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caucasian girl doing yoga in city park. B

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the expectations you set for yourself? Striving for perfection often leads to disappointment when we fall short. But where do these expectations come from, and how can we manage them effectively?In this first part of a two-part series, I'll explore the impact of self-imposed expectations and share practical strategies for managing them. Next month, I’ll discuss the expectations we place on others and those that others place on us.<h3>Our Own High Standards</h3>We are often our harshest critics, setting unrealistic expectations influenced by societal norms, upbringing, and personal ambitions. Recognising these external influences is crucial.For instance, when I first moved to Madrid, the corporate culture’s emphasis on long hours made me equate dedication with excessive work, often at the expense of my well-being.Inspired by business guru Ali Abdaal’s productivity techniques, I now set achievable goals and <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/M92j0t_rjNs" href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/M92j0t_rjNs">schedule dedicated time to complete the tasks</a>. Like drafting a month’s worth of social media content in one day, which will allow me to disconnect from work and enjoy my time away this summer. Breaking larger goals into manageable chunks makes success more attainable.<h3>Origins of Expectations</h3>Understanding the source of our expectations is key to managing them. Our self-esteem often becomes entangled with these expectations—we feel worthy when we achieve a lot. However, striving to excel in all aspects of life simultaneously—having a successful career, being the perfect parent and maintaining a pristine home—may be unrealistic.Instead of cherry-picking expectations based on societal ideals, I support my clients to recognise their unique journeys. I help them cultivate self-awareness and tailor their goals to their strengths, values, and needs. By doing so, they manage to reduce the pressure they impose on themselves and embrace their imperfections.<h3>My Personal Journey with Expectations</h3>When I moved to Spain, I expected to become fluent in Spanish within a year or two through total immersion. In reality, it took five years to feel confident. This experience taught me the importance of patience and setting realistic timelines for complex goals, a lesson that now serves me well in building my coaching practice. "Poco a poco"—one step at a time.<h3>Strategies for Managing Your Own Expectations</h3>Drawing on my own experiences and those of my clients, I've compiled 4 top strategies to help us all better manage our expectations of ourselves.&nbsp;1. Set Realistic Goals: Break down large goals into smaller, more manageable tasks.&nbsp; Example: If you want a clean and organised house, set aside 10 minutes every evening for a quick house reset rather than trying to clean the entire house in one go.2. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness you would a close friend. Check out my <a data-mce-href="https://carmeldrake.com/blog/being-kind-to-yourself--a-practical-guide-to-self-compassion" href="https://carmeldrake.com/blog/being-kind-to-yourself--a-practical-guide-to-self-compassion">practical 7-step guide to being kinder to yourself</a>.&nbsp; Example: When you make a mistake or say the wrong thing, instead of engaging in harsh self-criticism, take a moment to acknowledge your effort or intention and think about what you can learn from the experience.3. Reflect and Adjust: Life is dynamic, and so should be our goals. What might have been a priority last year might not hold the same significance now. Being flexible and adaptive helps us stay aligned with our evolving values and circumstances.&nbsp; Example: Review your goals at the end of each week and adjust your expectations accordingly. From a business perspective, I find a quarterly review particularly valuable.&nbsp;4. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Example: Share daily successes with a friend or write them in a journal to track and celebrate your progress.<h3>Reflect and Take Action</h3>Managing your own expectations is a journey of self-awareness and adjustment. By recognising the origins of our expectations and setting realistic goals, we can lead more fulfilling lives. Take time to reflect on your own expectations. Are they helping or hindering you? How can you adjust them to better support your well-being?What expectations are you setting for yourself today? This week? This quarter? How can you manage those expectations better? Share your thoughts on Instagram (<a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/carmelthecoach/" href="https://www.instagram.com/carmelthecoach/">@carmelthecoach</a>), drop me a whatsapp voice note (+34 608 880 466) or reach out for coaching support."Our lives are shaped not as much by our experiences as by our expectations”- George Bernard Shaw

