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It takes a perfectionist to know a perfectionist. Yes, I admit I used to be one. From a young age I was ALWAYS obsessed with doing it “right”, frightfully scared to fail, and I continutally hit mental burnout (time and time again!) from my incessant need to control outcomes and re-do things a hundred times while trying to achieve the elusive perfection. Thankfully, I'm now 5 years into my 'recovery' for my perfectionism. So trust me when I say: this blog comes from personal experience and professional insight. If you’re working for (or alongside) a perfectionist - and you’re NOT one yourself - it can feel draining, confusing, and sometimes like you’re never quite “good enough”.Working with a perfectionist can feel exhausting. Their high standards, constant push for the unachievable, and laser-focus on what’s missing (rather than what’s working!) can leave you second-guessing yourself or wondering if you’ll ever "do enough" to impress them. And if you’re not wired the same way - maybe you're someone who values flow over structure, progress over perfection, or prefers big picture thinking to detailed micro management, then the relationship can feel tense or stressful. But here’s the key insight I had to learn the hard way (that might change the game for you too): Perfectionism isn’t just about a person's need for control - it’s often rooted in an unconscious fear of failure, judgment, or critisim. Understanding this can help you stop taking things personally and start setting clear boundaries, communicating with more confidence, and creating an ease in your work relationships. The perfectionist’s inner narrative is often: “If I can control every detail, I can prevent failure. If I can stay across every task, I can ensure nothing goes wrong and I won't be judged or criticised.” It’s often a desperate need for control, in an attempt to quiet the fear but disguised as diligence. This is why so many perfectionists burnout in the workplace. There is a push-pull of always needing to do MORE. Here are five mindset shifts and practical strategies to help you work with a perfectionist to help you show up with more confidence to protect your peace in the working environment. 1. It’s Not Always About YouAs mentioned perfectionists are often driven by a deep fear or insecurity of being judged, failing, or letting someone down. Their meticulousness or over-correction isn’t a always necessarily a reflection of your value - it’s how they manage their own inner critic. This means:
If you're feeling triggered by any of the above... your best option is to reframe the situation: “I see what they're doing here. They’re trying to avoid risk, not trying to undermine me.” This shift in perspective can take some of the sting out of their feedback - and help you stay grounded in your own self-worth. 2. Ask for Clarity - Don’t Assume AnythingPerfectionists have high but often unspoken expectations. They might give broad direction but expect you to give them pixel-perfect outcomes. You don’t need to read their mind, but it's in your best interest to ask clear questions of specificially what they want/need up front (in dot point form!). Try asking:
The more clarity you get early on, the fewer revisions later and the more confident you’ll feel knowing you’re aligned doing (xyz) exactly as they outlined! 3. Don’t Absorb Their AnxietyIf you're naturally easygoing or flexible, you might find yourself absorbing a perfectionist’s pressure or urgency. Their energy can be intense and cause undue stress, especially under deadlines. The truth is: You don’t have to match their pace or tension to be effective. In fact, you’ll be even MORE effective when you lead as your authentic self. Hold your own internal rhythm. Breathe. Regroup. Get clarity. Stick to the way you work best. “I do my best work when I stay calm and centered. Even if they operate differently.” I can assure you the best outcomes do not come from anxious energy. Someone in the equation has to stay level headed and grounded. Perhaps you're most valuable gift is that you are not stuck in perfectionism spinning wheels with them! 4. Reflect Progress, Not PerfectionOne of the hardest things about working with a perfectionist? They often overlook progress in the pursuit of flawlessness outcomes. Sure, we all want success, but when every detail has to be perfect, it can feel like even if we're off by1% nothing is ever good enough. It can leave you feeling unseen, unappreciated, or like your efforts don’t count. And how will we ever learn and grow if anything other than 100% perfection is failure? You can help balance this by reflecting progress back to them. Try communicating like this:
You’re not asking for gold stars — you’re guiding their attention to what’s going well, and inviting constructive feedback instead of criticism. 5. Hold Your Boundaries - Know Your WorthPerfectionists sometimes overstep without realizing it — adding last-minute changes, asking for unnecessary tweaks, or expecting 110% MORE all the time. It can be incredibly frustrating and leave you feeling like no matter how much you give, it’s never quite enough. However, this is a way to maintain a collaborative relationship while protecting your time and energy. Try using language like:
This communicates that you’re engaged and professional — but also self-respecting with healthy boundaries. You Deserve to Feel Confident - Even in Tough Work DynamicsWorking with a perfectionist can test your patience, your mindset, and sometimes even your self-esteem! But you don’t have to change who you are to thrive. You just need the right tools and support to navigate it. Building real, lasting confidence at work isn’t about becoming louder or more assertive. It’s about knowing your value, communicating clearly, and learning how to stand steady in your strengths — even when others operate differently. -Janel Briggs Ready to Level Up Your Confidence?If this resonated with you and you're looking for ways to stop shrinking yourself around different personalities at work to start owning your space... my 1:1 Confidence & Mindset Coaching is designed just for you.
