The New Chapter

Embarking on a new chapter in your workspace can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you are starting a new job, transitioning to a new role within your current company, or even starting your own business, the change can have a significant impact on your life. In this article, we will discuss how to approach this new chapter with the right mindset, how it may translate to your family life, and tips for success.

The Right Mindset

First and foremost, it's important to approach this new chapter with a growth mindset. This means being open to learning new things, embracing challenges, and seeing opportunities for growth and development. When we have a growth mindset, we are better equipped to handle the inevitable obstacles and setbacks that come with any new venture.

Another important mindset is to focus on your strengths rather than your weaknesses. Recognize the skills and qualities that have brought you to this point in your career and use them to your advantage in your new role. This doesn't mean you should ignore areas for improvement, but rather focus on building upon your strengths to achieve success.

Translating to Family Life

A new chapter in your workspace can also impact your family life. It's important to communicate with your loved ones about the changes that are coming and what they can expect. Depending on the nature of the change, it may require adjustments to your schedule or even relocation. Involve your family in the decision-making process where appropriate and be sure to make time for them amidst the demands of your new role.

If you are starting a new job, it's important to set realistic expectations for yourself and your family. Understand that there may be an adjustment period as you learn the ropes and establish a new routine. Be patient with yourself and communicate openly with your family about what they can expect during this time.

Approaching a New Job

Starting a new job can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. To set yourself up for success, take time to understand the company culture, the expectations for your role, and the goals of your team. Build relationships with your colleagues and seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support as you navigate your new role.

It's also important to set goals for yourself and establish a plan for achieving them. This will help you stay focused and motivated, especially during the early stages of your new job. Be sure to celebrate your successes along the way, no matter how small they may seem.

Tips for Success

Finally, here are a few tips to help you succeed in your new chapter:

1. Be proactive - take initiative and look for ways to add value in your new role.

2. Seek feedback - ask for constructive feedback from your colleagues and 

    managers to help you improve.

3. Build relationships - invest time in building strong relationships with your 

    colleagues and stakeholders.

4. Stay organized - establish a routine and prioritize your tasks to stay on top of 

    your responsibilities.

5. Be adaptable - be open to change and embrace new opportunities as they 

    arise.

In conclusion, a new chapter in your workspace can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By approaching it with the right mindset, involving your family where appropriate, and following these tips for success, you can set yourself up for a successful transition and achieve your goals. Good luck!

Contentment vs Ambition: Can they Co-Exist or Amplify Each Other?

In a previous post, we wrote about being content and we quickly mentioned that it does not mean that you cannot be ambitious. This post is a bit more about the correlation between contentment and ambition.

Contentment and ambition are two concepts that seem to be at odds with each other. On the one hand, contentment is often associated with a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment, while ambition is often associated with a drive to succeed and achieve more. However, these two concepts are not necessarily mutually exclusive, and in fact, they can co-exist and even amplify each other.

Contentment can be seen as a state of mind in which we are happy with what we have and where we are in life. It involves accepting ourselves and our circumstances and finding joy in the present moment. While contentment can be a positive and fulfilling state, it can also become stagnant if we become too complacent or resistant to change. This is where ambition can come in.

Ambition on the other hand is often associated with a drive to succeed, to achieve more, and to push ourselves to reach our full potential. It involves setting goals, working hard, and constantly striving to improve ourselves and our lives. While ambition can be a powerful motivator, it can also lead to stress, burnout, and dissatisfaction. This is where contentment can come in.

When contentment and ambition co-exist, they can create a powerful and balanced mindset. Contentment can provide a sense of peace and gratitude for what we already have, while ambition can provide a sense of purpose and drive for what we want to achieve. When these two states are in balance, we can be both grateful for what we have and motivated to achieve more.

In fact, contentment and ambition can even amplify each other. When we are content with what we have, we can approach our goals with a sense of calm and clarity, rather than from a place of desperation or need. This can help us make better decisions, stay focused on what is truly important, and avoid burnout. On the other side of this coin, when we are ambitious, we can push ourselves to reach new heights and challenge ourselves in ways that we may not have thought possible. This can lead to personal growth, increased confidence, and a sense of purpose.

