Happy Monday Tuesday!

I hope you had a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

I spent a few hours over the weekend thinking about what my goals are for this newsletter as we head into fall and, before we know it, Q4.

I started this project because I wanted a way to share the tools, resources, and knowledge I’ve collected during my decade+ as an entrepreneur and also as someone who has been on an intentional personal growth journey since 2017.

I also have an observational learning style, meaning I learn best by watching others and then trying it myself. This has been incredibly helpful in both of these journeys, as I've been able to pick up new skills and strategies by observing successful entrepreneurs and/or personal growth mentors in action.

So, in short, I simply wanted to share all the things that have and have not worked for me so it might make your journey a bit easier.

One of the most impactful practices I have developed along the way is what I now refer to as the Best Week Basics.

It’s been a little over four months since I published the first issue of this newsletter and it dawned on me this weekend that I never really “introduced” what Best Week Ever actually is/means. 

It’s somewhat implied, obviously, but it’s more than just a title or tagline, it’s meant to be a framework you can follow to create 🥁drum roll please: your Best Week Ever.

But I feel like I need to take it a step further and also define what “best week ever” means in this context.

The best way I can describe it is that Friday feeling where you look back and think, "Wow, I killed it this week."  

You're wrapping things up, feeling accomplished and at peace with your progress.  

You're not just keeping your head above water; you're thriving, both personally and professionally.  

Everything feels under control, nothing's slipping through the cracks, and you're excited to keep the momentum going.

It's a sense of balance, achievement, and forward progress that we're all chasing.  

And the best part?  It's totally within our reach.

I wholeheartedly believe that you can have your best week, every week. 

But it doesn't just happen by chance. It takes a little planning and intention. 

And that's where the "Best Week Basics" come in.

There’s a reason this simple, three-step routine is the very first section of the newsletter and why I encourage you to spend 20 minutes completing the process before you continue reading. 

If you follow this framework, execute the plan that you create as a result, and remain consistent in your practice, I guarantee you’ll be having your best week, every week.

But listen, I’m a reasonable person. I know life will continue to happen. 

Things will not go as planned, you’ll get derailed, you’ll completely fail some weeks.

And that’s okay.

The important part is that you continue to show up with the intention of having your best week ever. 

You’ll get better every single week.

And before you know it, you’ll be saying, “Damn. That really was the best week ever!”.

Now, let’s dive a little further into the Best Week Basics.

I feel like this is the piece every other time management / productivity method leaves out. Instead of only focusing on what’s ahead, take a few minutes to think about what you’ve done. This reflection step is crucial for growth and helps you:

Now that you've learned from the past, it's time to look forward. What do you want to achieve this week? What are your top priorities?

Setting clear intentions is like setting your GPS for the week. It helps you:

Finally, it's time to put your intentions into action. Look at your calendar and schedule time for your most important tasks.

Time blocking is a game-changer for productivity. It helps you:

Ohhh friends, we have seen this card before. Only, this time it shows up in its reversed form. The Suit of Wands is focused on energy and The Page of Wands centers this energy around the birth of new ideas, inspiration,enthusiasm, and discovery.

When this card is reversed, however, we start to see a more negative side of these qualities. You may have all these great new ideas, but you don’t know what to do with them. You end up just stuck in the planning stages and unable to act. Instead of being enthusiastic about new beginnings, you find yourself bored and unmotivated. You may have a lack of interest in discovering anything new even though you are not currently content. 

The reversal of the Page of Wands can indicate that you tried to start something new and have encountered setbacks, obstacles, and negativity. It may not have turned out like you wanted. This has left you feeling unmotivated and indecisive on how to continue or if you even want to continue. If this resonates with you, then take a moment to ground yourself. Decide if what you want is worth the pursuit. Only you can answer that question. 

On the other hand, the Page of Wands (Reversed) can suggest that you have a new idea, project, or venture in mind but just aren’t ready to share it. Not because you don’t know where to begin but because you want to give it time to develop fully.If this resonates, then you are doing the right thing. Don’t force it. You will know when you are ready. 

The reversed Page of Wands can point to the realization that you are not fulfilled in your current career but aren’t sure at the moment what to do about it. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you hate your job. Instead, it might feel stagnant and the routine of it monotonous. You may feel like you're not living up to your potential. You know you need a change but the thought of taking that next step seems unimaginable. If this resonates with you, then know that you are not alone. I find myself in this same predicament. Instead of taking action, I keep waiting for a big red flashing sign to say, “Okay Danielle, Now is the time!” …..I can tell you with confidence that hasn’t happened yet! This card is definitely pushing me to stop waiting and take control of my situation. 

Finally, the Page of Wands (Reversed) can appear when you are struggling to find your passion or your purpose. You may be experiencing a creative block or you’re just feeling lost. If this resonates with you, then redirect your energy towards a different mindset. Make sure to limit self-doubting beliefs. Acknowledge your fears and confront them. Decide that you are finished holding yourself back!!! 

💰 Here’s where I shamelessly plug my business(es) and drop my affiliate links. I’ll never recommend something I haven’t tried and loved myself, but I might make a few bucks if you buy something.

📆 Pav*r - for Google Calendar users who have ever asked themselves, “where tf did my week go?”, Pav*r provides insights & analytics to help you know exactly how much time you spent, and where.

📚 Bookshop.org - Shop my favorite books and support a local bookstore while you’re at it! I’m still working on adding titles, but many of my favorites, including a few money mindset books are linked.