So as you all know, SlideBelts now offers a 401(k), and whether you’re eligible now or will be in the near future, it’s a pretty cool perk. The other day as I was setting mine up, picking my contribution percentages and beneficiaries, I stopped to think to myself “Wow, this is awesome. I’m in my early 20’s and already planning for retirement. I’m so adulty right now.”

Fast forward a few days later. I’m meandering through TjMaxx when I walk through an aisle and right into the line of fire from a furious mother scolding her children who were misbehaving. She had that crisp anger in her voice that only a mother can come up with as she said very loudly “You kids have both lost your privilege of getting anything here today!” Immediately, a shiver went down my spine, and flashbacks came flooding into my mind of the times I had received similar scoldings as a kid.

As I scurried away from the aisle as fast as I could, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud about my involuntary reaction to the scene. It baffled me how I could feel so “grown up” some days, and then all it took was overhearing one livid remark from a mother to instantly bring me back to 6 years old for a second.

I think here at SlideBelts it can often seem like these two scenarios. Some days we feel like pros and that we’ve got our daily tasks down; like we could do them in our sleep. And then other days something comes up that makes you remember that maybe you’re not as “grown up” as you thought. It’s important to know that this kind of wake up call happens to everyone here, top to bottom, and that we’re all learning and growing in each department, at our own pace, and that’s perfectly fine! Lastly, it made me appreciate you parents out there, so kudos to you guys. My sister who is a mom said this meme is pretty accurate when it comes to parenting, so I tried to keep it in mind for that scary mom in TjMaxx:

If you're anything like me, sometimes it can be a struggle to stay focused throughout the day. Sure we all try to be as productive as possible but, sometimes, it can just simply be a bit of a challenge to remain connected and focused on our work. Distractions, unforeseen tasks, and procrastination are among some of the many reasons why we tend to lose our focus. 

Well, not too long ago, I read up on how one can improve productivity while at work. And since it wouldn't hurt any of us to know how we can improve on our productivity levels, I thought I share some of the simple hacks I found most interesting. 

- Don't multitask. Take on one thing at a time to avoid being sucked into a time trap. Creating a to-do list can help with this hack. 

- Chew some gum. Try to keep a pack of gum near you, as chewing gum boost concentration. 

- Have something green around you. Because the exposure to the color green makes people more productive, aim to incorporate something green around your work space. A plant is a perfect tool for this!

- Make sure you're taking your breaks. Taking your mind off work for a short period of time will help you make the most out of your working time. 

- Invest in a "fidget toy" or stress ball. Purchase a "fidget toy" or a stress ball to improve your focus and productivity...I think this means we should all get fidget spinners . 

- And last but not least, sneak in a piece of dark chocolate whenever you can. Dark chocolate has antioxidants that slow cognitive decline and also has caffeine which can boost concentration...this will now be the reason why I have my hand in the candy jar...just trying to boost my concentration guys . 

These are only a few hacks to keep in mind. There are dozens and dozens of more techniques you can utilize and practice. And should you utilize one and it doesn't quite work for you, move on to the next one and keep going until you find the one(s) that work best for you. 

I had a plan. I was set on a specific goal and in a specific location. I was determined and focused. I woke up early packed my things and set out to find this trail I was planning on hiking. 

With all my grit and resolution I still managed to take a wrong turn on one of the many dirt roads I was traveling. 

Of course, my initial reaction was frustration, maybe a bit of anger, but I just kept driving as I cooled off. 

Suddenly, I came across a Lake so I grab my paddle board and decide to make the best of my situation. As I make my way around this alpine lake I come around a corner and this beautiful waterfall. 

What started as a mistake turned into the discovery of a waterfall I had no idea existed. 

Focus, grit, determination are all great traits to have but remember that mistakes and failures can be wins if you stay calm and let it ride. Enjoy your week everyone and keep looking for the silver linings!