Blog Posts

The Hardest Question We Avoid Answering (But Need To)

3/12/2024

I've been speaking to a lot of women lately who are feeling the PRESSURE.

To do it all, to have it ALL TOGETHER, to give all their time-energy-service to everyone around them.

This pressure is UNREAL! (and exhausting)

But they're doing it. And yet, continue to feel like they are failing.

If you're feeling this way too - I always start with a simple question:

Do you LOVE and fully ACCEPT the woman you see in the mirror every morning?

I'll be honest, this is the No.1 question my client's find the hardest to answer!

Here's why.

Most of us struggle with self-acceptance. We're harsh and critical to the woman we see in the mirror.

She is never doing enough, constantly judging and comparing herself, holding impossible standards, and believes she just may not ever be good enough.

Like I mentioned in my last vlog, our self-worth is often tied to "conditions".

Eg. external factors like possessions, achievements, or other people's opinions.

But the truth is, you are inherently valuable—just as you are.

Doing what you can, to the best of your ability with the energy and time you have today - IS ENOUGH!

And when you begin to realise this - the self-inflicted pressure begins to DISSOLVE. Setting boundaries with people and at work becomes easier. Your resilience towards stress improves.

When you learn to love & accept the woman in the mirror... she becomes capable of things you could never EVEN imagine! ~ JB

If you're ready to learn love the woman you see in the mirror (with radical self-acceptance!)

Watch above, as I share a snippet of coaching (under 3mins!) on:

🌟 Why our self-love often feels conditional
🌟 How societal pressures shape our self-worth
🌟3 actionable tips to start breaking free from those conditions and relieve that pressure!

If this message resonates with you, please share it with a woman who also needs this reminder!

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.

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Are You Measuring Your "Value" by How Productive You Are?

26/11/2024

Answer this for me:

Do you feel valuable only when you're busy?
Pressure to always be productive
Constant guilt for resting
Fear of judgment when you think about taking time out?
Have difficulty enjoying downtime?

How does it feel when you don’t have a million things to juggle or there are zero projects on your plate?

When big life transitions happens and you are actually unable to work, or the kids don’t need as much of your time anymore - and you are perhaps stuck without anything to keep you “busy” so to speak.

If you're anything like me, it probably feels empty. With the mental chatter and a sense of worthlessness creeping in.

These are the same questions I had to ask myself many times when I moved from corporate career to becoming a business owner, and later while starting over as an expat in two countries when there is:

No one there to pat your head and give you a good review!
No one there to watch all that effort you’ve been putting in and celebrate you!

As women we are somehow wired to believe that “busy and being productive IS our value estimate”.

From a young age, people are taught to link their value to external accomplishments, like academic grades, career success, or financial gains.

Plus this "hustle culture" promotes the idea that the more you do and achieve, the more valuable and successful you are.

And don’t get me wrong, we want ambitious, strong high achieving women in this world!

But THIS can also foster the belief that worth is EARNED... rather than inherent.

Your Worth Isn’t in Your To-Do List—Here’s Why This Needs to Change.

In this short video coaching vlog, I'll unpack why this mindset can be so damaging, especially for high-achieving women! And I share practical ways you can to break free from the constant pressure to "do more".

I'll also touch on:

The harmful impact of Hustle Culture. Constantly striving to “do more” leads to burnout, stress, and even anxiety, creating an endless cycle that makes it hard to rest and recharge.
Ways you can start to break the cycle. Embracing rest and acknowledging it's key to finding balance and peace.

I think you'll love this coaching topic, if you've ever experienced:

Burnout: Exhaustion from always striving to do more, and the never ending to-do list!

Self-Doubt: Feeling inadequate or unworthy when not "busy" or "achieving".

Anxiety: Worry about not being good enough, without external validation.

You'll gain insight into you value beyond what you accomplish. My belief is that your worth isn't defined by what you do - it's who you!

Your self-worth isn’t a by-product of how much you do and achieve - it's in you showing up authentically YOU ~ JB

Becoming FEARLESS - Digital Resources!

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The Lifequake: How to Welcome Your New Self

20/11/2024

LIFEQUAKES | those unexpected, transformative shifts in our life plan, that have a way of shaking us to our core.

This month, we’ve explored how to recognize when you’re in the midst of a lifequake and how to begin embracing the unknowns your facing. But what happens after the dust settles?