The Power of Expectations Part 1: Expectations of Ourselves

I didn't post last month because life got in the way. Moving house at the end of April was chaotic and stressful. But it did give me plenty of food for thought. And so I am back with avengence, with a particular interested in self-compassion.We all know about self-compassion in theory (if you're new to the concept or want to learn more, US pyschologist Kristin Neff is the guru, and you can check out her <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvtZBUSplr4&amp;t=54s" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvtZBUSplr4&amp;t=54s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ted Talk here</a>). But, as I've discovered for myself over the last month, practising it can be another story. When we’re overstretched, under-resourced and, quite frankly, exhausted, how exactly can we be expected to show ourselves kindness?Here's my practical 7-step guide to acheiving just that.&nbsp;1. Allow Imperfection Perfection is an impossible standard. Allow yourself to be imperfect. Accept that mistakes are part of the human experience and offer yourself grace instead of criticism. Good enough is more than enough almost every time.&nbsp;2. Positive Affirmations Incorporate self-compassion into your daily routine with positive affirmations. Start your day with a positive statement like, “I'm doing my best, and that’s enough.” Try it. And end your day with a reflection: “What did I do well today? What can I let go of?” There's no need (or time) to analyse everything you did, just pick the one or two activities that pop into your head.&nbsp;3. Celebrate Small Wins In the rush of daily life, we often overlook our achievements. Take a moment to acknowledge your efforts and successes, no matter how small they might seem. Did you keep your children alive? Did you get through that difficult meeting? Did you show kindness to a stranger? Celebrate these moments.4. Schedule 'Me Time' Taking time for yourself can be easier said than done, but setting aside some time for yourself is essential. Start by scheduling an hour a week for yourself. Block the time out in your diary. And do something just for you. Walk. Stretch. Read. Draw. Dance. Laugh. Cry. Write. Protect this time and treat it as non-negotiable.5. Seek Support Self-compassion also means recognising when you need help. Don’t be shy about reaching out to friends, family, or a professional when you need support. Sometimes, just talking about your struggles can provide relief. I find that leaving a close friend a 5 minute Whatsapp voicenote works wonders. It helps me gain clarity and perspective on whatever's troubling me. And just talking things through lifts the weight from my shoulders.&nbsp;6. Talk to Yourself Like a Friend Notice the language you use when you talk to yourself. This one is huge. The way we talk to ourselves determines the quality of our life. And most of us would never talk to a friend, or even an enemy, in the way we talk to ourselves! The next time you forget something or make a mistake, instead of saying, "I can't believe I messed up again," try, "It’s okay, everyone makes mistakes". If a friend came to you feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, think about how you'd respond, and try adopting the same approach for yourself.&nbsp;7. Do Something That Fills Your Cup Once a month, do something that inspires and rejuvenates you. Here I'm talking about something bigger than the 1 hour a week time for yourself. Maybe go to a concert or a workshop. Have dinner with friends. Get a change of scenery if you can - head to the coast, the countryside, the mountains.&nbsp;This month, I went to a book folding workshop—I was invited by a friend and I had no idea what to expect but it was wonderfully inspiring and energising. Find something that excites you. Sign up. And show up.&nbsp;Conclusion We all know that life is not just about the goal but about the journey. Being kinder to ourselves along the way makes that journey much more enjoyable. Start with these practical steps to incorporate self-compassion into your daily life. Remember, you deserve the same kindness and care that you readily offer to others.