Of course, there is a balance to be struck between contentment and ambition. Too much contentment can lead to complacency and a lack of motivation, while too much ambition can lead to stress and burnout. However, by finding a healthy balance between these two states, we can create a fulfilled and driven mindset.

So, can contentment and ambition co-exist? Absolutely. In fact, they can complement each other and create a powerful and balanced mindset. By cultivating both contentment and ambition in our lives, we can find happiness and fulfilment in the present moment while striving to achieve our goals and reach our full potential.

Working with Friends

 To most of us our personal relationships and friendships are important parts of our lives, and they can have a significant impact on our overall well-being. When we end up working together with a friend at a company, our personal relationships and friendships can be both strengthened and/or challenged. Even more so when one person is in a management position and the other is a subordinate. As a life coach, I have seen this dynamic play out in many workplaces, and in this post, I will provide some insights and advice on how to navigate this situation.

Let’s consider the strengthening impact of working together on personal relationships and friendships. When we work with someone, we spend a significant amount of time with them, and we get to know them a lot more. We may find out that we share common interests, goals, and experiences, which can create a stronger bond. This can be particularly true when we work on projects or tasks together and experience a sense of accomplishment and teamwork.

On the other hand, working together can also put a strain on personal relationships and friendships. We may experience conflicts or disagreements related to work, which can or may spill over into our personal lives. We may feel stressed or overwhelmed by work, which can affect our ability to be present in our personal relationships. And in some cases, we may feel like we need to put up a professional front at work, which can make it harder to be vulnerable or authentic in our personal relationships.

Now if the personal relationship or friendship is one where the dynamic is between a manager and a subordinate can or may impact the personal relationships and friendships even more. When one person is in a management position, there is a power dynamic at play. This can make it harder to establish an equal and balanced relationship outside of work. The subordinate may feel like they need to be more deferential or cautious in their interactions with the manager, which can create a sense of distance, tension or distrust. On the other hand, the manager may feel they need to maintain a certain level of professionalism or distance to avoid any perception of favouritism or impropriety.

So, how can we navigate these complex dynamics and maintain healthy personal relationships and friendships in the workplace? Here are some tips:

1. Set clear boundaries: It's important to establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Make sure you clearly understand with your colleague or friend when it's appropriate to discuss work-related matters and when it's not.

2. Communicate openly and honestly: Be open and honest with your colleague or friend about your feelings and concerns. If you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed at work, let them know. If you're experiencing conflicts or disagreements, address them directly and respectfully.

  

 3. Focus on the relationship: Try to prioritize your personal relationship or friendship outside of work. Make time to do things together that have nothing to do with work, and focus on building a strong connection outside of the office.

4. Be mindful of power dynamics: If you're in a management position, be mindful of the power dynamics at play and try to be sensitive to the subordinate's feelings and concerns. If you're the subordinate, try to be respectful and professional while maintaining a sense of equality in your interactions.

5. Seek support when needed: If you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling to navigate the dynamics of your personal relationships or friendships in the workplace, seek support from a trusted friend, family member, or professional.

In conclusion, personal relationships and friendships can be both strengthened and/or challenged by working together at a company, particularly when one person is in a management position and the other is a subordinate. By setting clear boundaries, communicating openly and honestly, focusing on the relationship, being mindful of power dynamics, and seeking support when needed, we can navigate these complex dynamics and maintain healthy personal relationships and friendships in the workplace.

   

Why we Undercharge and feel Guilty to collect.

As a life coach, one of the most common challenges that I see people facing is feeling guilty or uncomfortable when it comes to charging for their work. Whether it's setting prices for freelance work, consulting fees, or selling products, it can be difficult to know how much to charge and to ask for payment. This is a problem that is often linked to feelings of imposter syndrome and a lack of confidence in our abilities. We will explore some of the reasons why we often undercut ourselves and feel guilty when it comes to asking for payment and offer some strategies for dealing with these situations.

