GOOD MOOD CIRCLE

By now, most of us have heard the phrases: “Sleep when you’re dead,” “Rise and grind,” “No days off.”

And while they may sound like motivational mantras, let’s be honest, they’re exhausting.

In a world that glorifies busy schedules and celebrates burnout as a badge of honor, choosing to rest can feel like breaking some unspoken rule. We equate rest with weakness, laziness, or worst of all falling behind. But what if we’ve been thinking about it all wrong?

What if rest isn’t a sign that you’re failing, but proof that you care about your future?

Rest Is Productive (Even If It Doesn’t Look Like It)

We’ve been trained to value visible output: tasks completed, emails sent, workouts logged, money earned. But behind every burst of creativity or moment of clarity is something invisible but essential: recovery.

Neuroscience backs this up. Your brain needs downtime to consolidate memories, make connections, and process emotions. Your body needs rest to repair itself and regulate hormones. Skipping rest isn’t a shortcut to success, it’s a fast-track to burnout.

Think about it: when was the last time you had a great idea in the middle of a packed to-do list? Probably never. The best ideas often come in the shower, on a walk, or lying in bed, because rest creates space for insight.

We’ve Been Sold a Lie About Worth

Many of us tie our worth to our productivity. We feel "good" when we're busy and "guilty" when we’re not. But you are not a machine and your value does not depend on your output.

Resting doesn’t make you less driven, less ambitious, or less serious about your goals. It means you're human and you're honoring that humanity.

It’s radical in a culture that runs on comparison and overachievement, but it’s essential. Because your mental health is not a luxury. Your peace isn’t optional. And your nervous system wasn’t built to run on coffee and cortisol.

Real Rest vs. Fake Rest

Let’s be real, doomscrolling on your phone while half-watching Netflix isn’t rest. It’s distraction.

Real rest restores. It calms your mind, releases tension, and leaves you feeling more grounded. That can look different for everyone:

A nap without guilt.
A walk without a destination.
An hour without screens.
A quiet morning with coffee and nothing to do.

Rest isn’t one-size-fits-all. The only rule? It has to nourish you.

Rest Is Resistance

In a system that tells you to go-go-go, choosing to rest is an act of rebellion. It’s saying:

My well-being matters more than optics.

My peace is more valuable than my productivity.

I don’t need to earn rest. I deserve it by default.

Especially for women, people of color, and marginalized communities, rest becomes political. As Tricia Hersey of The Nap Ministry famously says, “Rest is a form of resistance.” It’s how we reclaim our bodies, our time, and our power.

So, What If You Rested... and Didn’t Feel Bad About It?

Imagine waking up and not filling every moment with tasks.
Imagine canceling plans and not apologizing.
Imagine doing nothing on purpose and feeling proud of it.

Because rest isn’t selfish. It’s self-respect.

Final Thought: You Are Allowed to Pause

You are not behind. You are not broken. You do not need to catch up to anyone.

You are allowed to slow down. You are allowed to stop. You are allowed to rest.

Not because you’ve earned it, but because you're already enough.

And that? That’s a truth worth laying down for.

Learn more about Good Mood Circle here.

Written by Jin How

You miss the train. Your phone dies right before an important call. Everyone around you seems to be thriving while you're barely keeping it together. And suddenly, the thought creeps in:

“Why does the universe conspire against me?”

Let’s pause right there.

First of all, if you’ve ever had that thought, you’re not alone. Many people has had the feeling that the universe is against them. When life feels like a series of slaps instead of steps forward, it’s only human to start wondering if some unseen force is actively blocking your path. But here’s the truth:

It’s not the universe. It’s the narrative we’ve been taught to believe: often rooted in trauma, comparison, and the stories we silently carry.

Let’s unpack what’s really going on when it feels like the stars are misaligned just for you.

1. Trauma Shapes the Story We Tell Ourselves

Here’s something no one teaches us in school: when we’ve gone through hard things, especially in childhood, our brains learn to default to survival mode. That often sounds like:

“Nothing ever works out for me.”
“What’s the point of trying?”
“Everyone else has it easier.”