When immense change leaves your foundations shaken, it often triggers those deep questions:

Who am I now?
Am I still happy with this direction I've been going?
What needs to change?
What do I really want from this next chapter of my life?

And, it can also cause a complete shift in our SENSE of IDENTITY.

This can be especially true, if our sense of identity was closely linked to a specific role/career, a relationship, or a routine that was lost OR no longer "fits" the essence of you and what you want.

Many women I've coached feel this way specifically after a career break or change.

Whether through a significant job or industry change, a redundancy, transitioning to/from motherhood, or when starting or closing a business.

More than I think we realise so much of our identity is tied to
WHAT WE DO!

The mind will question...

"IF I no longer have this job, title, career path or industry, IF this business identity or ROLE I've played for so long is now GONE then…

BUT, WHO AM I NOW??

Ultimately, what’s most confronting - is the letting go part. Isn't it?

The letting go of how we know we were perceived by people and how we perceived our "self".

Letting go of routines that felt comfortable, and perhaps people or places that no longer serve us.
But the truth is what matters most - our values and core belief system are not likely to change all that much with a self-identity shift.

Unless you choose to make those changes.

You will still be you, who you’ve always been underneath it all.
And maybe, (just maybe!) this “shedding” is your chance to align more with who you truly are, free from past opinions and expectations.

In time, you might even come to see that this journey was never about “losing” who you were…
But rather about discovering who you were always meant to become.

These moments of uncertainty can feel overwhelming, but they also present a powerful opportunity to rediscover and realign with your truest self. Let’s dive into how you can approach this phase with curiosity, self-compassion, and purpose.

By embracing each step of the "discovery" process with self-compassion, you’ll create a new foundation for a life that feels more aligned with your values, beliefs and truest self.

First Things First: Welcome HER With More Self-Compassion

Yes, this process of transformation can feel disorienting and even unsettling.

It’ll be easy to fall into the trap of self-judgment, especially when we feel lost or unsure of our direction.

And it will require you to approach yourself with more patience and self-compassion than you've ever had before!

You'll likely feel a sense of frustration for not having it all figured out right away.

But, THESE THINGS DO TAKE TIME.

Just as we wouldn’t expect a butterfly to emerge from its cocoon fully formed without the process of metamorphosis, we can’t expect ourselves to know every detail of WHO WE ARE BECOMING before we’ve fully transformed!

Self-Compassion Starts with Acceptance:

It’s okay to feel uncertain right now
It’s okay to not to have all the answers today
I am in a process of rediscovering who I am and what I want
It’s ok to let go of the rigid expectations I held for ourselves
It’s ok to take a breath and the time to allow my life to unfold

Choose Kindness Over Criticism:

I am in a state of becoming, and I’ll remember that transformation doesn’t happen overnight
I allow myself the space to grow and I’m open to discovery
I trust the journey and embrace each step, knowing every day I am evolving (like the butterfly)

Ask Yourself These Questions:

What parts of your old identity no longer feel aligned, and what qualities or values do you want to bring into this new chapter of your life?
What past experiences or challenges have shown you your strength? How can you draw on that resilience as you navigate this transition?
When you imagine your most authentic self, what does she look like, feel like, and prioritize? What small steps can you take to move closer to her?

Embracing your new self after a lifequake isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about allowing yourself the grace to grow, evolve, and align with what truly matters.

Take it one step at a time, and trust that you’re creating a life that reflects your most authentic and empowered self.

~ JB

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.

READY TO TURN YOUR LIFEQUAKE INTO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH & SELF DISCOVERY?

Let’s work together to redefine your path, rebuild your confidence, and align with the woman you’re meant to be. Apply now for my 1:1 coaching program, and let’s start creating the next chapter of your life!

Learn More about Working with Janel

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The Lifequake: Learning to Embrace The Unknown

12/11/2024

If you've ever been in a situation where you've had to stare into the abyss of “the unknown” (or face many unknowns!) you'll know this can be super disorientating and the anxiety is often debilitating.

Your mind circling around all the “what if’s” and “worry" about the future. Usually envisioning everything that could go wrong, which leads to believing it WILL go wrong, which makes it very hard to form important decisions about the future!

I've found that if you can begin to embrace the unknowns (rather than resist them!) you're more likely to build a resilience towards this kind of stress and anxiety.

