There’s one skill that can help you live your best life in everything that you do. If you haven’t started practicing it yet, don’t worry because it’s never really too late to start.

Do you ever find yourself falling behind your responsibilities? Losing motivation? Feeling unorganized? Not seeing results?

That’s okay because it happens. However, there’s one word and answer that can be the solution to any sort of setback you may experience.

This word is goals. Setting goals, to be more specific!

Goals come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

Setting goals is not only a skill but also interpreted as a lifestyle or philosophy. There are short goals, long-term goals, hard goals, simple goals, etc., and the best part is that YOU get to make all of them.

Setting goals and achieving goals are what lead to success! Why are setting goals important? Well, it means you’re making a plan for the future, for a better future to achieve whatever you want. It doesn’t matter who you are, everyone can make a difference in their life and it can all start with a goal.

Your future is important, and planning is the first step into taking control of your life. If you’re unsure of what path you want to take, sometimes it’s best to put everything in perspective. Take all of your thoughts, ideas and lay them out in a way that makes sense to you. Don’t worry and remember that there are always solutions to any problem.

Organization is also key. While making any sort of plan, it’s important to make a timeline. What will require more time? When do certain things need to be done? This is where long-term and short-term goals really come to life. Write everything down, keep track of what you can do to achieve each goal and remember that it’s 2018, anything is possible.

Verbally say your goals out loud and believe in yourself. Yes, write it down on paper, on your whiteboard, in notes on your phone. Most importantly, say it loud and make it real. Whether you want to learn a new language, drink more water, start a new career, travel across the world, start to tell yourself or others and keep yourself motivated.

You’re in control of your life, your future, your goals and everything else in between. Build your success in a way that works for you and kill it at everything that you do, whatever that may be.

You finished your program, congrats! What’s next?

Finishing school is a huge deal; it’s an accomplishment and could be the key to your future. There are many opportunities and career paths out there for everyone.  To some, this could be their first post-secondary education opportunity, for others it could have been their second, third, fourth, etc. You’ve already made it this far and there is something out there for you.

There are many opportunities and career paths out there for everyone.

For some, they could have lots to choose from and for others, maybe they aren’t really sure where to start. However, the important part is that you made it. No matter what program you came from or what field you studied, everybody has one thing in common, which is that you all worked hard and now want a job in your field of course.

It’s important to have an open mind and stay positive.

Feeling inexperienced is normal because you are ‘new’ compared to the people who have been practicing longer than you have. Don’t let that discourage you though because everyone starts off new! You’re credible and have the education you need to practice in your field, which is really exciting to think about. Finishing school may feel like the end of something, but it’s actually just the beginning of your career which is even more exciting.

Get yourself out there.

A tool that often young or beginning career professionals use to get themselves know in their industry is networking. If you’re not familiar with networking, there are many ways to practice it such as through social media platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, when used properly. You can use these platforms to keep up with what is happening in your industry globally and locally.

• Connect with people and follow people in your industry.
• Follow accounts that are relevant to your industry
• Reach out to connections and don’t be afraid to talk to them. 
• Keep an eye out for networking events and attend them.
• Meet with the people you connect with and take some pointers. This is literal in-person networking which is even better.

Even if not everyone makes time to talk to you, communicate with you, engage with you, do not give up. Some professionals are busier than others but that doesn’t mean at least some of them won’t give you the time of day to talk to you.

If your brain wasn’t in sponge mode before, you are definitely going to want to turn it into sponge mode now.

You might have your diploma now, but that definitely doesn’t mean there isn’t more room for learning. This type of learning is calling gaining insights. Hopefully as you start to practice networking, you will want to take this information and make use of it.

• Listen to other people’s stories.
• See what they did to get them where they are now, what mistakes they made along the way, and maybe try avoiding that.
• Learn what worked for them and what did not.
• Ask questions!

Connecting with people and networking gets you the inside look of what a day in the life is like or how a person in your industry thinks and is very beneficial. You have insight for what to expect AND you have connections for future opportunities.

Start to act the role of what you’re going to be.

If you are familiar with what a day in the life of what your job role entails, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to start practicing the good habits. If it includes waking up early maybe start practicing sleeping habits or buying specific tools so you can have your own. Maybe it includes wearing a specific wardrobe/a uniform, you could buy your own. Being prepared will not only lead to more success, but give you something to look forward to and give you even more motivation to get yourself out there.

