If you’re anything like us, you have a handful of projects that are big and visionary and creative. They consume your thoughts and wake you up in the middle of the night. These are projects that you probably love, and for good reason.

But this week, we’ve also been reminded of how much we love another type of project: the ones that are dull and a little dumb, but that you can just do (no advanced brain space required). The projects that you can push across the finish line without too much effort.

Friends, we are here to remind you that there is beauty in the boring.

Sometimes, all you need to do is cross the dang thing off your list. It’s not going to be your prize winner or your proudest moment, but you know what it will be? Done.

And that is a victory all by itself.

 We’re morning people.

Those annoying folks who roll out of bed before the sun with smiles on their faces, ready to start the day. We get it. We’re the worst.

But here’s the good news: this isn’t another silly reminder about how the most successful businesspeople and entrepreneurs sacrifice sleep for productivity. (That’s lame. We love sleep. We go to bed so early.)

This is simply a reminder of one of the greatest lessons we have learned by being morning people: play your strengths.

Use your natural inclinations and preferences to help you — instead of trying to force habits that just aren’t going to happen.

For us, that means starting our work days super early, having walking meetings, and keeping notebooks full of lists. For you, that might mean writing at night or creating a mastermind group or carving out 3 hours of silent work time.

We all have things to learn…but we all also have personalities and preferences. Keep growing, but be yourself. Your work will be better for it.

Does anyone else feel like January has been 100 weeks long? Just us?

The endless days of cold and gray take a toll on our energy and inspiration, which has us looking anywhere and everywhere for light and joy. But here’s the good news: when you go hunting for the bright spots, you tend to find them.

So before you start on your to-do list for the day, here’s a challenge: make a list of 5 specific things you’re grateful for. Things that are bringing you joy. Things that make you smile.

Ready, go.

(And because we love getting to know you, we’d love to know what’s on your list! Send us one of your gratitudes so that we can celebrate with you.)

Ok, now onward. It’s time for another great day. Let’s do this thing. 💪

Last weekend, we were in Mexico with an awesome nonprofit. It was warm and sunny and wonderful — and it was also a great reminder about why we created this little newsletter (and our entire business).

We built Swell+Good because your work is amazing and important. And you deserve to have tools, resources, and support at your fingertips to make it even better.

We know it’s tiring. We know there are days when quitting feels like the only thing to do. We know that there might be other easier options. But listen: keep going.

We’re so impressed by nonprofits, small businesses, and impact organizations that are doing the work, day in and day out. You’re a rockstar. And we’re cheering for you.

This week, we’ve had three awesome conversations with clients and friends about making already-good work even better. We chatted about segmentation and personalization and creative design.

It is SO fun to take something that is already awesome (ie: your work) and then up the game on it. To elevate and innovate and try that thing that has always been on the wish list (you know the one…we all have them).

So here’s your challenge: take one step on that thing this week. Whether it’s a new way of leveraging data, or a bold new design, or an optimization of your email — make a move. We dare you.

(And let us know if we can help!)