the ward method

Tag: personal-growth

  • How ‘Think and Grow Rich’ changed my life.

    How ‘Think and Grow Rich’ changed my life.

    If someone told me a book could literally shift my entire mindset, and keep doing it every single time I pick it up, I probably wouldn’t have believed them. But Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is exactly that kind of book.

    First things first: it’s not the easiest read. The language is old-school, and some chapters feel like a mental workout. Honestly, it’s the kind of book you might finish, close, and think, “Wait… what did I just read?” But here’s the thing, that’s actually part of the magic.

    This is a book you don’t just read once and toss aside. It’s a book you re-read again and again because the value doesn’t come all at once. Every time I revisit it, I pick up something new, a fresh perspective, a reminder, or a spark of motivation that I desperately needed but didn’t realize.

    As someone who’s always battling my inner critic and trying to reframe my mindset, Think and Grow Rich has become my go-to reset. It teaches you that success, growth, and really living start from within, how you think, how you believe, and how you push past those mental blocks.

    What stuck with me the most is the idea that your mindset isn’t fixed. It’s a muscle. And like any muscle, it needs regular training. When life throws those “What if I fail?” moments at me, I go back to this book. It reminds me to flip the script, to think bigger, and to grow richer, not just in money, but in confidence, resilience, and purpose.

    So yes, it’s a tough read, but it’s worth it. If you’re the kind of person who needs a little nudge to keep your mindset in check, this might just become your favourite tough-love coach on paper.

    And honestly? I’m already planning my next re-read.

  • Why you’re not lazy, you’re just scared of your own potential (and 3 ways to fix that)

    Why you’re not lazy, you’re just scared of your own potential (and 3 ways to fix that)

    Let’s talk about procrastination. Not in the “just use a Pomodoro timer” way, but in the real, raw, “why am I like this?” kind of way.

    Here’s the thing: procrastination isn’t always about poor time management or being lazy. More often than not, it’s rooted in fear. Fear of failure. Fear of success. Fear that once you do try, it might not be good enough. Or maybe, deep down, you’re scared that you actually are capable, and that’s a whole new level of pressure.

    Sound familiar? Same.

    The truth is, procrastination is your brain’s sneaky way of keeping you safe and small. But you weren’t made to play small. You were made to take up space, to create cool things, and to step into your full potential, even if it’s terrifying.

    So how do we break the cycle?

    Here are 3 powerful (and simple) ways to overcome procrastination, because everything’s better in steps, right?

    1. Do the first 5 minutes (even if it’s bad)

    Perfectionism is procrastination’s BFF. You wait to be “ready,” wait to feel motivated, wait to have the perfect plan… and suddenly it’s been a week. The hack? Trick your brain into starting. Tell yourself you’ll just do 5 minutes of the thing. Once you start, momentum usually kicks in. (And even if it doesn’t, you still did something.)

    Starting is the scary part. But it’s also the part where the magic begins.

    2. Remind yourself: it doesn’t have to be life-changing, it just has to be done

    If you’re a high-achiever or creative, you might secretly feel like everything you do needs to be impressive or worthy of applause. But guess what? Not every task needs to be revolutionary. Some things just need to get done.

    Let go of the pressure to make everything perfect. Get it out. Get it done. Refine later.

    Boring progress beats perfect procrastination.

    3. Visualize the afterglow (not the task)

    Instead of focusing on how hard or annoying the task is, zoom out. What does future you feel like after doing it? What does getting this thing done unlock for you? That sense of pride, clarity, or freedom? Focus on that.

    Your future self is already cheering for you. Go make her proud.

    You’re not “bad at time management.” You’re just human, with a brain that’s trying to protect you from discomfort. But the truth is, discomfort is part of the process. So take the leap, even if your hands shake. You don’t need to be fearless. You just need to start.

    You already have everything you need inside you. So stop ghosting your own potential.

    It’s time.

  • Real talk: balance looks different when you’re building.

