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My Four Favorite Sources for Professional Inspiration to Stay Motivated

May 22 2020 Leave a Comment

I consider myself a lifelong learner and I am constantly finding new articles, mediums, and spaces of inspiration to learn from. When I first started my consulting job, I was living at home and taking the three hour long roundtrip train ride into Chicago. This certainly left me with a large chunk of time. Now, let’s be fair. I definitely spent some hours sleeping or just scrolling Instagram after a long day, but I also started to discover some really fantastic professional resources and inspirational women that I leaned on for that extra burst of inspiration or guidance before a big meeting or presentation. To this day, I’ll still listen or reference some of these pieces throughout the workday to remind myself of my greater vision and professional pursuits. I’m compiled my favorite collection of pieces, whether they’re podcasts, Youtube videos, or books that have helped give me that extra professional pep in my step.

Inspirational Speeches by Petite Women

This is a classic video that I have used as audio inspiration before every job interview. I’m not sure why, but the short soundbites of some of my favorite actresses and entertainers paired with the background instrumental music always opens a different headspace for me. Each one is uniquely different in the causes they advocate for, but still uniformly passionate and driven to share their perspective.

“Education is a privilege and a luxury and not a birthright, like it should be, like it is here. So I say to you, use that right, take it and maximize it. That great opportunity that education is, make the most of it. As we speak in Colombia, there is a little girl dreaming a dream, like I used to be, that for her today may be unattainable, but tomorrow, maybe because of you, it will be possible.” – Shakira

I always get chills during that piece and it truly makes me take ownership over the opportunities that are presented to me and the opportunities I will continue to carve out for myself. This was especially relevant during those long hours at the undergraduate library chugging away for finals. Despite the challenges that pursuing higher education brought on, I always stayed grounded and motivated by the opportunities that were presented to me and the fact that I needed to take advantage of them.

I was once afraid of people saying who does she think she is. Now I stand up and say, this is who I am. – Oprah Winfrey

It is incredibly humbling to know that such a well established global leader came from origins of self doubt and grew to believe in her own power and strength. How many times have we talked ourselves out of something for fear of what others might think or say? It can be so easy to count ourselves out of opportunities because we’re scared of what the perception of others might look like. However, I believe in taking ownership over our decisions and carving out our own reality. That confidence in your own sense of self translates to others around you and becomes the foundation for you to keep pursuing what makes you happy, despite what others may think.

It also truly resonated with me because it can be easy to feel out of place or to get imposter syndrome in a fast paced, corporate environment. However, this quote reminds me that my career is a transformation and I will continually be building and growing into the woman I want to be. It also empowers me to take ownership over my space, over my voice, and over my talents and to become my own biggest advocate. There is no room to be waiting for someone else to recognize your light, you deserve to be your own lighthouse.

When The Little Things Count, 601 Essential Things That Everyone in Business Needs to Know by Barbara Patcher

I picked this little book up on a whim at a Goodwill several years ago. Since then, it had always sat in my bookcase in my childhood bedroom and I never truly looked at it. However, before my job started, I was eager to prepare for my role and decided to give it a read.

I truly believe everyone needs to read this when starting their first job and then continue reading it throughout her career. True to its nature, this book contains 601 different tips and tricks to managing the workspace across a variety of different settings and professional milestones. Whether it tackles topics about handling technology professionally, establishing your professional presence, or building work relationships, this book feels like the inside scoop on the business environment and gave me a strong starting confidence when starting my first job.

This book does not require you to read it chronologically, therefore, it’s the perfect read to throw in your purse and pick up on a long Uber ride or train. You can skip through various sections and topics without feeling like you’re missing any information that was discussed before. Do keep in mind that the book itself was written before certain technological advancements occurred in the workplace. However, I still think the bulk of the read has timeless elements that translate to a modern day work environment.

Secrets of Wealthy Women by The Wall Street Journal Podcast

This is an incredibly insightful podcast from the Wall Street Journal that interviews influential female entrepreneurs and leaders where they share their financial insights, career advice, and tips on how to reach your goals and achieve professional success. 