A big reason why we might undercut ourselves when it comes to charging for our work is a lack of confidence. This lack of confidence can come from a variety of sources, including past experiences of rejection or criticism, a fear of failure or success, or a general sense of self-doubt. When we lack confidence in our abilities, we might be more likely to undervalue our work or hesitate to ask for payment, even when we know that our services are valuable.

Another reason why we might feel uncomfortable charging for our work is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is the feeling that we don't belong or that we are not good enough, despite evidence to the contrary. When we feel like imposters, we might be more likely to downplay our skills or hesitate to ask for payment, because we feel like we don't deserve it.

In addition to feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome, we might also feel guilty about asking for payment because we don't want to come across as pushy or greedy. We might worry that our clients or customers will think less of us if we ask for too much money, or that we will damage our relationships with them if we are too aggressive. This can be especially true if we are working with people we know personally or in a sensitive situation where the relationship is important.

So, what can we do to address these issues and feel more comfortable asking for payment? Here are some strategies that might help:

1. Know your worth. Before you set your prices, take some time to research the market and get a sense of what other people in your field are charging. This can help you to set your prices at a level that is fair and competitive.

2. Practice self-compassion. Remember that it's okay to make mistakes or to feel uncomfortable when asking for payment. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that these feelings are normal and understandable.

3. Be confident in your abilities. Remind yourself of your skills and accomplishments and focus on the value that you bring to your clients or customers. This can help you to feel more confident when it comes to asking for payment.

 4. Communicate clearly with your clients or customers. Be transparent about your prices and your expectations for payment. This can help to avoid any misunderstandings or discomfort.

5. Set boundaries. If you are working with people, you know personally, it can be helpful to set clear boundaries around your work and your payment expectations. This can help to maintain a professional relationship and avoid any awkwardness.

6. Remember that asking for payment is part of doing business. It's important to recognize that asking for payment is not a sign of greed or pushiness. It's simply part of the process of running a business or offering services.

Ultimately, it's important to remember that charging for your work is a sign of confidence and self-respect. By valuing your own time and expertise, you are sending a message that you believe in yourself and your abilities. While it can be uncomfortable to ask for payment, it's an important step in building a successful and sustainable career. So, take a deep breath, set your prices with confidence, and know that you deserve.

Fatigue: The Silent Thief of Mental Clarity and Emotional Stability

Fatigue is a state of physical and mental exhaustion that can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of sleep, stress, and overexertion. It can also be a symptom of underlying health conditions, such as anaemia, depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome. While fatigue is a common and normal experience for most people, it can significantly impact our mental state and capacity.

One of the ways fatigue affects our mental state is by impairing our cognitive function. When we're tired, we struggle to concentrate, remember things, and make decisions. This can lead to increased stress and anxiety as we try to keep up with the demands of daily life. It can also cause irritability and mood swings, making it difficult to maintain healthy relationships with others.

Fatigue can also impact our emotional stability. When we are tired, our emotions can become heightened, making us more susceptible to feelings of anger, frustration, and sadness. This can make it challenging to cope with the challenges of life and can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair.

In order to mitigate the negative effects of fatigue on our mental state and mental capacity, it's important to adopt healthy habits that promote rest and relaxation. This can include getting enough sleep each night, engaging in regular physical activity, and relaxing and unwinding. It's also important to manage stress levels, through techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness.

If fatigue is persistent and affecting your daily life and you are not able to reduce or eliminate such fatigue by way of some of the techniques mentioned above, you may need to seek help from a healthcare professional. They can assess the underlying cause of your fatigue and provide recommendations for treatment and reducing such fatigue, which may include medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes.

In conclusion, fatigue is a normal experience for most people in life, but it can significantly impact our mental state. By adopting healthy habits and seeking help when needed, we can mitigate the negative effects of fatigue and maintain our mental and emotional well-being.