    Real talk: balance looks different when you’re building.

    Let’s be honest: the whole “work/life balance” conversation?
    It’s cute in theory.
    But in real life, especially when you’re building a brand, chasing a dream, or trying to create a life you don’t need a vacation from, it’s kind of… BS.

    Because here’s the truth no one wants to say out loud:
    If you want a life that looks different, you have to move differently.
    You have to put in the hours no one sees, believe in yourself when no one claps, and keep going when most people would quit. That’s not balance, that’s commitment.

    And no, this doesn’t mean hustle until burnout or neglect your health. But it does mean realizing that in the beginning stages of anything meaningful, business, personal growth, your dream career, there’s sacrifice. There’s discipline. There’s choosing to stay in and figure it out while everyone else is chilling.

    You get what you give.
    What you pour into your work, your mindset, your energy, comes back. Maybe not tomorrow. But it will come back.

    If you’re thinking of starting a brand or business, here are 3 real, unfiltered tips you need to hear before you jump in:

    1. Start before you’re ready (clarity comes from action)

    Waiting to feel “ready” is a trap.
    You won’t suddenly wake up with all the answers, all the confidence, or the perfect plan.

    Start with what you have.
    An idea. A feeling. A problem you want to solve.
    Clarity comes from doing, not overthinking. You’ll learn more in one month of messy action than a year of sitting on the sidelines planning.

    “Done” beats “perfect.” Every time.

    2. Your brand is built in the boring stuff

    It’s not just about cute fonts and aesthetic Instagram posts (though those help).
    It’s about consistency. Systems. Emails. Following up. Doing the work no one claps for.

    The behind-the-scenes stuff? That’s what builds something sustainable.

    Show up for your brand like it’s already successful.
    Treat it like a job, even before it pays like one. That’s the energy that gets noticed.

    3. Protect your vision like it’s sacred (because it is)

    Not everyone will get what you’re doing. Some people will think it’s a phase. Others will straight-up project their fears onto your ambition.

    Do it anyway.

    This is your life. Your vision. And the truth is, most people don’t have the courage to build something of their own, so when you do, it can make them uncomfortable. That’s okay.

    Protect your energy. Unfollow the noise. And keep building.

    You might not have perfect boundaries every week. Your mornings might not be aesthetic and slow. And you might be tired sometimes. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

    It means you’re in it.
    You’re building.
    You’re growing.
    And one day, that freedom you’re working so hard for? It’ll all be worth it.

    So no, this isn’t about balance. It’s about alignment.

    And if the life you’re chasing lights you up inside…
    You’ll find a rhythm that works for you.

    Keep going.

  • Sometimes you just have to say “ew” and move on.

    Sometimes you just have to say “ew” and move on.

    There comes a moment in adulthood when you stop overanalyzing, stop giving people chance after chance, and just say: “Ew. No. I deserve better.”
    It’s not about being cold or heartless, it’s about protecting your peace, your self-worth, and the future version of you that’s tired of being drained by the same cycles.

    Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is look at a situation, whether it’s a friendship that’s gone stale, a relationship that constantly chips away at your confidence, or a family dynamic that’s been toxic for years, and just decide:
    “This will be the last time I allow this to make me feel small, confused, or not enough.”

    That’s it. That’s the moment things shift.
    Not because anything external has changed, but because you have.

    We talk a lot about boundaries, but rarely about the moment they are born. And often, it’s not in a calm, meditative state, it’s in a burst of raw clarity.
    A “this is so not it” kind of clarity.

    Maybe it comes after another disappointing conversation.
    Another ghosted text.
    Another moment where you realize you’ve been tolerating crumbs when you deserve a full damn meal.

    And that’s when you say it, “ew.”
    Not out loud, maybe. But inside, in your gut, where the truth lives. And you move on.

    It’s about being done.
    Done explaining your worth.
    Done shrinking to fit in.
    Done making excuses for people who show you time and time again who they are.