This podcast interviews everyone from the NYX Comesmetics founder Toni Ko to Naomi Hirabayshi, a Goldman Sachs managing director, to personal finance experts. What I find particularly compelling about this series is the inside scoop on their lives, their struggles, and their overall path to success. Sometimes, we just get the highlight reel and the final product of someone’s path to entrepreneurship, but this series truly focuses on the various nuances that can shape someone’s career from the start across a variety of industries.

Final Thoughts

Starting a new stage in your professional career can sometimes be a daunting task to take on. However, these four resources are my key areas of inspiration and guidance that I lean on whenever I need that support or drive to put myself out there, pursue my goals, and strive for self-advocacy in the workplace.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


I started this blog as my own personal and curated collection of experiences meant to guide, to inspire, and to inform. When I'm not running The Bolet Collective, I'm usually snuggling with my Boston Terrier Luna Mia, working as a data privacy consultant, thrifting vintage clothing, or watching films from the 1950's.

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theboletcollective

theboletcollective
📝 I have a journal where I keep a running list 📝 I have a journal where I keep a running list of quotes, podcasts, books, and other forms of media that I want to read or listen to, but I feel like I’ve run out of things lately. I ended up spending way too much time scrolling in Instagram or TikTok, so I’m asking you instead! 

What are some of your favorites books, articles, blogs, podcasts, etc? Share in the comments below! 🤍🕊

Here are some of my personal favorites: 
Podcasts • Style Your Mind 
Book • The Four Agreements 

Meditation, journaling, gratitude, self love, self care, flowers, spring ottd, home decor, affirmations, routine, green, spring, Pinterest aesthetic, hustle culture, ambition, success, rest 

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #lifestyleblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #latinablogger #latinabloggers #latinabloggersconnect #latinablog #chicagochicblog #selflove #selflovejourney #selfcare #selfcarefirst #gratitudequotes #journalingcommunity #journalingideas #pinterestaesthetic #winteroutfit #winterfashion
Controversial opinion… But I’m over hustle cu Controversial opinion…

But I’m over hustle culture. I’m over “the grind” and sleepless nights and self sacrificing personality. That doesn’t mean I don’t strive to be ambitious, to push myself, to challenge myself, and to aspire for more, but more so that I don’t make my mental and physical health the price I pay to reach my goals. 

So many influential entrepreneurs and successful people have a core routine and set of habits that enable their focus and balance in life while simultaneously pursuing their goals. What makes this possible is the elimination of noise, of doing extra stuff that we don’t want to do, or of saying yes to things that rob us of our energy. So instead of trying to do everything and anything, they focus on their core important things and channel their energy between that and self maintenance. 

So for today, consider the following…

•What plans are you saying yes to that you don’t actually want to go to that end up robbing you of your time?

•What conversations are you entertaining that aren’t inherently valuable to have?

•What relationships are you keeping around because of familiarity but that actually don’t serve you or the betterment of your life? 

•What excuses are you making for yourself and for your time? For the things you eat, for the things you consume, you listen to?

We can still be successful and ambitious and pursue the things that are out of our comfort zone, but I’m prioritizing time to sleep, to rest, to sit, to play, to listen, to absorb, and to just be as my own definition of productivity for this season of life. I’m working on eliminating the noise and making space for the things and people that bring me joy. 🤍🕊

What do you think about hustle culture? 

Meditation, journaling, gratitude, self love, self care, flowers, spring ottd, home decor, affirmations, routine, green, spring, Pinterest aesthetic, hustle culture, ambition, success, rest 

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #lifestyleblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #latinablogger #latinabloggers #latinabloggersconnect #latinablog #chicagochicblog #selflove #selflovejourney #selfcare #selfcarefirst #gratitudequotes #journalingcommunity #journalingideas
in my “my turn” era 🕊💫 wishing you all a in my “my turn” era 🕊💫 wishing you all a productive week 🤍

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #chicagoblog #leopardprint #homedecor
Since I’m usually on the go, one of my favorite Since I’m usually on the go, one of my favorite things to do is to order books from Amazon and have a little collection with me to read on long trips or on the airplane. 