These thoughts are protective. They help us brace for disappointment. But over time, they become background noise, shaping how we see the world, even when it isn’t true anymore.

💡 What to try: When you catch yourself spiraling into “the universe hates me,” gently ask: “What part of me is trying to protect me right now?” Give that part a little compassion. It's doing its best and now, so are you.

2. Success ≠ Happiness (Especially Online)

It’s easy to believe the universe favors other people when all we see is their highlight reel. She got the promotion. He bought the house. They’re always smiling, traveling, glowing.

But here's the thing: external success doesn’t equal inner peace.

So many people who “have it all” on paper are struggling in silence. Anxiety. Loneliness. Burnout. A constant need to perform just to feel worthy.

The truth is, the universe isn’t playing favorites, it’s just that we only see the filtered version of someone else’s reality.

💡 What to try: When you feel the pull of comparison, remind yourself: “I don’t know their whole story and I’m writing my own.”

3. Your Brain is Wired to Spot Problems, Not Miracles

From an evolutionary standpoint, your brain’s job is to keep you safe. That means it's on high alert for danger, loss, and anything that feels like a threat — even when there isn’t one.

So if nine things go right and one goes wrong? You’ll probably focus on the one.

That doesn’t mean you’re negative — it means you’re human.

💡 What to try: At the end of the day, list three tiny things that went right. A smile. A hot coffee. A deep breath. These micro-moments are the universe nudging you gently, saying “Hey, I’m still here.”

Also Read: How to Identify Your Obstacles and What's Really Holding You Back

4. The Universe Isn’t Against You, It’s Just Unpredictable

Life is messy. Wild. Unscripted. The universe isn’t out to get you, it’s just doing what it does: moving, changing, and sometimes throwing curveballs.

But those curveballs aren’t curses. They’re invitations.

To grow.
To let go.
To become the person your younger self needed.

💡 What to try: Instead of asking, “Why me?” try asking, “What is this teaching me?” That subtle shift can transform pain into power.

5. What You Focus On Expands

If you spend all your energy searching for proof that the world is against you… you’ll find it. But if you start scanning for small signs of support, a kind word, a door that opens, an idea that sparks, you’ll find that too.

This isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about reclaiming your power to choose where your energy goes.

💡 What to try: Try writing a weekly “proof list”, just five signs that life might be working with you. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the tide starts to turn.

So... Is the Universe Against You?

No. But sometimes, life is hard. And sometimes, we carry stories that make it harder.

But here’s what’s also true:

You’re more resilient than you think.
You’re allowed to rewrite the narrative.
And even when it feels like everything is going wrong, you’re still moving forward.

The universe isn’t against you. It’s just unpredictable. But that doesn’t mean you’re not being guided. It might not be clear yet, but in time, you’ll look back and realize: you were being shaped, not punished.

Keep going. The stars haven’t forgotten you.

Learn more about Good Mood Circle here.

Written by Jin How

You want to move forward. Maybe it’s a new project, a personal goal, or just feeling like “you” again. But something keeps getting in the way, and you can’t quite put your finger on it.

Before you start hustling harder or signing up for another productivity app, it’s worth asking: What exactly is in my way?

Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs start with slowing down and getting honest.

Also Read: Rest is Not Failure

Get Clear on What’s Blocking You

This might sound obvious, but here’s the truth: many of us try to overcome obstacles we haven’t actually named yet. We just feel stuck, overwhelmed, unmotivated, or constantly second-guessing ourselves.

That’s why the first (and often most powerful) move is simply identifying what’s holding you back.

📝 Grab a pen. Ask yourself:

“What’s really getting in my way right now?”
“What do I keep avoiding?”
“What fears or patterns pop up when I try to move forward?”

Write it out, no filter. You might be surprised by what surfaces.

Look for the Hidden Patterns

Still not sure? Start paying attention to your habits. Do you always stall at the same point in a project? Do you avoid asking for help, even when you need it? These repeat patterns often point directly to deeper internal blocks. Things like perfectionism, fear of judgment, or not believing you’re “ready yet.”

