For most women, achieving productivity is an ever-changing goal. While you may have rituals and routines that you believe are supporting that goal,every now and then it is important to revisit the things you give your energy to.
Ultimately, productivity is defined by your energy, time, and focus. Keep in mind that your brain is configured to make a certain number of decisions per day, according to Forbes. Once that limit is reached, it is literally impossible to make more, even if you force it.
We want your mental and physical energy to be sustainable so read on and check out some ways to ensure you are doing just that.
Multitasking
We all think that we can do it all, all the time. The ugly truth is that it is impossible to multitask and be productive. Krystal Covington, CEO & Founder of Women of Denver, a social enterprise association helping women earn their worth, focused on one thing for an entire day and her mind was blown. She told Thrive Global, "I realized how taxing multi-tasking really is on our minds and bodies. When burnout finally set in, it was time for me to re-evaluate what productivity really means for me and how to make the most of my limited energy."
Failing To Set Boundaries
As women, we often abandon boundaries in an effort to please others. From coworkers always stopping by your office to your supervisor asking you to review files right before you are leaving for the day, these interruptions are a result of not setting boundaries. I am definitely guilty of not setting boundaries because I want my work to be perfect while also making others happy. In doing this, I enable others to continue to deplete my time. One way to set boundaries is by utilizing your calendar and scheduling your time in a concrete way.
Poor Communication
I'm sure your mom told you that a closed mouth doesn't get fed. However, it is very common to not communicate your needs in fear of burdening others. Whether you work for a company or work for yourself, you have to be intentional with your communication. Now more than ever, with email and text messaging, it is important to be clear and direct with instructions and expectations.
Fear Of Failure
I can't tell you how many hours I have spent on pitches because I am afraid that they are unworthy. Our culture thrives on perfectionism; it inevitably leads to unattainable goals.
Tip: Try not to hyperfocus on details – the devil is in the details for a reason. Also, choose excellence over perfection.
Putting Profit Over Passion
Do what you love and love what you do. Feeling inspired and satisfied is so important to productivity. The Huffington Post even shared that 55% of Gen X and Gen Y workers believe that finding a job that's personally fulfilling is worth sacrifices in salary. Try prioritizing tasks that you enjoy to increase effectiveness.
Featured image by Shutterstock
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RELATED
From Rihanna pairing her caviar with chicken nuggets (I wonder if our Fenty queen shares with RZA and Riot Rose or if this is just for mama) to Bethenny Frankel educating us on caviar with her series "Caviar University," there’s just no escaping it.
And let’s not forget the elite king himself, DeAndre Brown, indulging in fried chicken and caviar! From videos with caviar-topped burgers, potato latkes, deviled eggs, and pasta dishes—folks are topping everything with caviar. Yet, I had not come across any Black-owned caviar brands until I discovered Caviar Dream.
My Introduction Into Caviar
I started off eating caviar in undergrad on top of sushi, exploring with a variety of roe and tobiko but as an adult, I knew I was ready to try something a little more refined. The first time I fell in love with caviar was in grad school at a southern Italian restaurant in Flatiron.
I tried an appetizer that featured caviar on bruschetta, served with thick garlic bread and burrata cheese, and from that moment, I was hooked. That has become my favorite way to enjoy caviar next to this filet mignon crostini appetizer that I served recently at a dinner party.
Everything You Need To Know About Caviar Dream
Caviar Dream
Courtesy of Yasmine Jameelah
Caviar Dream is the first nationally distributed Black- and woman-owned caviar business, redefining how people experience caviar. Founded by Kendra Anderson, a Chicago-based chef and sommelier, the company’s mission is to make caviar more accessible and inclusive, breaking down barriers and demystifying this delicacy.
What Caviar I Tried
Caviar Dream Kaluga Hybrid ($105-$420 depending on the ounce)
How I Experienced The Caviar:
For this review, I opted for a more traditional approach by pairing Caviar Dream's Kaluga Hybrid with crème fraîche, blinis, and my favorite Black-owned champagne, Le KOOL Champagne by Robert Kool Bell.
My Caviar Dream spread
Courtesy of Yasmine Jameelah
My Honest Review:
I do not say this lightly - this was by far the best caviar I’ve ever had in my life. It was buttery, had no aftertaste, and truly felt as luxurious as it looked.
Prior to this, my favorite caviar was Imperial Caviar. I’ve tried many brands, from well-known to affordable, while recreating my favorite decadent appetizers at home or enjoying caviar bumps at parties with my friends and they were my favorite until now.
Caviar Dream boasts that chefs are obsessed with this versatile hybrid, which tastes more expensive than it actually is—and they were right. This buttery caviar would pair well with any recipe, especially if you’re looking to impress someone or even treat yourself.
As a Black woman, a business owner, and someone who understands that an extension of financial wellness is circulating our dollars, I recognize the importance of incorporating Black-owned businesses throughout every aspect of my life. From my skincare to my favorite sustainable wine, my bank, and even indulgent experiences like caviar, it matters.
As we celebrate culinary innovation and expand our palates, let’s also take the extra step to support Black-owned businesses while doing it. So the next time you’re tempted by the allure of caviar, order from Caviar Dream—it just might become your new favorite.
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Feature image by Peter Dazeley/ Getty Images