7 Ways to Build Self-Esteem + 20 Unforgettable Pieces of Career (and Life) Advice
...and a recap of the adventures you can have come summer in Iowa.
Happy Monday, all!
If anyone hears “Iowa” and still thinks “boring,” I’d love for them to have joined along for this week’s agenda. 🤣 (I’d also adore the opportunity to help with their itinerary, so if that’s you or anyone you know, please see my Eater round-up of The 33 Essential Restaurants in Des Moines or email me any time for additional ideas.)
In addition to the usual reporting, interviewing, writing, new client calls, walks and strength training, the past 7 days alone have included:
Savoring 3 prix fixe dinners, including 2 Restaurant Week meals and 1 Iowa Culinary Institute excursion.
Stretching through a soothing 75-minute yoga class at Shakti alongside a teacher pal of mine to celebrate her first day back in session.
Recording 1 radio show with another food writer and local restauranteur.
Enjoying 1 award-winning play, Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, at the Des Moines Civic Center.
Celebrating 20 years of Winefest in Des Moines with a mural unveiling and a celebration of the incomparable founder, Connie Wimer. (P.S. If you’d like to join us at future Winefest events, see the full schedule here!)
I’m definitely ready for the massage that just so happens to be on my calendar tonight. Current me loves past me for getting that on the books. See you soon, East Village Spa!
What to Read…
I promise I did actually do some work this week! My editors and I were able to team up to cover a diverse array of topics, ranging from heart health to olive oil inflation, easy appetizers to Trader Joe’s hidden gems to body image and self-esteem.
That latter topic (listed first below) is one I’d really recommend diving into. Jam-packed with insights from three psychologists, this guide to self-esteem covers how this is different from self-respect and self-confidence, how to measure self-esteem, 7 ways to build it without going overboard and being boastful, plus when low self-esteem might be sliding into depression.
DailyOM: What Is Self-Esteem? Plus, Psychologists Explain How to Harness It to Improve Your Life
EatingWell: Ashley Graham Reminds Fans That Stretch Marks Are Totally Normal in an Empowering TikTok Post
EatingWell: Olive Oil Prices Are Expected to Jump 25%—Here Are 5 Heart-Healthy Oil Alternatives to Stock Up On
EatingWell: Worse Heart Health at Age 36 Could Lead to Premature Brain Aging Later in Life, A New Study Suggests
HUM Nutrition: Shopping at Trader Joe's? Stock up on These 11 RD-Approved Frozen Foods
Better Homes & Gardens: Our Top-Rated Healthy Dinners for Two Are Must-Makes
Better Homes & Gardens: Our Best Dill Pickle Snacks and Dinner Ideas For True Pickle Lovers
Better Homes & Gardens: How to Make Garlic Bread 4 Ways For the Ultimate Easy Dinner Side Dish
Better Homes & Gardens: How to Wash Lettuce With and Without a Salad Spinner So It's Safe to Eat
Better Homes & Gardens: How to Clean Broccoli 3 Ways—Plus How to Store the Vegetable to Extend Its Life
Better Homes & Gardens: How to Make DIY Cold Foam Just Like a Coffee Shop
Better Homes & Gardens: Irresistibly Easy Slow Cooker Dips Will Get the Party Started
Better Homes & Gardens: These Easy, Healthy Appetizers Have Fewer Than 250 Calories (But Sure Don't Taste Like It!)
What’s Inspiring Me…
Self-esteem is actually a major theme that came up when I asked you to contribute to a topic on the heels of last week’s What’s Good newsletter.
I shared this post to my Instagram Stories with a question box asking, “What’s one lesson that helped you grow the most in your career or life in the last decade?”
The responses left me tearing up, encouraged and certain that I needed to share these in a more formal space than social stories alone. Thank you to everyone who contributed such thoughtful and honest insights.
Whether you’re in your first or fiftieth year of your career, these nuggets of wisdom will come in handy.
“Don’t let your employer set your worth.”
“Don’t be afraid to leave. Sometimes, growth comes from walking away and starting new.”
“Be more authentically me.”
“If you want to know something, ask. Don’t let your brain fill in the missing pieces.”
“Find a mentor.”
“Just doing the work is not enough if you really want to advance. Find more to do.”
“Finding a connection with someone is key.”
“Don’t be afraid to write your own rules and pave a new path.”
“Build a supportive and like-minded network.”
“People appreciate authenticity.”
“Admitting you are wrong isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength.”
“Doing the right thing is always the right thing to do, regardless of the inconveniences it can bring.”
“Be honest with yourself and don’t ignore what you want.”
“If it isn’t a ‘hell yes,’ it’s a ‘hell no.’”
“Seek out supportive management that wants to help you grow and be more confident.”
“Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself.”
“When we believe in ourselves, everything is possible. Reduce the number of negative people in your surroundings and work to build self-esteem.”
“Stay resilient and flexible.”
“Approach work with a service mentality instead of a mindset of ‘I want to be the boss.’”
“Trust yourself. It’s okay to do it your way.”
Do you have anything to add? Comment below. ❤️
Thanks for the TJ’s recs. I’ve added a few to my list. And I have totally enjoyed those mini ice cream cones before. 😋