Be Kind to Yourself: A Practical Guide to Self-Compassion

Recently, whilst listening to <a data-mce-href="https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/the-diary-of-a-ceo-with-steven-bartlett/id1291423644?i=1000650694138" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/the-diary-of-a-ceo-with-steven-bartlett/id1291423644?i=1000650694138">Steven Bartlett's ever-inspiring Diary of a CEO podcast episode featuring love and relationship experts Julie and John Gottman</a>, I found myself pondering a question that often gets overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of daily life: When did I last check in with my dreams?Having clear goals and dreams was not the main focus of the podcast episode. Steven and his guests covered a wide range of topics. But on a couple of occasions, the Gottmans emphasised the significance of listening to, understanding and supporting your partner's dreams, as well as sharing your own aspirations with your partner. And this really resonated with me. I realised that amidst the chaos of raising two children, managing our careers, overseeing a home renovation project, and navigating the myriad responsibilities of life, conversations about our dreams have slipped through the cracks for my husband and I in recent years. The truth is I've not checked in with my dreams in a very long time. And I don't think he has either.&nbsp;So what are my dreams? It's a question I had to pause and truly reflect upon. In the rush of daily life, it's easy to lose sight of our aspirations and desires, relegating them to the back burner as we focus on the immediate demands of our responsibilities.&nbsp;As a life coach, I typically focus on supporting my clients to (re)discover their values (what's most important to them), define and acheive their goals (which may or may not be the same as their dreams) and overcome limiting beliefs and other challenges that may be holding them back from realising their full potential.&nbsp;But having revisited my dreams, I also recognise how important it is to support my clients reconnect with their dreams and aspirations, even amidst the chaos of life's demands. Here's how I would approach exploring your dreams and bridging the gap between where you are now and where you aspire to be:First and foremost, we would create a safe and supportive space for you to articulate your dreams and aspirations. Whether they're big, audacious goals or smaller, more immediate desires, every dream is valid and worthy of exploration.Next, we would delve into the practicalities of your current situation. What are the important aspects of your life, such as your career, family, and personal responsibilities? Understanding these factors allows us to assess how your dreams align with your existing commitments and obligations.From there, we would identify any gaps between your current reality and your desired future. What steps can you take to move closer to your dreams? What time frame do you have in mind?&nbsp;Are there any obstacles or challenges standing in your way? Together, we would develop a plan to overcome these barriers and make tangible progress towards your aspirations.Crucially, our work would also involve considering the impact of your dreams on the important people in your life, such as your partner, children, and close family members. How can you pursue your dreams while still honoring your commitments and responsibilities to those you love? Finding this balance is key to creating a fulfilling and harmonious life.Throughout this process, my role as a coach is to provide guidance, support, and accountability as you navigate the journey towards your dreams. Together, we will celebrate your successes, learn from setbacks, and continuously adapt and refine your path forward.In conclusion, checking in with our dreams is not just a luxury reserved for moments of quiet contemplation—it's an essential practice that empowers us to live authentically and purposefully. By exploring your dreams, identifying the steps needed to realise them, and considering how they align with your life's priorities, you can create a roadmap to a more fulfilling and meaningful future. So, when did you last check in with your dreams?

When did you last check in with your dreams?

