Xav's Avenue, Wellington (2024)

09/08/2023

Two weeks ago, my husband shared a video with me that was nothing short of an eye-opener. Little did I know that this simple act would send me down a rabbit hole of research and self-discovery, all revolving around the term "UFP" - Ultra Processed Food. As I find myself halfway through a thought-provoking book on the subject, I'm struck by a wave of indignation, realizing the extent to which corporations manipulate our diets solely for their monetary gain....

Two weeks ago, my husband shared a video with me that was nothing short of an eye-opener. Little did I know that this simple act would send me down a rabbit hole of research and self-discovery, all…

08/08/2023

In the world of productivity hacks and information management, there's a gem that's often overlooked due to its rather imposing name: Progressive Summarization. This technique, devised by the productivity guru Tiago Forte, is nothing short of a game-changer when it comes to distilling and retaining valuable insights from your reading materials. Let me take you on a journey into the world of Progressive Summarization, a method that has the power to transform the way you consume and interact with information....

In the world of productivity hacks and information management, there’s a gem that’s often overlooked due to its rather imposing name: Progressive Summarization. This technique, devised …

07/08/2023

As I stand here at the 169-day mark of my Carnivore Diet journey, I can't help but marvel at the transformation that has taken place. These days have become a part of my daily routine, and they're nothing short of remarkable. There are a few aspects of this diet that have truly stood out, offering me a unique perspective on my relationship with food....

As I stand here at the 169-day mark of my Carnivore Diet journey, I can’t help but marvel at the transformation that has taken place. These days have become a part of my daily routine, and th…

01/08/2023

As I delve deeper into my Carnivore diet experience, I can't help but marvel at the twists and turns this journey has taken me on. It's been quite a ride, filled with self-discovery, resilience, and surprising revelations. The First HurdleIn my previous post, I omitted an essential detail that tested my commitment to the Carnivore diet. Three weeks into the diet, we hosted a family reunion at our house, welcoming over 30 of my relatives to celebrate my father's life after his passing six months prior....

As I delve deeper into my Carnivore diet experience, I can’t help but marvel at the twists and turns this journey has taken me on. It’s been quite a ride, filled with self-discovery, re…

31/07/2023

Weight gain, a battle I've fought for as long as I can remember, has always been a constant struggle in my life. My relationship with food has been a rollercoaster ride, and even when I didn't enjoy what I ate or how it made me feel, I couldn't seem to stop myself. Little did I know that this issue would later take a toll on my mental health....

Weight gain, a battle I’ve fought for as long as I can remember, has always been a constant struggle in my life. My relationship with food has been a rollercoaster ride, and even when I didn&…

21/07/2023

Hello, fellow seekers of inspiration! It's July, and I'm already on my second Brené Brown book of the month—I just can't get enough of her wisdom! Currently, I'm diving into the profound insights of "Daring Greatly" and today, as I was driving to my hair appointment, listening to the audiobook (thank you, Amazon Whispersync!), a particular quote from Brené struck me like a bolt of lightning....

Hello, fellow seekers of inspiration! It’s July, and I’m already on my second Brené Brown book of the month—I just can’t get enough of her wisdom! Currently, I’m diving into…

20/07/2023

If you're like me, you're no stranger to the wisdom and thought-provoking insights of Simon Sinek. His words have graced my blog a few times, inspiring countless discussions and moments of introspection. But today, I want to delve into a particular interview that has stirred up a question within me—a question that has been lingering, tugging at the corners of my mind for weeks....

If you’re like me, you’re no stranger to the wisdom and thought-provoking insights of Simon Sinek. His words have graced my blog a few times, inspiring countless discussions and moments…

19/07/2023

Today, I stumbled upon a story that may seem simple on the surface, but its impact is nothing short of inspiring. It's a refreshing reminder that in the vast realm of social media, being true to yourself and embracing your authentic self is a breath of fresh air that resonates deeply with people. Allow me and CBS Mornings introduce you to Alex D'Alessio, the unsung hero of the DIY world....

Today, I stumbled upon a story that may seem simple on the surface, but its impact is nothing short of inspiring. It’s a refreshing reminder that in the vast realm of social media, being true…

18/07/2023

Hold onto your seats, folks, because I'm about to introduce you to a planner that isn't your typical planner. Say hello to "The Anti-Planner: How to Get Sh*t Done When You Don't Feel Like It" by the talented self-published author, Dani Donovan. Now, you might be wondering, what's so special about this book? Well, let me tell you—it's a game-changer!...

Hold onto your seats, folks, because I’m about to introduce you to a planner that isn’t your typical planner. Say hello to “The Anti-Planner: How to Get Sh*t Done When You Don& #82…

17/07/2023

Hello there, fellow productivity enthusiasts! It's time for an update on my journey with OneNote as my trusty second brain at work. If you've been following along, you may recall my previous post where I delved into the concept of using OneNote to harness the power of external cognition. Well, it's been a month—though it feels like an eternity—and I'm excited to share my progress with you....

