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    How Do You Define Success?- 20tastic: Advice For Millennials By Millennials

    Posted On 12/06/2017
    how do you define success

    20tastic: Advice For Millennials By Millennials on simplykymtastic.com isn’t just advice. It’s a sign that you’re not as bad at adulting as you think you are.

    How do you define success? Do you feel that you are successful based on your definition?

     

    I think everyone has their own definition of success because we all view it differently based off of how where were raised. Maybe success is getting out of the projects. Success can be owning a house. Traveling overseas. Running multiple businesses. Having a certain amount of money. For me success is spiritual wellness, loving myself, being able to give my daughter whatever she wants, and living my passion.

    Kayla, 21  of www.kayladeneblogs.com 

     

    Success is growth. I feel as though I am building on my definition of success every day. I try to have defined short-term and long-term goals. All of these goals have a feeling of success built into them, no matter how big or how small. As long as I consistently take more steps forward than I take back, I’m successful.

    Nia, 22 of www.loveniasimone.com

     

    To me, success is being able to live comfortably without thinking about whether you can afford your lifestyle all the time. In that sense, I’m not there yet. But being successful is very different from being happy, and I’m happy, so the success can wait!

    Helene of helenechoo.com

     

    Success, in my eyes, isn’t a thing that is attained or a destination but rather a journey.  It is walking through life, allowing God to lead you, learning from your mistakes, choosing to be obedient to God when it isn’t convenient, loving when it’s hard to love, giving when it’s hard to give, and ultimately contributing to this world in a God-honoring way. On the path I am on, I feel that I am on the path to success! I know I am flaw-filled, but I know ultimately that as long as God is my number one I am on the right track.
    Courtney,  20 of  thecurlyanomaly.com

     

    I used to think I knew what success meant. Success was that great paying job (that you love) with benefits and your own house and car and dog and 2.5 kids and enough extra income to send money to your favorite charity. Now, I don’t think there’s a real definition. Success is different for every person. And per my generic definition, I’m not successful. I make $15.00/hr and my job has benefits, but I hate it. I live in a moldy government housing unit with a raggedy car and a pet fish, and my student loans will follow me for the next 10 years, so there goes the charity thing.

    Regina, 24

     

    Success to me is defined by attaining personal goals. In order to to be successful, you need to plan and layout where you want to go and what you want to achieve. Once you reach the goals you’ve placed for yourself, you reach a level of success. Based on the goals that I have set for myself this far, I am very successful. But not complacent. Therefore, I’ve created a new set of goals to elevate me to another level of success.

    DeeJay, 27 of www.bugbeeandme.com

     

    Success to me means freedom and autonomy. I learned this when I moved to Spain and traveled solo around Europe for a year. I was completely responsible for myself. I could do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. It was the most liberating feeling in the world!

    Before moving to Spain, I went to college and worked a couple of 9 to 5 jobs. Like many adventurous spirits, I felt trapped. I just knew that life wasn’t for me. The main problem was that I come from an immigrant family with high expectations. My parents originally wanted me to be a doctor. That didn’t work out so the next option was law. I didn’t want that either.

    After working in different industries – from nonprofits to tech startups – I decided to follow my passions and become a travel writer. I’m still in the initial phase of launching this career, but I’m learning a lot. I got my first paycheck a couple of weeks ago so I know I can make this a career. I’m so proud that I’m finally giving myself the freedom and autonomy I desire.

    Somto, 25 of http://www.somtoseeks.com

     

    To me success is self-defined; it’s personal contentment and satisfaction. I would define it as an accomplishment of your personal desires and ultimate goals. It’s individualized and to me, not defined by other people’s views on success. You have to make your own opinion of it and strive to reach just that. My version involves me working a well-paying job in my career field, doing what I love to do when I want to do it. With that being said, I am nowhere near successful right now. It takes time and hard work though & I’m aware of that. Because I’m not where I want to be right now, its all the more motivation to put the work in when the opportunity presents itself.

    Matiah, 25

     

    I would define success as accomplishing the goals that you have set for yourself. I would also say that you could be successful if you feel that you have done everything in your power to accomplish your goals, even if you sometimes don’t accomplish them fully.

