“When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.” 🧭 ~Roy E. Disney

A filter for all the decisions you’re juggling (#446)

Something felt off.

I had a job that looked good on paper. A schedule that technically worked. Opportunities that made logical sense.

But in my gut? None of it felt right.

And I kept trying to fix the plan when what I really needed was to get clear on my values.

It wasn’t until a conversation with my gurl Kandice Cole that I sat down and actually named them. And once I did, something shifted.

Not because it magically made everything easier. But because I finally had a filter for the decisions I needed to make.

V is for Values 🧭✨
(and using them to decide what gets your time)

When you’re juggling all the things, you realize you can’t do everything.

You can have it all. Just not all at once.

So you have to choose. And when you don’t know what matters to you, every choice feels heavy.

Every opportunity feels important. Every “should” carries the same weight. Every “no” feels like letting somebody down.

But when you know your values? The choices get clearer.

Here are a few of mine:

Fun/Play

As I get older, I realize I don’t want a life that’s just about work. I want space for joy, too. Dancing, puzzles, LEGO sets, trying new things.

Freedom/Flexibility

I don’t want to have to ask for permission to live my life. I want the ability to say yes to opportunities, work from different places, and move my schedule around when I need to.

Stability/Security

I need a foundation I can count on, especially as I’m caring for someone else. That’s part of why I’ve chosen to keep a day job and build a side hustle.

Efficiency/Repurposing

I have a lot on my plate, so I’m always thinking: how can this be easier? How can this one thing keep working for me?

Support

I’m still learning this one. Asking for help, using resources, not doing everything on my own.

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If your side hustle is starting to feel heavy, confusing, or harder than it needs to be, take a look at your values. Something might be out of alignment.

And the answer isn’t necessarily to “do more” or “try harder”.

The answer is: “come back to what matters.”

Because every day, you’re making decisions like:

• Do I work on this or rest?

• Do I say yes or protect my time?

• Do I push through or pause?

• Do I keep this… or change it?

Without values, you’re guessing. With values, you have a filter. A compass.

You might not always know exactly where you’re going. But you’ll know which direction feels right.

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If you're not sure what your values are, you don't need a perfect list. Just start noticing:

• When something feels really good, what’s underneath that?

• When something feels off, what’s missing?

Pay attention to what you keep coming back to. (Or read through this list and see what calls to you.)

My values shape how I’m building my life. They’re why I create async offers instead of live ones, keep things simple instead of doing “all the things,” and focus on small repeatable steps instead of big intense pushes.

Yours can do the same.

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💬 Over to you: What’s one of your values? Or one you’re realizing you need to honor more?

On to the picks! ✨

P.S. Kandice helped me see values I was too close to spot on my own. If you’re struggling to name yours, talk it through with someone who knows you well. Sometimes they can see what you can’t. 💖

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#picks 😍

• The Technium: 68 Bits of Unsolicited Advice

  The 1,000 True Fans creator, Kevin Kelly, shared some helpful advice on his 68th birthday. Here are three of my faves:

  # 36. Friends are better than money.

  
  # 50. When you get an invitation to do something in the future, ask yourself, ‘Would I accept this if it was scheduled for tomorrow?’ Not too many promises will pass that immediacy filter.

  
  # 68. The universe is conspiring behind your back to make you a success.

• I Love My Business: Where’s the Money. One of my favorite episodes from Denise Duffield-Thomas. She talks about the fears of being in business and what might be missing if you love what you do, but the money is not there. My fave tip? Her two-step marketing strategy (hint: share what you know and make offers).

  • Related: I have collected other helpful podcast episodes (including some featuring me!) in a Spotify playlist.

• 📚. How to fit more reading into your life. I especially like the 10-minute rule, using “stolen moments,” and making reading your default. Lately, I’ve gone down the ACOTAR rabbit hole, and my goal is to read just one chapter whenever I pick it up, which has worked really well for me.

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#icymi

• 😍. Last issue’s top picks: 50 productivity hacks + A Genius Trick for Readers

“Every day is a winding road. I get a little bit closer.” 🍃~Sheryl Crow

• 🌱 Side Hustle Idea Kickstart: My 30-minute mini-course is perfect for exploring possibilities without overwhelm. Instead of pushing you to “go big”, I walk you through finding an idea that fits naturally into your life. Includes personalized feedback from me as you work through each lesson at your own pace.

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#classifieds 🗞

• 🌱. If consistency has been hard lately… you’re not alone. AccLounge helps you focus on one thing for the week and keep going. 25% off your 1st month with code JESS.
  

• ✊🏾. Your side hustle can be an act of resistance. Get 39 other ideas and tips at rebelyellcreative.com.

• 💌 Say no to overthinking your sales emails. These 15 templates help you write faster, sell easier, and keep your energy for what matters.
  

  (like these? let’s partner up!)

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#lifevibes

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#supporters ☕️

Thank you, Fonda, Kelly, Melinda, Tawanna, Gia, Lori, Ayana, Krista, Jessica, Annetta, Constance, Tunde, Jen, Michelle, Emile, Bex, Kim, Angela G., Lauren B., Chelsea, Amy, Ricky, Kirsten, Vin, Julie, Nicole, Hmza, Greg, Kristin, Kirstyn, Jess, Cheryl, Krysta, Adrena, Vidya, Kristyn, Danielle, Keyn, Terry, Vanessa, Meredith, Lauren, Meg, Maria J., Chivon, Kim, Luciano, Colie, Chasity, Laurie, Latienda, Collette, Anne, Kristen, Liz, Katherine, Monale, Betsy, Melissa, Lindsay, Jennifer, Kayla, Madison, Rae, Stephanie, Christine R., Christine M., Frances, Hannah, Chris, Brandy, Mea, Kristian, Maria K., Avery, Adam, Barbara, Shenee, Desiree, Lisa, Kandice, L’Oreal, and LaVerne for being #jesspicks supporters!! ❤️