    You’re allowed to walk away from anything that doesn’t feel good anymore.
    Even if it’s been in your life for years. Even if it looks “fine” on the outside.
    You are not obligated to keep showing up for patterns that make you miserable.

    This goes beyond romantic relationships.

    • That friend who never celebrates you, but always wants your energy when they’re low? Ew.
    • That family member who constantly throws backhanded compliments or dismisses your dreams? Ew.
    • That ex you keep circling back to because “maybe this time it’ll be different”? You already know. Ew.

    You’re allowed to outgrow people. You’re allowed to choose peace over nostalgia.

    Adulthood isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about knowing what you won’t tolerate anymore.
    And sometimes the most radical act of self-respect is to say, “This doesn’t feel right, and I’m not doing it anymore.”

    Let people think you’re too sensitive.
    Let them think you’ve changed.
    Because you have, and that’s the point.

    This chapter of your life doesn’t need more apologies. It needs more honesty.
    It needs boundaries that don’t shake.
    It needs you to look around and decide: “If it’s not good for my energy, my peace, or my growth… I’m out.”

    Say ew, mean it, and move on. Your future self will thank you.

  • Letting go of what no longer serves you.

    Letting go of what no longer serves you.

    Your 30s hit different.

    You start craving things you didn’t even think about in your early 20s, like peace, stability, better friends, better food, and a deeper connection with yourself. You start realizing how much noise you’ve tolerated. How many people, habits, and thoughts you’ve kept around simply because you didn’t want to rock the boat.

    But here’s the truth: If it’s draining you, it’s not for you.
    And letting go isn’t dramatic, it’s growth.

    Whether it’s the situationship that’s been stringing you along for way too long, the job that feels like soul dust, the inner critic that’s been living rent-free in your head, or even the group chat that leaves you feeling weirdly off after every message… you’re allowed to outgrow what no longer aligns.

    In fact, you’re meant to.

    Here’s the mindset shift:

    Letting go isn’t losing something. It’s choosing you.

    It’s choosing to make space for better. For things that feel reciprocal. For people who clap when you win. For opportunities that don’t leave you second-guessing yourself. For the version of you that actually feels good to be in.

    Because holding onto things that no longer serve you?
    That’s the real self-abandonment.

    3 ways to start letting go (and not feel bad about it):

    1. Get radically honest.
    Ask yourself: Is this helping me grow, or is it keeping me stuck?
    Sometimes we stay attached to patterns because they’re familiar, not because they’re good for us. Getting honest with yourself is the first step to creating change.

    2. Set boundaries without guilt.
    You don’t have to explain your growth to everyone. You’re allowed to create space without writing a five-paragraph apology text. Boundaries are not walls, they’re bridges to a better version of you.

    3. Let it feel uncomfortable.
    Letting go is not always graceful. Sometimes it looks like crying in your car, deleting a number, unfollowing someone you still care about, or sitting with silence instead of seeking chaos. But that discomfort? It’s where your power builds.

    You’re not too much for wanting more.
    You’re not behind for pivoting in your 30s.
    You’re not selfish for choosing peace.

    You’re just growing into the version of you who knows her worth, and refuses to shrink to fit where she no longer belongs.

    And that version of you?
    She’s not afraid to let go anymore.

  • Comfort might be the vibe, but it’s not where the growth is.

    Comfort might be the vibe, but it’s not where the growth is.

    Let’s be honest: comfort is tempting. It’s warm. Familiar. Safe. It’s the “I’ll just stay here where I know what’s going on” mindset. The job that doesn’t light you up, but pays the bills. The routine that keeps you from spiraling, but also keeps you stuck. The “maybe next week” energy when it comes to going after the thing you actually want.

    And look, there’s nothing wrong with wanting stability. Or loving your cozy routines. But if I’m being real with myself (and you), staying comfortable has never been what helped me grow. It just helped me avoid.

