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Compulsive. Chronic. Numbing.
Photo by Victoria Romulo on Unsplash.
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Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.
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Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Brené Brown defines addiction as “compulsive and chronic numbing.”
That definition deeply resonates with me. It has opened the door to a deeper understanding, not just of substance abuse, but of the habits and patterns quietly overtaking so many of our waking hours.
When I work with clients, we often start with a focus on productivity, not to push for perfection, but to help them do what matters most.
Getting Started
It’s not about becoming a productivity machine.
It’s about finishing your calculus homework so you can pass the class and stay in your major.
It’s about turning in your assignments so you can stop counting zeros and get off academic probation.
It’s about meeting deadlines at work, so you can keep the job you both enjoy and rely on to support your family.
But there’s a growing challenge I see again and again: the pull of compulsive screen time—TikTok, YouTube, Netflix, video games.
When we understand addiction as chronic numbing, these behaviors start to make more sense.
Calculus is hard. Video games offer instant relief.
Starting a dry, tedious discussion post feels overwhelming. TikTok feels light and fun.
Facing another packed workday feels heavy. A Netflix binge at midnight feels like an escape, until you're dragging yourself out of bed four hours later, more overwhelmed than before.
When clients keep choosing screens over sleep, over school, over work, even when they desperately want a different outcome, it may be time to reframe the conversation.
Because this doesn’t always look like a “problem” in the traditional sense. But when numbing becomes chronic, when it interferes with your goals, your health, your peace... it matters.
Here’s some food for thought: We don’t tell alcoholics to try “just one drink a day.” We don’t tell kids, “one cigarette won’t hurt.”
So why are we okay with apps and platforms that are literally designed to hook us, and keep us hooked?
Did you know that executives at Apple and Google famously limit their own children’s screen time, or avoid giving them smartphones altogether?
For me, this definition of addiction hits home most with food, numbing stress or discomfort with a treat. But for many of the clients I work with, it’s screen time: social media, streaming, scrolling. These aren't just bad habits. They're coping strategies. Ones that work in the short term, but cost us in the long term.
Maybe it’s time we start treating them with the seriousness they deserve.
Not with shame. But with honesty. With curiosity.
And with a commitment to reclaiming our time, and our focus from things that leave us feeling empty.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.
Follow Me
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Don't Feed The Frustration
Photo by Andriyko Podilnykon Unsplash.
Join the Project of the Week Community!
Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.
If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Have you ever noticed how the more you dwell on something frustrating, the bigger it seems to grow? It’s like handing it a microphone and shining a spotlight on it. Suddenly, that one small annoyance starts to take over your entire day.
I’ve been there too. I’ve replayed a stressful two-minute moment in my mind for hours. It echoes, it expands, and suddenly I’ve spent half a day feeling tense over something I can’t change.
Getting Started
This isn’t about pretending everything’s fine or brushing real problems under the rug. It’s about choosing where to place your mental and emotional energy. Because what you give your attention to, gains power.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy reminds us that we’re not at the mercy of every thought that pops into our minds. When your thoughts start spiraling, you can pause and gently redirect them. You can ask yourself: Is this thought helping me? Is it even true?
Instead of replaying frustrations, try filling that space with something healing or helpful—building a social connection, working on a meaningful project, or simply identifying one small step forward.
You deserve peace. And sometimes, peace begins with what you choose to and choose not to focus on.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.
Follow Me
Share this post
Independence Day Reflections
Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash.
Join the Project of the Week Community!
Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.
If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
As Independence Day approaches, I find myself thinking about independence in a slightly different way. Not the red, white, and blue kind (though I love a good fireworks display), but the kind that shows up in how we learn, work, and move through the world.
Some people love group projects. Others, like me, tend to cringe at the memory of them.
Back in college, it felt like every other assignment was a group project. And for me, they were frustrating more often than not. I always felt like I ended up doing more than my share, while the grade was split equally across the board. At the heart of it, I realize now, it wasn’t just about fairness, it was about standards. I had high expectations for the work I submitted, and I wasn’t willing to lower the bar just to keep the peace.
So I did more. I took control. I worked independently whenever I could. Because if the success or failure of the project was going to rest on someone’s shoulders, I wanted them to be mine.