    I believe that I have been successful mostly because one of the biggest goals that I set for myself was graduating from college and becoming a first-generation college graduate; I achieved this goal in 2014.

    Kyia, 25 of  https://www.xoxokyiadante.com

     

    How do you define success? Let me know in the comments.

    Interested in having your voice heard? Click here for your chance to be featured in next month’s 20tastic: Advice for Millennials by Millennials.

     

    Check out some of my favorite posts.
    Heart Hickeys- Why I No Longer Have A Broken Heart
    Stay Woke Even When Others Sleep On Your Dreams
    4 Alternative Facts Twenty-Somethings Need To Stop Believing

     

     

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    What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self? 20tastic: Advice For Millennials By Millennials

    Posted On 11/01/2017
    Advice to your younger self

    20tastic: Advice For Millennials By Millennials on simplykymtastic.com isn’t just advice. It’s a sign that you’re not as bad at adulting as you think you are.

    What advice would you give to your younger self?

     

    Learn how to manage your money better. I’ve made so many foolish mistakes regarding finances and my credit score, baybeeeee! Thats the only major regret. Should’ve been reading fundamentals to being an entrepreneur at 14 instead of being so eager yo work for other people.

    Milanka, 26

     

    I’m still fairly young and learning new things everyday but the most important lesson for me, especially as a woman of faith, is to trust in the process. There is always a lesson to be learnt and no experience is ever a waste of time. Things will work out for my good in the end, they always have done and they always will do, but trusting the process makes it a lot less stressful and allows me to enjoy my journey to the fullest! I’ve wasted so much time in the past worrying and stressing about things that were out of my control- I would definitely tell my younger self to trust the process and trust God more than anything!

    Tisha, 21

     

    RELAX. The five year uber detailed plan won’t turn out the way you’re currently imagining. It will be much, much better. There’s so much to learn and experience that it’s impossible to predict exactly where you will be in life. Fair warning: there will be significant ups as well as significant downs. There will be setbacks, tears, celebrations, surprises. Keep going and push for what you believe in and your wildest dreams will come true.

    When I was in high school I believed I was going to medical school in the states and become a family physician, never leaving home. Man was I wrong. Life has allowed me to travel, I’m following through with school but in the Caribbean. I’ve overcome major depression and anxiety as well as lost significant weight and taken back my health.  So to sum it all up: decide what you want, make a plan, stick to it, allow for the universe to shake things up where needed.

    Katey, 25

    Check Katey out at www.myvibinlife.com and follow her on Instagram @myvibinlife.

     

    DO WHAT YOU WANT. You are allowed to make mistakes, just don’t make the same mistake more than once. Find three good people who would drop what they’re doing when you’re in a crisis. Cut off people that your parents don’t like (That’s a tricky one, but trust me, your dad is SO RIGHT about that boy you like). Forgive people, because grudges are so unhealthy. Don’t rush to grow up, being a “real” adult is only fun when you’re off work and it isn’t the first of the month.

    Regina, 24

    Follow Reginia on instagram @therawmua 

     

    SLOW DOWN!! Be content with who and where you are. Trust the process. I recall being 18, a freshman in college and thinking I knew more than enough to get me by. When I turned 21, I took a look back and quickly realized how wrong I was. Even now, I look back at how much of a false sense of understanding I had regarding life back then. You want so badly to know best for yourself, even if that means knowing more than your parents (and you do not know the half). I would also advise my younger self not to compare myself to those around me. Sometimes it’s not meant for you to be like everyone else or do the same thing they’re doing. As a matter of fact, it’s probably best that you’re different. Everybody has different lives to lead, and if you just slow down and be patient, you’ll one day see exactly why there’s not a need to compare yourself to your peers. My younger self should know that I still today have these moments where I step back and realize that I just learned something completely new. They didn’t lie when they said you learn something new every day!

    Matiah,25

    Follow Matiah on Instagram @belle_dior 

     

    Show yourself the same love that you show others. You can’t stretch yourself thin trying to be and do everything for everybody when you’re running on fumes yourself. It’s okay to tell others no in order to make time for you.