    Because growth? It’s awkward. Messy. Slightly unhinged. It looks like imposter syndrome. It sounds like overthinking your first YouTube upload or voice shaking through a pitch. It feels like discomfort, uncertainty, and that annoying little pit in your stomach that whispers, “What if this doesn’t work out?”

    But also, what if it does?

    That’s the thing about comfort: it keeps you safe, but it also keeps you small. It’s the voice that says, “You don’t need to try that. Just stay here.” But staying “here” means never finding out what could be possible if you just pushed through the awkward phase. Or took the risk. Or said yes before you felt fully ready.

    Because spoiler: you’re never really ready. You just get brave enough to start anyway.

    So if you’ve been feeling stuck or stagnant, maybe it’s not because something’s wrong with you. Maybe it’s just time to shake things up. Change your routine. Say the scary yes. Get uncomfortable on purpose. It might suck at first, but eventually you find your rhythm again, and you’ll realize you’ve grown into a version of yourself you didn’t even know existed.

    Comfort is nice. But you weren’t made to live in “nice.”

    You were made to evolve.

  • Feel it all (even the messy stuff).

    Feel it all (even the messy stuff).

    If there’s one thing I’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, it’s that being honest with yourself is non-negotiable. Like, no one wins when you pretend everything’s fine and bottle it all up. Vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s actually what makes you feel human. And feeling human, the highs, the lows, the “what am I doing with my life” spirals, that’s literally what life is. The full experience.

    You’re not supposed to be happy all the time. (Wouldn’t that be exhausting anyway?) But when you’re in a bad mood or feeling stuck, the goal isn’t to “fix” it immediately, it’s to understand it, move with it, and then gently guide yourself back to a better place.

    Here are 3 simple ways I’ve learned to shift my energy when I’m not in the best headspace. No toxic positivity, just real stuff that helps:

    1. Say it out loud

    Literally just… say it. To a friend, into your Notes app, or out loud while you pace your kitchen. Naming what you feel gives it less power. “I’m overwhelmed.” “I feel sad and I don’t know why.” “I’m just in a mood today.” You don’t have to solve it immediately, just let it out.

    2. Get outside (even if you don’t want to)

    Fresh air does more for your brain than Instagram quotes ever will. Go outside. Walk around the block. Touch some grass. Sit in the sun. It’s not about being productive, it’s about shifting your environment so your thoughts have room to breathe.

    3. Do one tiny thing that makes you feel like you

    Not ten things. Not a whole to-do list. Just one. Maybe it’s making a smoothie. Or blasting your favourite playlist. Or doing your skincare routine mid-afternoon, and convincing yourself you’re the main character. It doesn’t have to be deep, it just has to reconnect you to you.

    Bad moods pass. Good moods come back. And the more honest you are with yourself through it all, the more peace you’ll feel in the long run.

    So feel the feels. Be dramatic in your Notes app. Go for a walk. Then come home, throw on a face mask, and remember: being human is the whole point.

  • There was nowhere to go but everywhere.

    There was nowhere to go but everywhere.

    An ode to staying soft and brave, even when the road is uncertain.

    “There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep rolling under the stars.” — Jack Kerouac

    I come back to this quote often. Not just because Kerouac is one of my favourite writers, but because these words feel like a gentle reminder from the universe: you’re not stuck, you’re just in motion.

    Life isn’t linear. It doesn’t always make sense. And sometimes, it takes breaking down on the side of your own metaphorical highway to remember that you’re still allowed to dream. Still allowed to get back in the car, blast your favourite song, and take the long way home.

    There’s something comforting about the idea that you don’t need a perfect plan to keep going. That you can be messy and unsure and still brave. That rolling under the stars, wherever they lead you, is enough.

    I think sometimes we convince ourselves we’ve missed our shot. That if we didn’t figure it all out by a certain age, or if things didn’t go as planned, then maybe we’re not cut out for the life we once wanted. But the truth is, we’re never too late for anything meant for us. Not love. Not growth. Not big, soul-filling dreams.