Woman in the frost to bathe in an ice hole

No matter what our goals, it's easy to get caught up in the planning phase, meticulously crafting strategies and envisioning success. We may spend hours brainstorming, researching and analysing; believing that these efforts will propel us forward. However, in his enlightening work "Atomic Habits," author James Clear challenges this notion with the concept of motion vs action.<h3>Understanding the Difference: Motion vs Action</h3>Motion, as Clear defines it, is the planning, strategising and preparing for change. While it's an essential step, it's merely the precursor to action, the real driver of progress. Action, on the other hand, is the execution. The doing. The transformative force that propels us closer to our aspirations.A good example of this is my desire to get back in shape. My youngest child is almost 3, so this is something that's been on my radar for a while. I've researched gym memberships, enquired about yoga classes, spoken to a personal trainer about group sessions, invested in new workout gear. I've even signed up for a free trial month at the local gym. All motion, no action. Until I'm consistently working out 3-4 times a week, I'm merely flirting with the idea of fitness, stuck in the motion phase. It's that action, a commitment to regular exercise, that will propel me towards my goal of feeling that my body is strong again. This example underscores the universal truth: progress requires action, not just intention. <h3>The curious lesson: Quantity vs Quality</h3>Clear gives another powerful example of the concept from the University of Florida. A photography professor divided his class into two groups. One group would be graded on the quantity of photos they produced, while the other would be graded on the quality of a single photo. Surprisingly, the group focused on quantity produced the most outstanding works, as they embraced imperfection and learned through the process of trial and error.Online business strategist Steph Taylor's notion of Imperfect Action beautifully complements Clear's concept, emphasising the importance of embracing imperfection and taking action despite our fears of failure or inadequacy. Imperfect Action encourages us to move forward, to iterate, to learn from our mistakes, and to grow through the process.As a life coach and small business owner, I understand the allure of meticulous planning and the fear of imperfection that often holds us back. However, I also recognise the transformative power of action—the small, imperfect steps that lead to meaningful progress.<h3>Real-Life Examples of Imperfect Action</h3>Consider Jennifer, a woman returning to work after 4 years as a stay-at-home-mum. Faced with the daunting task of re-entering the workforce, Jennifer immersed herself in planning: updating her resume, researching companies and attending networking events. Despite her thorough preparations, she hesitated to apply for roles, fearing rejection and uncertainty.Contrast Sarah's approach with that of Rachel, also returning to work after an extended break to care for her elderly mother. Instead of dwelling in the realm of motion, Rachel embraced imperfect action. She applied for positions aligned with her skills and aspirations, recognising that progress comes from taking proactive steps forward. Through trial and error, Rachel gained valuable insights and eventually secured a fulfilling role that surpassed her expectations.<h3>Overcoming the Fear of Imperfection and Taking the First Step</h3>This scenario resonates with individuals (particularly women) exploring career transitions, promotions, or role changes. The fear of failure or the desire for perfection often immobilises us, hindering progress and stalling growth. Yet, it's through imperfect action—taking deliberate steps despite uncertainty—that we discover our capabilities and forge new paths forward.Similarly, expats navigating life overseas encounter the dichotomy of motion versus action. While planning and preparation are essential, it's the willingness to immerse oneself in new experiences, embrace challenges and adapt to unfamiliar environments that fosters growth and resilience.<h3>How Imperfect Action Can Lead to Greater Success in Career and Life</h3>As a life coach, I understand the aspirations and challenges of individuals in diverse stages of life and career. I support my clients transition from planning to progress, from overwhelm to empowerment.&nbsp;Are you ready to embrace imperfect action, embark on a transformative journey and unlock your full potential? <a data-mce-href="https://carmeldrake.com/contact" href="https://carmeldrake.com/contact">Get in with me touch today</a> and together, we'll turn your aspirations into reality. One imperfect step at a time. 😊

