About Sheryl Checkman

Sheryl Checkman is an award-winning designer with more than 25 years' experience in applying innovative yet pragmatic solutions to the full range of communications and design challenges. Before opening Checkman Design, Sheryl was Vice President & Manager, Design Services, for the public relations agency Burson-Marsteller from 1981-1992. Prior to that she was an Art Director at the The Barton Gillet Company, a marketing communications firm. Sheryl graduated from Cornell University and attended a Masters program in Communications Design at Pratt Institute as well as a three-month design program at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. She graduated from the High School of Music & Art in New York City. Sheryl is an avid skier and scuba diver. She swims, plays tennis, practices yoga and enjoys taking pictures, both above and below the water. She adds her creative signature to her photographs by creating Digital Fine Art which she currently exhibits in her online gallery. She recently launched a line of inspirational sports-themed T-shirts under the name Life is Balance®. In addition to her design work, Sheryl also creates custom photomontages for a variety of corporate and consumer clients.

Conquer Imposter Syndrome With These Strategies for Unleashing Your Potential

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Imposter syndrome casts a shadow over the brightest of minds, often making individuals question their worth and diminishing their confidence. This internal conflict not only challenges one’s self-belief but can also obstruct their path to greatness. Through a focused approach, it’s possible to navigate beyond the chains of self-doubt and into a realm of empowered self-assurance. This article, courtesy of Life is Balance, aims to shine a light on effective strategies to dispel the clouds of doubt, enabling individuals to embrace their achievements and reach new heights of potential.

Harness the Power of Positive Surroundings

Imposter syndrome thrives in isolation. A sense of being alone with these thoughts can magnify their influence. The antidote is simple yet profound – nurture relationships with uplifting individuals. Such interactions can provide a valuable external perspective, reminding individuals of their worth and achievements. When in the company of supportive people, the noise of self-doubt often recedes, allowing one to see their capabilities more clearly.

Start Your Own Business

Maybe now is the time to face your fears and start your own business! If so, one of the first tasks will be choosing a business structure. While you have a number of options – sole proprietorship, corporation, etc – many entrepreneurs opt for a limited liability company because of the legal protections and tax incentives. If you aren’t sure where to begin, you can start an LLC in New York through ZenBusiness with a little help from a formation service.

Construct a Dynamic Resume

Opportunities knock more often for those who are prepared. An impactful resume not only captures attention but also reinforces self-belief. With the array of online tools available today, one doesn’t need to start from scratch. A person can select from numerous professionally designed templates then start adding personal touches, such as descriptions of accomplishments, images, or colors that resonate with one’s professional identity.

Accept the Beauty of Imperfection

Flawlessness is an illusion. Every individual, regardless of their status or achievements, has faced setbacks or made mistakes. Instead of viewing these moments as evidence of inadequacy, MasterClass notes that they should be seen as stepping stones. Each stumble offers insights and lessons that are integral to personal and professional growth. By reframing imperfections as growth points, one can move forward with renewed confidence.

Recognize and Applaud Personal Triumphs

It’s easy to gloss over achievements, especially when they seem minor. However, every victory, no matter its scale, provides a counterpoint to feelings of imposter syndrome. Taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate these moments reinforces self-worth. It’s akin to building a wall, brick by brick, that shields against waves of self-doubt. Every time a victory is celebrated, another brick is added, making the wall more formidable.

Cultivate a Heart of Self-Compassion

Generosity towards others is commendable, but it’s equally important to direct that kindness inwards. Moments of self-doubt plague everyone at some point. The key is not to let these moments define one’s self-worth. Instead, approach them with understanding and compassion. Treating oneself with the same kindness and patience extended to others can shift perspectives and weaken the grip of imposter syndrome.

Question and Reframe Destructive Thoughts

Imposter syndrome gains ground when its narratives go unchallenged. By becoming vigilant and questioning the validity of self-deprecating thoughts, one can prevent these thoughts from taking root. Focus on past achievements, acquired skills, and positive feedback. Use these as anchors to challenge and reframe negative narratives. Over time, this practice can diminish the frequency and intensity of self-doubting thoughts.