At the end of the day, the power is in your hands and we are always a phone call/e-mail away.  We have absolutely no doubt that our graduated students from Trillium College will reach all of their goals, dreams and success! If you want to learn more about Employment Services at Trillium College, click here.

Which one of these scenarios describe your situation?

• I’m looking for a career that’s both challenging and rewarding
• I want to support my family and create a better future for them
• I can’t imagine working at my current job for another year

No matter why you want a better career, the best way to get it is through the right education.

At Trillium College, we believe that in order to get the career you deserve, you need the right kind of preparation. You need career-focused education that teaches you the skills that employers demand. You need hands-on training in growing fields that will get you a rewarding, fulfilling career. We make it our goal to provide all of our students with the right education for their future career.

Is a Trillium College education the right education for YOU?

“ Through Trillium College I can better my situation permanently, not just for the next few months because I’ll be doing what I want to do.”  Amanda, Massage Therapy program

“My dreams and goals start with attending Trillium College.” Vanessa, Community Service Worker program

“It will give me the chance to earn a higher income and allow me to provide opportunities to my children.” Leah, Medical Laboratory Technician program

• Trillium College has over 20 years’ experience in the private career college industry
• We are registered as a private career college under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.

7 reasons to choose Trillium College today

1. Efficient Learning

Our classes are organized in order to allow students time to work and look after family responsibilities while they study towards their diploma.

• Classes run from Monday to Friday for 4 hours a day (8:30 – 12:30 or 1:00 – 5:00)
• Classes are broken down into modules so there is only one topic covered at a time. This modular approach means that our students do not get overwhelmed with multiple subjects.
• Trillium College offers a number of diploma programs that can be completed in under two years. The sooner you finish, the sooner you can start earning in your chosen field.

2. Nearby Campus Locations

With 3 campus locations, we bring education to your neighbuorhood.

We have in-demand diploma programs at multiple campus locations so you can get cutting edge training without the commute. Contact us to find out which programs are available at your local campus.

• Kingston
• Oshawa
• St Catherine’s

3. Multiple Start Dates

Starting in September is not your only option! Trillium College operates year round, so there is often a start date for each Trillium College diploma program every few months.

4. Qualified Instructors

All of our instructors are experienced and fully qualified. Each instructor has many years’ experience working in their field and has a wealth of knowledge to share with students.

5. Small Classes

The classes are small so there is more personal attention for each individual student. Most classes average between 10-15 students (with some exceptions), so you will never get lost in the crowd.

“The classes are small, so that means more detail in teaching.” Michael, Network Administrator program

6. Invaluable Career Placements

Trillium College offers field placements for diploma programs that require one. This provides students with hands-on experience in their chosen field.

For example, our Community Service Worker program (ADD LINK) includes 288 workplace training hours in the community, where our students learn about family dynamics, client assessment and crisis intervention in real life scenarios.

In addition, we have a dedicated Career Services Team who assists graduates in finding work following graduation.

7. Focus on Quality

All programs at Trillium College are diploma programs and are approved as vocational programs under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.

• Trillium College has over 20 years’ experience in the private career college industry
• We are registered as a private career college under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.

The right career starts with the right education… and you can find that education today at Trillium College. Contact us now to get started on your dream career.

It’s a typical day at the Trillium College Kingston Campus

I’ve arrived early for my 8:30 am class and Stephanie, the administrative assistant, who doubles as the first smiling face most of us see every day, has arrived even before me to open the campus. I have the option of taking the elevator up to our second floor campus, but most days I take the stairs.

Our campus is freshly renovated with bright colours that are easy on the eyes and good for lifting one’s spirits on a snowy day.

I stop at my locker to change out of my winter boots, then proceed to the student lounge to pick up the assignment I sent from home last night to the dedicated student printer. I make a tea and check on the fish. Some days I stay here for a bit to study or visit with friends.

Fresh tea in hand, I head to class. On my way, I am greeted with a friendly smile and a “How Are You?” by both faculty and other students. My classes are small; right now we are between four to 10 students, so there is lots of one-one time with our instructors and very open in-class discussions about what we are learning.

