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.

Fulfillment at Home and Work: Advice for Avoiding Burnout and Finding Joy

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Sheryl Checkman

Photo by Freepik

Busy professionals often find themselves juggling demanding careers and personal responsibilities, leaving little time for self-care. The pressure to excel at work and maintain a fulfilling home life can lead to burnout, diminishing both productivity and happiness. However, it is possible to strike a balance and find fulfillment without sacrificing success. By integrating a few simple strategies into your daily routine, you can prevent burnout, enhance your well-being, and thrive both professionally and personally.

Build a Positive Workplace

The atmosphere in your workplace significantly impacts your daily job satisfaction and overall morale. Initiatives to enhance this environment can lead to more enjoyable and productive workdays. Consider advocating for policies that promote work-life balance, recognizing colleagues’ achievements, and contributing to a supportive team culture. These efforts can transform your office into a place where creativity and productivity flourish, making it a place you are excited to be a part of every day.

Breaks Make a Difference

Taking regular breaks during your workday is vital for maintaining long-term productivity and focus. Short pauses to stretch, walk, or simply disconnect from work tasks can significantly recharge your mind and body. This practice helps in preventing mental fatigue and maintaining performance throughout the day. Encourage a break-friendly culture by setting reminders to take breaks and by leading by example. By integrating these breaks into your routine, you and your colleagues can stay sharp, energized, and more effective in your work.

Add Self-Care to the Mix

Prioritizing self-care is essential for maintaining both mental and physical health, especially for busy professionals. By setting aside dedicated time for activities that rejuvenate and relax you, such as exercise, hobbies, or simply unwinding, you can recharge your energy and enhance your overall well-being. This proactive approach helps mitigate stress and prevents burnout, allowing you to remain focused and productive in your work. Ultimately, making self-care a priority enables you to find greater fulfillment and balance in all areas of your life.

Take Steps to Advance Your Career

If you feel your career progression has stalled, pursuing further education might be the key to unlocking new opportunities. Consider an online degree, such as a bachelor’s in business; this could be the ticket to learning at your own pace and boosting your career. These programs enrich your skills and expand your professional network, providing access to an array of opportunities. The benefits of such education include a broader understanding of industry practices, enhanced leadership skills, and the potential to elevate your career to new heights.

Cultivate a Positive Mindset

Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial for motivation and resilience in your career. This involves focusing on solutions rather than problems and viewing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Positivity in the workplace can lead to better decision-making, increased creativity, and the ability to maintain calm under pressure. Practicing gratitude and mindfulness can help in nurturing this positive outlook, keeping you motivated through ups and downs. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can further reinforce this mindset, creating a supportive and uplifting environment.

Prioritize Personal Relationships

While professional success is important, personal relationships are the cornerstone of a fulfilling life. It’s essential to make time for your loved ones despite a busy schedule. Prioritizing quality time over quantity, such as having meals together or scheduling regular outings, ensures that you remain connected. These moments provide emotional support and joy, enriching your life beyond the workplace. Moreover, open communication with your loved ones about your commitments can help balance professional and personal demands effectively.

Stop Wasting PTO

Utilizing your PTO is crucial for sustaining a healthy balance between work and personal life, and for avoiding burnout. Taking breaks from work provides the chance to rest, rejuvenate, and return with renewed energy and creativity, enhancing your productivity. It also allows you to spend quality time with loved ones, engage in hobbies, and focus on self-care. By regularly taking time off, you prioritize your well-being and ensure lasting success and satisfaction in your career and personal life.

Incorporating these strategies into your daily routine can make a significant difference in preventing burnout and achieving a balanced, fulfilling life. Remember, success isn’t just about excelling at work; it’s also about finding joy and satisfaction in all aspects of your life. Embrace these tips to create a harmonious, thriving existence where you can truly flourish.

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!

This article was written by Sheila Olson

Conquer Imposter Syndrome With These Strategies for Unleashing Your Potential

Posted on April 1, 2024 by Sheryl Checkman

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

Posted on January 25, 2024 by Sheryl Checkman

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.