Tara’s Tips

Discover actionable insights and fresh perspectives to help you stay inspired and on top of your game.

You are not your thoughts
Tara Renze Tara Renze

You are not your thoughts

During my talks, I share this emotional intelligence tip—reminding people that 80% of our daily thoughts are negative, biased, and untrue. Our minds are wired to focus on problems, fears, and self-doubt. But we can get mentally fit enough to recognize that thoughts are just that—thoughts. They do not define us, and they do not have to control us.

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Keep Going
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Keep Going

Don’t give up on your 2025 goals just yet! January is tough—it’s cold, it’s dark, and your enthusiasm for that “new year, new me” energy might already feel like it’s circling the drain. I get it.

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$2 Bill & Kindness
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$2 Bill & Kindness

So today, ask yourself: What small act of kindness can I offer someone I encounter today? How can I make their day just a little bit better?

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Let's Spread 150,000 Acts of Kindness Together
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Let's Spread 150,000 Acts of Kindness Together

The holidays are here—a time of joy and connection, but also one of the busiest, most emotionally charged times of the year. While many are caught up in the celebrations, for others, this season brings loneliness, anxiety, or heartache.

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You Came to Be You
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You Came to Be You

In today’s world, it’s easy to fall into what I call the “InstaGLAM” and “FAKEbook” traps. But comparing our lives to these highlight reels leads us down a path that doesn’t make sense. After all, we didn’t come to be them. We came to be us.

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We Are Not Our Thoughts
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We Are Not Our Thoughts

Did you know that 80% of our daily thoughts are negative, biased, and repetitive? It’s surprising, and honestly, a bit overwhelming when we consider how much of our mental energy goes to thoughts that don’t actually serve us.

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Sparkle Pants
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Sparkle Pants

Last week, I had the privilege of speaking at the Women Lead Change event in Des Moines, where over 1,000 incredible women gathered for a day of learning, inspiration, and connection.

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Let Love Lead
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Let Love Lead

Two years ago, the head of sales at a company heard my keynote via live stream and was moved by my 'be who you came to be' message. She kept this message close and, two years later, invited me to share it with her sales teams across Germany and Hungary. I was a mix of excitement and nerves. Two-thirds of the audience would be wearing headphones for live translation. What if it didn’t resonate? What if the message didn’t translate?

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Navigating Transitions
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Navigating Transitions

As summer winds down and the school year kicks into gear, many of us find ourselves juggling new schedules, driving our kids around town, and trying to keep up with all the demands that come with this transition. If you’re anything like me, you’ve likely found yourself playing chauffeur to a teenager with plenty of plans but no permission, no money, and no transportation!

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Ready to Speak Up? Master Assertiveness Like a Pro!
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Ready to Speak Up? Master Assertiveness Like a Pro!

Assertiveness is a powerful skill that is often misunderstood. Many people think it means being loud or aggressive, but true assertiveness is about confidently expressing your needs, thoughts, and opinions, even when it invites opposition or conflict. It’s an essential skill for personal and professional growth, and it’s one we can all learn to master.

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He's Working at McDonald's
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He's Working at McDonald's

Recently, my 16-year-old son started working at McDonald's. I've often received surprised responses like, "He's working at McDonald's?" as if such a job is beneath him. This reaction has made me reflect on the importance of work ethic and how it intersects with emotional intelligence.

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Embracing All Emotions for True Happiness 
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Embracing All Emotions for True Happiness 

When I ask people what they want in life, the most common answer is, "I just want to be happy." While happiness is a wonderful emotion, it’s only one of the seven core emotions we experience.

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Embrace Your Inner Angel
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Embrace Your Inner Angel

This week's emotional intelligence tip is inspired by one of my favorite quotes from Michelangelo. When asked how he carved the statue of David out of a huge piece of marble, he simply replied, "I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set it free."

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Change is Challenging
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Change is Challenging

Whether it's a new job, a shift in relationships, or an unexpected life event, we often find ourselves questioning if something is wrong with us or the situation. But here's a thought: What if change isn't a sign that something is broken but rather a natural part of our growth and evolution?

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Self-Regard
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Self-Regard

We’ve all been there – wanting to be liked and appreciated by everyone we meet. But the truth is, not everyone will like you, and that's perfectly okay. Let's dive into the concept of self-regard, which is the ability and tendency to accept yourself fully, both your strengths and your flaws, and still have confidence in who you are.

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