Getting Started
Fast forward to today, and I spend my days coaching students, many of whom thrive in group settings. It’s actually fascinating to watch. For some students, group projects are a game-changer. The accountability, the shared responsibility, the knowledge that someone else will be relying on their contribution—those things don’t stress them out the way they did for me. In fact, they often do better work when they’re not going it alone.
Maybe it’s personality. Maybe it’s trust. Maybe it’s just how we’re wired.
Some students are natural collaborators. Others prefer solitude. Some need the quiet of their own space to process and create, while others feed off the energy of a team. And honestly? Both are valid. Both can lead to incredible results. But knowing which one works best for you, that’s where the magic starts.
As for me? I’ve come to appreciate collaboration a lot more than I used to. Especially when it’s intentional, balanced, and respectful of everyone’s strengths. I still love my solo time (hello, writing in quiet coffee shops), but I’ve learned that sometimes the best ideas come from conversations, not just contemplation.
So on this Independence Day, I’m celebrating both: the freedom to work the way that suits us best and the wisdom to know when to lean on others.
How about you? Do you prefer working in a group or flying solo?
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.
Follow Me
Share this post
Start with a Brain Dump
Photo by Hannah Olinger on Unsplash.
Join the Project of the Week Community!
Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.
If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
One of the biggest things that holds us back isn’t lack of motivation or time. It’s the constant swirl of thoughts in our heads.
To-do lists, reminders, worries, half-formed ideas. They all spin around in our minds, creating stress and overwhelm.
Getting Started
The best way to quiet the noise?
Get it out of your head.
Before you dive into your weekly planning session, try this: Set a timer for five minutes and do a brain dump. Write or type everything that comes to mind, no filters, no structure. Nothing is too big or too small. Just get it out.
If you’re about to start a new project, this is the perfect way to begin. Instead of jumping straight into action, take five minutes to brain-dump every single thought, task, and question you have about the project. It’s a simple step that lays the foundation for real progress.
Feeling overwhelmed at night as you're trying to fall asleep? Yep, same solution. Keep a notebook by your bed, or use your phone’s notes app and brain dump everything that’s on your mind. Leave it on your desk or in your work bag to revisit in the morning.
When I start working with clients, I often hear things like: “I don’t need to write that down. I won’t forget. It’s top of mind.”
But here’s the truth: they’re spending valuable brain energy trying not to forget. Energy that could be used on problem-solving, decision-making, or simply being present.
Once they start brain dumping regularly, they begin to feel the difference. The anxiety goes down. Their minds feel clearer. They start using their brain for the things that matter - creative thinking, deep work, meaningful conversations.
And they finally feel like they can breathe.
It all starts with a brain dump. It’s five minutes that can shift your entire day.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.
Follow Me
Share this post
Words Are Cheap
Photo by Kristina Flour on Unsplash.
Join the Project of the Week Community!
Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.
If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Words are cheap. It’s action that counts.
We all know someone who talks a big game. They sound confident. Their ideas seem brilliant. But when you take a closer look at their daily habits, their actual accomplishments, there’s not much there.
The truth is, talk is easy. Execution is hard.
When I first started my business, I would meet people who absolutely blew me away. They had bold visions, impressive-sounding plans, and what seemed like wildly successful businesses. I admired them. I cheered them on. And quietly, I wondered: Why haven’t I figured it out like they have?
But time has a way of revealing what’s real.
In almost every case where I thought, Wow, they’re amazing, I later discovered it was mostly smoke and mirrors. The business that sounded so successful had quietly closed. The big ideas never got off the ground. Some of these people had even left clients feeling worse off, disappointed, discouraged, and doubting themselves.
They were great at marketing. Great at talking. Great at looking successful.
And listen, in today’s world, being a skilled self-promoter can be a career. You can build a platform, even become an influencer. That’s fine. It’s just not me.
Because talking about a business isn’t the same as building one.
Getting Started
I remind myself of that constantly.
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. If someone’s success seems overnight, it almost never is.
Starting something new is hard. Starting a business is hard. Growth is uncomfortable. Results take time.