Here are three mindset tools I use that will help you get started:

1. Acknowledge There Will Be Some Discomfort When Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

"I understand that with big life changes like this, it's going to feel uncomfortable for a little while - just until I get my new bearings."

Yes - you probably won't know how it will all play out, and you won't have control of every single outcome in this transition.

Transformation like this requires stepping WAY outside of our comfort zone, and initially that feeling absolutely sucks!

But please, don't be scared of that. The discomfort won't last FOREVER.

Your comfort zone will stretch with each unknown you boldly face.

Everything always works itself out, in one way or another.

And I think "the unknown" gets a bad rap - it doesn't ALWAYS bring the bad outcomes!
It can and often does bring GOOD changes!

2. Focus On Today: Take It One Step At A Time

Instead of trying to predict and project every possible outcome (good or bad), ground yourself in:

What you know today, and
What you can do today

Keep your mind in the here and now, on the things you can control within your grasp.

Zoom in and break everything down into smaller steps, or bite size pieces. When our mind is zoomed out way too far trying to figure out the macro view while in a stress response anxiety alarm will rise.

Take it one step at a time, trust that clarity on decisions will come as you move forward.

I know letting go isn’t always easy! But it’s necessary to create space for the new and unexpected blessings that can come with change.

Every lifequake, no matter how difficult, carries the potential for a fresh start, it will just take some time to unfold.

Remember, you don’t have to figure it all out today, there is no rush. Continue to put one foot in front of the other and you'll keep moving forward.

3. Trust The Answers Will Come To You

You are in fact extremely capable of navigating this chapter of unknown and emerging with a renewed sense of self.

I know it, and deep down you know it too.

Trust that the answers you seek will arrive in their own time.

I have no doubt you've worked through challenges before, and found reasonable solutions.

All the unknowns that are circling will soon become clear. And clarity often unfolds gradually.

On thing you can do to help you lean more into trust...

Practice Gratitude:

Every day, list one thing you’re grateful for within this transition, no matter how small.
This could be a new insight, a supportive friend, a conversation that needed to happen, or a new skill you’re learning.

Gratitude will keep you focused on what’s possible instead of what’s impossible.

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.

If you’re looking to learn more about anxiety and the fear surrounding the unknown and ways to naturally relief it, my ebook “Becoming Fearless” is a wealth of knowledge. Offering 12 practical tools to support you beyond what I’ve shared here. Including coaching tips, links to meditations, mindfulness practices and inspirational stories from my clients. You can read more about it [here].

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When Life Turns Upside Down: Recognizing a Lifequake

6/11/2024

Have you ever had that sinking feeling that life, as you know it was crumbling beneath your feet?

Yes well, that’s exactly what I've felt this year.

I most certainly did not have a “Lifequake” on my bingo card for 2024. Predonimantly caused by a decision my family made to move from my beloved Singapore in Asia, to Florida, USA for my husband's job mid-year.

Navigating this move seemed easy on the "outlook". But throw in a steep learning curve on natural disasters as we were thrust into two major hurricane evacuations upon arrival, a lengthy furniture shipment delay leaving us in an empty house, two personal injuries (one after the other!) that had me hobbling for weeks, AND just last week a bout of emergency surgery for my son's appendicitis...

I'm just about all out of "sanity" by this point!

The bigger issue here - all of these challenges have meant I've needed to pause and take time off launching my coaching into the USA timezone to reacquaint my nervous system with:

a) my new environment, and
b) this ever evolving version of myself

If you’ve ever felt or experienced something like a “lifequake” before - you'll know there is only one way to explain it...

It’s extremely UNCOMFORTABLE!

And of course, life must go on, so you do your best to keep things together. While feeling like the LIFE you had carefully constructed is slowly but surely falling apart under your feet.

What is a Lifequake?

A lifequake is more than just a life change; it’s a deep, pivotal shift that redefines your path and perspective.

Lifequakes often come uninvited and without warning, shaking the very core of who you are and how you see yourself.
Think of it like a personal earthquake that affects not just your outer world but also your inner sense of stability and direction.
Most people go through at least three in their lifetime. Some are planned, like changing careers or starting a family, while others are unexpected, like a sudden illness, complex grief or the end of a marriage.

Lifequakes tend to mark the start of a transitional phase, one that can last months or even years, where you’re adjusting to a “new normal.”

