Tag: neuro linguistic programming

You, or someone you know, needs help developing greater confidence or self-esteem. You’ve heard some people saying that training is an effective approach. You’ve read that coaching might help you see things differently. One of your friends is a keen advocate for counselling. How do you decide which approach will work?

First, it helps to understand the difference between the three approaches. This ensures that you’re working in a way that you feel comfortable with. Training is a group process which focuses on providing models and techniques for workshop participants to try out together. Because it is a group approach, you will find this most useful if you are willing to participate in class conversations and small group activities. Read more

If you’ve been told ‘just think positive’ you probably know how hard this advice can be to take. I’ve worked with thousands of people who want to be more confident and more positive. There are five things I know can help you ‘think positive’ in an easy and natural way.

When you hit problems, shift into solution-finding mode

I’m a big fan of being solution focussed. This means taking your attention away from the problem and looking for ways to solve it. There are five principles to keep in mind here:

• Resist asking ‘why’
• Ask ‘how can I solve this?’
• Focus on coming up with as many potential options as you can
• Be creative.
• Turn off logic while you brainstorm.

Taking this approach will program your unconscious mind to generate lots of ways of sorting out the problem. The more often you take a solution focussed approach, the easier it becomes to think this way. Read more

Do you want master problem solving? Or has someone said you need to be more proactive about sorting out issues at work? Then you need to watch this video right now. Learn how to use solution-focused thinking to find better solutions to problems. Discover what solution-focused thinking is and how it can boost your problem-solving skills today.

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‘Just think positive’. I’m sure you’ve had this advice at some point in your life. But is it good advice? What’s the evidence that thinking positive will really help? These are fascinating questions, which you should ask yourself before attempting to ‘think positive’.

Is thinking positive a good idea?

The answer depends on what you mean by ‘positive thinking’. In every day conversation, we refer to positive thinking as a one-off intervention. For example, a team member complains about something and the supervisor responds, ‘Just think positive’. This is less likely to reap good results, than a more systematic approach to positive thinking. One of my favourite quotes comes from an article by Richard G Moore who says ‘Good cognitive interventions do not always focus primarily on changing specific negative propositions’. He goes on to argue ‘that effective strategies for changing thinking tend to extend beyond a single thought to challenge mental paradigms’. Read more

Are you wondering what positive psychology is? Asking yourself how it’s different to other streams of psychology? Get a quick overview of this fascinating field, as I explore the uestion “What is positive psychology?” in an animated video. Learn about the science of studying what makes humans thrive.

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A confident woman is like the sun in a clear blue sky. She radiates energy, light and life. Sometimes, though, clouds can obscure your radiance. If you feel like your confidence is hiding behind dark clouds. It’s time to do a confidence makeover.

In my work as a success coach, I encounter five signs which tell me that a woman needs to do this. Are you showing these signs and if so, what can you do to revamp your confidence? Here are the tips I give my coaching clients.

You’re a nervous public speaker

Low confidence and stage fright go hand-in-hand, but if you want to make it in the professional world you need to conquer your fear of public speaking. Suggestions I give my clients on how to do this include making an effort to speak during meetings and attending a two or three day public speaking training program. Make sure that you find one that includes lots of opportunities to speak and get feedback. Read more

Are you wondering how to feel more confident? Then you need to watch this video now. Get tips for boosting your self-esteem and raising your confidence levels using positive psychology. Hear how to find the courage to speak up during meetings or when presenting. Beat the habit of saying ‘yes’ to everything. Overcome perfectionist thinking so you can talk and behave more confidently.

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Sadly, this claim is not true. It does, however, sound very like the claims being made by unqualified, ‘expert coaches’ who are touting their services online these.

Recently, I’ve been noticing more and more people claiming to be experts at personal development. Many of them brag about having no qualifications or experience in their areas of expertise. For example:

• The marketing expert who has no track record or qualifications
• The self-esteem coach whose website is full of depressing, negative statements about the human condition
• The birthing coach who claims to be qualified because she’s had a baby herself

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