Remove 'Stress' and Trust the Process for a Healthier, Happier 2019
*By Chloe Aiello*
Stress and the pressure of perfection all too often get in the way of achieving goals ー or at this time of year, resolutions. But rethinking stress, "trusting the process," and practicing gratitude are some simple ways to make serious strides, according to Monica Berg, author of "Fear is Not an Option" and chief communications officer for the Kabbalah Centre.
About 80 percent of resolutions made for the New Year fail by the second week of February, [U.S. News reported in 2015](https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/2015-12-29/why-80-percent-of-new-years-resolutions-fail). The reason so many fail is because the goals and resolutions made often "aren't really on the mark," Berg told Cheddar on Wednesday.
"Why do you want to lose weight? Why do you want to eat healthier? What is behind the goal you've set for yourself? There's something underlying and I think that's really the more immediate thing that needs addressing," she said. "There's something far more important that needs addressing that is harder to do, which is why we don't do it. We avoid the difficult things."
But if goal-setters are willing to dig deeper, anything is achievable from a place of self-care, Berg said. And hand-in-hand with self-care comes gratitude. It's a buzzy concept, but Berg said stopping to congratulate yourself for previous accomplishments can provide motivation for the next wave of them.
Lastly, eliminate stress, which might actually be easier than it sounds. Berg acknowledged that life is stressful, but she said she no longer uses the word "stress," as it is synonymous with "fear."
"Stress is when you are not sure of the outcome. You have an idea how you want things to go, you know how it should end up, exactly how it should be. But when it doesn't turn out that way, you get upset, you get stressed out, you get anxious," she said.
Instead of focusing on that perfect outcome and inviting stress into your life, instead focus on the journey to get there, Berg said. And try replacing "stressed" with something else, like "excited."
"If you decide that you put energy and time into the things you love, then there is nothing to get stressed about," she said.
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/embracing-change-and-stressing-less-in-2019).
The Chinese government brought the sitcom "Friends" back to its streaming services. However, it had instances of LGBTQ+ references left out, after the series had been banned on Chinese streaming platforms for years.
Season 13 "Shark Tank" contestant Tania Speaks secured a $400,000 deal for her Speaks Organic Skincare brand with "Shark" Mark Cuban while also being named one of the best pitches in the history of the show — all at 19 years old. Now 20, Speaks joined Cheddar News to talk about the skincare line, the clean beauty industry, and the moment that host Cuban was moved by her pitch. "I couldn't believe that he got emotional. I'm surprised I held back my tears that long," the young entrepreneur revealed. "It's just amazing for someone else to be inspired by your story, especially Mark Cuban himself."
The media giant formerly known as ViacomCBS has officially rebranded itself as Paramount Global with a focus on its streaming service, Paramount Plus. Naveen Chopra, chief financial officer at Paramount, joined Cheddar to discuss the company’s name change and streaming wars. "There are components of content licensing that we continue to do, either historical arrangements or opportunities to license content that don't really impinge on what we're trying to do with our owned and operated services and that continues to be an important ingredient in our broader financial model," he said. "But our number one priority is putting our best assets on Paramount Plus." Chopra also discussed theatrical release windows before feature films hit its service and the platform's subscription goals.
In efforts to help support black-owned brands. Ulta Beauty says it will make a commitment to not only give these brand shelf space but also help them navigate the ins and outs of growing a business. Last week, the beauty retailer announced in order to reach those goals, the company will spend $50 million on diversity and inclusion programs, including an accelerated program to mentor entrepreneurs of color. CEO of Ulta Beauty, Dave Kimbell, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