    Ikeia, 23

    Follow Ikeia on Instagram @_simplyflawless 

     

    I would tell myself to  slow down and use better judgment.  Live life, but don’t risk it all so fast.  A lot of fun memories and great stories came way too close to being tragic accidents or near death experiences. I would have taken opportunities that were presented to me at the time. It could have potentially changed or molded my future in a different but positive way.

    Josh, 24


     

    What advice would you give to your younger self? Let me know in the comments.

    Interested in having your voice heard? Click here for your chance to be featured in next month’s 20tastic: Advice for Millennials by Millennials.

     

    Check out some of my favorite posts.
    Heart Hickeys- Why I No Longer Have A Broken Heart
    Stay Woke Even When Others Sleep On Your Dreams
    4 Alternative Facts Twenty-Somethings Need To Stop Believing

     

     

     

     

    Continue Reading
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    Why I Choose to be a Tortoise and a Hare. My Race is Different Than Yours.

    Posted On 10/08/2017

    Why I Choose To Be A Tortoise And A Hare – My Race Is Different Than Yours

     

    Why I Choose to be a Tortoise and a Hare – My Race is Different Than Yours

    I remember learning about Aesop’s Fables when I was in second grade. The most notable fable is the Tortoise and the Hare. In short, the super slow tortoise challenges the supersonic hare to a race. The hare is confident. So confident that he decided to take a nap during the race. The tortoise ends up crossing the finish line before the hare as a result. The moral of the story? “Slow and steady wins the race.”

     

    The Tortoise Spirit

    It wasn’t until recently that I started feeling like a tortoise. (Your twenties have a way of doing that to you.) I’ve been out of college for two years and most of the ladies in my education cohort are in  their 3rd year of teaching. Meanwhile, I’m on my sixth job in the two years I’ve been out of college. On top of that,  I have yet to complete a full year of teaching. It’s easy for me to compare myself to other people who are  “further along” than I am. But if I ran my race at the same pace as everyone else, my life would be totally different.

    I have goals and I will achieve my goals. If I have to ride on the struggle bus there, I’m content with that. By moving slower, I have the ability to really take in my journey. Moving slower also allows for more distractions.  Distractions can be negative, but they can also provide the opportunity to discover a new skill or meet a new person to add to your cheering squad.

    The Hare Isn’t All Bad

    I do my best to see the good in everyone and this is no different. The hare is confident, lightning fast, and knows how to take a break (something I need to learn how to do).

    Think about this.  Most musicians release an album, then they promote it non-stop. You see them on every TV show and hear them on every radio station. They’re performing on every music award show and every other night while on their multi-city tour. And after a year or two of going nonstop, they basically fall off of the face of the earth. During their time away from the spotlight they are still making money and they aren’t worried about who is going to “catch up” with them. When they make their return, their fans are still there for them and the cycle repeats.

    There is absolutely nothing wrong with acknowledging that you are better at something than someone else.  In fact, if you have a talent, you should embrace it and share it with the world. That’s exactly what the hare did. The only thing I would discourage is arrogance as it was the hare’s fatal flaw. Be confident, but stay humble. Just be careful not to downplay yourself in the process.

    You Need to Have a Hare to Tortoise Ratio

    When it comes to using technology, I can learn something new in a few minutes. I’m great at using the internet to find solutions to my problems. If you want me to fix a car, I’m tortoise all the way. But believe me you, I’ll use Google and  YouTube to figure out how to fix it and it’ll be done correctly. I have to rely on my hare instincts to get me through my tortoise moments.

    My current position as a reading interventionist was designed for someone with years of teaching experience and degrees for days. But there I was interviewing for a job that I wasn’t exactly qualified for. I was honest that I wasn’t as knowledgeable about the subject matter (my tortoise), but my creativity, my work ethic, willingness to learn, and my youth (my hares) got me through the door. Fast forward a few months later, everywhere I turn, someone is telling me how awesome of a job I’m doing. If I counted myself out before I even tried, God only knows where I would be. I realized that I can’t let my deficits outshine my strengths.