To succeed, you need more than a dream, you need a plan. You need to show up when no one’s watching. You need to make mistakes, learn, adjust, and keep going.
And if you’re not seeing instant results? That doesn’t mean you’re failing.
It means you’re doing the real work.
So don’t compare your quiet, consistent progress to someone else’s highlight reel.
Words are cheap. Actions—your daily, persistent, imperfect actions—are what build something real.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.
Follow Me
Share this post
Real Change Takes Time
Photo by Hans Isaacson on Unsplash.
Join the Project of the Week Community!
Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.
If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
I love coaching students. There’s nothing more fulfilling than watching them grow into the capable, confident humans I already know they can be.
As an Academic Coach, one of the hardest parts of my job isn’t working with students, it’s walking alongside their parents. These are parents who see their child’s potential, know how bright they are, and desperately want them to succeed. But they often hope for that success on a fast-track timeline.
Here’s the truth I remind them gently, over and over:
Real change takes time.
I’ve said this before, but it’s worth repeating: in all my years of coaching, I’ve never worked with a high school student for more than a year who still needed academic coaching in college. Why? Because they had the chance to build systems, habits, and confidence while they were still under the structure and support of home.
Now, most of the students I work with are already in college.
Their families are excited for a fresh start. They recognize the need for support, and that’s why they reach out. The students themselves want to succeed. They’re smart, motivated, and eager to make the most of this chapter.
But many of them cruised through high school doing the bare minimum. They were bright enough to pull it off. And when they did struggle, their parents hired subject tutors, someone to help them complete assignments or pass the class.
What no one taught them was how to plan their week. How to block off study time. How to walk into office hours and say, “I’m lost, and I don’t know where to start.”
At home, parents made sure they woke up on time. They turned off the Wi-Fi at 10 PM. They collected phones before bed. Those strategies can be incredibly helpful in getting a teen to graduation.
Getting Started
But here’s what I want to say gently to every parent:
Don’t expect a miracle when your child moves away to college.
It takes time to learn how to manage yourself - your time, your energy, your motivation.
It takes time to learn how to leave the comfort of your dorm room and find a study spot where you can actually focus.
It takes time to build the courage to ask for help, especially when you’re not even sure what you need, just that you’re overwhelmed.
For most students, it takes two to three years to figure out the systems and strategies that work for them. That’s when they’re doing the work for themselves, because they want to grow.
If they’re doing it to meet someone else’s expectations? It might take even longer.
And I know, college is expensive. It’s supposed to take four years. Parents worry, and rightfully so. This is a big investment.
But let’s zoom out.
In the grand scheme of life, two or three years to learn how to manage yourself, take ownership, and become resilient? That’s not long at all.
We keep our eyes on the bigger picture: building a life with purpose, financial independence, and a deep sense of personal success.
That doesn’t happen overnight.
Real change takes time. And that’s okay.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.
Follow Me
Share this post
Creating a Better Relationship with Email
Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash.
Join the Project of the Week Community!
Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.
If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
For a long time, email felt like a way to measure my productivity. It gave me a visible signal that I was staying on top of things.
I’d open my inbox first thing in the morning, fire off a few replies, and feel like I was starting the day strong. But over time, that sense of accomplishment faded. It stopped feeling productive and started feeling heavy.
No matter how many messages I answered, more kept rolling in. My inbox became a quiet source of pressure, always tugging at me with whispers like:
“You missed something.” “You should respond.” “You’re falling behind.”
That’s when it hit me: Email wasn’t the problem. My relationship with it was.
Getting Started
So, I started to shift. Not all at once. Not perfectly. But intentionally and with a lot of self-compassion.
Lesson 1: Email Is a Tool, Not a To-Do List
I used to treat my inbox like my task list. But here’s the problem with that: it was a to-do list written by other people.
I was constantly reacting, never really leading my day.
Now, I ask myself: Is this message actually a task?
If it is, I move it to my calendar or task list. If not, I archive it. It’s a simple habit that helps me stay focused on my priorities.
Lesson 2: Boundaries Are Not Optional
I used to check email constantly, at red lights, during lunch, even in bed. I told myself I was being responsible. In reality, I was never truly unplugged.
Now, I check email just two or three times a day. I batch it. I give it my full attention. And then, I close it.