Wealth Mindset

As a life coach, I often come across people who have a strong desire to become wealthy. While wealth can bring many benefits, such as financial security and freedom to pursue one's passions, it is important to consider the complexities that come with it.

One of the first things to understand is that wealth is not simply about having a lot of money. True wealth involves finding a balance between financial stability, personal happiness, and a sense of purpose in life. It is important to remember that money can bring temporary pleasure, but true happiness comes from within and is not dependent on material possessions.

Another consideration is the means by which you pursue wealth. It is crucial to be ethical and fair in your business dealings, as success built on the backs of others is not truly fulfilling. Similarly, it is important to be mindful of the impact that your actions have on the world and to strive for wealth in a way that is sustainable for both you and the environment.

It is also important to understand that wealth is not something that can be achieved overnight. Building wealth requires hard work, dedication, and a long- term mindset. It is important to have a clear plan in place and to stay focused on your goals, even when faced with obstacles. Additionally, it is important to continuously educate yourself on personal finance and investment strategies in order to make informed decisions.

Ultimately, the key to achieving wealth is to strike a balance between financial stability and personal happiness. While having a lot of money can provide comfort and security, it is not the only factor that contributes to a fulfilling life. By prioritizing relationships, personal growth, and a sense of purpose, you can find true wealth and happiness.

In conclusion, if you want to be wealthy, it is important to take a holistic approach to your financial goals. Consider not just the financial benefits, but also the ethical and personal implications of your actions. With hard work, dedication, and a focus on balance, you can achieve both financial stability and personal happiness.

Greed

We all know someone, it may even be ourselves, who struggles with greed. It affects people of all ages and walks of life, and it's one of the biggest obstacles to achieving happiness and contentment in life.

Greed is an insatiable desire for more, be it money, possessions, power, or anything else that can be obtained. It stems from a deep sense of insecurity, and a belief that we will never have enough or never be enough. People who are greedy are always looking for the next big thing, and they often don't take the time to appreciate what they already have. This constant search for more can lead to stress, anxiety, and unhappiness, as well as damaging relationships and compromising one's values.

The problem with greed is that it never leads to true happiness. No matter how much we acquire, it's never enough, and we always want more. This creates a vicious cycle of constantly chasing after something that's just out of reach. It's a bottomless pit that can only lead to disappointment and frustration.

The good news is that greed can be overcome with the right mindset and habits. Here are some tips to help you break free from the grips of greed:

 Practice gratitude: Take the time to appreciate what you already have. Even the most simple of things (usually those that we miss, and when we focus on them we realise how much we do have) Make a list of all the things in your life that you're thankful and grateful for and focus on them instead of what you don't have.

 Focus on purpose: Having a sense of purpose in life can help you overcome greed. It does not necessarily need to be your career or job, it can be a hobby or something that you are passionate about. When you're working towards something that you truly care about, it's easier to let go of the desire for material things.

 Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings. When you notice yourself getting caught up in the desire for more, take a deep breath, calm your mind, and remind yourself that it’s good to be driven and have ambition but what you have is enough.

 Help others: Volunteering and helping others is a great way to shift your focus from yourself and your own desires. When you're making a positive impact in someone else's life, you'll find a sense of fulfilment that can't be achieved through material things.

Please understand, there is nothing wrong with ambition and working towards creating the life that you want. It is just very important that such a drive or ambition does not consume you and cause to you miss out on so much along the way to achieving this life. Be happy and grateful for where you are and excited about what you are working towards.   

Breaking free from the grip of greed can be a challenging process, but it's worth it. When you let go of the desire for more, you'll find that you're happier, more content, and have more fulfilling relationships. It all starts with a shift in mindset, so take the first step today and start living a life free from greed.

