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...

  We tend to live in the Comfort Zone . It's familiar. It feels safe.  Many people live in the Fear Zone , where the weight of the opinions of others is crushing their aspirations. leaving them vulnerable to self-doubt. We would love to live in the Growth Zone , but we don't know how to get there! Would you love to set new goals ? Find purpose and li ve your dreams ?  When the discomfort of the Comfort Zone or the Fear Zone becomes impossible to ignore , or when the promise of happiness or fulfillment becomes too compelling to pass by, we start thinking about moving to a different zone. Think about your own life.  What zone are you in right now? Is that where you want to be? Why, or why not? Maybe you're feeling stuck in a career or job that doesn't fulfill you or where you don't get to use your key strengths. Maybe you've raised your kids and suddenly find that you don't really know who you are any more. Maybe you've recently divorced and have not...

Let's be honest, we all have self-doubt.  Job searching is hard! It can erode your self-confidence! It can create self-doubt that can sabotage your efforts! So, what can you do today to inoculate yourself against self-doubt? 1.Take inventory Make a list of your best qualities, both professional and personal. Then prioritize these best qualities in order of what means most to you and what makes you most proud 2. Consider what things sow seeds of self-doubt in you Make that list too Which of these things can you control?  3. Now look at these lists together.  Your first list will help you remember what makes you, YOU! These qualities are your BRAND! Maybe you are analytical, or an empathetic listener, or a competent decision-maker, or you serve others.  Your second list are the things you must throw in the trash - empty them from your mind. When they creep in, remind your inner critic that they mean nothing. There is nothing you can do about them because you do not co...

Let's face it - we all have "those" days. We are tired, discouraged, frustrated and feel as if we'll never reach our goals. We haven't heard from any of the recent applications we've submitted. We feel like giving up. You are not alone. You're dealing with a pandemic and lockdowns; it's winter here in Canada so it's cold and often dreary; you feel isolated and miss working; your money is tight and it feels like you're stuck. What to do now? Maybe it's time to take a day off from the job search. Get some rest. Regroup. Meditate. Reflect on gratitude and seek out the positive things about you and your progress. Take a walk outdoors if you can. Do something creative.  Restart your job search process. Plan a schedule for the week ahead. Schedule in everything: your meals, your exercise, your meditation practice, your job search activities. Then implement that plan and follow the schedule as closely as possible. I guarantee you will feel better ...