Whether you’re navigating tricky work relationships, leading a team, or preparing for your next big step up, I’ll help you shift from self-doubt to unshakable self-confidence. 👉 Let’s work together to build the version of you who speaks up, stands tall, and leads with clarity and confidence. Book Your Free Discovery Call Today!
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Have you ever woken up and thought, is this it...?You’ve checked all the boxes—career, relationships, responsibilities—but something still feels missing. Many of the women I speak with in their late 30s and mid-40s are experiencing a moment (or season!) of feeling “lost”. Questioning their purpose and struggling with confidence.Often, these feeling are triggered by major life transitions—kids growing older and becoming more independent, career stagnation, shifting relationships, or the realization that the goals they once chased no longer bring fulfilment. Fortunately, there is a way to rediscover your purpose, and you can rebuild your confidence. It starts with small, intentional steps. Here’s how: Step 1: Reflect on What You EnjoyWhen was the last time you felt truly alive? Not just content, but energized by something you were doing? We get so caught up in what we should be doing that we forget what actually lights us up! Take a moment to reflect on:
Think back to your childhood—before responsibilities took over. Did you love writing, painting, organizing, or problem-solving? These little clues can guide you toward what’s missing in your life today. Step 2: Identify Your Strengths and ValuesYour natural strengths and core values are key to discovering your purpose. Start by asking yourself:
For example, if you naturally lead and inspire others, perhaps mentorship or volunteering in a leadership capacity will fulfil you beyond your current role. If creativity is your strength, you might thrive in roles that allow self-expression. Aligning your strengths with your values helps build a purpose-driven life and career. Step 3: Try New ThingsFear of change can keep us stuck in a cycle of dissatisfaction. If you’re feeling lost, it might be time to shake things up! You don’t need to overhaul your entire life overnight, but trying something new—big or small—can open doors you never expected. Consider:
Stepping outside of your comfort zone not only builds confidence but also gives you valuable insight on what excites and fulfils you. Step 4: Seek Guidance from MentorsYou don’t have to figure this out alone. Seeking guidance from mentors, coaches, or role models can provide invaluable insights. Look for:
Step 5: Trust the JourneyFinding your purpose isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing exploration. It requires patience, self-compassion, and trust in yourself. You might not have all the answers today, and that’s okay. Every experience, even the challenging ones, is guiding you toward clarity. If you feel stuck, remind yourself:
Lastly, I want to remind you that feeling “lost” doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re evolving. By reflecting on what you enjoy, identifying your strengths, stepping outside your comfort zone, seeking guidance, and trusting the journey, you’ll start to regain confidence and uncover your next direction and purpose. If you're ready to dive deeper and need support along the way, let's connect—I would love to help you start this process!