How to Recognize When You're In A Lifequake Transition

From my personal experience, the first step to navigating a lifequake is to recognize that you’re actually in one!

Sometimes we’re so caught up in the busy stress of every day life that we don’t even realize we’re going through a transformation.

Here are some signs you may be in a life transition:

Uncertainty about the Future: The goals or identity that once felt “concrete” and guided you, no longer hold the same relevance. You find yourself unsure of what you want, and with so much “change” the future you envisioned feels less certain.
Overwhelming Emotions: Life transitions often bring a surge of emotions, ranging from anxiety, sadness and grief to frustration and confusion. It’s as if you’re shedding an old skin, and it can feel uncomfortable.
Questioning Your Identity: When lifequakes strike, they often shake the foundations of our “sense of self”. You may start questioning who you are, especially if the change disrupts roles that have defined you, such as being a spouse, in a specific profession, or a playing a role within your family unit. \
Feeling Stuck or Directionless: You’re moving forward, but it feels like you’re wading through mud. You might feel lost or trapped between who you used to be and who you’re becoming.

My biggest learning from this entire experience...

Lifequakes, as challenging as they are, have a way of guiding us toward growth and new possibilities.

Even if they don’t reveal the full picture right away.

This transition can feel overwhelming, but please know it’s also an invitation to perhaps rediscover yourself and redefine what truly matters for you at this stage of your life.

In my blog next week (yes, there is a Part 2!)...

I’ll share simple mindset shifts you can make that will help you find more clarity, resilience, and purpose as you navigate through this season of change.

It's the exact things I’ve been doing this year that have helped me immensly.

If you enjoyed reading this blog, subscribe to my email today and get the next one straight to your inbox!

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Learning to Love Yourself Better

12/4/2024

Learning to love and accept yourself is the greatest gift you’ll ever give yourself.

It's better than that expensive designer bag on your wish list.

Better than those new shoes you've been eyeing off.

And yes, even better than the Euro summer vacation you're no doubt dreaming of!

Problems and challenges don’t fix themselves by doing a geographical for 2 weeks or hitting the shops for a dose of retail therapy.

After the dopamine hit is gone, and the holiday glow fades, you’re still stuck with the same thoughts, behaviours, and stress you had before.

What I’ve come to understand on my journey as a coach is that self-love and acceptance doesn’t come easy for most women.

We are our own worst critic. We are the first to blame, body shame, call ourselves stupid, useless, and much much worse.

Growing up the concept of self-kindness wasn't always taught to us by the women in our circle, or by teachers at our schools. And sources like social media have become a minefield of judgement and comparison.

However, self-love and acceptance are the two biggest foundations for a positive and fulfilling life!

1) Loving yourself enables you to cultivate healthier relationships with others.

When you know your own worth, you are less likely to seek validation from external sources and can form genuine connections based on mutual respect and understanding.

2) Self-love equips you with the resilience to bounce back from setbacks and challenges.

You develop a deeper sense of self-trust and inner strength, allowing you to face difficulties with courage and grace.

3) By embracing self-acceptance, you free yourself from the trap of comparison and perfectionism.

Your inner critic become less concerned with measuring up to others' standards and more focused on nurturing your unique strengths and qualities.

But of course, the million-dollar question is…

“If I was never taught how to love and accept myself, then where do I even begin?”

✨ Start by becoming aware of your critical thoughts, feelings, and self-talk

✨ Commit to treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a close friend

✨ When you walk past that mirror – what would you say to your bestie? Would you ridicule her and tear her down OR would you show her compassion and pump up her tires?

You always have a choice; you can continue the path you’ve been on and keep get the same results. Or you can make a change and BE the source of love and acceptance in your own life.

About the Author:
Janel Briggs is an Author, Mindset Coach, Practitioner of NLP and Timeline Therapy on a mission to support women across the world in overcoming their anxiety - personal insecurities and professional fears - to build unwavering confidence and self-belief. Mindset Coaching aims to help you fearlessly elevate your life and career, and more importantly the relationship you have with yourself! Connect with Janel on social media via Linkedin or Instagram.

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Where Are You on the Priority List?

4/3/2024

Here's a reflection for all the care-takers out there. The mothers, fur-mama's and women in relationships who spend most of their time caring and holding space for other people (whether it be your partner, children, family, or in your friendships).

