Goals

5 Tips To Stay Fit During the Summer

Nikki SmithLeave a comment

As a former high school athlete I never truly struggled with staying fit simply because I was always active between practices, open gyms, and camps. I played both volleyball and basketball for the last 4+ years but since the season has ended I’ve made it a point to try and stay in shape. Without sports I had to find a way to stay healthy and fit on my own. I’ll be sharing some tips that I find helpful for the upcoming summer.

Find a type of workout you love/ Explore

There are so many ways to workout: cardio, weight lifting, pilates, etc. Explore different styles of working out to find what fits you best. It is also very common to switch what you do if you are not enjoying it anymore. For example I was really into at home YouTube video workouts for a while and then transitioned to weightlifting which I found to like better. It’s all about preference. Find what makes you want to workout. Once you find what works best for you…

Create a fitness routine

As a former athlete I am very used to “working out” from 4-6 (after school) for 5 days a week. I continued to do this because I found that it worked the best for my body. I didn’t want to workout early in the morning or late at night and I didn’t want to work out directly after a meal. Some people do better in the morning while others thrive in the evening. Find what works best for you. In addition to creating a schedule, create your personalized routine. For example Monday=Upper body, Tuesday=Core, Wednesday=Cardio, Thursday=Lower body, Friday=Full body or some variation tailored to you. Having a routine will help you stay consistent and allow you to dive right in.

Minimize the thought process

This may seem weird at first but don’t overthink it. You don’t need to always have a super intense sweaty workout to stay in shape. Unless you have large fitness goals it’s okay to not go to the gym or even workout everyday. Having an active lifestyle change will help you stay in shape and maintain your body. Going on a walk, or swimming, maybe playing some basketball really any physical activity will help you stay in shape. In this society everyone is trying to lose weight or have crazy fitness goals but simple changes to one’s mindset can turn the “burden” of workout out into a fun activity. One of my favorite ways to be active without necessarily working out is riding bikes with my little brothers. I know that some people don’t want to go around riding bikes but this is a perfect example of just getting outside and doing something fun.

Have a goal

Having a fitness goal will keep you motivated. I’m not going to lie, motivation is one of the hardest parts of staying in shape. There are many ways to create a fitness goal you could aim for consistency for example: I want to do something active 6 times a week. You could do a number oriented goal: I want to lift this much weight by a blank amount of time or I want to run a mile in under this amount of time something like that. I would recommend straying from weight oriented goals (losing/gaining weight) because at least for me it can be very discouraging, weight fluctuates so much even day to day. It can be hard to not focus on the number and progress so don’t make losing or gaining weight a huge priority if you’re trying to stay fit.

Focus on your diet

If you listen to any fitness influencer they will always tell you that what you eat has more to do with fitness than working out. Now I am not saying go on some weird crazy diet but being mindful of what you put into your body goes a long way. This plays into your mindset of staying fit as well. Being mindful of when you’re full is important, understanding that your body may crave certain things and it’s okay to give in to those cravings and over all being aware what types of foods you’re eating. We all know that eating whole foods with nutrients is better than processed meals however a healthy combination of both will leave you more fulfilled mentally and physically. All in all, eat foods that make you feel strong and energized and relish in the not so healthy food from time to time.

I wanted to include a part where I say I am not a doctor or nutritionist, simply a teenage girl trying to share how she stays fit. This is NOT professional tips or advice. With that being said I hope you enjoyed and can stay healthy throughout the summer. Good luck! With love..

-Nikki Smith

Advice To Upcoming Juniors And Seniors In High School

Nikki SmithLeave a comment

As we all know graduation is right around the corner! I am going to be graduating in about a month so I wanted to share some advice I have for next year’s upperclassmen. I go to a really small school in Colorado so my experience may be different from yours but I feel like the advice will reach a multitude of audiences. I feel like all the advice out there for high school students is always from people that go to these huge schools with a bunch of different classes, clubs and sports. I will be graduating with 21 other students this year. When I say small I mean it! However I have created many amazing memories throughout high school in addition to being successful academically. I am both Class President and Valedictorian of the 2023 graduating class and will be going to college with only 2 and a half years left. Though I have a small town background I feel like this advice his helpful to any/ everyone.