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As you've probably experienced, career transitions can be both exhilarating and overwhelming.Whether stepping into a leadership role, switching industries, re-entering the workforce after a break, or moving abroad for a new opportunity, these changes often come with uncertainty, self-doubt, and an annoying side of imposter syndrome. Women, in particular, often struggle with confidence during these transitions due to perfectionism pressures, workplace biases, or carried personal insecurities. Confidence and mindset coaching has emerged in the last decade as a powerful tool to help women navigate career shifts with clarity and self-assurance. By working with a mentor, women can build the mindset, skills, and strategies needed to approach career transitions with confidence and success. Common Career Transitions Women FaceWomen encounter a variety of career transitions throughout their professional lives. Some of the most common include:
Each of these transitions presents unique challenges, but confidence coaching helps women navigate them with a strong sense of purpose and self-belief. Sometimes I think the 'Coaching' industry in general gets a bad rap. Maybe that's because there are so many different approaches and promises out there How Confidence Coaching Facilitates Smooth TransitionsConfidence coaching is more than just motivational pep talks; it involves structured strategies to equip women with the mindset and tools they need to embrace change. 💠 It isn’t about giving you a one-size-fits-all formula or throwing toxic positivity at you from the sidelines. 💠 It’s about real transformation—helping you shift your mindset, break through fear, and take action with confidence. 💠 It’s about guiding you to uncover your own answers, shift limiting beliefs, and step into the version of yourself you know you’re meant to be. Here’s how confidence coaching plays a transformative role in career transitions: Clarifying Goals and Creating Actionable PlansUncertainty more often than not stems from a lack of clarity. Confidence coaching helps women define their career goals, identify obstacles, and create step-by-step action plans to move forward. Whether it’s mapping out an industry search strategy, developing leadership skills, or releasing anxiety around the interview process, this style of coaching ensures that women approach transitions with a clear direction. Building Adaptability and ResilienceTransitions inevitably come with setbacks, whether it’s job rejections, workplace challenges, or adapting to a new culture. No one likes to hear the words: "While your skills and experience are impressive, we’ve decided to move forward with another candidate". Confidence coaching helps women build resilience to the 'No's' by shifting their mindset from failure to seeing challenges as opportunities for future growth. Through self-reflection exercises, women can cultivate a deeper sense of alignment, allowing themselves to navigate the uncertainty and adapt to new opportunities with confidence. Strengthening Belief in One’s Ability to SucceedMany women struggle with self-doubt, feeling like they are not “good enough” for the next step in their career. Confidence coaching helps dismantle limiting beliefs and replace them with empowering ones. Using techniques such as NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), TimeLine Therapy®, and cognitive reframing to help women recognize their strengths, own their achievements, and step into their careers with self-assurance. Success Stories or ExamplesReal-life success stories highlight the profound impact of confidence coaching in career transitions. Here are a few examples:
Career transitions don’t have to be overwhelming; they can be exciting opportunities for personal and professional growth.Overall confidence coaching provides women with the mindset, strategies, and support to navigate these changes with self-assurance and clarity. If you’re currently facing a career transition and struggling with self-doubt, consider exploring confidence coaching. With the right guidance, you can step into your next chapter with courage and conviction, ready to embrace new opportunities. Are you ready to take the next step in your career with confidence? Reach out today to learn more about how my style of confidence coaching can support your journey!
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What is Imposter Syndrome?Imposter syndrome is that ever-present feeling of self-doubt and persistent thoughts of inadequacy, despite your evident success and accomplishments. It's your mind concocting fear-based stories about how incapable you are—when in reality, you are more than good enough. It often affects high achievers, making them believe that they are not as competent as others perceive them to be. This invisible battle we face can significantly impact both our personal and professional life, leading to stress, anxiety, and a fear of somehow being “found out” for not having what it takes to be successful in our role, project or career. Signs and Symptoms of Imposter SyndromeMany people who experience imposter syndrome share common thought patterns, including:
Root Causes of Imposter SyndromeI believe understanding the root cause of imposter syndrome can help in overcoming it. Some common contributing factors I see in the women I coach and mentor include:
Strategies to Overcome Imposter SyndromeWhile imposter syndrome can feel very overwhelming to experience, there are actionable strategies you can start using today to regain your confidence and shift self-belief. These are the exact tools I teach my private coaching clients—the ones that lead to the greatest success:
Imposter syndrome is more common than many realize, but it doesn’t have to define your experience long term. By implementing these strategies, you can shift from self-doubt to self-belief and embrace your accomplishments with confidence. If you resonate with this topic and want to build greater self-confidence, this week I am launching a brand new 4-session coaching program, specifically for women wanting to release imposter syndrome and rebuild their confidence. If you're ready to silence imposter syndrome and elevate your confidence and success this year - I would be happy to share more information with you. You can email me directly at [email protected].