It’s amazing how freeing it is to say: “Email can wait. I’m focused on this right now.”
Lesson 3: Not Everything Needs an Answer Today
I used to feel pressure to reply to everything, immediately. But then I asked myself:
What if I gave myself permission to respond when I’m actually ready?
Most emails are not urgent. And if something is urgent? It will find another way to reach you.
Now, I scan for anything truly time-sensitive, handle what takes under two minutes, and schedule time for the rest.
Lesson 4: Clear Writing Saves Everyone’s Time
There was a time when I’d write long, overly polite emails that left people unsure of what to do next.
Now, I try to write with intention:
Clear subject lines
Bullet points when helpful
One clear next step
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being clear, kind, and efficient.
Lesson 5: You Are Allowed to Step Away
This was the hardest one for me because we live in a world that worships responsiveness.
But here’s the truth: You are allowed to log off. You are allowed to rest without guilt. To take a break without apologies. To be present in your life, not just productive in your inbox.
Still a Work in Progress
Building a better relationship with email isn’t just about hitting inbox zero.
It’s about reclaiming your time. Reducing mental clutter. Creating space for deep work, real rest, and a sense of calm.
Email can be a tool that supports your life or it can quietly run your life. The difference is in how you choose to engage with it.
And to be clear: I’m still a work in progress. I fall down the email rabbit hole more often than I’d like. But when I do, I return to these lessons and remind myself:
I’m not a bad person for not replying right away. I’m just human. And I’m learning.
Download our free checklist
Reclaim your time. Reduce the noise. Build a healthier relationship with email. Use this weekly to check-in with your habits and reset your email mindset.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.
Follow Me
Share this post
Conflicting Feelings About Email
Join the Project of the Week Community!
Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.
If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
There’s something about a clear inbox that instantly makes me feel calmer, like I can finally exhale.
But then there are those days when my inbox fills up with 30 emails. None of them are urgent, so I let them sit. I focus on something more important, something that actually needs my full attention.
And yet, when I finally take the time, maybe a day or two later, to clear them out, I notice the shift. I feel lighter, more in control. Calmer. The strange thing is, I hadn’t even realized I wasn’t calm before.
Getting Started
That’s where the conflict comes in.
Email so often isn’t the truly important stuff. It can wait. And still, it affects how I feel throughout the day, even when I know it shouldn't.
I hate the feeling of loose ends, like I owe someone a reply, like something’s hanging over me.
You can tell yourself a hundred times, "It’s fine. The emails can wait." But it doesn’t change the feeling.
Can anyone else relate? Do you have any magical tips or strategies that make email feel less... heavy?
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.
Follow Me
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Stuck in a Rut?
Photo by Pablo Merchán Montes on Unsplash.
Join the Project of the Week Community!
Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.
If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
I’m writing this as much to hear from you as to share my own thoughts; because, honestly, I could use some advice too.
We’ve all been there. Life is chugging along. Work is fine. Home life is steady. No major crises, no unexpected hurdles. And yet, somehow, everything feels... stuck.
Why does life sometimes feel like an endless loop of "Wash, Rinse, Repeat"?
You're not behind. Nothing is particularly stressful. But there’s this nagging sense of monotony, like you’re living the same day over and over again.
We always talk about the power of habits and routines, how they keep us on track through the highs, the lows, and everything in between. But what about those times when life just feels too predictable? When the routines that once provided stability now feel like a cage?
So, how do we shake things up? How do we break free from the dullness and bring some spark back into our daily lives?
Getting Started
Here are a few things that help me:
Find an exciting book or audiobook—something that pulls me into a new world or perspective.
Schedule in-person meet-ups for work—changing the scenery and connecting with others makes a big difference.
Get outside early in the day—fresh air and movement can shift my mindset.
Plan something fun for the weekend—having something to look forward to keeps the days from blending together.
Prioritize extra rest—sometimes, that feeling of being stuck is just exhaustion in disguise.
But I’d love to hear from you. What do you do when life starts to feel a little too repetitive?
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.
Follow Me
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WAIT - Why Am I Talking?
Join the Project of the Week Community!
Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.