Tip #1

Start doing college classes! My school allowed us to be enrolled in a nearby community college (concurrent enrollment) that they paid for! I was able to enroll in 2-3 college classes per semester. All you have to do is pass a small test in order to take these higher level courses. This gave me a great head start towards my college degree. If you don’t plan to go to college it can still be beneficial to take a college course especially if it’s free. Now I wouldn’t say take Calculus 2 if you don’t plan to go to college after high school because I would never want you to do that but it may be helpful to take something like personal finance. However if your school offers college classes definitely take them up on it. Taking your base level classes is the safest bet. Throughout just two years of high school you can go from wanting to be a nurse to wanting to be an accountant and these two careers do not have a lot of overlapping classes. It’s smart to start small with classes that everyone needs like biology and college algebra.

Tip #2

Party it up! I’m just kidding. Just because you are an upperclassman doesn’t mean you can start acting like a crazy party animal. Yes you are both older and more mature than the underclassmen with much more freedom but you are also faced with so much responsibility. I can’t tell you how many people thought that just because they could drive and go where they wanted that they were “living it up”. Hate to remind you but junior year is probably the hardest year of high school; at least it was for me. You are faced with all these new challenges: figuring out what you want to do with your life, college classes, SATs, looking at colleges you might want to go to and so much more. It’s important to set expectations for yourself as well as goals for the upcoming year(s).

Tip #3

Be a leader! You’re an upperclassman now which means you know the works on how to do everything. Don’t be the rude senior all the freshman/sophomores despise. Encourage the people around you, especially the younger ones. I had seniors who “took me in” when I was a freshman and they made me feel included as well as gave me helpful tips. Sharing your know how of the school as well as the people in it can save your favorite freshies a lot of trouble.

Tip #4

START APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS! A lot of scholarships are only for seniors but so many open up junior year as well. It’s a great way to get ahead and potentially save you a lot of money. Even if you don’t get any of the scholarships you applied for junior year you will still have all of those personal essays and crafted answers that you’ve already worked on so that all you have to do is maybe revise a little and turn them in senior year. When applying for scholarships senior year it’s so hard to stay on top of classwork as well as scholarship deadlines especially when you’re asking for recommendation letters left and right. All in all it can be a lot, so having prewritten essays will save you a lot of time and hassle.

Tip #5

Create a Resume! I can not tell you enough to simply make a resume. There are so many easy fill out templates out there that you can use. Start writing about all the clubs you’re involved in, your community service, leadership positions, everything. I used to think that you need to be looking for a higher up job in order to need a resume but that’s not true! A lot of scholarships ask for resumes and even if they don’t ask for a resume specifically most of their questions can be found on your resume. It’s a document that states all your accomplishments and skills so get on that asap!

Tip #6

Don’t get involved in drama! No one likes being in drama. Not only is drama distracting but it’s also an energy sucker. Note that drama is “She said this about” “I heard he did this with her ” all of that is just high schoolers talking but as soon as words get thrown around and people get angry with one another this is when drama really starts. The best advice I can give to anyone is to mind your own business. If it has absolutely nothing to do with you, do not get involved. This may be really straight forward advice but so many people waste time and energy over drama in high school. There comes a point where you just need to grow up.

Tip #7

Come to terms that growing up means that you are changing not only physically but mentally. You may outgrow old friendships and that’s okay. Do not hold on to the past. Doing what’s best for you will allow you to meet your people and really enjoy high school. Finding a good solid friend group is so beneficial in high school.

Tip #8

Make Memories! Don’t get overly involved in school and other activities that you forget to enjoy the little things. It’s okay to take time and hangout with your friends. If anything it’s crucial that you make time to hangout with your friends. The last two years of high school get really busy so make it a priority to be with the people you care about.

Tip #9

Be Yourself! It’s really easy to lose your personality in high school because you’re being pulled in all these different directions. Don’t ever change who you are to fit someone else’s standards or to make other people happy. Always do what’s going to make you happy! Make sure you are taking care of yourself both mentally and physically as well so you don’t become super drained.

Tip #10

Put yourself out there! This is your time to take new exciting opportunities, if you can. As you grow up you are going to be presented with different adventures so it is always good to keep an open mind. If you’ve always wanted to join a new club, do it! If you take new opportunities you are giving yourself a chance to learn and grow as a person!

I personally went on a trip with my schools travel club to Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington where I got to explore so many different places and famous land marks. I personally grew so much from this trip and was so thankful I was able to go especially with the people that also went. I created even stronger bonds with the people I knew and have memories that will last a life time.

Tip #11

Think Smarter not Harder! I know it’s easier said than done but it’s true. If you are getting too busy and need to choose what assignments you just can’t do make sure it’s the ones worth less points. Most classes have a scale/ grading system so you can see what your assignments are worth. Make sure you are providing quality work on those bigger assignments so that the smaller ones don’t matter as much. In addition, use your resources! No I’m not telling you to cheat but there are so many resources at your fingertips that can help you so much with classwork. My favorite tools are Quizlet, Chegg, and Citation Machine. I can find answers, study and cite all my resources with these three tools.