These aren’t character flaws. They’re human. And once you can name them, you can start shifting them.

Not All Obstacles Are Created Equal

Understanding what is blocking you is powerful but understanding why is where the magic happens.

Let’s break it down:

💭 Internal vs. External Obstacles
Some blocks come from the outside, lack of time, money, or support. Others come from within: fear, self-doubt, or that old voice that says, “Who do you think you are?”
Spoiler: Both are valid. And both can be worked with.

🔍 Real vs. Perceived Blocks
Some obstacles are concrete. If you can’t afford tuition right now, that’s real. But others are trickier, like believing you’re not smart or talented enough.
Those are perceived blocks. And while they feel just as real, they’re often based on outdated beliefs, not facts.

Also Read: How to Turn Your Obstacles into Opportunities

You Can Move Past This

Here’s the part most people forget: Obstacles aren’t stop signs. They’re just signals. With the right tools and mindset, they can become stepping stones.

Try this:

✅ Break the big scary goal into micro-steps.
🧠 Challenge that limiting belief: “Is this true, or just familiar?”
🤝 Ask for support: from a mentor, coach, or trusted friend.
🔁 Adjust your approach instead of giving up.

Obstacles Aren’t the End. They’re the Beginning.

Getting clear on what’s holding you back doesn’t make you weak, it makes you strategic. You can’t shift what you can’t see. But once you do see it? You get your power back.

So the next time you feel stuck, don’t push harder right away. Pause. Reflect. Ask yourself: What’s actually going on here?
Then take one small, brave step forward. Just one.

Because that’s how momentum starts and how breakthroughs begin.

You’ve got this. Even if it’s messy. Especially if it’s messy.
Need help making sense of your obstacles? We can create a journaling prompt guide or inner critic decoder if that sounds helpful. Learn more about Good Mood Circle here.

Written by Jin How

You’ve set your goals. You’ve cleared some mental roadblocks. But what happens when the initial excitement fades and you’re left staring at your to-do list, feeling totally… stuck?

Welcome to the Zone of Resistance — that frustrating space where progress stalls and your energy vanishes. We’ve all been there. The good news? You don’t have to stay there.

Motivation isn’t a magical feeling that appears out of nowhere. It’s something you cultivate — and it starts with reconnecting to your “why.”

1. Know Your WHY

When you feel like giving up, your “why” is what pulls you forward.

Ask yourself:
👉 Why do I want this?
👉 What would achieving this actually mean to me?

Go deep. It’s not just “I want to get fit” — maybe it’s “I want to feel strong, energized, and proud of my body.” That’s the kind of motivation that sticks, especially on the hard days.

Write it down. Post it somewhere you’ll see often. Let it be your anchor.

2. Make It Bite-Sized

Big dreams are beautiful — but they can also feel paralyzing if you don’t break them down.

Instead of “write a book,” think:
📝 Outline three chapters this week.
📝 Write 500 words a day.
📝 Research for 30 minutes on Sunday.

Smaller steps mean more wins — and every little win is fuel for your fire.

3. Choose Your Circle Wisely

Motivation is contagious. So is negativity.

Surround yourself with people who believe in you — even when you’re doubting yourself. Whether it’s a friend, coach, partner, or online community, seek out voices that lift you up, not weigh you down.

Let go of the energy drainers. Protect your vibe.

4. Picture the Finish Line

Your brain doesn’t always know the difference between what’s imagined and what’s real — so put it to work.

✨ Close your eyes and see yourself achieving your goal.
✨ Feel what success will look like, sound like, feel like.
✨ Picture the confidence, the joy, the freedom.

That emotional connection gives your brain a reason to keep going.

5. Celebrate the Small Stuff

Progress isn’t just about the big wins — it’s the little ones, too.

Finished a workout? Nailed that scary email? Chose water over soda? Celebrate it.

You don’t need confetti (although hey, if that’s your thing — go for it). Just take a moment to feel proud. It reinforces progress and reminds your brain: this matters.

Remember it's OK to not feel OK sometimes.