Psychological Factors of Negotiations

Negotiations can often feel like a battle of wits, and for good reason – they often are. Understanding the psychology behind negotiations can help you be better prepared for your negotiation. Some of the key psychological factors that come into play during negotiations and how you can use them to your advantage are as follows:

Anchoring - Anchoring refers to the phenomenon where the first offer sets the tone for the rest of the negotiation. This is because the initial offer acts as a reference point or anchor that subsequent offers are judged against. To take advantage of anchoring, make your first offer high enough that it creates a favourable starting point for you, but not so high that it scares the other party away. Where your counterpart has beaten you to the punch on making the first offer, do not get stuck or fixated on the anchor. Rather rephrase the issues and find common ground between the parties.

Loss Aversion - People generally hate losing more than they enjoy winning. This means that if you make a proposal that the other party feels they are losing on, they may be less likely to accept it. To avoid this, try to reframe the negotiation from your counterpart’s point of view and from the start give the right to veto or say no. People want control over their lives and the situations they find themselves in, and by reframing the negotiation according to your counterpart’s viewpoint and having them feel in control by stating they may say no, your counterpart will not feel like they are losing but rather that you are working towards a solution.

Confirmation Bias - Confirmation bias refers to the tendency of people to seek out information that confirms their beliefs and ignore information that challenges them. We are drawn to things that are familiar to us and fit our version of reality or perception. To use this to your advantage, provide evidence or research to support your position, and try to address any objections the other party may have from the onset of the negotiation. By doing this, you can make it harder for them to hold on to their original stance and soften the blow to any serious objections they may have.

Social Influence - People are often influenced by the opinions of others, especially those they perceive as experts or leaders. This can work in your favour if you can establish yourself as an authority in the negotiation. To do this, come prepared with data, facts, and evidence to support your position. Be confident, calm, and composed, and try to build rapport with the other party. And most importantly listen to your counterpart. Actively listen. All of us want to be and feel heard, even in negotiations.

Emotions – We all are emotional beings. Emotions play a big role in our day-to-day lives and emotions can play a big role in negotiations, especially if the stakes are high. People may become angry, frustrated, or upset if they feel like they are not being heard. To prevent this from happening, acknowledge that negotiations are stressful and that emotions may flare up and agree if emotions do get heated, to take a break and allow all parties to cool down and come back to the negotiation when everyone is calm.

In conclusion, understanding the psychological factors that come into play during negotiations can help you tremendously. By using anchoring, avoiding loss aversion, combating confirmation bias, leveraging social influence, and managing emotions, you can become a more effective negotiator and get better results in your negotiations.

 

Overcoming the Guilt of Parenting Toddlers

As a parent, you want to do your best to raise happy and healthy children. But, let's face it, parenting can be a challenging and overwhelming experience, especially when it comes to raising toddlers. They can test your patience, push your buttons, and leave you feeling guilty and inadequate. If you're struggling with guilt feelings, know that you're not alone.

Here are some common sources of guilt for parents of toddlers and tips for overcoming them:

 Guilt about discipline:

It's natural to feel guilty about disciplining your child, especially when it involves punishment. You may worry that you're being too harsh, causing harm, or damaging your relationship. To overcome this guilt, focus on setting clear boundaries, using positive reinforcement, and being consistent in your approach. And remember, discipline is not about punishment, but about teaching and guiding your child.

 Guilt about work-life balance:

Juggling work and family responsibilities can be a huge challenge, especially for working parents. You may feel guilty about not spending enough time with your child, missing out on important milestones, or being too busy to play with them. To overcome this guilt, prioritize quality over quantity, set realistic expectations for yourself, and find ways to involve your child in your work, such as taking them to your office or asking them to help with tasks.

 Guilt about screen time:

With the rise of technology, it's easy to let your child spend hours in front of a screen. But you may feel guilty about exposing them to screen time and depriving them of outdoor play or other activities. To overcome this guilt, set limits on screen time, engage in screen-free activities together and encourage physical activity and creativity.