I recently picked up, “14,000 Reasons to Be Happy” mostly because I was curious how you could possibly fit thousands of things into one tiny book.

However, it’s proven to be a huge delight in the sense that I love flipping to a random page and journaling my favorite things that the book mentions. When I’m trying to practice gratitude and I get stuck on what else to write, this is such a fun way to highlight the little and minute things we sometimes overlook.

Here are some of my favorite reasons: 
• being the only one awake in the morning before a big trip
• stained glass windows
• your first paycheck at a new job
• trying again later
• hand painted pottery
• pastry chefs
• sidewalk cafes 
• taking fewer things seriously
• cherry blossom season 
• better results from order and harmony 
• library sofas 
• the flickering lights before a show is about to start
• poems carved in monuments or statues 

What are some of your 14,000 reasons to be happy? Share in the comments below, I’d love to know! 🥰❤️

self love, self care, gratitude, meditation reflection, journaling, daily journal, affirmations, positivity, flowers, yoga, mental health, mindfulness 

#chicago #chicagoblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblogger #midwestblogger #ootd #pinterestaesthetic #florals #selfcare #affirmationsoftheday #affirmationsdaily #lifestyleblog #lifestylebloggers
“The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to “The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." 🌹
 

A major round of applause to what is now undoubtedly my favorite Broadway production I have ever seen. I had to match the fit to the occasion ❤️🥰 

@moulinrougebway @broadwayinchicago 

broadway, theatre, musical performance, chicago, lingerie, blazer, nyc style, parisian style, feminine style, street style, pinterest girl, city life, nightlife outfit, outfit ideas, monochromatic look, fashion inspo

#outfitinspo #colorfulfashion #fashioninspo #chicago #chicagobroadway #aesthetic, #outfitideas #poseinspo #ootd #femininestlye #photoshootideas #nycstyle #celebritystyle #broadwayinchicago #parisianstyle #influencer #chicagochicblog
just two gals on moving day 📦🛋 calling Chic just two gals on moving day 📦🛋

calling Chicago home has always been one of my favorite things. 

for the last seven months, I carved out a space in the West Loop area for the first time after a summer spent hopping around apartments and cities.

This home quickly became my source of peace and security when I needed it the most. It housed my solo dance parties with headphones in after a fun workout, my gal pal sleepovers with sushi on the coffee table and a rom com playing, my dinner parties with my family, and a playground for Luna Mia’s random zoomies. I even hosted Thanksgiving in this space, as my family shared a roasted Turkey and many laughs. 

i hosted friends who had always opened their doors to me whenever I needed a place to stay and this space gave me the opportunity to return the favor. I met my partner during this time and this space gave me the comfort of being in a quick walking distance to both of our apartments while we shared first dates and special moments together. This home allowed me to pop into the coffee shop downstairs for my favorite empanadas and the fact that it faced West meant that I was spoiled with the most amazing sunsets on a regular basis.

I wallpapered my bathroom hot pink and bought a marble fireplace mantle for all of the glamorous vibes and every morning felt like a hotel stay to me with Luna curled up by my side. I installed oversized artwork, put up my own Christmas tree, watered my plants and mental health, and even had a vintage Italian guestbook that I would have my friends and family sign whenever they visited me. 

my West Loop home gave me little and big luxuries in so many ways, but perhaps more importantly, it reminded me that what we want and desire is never out of reach if we take the time to define it. While I'm sad to be leaving this space for my next adventure, I'm so glad I made a home, even if for just a temporary moment. 🔑🏡
▪️Cheesing hard because it’s Friday and I’ ▪️Cheesing hard because it’s Friday and I’m planning a self care weekend 🖤▪️

How do you unwind?