Hello there, fellow productivity enthusiasts! It’s time for an update on my journey with OneNote as my trusty second brain at work. If you’ve been following along, you may recall my pre…

13/07/2023

Ah, journaling! It's like a friend you neglect for a while, only to realise how much you miss them when they're gone. In 2022, I hit my journaling stride, and boy, did I love it! Every night, I made time to sit down, spill my thoughts, recount the day's happenings, and unleash my inner wordsmith. And let's not forget the stickers—oh, those glorious stickers!...

Ah, journaling! It’s like a friend you neglect for a while, only to realise how much you miss them when they’re gone. In 2022, I hit my journaling stride, and boy, did I love it! Every …

12/07/2023

In the hustle and bustle of our work lives, we often hear about the elusive concept of work-life balance. We're told that we should strive to find equilibrium between our professional responsibilities and personal joys. But what if work and life didn't have to be opposing forces? What if we could enjoy our work so much that it actually nourished our souls?...

In the hustle and bustle of our work lives, we often hear about the elusive concept of work-life balance. We’re told that we should strive to find equilibrium between our professional respons…

11/07/2023

Welcome back to another follow-up piece! Yesterday, we delved into the realm of our cruel inner chatter and how it affects our lives. Today, we're diving into the wisdom of Brené Brown and her enlightening book, "The Gifts of Imperfection." In the first chapter, Brown takes us on a journey to explore the power of embracing our imperfections (including chatter) and living wholeheartedly....

Welcome back to another follow-up piece! Yesterday, we delved into the realm of our cruel inner chatter and how it affects our lives. Today, we’re diving into the wisdom of Brené Brown and he…

10/07/2023

We all have that little voice inside our heads—the one that never seems to shut up, constantly commenting on our lives, sometimes even being downright mean. It's like having a tiny devil on our shoulder, ready to criticise, worry, and catastrophes at every turn. If you've ever found yourself caught in a spiral of negative self-talk, you're not alone. I recently stumbled upon a YouTube video by Ethan Kross that shed some light on this inner chatter, and boy, did it make me realise just how cruel I can be to myself....

We all have that little voice inside our heads—the one that never seems to shut up, constantly commenting on our lives, sometimes even being downright mean. It’s like having a tiny devil on o…

06/07/2023

Greetings, fellow presentation warriors! Today, I have an exciting tale to share about Rahaf Harfoush's captivating Skill Share course, "Presenting & Communication: Effectively Prepare for Compelling Presentations." Brace yourselves for a journey filled with humor, personal triumph, and a touch of charisma as I recount how Rahaf's course rescued me from the clutches of presentation stress. So, grab your imaginary popcorn, sit back, and let's dive into this story of transformation!...

Greetings, fellow presentation warriors! Today, I have an exciting tale to share about Rahaf Harfoush’s captivating Skill Share course, “Presenting & Communication: Effectively Prep…

05/07/2023

Greetings, dear readers! Today, we embark on an adventure inspired by Laurie Santos's captivating YouTube video, "3 signs that you've hit clinical burnout and should seek help." As someone who has experienced burnout not once, but twice in my career, I can't help but stress the importance of recognising them early on. So, grab a cup of coffee (or two), sit back, and let's dive into the world of burnout, with a touch of laughter and a sprinkle of wisdom....

Greetings, dear readers! Today, we embark on an adventure inspired by Laurie Santos’s captivating YouTube video, “3 signs that you’ve hit clinical burnout and should seek help.& #8…

04/07/2023

Greetings, fellow note-taking enthusiasts! Today, we embark on a thrilling journey into the world of Evernote's Backlink feature. Prepare to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes as we explore this powerful tool. So grab your magnifying glass and let's dive into the enigmatic realm of backlinks! Backlink Bonanza: Cracking the Case of Connection:Imagine being able to effortlessly navigate through the labyrinth of your notes, linking them like a master detective weaving clues together....

Greetings, fellow note-taking enthusiasts! Today, we embark on a thrilling journey into the world of Evernote’s Backlink feature. Prepare to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes as we explore t…

03/07/2023

Welcome, dear readers, to a whimsical journey through the realm of attention spans and how to reclaim them! In this blog post, we'll dive into the wonderful world of Amishi Jha's insightful YouTube video, "If your attention span has been hijacked, here's how to take it back." So grab a comfy seat, put your phone on silent (after reading this, of course), and let's embark on this adventure together!...

Welcome, dear readers, to a whimsical journey through the realm of attention spans and how to reclaim them! In this blog post, we’ll dive into the wonderful world of Amishi Jha’s insigh…

30/06/2023

In the world of corporate leadership, different countries have their own distinctive styles and approaches. From the laid-back Kiwis to the ambitious Americans and the sophisticated Brits, each nation brings its unique flavour to the boardroom. Today, we embark on a comparison of corporate leadership in New Zealand, the USA, and the UK. Get ready as we explore the quirks, the humour, and ultimately, the reasons why New Zealand steals the show!...