Tip #12

Be Respectful to Your Teachers! I don’t care if you get called a teacher’s pet because building a relationship with your teacher will make it so much easier for you when you start asking for recommendation letters. Not only will being respectful make you look like a good student but it will also make them WANT to write you a good recommendation letter. Building a relationship allows your teacher to have a good base to write about which is so much better than the generic recommendation letter most people get.

Tip #13

Don’t Stress Yourself Out! It is so easy to get overwhelmed when there is so much going on. Make sure to take time for yourself and maybe even take a step back to see if you need to change anything in your life. The hustle can cripple you so be careful in what all you’re taking on. Be sure that all the things in your life either make you happy or get you a step closer to accomplishing your goals!

Tip #14

Get Over Senioritis! I am graduating this year so I know how hard the senioritis hits but it is essential to keep pushing. Just because you’re about to graduate doesn’t mean it’s time to stop showing up. Push through, keep working hard and you will accomplish great things. It’s okay to let the senioritis get to you every once in a while as long as it doesn’t become a habit.

Tip #15

Be the Best YOU You Can Be! Just like tip #9 being yourself is the best reward. It’s high school, figure out all the things you like and don’t like. Take risks! Grow! Learn! This is the time to find who you are and who you want to be. Wisdom doesn’t come all at once. It is not till you’re getting ready to walk across that stage at the end of the year that you realize all the people and experiences in your life made you who you are. Be grateful for everything, good or bad.

That’s all I have for you guys today! Hopefully you will take my advice and absolutely thrive in high school. I wouldn’t change a thing about my high school experience and I hope someday you can say the same. Wish you the best of luck in each and every one of your endeavors. So much love,

-Nikki Smith

The Importance of Mindset

Nikki SmithLeave a comment

Getting into a good mindset can be difficult so I wanted to share tips to improve how you view situations. Having a good mindset is wildly important to your growth and development as a person. Improving your mindset starts with a few simple tasks. I recently found that your perspective has everything to do with how you react to situations which is why I wanted to share some helpful tips and a few things to remember as you prepare for this crazy thing called life. Starting with… 

Declutter your mind

Yes as silly as this may sound it is really easy to become overwhelmed with everything you have going on even though it is nothing you can’t handle. When we keep everything bottled up inside we are more irritable and unable to fully enjoy things. A great way to relieve all those emotions and thoughts you’ve been keeping inside is writing it all down. Take a piece of paper, it can be anything; a sticky note, notebook paper or the back of an envelope and write down every little thing that you have been thinking about recently. These could be simple tasks you need to do like laundry, dishes, etc., bills you have to pay, an assignment you have to write, or even emotional events (funerals, weddings, baby on the way) truly anything. Once you get all of that down on paper I want you to take a good look at all the things you wrote. This allows you to not only visualize but allows your mind to focus on your top priorities. Writing all your thoughts down can help you organize the importance and significance of each item to the point where you can really focus on your top priorities. Centering your focus on the top items in your list is so beneficial because if you’re like me, it’s easy to become overloaded and feel like your mind is going a million miles a minute. This process lets you take a step back to really see what all you have going on.  Prioritizing the top of your list will allow you to feel more at ease as you tackle each obstacle.

Growth mindset

A growth mindset allows you to learn from mistakes instead of dwelling on them. Often we tend to only see what we are doing wrong. We really are our own worst critics. We are naturally always trying to better ourselves so if something doesn’t work out that’s okay don’t let that stop you from trying. Just because you didn’t succeed in the past doesn’t mean you won’t succeed now. As we grow and change we are better equipped to adapt to new and familiar situations so give it another shot. I find it hard to accept failure which is what led me to this point of view. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS FAILURE, there is only success and growth. Now this doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to be disappointed or angry when something doesn’t go how you wanted. But it’s an opportunity to accept and reflect on what you did so that you can either change your actions/decisions in the future or come to terms with your faults so that you don’t dwell on them. This may sound cheesy but it really is true. I find that in everything I do I continue to learn and grow from that experience. When confronted with challenges and new opportunities we falter or rise and within that understanding the Why? or How? Is essential in continuing to gain success. I challenge you to accept faults that may occur not as excuses for being upset but as opportunities to learn and grow. 