If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
I recently had the pleasure of attending a talk by @Lauren Valentine titled Advocate. Negotiate. Elevate – Empower Your Career Growth.
There were so many great takeaways, but a few really stuck with me:
The answer is always no if you don’t ask.
The importance of elevating those around you.
Take the time to understand the problems you’re solving for the other party.
But one concept that really hit home was the Power of the Pause.
Getting Started
Lauren’s reminder to let words settle and give people time to think made me realize how powerful pausing can be in any conversation or interaction.
This is true in so many scenarios:
In coaching: When I ask a client a question, it’s okay to give them a few moments to truly reflect on their answer.
In parenting: With my daughter, sometimes it’s more effective to say less and allow my words to sink in.
In meetings: How much more impactful it can be to pause after asking a question, giving everyone the chance to truly think and respond.
One of the most valuable takeaways for me was learning an acronym I now love: WAIT – Why Am I Talking?
I’m excited to embrace this concept more in my life—both personally and professionally. Let’s not forget the power of the pause, and how much it can help us connect, listen, and grow!
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.
Follow Me
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What Environment Are You Creating?
Photo by Getty Images on Unsplash.
Join the Project of the Week Community!
Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.
If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Do your employees feel comfortable sharing feedback? Do they feel safe bringing new ideas to the table? Or are they afraid of failure—hesitant to speak up, take risks, or step into new opportunities?
A closed-off work environment isn’t just bad for morale—it could be costing you real money.
When employees don’t feel heard, inefficiencies go unaddressed. Problems that could have been fixed early start draining resources. Lost productivity, missed improvements, and disengaged employees add up quickly.
When employees don’t feel empowered to share ideas, you might be missing out on new revenue streams, game-changing innovations, or simple but impactful process improvements.
And if your employees are afraid of failure? They may not raise their hands for new projects or leadership opportunities—even when they’re the best person for the job.
Getting Started
Creating an open and supportive environment isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have. It’s the foundation for growth, innovation, and a thriving company culture.
Is psychological safety part of your company’s values?
More importantly, how do you ensure that every team member truly feels it—so they can fully support your company’s goals and initiatives?
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.
Follow Me
Share this post
Accepting Help
Photo by Getty Images on Unsplash.
Join the Project of the Week Community!
Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.
If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
We all know it’s impossible to be good at everything.
No one questions why a soccer or basketball team needs a coach. We don’t expect kids to teach themselves how to read—that’s why we have teachers. Yet, when it comes to essential life skills like managing time, making plans, and following through on projects, we assume everyone should just know how to do it.
Why do we expect our kids—young and old—to magically master executive functioning skills without guidance?
Over the years, I’ve had countless conversations with potential clients about their goals, challenges, and what’s been holding them back. More times than I can count, they tell me they want to “give it one more shot” on their own. If I still can’t do it, I’ll reach back out, they say.
And many of them do reach back out. They become great clients. They thrive with the right support.
What frustrates me as a coach is the unrealistic expectation society places on students, working parents, and ambitious professionals—the idea that they should be able to do it all alone. And if they can’t? Something must be wrong with them.
Never mind the fact that most schools don’t actually teach executive functioning. Never mind that some people naturally struggle with it more than others, even though, with the right support, they can be incredibly successful.
Getting Started
There is no shame in asking for help. There is no weakness in accepting it.
I often wonder—if we could remove the stigma around needing support, how many more creative and brilliant minds would reach their full potential?
ADHD, at its core, is a brain difference. It can make executive functioning more difficult, but it also enhances creativity, energy, and the ability to hyperfocus on what truly matters.
Imagine the groundbreaking ideas and innovations that could come to life if executive functioning support were simply seen as a resource—without shame, without hesitation, just like a coach on the field or a teacher in the classroom.
What could we achieve if we embraced the power of help?
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.
Follow Me
Share this post
Set Yourself Up For Success: The Power of Preparation
Photo by Getty Images on Unsplash.
Join the Project of the Week Community!
Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.
If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Imagine this—you sit down to tackle an important project. You’re motivated, ready to dive in. But then, things start going wrong. You realize you don’t fully understand the task. A distraction pulls you away. You’re scrambling because you didn’t leave room for the unexpected. Suddenly, what should have been a smooth process turns into frustration and chaos.
