Is your year starting off like a lion or a lamb? (original post from March 15, 2024)

Life is a journey of self-discovery and continuous improvement. We all experience moments in our lives where we feel stuck. In the last five years, people have become more comfortable to talk openly about mental health and personal issues they may be experiencing. Unfortunately, this is due in large part to our collective negative experiences associated with the pandemic’s impact. According to a study by the Pew Institute , 41% of Americans experience high levels of psychological distress as a result of the pandemic. In the forced stillness of early 2020, we had a lot of time to think about our lives personally, many of us experienced first hand just how fragile it can be and for many of us we pondered how we want to show up in the world moving forward. Two powerful tools available for personal development are Coaching and Therapy. It is crucial to understand the differences between the two in order to make the best choice in supporting what you need for positive growth. Coaching: Unleashing Potential Coaching operates on the premise that individuals possess the answers within themselves and focuses on goal-setting, skill enhancement, and action-oriented strategies. A coach, equipped with a holistic approach, collaborates with clients to identify strengths, set objectives, and overcome challenges. The emphasis is on the present and future, guiding clients toward their aspirations. It is important to seek out a credentialed coach who has received the proper training. I suggest finding an ICF Certified Coach . Consider Coaching if you: are focused on achieving specific goals and desire a forward-looking, action-oriented approach. seek guidance in areas like career advancement, personal growth, or skill development. Empowerment and self-discovery are your primary objectives. Therapy: Healing from Within In contrast, therapy delves into the past to understand and addresses emotional and psychological challenges. Therapists help individuals explore and resolve deep-rooted issues, providing a safe space for emotional expression. Therapeutic approaches vary, encompassing cognitive-behavioral, psychoanalytic, and humanistic modalities. If you feel that this is where your work is, it is equally important to find a licensed therapist. Consider Therapy if you: are dealing with unresolved emotional or psychological challenges. Understanding and healing past traumas is a priority. Managing mental health conditions is a key concern. Each has its place and both have numerous benefits. To further discern which is the best route for you, I have listed some of the benefits to each below. Benefits of Coaching Empowerment: Coaching empowers individuals by highlighting their strengths and fostering self-reliance. Action-Oriented: It provides a roadmap for tangible actions, fostering a sense of accountability. Goal Achievement: Coaching excels in goal setting and achievement, driving individuals to manifest their aspirations. Benefits of Therapy Emotional Healing: Therapy addresses emotional wounds, aiding individuals in healing from past traumas. Insightful Exploration: It provides a space for profound self-reflection and understanding of underlying issues. Mental Health Support: Therapy is instrumental for managing mental health conditions and alleviating symptoms. Determining whether coaching or therapy is the best fit depends on individual needs and goals. Both directions do require you to be willing and open to working on yourself. No matter which professional is right to support you. It is support that these professionals offer, ultimately no matter the route you choose, you have to be willing to do the work .

Setting clear goals is crucial when embarking on a journey towards personal development and success. Creating a vision board is a fun and creative exercise that can make setting goals feel less like a huge hurdle. A vision board is a tangible representation of your dreams & aspirations. Whether you have never made a vision board or you are looking for new ideas in creating your next board, below are suggestions to guide you through the process. Step 1: Reflect on Your Goals Begin by reflecting on your short and long-term goals. Consider various aspects of your life, including career, relationships, health, and personal development. When you can dream big into the future, and feel the happy feelings, you more easily manifest your dreams into real life. Pro Tip: As an added resource, follow this link to access a guided visualization I created. It takes you out of Resolution thinking and into your own personal R(E)volution mindset. Step 2: Gather Materials Collect materials for your vision board, such as a poster board, magazines, scissors, glue, markers, and any personal items or photos that resonate with your goals. Pro Tip: Choose magazines you wouldn’t typically be drawn to, we find inspiration in the darndest of places. Going outside of your norm is a great way to shake things up. Step 3: Select Inspiring Images and Words Flip through magazines and select images, words, and phrases that resonate with your goals. Pro Tip: As you look for images, pay attention to any visceral reactions you have to an image. We’re seeking out positive feelings here, so once you have 5-10 images that you like, lay them out, look at them from different perspectives, ask yourself what other feelings they evoke for you. Step 4: Arrange and Glue Arrange your chosen elements on the board in a way that feels meaningful to you. Once satisfied with the layout, glue the images and words onto the board. Pro Tip: Wait to start gluing until it feels right. You can also layer images and words to create what is meaningful to you. Step 5: Add Personal Touches Incorporate personal touches like photos, quotes, or items that hold special significance to you. This makes your vision board uniquely yours.  Pro Tip: A photo of yourself smiling is a fun addition to add to a board. There are so many benefits to creating a vision board: Clarity: Visualizing your goals enhances clarity and helps you define what you truly want. Motivation: Daily exposure to your vision board motivates and reminds you of your aspirations. Focus: It directs your focus towards your goals, preventing distractions from derailing your progress. Positive Mindset: The positive imagery promotes an optimistic mindset, reinforcing the belief that your goals are achievable. Manifestation: The act of creating a vision board is a form of manifestation, channeling your energy towards your desired outcomes.