You won’t feel on fire every single day — and that’s normal. Motivation isn’t a mood; it’s a practice. One that requires check-ins, compassion, and sometimes, a reset.

So when the Zone of Resistance creeps back in, go back to your roots:

Revisit your why
Refresh your goals
Reconnect to your vision

And most importantly, keep going — even if it’s just one small step at a time.

Motivation is something you build, not something you wait for. And the more you nurture it — with purpose, action, and support — the more unstoppable you become.

You’ve got this. Let’s keep going! Learn more about Good Mood Circle here.

Written by Jin How

You roll out of bed, glance in the mirror — and there it is. Puffy eyes. Bloated fingers. A face that looks just a little more tired than it feels. Sound familiar?

Morning water retention is one of those subtle yet frustrating things that can mess with your confidence before the day even starts. But here’s the good news: your body isn’t betraying you. It’s just trying to communicate. And when we learn to listen, we can respond with care, not criticism.

Let’s break down why you might be waking up feeling a little swollen — and what you can do about it.

1. You’re (Probably) Not Drinking Enough Water

It might sound counterintuitive, but dehydration is one of the most common reasons for water retention. When your body isn’t getting enough water, it holds on to whatever it has — especially overnight when you're not actively hydrating.

💡 Try this: Start your day with a tall glass of water before coffee. And make hydration a steady habit throughout your day — not just something you remember before bed.

2. You Had a Salty Late-Night Snack

Pizza, ramen, chips, takeout… they’re delicious, but they’re also sodium bombs. Excess salt causes your body to retain water to balance things out, and that extra fluid likes to show up on your face (and hands, and ankles) the next morning.

💡 Try this: Aim to keep high-sodium foods earlier in the day, and balance them with potassium-rich choices like bananas, leafy greens, or sweet potatoes.

3. Your Hormones Are in the Driver’s Seat

If you notice water retention fluctuating with your cycle, you're not imagining it. Shifting estrogen and progesterone levels can affect how your body stores fluid, particularly in the days leading up to your period.

💡 Try this: Support your body with plenty of hydration, gentle movement, and magnesium-rich foods like dark chocolate, almonds, or spinach.

4. You Didn’t Move Much Yesterday

Let’s be real — some days are made for the couch. But when we’re not moving, circulation slows, and fluid has a harder time moving through the body efficiently. That can lead to pooling, especially in your hands, feet, and face by morning.

💡 Try this: Even light movement like stretching, a walk, or a few yoga poses before bed can make a difference. Think of it as giving your body a head start on circulation.

5. You Had a Little Too Much to Drink

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it makes you lose fluids — but it also messes with your electrolytes and causes your body to hold on to water in all the wrong ways. That post-wine-night puff? Totally normal.

💡 Try this: Match each alcoholic drink with a glass of water, and wind down your evening with something rehydrating (hello, coconut water or herbal tea).

6. You Slept in a Way That Affects Circulation

Believe it or not, your sleep position can influence how fluid settles in your body overnight. Lying flat for hours or curling up in certain positions can cause pooling — especially around the face.

💡 Try this: Try sleeping with your head slightly elevated and avoid sleeping on your stomach if puffiness is a problem.

Listen to Your Body, Don’t Fight It

Water retention in the morning isn’t a sign that something is “wrong” — it’s your body’s way of sending a message. And instead of getting frustrated or grabbing the nearest concealer, take it as a cue to check in. Have you been hydrating? Eating well? Moving your body? Getting rest?

Small shifts in your habits can create big results. So next time you wake up feeling puffy, don’t panic. Just pause. Breathe. And know that your body is doing its best to keep you balanced — one sip, one stretch, one smart choice at a time.

You’ve got this. Puffy face and all.

Are you curious about how all of this affects your mood? Learn more about Good Mood Circle here.

Written by Jin How

Let’s face it: updating your resume isn’t exactly a bucket list activity. But in today’s ultra-competitive job market where a single role might attract hundreds of eager applicants, your resume isn’t just a formality. It’s your story. And more importantly, it’s your spotlight moment.