Getting Started
Now, rewind. What if you had set yourself up for success instead?
Did you take a moment to truly grasp the project before starting?
Did you give yourself extra time for unexpected roadblocks?
Did you choose an environment that helps you stay focused?
Did you make a plan—or just jump in, hoping for the best?
With every project, big or small, we have a choice. We can either set ourselves up for struggle or position ourselves for success. The difference isn’t luck—it’s preparation.
So before you start, take a breath. Set yourself up to win. Your future self will thank you.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.
Follow Me
Share this post
Would I Be Proud to Fail on This?
Photo by Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash.
Join the Project of the Week Community!
Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.
If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
I love the quote by James Clear: "What is something you would be proud to fail on, if you had the courage to attempt it?"
As a perfectionist, I hate failure. Too often, the fear of failing overshadows the dream of success.
When I tell the story of how I left the corporate world to start my own business nine years ago, the most common response I hear is, "Wow, you were so brave."
But the funny thing is, those words don’t really resonate with me.
Looking back on that decision, I had money saved—originally intended for buying a house. I had spent countless hours researching how to start a professional organizing business and had a detailed business plan. As a professional catastrophizer, I had already mapped out my worst-case scenarios. And if everything fell apart? I could always return to the corporate world.
Logistically, I had a plan. But I also knew the odds weren’t in my favor—more new businesses fail than succeed.
Yet, in taking the biggest risk of my life, I wasn’t afraid to fail. I believed that, given the amount of time we spend working, it was worth the risk to build a career I loved. The potential upside of success far outweighed the downside of failure.
I didn’t know who James Clear was in 2016 when I launched Happy Spaces, but his quote perfectly captures why that decision felt right—it wasn’t necessarily about bravery; it was about the pursuit of something worth failing for.
Now, whenever I face big decisions, I ask myself: "Would I be proud to fail on this?"
That question guided me when I started this blog, when I moved upstate, and when I became a foster parent.
There have been failures, and there will be more. But I am proud that I tried.
Getting Started
This week, I want to leave you with another favorite quote:
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." — Theodore Roosevelt
So, the next time you're faced with a risky decision, ask yourself:
"Would I be proud to fail on this?"
If the answer is yes, make a plan—and go for it!
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.
Follow Me
Share this post
What You Look For, You Will Find!
Photo by Xiaolong Wong on Unsplash.
Join the Project of the Week Community!
Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.
If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Last year, I needed to buy a new car. After doing some research, I had my heart set on a navy blue Honda Odyssey. The only problem? The dealership didn’t have that color on the lot, and I really wanted to see it in person.
Up until that moment, I had never noticed a navy blue Honda Odyssey. In fact, I wasn’t sure I had ever paid attention to any Honda Odysseys at all.
But as I drove away from the dealership that day, suddenly, they were everywhere. And not just any Honda Odysseys—navy blue ones.
It was as if they had appeared out of nowhere. But of course, they had always been there. The difference? My attention had shifted.
It’s amazing how what we choose to focus on shapes what we notice and how we experience the world.
Getting Started
If you look for support, you will find it.
If you look for evidence that no one cares, you will find that too.
If you look for ways to market your new idea, you’ll start seeing opportunities everywhere.
If you look for reasons why your idea will fail, you’ll find plenty of those as well.
I remind myself of this often—be intentional about where you focus your attention, and you’ll be amazed at what you find.
What do you want to look for this week?
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.
Follow Me
Share this post
Connect First
Photo by MXCaptures on Unsplash.
Join the Project of the Week Community!
Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.
If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Over the past few years, I’ve been diving deep into the world of parenting, especially when it comes to parenting through trauma.
I’ve learned so much along the way, but the more I discover, the more I realize there’s still so much to learn.
What fascinates me the most is how these new skills don’t just make me a better parent—they also help me become a better coach, family member, and friend.
Of all the insights I’ve gained, the most valuable lesson I’ve encountered—and one that nearly every resource emphasizes—is the importance of "Connect First."
But what exactly does that mean?
Getting Started
Connection means showing genuine understanding, empathy, and mutual support.
It can’t be faked.