In the world of corporate leadership, different countries have their own distinctive styles and approaches. From the laid-back Kiwis to the ambitious Americans and the sophisticated Brits, each nat…

29/06/2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of organisations, the need for exceptional leadership has never been more crucial. Linda A. Hill, a renowned leadership expert, sheds light on the essential qualities that make a great leader. She argues that the key to fostering agility lies in shifting leadership paradigms throughout history. From setting direction in the 1920s to envisioning a brighter future in the 1980s, leadership has evolved into shaping culture and capabilities in the 2020s....

In the ever-evolving landscape of organisations, the need for exceptional leadership has never been more crucial. Linda A. Hill, a renowned leadership expert, sheds light on the essential qualities…

28/06/2023

Brené Brown is one of those rare gems who can make you both laugh and cry within a matter of minutes. Her ability to connect with audiences through her stories and insights is truly remarkable. Every time I hear her speak, I feel like I've struck gold, even if I've heard it all before. Recently, I indulged in a weekend binge of Brené Brown's Netflix special, "The Call to Courage," and let me tell you, it was an emotional roller coaster....

Brené Brown is one of those rare gems who can make you both laugh and cry within a matter of minutes. Her ability to connect with audiences through her stories and insights is truly remarkable. Eve…

27/06/2023

Ah, the Eisenhower Matrix! It's incredible how a simple tool like this can work wonders when you find yourself drowning in a sea of indecision. I stumbled upon this gem a few years back, and boy, was it a game-changer. When you're caught in the web of endless tasks and can't figure out what's truly important or where to start, the Eisenhower Matrix swoops in like a superhero with its clear-cut approach....

Ah, the Eisenhower Matrix! It’s incredible how a simple tool like this can work wonders when you find yourself drowning in a sea of indecision. I stumbled upon this gem a few years back, and …

26/06/2023

Ah, university life! The mere mention of it brings to mind images of grand lecture halls, endless note-taking, and professors who could put you to sleep faster than your morning alarm clock. As someone who bypassed the university experience and dove straight into the working world, I've always wondered what those lectures were really like. Fortunately, my only source of information has been movies and my own imagination....

Ah, university life! The mere mention of it brings to mind images of grand lecture halls, endless note-taking, and professors who could put you to sleep faster than your morning alarm clock. As som…

23/06/2023

Hello there, fellow seekers of wisdom and workplace enthusiasts! Today, I want to share a tale of how one man, Simon Sinek, influenced my professional journey with his captivating concept of building a culture around "Why." But fear not, dear reader, for I shall not delve into a dry, scholarly discussion. Instead, let's embark on a lighthearted adventure, exploring Simon's 5 Fundamentals of Leadership while sprinkling in a dash of humour along the way....

Hello there, fellow seekers of wisdom and workplace enthusiasts! Today, I want to share a tale of how one man, Simon Sinek, influenced my professional journey with his captivating concept of buildi…

22/06/2023

Today, I stumbled upon a captivating video by Professor Roger Martin titled "A Plan is not a Strategy" on the Harvard Business Review channel. It challenged my understanding of strategy and left me questioning my approach. Let's embark on a journey through the world of strategic thinking! The Comfort Zone of Planning:Let's face it, folks, planning is like a cozy blanket on a cold winter's night for many leaders....

Today, I stumbled upon a captivating video by Professor Roger Martin titled “A Plan is not a Strategy” on the Harvard Business Review channel. It challenged my understanding of strategy…

21/06/2023

Hey there, fellow neurodivergent thinkers and enthusiasts! Imagine stumbling upon a YouTube video called ADHD in Women and suddenly realising that your struggles may be due to more than just Dyslexia. It's time to dive into the fascinating world of neurodiversity and debunk the misconceptions surrounding it. Neurodiversity celebrates the beautiful variations in the human brain. Conditions under the neurodiversity umbrella include autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, Down syndrome, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyslexia, dyspraxia, intellectual disabilities, mental health conditions, Prader-Willi syndrome, sensory processing disorders, social anxiety, Tourette syndrome, and Williams syndrome....

Hey there, fellow neurodivergent thinkers and enthusiasts! Imagine stumbling upon a YouTube video called ADHD in Women and suddenly realising that your struggles may be due to more than just Dyslex…

19/06/2023

Hey there, fellow note-takers and organisation enthusiasts! Today, I want to take you on a ride down memory lane as we dive into the realm of OneNote, my trusted companion for work-related brainpower. Now, you might be wondering why I chose a different app for my professional endeavours while keeping Evernote as my personal haven (you can read about that here…...

Hey there, fellow note-takers and organisation enthusiasts! Today, I want to take you on a ride down memory lane as we dive into the realm of OneNote, my trusted companion for work-related brainpow…

Xav's Avenue