I want to ask you a question:

Where are you on the priority list of your life?

Recently, I had to ask myself this question. And it's VERY interesting what came up!

Last week my husband and I decided to invest in private 1:1 coaching for our son (who is 10yo) for a sport he loves. This coaching would help him to build more confidence and fine tune his skills. I did my research, got a referral, and the quote came back at $200 for a number of sessions.

It was literally a split-second decision - YES, let's do it!

Within 24hrs the first session was set up. It was a "no-brainer" for us to spend $200 on our son's progression in this sport, his happiness is high on our priority list.

On the flipside, I reflected on how I would have responded if the tables were turned a few years ago. I wondered how long it would have taken me to DECIDED to spend that same $200 on myself??

Perhaps you could ask yourself the same thing?

I can tell you, the decision would have taken wayyyy longer than 24hrs!! My mind would have been spinning thinking about all the justifications, the pro's and con's, in an attempt to ward off the overwhelming feeling of... GUILT.

"I can't do that, I can't spend that much on myself... it's too much! I'll find another way. I'll get another quote. I'll wait to see if I REALLY NEED IT."

You may have had a similar response or mindset too?

I've had clients tell me they're kids are always dressed in the best clothes - yet they're still wearing those old shoes with the hole in them they bought 5 years ago!

Or, they'll even pay for the finest food, toys and new beds for they're fur babies - yet they're still using a broken hair brush from 2012!

Or, they won't even blink an eye at loaning a family member or friend money to support their idea or dream - yet won't do the same for themselves!

WHY ARE WE LIKE THIS??

Honestly, I believe it comes down to priority and self-value. Where we place ourselves on our own priority list matters.

We forget about how important it is to invest in ourselves, in our own progression, healing and growth.

I can tell you that in every decision I used to make - I was at the bottom of my priority list.
Somehow in my role as the "responsible care-taker" in my immediate and extended family I thought else's needs came before mine.

What I came to realise (after hitting a rock bottom with my mental health in 2017!) is that my needs and taking care of myself HAD to come FIRST.

I needed to be a top priority in my life, instead of bottom of the list.

If I couldn't make myself a priority and voice my needs - then how would anyone else ever make me a priority too?

My last questions for you is this:

How can you move yourself up the priority list this week

Understand where you are on your own priority list
Put time and energy into shifting your mindset focusing on your needs
Release the guilt & do the thing!

And if you have any questions or comments on how to get started - please reach out!

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How to Face Big Life Decisions with Less Overwhelm

5/2/2024

In January you'll usually find me spending a lot of time over on LinkedIn. Honestly I love nothing more than seeing all the women making career moves and job changes with the fresh start of a new year. Women being celebrated for taking bold leaps into the new and unknown, brings me joy.

I understand just how much anxiety and overwhelm arises when making a decision to change jobs, a career or industry.

And how important it is to BE in the right mindset to make those big life decisions feel less daunting.

People in general are known to struggle with making decisions and find it all very extremely overwhelming.

Studies show that this is because we are creatures of habit, hesitant to step out of our comfort zones. When it comes to wading into the unknown we're wired to fear “losses” (what if it doesn’t work and I can’t go back?) more than we value potential “gains” (all the potential possibilities!).

When our emotions (like fear, frustration, guilt, resentment) jump in the driver’s seat and dictate our decisions this can lead to several unhelpful roadblocks:

Hesitation and confusion about the right next best step
Avoidance and anxiety about making the decision, or
Urgency to make a decision in haste, later realising isn’t in alignment with our values or highest good

How do you face big life decisions with less overwhelm?

Here's my quick 3 step strategy... you won't be surprised it's about clearing your mindset first!

1. DON’T make the decision from an emotional place

For example:

Out of desperation
While feeling frustration or resentment
Or when you're H-A-L-T : Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired (in burnout!)

Find ways to first calm your mind, process those emotions, get some rest and nourish yourself first. I promise the decision will come so much easier!

2. DO write your pro’s and con’s list

If the pro’s outweigh the con’s the answer will be there in black & white
If the con’s outweigh the pro’s BUT you still want to do it… then use your intuition (she will never let you down) And perhaps the next point is the most important one…

3. DO align your decisions with your values

Ask yourself: is the decision/change/opportunity in alignment with my values?
Is it for the highest good for me and everyone involved?