I booked a massage and am perusing all of the sales lately at Deciem, YSL, and Sephora and can’t wait to get some of my holiday shopping in. I also think I’m going to put my Christmas tree up this weekend too.😍❤️▪️
.
.
.
.
.
#chicagoinfluencer #midwestblogger #latinainfluencer #chicagolifestyle #chicagolife #holidayseason
▪️Black satin romper + that Chicago skyline 🤝 ▪️ peep the tiny vintage velvet purse 🥺

Ive been staying low key lately and I can’t wait to go out and get dressed up again. 🥺🥰 
.
.
.
.
.
#chicagoblogger #midwestblogger #lifestyleinfluencer #latinablogger #chicagolifestyle
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theboletcollective
📝 I have a journal where I keep a running list 📝 I have a journal where I keep a running list of quotes, podcasts, books, and other forms of media that I want to read or listen to, but I feel like I’ve run out of things lately. I ended up spending way too much time scrolling in Instagram or TikTok, so I’m asking you instead! 

What are some of your favorites books, articles, blogs, podcasts, etc? Share in the comments below! 🤍🕊

Here are some of my personal favorites: 
Podcasts • Style Your Mind 
Book • The Four Agreements 

Meditation, journaling, gratitude, self love, self care, flowers, spring ottd, home decor, affirmations, routine, green, spring, Pinterest aesthetic, hustle culture, ambition, success, rest 

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #lifestyleblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #latinablogger #latinabloggers #latinabloggersconnect #latinablog #chicagochicblog #selflove #selflovejourney #selfcare #selfcarefirst #gratitudequotes #journalingcommunity #journalingideas #pinterestaesthetic #winteroutfit #winterfashion
Controversial opinion… But I’m over hustle cu Controversial opinion…

But I’m over hustle culture. I’m over “the grind” and sleepless nights and self sacrificing personality. That doesn’t mean I don’t strive to be ambitious, to push myself, to challenge myself, and to aspire for more, but more so that I don’t make my mental and physical health the price I pay to reach my goals. 

So many influential entrepreneurs and successful people have a core routine and set of habits that enable their focus and balance in life while simultaneously pursuing their goals. What makes this possible is the elimination of noise, of doing extra stuff that we don’t want to do, or of saying yes to things that rob us of our energy. So instead of trying to do everything and anything, they focus on their core important things and channel their energy between that and self maintenance. 

So for today, consider the following…

•What plans are you saying yes to that you don’t actually want to go to that end up robbing you of your time?

•What conversations are you entertaining that aren’t inherently valuable to have?

•What relationships are you keeping around because of familiarity but that actually don’t serve you or the betterment of your life? 

•What excuses are you making for yourself and for your time? For the things you eat, for the things you consume, you listen to?

We can still be successful and ambitious and pursue the things that are out of our comfort zone, but I’m prioritizing time to sleep, to rest, to sit, to play, to listen, to absorb, and to just be as my own definition of productivity for this season of life. I’m working on eliminating the noise and making space for the things and people that bring me joy. 🤍🕊

What do you think about hustle culture? 

Meditation, journaling, gratitude, self love, self care, flowers, spring ottd, home decor, affirmations, routine, green, spring, Pinterest aesthetic, hustle culture, ambition, success, rest 

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #lifestyleblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #latinablogger #latinabloggers #latinabloggersconnect #latinablog #chicagochicblog #selflove #selflovejourney #selfcare #selfcarefirst #gratitudequotes #journalingcommunity #journalingideas
in my “my turn” era 🕊💫 wishing you all a in my “my turn” era 🕊💫 wishing you all a productive week 🤍

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #chicagoblog #leopardprint #homedecor
Since I’m usually on the go, one of my favorite Since I’m usually on the go, one of my favorite things to do is to order books from Amazon and have a little collection with me to read on long trips or on the airplane. 

I recently picked up, “14,000 Reasons to Be Happy” mostly because I was curious how you could possibly fit thousands of things into one tiny book.

However, it’s proven to be a huge delight in the sense that I love flipping to a random page and journaling my favorite things that the book mentions. When I’m trying to practice gratitude and I get stuck on what else to write, this is such a fun way to highlight the little and minute things we sometimes overlook.