The Trillium College Services

From the day I first met with a Career Coach to discuss the application process, this campus has felt like home. It’s not huge, but it offers everything a student needs. The Financial Aid team made the process of applying for O.S.A.P. easy and worry-free. From day one, a faculty member will always make sure we find our classrooms and have all the support we need.

That support is very diverse. We have an Employment Services Coordinator who does so much more than her job title would lead you to believe. She is there to help with resume-writing, job searching and even facilitating our placements; not to mention being warm and approachable. We also have a Student Resource Coordinator who is here to help us with our own mental health and any struggles we may be experiencing in either our personal or professional lives. She is easy to talk to, confidential, and a great listener, no matter what we need to talk about.

“Coming to Trillium College in Kingston was the best decision I have made.”

Now that our class is over, it’s time for a Student Council meeting. I have been a part of the council since I first started classes in August and we have a lot of fun. So far we’ve fed our students lunches, given them treats, arranged fun theme days, been a part of the Santa Claus Parade, and provided gifts for all of the students’ children during our Holiday Party. Participating in the council has given me the opportunity to meet people in other programs that will remain life-long friends and connections.

Coming to Trillium College in Kingston was the best decision I have made. I have already made connections in the area I wish to work and I’m continuing to expand my network, even though it’s still 10 months from graduation.

My name is Tracy and I am a student in the Community Developmental Service Worker program at Trillium College, Kingston. When you get here, come find me and I would be happy to extend the same warm welcome I have received.

Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.
These poignant words, written by famous American poet Walt Whitman, may seem overly cheery to some. But good cheer rarely held a man or woman back in life. And it certainly made living a more enjoyable experience.

Sometimes those interested in adult learning allow a negative mindset to hold them back. With adult learning, as with many of life’s challenges, however, “attitude is everything” – and mature students must learn how to attack restricting thoughts and beliefs head on. Here are some of the negative thoughts that can stifle the pursuit of adult learning, as well as “replacement thoughts” that can help you push towards your career dreams.

Negative Thought #1

-“I’ll never be able to succeed, so what’s the point in trying?”

Positive Replacement
-“I can succeed if I try!”

It can be scary to come back to school and pursue adult learning. You’ve been out of the education world for a long time, and maybe you’re frightened that you just won’t be able to manage. Or perhaps your experiences in high school weren’t the best, and this has left some anxiety about succeeding in the academic world.
Well, the thing is, you won’t even have the opportunity to prove your worst fears are incorrect unless you TRY. Also, many colleges have student advisors, who can help you put your best foot forward as you apply for or start a new adult learning program. In fact, the chances are, you probably have most of the prerequisites to begin the program of your choice, so kick out those self-limiting thoughts, do a little research and reach out to the college of your choice for support as you make impressive steps towards a better life.

Negative Thought #2

-“I could never afford to go back to school!”

Positive Replacement
-“Let me look into financial aid at the college of my choice!”

Adult learners, beware! While financial concerns plague us all, fear of monetary stress can be an unnecessary barrier to your educational pursuits and career advancement.
Sure, professional training costs money – but many colleges offer scholarships, special low-interest loans, bursaries and other access to financial aid. Trillium College, for example, has formed special agreements with certain banks and may offer scholarships with student financial needs in mind.

Negative Thought #3

-“I’m too busy to go back to school.”

Replacement Thought
-“Many colleges support adult learning with flexible scheduling options.”

Life gets busy, and this is a reality. But many colleges are aware of this fact, and cater to adult learning needs. Flexible scheduling, in the form of night or day class options, is something Trillium College offers to help combat the barrier of a busy life when it comes to adult learning.

Negative Thought #4

-“I don’t have the energy for adult learning.”

Positive Replacement
-“Energy is a state of mind.”

Don’t have the energy to go back to college? Worried that you’ll lose your motivation if you enrol in a college program? Well it’s time to get your mojo back.

First, thinking more positively in and of itself will help you live with more energy, and this blog should help with this. Second, resist the bag of chips and another hour spent on the couch and get moving. Go outside. Exercise. Whatever. But get moving, get your eyes beyond a television screen and look to the beauty of the world around you. It’s amazing how choosing to think positively, getting more exercise, eating healthier foods and opening your eyes to new experiences can help bring new ideas and energy into your daily life. With the motivation you’ll gain from a few habit changes, you’ll have the ability to pursue your dreams and take steps in your life that will lead to an improved reality.