    Although the tortoise and the hare are different, both understood what they were capable of and they were confident in their abilities. The hare knew he could move fast and had no worries. The tortoise knew he moved slower, but he didn’t care. He was passionate about finishing the race, not how long it took him to do so. Self-awareness and confidence go hand in hand. You need both in order to finish your race.

    At the End of the Day, We’re All Running a Different Race

    With social media, it’s easier to feel “behind”. A lot of my internet friends are super ambitious and jumping over all types of hurdles, while sometimes I feel like I’m gasping for air. I’m guilty of being so busy watching another person’s race that I’ve ended up tripping over my own feet in the process. I’ve learned that one person’s finish line might be another person’s mid-point. One person’s victory might feel like defeat to someone else. We all want to obtain success, but success doesn’t feel the same for everyone. Your finish line is for you and you only. My finish line is for me and me only. It makes it easier to cheer for someone else when you don’t see them as your competition.

    It’s okay to be a tortoise. It’s okay to be a hare. It’s okay to be both. Fast or slow it doesn’t matter.

    As long as you finish the race.

    -Kymmie

    Are you a tortoise, a hare, or both? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave me a comment below.

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    When Did You Feel Like You Were An “Adult”? 20tastic: Advice for Millennials by Millennials

    Posted On 09/29/2017
    I’m excited to present the first installment of 20tastic: Advice for Millennials by Millennials post. This feature on simplykymtastic.com isn’t  just advice. It’s a sign that you’re not as bad at adulting as you think you are.
    This month’s question…

    “Even though I’ve been married a few years and have lived overseas since graduating college, feeling like an adult came to fruition in a horrible feud with my own mother. I had been staying with her while visiting home, and there was a huge argument, resulting in me buying my first car IN MY OWN NAME, like, not even my husband co-signed it for me. I was 23. It was the first time I made a decision all by myself, and I didn’t let anyone stop me from doing it. I have something that’s mine! It took me being 5 years past eighteen to stop letting my parents influence me to do what they wanted and to just do what I want. Since then, I do whatever I want, literally. As selfish as it sounds. I’m as grown as I want to be ;)”

     

    -Regina 

     

    “I felt like an adult around 16 or 17 years old when my mother moved out and was doing her own thing. I was mostly home alone and maintaining a household. Not necessarily from a financial aspect,  but day to day tasks such as cooking and cleaning. Maintaining the household after graduating high school really hit me especially when I received my first car.  I was in full swing of working, paying bills, and taking on more responsibility.”

     – Josh  

     

    “Honestly, it was when I had to start making appointments for myself that I was like “Woah, wait a minute, ABORT MISSION! I don’t wanna do this anymore.” I know I’m not the only one who almost lost it the first time my mom told me to call the eye doctor myself and make an appointment. I’m realizing more & more,  as I continue making my attempts at “adulting”, that even adults learn as they go. It’s a way of life. So I’m probably about 85% of the way there on the adult scale- Still a ways to go, but not far off. LOL”

    -Matiah

     

    “It didn’t dawn on me until recently that I was officially grown. Not the “oh I’m older” type of grown, but the “I handle my business and take names later” type of grown. If I was to truly put my finger on it, 22 was the year of me growing into my grownness (and yes, I know it’s not a word!). I had officially finished my first post-undergrad job and was gearing up for a move to NYC. I was learning how to be more #TeamIkeia after playing so much for #TeamEveryoneElse. It was also the year that I realized that I was more likely to check my email than my text messages and keeping a planner for my life was absolutely essential if I wanted to stay on top of my game.”

    -Ikeia

     

    When did you first feel like you were an adult? Take a moment to share your experience in the comments?

     

    Interested in having your voice heard? Click here for your chance to be featured in next month’s 20tastic: Advice for Millennials by Millennials.

     

    Check out some of my favorite posts.
    Heart Hickeys- Why I No Longer Have A Broken Heart
    Stay Woke Even When Others Sleep On Your Dreams
    4 Alternative Facts Twenty-Somethings Need To Stop Believing

     

     

    Continue Reading
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