 Guilt about not being the perfect parent:

Society puts a lot of pressure on parents to be perfect, but it's impossible to achieve. You may feel guilty about not being able to provide your child with everything they need, making mistakes, or not living up to your own expectations. To overcome this guilt, focus on the love and care you provide, forgive yourself for your mistakes, and celebrate your strengths as a parent.

In conclusion, guilt is a normal part of parenting, but it shouldn't control your life. By understanding the sources of your guilt and finding ways to overcome them, you can become a more confident and fulfilled parent. Remember to be kind to yourself and focus on the joy and love that come with raising your little one.

Who vs What

What questions do you ask yourself when it comes to your life and future? It does not matter which part of your life, but if you had to become still and think about it, what would those questions look like?

As I am writing this I am going through aspects in my life where I am asking quite a few questions regarding my future and what I want it to look like. What is it I want to achieve in my career? What do I want to be in 3 years? What car will I drive? What house would I be living in? And the list goes on. 

In this materialistic world, we have allowed the questions we ask ourselves to change. We have allowed these questions to focus more on the acquisition of items and accolades rather than on who it is we want to be and how we feel about our life.

Someone challenged me recently to not ask what I want to do with my life but who it is that I want to be or become. This had me at a sticking point as I have not looked at my life through the lens of who is it that I want to be. I realised that the question had me focus more on my identity rather than the accumulation of things and titles.

Who is it that I want to be?

For me, some things that came to mind were…I want to be a present father and husband. I want to be a man of honour and integrity. I want to feel enthusiastic, alive, and energetic in whatever I take on and do for a living. 

I do not want to be the father not having the time for his daughter and not being able to be there for her when she needs it. I do not want to be the husband that only speaks about work and is never there to truly listing to his wife when she needs it, and I do not want to be the man that is unhappy, uninspired, and depressed to get up in the morning to go to a job that does not provide fulfilment.

WHO it is we want to be, speaks to the core of who we are, it speaks to our inner happiness.

Asking our WHAT questions, are not wrong, they are necessary. But maybe before we ask our WHAT questions, we should start with WHO it is we want to be and then ask WHAT it is that we need to do and establish to become that person.

I recently had a conversation with a wise man, my dad, and the question we pondered was “what is enough?”. We came to realise that the question only allows for the materialistic aspects of our lives and that a different question to be considered, as it includes an element of emotion to it, is “what is it that makes you happy?”.

Who is it that I want to be? Who is it that You want to be? What is it that makes you genuinely happy?

I challenge you, as I do myself, to start with WHO it is you want to be and then build the WHAT that is needed to enable you to be that version of yourself. Become fearless and life will become limitless.

Those Goals

Have you ever set GOALs for yourself? Have you ever set GOALs and did not follow through on them or set GOALs and did not do what was necessary to achieve them? And…How did that make you feel?

I have set many GOALs in my life, just to set THOSE same GOALs again the following year or set them again on the date I was supposed to achieve THOSE GOALs. I did not persevere in the steps necessary to get the results I set out to get.

I would set various types of GOALs. From SMART GOALs… you know like the acronym S.M.A.R.T. GOALs that are SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ATTAINABLE, REALISTIC (or so I thought), and TIME-BASED. To Benchmark GOALs, those tick box GOALs, the ones that make you shout out “Yay, I did it”, GOALs. I tried them all.

But as each day went by where I did not achieve something or do something that brought me closer to THOSE GOALS, I felt more and more like a failure. Or on the opposite side of the coin, achieving THOSE GOALS only to feel a great sense of emptiness after achieving them. This would then lead to asking the question “what was the purpose of all of this?”. It’s like having the GOAL to lose weight and reach that GOAL weight. NOW, WHAT!?  Do you stop with what you were doing that helped you achieve the GOAL? Do you continue? Is it going to be a lifestyle from here on out?

Or am I going to be part of a statistic saying that 90% of people that lose the weight they wanted to, in the beginning, gain all of it back and sometimes even more? 

I got so bad that the only thoughts when it came to THOSE GOALS were… you won’t achieve anything…you won’t amount to anything.