Janel Briggs Confidence & Mindset Coach
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No one is immune to setbacks. I am sure we’ve all experienced a setback at one time or another that felt impossible to recover from. An eventd that shook our confidence and tested our strength. Whether it’s a failed project, a missed opportunity, or personal hardship, life has a way of testing our limits. But in truth: our setbacks don’t define us—it’s our ability to rise from them and bounce back that does. This ability is called mental resilience, and it’s a skill that we aren’t born with, but anyone can develop. What Makes Mental Resilience So Important? Mental resilience is our capacity to adapt and recover in the face of adversity. It’s about learning how to navigate challenges while maintaining emotional well-being. As psychologist Susan Kobasa puts it, “Resilient people don’t just bounce back; they bounce forward.” Resilience helps us grow stronger, wiser, and more capable with each challenge. Why Is Mental Resilience So Hard to Achieve? If mental resilience is so important, why do many of us struggle to develop it? The barriers often lie in our mindset AND habits:
Research-Backed Ways to Build Resilience As a Confidence and Mindset Coach, my goal is to help you cultivate mental resilience so that no matter what challenges come your way, you’ll have the confidence and tools to work through them. Here are some of the evidence-based strategies I use to help you bounce back stronger from setbacks:
My Journey to Mental ResilienceA few years ago, I experienced a professional setback that left me questioning my worth. My inner critic was louder than ever, telling me I wasn’t good enough. I felt stuck and overwhelmed. But instead of staying in that space, I decided to take small steps toward rebuilding my confidence. I started by identifying and challenging my negative self-talk. I replaced phrases like, “How will I ever recover from this??” with, this is a chance to learn and grow “What can I learn from this?”. I leaned on friends who had experienced setbacks like this before and I found a mentor for support. I began practicing mindfulness (meditation, writing positive affirmations, listening to uplifting podcasts) and exercised more often to manage my stress. Slowly but surely, I started to see progress. Today, I view that setback as one of the most valuable experiences of my life. It taught me that, even amidst external uncertainties, there are still things I can control. And that resilience isn’t about avoiding difficulties—it’s about finding the strength to face them head-on. Take the First Step Building mental resilience takes time and intentional effort. It starts with taking small steps to shift your mindset and strengthen your emotional well-being.
If you’re ready to start, consider this: What’s one thing you could do today to support your mental resilience? As a free resource, I’ve created a guide filled with positive affirmations to help you overcome negative self-talk and begin to build the foundation for mental resilience. Download it here: 100 Positive Affirmations for Confidence & Mindset Remember, resilience isn’t about never failing—it’s about learning how to rise, stronger and more determined than ever before. - Janel Briggs
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Why Do We Quit on Our Goals?21/1/2025 Have you ever set yourself a goal and then wondered why you never achieved it?This was a question I asked myself repeatedly 10 years ago when I started my first business. I had big dreams and a plan, but I found myself falling short of my goals over and over again. It was one of the first reasons I began exploring mindset, coaching, and the psychology of habit change. What I learned changed not only how I approached my own goals but also how I coached others to achieve theirs. At the time, I was a nutrition coach helping women with weight loss. I ran 30-day clean eating and healthy living programs. I had personally followed the program and achieved amazing results, after my son was born. Despite struggling with imposter syndrome in this new business (a nutrition coach differs from a nutritionist) - I felt confident sharing what I had learned enough to guide other women to do the same. But as I worked with different women, I noticed a pattern. There were three distinct types of behaviors:
This experience led me down a path of reading, learning, and experimenting to better understand what causes people to quit and how to help them create lasting habit change. Why Do We Quit?Research into habit change provides valuable insights into why people struggle to achieve their goals. Here are three common reasons:
What the Research Says