Negative Thought #5

-“I don’t have any information about adult learning programs.”

Replacement Thought
-“A quick call or internet search will tell me all I need to know.”

Maybe it seems that a college diploma is out of your reach, simply because you don’t know the processes for application, or what’s involved. Yet, a simple Google search could bring a world of opportunity to your fingertips. Or even better, a call to the college of your choice gives you a personal connection to all the information you need to move forward. Trillium College’s career advisors and admissions reps, for example, can help answer your questions. They can also book you in for a free Career Planning Session today.

References to the “power of positive ideas” or putting “mind over matter” are surely clichéd – but it doesn’t mean they don’t hold truth. If negative thinking is holding you back from adult learning, a college diploma and the career of your dreams, it’s time to re-evaluate your thinking and make a change right away.

Call 1.855.234.2008 to get more information about Trillium College, and to book your FREE Career Planning Session, today.

As a professor of cognitive psychology, I teach about memory, especially about when and why our memories often fail us. Students are excited to apply this material to their everyday lives.

During a recent class, a student asked whether other faculty were familiar with this research and remarked that it would be helpful if everyone structured their lessons with this knowledge in mind.

I offer the following tips taken from basic memory research. All of these findings can be easily applied to how you teach your classes and advise students.

1. Attend to information.

How often are your students checking text messages while listening to your lecture, arguing that they are really good at multitasking? Remind your students that most failures of memory are not problems with retrieval but with encoding. Most of the time we do not have difficulty pulling information out; the problem is that we never got it in to begin with. To make this point, I use the classic Nickerson and Adams (1979) penny task and ask students to draw the head of a penny from memory. They quickly realize that they have “forgotten” which direction Lincoln is facing or are unsure which phrases are on the heads or tails side. Explain to your students that they didn’t forget what a penny looks like. The truth is that they never bothered to encode the information. To remember something, they need to engage in controlled processing. They have to block out other distractions and focus on the task at hand.

2. Engage in deep processing and self-reference.

Deep processing involves thinking about the meaning of the information and connecting it to personal experiences. To make this point, I use a modified version of Craik and Tulving’s (1975) study and present students with a list of adjectives, such as “creative,” “methodical,” or “serious.” For some of the words they are asked a question about how it is spelled; for example, “Does the word contain the letter T?” For other words, they are asked, “Does the word describe you?” Later, students are asked to recall as many of the words as possible. Students are significantly more likely to recall words from the “describe list” because they had to think about the meanings and apply the words to themselves. Simply reading over a paragraph of text or listening to a lecture does not guarantee encoding it into memory. What one thinks about while listening or reading is what matters.

3. Generate cues.

Students often request that I provide more examples of the concepts we are discussing. Although instructor-provided examples and explanations are important, I teach my students that it is more important that they come up with their own examples and cues. Research by Mäntylä (1986) reveals that participants recalled 36 percent more concepts when using self-generated cues than when using cues developed by someone else.

4. Create context.

Instructors know that students often come to class unprepared. Students argue that they prefer to hear the lecture before reading the chapter. To explain why skimming the chapter before class is important, I read my students an oddly worded passage from a study by Bransford and Johnson (1972). First, I show half of the class a picture that creates context for what they are about to hear. For this half of the group, the strangely worded passage is clear, and they find they are able to recall large portions of it after hearing it just once. The group not shown the picture fails to make sense of what they have heard and have difficulty recalling details. Without looking at material before class to create context, it is difficult for new material to make much sense.

5. Test frequently.

This is the easiest strategy and can have the most impact on students. Contrary to expectation, Roediger and Karpicke (2006) found that seeing a passage only once and then forcing yourself to recall it from memory leads to better retention than repeatedly reading the passage. Incorporate brief tests or quizzes into your course, and encourage your students to self-test as they study. Reading a passage and then stopping to ask yourself what you just read is going to be more effective than reading it twice. Students may have heard much of this advice before. However, taking the time to put students through these demonstrations will allow them to experience how these small adjustments can influence their recall. They will then see the value of changing the way they study.

References

Bransford, J.D. & Johnson, M.K. (1972). Contextual prerequisites for understanding:

Some investigations of comprehension and recall. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal

Behavior, 11, 717-726.

