April McGinnis, Empowerment Coach

  Change is inevitable yet we tend to resist change for many reasons. This is why so many of us start something, then backtrack to our old habits. Risk, Return, Resistance, Routine The 4 R's represent the pattern we often fall into when making change in our lives.  Have you tried losing weight, only to gain it back? If so, you're not alone.  When faced with change, we will evaluate the risk.  Risk includes what we have to lose and what we need to lose!  All decisions have an element of risk. If we do not change something, it may present a risk. And if we do make the change, we have perceived risk. Using the weight loss example, if we are carrying too much weight, we risk health problems. If we use a diet (a tool for losing weight), we risk not following through because we may have to give up too much, or we don't like the tool (we may not like being told what to do, for example, and the loss of autonomy). Return is what we expect to gain from the change.  I...

  I'm curious about how people feel about the potential end of WFH, or at least the start of some kind of hybrid. I've spoken to employers and business owners, and the feeling I get from them is that they want their workers back at the office. There is a perception that people are not productive working remotely.  So, I have more questions than answers! Employers: What do you think? Have you measured your assumptions with data? Have you managed to keep your workforce engaged while they work remotely? What have you implemented to achieve this? Has it been effective and successful ? Employees :  What is your view? Do you find that you're more productive at home ? Do you need the social face-to-face of the office? Do you feel engaged with your team while WFH? Employers: How do you want your employees to feel at work? What do you think helps them feel more part of a team? Employees: How do you want to feel at work ? Do you feel that way now? What would make you feel more ...

 "I "If you encounter difficulties in choosing a life purpose, the problem may be further upstream. Dive deeper into your understanding of reality. Question your beliefs, especially the ones you were taught never to question. What if you’re wrong? My current beliefs about reality bear little resemblance to those I was raised to adopt."                                                                                                                                           ...

 I hear people say that they can't meditate or that they are too stressed to be calm, or that their thoughts are intrusive and prevent them from focusing.  I'll be honest with you - I've said these things myself.  What are the MYTHS about meditation?  Let's address the myths first, then I'll help you to understand how you can begin a simple meditation practice and why you'll want to start. There are so many benefits, it's impossible to say no! So, now we can see how simple it can be, how you can do it anywhere, and that the times when you think you can't do it are the times you need it ! Now, let's look at the benefits ! 1. Stress reduction 2. Reduce anxiety 3. Improve emotion well-being: improve self image and positive outlook  4. Enhance self awareness 5. Prolong attention span 6. Improve memory 7. Generate kindness (to self and others) 8. Improve sleep 9. Help control pain 10. Help lower blood pressure How can you NOT start today? To begin...

I was reading an article about the coming flood of resignations that are expected - people who have found that their "before times" career or position just wasn't the right fit for them and they realized this while they were working from home, or were laid off.  Are you feeling out of sorts, not feeling the vibe of the job you once had or maybe still have?  How do you cope with that feeling? How do you prepare yourself to return to work in the "post-pandemic"?  Sit down with yourself and create a list of what you love, don't love, and can live with  about your current job or the one you did in the "before times".  Evaluate your core strengths and assess whether you are using them in your job.  Look hard at the culture - are you a quiet person who prefers to work alone but you work in an open concept work space with a lot of noise and a lot of group collaboration?Are you creative but your boss doesn't allow you to use your creativity? Before y...

It comes as no surprise that employees are experiencing greater rates of burnout these days.  This past year we have all been tested and stretched to our limits! I recently read this article (link below) and it really hit home. It is vital that employers become aware of the impact of stress and burnout on how the team functions, how productive people can be, and how engaged their workforce is - not just for the financial benefits (and there are many!) but for the sake of the people who keep the business going every day. How can employers prevent burnout in their employees?  The basics include transparency to ease anxiety about the future, extending some flexibility to employees to take time off with pay, flexibility in schedules to accommodate the work from home demands many employees face, and better health benefits. To really help people, webinars or workshops on meditation, stress reduction, personal empowerment and improved communication - all often overlooked - are effe...