The Power of Emotional Connection One of the most eye-opening lessons I’ve learned is the importance of connecting your goals to your "why." When you tie a goal to your values, passions, and aspirations, it becomes much easier to stay motivated—even when the going gets tough. Visualizing what success will look and feel like can help you create an emotional connection that keeps you committed. My Advice for Goal Success If you have a big, audacious goal you want to achieve this year, take the time to create a clear vision. Journal about what it will look like and feel like when you achieve that goal. Write down your “why” and connect to it regularly, so that the positive emotion from the outcome stirs within you. This clear vision will help guide you when challenges arise. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to start, I’ve created a free New Year Goal Getting Guide to help you map out your vision and build a strategy to stay on track. I’m also offering 1:1 goal-setting sessions in January and February for those who want personalized support to turn their goals into reality. Remember, success isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Don’t let self-doubt or fear of failure hold you back. This is your year to break through. - Janel
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Have you ever felt frustrated or even a little jealous when you heard someone you know achieved something amazing?That pang of comparison hits(!), and instead of feeling happy for them, you feel a mix of frustration, jealousy, and guilt for not achieving something similar. If you’ve ever felt this way, here me out-you’re not alone. I recently worked with a client who found herself in this exact situation. My client was upset after learning that a close friend had reached a big milestone in her career. While she genuinely wanted to be supportive, she couldn’t shake the negative thoughts that followed. If you’ve ever experienced success comparison, you know how tricky it can be to navigate and release. It’s important to process these feelings ao they do not become future barriers to growth and success. First we do this by exploring the elements of the comparison and its potential root cause, beginning with: Reflective Questions About Success Comparison
Through our discussion it became clear that this particular milestone wasn’t even on her radar! It wasn’t something she had been striving for, yet she found herself spiraling into feelings of inadequacy, saying things like, “I don’t know why I feel this way—it’s not even something I wanted. But now I feel like I'm falling behind. Like I'm a failure.” Rationally, she understood that her comparison was misaligned, as the circumstances were not equivalent. In fact, they were in fundamentally different industries, started their careers at different times, and faced unique situations. However rationally her mind attempted to release it, unfortunatley her negative feelings still lingered. Exploring the Root Cause of Success ComparisonAs we continued to explore the origins of her feelings of jealousy and frustration, we discovered that her reaction wasn’t rooted in jealousy at all. She deeply cared for her friend and had always supported her success. What she came to realize was that, by not achieving something equally noteworthy by the same age, she felt as though she’d "failed" in some way. In coaching, failure is highly subjective and can be perceived in many ways depending on an individuals belief system, past experiences, and expectations. Shifting how failure is viewed can transform it from a mindset barrier into a catalyst for improved self-confidence and reslience. When we followed the perceived ‘failure’, we discovered her comparison ultimately stemmed from her own: 💡 PERSONAL UNMET EXPECTATIONS She felt stuck and guilty for being "behind" in her career achievements. (We've all been there!) The most interesting part? When I asked "What does success look like for you then?" she hadn’t clearly defined what success meant to her. There was no measurable, or clearly defined personal roadmap for what she wanted to achieve. No specific goals and actionable steps to guide her career. There was an overarching limiting belief that if she "didn't achieve a significant milestone by X age" then she must be failing. From my experience, without a clear personal definition (or vision) of what success equates to, along with goal milestones identified for that journey, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap. You'll start looking at someone else’s achievements and asking: "Why haven’t I achieved that?" instead of focusing on, "What do I want, and how can I get there?" Without intentional, meaningful goals, we often measure ourselves against others, even when their accomplishments don’t align with our own aspirations. This comparison trap feeds feelings of inadequacy and prevents us from celebrating both our progress and theirs. Defining Your Version of SuccessOnce we identified the source of her negative feelings, we worked on setting intentional and meaningful goals based on her personal values and dreams—not based on anyone else’s timeline or aspirations. The transformation was incredible. She went from feeling inadequate and stuck to inspired and focused, with a clear path forward that aligned with her own personal model of success. This is why defining success on your terms is crucial. Your goals should reflect your desires, values, and priorities, not what any one else deems important. When you know what you’re