NEW YEAR, NEW MINDSET!

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With the new year upon us, it’s a time when most of us promise to put our best foot forward and finally “get it together”! Whether you are going back to school, switching careers, getting in shape or starting a new business know that you can do anything that you truly put your mind to. Let 2016 be the year that you follow your dreams and accomplish your goals. Here are some things to keep in mind while shooting for the stars.
1. STOP THE COMPARISONS 
Social media is a gift and a curse. It allows you to keep in contact with friends and loved ones, but for some, it may affect their self-esteem. Most users post the best moments of their life; the new job, engagement, ring, exotic trips, and it may seem like everyone is winning but you. Please keep in mind that you are scrolling through highlights and that those same people struggle and have bad days too. Instead of beating yourself up, focus on what you are doing and how far you’ve come.
 2. YOUR BEST DAYS ARE AHEAD OF YOU
 When you have a series of bad days and blah experiences it easy to believe that you can never be happy again. If that’s your mindset, change it ASAP! When you focus on lack, that is exactly what you will end up with. Trust that your setbacks are temporary and that the lessons that you learn will only make you smarter, faster and better.
 3. DON’T BE AFRAID OF SUCCESS 
Many of us want the world, but once opportunities present themselves, we sabotage ourselves. Stop getting in your own way. While you may be scared to step outside of your comfort zone, go for it because living a life of should haves and could haves is way scarier.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carline Dumerlin-Folkes is a certified motivational coach who is dedicated to helping girls and women become their best selves through individual coaching, free resources and empowering workshops.

SORAYA JOSEPH: FROM RESTAURANT MANAGER TO ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR AT XONECOLE

Industry: Journalism

Hats: Entertainment Editor of XoNecole, Creator / Creator of cthagodworld.com

School: Florida International University

Major: Journalism & Mass Communications

Screen Shot 2015-11-20 at 2.38.03 PMCharles Swindell once mentioned “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90%  how you react to it.” When Soraya laid in a hospital bed suffering from Crohn’s disease, she vowed to herself  that when she gets  healed she would pursue her career in journalism wholeheartedly. In fact, it was during those painful times that she found writing in her journal therapeutic. Fast forward to today , it is quite obvious that she didn’t let her setback become her reality.She’s been recognized as one of the top 19 “Women in Media” by iHeart Media & Power 105.1 (along with xoCEO Necole Kane), and was the youngest on the list. In her own words, her hustle can be summed up as: “Writing, hosting, and doing the most-ing!” Lets find out more about Soraya.

Where were you six months after college?

Life after college was a bit dry. I moved to NYC the next day after graduating with no jobs prospect. However, I ended up contributing to a lifestyle blog called “Friends With Benefits” and was working in the retail and restaurants industry. However, my friends from BrklynStickup  noticed my writing and asked me to be their publicist. While I was pitching them to a popular Hip Hop website, that same website ended up offering me a salaried position. I was excited, I thought this was my big break until they had to let me go 4 months later because of budget cuts. Here I was again, back to square one applying for jobs.

What are three things you’ve told yourself that kept you going during your darkest hour?

  1. This is just temporary.
  2. There’s no testimony without a test
  3. No matter how lonely you may feel, you’re never alone. God is protecting you at all times.

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