?? To My Heart’s Content #2

Onto my second roundup of much-loved content bits from the last month or so.

NUMBER ONE: A shout out to the only pop-up I'll be accepting in 2021

Like every other sane person in the world, I believe pop-ups belong firmly in the (digital) bin. What vexatious, intrusive, irksome little boxes. So when this little cutie from Pathfactory popped up last week and I found myself smiling, nodding, and then actually entering my details, I knew it was going in the roundup. Here's why I loved this pop-up so:

• It immediately removed itself from 'pop-up-gate' territory with that killer opening line
• It didn't add friction to my experience by trying to blanket sell me another blog post or downloadable eBook when I was (clearly) busy consuming other content
• It relayed my own behavior back to me, so I couldn't even argue with its logic
• It left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside, which is exactly what great marketing is all about

Important reminder: stop thinking like a marketer; just think like a person.

NUMBER TWO: Cumulative stress can gtfo

I am and always have been the biggest believer in prioritizing work/life balance. I simply cannot accept that 10 hours stuck in front of a screen with no lunch break or fresh air is ever gonna produce anything even remotely saucy.

So I loved this article from Ariana Huffington (almost as much as I love Ariana Huffington herself) on the science behind taking breaks. Pretty on board with the concept of 'cumulative stress' and how short breaks can help stop the buildup that leads to burnout (which means if you're reading this; put the kettle on and treat yo'self to a 5-min comfort break on me ?? ).

NUMBER THREE: Caitlin Jenner droppin' truth bombs

So I've got into the habit of reading one chapter of Jack Canfield's 'The Success Principles' with my coffee each morning, and the simplicity of this quote stuck with me:

So many people assume that true success requires being born with natural talent. But natural ability and Olympic/award/record-winning talent are two entirely different things. Cristiano Ronaldo didn't fall out of the womb clutching five Ballon d'Ors; he dedicated his life to earning them. He worked hard; it paid off.

Not only does it take years and years of hard (and often invisible) work to become truly successful at anything, but you also have to give up one hell of a lot to become the best of the very best – whether you're naturally talented or not.

Many of us aren't prepared for the sacrifice it takes to get there, which is why so few of us win medals and so many of us hide behind phrases like 'they're naturally talented'. They may very well be, but they also spent three hours a day practising instead of rewatching Gossip Girl and obsessively painting their nails (guilty as charged).

While we're not all aiming for Ronaldo-level heights, it's a satisfying reminder that if you want to be successful at something, you pretty much can be. But only if you're motivated and dedicated enough to work your ass off for it (and maybe have a lil sprinkling of natural talent too). If you do, you'll win – if you don't, you won't.

NUMBER FOUR: Some highly successful ear-bingeing with Elizabeth Day

Well, I've successfully flown through a sh*t tone of the How to Fail Podcast with Elizabeth Day over the last month (shout out to Elise for recommending it to fill the void left behind by The High Low – still gutted).

Special mention to the Ed Miliband episode which confirmed, once again, why the Milifandom of 2016 was the best unofficial political party ever. The guy's got depth. And he's funny, too. I recommend a listen.

NUMBER FIVE: Refinery29

Finally, I am in love/obsessed with/intoxicated by this brand. One of the only email newsletters I click through on every single time – often more than once.

These guys have opened my eyes to so many beauty products, societal issues, homeware hacks, enjoyable internet holes, salary conversations, and book recommendations that I've lost count. In fact, I can name at least five things in my near vicinity right now that I've purchased because of Refinery29.

Their content is timely, tasteful, and hella varied, and you'll often find me nosing about in the Money Diaries and book recommendation sections. They even have an entire freakin' section dedicated to female body hair.

So for any other 20-something-woman who's endlessly inquisitive about the world around her (and thoroughly enjoys a cocktail recipe, hair hack tip, or controversial take), this really is an inbox firework. Get yourself on the list.