Sometimes, connection looks like sitting together in silence for a few moments, allowing both people to calm down from whatever just happened.
Other times, connection is asking how the other person is doing and simply listening until they’re ready to open up.
At times, you may need to do something physical together in a new environment—like taking a walk outside or grabbing lunch—to help rebuild the connection.
In every coaching session, I aim to connect with my client before diving into action. I want to know how they’re feeling, what’s been going on in their life, and what’s on their mind. Once we’ve connected, then we can focus on taking action.
If you try to take action before connecting, you risk missing the fact that they’re not in the right headspace. In that case, they may not be ready to learn and grow.
The best part? Often, taking the time to genuinely connect can actually shift their headspace in a positive direction.
In parenting, there are plenty of times when you need to address what’s not working and discuss better choices. These conversations should only take about 30 seconds—but how often do they escalate into big fights?
In our house, prioritizing connection before having those conversations has made a huge impact. Not only does it usually keep the conversation brief, but it also ensures that we’re both regulated and in a space where we can learn and grow together.
So, how long does it take to connect before having the conversation? At home, it could be 2 minutes, an hour, or even more.
But what about the workplace?
When meeting with an employee about a new project, do you take a few minutes to connect first, then dive into the project details? If you do, they’ll likely feel more engaged and present, which leads to a more productive conversation and a stronger project kick-off.
Now, when you need to talk to an employee about an area where they’re struggling, the instinct is often to just get it over with. While it might seem easier in the moment, this approach is often counterproductive.
Connecting first shows that you care about them as a person, which increases the likelihood they’ll hear your feedback without getting defensive or shutting down.
Remember your goal: If your objective is for the employee to learn and grow (or at least understand the expectations and where their performance is lacking), they need to be in a place to listen and process what you’re saying.
This conversation may need to happen in two parts: First, connect. Then, address the issue.
As a leader, it’s your responsibility to gauge the best approach. If the team member becomes defensive or exhibits body language that suggests they’re shutting down, suggest taking a day to think things over and reconvene to brainstorm solutions.
When you meet again, they’ll have had time to process. Be sure to start the meeting with a genuine connection. Ask how they’re doing and listen to them. This connection will pave the way for a more productive conversation about next steps.
As an employee, you may be wondering: Can I initiate a connection with my boss? Absolutely! But keep in mind that, as adults, this is a two-way street. The other person needs to be willing to connect as well.
If they’re not open to connecting, it could hinder the growth of your relationship. At that point, you may need to consider whether or not you’re okay with that.
What I love most about "Connecting First" is the profound impact just a few moments of genuine connection can have on the body, the mind, and the nervous system.
Happy Connecting!
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.
Follow Me
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Building Connection
Join the Project of the Week Community!
Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.
If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
At Happy Spaces, productivity is about so much more than just checking things off a to-do list. It’s about creating a life that feels fulfilling—one where you have time for what matters most.
And one of the most important parts of a fulfilling life? Connection.
We all need connection, though how much and in what form will vary from person to person. Feeling part of a community, knowing you have people who understand and support you, makes life richer and more meaningful.
Getting Started
One of the best ways to build connection and avoid feeling isolated is by joining a group.
"That sounds great, but where do I even start?"
The good news? There’s no right or wrong way to begin. Choose a direction that feels right for you and take that first step. Here are a few options to consider:
Support Groups
Support groups bring together people with shared experiences who can offer encouragement and understanding.
Think about your current season of life—where would it be helpful to connect with others who truly "get it"?
Are you caring for a sick parent?
Are you a mom or dad looking to meet other parents?
Have you recently experienced a loss?
Sometimes, simply knowing you’re not alone can be incredibly powerful.
Interest Groups
Interest groups connect people through shared passions and hobbies.
What brings you joy?
Love sports? Join an adult sports league.
Enjoy reading? Find a book club.
Passionate about art? Look for a local art group.
Doing something you love alongside others can lead to meaningful friendships.
Volunteering
Giving back is a great way to find both connection and purpose.
Where do you feel called to help?
Do you enjoy working with animals? Volunteer at a shelter.
Want to support your community? Get involved in local events.
Love mentoring? Help out at a youth program.