Here are some of my favorite reasons: 
• being the only one awake in the morning before a big trip
• stained glass windows
• your first paycheck at a new job
• trying again later
• hand painted pottery
• pastry chefs
• sidewalk cafes 
• taking fewer things seriously
• cherry blossom season 
• better results from order and harmony 
• library sofas 
• the flickering lights before a show is about to start
• poems carved in monuments or statues 

What are some of your 14,000 reasons to be happy? Share in the comments below, I’d love to know! 🥰❤️

self love, self care, gratitude, meditation reflection, journaling, daily journal, affirmations, positivity, flowers, yoga, mental health, mindfulness 

#chicago #chicagoblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblogger #midwestblogger #ootd #pinterestaesthetic #florals #selfcare #affirmationsoftheday #affirmationsdaily #lifestyleblog #lifestylebloggers
“The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to “The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." 🌹
 

A major round of applause to what is now undoubtedly my favorite Broadway production I have ever seen. I had to match the fit to the occasion ❤️🥰 

@moulinrougebway @broadwayinchicago 

broadway, theatre, musical performance, chicago, lingerie, blazer, nyc style, parisian style, feminine style, street style, pinterest girl, city life, nightlife outfit, outfit ideas, monochromatic look, fashion inspo

#outfitinspo #colorfulfashion #fashioninspo #chicago #chicagobroadway #aesthetic, #outfitideas #poseinspo #ootd #femininestlye #photoshootideas #nycstyle #celebritystyle #broadwayinchicago #parisianstyle #influencer #chicagochicblog
just two gals on moving day 📦🛋 calling Chic just two gals on moving day 📦🛋

calling Chicago home has always been one of my favorite things. 

for the last seven months, I carved out a space in the West Loop area for the first time after a summer spent hopping around apartments and cities.

This home quickly became my source of peace and security when I needed it the most. It housed my solo dance parties with headphones in after a fun workout, my gal pal sleepovers with sushi on the coffee table and a rom com playing, my dinner parties with my family, and a playground for Luna Mia’s random zoomies. I even hosted Thanksgiving in this space, as my family shared a roasted Turkey and many laughs. 

i hosted friends who had always opened their doors to me whenever I needed a place to stay and this space gave me the opportunity to return the favor. I met my partner during this time and this space gave me the comfort of being in a quick walking distance to both of our apartments while we shared first dates and special moments together. This home allowed me to pop into the coffee shop downstairs for my favorite empanadas and the fact that it faced West meant that I was spoiled with the most amazing sunsets on a regular basis.

I wallpapered my bathroom hot pink and bought a marble fireplace mantle for all of the glamorous vibes and every morning felt like a hotel stay to me with Luna curled up by my side. I installed oversized artwork, put up my own Christmas tree, watered my plants and mental health, and even had a vintage Italian guestbook that I would have my friends and family sign whenever they visited me. 

my West Loop home gave me little and big luxuries in so many ways, but perhaps more importantly, it reminded me that what we want and desire is never out of reach if we take the time to define it. While I'm sad to be leaving this space for my next adventure, I'm so glad I made a home, even if for just a temporary moment. 🔑🏡
▪️Cheesing hard because it’s Friday and I’ ▪️Cheesing hard because it’s Friday and I’m planning a self care weekend 🖤▪️

How do you unwind?

I booked a massage and am perusing all of the sales lately at Deciem, YSL, and Sephora and can’t wait to get some of my holiday shopping in. I also think I’m going to put my Christmas tree up this weekend too.😍❤️▪️
.
.
.
.
.
#chicagoinfluencer #midwestblogger #latinainfluencer #chicagolifestyle #chicagolife #holidayseason
▪️Black satin romper + that Chicago skyline 🤝 ▪️ peep the tiny vintage velvet purse 🥺

Ive been staying low key lately and I can’t wait to go out and get dressed up again. 🥺🥰 
.
.
.
.
.
#chicagoblogger #midwestblogger #lifestyleinfluencer #latinablogger #chicagolifestyle
Load More... Follow on Instagram
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