Set intentions

Goals are a big part of our lives. We all have many goals that we are striving to achieve. Everyone wants to feel accomplished which is great but we also want to set intentions for the year. How do you want the year to feel? What are you going to focus on the most this year? What sources of happiness are you planning to take with you? These are all questions you should ask yourself all the time. I know we all want to feel accomplished which includes completing those new year resolutions, life goals, bucket list items, and aspirations but we need to keep in mind our happiness. We often set materialistic goals or goals measured through productivity. For example a popular materialistic goal would be traveling and a popular productivity goal would be weight loss or saving up money. However I don’t see very many people say I want to bring more happiness to others, or I want to do more things that push me outside my comfort zone. So take a look at the goals you’ve created and maybe add a couple new ones. Becoming the best people we can be is so fulfilling but just like anything it takes work. 

Calming the chaos

The number one priority should always be to take care of yourself because if you can’t do that you’re not going to be happy with 1. Yourself and 2. Anybody else. Life is filled with stressful situations that are going to test your limits and be so mentally draining, however it is up to you to push through the hard times so you can enjoy the good times. I hate to be obvious but the number one thing you can do to calm the chaos is allow yourself to do something you enjoy. Yes it really is that simple. This could be reading a book, watching a movie, sleeping in, having a spa day, putting in a hair mask, unplugging from social media. Anything you enjoy that will make you happy and allow you to destress. That’s the number one priority: your happiness and being content with yourself. Mentally preparing yourself for high stress situations is also important. Plan time to relax, watch your comfort show, read a book, something that allows you to slow down and be calm. I want you to remember though that if you decide to destress with a movie you can’t be constantly thinking about the huge presentation you have coming up and all the tasks you need to do to prepare for it. The only time you are going to feel at ease is if you focus on one thing and enjoy that feeling. We live in a world that is always hustling so many of us don’t understand what it’s truly like to fully relax; to set aside all that worry, anxiety and stress. You can’t live up to who you truly can be if you don’t take care of yourself and this is different for everyone. Being happy starts from within. 


That’s all I have for you guys today. I hope this helped you in some shape or form when it comes to your outlook on life. Take these tips and try to find all those positive things in your life. Hope you enjoyed!

-Nikki Smith

How To Start A Productive Day

Nikki SmithLeave a comment

It’s hard to get productive and stay in that mindset but here are some tips that have helped me get a good start to the day and left me feeling so much better. A productive day is just the start to accomplishing goals and feeling like a BADDIE. In order to have a productive day we need to…

1. Get Up Early

Rise and shine. You can’t have a productive day until you actually start your day. You need to have time in the day to get tasks done. For me personally, I try to get up at around 7-7:30 but I know this is not doable for everyone so find the time that works best for you. When you do get up however simply waking up is not the key. Waking up and watching tik tok for 2-3 hours will not lead to the outcome you’re looking for so… get that body moving. For people that just can’t seem to leave their bed, set your phone across the room at night so that when your alarm goes off you have no choice but to GET UP and turn it off. Another great thing to do right when you wake up is chug a glass of water. I always keep my water bottle next to my bed so that I can immediately drink it when I wake up. This keeps you hydrated as well as helps wake you up. My favorite ways to start a productive morning includes stretching, a quick workout, journaling, and/or reading all of these allow you to focus on one thing which will set you up for success later on. Being productive starts with how you approach the day.

2. Make a To Do List

Next we have to make a To Do List. This is a pretty straight forward concept but if you don’t know what you need to get done and how to organize it in the most optimal way you’re going to end up either frantically trying to do everything or losing motivation very quickly. You can make your to do list on your phone or a piece of paper. I prefer paper because the satisfaction of crossing something off my list just does something for me. I understand that having your list on your phone allows you to take it on the go and edit it more freely than paper does. Start your list by, in your head, figuring our the tasks that are most important to get done. For example if you have and essay due at 11:59 that day, it should probably out rank vacuuming the carpet. Once you have done this order your list by what you want to get done first. Using the same example I would put the essay assignment at the top of my list and then vacuuming the carpet/cleaning, then follow it with maybe running errands; going to the bank, getting groceries, etc. This allows you to simply follow the list top to bottom. Of course there is nothing saying you can’t go out of order, I just find it easier to focus when my day is already planned out for me and all I need to do is look at the next task on my list.