Fear of making the wrong decision may be knocking on your door, but don't allow it be the reason you decide not to do something. Follow this strategy and take 5 seconds of courage to unlock the possibilities that are awaiting you!

I would love to know - if you've been thinking about taking a leap recently, what's holding you back?? Shoot me an email [email protected]!

And if we haven't yet connected on Linkedin - you can find me here JANEL BRIGGS

About the Author:

Janel Briggs is an Author, Mindset Coach, Practitioner of NLP and Timeline Therapy on a mission to support women across the world in overcoming their anxiety - personal insecurities and professional fears - to build unwavering confidence and self-belief. Mindset Coaching aims to help you fearlessly elevate your life and career, and more importantly the relationship you have with yourself! Connect with Janel on social media via Linkedin or Instagram.

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Busting the Vicious Cycle of Self-Doubt

29/1/2024

How you shut down the nagging voice of self-doubt that questions your cabilities, worth and decisions when she shows up?

As people return to work in January a common theme I hear from clients after a period of “time off” is that this is when the self-doubt begins to sneak in (again).

Whispering those negative thoughts and planting seeds of insecurity. When stop and take time off the work-life busy rat race, it can be hard to get back on it.

Specifically when self-doubt is a pattern of thinking has become a comfortable habit; a habit that doesn’t serve you.

But where does this self-doubt come from?

Understanding the Roots

Often its rooted in past experiences, societal expectations, or comparisons we have and make with others. The first step to relieving self-doubt is to recognise the thought patterns and honestly understand that your worth isn’t defined by external factors.

The Mindset Coaching Approach

Once you notice the pattern it’s crucial to break the cycle of thought that is constantly questioning your capabilities and decisions. But how do you do that?

You've got to explore it:

Q: What are you doubting?
Q: Why are you doubting yourself and your capabilities?
Q: If doubt wasn’t holding you back what would you be doing, believing or feeling?

Rewrite the Negative Narrative

Then tap into the positive thought spectrum that is already within each one of us. The simplest coaching tool I can share with you is - using Positive Affirmations - to rewire your mind's thoughts from words of DOUBT to self-BELIEF.

Affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to yourself regularly to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts. They act as a reset buttong for your mind. By consistently repeating the same phrases, you're rewiring your brain to focus on your strengths rather than weaknesses.

They’re like a daily dose of inspo for your soul really, that reshapes your mindset.

I’ve been using affirmations daily in my own life since 2017, and it’s the number one reason why I created Learn to Thrive Morning Journal. Affirmations helped me in my darkest days, battling anxiety and crippling self-doubt to remember that “Today and every day I am enough”.

Instead of waking up every day and listening to all the negatives your mind wants to throw at you… all the “I cant’s” and “I dont’s” or “not enough’s” you take charge and affirm your worth, strength and capabilities.

This tool when practiced consistently helps your mind in 3 ways:

Reset your mindset
Boost confidence
Assists to cultivate self-acceptance

Crafting Your Affirmations

There are a few things to remember when crafting your own positive affirmations. They need to be short impactful statements focusing the mind on what you want.

BE Positive and Present: Affirmations should be written or spoken in positive present tense verbage, avoiding negative words. Refrain from using words like not, dont, wont which all have a negative connotation.

For example, "I am confident and capable" instead of "I will NOT doubt myself".

BE Specific: Steer clear of generic statements, be specific about the qualities, attributes or goals you want to bring into your life and focus on.

For example, "I am capable of handing any challenges that come my way today" instead of "I am resilient".

Be Repetitive: The power is in repetition. Read, write, speak the same affirmations for at least 60-90 days. Let them become your mantra that propels you forward. Watch as your belief in these affirmations grows.

If you're new to this practice download a copy of my free affirmations list and let that be your guide.

Every Monday over on Instagram I help kick off your week with 5 Positive Affirmations ...

(watch this and save for later!)

The Mindset Shift

Lastly, we need to dream bigger and bust any roadblock to the amazing life and career you are here for! Ask yourself:

Q: What is doubt truly holding you back from?
Q: If you assumed you had the skills, resources and resilience… what would change for you?
Q: If doubt wasn’t in the picture, what could become possible for you?

You mind is a powerful force. When you fill it with positive thoughts, your life will start to change.

Above all else... just be kind to yourself.