    And you don’t need to have it all figured out to start. You just need a little courage and a lot of heart. The rest? It comes as you go.

    No matter how old you are.
    No matter how defeated you’ve felt.
    You are strong enough to do hard things.
    To change direction.
    To start again.
    To roll on, dusty, hopeful, a little broken, but still here.

    So if you needed a sign today, this is it.

    You don’t need a map.
    You just need movement.
    Keep rolling.
    Keep showing up.
    There’s still everywhere left to go. Chase your dreams.

  • Learning to love the in-between.

    Learning to love the in-between.

    There’s this weird space you land in after a long-term relationship ends.

    You’re not who you used to be.
    You’re not quite who you’re becoming.
    And honestly? It’s awkward. Uncomfortable. Quiet in a way that sometimes feels deafening.

    After a breakup, especially one that took up years of your life, it’s easy to feel like you’ve lost your person and your place. Your routines change. Your weekends feel empty. Your phone is quieter. Your bed feels too big.

    But I’m learning that this space, the space between where I’ve been and where I’m going, matters.

    It’s where the healing lives.
    It’s where the growth begins.
    It’s where you meet yourself again.

    There are days it feels lonely, yes. But being alone doesn’t mean you’re failing. It doesn’t mean you’re unwanted. It means you’re finally choosing yourself, maybe for the first time in a long time.

    And that’s brave as hell.

    I’ve had to remind myself that I don’t need to rush into something new just to avoid the discomfort.
    I don’t need to fill every silence.
    I don’t need to be “over it” in 30 days or less.

    Some mornings I wake up and feel peace for the first time in months. Other days, I want to text them just to feel a little less distant from what I lost. Both realities are valid. Healing isn’t linear.

    What’s helping me now is learning to enjoy the in-between.

    Taking myself out for coffee.
    Going to the beach with no one to impress.
    Laying in bed with my digital camera beside me, my favorite playlist on, and no plans.
    Making space for the quiet, even if it feels awkward.
    Letting this season soften me instead of harden me.

    Because one day, this version of me, the one that’s growing in solitude, figuring it out alone, will be the version I thank.

    So if you’re in the in-between too, take a breath. You’re not behind.
    You’re not broken.
    You’re just rebuilding.

    And maybe this chapter, as uncomfortable as it is, will be the one that finally brings you home to yourself.

  • I’m over living for the internet.

    I’m over living for the internet.

    I’m tired.
    Tired of trying to live up to every expectation I see online.
    Tired of measuring my worth based on how “put together” I look.
    Tired of chasing a version of perfection that doesn’t even feel real.

    At some point, I had to stop and ask myself:
    Who am I trying to impress? And at what cost?

    Because constantly trying to be the most flawless version of myself—physically, emotionally, aesthetically, is exhausting.
    And no matter how much effort I put in, it never actually feels like enough or like me.

    I’ve realized that this need to be “perfect and appealing” to the male gaze all the time. It’s not really worth it. Why would you want to look like everyone else?


    It’s been subconsciously forced to us through filtered highlight reels, impossible beauty trends, and the subtle (or not-so-subtle) messaging that we are:
    Not polished enough.
    Not thin enough.
    Not cool enough.
    Not enough.

    But what if we just let that go?

    What if instead of chasing perfection, we started chasing peace?
    Confidence that comes from within.
    The kind that isn’t dependent on validation, likes, or approval.

    I want to wake up and not immediately feel like I’m behind.
    I want to feel good in my own life, not just in curated, post-able moments.
    And most of all, I want to stop waiting to be some perfect version of myself before I start living fully.

    You can still take care of yourself.
    You can still want to grow and glow and become your best self.
    But you don’t have to hate yourself along the way.
    And you don’t have to become someone you’re not just to feel worthy.

    So no, I’m not chasing “perfect” anymore.
    I’m choosing to be real.
    Messy.
    Honest.
    And enough as I am.

    Because once you stop performing for the world and start showing up for yourself, everything changes.