Craik, F.I.M. & Tulving, E. (1975). Depth of processing and retention of words in episodic

memory. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 104, 268-294.

Mäntylä, T. (1986). Optimizing cue effectiveness: Recall of 500 and 600 incidentally

learned words. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 12, 66–71.

So you’re community-minded, and want to make a difference. Social justice, equality and being a “helping citizen” are ideas that appeal to you, and you’ve been eyeing ads for Social Worker programs for years. Lately, however, postings for “Community Service Worker” (CSW) and “Personal Support Worker” (PSW) programs keep catching your attention. What do CSWs and PSWs do—and how do they compare to Social Workers? A combined description of these “helping” professions follows, to help you make your choice.

What do Social Workers, CSWs and PSWs do?

Social Workers – The Canadian Association of Social Workers states that, “Social work is a profession concerned with helping individuals, families, groups and communities to enhance their individual and collective well-being. It aims to help people develop their skills and their ability to use their own resources and those of the community to resolve problems. Social work is concerned with individual and personal problems but also with broader social issues such as poverty, unemployment and domestic violence” (2014). In other words, Social Workers help people who aren’t functioning optimally in society become the best, happiest and most successful people they can be.

Personal Support Workers and Community Service Workers – Like Social Workers, CSWs and PSWs help people. Service Canada (2013) states that CSWs “administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services, and assist clients to deal with personal and social problems.” PSWs, on the other hand, provide for the comfort, safety and well-being of clients in need in both institutional and community settings. They often help people facing immobility issues with the daily tasks of living, or with taking medications and self-care as needed.

Where might I find work as a Social Worker, CSW or PSW?

Social Workers – According to OntarioColleges.ca, Social Workers can find careers in the education, corrections and health fields (n.d.). The Canadian Association of Social Workers highlights that Social Workers often find employment in family and children’s aid agencies, school boards, correctional facilities, hospitals and more (2014).

Personal Support Workers and Community Service Workers – CSWs may find a wealth of rewarding employment opportunities as addictions support workers, group home support workers, community service workers or shelter support workers. They may choose to work in shelters and community facilities, among other settings. PSWs may find fulfilling employment in a number of areas, including long-term care facilities, home care agencies, senior citizens’ recreation centres, hospitals, group homes, and respite and palliative care centres.

How long does it take to become a Social Worker, CSW or PSW?

Social Workers – Social work programs at Ontario colleges range from 35 weeks to 2 years in length. A Bachelor of Social Work from an Ontario University can take from 2 to 4 years, on the other hand, depending on whether you have done prior studies in the field.

Personal Support Workers and Community Service Workers – In Ontario, you can train to become a PSW in under a year. Trillium College’s PSW program, for example, is 25 study weeks long, while their CSW program is 45 study weeks long.

Our communities need YOU:

Going into the “helping professions” is a great choice—whether you decide to become a Community Service Worker or Personal Support Worker, or simply a Social Worker. For more information about entering the social services field today, and to set up your FREE Career Planning Session, contact Trillium College at 1.855.234.2008.

We are currently accepting students into our many exciting diploma programs, and with 3 campuses around Ontario, we’re here to help you succeed.

You are exactly where you need to be, so just breathe.

Here are 6 ways to tap into your full potential.

1. Believe in Yourself 

Build up your self-confidence by increasing your positive self-talk. You can and you will.

2. Let Yourself Be a Student 

Listen and learn from the experiences of others. The route to success has many paths.

3. It’s Okay-Even Natural-NOT to Know the Answers 

Accepting the fact that you don’t know is the best way to learn.

4. Mistakes Are Good 

We all learn differently. Mistakes are not a reflection of who you are, but how you grow. Sometimes we need to make mistakes to learn an important lesson.

5. Give Yourself a Break and Remember, You Are Not Alone. 

We all need time to rest. Don’t beat yourself up about it.

6. Never Give Up 

Persistence is key!

It’s scary to take risks. At least, it can be for some people. The thought of putting one’s best efforts into something, only to have a project or hope fall at one’s feet, is an unhappy vision.

But what about when things work out for the better?

The fact is, when it comes to education, there can be both good and bad risks. Here are some of the chances you should – and shouldn’t – take when it comes to your education.