working toward (and keep lazer focus on it!), it’s much easier to stay in your lane and avoid being derailed by comparison. This story highlights an important truth: comparison often leads us to feel inadequate, even when we’re not aiming for the same outcomes. By taking the time to reflect and understand the root cause of our emotions, we can shift our perspective and pave a new way forward. Additionally, setting clear, professional goals that align with your own big vision of what you want to unfold in your life can help you stay focused on your own path. Once "success" is defined it becomes easier to meet your own expectations and find fulfillment in your progress, rather than measuring yourself against others. -JB (note: all client stories shared with permission) The Power of Goal SettingGoal setting isn’t just about writing down what you want to achieve—it’s about creating a clear and intentional path forward. It gives you direction, purpose, and a way to measure your progress. When your goals are meaningful and aligned with your values, they serve as your anchor, helping you stay focused even when others achieve their milestones. So, if you’ve ever felt that pang of comparison, take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself:
If you haven’t, now is the perfect time to start. When you set goals that resonate with your unique vision, you’ll stop comparing and start celebrating—both their wins and your own. Introducing my 'New Year Goal Getting' GuideTo help women like you gain clarity and direction, I’ve created the Goal Getting Guide. This guide is designed to help you reflect on 2024, set meaningful goals for 2025, and create an actionable plan to make your dreams a reality. It’s time to move past comparison and step confidently into your own version of success. Let’s make 2025 your best year yet. Download the Goal Getting Guide today and start creating the life you truly want.Learn More and Get Started Today!
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I was reflecting the other day on how quickly time flies. It feels like the chaos of the never-ending pandemic in 2020 was just yesterday—it’s now hard to believe nearly five years have passed since the world came to a standstill. And yet, here we are, like tiny ants, scrambling through our daily routines, consumed by endless to-do lists, worries, and “problems.” 🤦 We rarely pause to see the bigger picture—that we’re just small pieces of a vast, ever-changing universe, living on a planet spinning through space! When you zoom out, our daily stresses become small, yet we allow them to carry so much weight in our minds. If anything, it's a powerful reminder that life is fleeting, precious, and meant to be lived with intention—not as a constant race against time. Hopefully, as you closed out 2024, reflecting—not just on what you've achieved/didn't achieve in the past 12 months, but on how far you’ve come since the start of this decade! As we step into the first working week of 2025, there is often a mix of emotions. Excitement for what’s to come with the fresh new year, but also perhaps a little apprehension about whether this year, will in fact be… ”Just like every other year”. Stuck in the same issues with people at work, dealing with the same challenges, obstacles in the way of reaching your career goals, and that same feeling of uncertainty about what will come next?! It’s easy to fall into that cycle of repeating old patterns, and staying where you are, even if at your core you’re unhappy. Our patterns are hard to break because they feel familiar, comfortable, and safe—they’re what we know. But the truth is, they’re often the very thing keeping us STUCK. I worked for the SAME corporate organization for almost 15 years (albeit not in the same role). So, I’ll admit I know a thing or two about being stuck in the SAME patterns year after year! It got to the point where I had been there so long, I felt engrained in the carpet and completely scared to make a move. What IF the grass wasn’t greener? What IF it turns out I’m not that good anywhere else? What IF moving companies gives me more stress and anxiety? Here's what I’ve learned since, the beginning of the year offers you a unique opportunity to break free from that cycle - as the desire to make meaningful changes in our lives is at its highest peak. If you’ve ever struggled to translate your big goals into tangible results, you’re not alone—statistics show that while 80% of people set New Year’s resolutions, only 8% actually achieve them. It’s the confidence to take action that can sometimes feel out of reach. Why? I believe the answer lies in fundamentally how we approach our goals. Over the past decade, I’ve achieved three significant milestones in my life and career:
What changed everything for me? These achievements didn’t happen by chance. They were the result of an intentional, effective goal-setting process. A methodology that I’ve honed over the years for both myself and my clients. Here are the core principles (my secrets!) that made all this possible: 1. Clear Focus Create clear meaningful goals that align with your personal/professional values and aspirations. Focus on the emotional shift that will happen and how your life will change after you achieve your desired goal. This will allow the mind to prioritize what truly matters and filter out all the rest. 2. Aligned Action Busy isn’t the same as productive. Instead of spreading yourself thin and overwhelming the mind with too much change all at once - narrow it down to 1-3 major goals and break them into segments for the next 12 months. 3. Accountability Sharing your goals with someone you trust can make a world of difference. Ask your accountability person to check in with you monthly. This provides motivation to keep you on track and support if you need to work through problems when those curveballs come your way. 4. Staying Resilient Challenges are inevitable, but fostering resilience and staying aligned with your bigger vision is what keeps you committed. Learning to view setbacks as “opportunities to learn” helped me stay on track. 5. Growing Self-Belief Please know that confidence and self-worth grows through every action step you take. By continuing to take small, intentional steps every week you’ll learn to trust yourself more and believe in your ability to overcome and achieve. 6. Balance and Fulfilment Remember, goals aren’t just about achieving high ticket outcomes—they’re also about creating a life you love. From my experience there’s no point limping to the finish line but can’t enjoy it because you’re in total burnout! Setting goals that support both your success AND give you balance is essential for long-term happiness. The Professional RealityWomen I speak with in their mid-career years often feel overwhelmed by the sheer scope of what it takes to turn their deepest ambitions into reality, especially when those ambitions require significant life or career changes. It’s common to feel stuck in a cycle of doubt, unsure where to begin, or lacking the confidence to take the first step. Questions like, “Can I really do this?” or “Will all this effort even be worth it?” often hold them back. However, with the right tools, strategies (and mindset!), achieving those big goals is not only possible—it’s entirely within reach. Research shows that individuals with clearly defined and written goals are 42% more likely to accomplish them, proving that intentional goal setting can be a game-changer. That’s the power of intentional “goal getting”. Next StepsIf you’re ready to stop feeling stuck and start taking action, stepping into 2025 with purpose, I invite you to explore my ‘New Year Goal Getting’ Guide. It’s a step-by-step process designed to help you gain clarity, set meaningful goals, and take aligned action—all without the overwhelm. The exact method I use in my personal life and professionally with clients. Your big dreams deserve a strategy. It starts with clarity, confidence, and a clear plan. Let’s make them happen. JB. Learn More & Get Started Here
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The holiday season can be a time of joy—but also a source of stress for many professional women managing demanding careers and family commitments. Navigating holiday dynamics, whether at work or home, often brings pressure to meet expectations, resolve conflicts, and maintain harmony. However, what I've come to realise is that learning how to set clear boundaries CAN transform this experience! By managing your time and energy wisely (spending less time with people that drain you!) you can reduce stress, increase emotional resilience, and create space for meaningful experiences and more peaceful in your life. WHY HEALTH BOUNDARIES MATTERSetting boundaries isn’t about saying "no" to everything; it’s about saying "yes" to what aligns with your values, energy, and well-being. When you honor your own limits, you can show up more present and engaged in the moments that matter most. I used to fall into the trap of doing everything for everyone. I was the problem solver and caretaker of my family, as many women are. But without boundaries at this time of year I would be an anxious mess in the weeks leading up to Christmas, my memories of past Christmases that didnt live up to my expectations playing on repeat - affecting my sleep, energy and mood. What I've learned is that boundaries aren't about being closed off—they're about protecting your well-being so you can show up at your best, personally and professionally. They'll help you to conserve your time, energy, and mental well-being—allowing you to feel more grounded. The holiday season is notorious for its demands—extra events, financial pressures, emotional family dynamics, and the endless search for the perfect gift. When you don’t set boundaries, you risk spreading yourself too thin, leaving little room for the things that truly matter. 4 WAYS YOU CAN START SETTING HOLIDAY BOUNDARIES1. Prioritize Your Time and Energy It’s impossible to be everywhere and do everything FOR EVERYONE—so don’t try! Instead, decide what’s truly important to you this season. Is it family movie nights? Baking cookies with your kids? Or maybe just some quiet mornings to recharge?
