly because it's illustration heavy and the clients I have worked with want to invest in my creativity and skills.  

What is the best thing about being a one-woman small biz?

I get to work in my pajamas, don't have to shower, and can sleep during my break.  haha I'm joking (kind of). I've never been great at getting to work on time. I am a creative at heart and if you're a fellow creative, it's difficult to turn creativity on and off whenever you want.  My creativity usually comes out in the wee hours of the night, which means when you're waking up, I am probably just about to go to bed. So I guess that's what I like about being a one-woman small biz, I create my own schedule and am not pressured to clock into work!

What have you found to be the most challenging thing about it?

However, with that being said, creating a routine is very difficult for me.   And a lot of people say that they start their own business because they want more freedom; however, you quickly learn that routine and having a schedule is VERY crucial.  One can get caught up in the "freedom" and really waste a lot of time. Another challenge is that you end up wearing so many hats, it can be a bit overwhelming to work. I end up spending more time on the business side of things that actually creating. Just because I wanted to start a business making art, did not mean that I knew how to  run an actual business. I didn't know how to make contracts and invoices. You learn a lot about those things (the hard way) as you go.

What are your co-working day essentials and favorite tools?

Laptop

iphone and ipad

Sketchbook and pencil

(and coffee)

What do you love most about co-working at Sourced?

Uhh, we're right next to the beach.  There is nothing more inspiring than nature.  I like that I get to be around other creatives!  It's nice to know there are a lot of people just like me going through the same struggles I am in their own businesses/work.   We have so many different kinds of creatives here, so basically we morph into one giant dream team and create some very memorable events.  Speaking of events, I like working here because I get to experience the "office work party" Doing your own thing can be super lonely and isolating.  When I work from home, the only person I end up talking to is my dog. I mean she loves me and all, but she can't really give me business advice or critique my work.   I can count on her for emotional support though.

You can dive deeper into Jaclyn’s world by following her on Instagram @yellowandlace and visiting her website  http://www.yellowandlace.com.

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Written by Devon Walz. In addition to being a content creator for Sourced, Devon is mixed media fine artist and art educator. When she isn’t dreaming up new topics for the Sourced blog or chatting away with her co-workers, you can probably find her covered in paint and jamming out in her Santa Ana art studio. Find her on Instagram @devonwalzart and online at www.devonwalz.com.

Photos by Riley Starr Photo