Adopt a Mindset of Endless Growth

The world is in constant flux, presenting challenges and opportunities at every turn. By adopting a growth mindset, one can view these challenges not as threats but as opportunities. Instead of feeding into imposter syndrome, Tracking Happiness points out that a growth mindset reinforces the idea that there’s always room to learn and evolve. Every challenge encountered is a new chance to grow, and every piece of new knowledge or skill acquired further pushes imposter feelings into the background.

The battle against imposter syndrome is not insurmountable. By understanding the nature of imposter syndrome, seeking positive influences, crafting compelling resumes, accepting imperfections, celebrating achievements, practicing self-compassion, challenging negative thoughts, and embracing continuous growth, individuals can unlock the doors to their vast potential. The journey towards self-belief and success is long but rewarding, and with these strategies, every step becomes a stride towards greatness.

Life is Balance offers lifestyle graphic t-shirts that celebrate the various sports and activities that balance our lives. Shop online today or contact us for more information!

The Authenticity Advantage: Boosting Creativity and Resilience in Everyday Life

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Self-expression, when harnessed effectively, holds immense power in enhancing one’s overall well-being. As experts in the field of psychology and self-improvement have discovered, the ability to authentically express oneself — whether through words, art, or any other creative medium — serves as a conduit for emotional release, personal growth, and self-discovery.

By tapping into the transformative potential of self-expression, individuals can alleviate the burden of repressed emotions while fostering creativity and a deeper understanding of their innermost thoughts and desires, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

This article hosted by Life is Balance, we explore how self-expression benefits us physically, mentally, and emotionally. We’ll also discuss the benefits of engaging with the world of digital creativity. Let’s get started!

A Greater Sense of Self-Confidence

One of the most significant benefits of self-expression is that it can help us build confidence. When we are able to articulate our thoughts and emotions effectively, we feel more in control of our lives and our interactions with others. This sense of control can lead to increased self-esteem and a greater belief in our abilities.

Furthermore, self-expression allows us to confront and challenge the negative self-talk that often holds us back from reaching our full potential. By openly sharing our experiences and vulnerabilities, we can begin to replace these limiting beliefs with a more positive and empowering narrative.

Find Optimal Mental Health

The ability to express ourselves is crucial for maintaining good mental health. When we suppress our emotions or avoid addressing difficult experiences, this can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. In contrast, when we engage in self-expression, we can release these pent-up emotions and gain a sense of relief and emotional balance.

Research has shown that various forms of self-expression, such as writing, art, and music, can have therapeutic effects on mental health. For example, engaging in expressive writing has been found to help individuals process traumatic experiences and reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Creating More Self-Awareness

Self-expression is a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth. By exploring our thoughts, emotions, and experiences through self-expression, we can gain valuable insights into our inner selves. This self-awareness can help us understand our strengths, weaknesses, values, and desires more fully.

In turn, this deeper understanding of ourselves can lead to more mindful decision-making and a greater sense of purpose in our lives. As we become more self-aware, we are better equipped to make choices that align with our true selves and promote our overall well-being.

A Stronger, More Authentic Voice

When we express ourselves authentically, we are reclaiming our personal power and taking control of our narrative. This act of self-assertion can be incredibly empowering, as it allows us to stand up for ourselves and our beliefs.

Moreover, self-expression can inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and personal growth. When we see someone bravely sharing their truth, it can encourage us to do the same, leading to a collective shift toward greater authenticity and self-expression.

Building Deeper Connections

Authentic self-expression is the foundation for building deep and meaningful connections with others. When we share our true selves with others, we create opportunities for empathy, understanding, and mutual support.

By expressing our emotions and experiences, we allow others to see us for who we really are, fostering a sense of trust and intimacy in our relationships. This emotional vulnerability not only strengthens our bonds with others but also promotes a greater sense of belonging and social support, which are essential components of well-being.

A Deeper Well of Creativity

Engaging in self-expression can help us tap into our innate creativity. When we express ourselves through various mediums such as writing, art, or music, we are challenging our minds to think in new and innovative ways. This creative exploration can lead to personal growth, as we discover new talents, passions, and perspectives.

