As humans we thrive on challenge and stimulation. That’s why we set goals for ourselves, make New Year’s resolutions, sign up for sponsored walks and embark on training courses and self-development programmes. When we complete a challenge, hit a goal or finish a course we get a dopamine hit and feel good. There’s a real...   [Read more] The post Why getting levels of challenge right is so important appeared first on Alquimia Coaching and Development ..read more

On a recent trip to London we went to see the Yoko Ono exhibition at Tate Modern.I honestly didn’t know what to expect; I didn’t know much about her art at all.Some of the pieces were weird, some of them incredibly moving and powerful. All of her art was thought provoking. Haunting even.One of my...   [Read more] The post Make a wish and see what happens appeared first on Alquimia Coaching and Development ..read more

Before the Christmas break I gave a few of my clients a worksheet from the Coaching Tools Company to guide them through their reflections on what happened in 2023 and how they would like 2024 to be. I’ve been blown away by the quality of the thinking and surprised at the changes they want to...   [Read more] The post Try this: 2023 review, 2024 preview appeared first on Alquimia Coaching and Development ..read more

Yesterday was World Mental Health Day and I started thinking about how often mental health issues come up in my work. As a therapist, you expect it obviously, but even in my coaching practice mental health issues come up over and over again. In fact, mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, low self confidence,...   [Read more] The post 5 things to know about better mental health appeared first on Alquimia Coaching and Development ..read more

Ever been upset by feedback? I know I have. In the worst instance many years ago I sat there stunned as someone I respected ripped me to shreds. I cried all the way home and nearly changed careers, convinced I was really bad at my job. It was only the counsel of some close colleagues...   [Read more] The post How to process negative feedback appeared first on Alquimia Coaching and Development ..read more

If you find yourself getting caught up in a flurry of outrage, fear or any other strong yet unhelpful emotion here’s a good way to get things back into perspective. Ask yourself:Will this matter tomorrow?Will this matter next week?Will this matter next month?Will this matter in 3 months?Will this matter next year? Be objective, honest...   [Read more] The post An easy way to get things back into perspective appeared first on Alquimia Coaching and Development ..read more

A while ago I was at a business meeting and noticed that someone who was normally full of motivation and energy seemed a bit flat and not like his usual self. But I just carried on as usual and thought no more of it. I saw him a few weeks later and he seemed a...   [Read more] The post The perfect question appeared first on Alquimia Coaching and Development ..read more

We have a long weekend coming up in the UK and my plan is to catch up with family, do a couple of long walks and deal with my tsundoku. No, it’s not something you should see the doctor about.It’s a Japanese word meaning the stockpiling of books you will never read. I love books...   [Read more] The post A simple way of deciding what’s important to you appeared first on Alquimia Coaching and Development ..read more

I would guarantee that you hold yourself back every day, that you put the brakes on your goals and ambitions by telling yourself that you’re not ready yet, that nobody will be interested in what you have to say or that someone like you could never do whatever the thing is. If you ever keep...   [Read more] The post How do you get in your own way? appeared first on Alquimia Coaching and Development ..read more

It’s day 2 of my series of posts based on Jinny Ditzler’s ‘Your Best Year Yet’ and the second question to reflect on is: what were your biggest disappointments of last year? First up, you’ll probably end up with more disappointments than successes on your list. That doesn’t mean you’re a failure, it just means...   [Read more] The post Understand what went wrong last year appeared first on Alquimia Coaching and Development ..read more