Embracing Imperfect Action

As promised, this month I’m sharing the findings from my recent expat survey, based on the input I received from 65 respondents. Thank you to each and every one for taking the time to answer my questions and for being so honest with your responses. Here’s a look at what you shared:<strong style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">1. Who Responded? <span data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">By nationality, more than half of the respondents are British (57%/equivalent to 37 individuals), one fifth are from the USA (20%/13 individuals) and one sixth are from Spain (17%/11 individuals). Other nationalities to respond include Irish, Norwegian, Moldovan, Canadian, Bolivian, Indian, South African and Australian. Note, 17% (11) of respondents have two nationalities and 2% (1) have three, which muddies the waters slightly but you get the idea.&nbsp; 2. Where Are They Based? By host country, of those currently living abroad (78.5% of the total/51 individuals), 44 folks call Europe (including the UK) home. Others are based in Asia (3), Australia/Oceana (2), North America (1) and Africa (1).&nbsp; Of those who are no longer living abroad (21.5% of the total/14 individuals), most were expats in Europe (including the UK) and/or North America, with a handful having lived for a time in Asia, Australia/Oceana and South America.&nbsp;3. Expatriate Tenure Almost two thirds of respondents have been or were expats for 6 years or more 63.5%/41 individuals), whilst one fifth have been or were expats for 3 years or less 20%/13 individuals).&nbsp;4. Reasons for the MoveIn terms of the motivations behind the moves, they included: &nbsp;- for work, own or partner's (62%/40 individuals); &nbsp;- for the adventure (20%/13 individuals); and &nbsp;- for other reasons such as to study, for love or for a better quality of life (18%/12 individuals).5. The Best Laid Plans When it comes to the permanency of moves or otherwise, almost one third of respondents extended moves that were originally intended to be temporary (29.2%/19 individuals), whilst just under one tenth moved permanently and later ended up returning home or moving elsewhere (9.2%/6 individuals), which just goes to show that the best laid plans do often go awry.&nbsp;6. Settling In In terms of settling in, almost three quarters of respondents said they felt settled in their host country within 2 years (72.5%/47 individuals) compared with a minority who needed four years or more to establish roots (8%/5 indivudals).&nbsp;7. Honeymoon Period Around half of respondents experienced a honeymoon period (54%/35 individuals), mostly characterised by a sense of novelty, excitement, and discovery, and typically lasting for up to 12 months.&nbsp; 8. Biggest Challenges The top challenges of moving to a new country include language barriers (for 46% of respondents/30 individuals), work-related issues (42%/27 individuals), cultural adaptation (40%/26 individuals), and legal/administrative matters (38.5%/25 individuals). 9. Overcoming Challenges Making friends (74%/48 individuals) and establishing a local support network (51%/33 individuals) were the most effective ways of overcoming those challenges.10. Proudest Accomplishments: Building a new life overseas (79%/51 individuals), forming a strong friend network (57%/37 individuals), and mastering the local language (49%/32 individuals) were the accomplishments respondents were most proud of.I thoroughly enjoyed reading all of your comments, which were as detailed and candid as they were varied. One participant shared how helpful it would be for an expat coach to work with recently deployed expats to help normalise the inevitable rollercoaster of emotions that many individuals experience during their first 1-2 years in the host country. This really resonated me for two reasons:Firstly, it reminded me of my own journey during my first few years in Madrid, which ranged from me crying in the loo at work (as I struggled to manage a team and report our findings with my sketchy Spanish) to shrieking with joy and delight in a local bar near Plaza Olavide as Spain clinched its Euro Cup and then World Cup soccer victories.&nbsp;&nbsp; Secondly, because it got me thinking about the rollercoaster of emotions that meaningful change of any kind involves. On reflection, the range of feelings I experienced during those first few years in Madrid was not dissimilar to the ones I lived through during my first year at university. Or when I made the leap from the safety of my corporate job at PwC to go it alone as a freelance translator. Or more recently as I've been transitioning from translator to life coach.&nbsp;Clearly, change is different every time and everyone experiences change differently. But common themes come up time and again. In the mix for me there's typically: clarity around what I want to acheive; nervousness and self-doubt about how best to acheive it; fierce determination that I WILL get there in the end; pride at securing small wins along the way; excitement around the novelty as the new situation unfolds; a few more nerves. And then bam. Before I know it, I've acheived precisely the change I set my mind to all those weeks, months or years ago.&nbsp;Making intuitive decisions that I feel passionate about, pushing myself out of my comfort zone, learning from the lows and relishing in the highs is something that I realise now I've done countless times and I've done well. And, as clichéd as it sounds, supporting others do the same feels like my calling.&nbsp; As we all know, change is both exhilarating and daunting. It can fill us with excitement one moment and leave us feeling uncertain the next. Yet, it's an inevitable part of life, shaping our paths and molding our experiences.As we find ourselves entering the second month of 2024 (time truly flies!), I invite you to consider: What change is calling you? If you take a moment to really think about that. What one change would you like to make in your life right now?Perhaps it would be something seemingly small, like committing to a healthier lifestyle or pursuing a new hobby. Or maybe it would be something grander, like embarking on a new career path or moving to a different corner of the world.Whatever change lies in your heart, know that you don't have to navigate it alone. Whether it's a gentle nudge or a bold leap, I'm here to offer my support, inspiration, and some healthy challenge every step of the way.Here's to embracing change and embarking on new adventures together, both at home and abroad.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Expat Survey: The Results Are In