3. Keep Yourself in Check

If you’re reading this it’s probably because you want to be more productive with your time. Obviously right. You’ve already accomplished the first step. Motivation. You are motivated to do better and keeping hustling. However reading this post will only get you so far. I can give you some tips but it is ultimately up to you to implement them and get it done. Grab that To Do list, which is probably pretty lengthy and just start. You’ve already made it this far why not just keep going. Be aware that mindset is everything! Just because you woke up later than you wanted or realize that your To Do list is way longer then you initially realized, should not discourage you from still having a productive day. You are stronger than you think and if you want something it can happen. Set yourself up for success. Once you accomplish all your tasks you set out for, you’re going to feel so much better and hopefully proud because you just did that. Boom! This will allow you to keep going and continue to hustle. However take this with a grain of salt. Not everyday should be productive and intensely filled with things you need to get done. It is equally beneficial to take time off, to do absolutely nothing for the day. It is really easy to get stressed out and feel overwhelmed so make sure you’re taking time to relax and take care of yourself. In order to have productive days there has to be calm unproductive days.

Therein lies the 3 keys to having a successful day. I hope this helped you in some shape or form to get productive and keep hustling. I could spend all day writing about productive days but I think I’d rather let you get to it.

-Nikki Smith

Reset For The New Year

Nikki Smith1 Comment

5 ways to start the new year right!

As we venture into the New Year we are all inspired to better ourselves. Let us take all the valuable things with us into the upcoming year; all that we learned and grew from in 2022. But as I say this I want to leave all those negatives that we have also accumulated. This post is all about setting yourself up to have the best possible year and get you in the right mindset to accomplish your goals. Starting with …

1. Set up your Google Calendar or Planner

Use your calendar as a tracker. Write down all life events even if it’s just hanging out with friends this way you can track long term goals. For example if one of your 2023 goals was to spend more time outside you would log in your calendar if you spent significant time outside that day.

Tips I suggest when you set up your calendar or planner would be to color coordinate. You can do this anyway that works best for you but I suggest breaking each category down and giving it a color. You want your calendar to represent yourself and become a space you enjoy. Your planner should be something you want to look at each day so make sure to take the time to really customize it. (Don’t forget to update any events or appointments that you made previously).

2. Declutter!

The New Year is the perfect time to get rid of all the unnecessary items you no longer need and have been putting off getting rid of. Let’s be honest you’re never going to wear that one t-shirt you have “just in case” you need it one day. Donate or sell the clothes you don’t wear anymore. While you’re at it the junk drawer you’ve been hoarding can probably use a clean out. There may be other places in your home that you’ve been thinking needs to be cleared out for a while. Now is the time to do it! The motivation you feel right now with the new year reset will fade so use it while you can to do those extra things you’ve been putting off all of 2022.

3. Clean Your Space

Going hand in hand with number two. Now that you have decluttered it’s time to wipe down all the mirrors, vacuum, and dust. Cleaning your space after decluttering and getting rid of all the unnecessary items you’ve been hoarding feels so rewarding. If you want to reset yourself and your mindset it starts with your space. Having a clean and clear space will transfer over to you. So make sure to dust the corners in your house, clean out the shower, and wipe down all the mirrors. The feeling of being refreshed is such a productive way to start your year in the right mindset.

Photo by Anete Lusina on Pexels.com

4. Create Your Goals for 2023

Everyone is setting goals for themselves. Thinking of new ways to be better and feel accomplished. If you haven’t already, sit down and write at least 10 reasonable goals on a piece of paper. Yes a PIECE of PAPER. This could be a sticky note on your mirror or the front of your notebook anywhere that you will be able to see it every day. I recommend making a vision board to represent each of your goals. I personally use Canva and find that it’s very easy to create a collage of items that represent my goals. This is helpful just so you can have a visual representation of what you want to accomplish. Again set this as your phone or laptop backscreen so you can see it everyday. In addition to setting goals, make a plan on how to achieve each of those goals. For example if you want to save a specific amount of money this year set up a plan to set aside an amount each month. If you have health goals, make a plan to meal prep every Sunday so you will have readily available meals. Apply this method to each of your goals!

Photo by Markus Winkler on Pexels.com

5. Treat Yourself to Help Accomplish Your Goals

Having a reward system in place will allow you to keep pursuing your goals. Getting excited to use new things that bring you joy will inspire you to keep working. Let’s say you wanted to drink more water in 2023, splurge on a water bottle that you’ll love. If you want to plan more, invest in a great planner that will work best for you. It’s all about personal preference and tailoring these items to yourself. Take the time to understand what you need in order to be successful and then purchase an item that fits those categories. It’s easier to accomplish goals when they don’t feel like a task but rather something you actually enjoy. 

I hope these points helped you in some shape or form to get ready for the upcoming year. Apply these points and I bet you will be increasingly more productive and able to start the year with a clear, concise mind. I wish you the best of luck in accomplishing your goals however big or small they may be. 

-Nikki Smith