2. Communicate Expectations Clearly (and Kindly!) Last week I wrote about the art of saying “no”! Setting boundaries requires open and honest communication with the people in your life.
To Family: “I’m excited to celebrate together, but I can’t host all of Christmas lunch this year. I would appreciate if everyone can contribute (either a dish, or cash towards food etc).” To Friends: “I’d love to join the holiday party, but I can only stay for a couple of hours due to other commitments.” To Your Boss: “I’m happy to wrap up key projects before the holidays, but I won’t be available after December 23rd as I’ll be offline spending time with my family.” Setting a Behavior Boundary: “I understand you have a lot to say about (x topic), but I won’t engage in conversations that feel disrespectful or critical. Please, let's keep it positive and supportive, otherwise I'm tapping out.” 3. Protect Your Mental and Emotional Energy As you know, family gatherings can bring joy—but also drama. It’s okay to limit your time with individuals who drain your energy or create tension.
4. Follow Through with Consistency Here's the reason why setting boundaries feels so hard, we KNOW that not everyone is going to like your boundaries. People may give you a snarky reply or talk behind your back. At the end of the day though, if they can't respect you and your wishes - then how much air time do they really deserve?? (yes, even if they are FAMILY!)
Your Peace, is your responsibility No one else is going to be looking for ways to bring you more peace. Only you can do that. Now, it may take some uncomfortable conversations and a little practice at following through. But, you are ALWAYS worth it!
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Well, the holiday season is here—and it's supposed to be a time of joy, connection, and celebration. But let’s be real: it can also be one of the most EXHAUSTING times of the year!! Between work deadlines, social commitments, and family obligations, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s truly important... YOUR MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING! This Christmas, I'm going to let you in on a little secret. There is 1 thing that I started doing a few years back to save my sanity for Christmas. Each year I get BETTER and better at it the more I practice it. It does mean you might have to do things a little differently, but instead of succumbing to the pressure to “do it all” ... this year I want you to take a moment to pause, reflect, and focus on what matters most. Why Do We Overpack the Holiday Season? It’s a familiar story: you spend December scrambling to check every box on your to-do list. But why do we do this to ourselves? Research shows:
The result? Burnout before Christmas Day even arrives. RELEASE THE PRESSURE ON YOURSELF! (please...) Here’s the radical idea I adopted a few years back: JUST SAY NO.
Let that sink in. And the world won’t fall apart if you don't volunteer OR postpone some catch-ups until January—or even February. And here's my best tip on how to set that boundary with kindness:
I Think We Forget That We Need To Protect Our Most Precious Resource: OUR ENERGY! I Think We Forget That We Need To Protect Our Most Precious Resource: OUR ENERGY! When you reflect on what matters most at Christmas, women usually tell me it's being with FAMILY. If that resonates with you too - let me ask you then, do you want them to have "what's left of you?" or "the best of you" this year?? I spent TOO MANY years with dregs of energy left by December 24th. I learnt this the hard way. Your time and energy are the most important resource, and only you can guard them. 💡 Here are some practical tips from my "Holiday Stress Suvivial Kit" that will help you prioritize your mental health this holiday season:
Imagine: a Calmer, More Meaningful ChristmasImagine starting the new year not feeling drained, but refreshed and content. That’s what prioritizing your mental health this Christmas can do for you. By guarding your energy, setting boundaries, and letting go of unnecessary pressures, you’re not just surviving the holidays—you’re thriving through them. So, take a deep breath, step back, and make time for what’s truly important: your well-being. After all, a happier, healthier YOU is the greatest gift you can give yourself—and everyone around you. ![]() About the Author: Janel Briggs is a NLP and Timeline Therapy Practitioner on a mission to support women across the globe in overcoming their professional anxieties, imposter syndrome, fears and insecurities to build unwavering confidence and self-belief. Mindset Coaching is about empowering women to rise above self-doubt and become fearless leaders in the pursuit of life and career success! Connect with Janel on social media via Linkedin or Instagram. |