From Devastation to Transformation:
Breaking Free from the Expectations Trap
Three seemingly innocuous words—”Consistently Exceeding Expectations”—launched me onto a trajectory of devastation, restoration, and transformation. Despite outward success, no achievement could satisfy the longing in my soul until devastation stripped everything away. Only then could restoration reveal who I truly was, disconnected from what truly mattered. Finally, transformation invited me into the adventure of becoming my authentic self. Don’t waste time in unwinnable struggles or on paths leading nowhere. Skip devastation and restoration—welcome transformation as your travelling companion on the journey to your best self.
We Are All Just Syllables:
Taking Your Place in the Greater Story
We’re all connected, yet many of us end up on lonely paths, convinced our vision must stand alone. I once believed my life was a self-contained book, but discovered a humbling truth: I’m merely a syllable in the greater story. Like the ‘tho’ in ‘thorough’, we may seem imperceptible within the whole, yet without us, the entire meaning changes. Inside the story, we bring and receive meaning; outside, we’re just isolated letters. You were meant to blaze your own trail, but never alone. Will you take your place in the greatest story ever written?
Decide and Do:
Turning Your Ideas into Action
When coaching clients, I’m often amazed by their tidal wave of ideas—but also their frustration when these ideas don’t become reality. A successful entrepreneur friend shared his simple secret: “I decided, and I did it.” For your dream to materialise, there comes a point when you must actually do something. Try this approach: First, declare an ideas embargo—stop generating new concepts until you’ve worked through existing ones. Next, filter your ideas, keeping only those that move you toward your vision. Then, make a plan with clear direction. Finally, take action—because without it, ideas remain just that.
Rediscovering the Real You:
Breaking Free
Remember when everything seemed possible? When you pursued life with the heart of a lion? What happened? You became a version of yourself constructed by others—compliant, non-disruptive, and utterly unlike your true self. But the real you never disappeared—just slipped from view, overshadowed by personas created to fit in. Your potential remains, waiting to be unleashed. Breaking free starts with identifying your biggest obstacles and disappointments, then imagining life without them. Take one small step today toward dismantling these barriers, and piece by piece, your authentic self will emerge again.
Being vs Doing:
It’s About Who You Are, Not What You Do
One of my most used phrases is “I’ll just…”—as in “I’ll just finish this, then take a break” or “I’ll just make these calls, then spend time with family.” Sound familiar? These good intentions rarely work out because there’s always something else to do. For years, I prioritised doing above being, believing the work I do was more important than the person I am. Facing my own mortality changed this perspective. How much more could you create if you become all you’re meant to be? What if creation became simply a by-product of your being, rather than your reason for being?
Beyond Achievement:
Finding Your True Purpose
What are you living for? Raising children, excelling in your career, achieving financial security, or conquering physical challenges are all worthwhile pursuits. But once accomplished, why do they often leave us still searching for more? This post explores the difference between what you do and who you are, revealing how connecting your innate strengths with your core values creates a life of authentic purpose and meaning that goes beyond external achievements.
Redefining Success:
Your Personal Definition
We’re constantly told what success should look like: fancy houses, flashy cars, stellar careers. But what if true success looks nothing like those images? If you chase a version of success that doesn’t align with your authentic values, you’ll end up living an uncomfortable interpretation of the life you were meant for. Discover how to define what success really means for you, and start building a future you genuinely want to live.
The Strength in Admitting Defeat
I’d felt like this before – twenty years ago, right before a catastrophic meltdown. This time, I recognised the warning signs just in time. Learn why admitting defeat doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams, but rather finding a kinder, more sustainable path forward. Discover how acknowledging your human limitations can be the very thing that saves your most important projects – and yourself.
Life’s Chocolate Box:
Finding Your Way Without a Menu
We’ve all heard that “life is like a box of chocolates,” but what happens when the guide to what’s inside goes missing? Unlike chocolate boxes, life doesn’t come with instructions pointing us toward good choices and away from poor ones. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t create our own guide. Through experience, attention, and learning from past choices, we can develop an increasingly reliable system for navigating life’s opportunities and challenges. Discover how to build your personal life map and approach decisions with greater confidence.
Silencing Your Negative Voice:
The Fight Worth Having
About a week ago, I sat down and wrote a post. A shouty, ranty, thoroughly pissed off kind of post. This isn’t it. I felt justified in my rantings. It’s been a tough few months. In fact, I’d call it a properly rubbish few months. So rubbish that I finally snapped and, with my angriest […]