About the Author:

Janel Briggs is an Author, Mindset Coach, Practitioner of NLP and Timeline Therapy on a mission to support women across the world in overcoming their anxiety - personal insecurities and professional fears - to build unwavering confidence and self-belief. Mindset Coaching aims to help you fearlessly elevate your life and career, and more importantly the relationship you have with yourself! Connect with Janel on social media via Linkedin or Instagram.

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Are You in a January Funk?

24/1/2024

If you are feeling a weight of gloomy January funk, my message today is simple.

It's ok - you are not alone.

I know, I know... as a Mindset Coach you're probably expecting me to be spruiking “New Year New Me” season...

Where we all jump with gusto into our new health and fitness routines. Feel energized to leap into new jobs, projects, and work. Taking the year by the horns and making the most of every day!

Well, if you’ve been here for some time you’ll know that I keep things very real. To be totally honest I haven’t been feeling any of that! So, I figured you might not be either.

Maybe it's an emotional hangover from 2023 stress or the holiday break. Perhaps "change" or "decision making" just feels daunting right now.

I want you to take a breath and know that it’s ok to embrace a slow transition into 2024 if you haven't jumped into January with gusto this year. Many of my clients are having the same experience.

There is nothing wrong with you if you’ve taken things slow, or been in a funk for the past few weeks.

This funk – it doesn’t mean you won’t get back in momentum. Or that this year is slipping you by. Perhaps it just means you needed a little more time to gently transition into 2024.

Whatever has sparked the funk, here is what I suggest:

 1) Give yourself time and be gentle - there is no requirement to rush into 2024

(I don’t care what social media is telling you!)

2) Start small and try something new – do something fun to circumvent the funk!

Research suggests that learning and trying new things helps to keep the mind young. I find this is the fast track to helping me snap out of a funk.

In fact, numerous studies highlight the positive impact of incorporating new experiences into our lives. Engaging in new activities not only promotes cognitive flexibility but also stimulates the release of dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter.

This surge of dopamine can act as a natural mood enhancer, counteracting the effects of a funk or low spirits.

A 2019 study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry found that individuals who regularly engaged in learning new skills exhibited a slower cognitive decline as they aged. So, when the January funk hits, consider it an opportunity to discover something new, be it trying a new hobby, learning a new skill, or even exploring a different form of exercise.

Last week, I was ready for my "funk" to be over...

So, I decided just to go out and try something new. I joined the “Class Pass” an app that allows you to try new exercise classes all over Singapore and I booked a beginners Pilates session. Something I had wanted to do for some time, but hadn't made space for it in my life.

Attempting this new form of exercise - yes, it was slightly overwhelming. Yes, I was nervous. And YES, I felt like a complete newbie!

But it was SO GOOD for my mental health!

Here's why - for a solid 50 minutes my mind had to be entirely present as my mental focus was on:

a) The teacher's instructions, and

b) Controlling the movements of my body so that I didn’t somehow snap a hamstring or flip off thereformer bed while in motion!

The outcome - I left that class feeling more grounded and “accomplished”.

Attending this one class helped to trigger the good hormones in my brain (endorphins and dopamine really do help!) and the 50 mins of “being totally present” helped me forget all the to-do's and any worries circling my mind.

THIS combo had a snowball effect on my mood, energy, and momentum.

And so... my January was finally off to a start. That one thing, has led to another class and another and another. It brought me joy to do something new.

It could well help you bring you joy too.

It's never too late to start something new!
Your current and future self will thank you for it.
- JB

What is something new you could try this week?

My advice is always to start small and build your new habits and hobbies in small blocks.

Choose 1 new thing to learn/try/do too this month
Relieve that “New year new me” pressure and focus from finding the joy in it and building one thing at a time

About the Author:

Janel Briggs is an Author, Mindset Coach, Practitioner of NLP and Timeline Therapy on a mission to support women across the world in overcoming their anxiety - personal insecurities and professional fears - to build unwavering confidence and self-belief. Mindset Coaching aims to help you fearlessly elevate your life and career, and more importantly the relationship you have with yourself! Connect with Janel on social media via Linkedin or Instagram.

BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL TODAY!

Ps. If you need inspiration to shake up your daily routine and start a new healthy habit for your mindset and mental health - my 1:1 Coaching is open for 2024! Book a complimentary chat today to talk about strategies for stress and anxiety relief in detail and let's get you back to thriving!

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