Increase your influence.

I posted about my mental health journey last week and it's really resonated, which made me think about why so many of us find ourselves facing overwhelm, anxiety, and more often than not, mental health struggles. Let's be clear, as someone who lives with depression and most likely will do forever, I'm not for one second saying we can 'think postively' through serious a mental health crisis. In particular since the tragic news of Liam Payne's passing this week. But what I am saying, is that there are things we can do to help ourselves navigate daily obstacles in a more empowering way, which aim to help us and not hinder us. 

Listen, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, worried, or disempowered by forces seemingly out of our control in 2024 - whether it's heartbreaking news headlines, election uncertainty, office politics, societal pressures or difficult relationships. But regaining a sense of internal power and control starts with where we place our mental energy.

One thing I use often (both personally and when coaching) is Stephen Covey's Circle of Concern vs. Circle of Influence mindset model. Our circle of concern comprises things we care about but can't directly control - from global issues to other people's opinions 👀 It will always be endless. Our circle of influence holds the things we have direct power over - our response, actions, priorities, self-care and more.

By consciously focusing less mental energy on the circle of concern, and deliberately directing it towards expanding our circle of influence through small, positive steps of self-care and intentional change, we build back personal power. From there, we create ripple effects that ultimately reach and help shift the broader world.

My healing journey started with regaining my sense of control, and ability to influence the world starts by focusing inwards. Yours may look different, but I hope the above gives some insight into actionable tools you can use to influence your mindset. 

It's Glow Zone time! Introducing Becky West, Global Head of Learning and Leadership at Pret, and fellow glow zone queen. 

I met Becky a year ago at a networking event and she hasn't been able to shake me since. Think incredible energy, kinder than anyone you've met, and a bullsh*t radar to rival any detective. My kinda gal.

What does being in your "glow zone" career-wise feel like? How does it compare to previous roles?

Back in 2011, I was an exams coordinator for a Health & Safety company. Yes, it was as boring as it sounds, and I definitely wasn’t in my glow zone. I’d wake up every morning and want to bury myself back under the duvet. I worked with toxic people doing mundane tasks that I really didn’t want to do & that had no purpose for me, in my life. The only time I remember feeling any sense of joy was at 3pm, when I got 10 mins away from my desk to do the tea run for everyone.

Let’s compare that to 2024. Most recently, I’ve been in workshops defining the strategy for the next 5 years for my business with like minded, passionate individuals. We’ve laughed, challenged one another & had truly brilliant conversations about the future of the world. Being in your glow zone for me means having a voice at the table, no matter the role you’re in, working with brilliant peers who challenge & lift you up, doing truly meaningful work that aligns with your own personal purpose, and most importantly (for me, anyway), having FUN on a day to day basis.

What advice would you give your younger self about unlocking your potential and defining success on your own terms?

Kinda obvious for someone who works in L&D, but never stop learning about yourself & others. Stay curious. I’m constantly googling what something means, or to dive deeper into a topic.

Don’t compromise who you are for anyone else. Including any dickheads you might have to work alongside, or for. I was bullied by a previous manager and ended up having to go through some pretty intense coaching to come out of the other side & be better for my next job. Ultimately, I learnt that no-one should make you become a shell of yourself. You’re brilliant as you are.

You’re not always going to be able to be everyone’s friend (hello people pleaser over here). Some people may not like you, and that’s okay. Just always try to be brilliant at your job, and then hopefully they’ll respect you. To be honest though, if you’re really kind & have empathy, they’re more likely to like you than not…
 

Who or what has inspired you to push past self-doubt and go after bold goals? How did they empower you?
It might sound strange, but myself. I remember having a challenging conversation with my mum about my most recent career move. She asked me ‘are you sure you can do the job?’. It’s all rooted in her own insecurity, but I had to have a word with her about how she shouldn’t channel her own insecurities on me, and yes, actually, I was capable to do the job. Sometimes I do still wake up and think ‘shit, what if I can’t do this? Or what if I fail and everyone thinks I’m really rubbish?!’, but ultimately, I am confident in my strengths, and in the areas I’m not so good at. Stretch your strengths- I’m a brilliant communicator & presenter, so I always try to ensure my work involves these things- as I’ll show up brilliantly.

Couldn't love these lessons more Becky, and I'm pretty sure a lot of us can relate to the toxic experiences and overcoming them ❤️

FINAL CALL!

Career Glow Zone is live, the group coaching programme like NO other. 

2025 is weeks away, how do you want to start it? ⬇️

❌ With the best of intentions, but same behaviours leading to the same results?

❌ In the same job, with the same 'meh' vibes? 

❌ Continuing to put off that qualification until you've 'got time'?

❌ Delaying the launch of your new venture or business again because you just don't feel ready? 

OR

✅ Super aligned on your values and totally confident in what you want to do.

✅ Confident, calm, and ready to kick ass. 

✅ Armed with secure boundaries and with a communication style you're confident with. 

✅ Clear on your goals, what great looks like, and how to support yourself in the best way for 2025 and beyond. 

Final 'find out more calls' happening next week. Nab your spot before they're gone! Book a zero pressure call with me here.

This is for you if: 

• You're looking to take your career and life to the next level
• You're ready to activate your path to promotion or start something new altogether
• You're poised to take the next step in your career 
• You want to hit 2025 as the best version of yourself with clarity like no other

Sign up here. 

• Less than £12 a day for 3 months. 
• MAJOR glow ups. 
• Huge mindset shifts. 
• And a money can't buy community of women who kick ass and love you back. 

Share it with a friend and if they sign up, you get a £100 referral fee. 

Want a GlowZone discount? Drop me a message before you sign up and I'll chuck ya 15% off. How's that for a glowing deal? 

And finally... we're moving. The GlowZone online community has been hosted on Kajabi but we're moving to Facebook. This is your free, woman only online community packed with tips, tricks, free coaching AND community glow lives where we cover all things mindset, resilience, communication and conflict, goals and so much more. 

You can sign up here. 

Until next time, keep glowing!