Bad Risk = Enrolling without thinking of how you’re going to pay tuition vs.
Good Risk = Enrolling after speaking with our representatives about financial support

It’s a truth: Going to college can be expensive. The good thing is a lot of aid exists out there, from low interest student loans to our Trillium College scholarships. Such aid may help you succeed without the burden of broken finances.

Bad Risk = Enrolling in a program with no defined job outcome vs.
Good Risk = Enrolling in a program that prepares you for a specific career

Here lies the essential debate about general vs. specialized education. Many enrol in four-year degree programs thinking classes in the humanities – apparently chosen at random – will make them good job market candidates. A specialized college education, on the other hand, gives you a set curriculum designed to give you the practical and theoretical skills for success in a specific industry or role. It’s always good to have a plan!

Bad Risk = Dropping out because you’re feeling stressed vs.
Good Risk = Setting aside time to speak with our caring staff

Work-life balance seems hard to find sometimes, doesn’t it? Like it or not, however, pressure’s a normal element of human life. Dropping out because you’re stressed is a bad risk: Can you imagine giving up the dream that first made you enrol – the thought of a better career and more rewarding life that you envisioned lying at the end of your educational path? It’s better to discuss your worries with Trillium College’s supportive instructors and staff. Or make use of our Student Support Program. We’ve got you covered when it comes to lending a helpful ear or hand.

So, life is full of risks – it’s true – but tackling some challenges can move us forward, while others can set us back. The fact is, in life, it’s hard to know for sure what’s a wrong or right choice. All we can do is stay as informed and positive as possible, reach out to our instructors and Trillium College staff when we need to, hold our breath…and jump in!

Trillium College offers a range of exciting diploma programs. Call us at 1.855.234.2008 today to find out what great career could be in store for you!

So you’ve decided to make a positive change in your life. After reviewing a list of your local career college’s programs, you’ve chosen a course of study that suits your dreams and goals. You’ve taken some important steps along an exciting path to new opportunities, but – as with any adventure – you need the right fuel to support your efforts and maximize your potential.

Here are 5 Trillium College tips for starting your daily learning journey off right:

1. Eat breakfast

Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Yet so many people – in a rush to get the kids ready for school or get to work – miss this important morning meal.

Eating a healthy breakfast gives you the energy you need for a successful day. As the Mayo Clinic’s Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., notes, it also keeps you from feeling uncontrollably hungry later on so you can make better food choices throughout the day, and helps stabilize your insulin levels, which can contribute to maintaining a healthy body weight.

2. Get exercise

Contrary to what some people think, going for a brisk walk or jog doesn’t sap your energy. In fact, it gives you more. Being active releases chemicals in the brain that may help you feel happier, more confident and energized. Of course, when you’re in a good frame of mind, projects seem less daunting and you’re able to stay focused longer. The Mayo Clinic recommends a 30-minute brisk walk or gym workout to encourage the above-listed effects.

3. Affirmations

Affirmations – good words that you repeat to yourself to stay positive and boost confidence – are a great thing to do in the morning. In The Psychology of Change, Stanford University’s Geoffrey L. Cohen and the University of California’s David K. Sherman write that, “Timely affirmations have been shown to improve education, health, and relationship outcomes, with benefits that sometimes persist for months and years.” So start talking to yourself, and talking to yourself with a lot of positivity, today. Some good affirmations for career college students could be, “I’m smart and hardworking” or “I have what it takes to succeed!”

4. Make a list

There’s nothing worse than starting your day feeling disorganized. With a pen and paper or your smartphone, jot down the things you need to accomplish during the day. It helps if you put down the time you estimate each task will take to complete, and put a number beside each item to remind yourself of its priority level. List-making can help you visualize what you need to get done when, and systematically accomplish the goals you need to in order to be successful in your day, week – and program.

5. Get started!

You’ve eaten right, done your stretches, and repeated your affirmations. Now what more is there to do? Get started!

Procrastination is the chief killer of time and good intentions. Many people procrastinate because they’re afraid of starting a seemingly large task. Once you’ve jumped in, though, you’re part way there! And, by simply starting, you can reduce the feelings of guilt and shame that tend to creep up on those who delay – and that cause unnecessary and sometimes paralyzing stress.

Start your day right with these 5 tips and reach your goals with as little stress – and as much energy and positivity – as possible.