#ThirstyThursday Issue #193

The Assist Newsletter
July 23, 2025
Illustration of a confused dog wearing glasses in front of a chalkboard with math problems, next to the text: “I asked my dog what’s two minus two.”

Click the image for the punchline 👆.

✅ Today’s Checklist: 

  • Scripts to disagree with someone more powerful than you
  • How custom ChatGPTs can make you a better manager
  • 7 Japanese concepts that can transform your work
  • A reminder for women in the dating world

QUICK LINKS

🎁 Thoughtful gifts that make WFH feel a little more connected.

🔥 Spot burnout early and actually recover from it.

🌊 Keep your beach clean habits going, even after summer ends.

📱 12 Notes app hacks that make life easier for busy moms.

COMMUNICATION

Illustration of a small person confidently speaking to a much larger armored figure, with text reading “How to Disagree with Someone More Powerful Than You” and a Harvard University logo.

Scripts For Disagreeing When Someone Is More Powerful Than You

 

Takeaways:

  • Disagreeing with your boss doesn’t have to feel risky. Tone and timing are everything. Sometimes it’s wiser to wait than to react in the moment.
  • Lead with shared goals, not opposition. Try asking, “Can I offer another perspective?” and acknowledge their view before sharing your own.
  • Stay calm, stick to the idea (not the person), and stay curious. Respect will take you further than being “right”.

See all 7 scripts.

CAREER MILESTONES

Two women smiling on stage while holding a trophy at a podium, promoting the Stevie Awards for Women in Business with a city skyline in the background and a yellow "Learn More" button.

You’ve Put In the Work. Now Let It Be Seen.

 

Business awards aren’t just feel-good bonuses; they’re powerful tools for growth, credibility, and career visibility.

That’s why thousands of professionals and organizations have entered the Stevie® Awards for Women in Business since 2003.

Why it matters:

🏆 Prestige Often dubbed “the Oscars of business,” the Stevie Awards are one of the most respected honors in the corporate world, recognizing excellence for over two decades.

🌏 Global Recognition

Winners are celebrated around the world at our awards galas (like the upcoming 22nd StevieÂŽ Awards for Women in Business banquet in New York City on November 10!), featured across international media, and promoted to a worldwide audience.

✅ Credibility

A Stevie win signals excellence to clients, hiring managers, and leadership teams, making it easier to earn trust, support, and new opportunities.

👫 Brand Exposure

Past winners use their Stevie recognition to attract top talent, strengthen their reputations, and stand out in competitive markets.

The 2025 (22nd Annual) StevieÂŽ Awards for Women in Business are currently accepting nominations. This international program honors female entrepreneurs, executives, employees, and the organizations they run.

👉 Request your entry kit and see how to get nominated

PRODUCTIVITY

Split-screen video call of two women wearing headphones, one smiling and the other listening, with a blurred home office background.

How Customizing ChatGPTs Makes You a Better Manager

 

Takeaways:

  • Custom GPTs can help managers deliver better feedback, save time, and reinforce clear expectations (especially when reviewing things like slide decks or written work).
  • The secret to smart AI use? Better prompts. Start with your ideas, then use AI to expand, refine, or test them. Let it sharpen your thinking, not replace your voice.
  • This tech lets you scale yourself and focus on higher-value work. It boosts confidence, tightens communication, and creates space for deeper strategy, especially when used collaboratively.

Watch the YouTube video.

CAREER

Illustrated video thumbnail with the title “7 Japanese Concepts That Can Transform Your Work (And How To Apply Them)” and a calm-looking person meditating beneath the text.

7 Japanese Concepts That Change How You Work

 

Takeaways:

  • Progress beats perfection. Concepts like Wabi-Sabi and Kaizen remind us to ship messy, grow in small steps, and learn from what flops.
  • Adopt a mindset of curiosity and craftsmanship. Shoshin invites you to ask questions without ego, while Shokunin encourages daily skill-building through practice and mentorship.
  • Focus on what you can control. Shikata ga nai and Kintsugi teach resilience through acceptance and reflection, while Ikigai brings purpose by aligning your passions with what the world needs.

Read all 7 concepts on LinkedIn.

SUSTAINABLE WELLNESS

Colorful illustration of a woman in activewear standing in a yoga pose, surrounded by a bicycle, giant sneaker, water bottle, fruits, and health icons, all on a bright yellow background.

Tired of Starting Over Every Monday?

 

 49% of The Assist readers told us they struggle with staying consistent.

Sound familiar? But we want to stress something: you’re not lazy or undisciplined; you’re human. And trying to overhaul your habits while juggling work, life, and everything in between? That’s a lot.

Noom gets that. It’s not another diet. It’s a psychology-backed program that helps you build sustainable habits that fit your real life (not just your calendar).

💡 Why it works:

  • 95% of users say it’s a long-term solutionš
  • 98% report meaningful habit change²
  • Users lose an average of 15.5 pounds in 16 weeksÂł

✅ What to expect from the program:

  • A personalized plan based on your goals and patterns
  • Daily support from trained coaches
  • Food tracking with flexibility (no banned foods!)
  • Bite-sized lessons rooted in real psychology principles like cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Easy-to-use tools that fit your routine
  • Continued support long after you hit your goal

No extremes. Just real change that feels doable and lasts.

👉 Take the 5-minute quiz and get a personalized plan.

š²³ Disclaimers: šSample of 4,272 U.S. Noomers; ²Sample of 4,602 U.S. Noomers; ³Average based on first-time U.S. users active for 16 weeks.

DATING

A man and woman holding microphones during a talk show or interview, with a play button overlay and the text "GOT A BAD HABIT" on screen.

A Reminder for Women in the Dating World

 

Takeaways:

  • Don’t fall for potential, pay attention to his patterns. Who he consistently shows up as matters more than who you hope he could become.
  • If you can’t call him when you’re in need, he shouldn’t have full access to you when it’s convenient for him. Relationships should go both ways.
  • Choose a partner who reciprocates your energy, care, and effort. Love shouldn’t feel like you’re overextending to prove your worth.

Watch the Facebook reel.

STAFF PICKS

Stuff We’re Loving This Week

 

💸 You’ve handled a lot….now find a financial advisor who helps you plan what’s next.

✍️ These nostalgic milky gel pens are oddly satisfying to write with.

🧘‍♀️ Add comfort to your next pilates or yoga flow with these grippy socks.

⏱️ Spend less time tracking, more time closing.

JUST FOR FUN

A meme featuring block text above a photo of a cat. Below the text is an image of a fluffy white and orange cat wearing dark sunglasses, tilting its head and pushing the glasses up with one paw as if coolly adjusting them.

JOB LEADS

A stylized ribbon banner with shades of blue and green displays the word "HIRING" in bold, dark blue letters on a cream-colored background. The design has a clean and modern look against a light gray backdrop.

Your Next Gig = One Click Away

 

⭐ View more jobs here >

SPILL THE TEA

Take Our Poll

TA Poll ThirstyThurs 193

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✨ P.S. Want more inspiration and positivity to kick off your week? Sign up for our Motivational Monday texts (U.S. only).

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