In over half a decade I spent doing project management and hiring talent for outsourcing companies, I reviewed more than 1,000 resumes in the process. I can tell you this: most people undersell themselves. The result? They blend in when they should be standing out.

Ready to change that? Here are three common resume mistakes I see all the time and how to fix them in a way that actually makes you feel good about what you’ve accomplished.

1. Listing Job Duties Without Telling Your Story

It’s tempting to copy and paste your responsibilities into each section. You were a manager, you managed people. You were a writer, you wrote things. The problem? Everyone else applying did too.

💡The Feel-Good Fix: Celebrate Your Impact

Instead of just saying what you did, talk about what changed because you were there. Did you grow a team? Boost engagement? Launch a project that turned heads?

If you’re stuck, here are a few reflection prompts to guide you:

What were you proud of in this role?
How did your boss or coworkers recognize your efforts?
When did you feel most energized or successful?

Here’s how to turn that into a compelling bullet point:

“Led a cross-functional campaign that improved customer retention by 20%, praised by leadership as a best-in-class initiative.”

Not every win needs numbers — you can also showcase soft skills and influence:

“Known for fostering an inclusive, high-energy team culture; selected to mentor new hires across departments.”

You’ve made an impact. Now’s the time to own it.

2. Using the Same Resume for Every Job

Years ago, I was hiring for a Director of SEO Content. The very first bullet in the job description asked for “significant SEO experience.” But I got dozens of resumes that didn’t mention SEO even once. No matter how talented they were, I couldn’t guess their qualifications — and I didn’t have time to find out.

💡 The Feel-Good Fix: Align with the Role (Without Losing Yourself)

Your resume doesn’t have to be reinvented every time — just refocused. Start by reading the job description with a highlighter in hand. What skills or tools are mentioned again and again? Do you have them? Great — say so, clearly and confidently.

A few ideas to make this easier:

Keep 2–3 core versions of your resume for different role types (like marketing vs. project management).
Use tools like ChatGPT or AI resume editors to tweak language quickly.
Think of it like dressing for an occasion — same you, different outfit.

3. Overpacking the Pages

Your resume shouldn’t read like a novel. I once saw someone use four pages to describe four years of work. It felt like a diary — not a career snapshot.

💡 The Feel-Good Fix: Prioritize What Feels Powerful

Here’s a liberating truth: you don’t have to include everything. Focus on the roles and achievements from the past 5–10 years that light you up and align with where you’re headed. If you’ve been working for over a decade, it’s totally okay to let early jobs fade into the background (or off the page entirely).

Aim for:

1 page if you’re early in your career (less than 5 years of experience).
2 pages max if you’re mid-to-senior level.

And remember: your resume isn’t a historical record. It’s a highlight reel. Show us your greatest hits.

You’re More Than a List of Jobs

Updating your resume doesn’t have to feel like a chore — it can be a moment to reconnect with your own journey. The moments you were proud, the teams you lifted, the goals you crushed.

You’re not just looking for a job. You’re telling a story about your growth, your strengths, and the kind of impact only you can make.

And that? That’s worth feeling good about.

Learn more about Good Mood Circle here.

Written by Jin How

You’ve got a goal. You’re excited, motivated, maybe even have a whole vision board. And then… nothing. You stall. You second-guess. You scroll endlessly or clean your apartment for the third time this week. Welcome to the Zone of Resistance, that invisible wall between where you are and where you want to be.

It’s not laziness. It’s not a lack of ambition. It’s psychology and it’s fixable.

Let’s break it down.

What Is the Zone of Resistance, Anyway?

Think of it as your brain’s panic button. The Zone of Resistance kicks in whenever you try to do something new, bold, or just slightly outside your comfort zone. It’s that inner “ugh” when you sit down to write your novel, launch a side hustle, or even sign up for a new class.

It can show up as:

Procrastination
Self-doubt
That creeping fear of failure
Or just feeling “off” when you try to start something important

You’re not broken. You’re just bumping up against an ancient part of your brain that’s trying to protect you from discomfort, even the kind that leads to growth.

Why Do We Resist the Very Things We Want?