Imagine your mind as a beautiful and abundant garden full flowers, plants and trees of all colours, shapes and sizes. We're all aware of the effort it takes to care for such a lush space. Now, consider applying that same principle to your mind. When was the last time you tended to the inner workings of your mind? I'm not referring to sudokus or other mental exercises; I'm curious about how you look after your own inner narrative—the ongoing story we all tell ourselves about ourselves. As we step into 2024, it strikes me that now is the perfect time to explore the delicate balance between the blossoming encouragement of your inner cheerleader and the persistent weeds of self-doubt from your inner critic. If you fancy wielding some gardening shears on your own mind, read on.1. The garden of voices Visualise your mind as a lush garden, where the vibrant blooms represent your inner fan. Cheering for your accomplishments and strengths. From time to time, weeds pop up. Your inner critic —inevitable and even necessary sometimes to protect and guide you, but more often than not, overshadowing the beauty. How can you maintain this garden, ensuring it's a place of balance and growth?<strong style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">2. Nurturing your blooms<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);"> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">If you visualise the voices in your head as a variety of plants then you'll know that each one needs specific care and attention. Take sunflowers and hydrangeas for example. Whilst both require well-draining soil and some sunlight, sunflowers require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, whilst hydrangeas require partial shade, especially in the afternoons. In the same way, take the supportive and self-compassion voices of your inner fan. The supportive voice encourages and applauds your efforts, achievements, and positive qualities, whilst the self-compassion voice emphasizes self-kindness and learning. Each voice will be required in different doses and volumes depending on the situation. You are the wielder of the gardening shears, so it's up to you to decide the timing, dose and volume of each.&nbsp;3. Your garden, your rules In this horticultural adventure, think of me (your coach) as your gardening companion. I offer insights to help you identify the blooms of your inner fan and navigate the weeding process of your inner critic. Picture the satisfaction of having considered all of those voices and knowing which ones you'll need in which doses and when - of being the master gardener of your own thoughts. That would allow you to cultivate a landscape that aligns with your dreams. <strong style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">4. The fruits of mastery<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);"> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Why embark on this gardening journey? Because mastering your mental landscape yields you empowerment. As you shape your own thoughts, you sow seeds of resilience, confidence, and purpose that bear fruit in both personal and professional realms.What might this exercise look like in a coaching session with me?Whilst every client, coach and coaching session is different, typically when exploring the inner voices at play for a given client, I support them to identify all the inner voices at play, and often within the context of a specific situation. To amplify clarity. From there, we give each voice a name and explore its distinct personality. And then we delve into the origin, purpose, and usefulness of each voice, assessing its current volume and envisioning the desired volume that aligns with the client's aspirations. This personalised exploration is a powerful means to raise awareness, foster understanding, and ultimately empower you to navigate your inner landscape with intention and authenticity.What did I discover when I did this exercise?I vividly remember the first time I explored my own inner voices during my coach training course with Barefoot Coaching Ltd. Whilst demo-ing the tool to the rest of the cohort (with the incredible John Fleming as the coach/tutor and me as the coachee), we delved into two of my inner voices, which I ended up naming Miss P (Miss Perfect) and Grandma.&nbsp;John guided me to explore these characters, from their appearnce, to their tone, to their purpose, to their impact on my life. Realising that the voice inside my head championing me for all these years as been my Grandma's was incredibly moving.&nbsp;And now, when Miss P starts placing demands on me with her impossibly high standards, I kindly ask her to pipe down, reminding her that imperfect action is good enough. In parallel, I turn up the volume on Grandma's voice, the one that believes in me and backs me all the way from heaven, just like she did so fiercely here on Earth.&nbsp;&nbsp;Let's tend to your inner garden Interested to explore your inner voices further? Let me accompany you on the journey —a hands-on investigation where you hold the shears, foster the growth, and craft the landscape that mirrors the life you envision. Here's to a new year, a new start, and the fertile possibilities within your grasp! 🌿 #CultivateYourInnerGarden #2024Goals #CarmelTheCoach"