Girls with a goal are a force to be reckoned with. We dream big, work hard, and get stuff done. When it's time to produce or innovate or lead, we're on top of it. But there are a few necessities, material ones and mental ones, that I can't do without.
1. Grid Paper Notebook
This sounds like a weird item but it is definitely at the top of my list. The reason I like grid paper is because it's better for sketching out concepts and it's still easy to journal. I have a black Moleskine journal that I use for everything from to do lists, to poems, to random sketches.
2. Cork Board
Having a bulletin board on your wall is the perfect way to create mood boards for inspiration, collect and display memories like movie tickets and Polaroids, or to post important reminders. I have about 4 on my wall above my desk and treat them like a scrapbook in progress, pinning up photos, quotes, and reminders in an organized mess.
3. Post it Notes
The most beautiful site for my productive self is a wall full of colorful sticky notes with tasks and goals just waiting to be completed. A few times a week I also like to use them to write down a few successes I've had recently and stick them on the wall or in a notebook. They're a fun and easy way to keep track of little tasks or long term goals.
4. Your Mantra
I write off most inspirational quotes as cliche and unnecessary, but every once in a while I come across some words that are truly significant and motivating. Find those messages and refer back to them when you need some affirmation. I set my favorite quote as my phone's lock screen.
5. On brand social media
This is different from clean, professional social media. I'm talking about an online presence that conveys who you are and what you do. Retweet articles that you find interesting and be sure to post about your professional endeavors when you can. Yes, this means no swear words or excessive dumb posts, but it doesn't mean you can't post about the funny thing your dog did this morning. Be appropriate and be you.
6. Professional clothing you actually like
When I joined a professional fraternity that required me to dress professionally every Monday, I learned very quickly how important it is to have professional clothing you feel good in. Whether it's the clothes you wear to work every day or that one outfit you pull out just for interviews, it's hard to feel powerful and competent in clothes that don't fit your body or your personality well. You're allowed to wear purple dress pants and polka dots if that's your style. I know I do.
7. Female role models in your field of interest
Celebrities are fine and good for empowering women, but I've found it really helpful to find admirable women in careers I am interested in pursuing. Recently I have been obsessed with The Financial Diet and its female founders. What they do is related to business and blogging and it's really encouraging to see women succeeding in a field I'm passionate about.
8. Goals
You can have the cutest desk supplies and motivational mood boards but without some real goals you can't get very far. Always remember the most essential tool at a girl's disposal is her goals, her ideas, and her ambitions. Now let's hustle.