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These 4 boundaries preserve your energy đŸ”„

Plus: How to animate your PowerPoint

June 06, 2024

Hey you! Imagine you could master one Excel topic overnight. By the morning, you’re the best in the world at it. Which topic are you choosing? 💭

Which Excel topic are you picking?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

As for me? Your girl would choose Pivot Tables (IYKYK).

Animate Your PowerPoint (And Captivate Your Audience)

Did you know you could animate your PowerPoint? 👇

And it doesn’t require you to download any clunky software or learn anything complicated—it’s a simple seven-step process with huge returns. 

Why? Because visual learning methods are 83% more effective than text alone. So using visuals–such as animations–in your PowerPoint can make them significantly more impactful. 

Here’s how it’s done: 

1. Go to your Animations tab and select the object you want to animate (in our case, the soccer ball). 

2. Navigate to Add Animation and select Custom Path. Draw the path you’d like the object to follow. 

3. Select the second object you’d like to animate (the ant). 

4. Navigate again to Add Animation and select Custom Path. Draw the path you want the object to follow.  

5. Go to the Animation Pane. Select the ant animation and click Timing
 

6. Change the Delay to 0.5 seconds and press Ok 

7. Go to the Animations tab and click Preview to watch your animation come to life!  

Pro Tip: Press F5 to automatically begin your PowerPoint from the beginning (we ❀ shortcuts). 

How I Set Boundaries to Protect My Energy

I’m all for the occasional, quick-fix self-care practices (💆 *cue face mask and a good book*). But there’s one self-care practice I do every single day—and it’s completely transformed my energy levels: 

Setting. Healthy. Boundaries. 

I’m a huge fan of boundaries because they help us protect and preserve our energy. And because our energy dictates how we spend our day-to-day—whether we give it our all or show up drained—boundaries have the power to shape our lives. 

These are the four buckets I use to set boundaries: 

1. Time Boundary ➜ How you decide to spend your time.

For example: If a project doesn’t excite me, I won’t put it on my calendar.

2. Technology Boundary âžœ How you limit and manage the role of technology in your life.

For example: I go on a ‘digital detox’ once a month.

3. Physically Boundary ➜ How you let people come into your space.

For example: I don’t let people come over during my deep work hours.

4. Thought Boundary ➜ How you select and accept your (or other people’s) thoughts.

For example: I don’t accept life advice from people who lead lives I don’t want.

To set your own boundaries, start by listing the facets of your life—activities, habits, social circle, career, etc—and then ask yourself: 

“What feels off-key?” đŸŽč

In other words: What parts of your life don’t feel quite right? From there, start implementing boundaries based on those buckets. 

For example: Do you struggle feeling present when you’re with friends? Set a technology boundary to not check your phone when you’re together. 

Do you feel drained after hanging out with a pessimistic co-worker? Set a time boundary to politely decline their next invite. 

It’ll be difficult at first—creating and upholding boundaries is hard work—but as author BrenĂ© Brown explains:  

“Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.” 

It’s a great reminder: Boundaries are the ultimate act of self-care. They have the power to change your life, giving you the power to funnel your energy into what lights you up. 

Thanks for being here! I’ve just kicked off my✹ Summer of Travel ✹ and have touched down in Greece! But this summer is extra special because I’m taking Mama Norton abroad for her very first time. đŸ„Č

A huge thank you to you and my rockstar team who made this all possible. I’m so grateful for you all!

Stay Exceling,

Kat