But it doesn’t stop there. The world of digital creativity holds just as many opportunities, even for the uninitiated. Especially with the help of free platforms like Adobe Express. For novices looking to make their mark in this realm, there are numerous tools and resources available that can help elevate their skills and produce captivating work. Let’s explore some of the most accessible and effective ways to enhance your digital creativity.

Stronger Photography

For budding photographers seeking to enhance their images, Adobe Express offers a user-friendly and free photo editing suite. This powerful tool provides an array of features, including filters, adjustments, and cropping options, enabling you to elevate your photographs to professional quality. With Adobe Express at your disposal, your pictures are sure to stand out from the rest.

Bring Your T-Shirt Designs to Life

Always dreamed of designing your own t-shirts? Look no further than Adobe Express’s custom t-shirt design tool. Offering a wide range of templates, fonts, and graphics, this intuitive platform makes it easy for anyone to create unique and eye-catching t-shirt designs. Whether you’re looking to start a clothing line or simply want to create a one-of-a-kind gift, Adobe Express has you covered.

Build a Better Blog Post

As an aspiring writer, you understand the importance of engaging content. But did you know that the visual appeal of your blog posts plays a significant role in capturing your audience’s attention? Adobe Express offers a selection of blog post templates, designed to enhance your written work and make your content truly shine. With these templates, you can easily create visually appealing blog posts that will keep readers coming back for more.

Unleash Your Inner Comedian with a Comic Strip

If you possess a penchant for humor, then designing comic strips is a fantastic way to explore your digital creativity. Adobe Express’s comic strip templates provide an accessible and enjoyable entry point into the world of comic creation. Choose from a variety of layouts, add your own text and images, and watch your hilarious stories come to life. Who knows, you may even discover a hidden talent for cartooning!

These are but a few examples; the world of digital creativity is vast and full of potential. With tools like Adobe Express, even beginners can dive in and produce stunning works of art that showcase their unique talents.

In the end, embracing our true selves allows us to unlock immense potential, enabling us to overcome obstacles and fuel our creative spirit. By fostering genuine relationships and engaging in introspection, we establish an atmosphere that encourages originality and resourcefulness. The pursuit of self-awareness is not only crucial for personal development but also vital in creating a dynamic, robust, and inspired society. Let’s embark on this journey of self-discovery, cherishing our individuality, and celebrating the transformative impact of sincerity.

2020 – My Photographic Journey through an Isolating Year

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My Photographic Journey through an Isolating Year Book cover

Over the course of 10 months, I traversed New York City and its environs by foot, bike, ferry, and occasionally by car, my camera in hand, seeking out the beauty in nature as a reaction to the devastating Covid-19 Pandemic. The resulting book, 2020–My Photographic Journey Through an Isolating Year documents my ability to see past the loneliness of social distancing and, find inspiration and some positive brightness in an otherwise bleak year.

My Photographic Journey through an Isolating Year, Randall's Island book spread
My Photographic Journey through an Isolating Year, Central Park, book spread

Desperate to get outside and combat the loneliness of being separated from friends and family, I grabbed my camera and embarked on walks around the city, discovering new things to see in familiar places. In addition to discovering new neighborhoods accessible by foot or ferry, I also learned the names of the various birds and wildlife that exist right here in NYC. Posting these images to Facebook and Instagram, I was surprised at how appreciative my friends were to join in virtually on my excursions. They were able to share my experiences through my photographs and, perhaps file this information for the time they too felt comfortable enough to visit them on their own.

My Photographic Journey through an Isolating Year, Central Park, book spread

I decided to put this book together to share my discoveries with other New Yorkers and show them just what beauty lies within their reach.

My photographic journey through an Isolating year, DUMBO Brooklyn book spread
My photographic journey through an Isolating year, Sam's Point hiking spread
My photographic journey through an Isolating year, Sam's point hik spread

I shot with an Olympus OMD EM5 Mark III mirrorless camera and the lenses that I used for these photos included: M. Zuiko 14-150mm, 60mm, 7-14 mm Pro, 8mm Pro Fisheye, and the 75-300mm.

The book is available in a large, coffee table size and also in a smaller 11 x 8 size in both hardcover and softcover.