Finding balance can often feel like an elusive dream in today's fast-paced world. It can often feel like it is the thing that everybody else has managed to work out ... everybody but us! We are constantly juggling work, family, personal aspirations, and the inevitable curveballs life throws our way. A lot of the people that I work with are trying to 'have it all' and I often get asked if they are expecting too much. Can you have a career and caring responsibilities? Can you work on a business whilst you have a full-time job? I believe you can. What if achieving balance wasn't just a myth ..read more

Values, needs and purpose. The three core elements that are unique to us all as individuals and often the golden thread in all that we do, and all that we are. As humans, we have physical, psychological and emotional needs. We also have our own needs, which we feel are essential for a happy and fulfilled life. Knowing what our needs are and how we can meet them in a balanced and healthy way not only contributes to our own levels of happiness, it can positively impact our relationships. The more we understand ourselves the more we can understand others. The more we know, the more we can do ..read more

Making decisions is an integral part of our daily lives, impacting both personal and professional spheres. This blog captures some key elements discussed in a recent workshop, offering practical advice to enhance your decision-making skills. In my twenty years in the police service, I was making decisions all day, every day. I learned to think, assess and respond quickly, and yet I also learned when I needed to take my time to assess and reflect before making a decision. As a parent, I have had to make decisions that have impacted the future of myself and my son and as he has got older help ..read more

Good time management skills can greatly impact your productivity and overall well-being. This subject is frequently discussed in coaching sessions, as well as in workshops within organisations. In life, leadership and business, managing our time and priorities are key influencers in our success. Being productive is important, but if we are not productive in the tasks and activities that contribute to achieving our goals, then our efforts are neither efficient nor effective. During the time management and prioritisation workshops, I often cover several practical strategies to help individu ..read more

I always wanted to be a Police Officer. From a very young age, I knew I didn't want a 9-5, I wanted to work with people and I wanted a job that made a difference and that would challenge me. At 18, as I finished my 'A' levels and as the majority of my friends went off to university, I had a plan to find a job that gave me 'life experience' while I waited for the police recruitment process to open. The perfect opportunity came up for me when a vacancy for a police staff post at the local police station was advertised. A part-time role in the enquiry office. (aka the reception desk) I still re ..read more

What stands between you and the life you want to live? What is holding you down and stopping you from rising? Often when I ask this question, the response I get is simple; How can you hold yourself back from what you want more than anything? Why do we stand in our own way? 'Fear' Fear of change. Fear of the unknown. Fear of losing control. Is your fear bigger than the fear of losing yourself? When we lose our way, we can often lose our sense of self. We live out of alignment with our values, we try to meet our physiological and psychological needs in a way that is not healthy ..read more

Resilience is defined as 'being able to positively function in the face of adversity', it is our psychological resilience, our spirit and flexibility to adapt to situations as they arise. It is protecting yourself from the negative effects of the things that create ‘stress’. It is the ability to be able to bounce back, or as I prefer bounce forward Many definitions describe it as our ability to cope in a crisis and our return to pre-crisis status. The latter part of this definition I feel in dispute with. Can you return to pre-crisis status? Can you bounce back to who you were before? Or ..read more

It is a chicken and egg scenario. What comes first, motivation or discipline? Do you need to be motivated to be disciplined or do you need to be disciplined to get the results that motivate you? Is one more important than the other? This blog covers some of the points covered in a recent 'Discipline and Motivation' workshop and shares my perspectives on how you can unlock your full potential to achieve success by understanding and harnessing motivation and discipline. Motivation Types: There are many different types of motivation, I tend to cover four types of motivation that drive our behavio ..read more

In today's fast-paced world, resilience has become a crucial skill for navigating life's challenges and uncertainties. Whether you're facing setbacks in your career, personal life, or health, developing resilience can help you come back stronger and more resilient than ever before. This blog will explore practical tips, advice, and strategies for increasing your resilience and building mental toughness. Understanding the Importance of Resilience in Everyday Life Resilience is more than just bouncing back, or as I prefer, bouncing forward, from adversity; it's about thriving in the face of chal ..read more

Most of us are very kind and caring to others, to ourselves, not so much. Often the more driven and determined we are, the more we criticise ourselves. I want to show you how you can be successful, and be kind to yourself in the process. No more harsh words No more spiralling into negative thinking Kind, caring and compassionate .. to yourself as much as you are with other people. Firm, yet fair! Here are 10 ways to increase your self-care and self-kindness whilst still pushing yourself forward. Understanding Self-Kindness and Self-Compassion: We often prioritise caring for others over ourselv ..read more