Blame it on your brain’s love of familiarity. Evolution wired us for survival, not dream-chasing. Anything new gets flagged as a potential threat, and your nervous system responds with a gentle (or not-so-gentle) “Nope.”

This is why starting a new habit, business, or relationship can feel harder than it logically should. Your brain isn’t sabotaging you, it’s trying to keep you safe. It just hasn’t caught up with your goals yet.

How to Push Through Without Burning Out

Good news: You can move through the resistance. And you don’t need a life overhaul to do it. Try these strategies when your brain hits the brakes:

🪜 Start Small — Really Small
Break your big, scary goal into the tiniest doable step. Instead of “launch a business,” try “buy a domain name.” Instead of “write a book,” open a blank document. Momentum builds confidence.

🧠 Visualize the Win
Take five minutes to picture yourself succeeding. What does it feel like? What do you see, hear, do? Your brain responds to imagined success like real success — so use that to your advantage.

💬 Talk to Yourself Like You’d Talk to a Friend
When things get tough, your inner critic may get loud. Practice self-compassion instead. “This is hard, but I’m learning.” “I’m showing up, and that matters.” Kindness keeps you going longer than pressure ever will.

🚶 Take Action Before You Feel Ready
Spoiler: You won’t always feel ready. And that’s okay. Action quiets the fear. Even one small step forward proves to your brain that the unknown isn’t fatal. The confidence comes after you start.

What Happens If You Don’t Break Through?

Staying stuck in resistance may feel safe, but it comes at a cost. You risk missing out on growth, purpose, and those beautifully messy breakthroughs that make life exciting.

Worse, it can quietly feed frustration, low self-esteem, and regret. That “What if I had just tried?” feeling? That’s resistance, too.

Reminder: You’re Not Failing, You’re Growing

Resistance isn’t a sign to stop. It’s a signal that you’re on the edge of something meaningful.

So next time you hit that invisible wall, take a breath. Then take one small step forward. Your future self will thank you.

Live by this mantra:
Feeling resistance doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you’re doing something brave.

Learn more about Good Mood Circle here.

Written by Jin How

CONNECTION

CONNECTION

RADIANCE

RADIANCE

CAREER

CAREER

MENTAL HEALTH

MENTAL HEALTH

SELF LOVE

SELF ♥

MOVEMENT

MOVEMENT

NUTRITION

NUTRITION

MINDFULNESS

MINDFULNESS

Rest Is Productive (Even If It Doesn’t Look Like It)

We’ve Been Sold a Lie About Worth

Real Rest vs. Fake Rest

Rest Is Resistance

So, What If You Rested... and Didn’t Feel Bad About It?

Final Thought: You Are Allowed to Pause

1. Trauma Shapes the Story We Tell Ourselves

2. Success ≠ Happiness (Especially Online)

3. Your Brain is Wired to Spot Problems, Not Miracles

4. The Universe Isn’t Against You, It’s Just Unpredictable

5. What You Focus On Expands

So... Is the Universe Against You?

Get Clear on What’s Blocking You

Look for the Hidden Patterns

Not All Obstacles Are Created Equal

You Can Move Past This

Obstacles Aren’t the End. They’re the Beginning.

1. Know Your WHY

2. Make It Bite-Sized

3. Choose Your Circle Wisely

4. Picture the Finish Line

5. Celebrate the Small Stuff

1. You’re (Probably) Not Drinking Enough Water

2. You Had a Salty Late-Night Snack

3. Your Hormones Are in the Driver’s Seat

4. You Didn’t Move Much Yesterday

5. You Had a Little Too Much to Drink

6. You Slept in a Way That Affects Circulation

Listen to Your Body, Don’t Fight It

1. Listing Job Duties Without Telling Your Story

2. Using the Same Resume for Every Job

3. Overpacking the Pages

You’re More Than a List of Jobs

What Is the Zone of Resistance, Anyway?

Why Do We Resist the Very Things We Want?

How to Push Through Without Burning Out

What Happens If You Don’t Break Through?

Reminder: You’re Not Failing, You’re Growing

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