By giving your time to a cause that matters, you’ll naturally meet like-minded people who share your values.
Making Connection a Priority
Building and maintaining connection takes intention. What steps do you take to keep community at the heart of your life?
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.
Follow Me
Share this post
"Power Hour"
Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
The Magic of a Power Hour
I’m not exactly sure where the term originated, but I’m pretty sure I first heard “Power Hour” from the amazing @Gretchen Rubin. And let me tell you—it’s been a game-changer.
A Power Hour is dedicated time to tackle those nagging to-dos—the ones that aren’t urgent or high-priority but still weigh on you when left undone. These tasks may seem small, but when they pile up, they create a mental clutter that’s hard to ignore.
For me, a Power Hour is a chance to put one foot in front of the other and finally check off those lingering items that have been sitting on my list for days, weeks, or even months.
What a Power Hour Looks Like
Sometimes, my Power Hour is simply walking around the house and taking care of small but necessary tasks:
Changing that burnt-out light bulb
Returning scattered items to their proper place
Setting up that Amazon purchase I ordered weeks ago but never implemented
Other times, I pull out my literal “Action Folder,” pick a task, and just get it done.
And the best part? In a single Power Hour, I can often check off six to ten small tasks that individually seem insignificant—but collectively leave me feeling accomplished and relieved.
Getting Started
The key to making a Power Hour work is consistency. Ideally, I schedule one for work and one for home life each week. When I stick to this routine—along with my Weekly Plan—life feels so much more manageable.
Do you use Power Hours to stay on top of things? How has it helped you?
And if Happy Spaces launched a weekly Power Hour Accountability Group, would you be interested in joining?
Happy planning!
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.
Follow Me
Share this post
Grateful for Mistakes
Photo by Eastman Childs on Unsplash.
Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
When Mistakes Lead to Better Solutions
Have you ever made a mistake, only to realize—while fixing it—that there was actually an easier way?
That happened to me last month. I was working on an administrative task, carefully entering data. Everything seemed fine—until I reached the end and realized I had forgotten a crucial step that affected multiple entries.
Frustrated, I had no choice but to go back and correct each one. As I started pasting in the missing information, something clicked—I was completing the task much faster than before. That’s when it hit me: Instead of entering the information one by one, it was actually more efficient to paste everything at the end.
Ironically, my mistake ended up teaching me a better way to do the task.
Getting Started
The Hidden Value of Mistakes
When things seem to be working, we rarely stop to question if there’s a more efficient way. But mistakes force us to step back, reevaluate, and sometimes discover a smarter approach.
So the next time you slip up, don’t just fix the mistake—use it as a chance to review your process. You might just find a way to make things easier in the long run.
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.
Follow Me
Share this post
When You Have Momentum... Dig In!
Photo by Babumon PT on Unsplash.
Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.
If you are finding value in our PROJECT OF THE WEEK Newsletter, we would greatly appreciate it if you would spread the word. Your friends and family can click HERE to sign-up.
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
There are moments in life when we get a natural head start—when clarity and motivation strike unexpectedly. The real question is: Do we take advantage of them?
Imagine this: You just had a meeting with your boss about an upcoming presentation, and suddenly, everything clicks. You know exactly what needs to be done. Do you rearrange your schedule to immediately jot down those fresh ideas, giving yourself a strong foundation to build on?
Or maybe you’ve been struggling with a project, so you visit your professor during office hours. After the conversation, everything makes sense. Do you head straight to the library to work while your newfound understanding is still sharp?
Perhaps you woke up this morning feeling ready—finally motivated to tackle something you’ve been procrastinating on. Can you shift your day around to dive in before that energy fades?
Getting Started
We won’t always have these bursts of momentum. That’s why building strong habits and systems is essential. But when these natural sparks of motivation do come, they’re opportunities worth seizing.
Don’t let them slip away. Rearrange your schedule. Act while the inspiration is fresh. Because as we all know, momentum fades, and what once felt crystal clear can quickly become a distant blur.
Take action now—while the fire is still burning.
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel excited about implementing this strategy and want some additional accountability and support to get started, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak was designed for you!
A Note from Happy Spaces
The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:
Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.
We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.