I realized that the strategy for setting my GOALs needed to change, my approach to THOSE GOALS needed to be different. For me what was needed was a complete and total perspective shift. I had to let go of all GOAL-setting measures…like the song in Frozen “let it go, let it go”, compliments of my daughter…A GOAL setting detox. 

Look GOAL setting is not a bad thing, to the contrary, it is necessary as it provides guidance and a plan to enable you to fulfil those aspects in your life you need and want. THOSE GOALS should, however, NOT make you feel inferior and like a failure.

Your consideration should be focused on your WHY. Why are you setting the GOAL you are setting? Because if you do not know your WHY you will either not persevere and achieve the GOAL or you will achieve THOSE GOALS and feel empty after doing so and left asking questions.

So, I moved away from focusing on GOALs, or anything for that matter, and as time went by, I could look at that part of my life again. When it came to it,  Instead of setting GOALs I started to look at my overarching purpose in life and what missions I needed to fulfil that purpose.

You see in my view…missions are like an expedition to an Explorer. An Explorer takes many expeditions in their life to in the end achieve the TRUE REASON, the TRUE PURPOSE of those expeditions, whatever it may be for that Explorer. 

So the missions in our lives help us on our purpose journey.

The moment I started focusing on my missions in my purpose journey something clicked. It dawned on me, like making arrangements and getting things in place for an adventure you may be taking, so are THOSE GOALS, to the missions I needed to take in my purpose journey. WOW…My GOAL setting outlook took on a wholly different form. I started seeing them be the arrangements or plans I was putting in place to ensure my missions or adventures were going to be successful.

My GOALs started to reflect my WHY. I was setting them and was able to persevere and achieve them. And as a result,…I was not feeling inferior or like a failure anymore…I was making progress.

Something to remember you would have heard me say “in or on my purpose journey”. I state it this way: your purpose is not a destination to be reached, it is not a tick box to be achieved, it is the adventure of your life. A continuous road trip or travel experience to all the most wonderful places that you can possibly imagine. And as a very intelligent lady once told me: “Do not forget to enjoy the journey” 

To conclude: GOAL setting is a great tool when used right, and that is your definition of right for you, that will help create amazing results in your life. So, I invite you to come on this mission, this adventure with me called life. Dare to explore, you will not regret it.

Are you Listening?

Have you ever thought about how it is you communicate? Have you ever thought about how you are perceived when you communicate?

Let me tell you a story. This story is about a gentleman called Communication Guy. Communication Guy is a phenomenal speaker, and one of the best in the world. When he opens his mouth to speak, the words flow like silk, and his vocabulary is so good that it sounds like audio gold. Wherever he goes and whomever he meets he just mesmerises them with his words.

But, as time went by, Communication Guy started to notice that the opportunities to communicate and speak to people were becoming exceedingly rare. He found that people were getting less interested in inviting him to speak and less interested in engaging with him in person. This was concerning to him, as he was Communication Guy. What was going to happen if he could not communicate anymore if he could not speak anymore?

He realised that he needed to find out why this was happening as this was of the utmost importance, this was his life. He set out on a quest to find the reason behind all of this. It was not easy. He struggled to find the answers as opportunities to communicate and opportunities to speak to people became less and less…and so were the answers. 

Communication Guy felt defeated. And as he was walking through a forest on his way home, head down and shoulders slumped, never to speak again, he heard something. Whispers. Communication Guy stopped in his tracks, what was that? He kept quiet and listened. There it was again…he listened even more intently, more deeply than he has ever done before…The trees were saying something, they were telling him something… well-done Communication Guy…Well Done. 

At that moment it dawned on Communication Guy, why this was all happening. Why did no one want to speak to him anymore? “I did not listen to anyone. I was the only one speaking the whole time even though everyone has and had something to say. I did not hear them”.

Have you ever found yourself in the position of Communication Guy? Where you did not listen to someone while they were speaking to you. Not hearing them when they were speaking to you if they did get a chance to even speak?

