How to Overcome Perfectionism (#3 Perfectionism Series)

So we’ve dug deep as to why perfectionism might actually be getting in your way (missed it?  Check out the 2 previous blogs here and here). That instead of helping you to reach new heights, and deliver excellence in all you do, perfectionism is only making it far more difficult – and oh so stressful. So how to overcome procrastination?  How to move towards a more balanced approach, where you have confidence, vision and purpose?  Where you’re on your [...]

Is Perfectionism a Problem? (#2 Perfectionism Series)

Some of the problems your perfectionism might be causing I’m often asked “is perfectionism is problem?”. My answer is yes, but it can be a hard sell sometimes to my perfectionist clients.  Many associate perfectionism with high standards, achieving new heights, exceptionalism, ambition, success…The list goes on with many things we value highly in our society. (BTW if you wondering if you are a perfectionist, check out my first blog in this series here.) But the impact of [...]

Am I A Perfectionist? (#1 Perfectionism Series)

Some signs that you might be a perfectionist - and why it's getting in your way Am I a perfectionist? Me? No.  I'm not good enough...I don't work hard enough...I'm not organised enough to be a perfectionist (hint - these phrases themselves suggest there's at least some perfectionism!)There's quite a lot of misunderstanding about what perfectionism is, and how it shows up.  And even whether it's a bad thing or not. It's not a great term - we [...]

5 Key Benefits of Journalling: Write it out to work it out

This week, I've been reminding a few people about the benefits of journalling.  I'm a huge fan of journalling and recommend it to all my clients. It's a fabulous support tool for our work together. In fact, I'd say it can help anyone out there - so read on... (p.s. if you want to give journalling a go but don't know where to start, I've got a great guide - just email me and I'll send you a copy) [...]

Learning how to say no (and hold healthy boundaries)

Are there times when you say yes, when you really want to say no?  That's been a common theme in my coaching this week.  Many of my clients have people-pleasing traits and that means it can be difficult not to automatically take things on when asked, fearful of not being liked, of causing disappointment or - a biggie - of encountering conflict.  And the impact of this can be: feeling tired, stressed, and resentful when you're juggling too many balls getting [...]

Saying yes (or turning a no into a maybe)

I'm writing this a little dozy after a late night at the Bruce Springsteen concert at Stadium of Light, Sunderland.  I'll be honest - I'm no Bruce fan, I'm not one for gigs in huge stadiums, and the weather forecast was horrendous.  The tickets were a gift to Mr B who's a fan and I got dragged along. Long story short: I didn't want to go; I moaned about it a lot; I had an amazing time and absolutely loved [...]

Setting daily goals (and remembering the wins)

Daily goal setting is something many do, but often use it as a weapon rather than a tool of support.  Let me explain... This is one for those who struggle with procrastination and self punishment.  I would say these are such common battles for the people I work with - high achievers who are very hard on themselves, motivating themselves through stress, harshness and last minute deadlines. They're usually noticing that these tactics are working less effectively and the [...]

Having a “flare plan” – how to deal with stressful, busy times

Whilst helping people with stressful, busy times, I've started sharing the idea of a flare plan.  I highly recommend them so here's more... This is a concept I came across recently in the chronic health space and I'm a big fan (and bear with me here because I think it's really relevant for everyone, not just us chronic health-ers).  With MCAS, I can have flare ups where my health issues become more acute.  Rather than an instant deterioration, they [...]

2024-05-10T09:42:07+00:0010 May 2024|Categories: Stress, Stress and Anxiety|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Having a “flare plan” – how to deal with stressful, busy times

Be More Batman – challenging limiting beliefs to take your place

I'm aware that I often talk here about a softly, softly approach when it comes to overcoming procrastination and stretching our comfort zone.  I'm very much of the Start-Small-and-Build Brigade when it comes to working with "my people", most of whom are sensitive souls (like me!).  And I do this because it works! But that doesn't mean we think small. My work is all about helping professionals and entrepreneurs ditch the imposter syndrome to take their place and embrace their big ambitions. [...]

2024-04-22T13:22:43+00:0022 April 2024|Categories: Procrastination, Stress, Stress and Anxiety|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Be More Batman – challenging limiting beliefs to take your place

Nourish or Numb?

When you're stressed, do you nourish or numb?  We often unconsciously use activities which soothe the autonomic nervous system (ANS).  This is the non-conscious part of our brain and body that is responsible for our survival (on a basic level, it's the flight or fight response). These activities help us to come back towards regulation - a calmer, more conscious Ventral state where we can choose how we act rather than react.  (BTW, I'm using the language of Polyvagal Theory [...]