đź’­ The secret to staying motivated

1/20: Sponsored by BetterHelp and Mood: boost self-confidence, new habits for 2025, motivation playlists

Monday

"You must do the things you think you cannot do."

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Welcome to Monday! Today, we're chatting about:

  • 10 ways to boost your self-confidence

  • New habits for 2025

  • How to take control of your year

  • Our favorite motivation playlists

  • A feel-good gummy to try

  • Question of the day

True or False…

Listening to upbeat music can increase motivation.

Scroll for the answer!

10 Ways To Boost Your Self-Confidence

Confidence isn’t a magical trait—it’s a skill you can build, one step at a time. Let’s break it down into manageable steps to help you feel like your best self.

  1. Make a List of Your Strengths
    Write down things you’re good at—big or small. Seeing your skills on paper can help you believe in them.

  2. Try Something New
    Explore a new hobby or skill. Stepping out of your comfort zone can uncover hidden talents and boost your self-belief.

  3. Keep a Compliment Journal
    Record compliments you’ve received. On tough days, revisit them to remind yourself of your worth.

  4. Practice “Fake It ’Til You Make It”
    Act confident, even if you’re nervous. Over time, this mindset can help you truly feel more self-assured.

  5. Take Care of Your Body
    Exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep. Physical wellness supports mental confidence.

  6. Celebrate Small Wins
    Acknowledge and celebrate even minor achievements to keep your confidence growing.

  7. Focus on Learning From Failures
    Don’t let mistakes hold you back. View them as opportunities to grow and improve.

  8. Spend Time With Supportive People
    Surround yourself with people who lift you up and encourage your confidence.

  9. Volunteer Your Time
    Helping others can give you a sense of purpose and remind you of your abilities.

  10. Take Action
    Instead of overthinking, start doing. Small, consistent actions build confidence over time.

Remember, confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about embracing who you are and letting your light shine. You've got this!

Crossed hands

Easy Habits To Feel Your Best in 2025

Sometimes self-care feels overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Small habits can make a big difference—and they’re easier to stick with. Here are a few quick tips to help you feel your best in 2025.

Step into the sunlight early. Research shows that catching natural light in the morning can set your body’s clock for better sleep and focus later. Can’t get outside? A light therapy lamp can mimic the sun’s benefits during darker months.

Take a post-meal stroll. A short walk after eating helps with digestion, improves mood, and even inspires creativity. It’s a chance to clear your head and move your body—no gym membership required.

Breathe with intention. Try box breathing: inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, and repeat. This calming technique helps your body reset and refocus in just minutes.

These tiny tweaks fit seamlessly into your day, leaving you feeling energized and grounded—no massive lifestyle overhaul required!

Take Charge of Your Life in 2025

Ever feel like your to-do list is running your life? You’re not alone, but here’s the secret: small, intentional steps can reignite your motivation. It’s not about doing everything at once—it’s about doing one thing that matters.

Start by choosing a single, small task. It could be as simple as making your bed or drinking a glass of water before coffee. These little victories give your brain a dopamine boost, making it easier to tackle bigger challenges.

Next, create an environment that supports action. Set your workout clothes out the night before or put your journal on your pillow. These visual cues are gentle nudges that keep you on track without extra effort.

Lastly, celebrate your wins. Finished your morning walk? Smile about it. Completed your first chapter? Treat yourself. By focusing on progress instead of perfection, you’ll feel inspired to keep going. Small steps truly do lead to big changes.

2025 is Your Blank Page. Write a Story You Love.

The new year doesn’t have to be about overwhelming resolutions or unrealistic goals. Instead, it’s an opportunity to create a chapter you love—on your own terms.

BetterHelp makes therapy convenient, accessible, and personalized to help you focus on what truly matters. BetterHelp connects you with one of 30,000+ licensed therapists from a diverse network, and you can switch anytime at no extra cost if it’s not the right fit.

Whether it’s tackling anxiety, navigating relationships, or finding balance, you’ll get 30% off your first three months of therapy and can even use your FSA funds to invest in yourself. Start writing the life story you deserve—BetterHelp is just a click away.

Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Our Favorite Motivation Playlists To Boost Your Mood

Sometimes the perfect song is all it takes to turn a rough day around. Music can energize, calm, or inspire us—and curated playlists make it easier than ever to find your perfect vibe. Here are five motivational playlists that can lift your spirits in no time.

1. "Good Vibes Only" on Spotify. Packed with upbeat hits, this playlist is your go-to for a quick energy boost. Think sing-along pop anthems and feel-good beats.

2. "Morning Coffee" on Apple Music. Need a gentle nudge to start your day? This mix pairs mellow, acoustic sounds with a hint of optimism, perfect for easing into the morning.

3. "Confidence Boost" on Spotify. Featuring empowering tracks from artists like Lizzo and Beyoncé, this playlist is a pep talk in music form—perfect for tackling your to-do list.

4. "Lo-Fi Beats" on YouTube. For focus and calm, try these instrumental chill-hop tunes. It’s great for work, study, or simply winding down.

5. "Feel Good Classics" on Pandora. Nostalgic jams from decades past bring joy and familiarity, reminding you that some songs never fail to uplift.

Press play and let the music do the rest. You deserve it!

This cannabis startup pioneered “rapid onset” gummies

Most people prefer to smoke cannabis but that isn’t an option if you’re at work or in public.

That’s why we were so excited when we found out about Mood’s new Rapid Onset THC Gummies. They can take effect in as little as 5 minutes without the need for a lighter, lingering smells or any coughing.

Nobody will ever know you’re enjoying some THC.

We recommend you try them out because they offer a 100% money-back guarantee. And for a limited time, you can receive 20% off with code FIRST20.

Thank you to Mood for sponsoring Note To Self.

How do you motivate yourself?

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Parting Thoughts

  • âś… True or False: True: Listening to upbeat music can enhance motivation by increasing energy, improving mood, and reducing the perception of effort, making tasks feel more enjoyable and less tedious.

  • 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

  • đź’­ Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: To stay motivated, focus on setting achievable goals, surrounding yourself with positive influences, and finding activities that bring enjoyment and purpose. Consistency, self-care, and maintaining a positive mindset are key to sustaining long-term motivation.

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Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!