We go through life placing our focus on learning and training how to speak. To speak to friends, family and loved ones in front of an audience. We even learn how to perfect it using body language, vocal variety and facial expressions. But when do we learn how to listen?

There is a reason we have two ears and 1 mouth, maybe we should consider using one more than the other.

If we do not listen first, we will not know the correct thing to say. And if we never allow someone else to speak, we may end up like Communication Guy. Everybody has something to say…everyone wants to be listened to. Why do you think we pay psychologists so much money just to listen to us? We want to be heard.

Communication is not a one-way street. Communication is primarily to listen. When you listen truly listen, people feel heard, when you truly listen people feel appreciated. And when you are afforded the opportunity to speak you will be awarded the most amazing opportunity to speak into someone else’s life, to make a difference, TO SERVE.

To listen is to serve, to serve is the noblest act of them all. Today…before you speak to say what it is you want to say…choose to serve…the result will astound you.

Being Content

Being content with where you are in life, both professionally and personally, is a critical component of overall happiness and well-being. It's natural to have aspirations and goals for the future, but it's essential to find contentment and satisfaction in the present moment. Here are some tips to help you cultivate a sense of contentment with your current circumstances.

1. Practice gratitude: 

Take the time to reflect on the things in your life that you are thankful for. It could be your health, your relationships, your home, your job, or any other aspect of your life that brings you joy and satisfaction. Focusing on what you have instead of what you lack can shift your perspective and increase your overall sense of contentment.

2. Embrace your current circumstances:

 Accept where you are in life, both professionally and personally. Instead of fighting against your current situation, embrace it and make the most of it. Use this time to learn, grow, and prepare for future opportunities.

3. Focus on what you can control: 

It's easy to get caught up in things outside of our control, such as external events or other people's actions. Instead, focus on what you can control, such as your attitude, effort, and actions. When you focus on what you can control, you can find peace and contentment in your current circumstances.

4. Set realistic expectations: 

Be mindful of the expectations you have for yourself and others. If your expectations are too high, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. Instead, set realistic expectations that are achievable and align with your current circumstances.

5. Focus on personal growth: 

Instead of constantly striving for more, focus on personal growth and self-improvement. Invest in yourself by developing new skills, learning new things, and growing as a person.

In conclusion, by practising gratitude, embracing your current circumstances, focusing on what you can control, setting realistic expectations, and focusing on personal growth, you can cultivate a sense of contentment and satisfaction in the present moment.

The Power of Patience

 "The Power of Patience in Business: Why It Pays to Wait"

You are constantly facing challenges and making important decisions as a business person. With the fast pace of the modern world, it's easy to get caught up in the need for immediate results and to feel frustrated when things don't go as planned. However, it's important to remember the value of patience in business.

Patience is often seen as a passive quality, but in reality, it's anything but. It takes discipline, self-control, and a long-term perspective to be patient. When you're patient in business, you give yourself the time and space to think critically, gather information, and make informed decisions. This can lead to better outcomes and fewer mistakes in the long run.

One of the biggest benefits of patience in business is that it allows you to avoid making hasty decisions. When you're under pressure, making quick, impulsive choices can be tempting. However, these decisions are often based on emotion rather than logic and can lead to regrets down the road. By being patient and taking the time to think things through, you can avoid making decisions that you'll later regret.

Another benefit of patience in business is that it can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance. When you're constantly rushing to meet deadlines or chasing after the next big opportunity, it can be easy to become consumed by your work. This can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. By practising patience, you can give yourself the time and space you need to recharge and stay focused on your goals.

Finally, patience can help you build stronger relationships in business. When you're patient, you're able to listen to others and understand their perspectives. This can help you resolve conflicts, build trust, and establish strong working relationships with your colleagues, customers, and partners.

In conclusion, patience is a powerful tool in business. It allows you to avoid hasty decisions, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and build strong relationships. By practising patience, you can give yourself the time and space you need to succeed in business and in life.