CAREER CHANGE TO RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS IS ON THE INCREASE. When you have been gainfully employed in a secure job for many years, thinking about becoming self-employed and losing the security that comes with a steady job can be petrifying, and it is often the first hurdle many fall. However, there has been a rapid growth of self-employment in the UK labour market in recent years . The number of self-employed increased from 3.2 million people (12.0% of the labour force) in 2000 to over 5 million (15.3% of the labour force) in 2019, according to the   Office for National Statistics ,  so there must be something working for people, right? In this article, I'll share my top 10 tips for transitioning from a career to running a business. I personally find self-employment AMAZING! I love that I am the master of my own destiny; I can work flexibly around my children and my partner's (self-employed) business, and although we aren't as financially secure as we previously were, the universe has a funny way of delivering what we need when we need it; a few weeks ago I finished up working with six clients, all in one week! I will be honest: I was a little worried, as that had never happened before, but, funny enough, six new clients turned up in the following 3 weeks. SO HOW DO YOU MAKE THE CAREER TRANSITION? How do I overcome my fear of self-employment? Well, as humans, we are naturally resistant to change , as it brings uncertainty and insecurity. Sometimes people often think ‘better the devil you know’, which keeps them stuck in a securely paid job, which can be a big excuse not to follow their dreams, so some thought and preparation are required. Personally, I was gainfully corporately employed in an Investment Bank for 13 years before, making a slow transition to self-employment via consulting for a couple of years and the speed I did it at, definitely helped me to overcome my fear. HERE ARE MY TOP 10 TIPS TO HELP YOU MAKE THE LEAP TO SELF-EMPLOYMENT SMOOTHLY: 1. Accept you will feel fearful and plan interventions to manage it – Who can you call for support when you have a wobble? 2. Surround yourself with positive supporters and stay away from naysayers who are risk-averse, and focus on all the things that could go wrong and never think about what could go right. 3. Use your contacts . LinkedIn is a great resource. Don’t be scared to ask people for coffee and help -they are often flattered and more than happy to advise or help. 4. Do your homework by speaking to people who are already successfully doing what you want to do and find out what the reality is like. 5. Write a business plan or Business Canvas and do some financial forecasting, then have someone who is business-minded review it. The business plan can be on the back of an envelope, but you need to test your ideas and conduct some market research (even if it's just with your friends). 6. Be realistic. Yo u probably won’t be successful overnight, so plan for a 2- to 3-year business build. Having a transition plan from the old job to the new business is a great idea. 7. Save some money to support you through the transition and discuss your family finances and plan with your partner. 8. Learn about marketing and social media . Wi thout customers and clients, your business isn’t a business. 9. Ask for help. You don’t need to do everything yourself. Websites, photographs, logos, and promotional material all take time and often look more professional when done by a professional. Skill swaps are a great and cheap way to get help. 10. Keep motivated and prepare yourself for wobbles – use tools (visual tools, visualisations, affirmations) and get support (business network or a business coach). If you are really fearful, I can highly recommend the book ' Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway ' by Susan Jeffers. I wish you well on your exciting journey ahead. Nat x ABOUT CAREER COACH NAT HARRISON OF AYAMA COACHING Career Coach Nat Harrison of Ayama Coaching Hi, I am Nat. I help people become more fulfilled and happy in their working lives by aligning their careers or businesses with their skills, values, and interests, and by assisting them to overcome the barriers to making the change they desire. I am also a trained ADHD coach. I work with neurodivergent people who want to harness their brains for the better and improve their relationships with themselves. Book a FREE consultation below if you would benefit from coaching on your work-life. SET YOURSELF UP FOR A SUCCESSFUL DAY BY BECOMING AWARE OF YOUR THOUGHTS, FEELINGS AND DAILY GOALS EACH MORNING!

Career changes are much more common than they used to be. With over 70% of people unhappy in their current jobs and the pensionable age rising, people are increasingly having two or three careers during their working lives. Career breaks are becoming more common at earlier stages of life, with flexible working hours, sabbaticals, and shared parental leave growing in popularity. Being unhappy in your job is normal, and there are ways to make career transitions smooth. Sometimes, a career move is forced upon us by downsizing, redundancy, and restructuring/closure, affecting the private and public sectors. Often, these occurrences are a blessing in disguise and an ideal time to totally change what you do, go back to college or start your own business. With that said, the transition can be difficult,   with so many possible routes to choose from and factors such as training, finances, and the support available to you. HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT TO MAKE YOUR CAREER TRANSITION AS PAINLESS AS POSSIBLE: => Are you on board? Why are you in your current career? What choices did you make or not make? Did you fall into your current/previous job? Do you hate what you are doing now? Understand the factors driving your desire for a career change or business start-up, and ensure that you actually want to take the step. If you aren’t committed, chances are the transition will be painful and not a great success. => Get your finances in order. If you are planning a transition, could you set aside some money for a few years to finance your training/start-up? How long will the transition take? Put a plan together and see how much you will need to live on while you may not be earning . You may want to rearrange some of your finances – e.g., fix the mortgage, take some equity from your property, or cash in some premium bonds – or maybe your partner can take more of the responsibility for a while. This step is really important; it will boost your confidence in the transition and help you feel more certain during a period of uncertainty. Maybe you could go part-time in your current role to ease the transition. => Enlist support . Let all your family and friends know about your career plans and ask for their support. When you are making a significant change, you need positive, possibility-minded people on your side to keep the fear-mongers at bay: they are the ones who will never choose to live their dream lives; it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t. What’s really important is that your partner is on board. If they are, you will have someone readily available to refocus you when your doubts creep in. TO SUMMARISE These are just a few examples you can implement yourself to make changing careers as easy as possible . It can be daunting, particularly if it's your first career transition, but it is another part of this thing we call life, which can bring so much positive change. Working with a coach can bring so much clarity while switching careers. By figuring out what you really want, creating actionable steps to get there, including financials and seeking support, you can make the entire journey a pain-free experience so you can thrive. Going back to my point on support, the best person to join you through this transition is a mentor (someone who has already followed the path you are about to embark upon), or a coach, who can keep you focused and accountable for the steps forward, and act as a sounding board. As a coach myself, I can most definitely support you with this, so why not consider   booking a free consultation   with me to discuss how I can help you move forward on your new adventure? ABOUT CAREER COACH NAT HARRISON OF AYAMA COACHING Career Coach Nat Harrison of Ayama Coaching Hi, I am Nat. I help people become more fulfilled and happy in their working lives by aligning their careers or businesses with their skills, values, and interests and helping them overcome barriers to making the desired change. I am also a trained ADHD coach. I work with neurodivergent people who want to harness their brains for the better and improve their relationships with themselves. Book a FREE consultation below if you would benefit from coaching on your work-life.

ARE YOU CONSIDERING HIRING A CAREER COACH? Finding a coach can be daunting, especially if you haven't experienced coaching before or don't know what Career Coaches do or what to expect. ' SO WHAT IS CAREER COACHING? When I speak to potential clients in their initial consultation, often people don't know what coaching really is, but their friend, family member, or partner has heard about it and thought it would be good for them at this point in their careers or lives. Also, the International Coach Federation (the professional body I am accredited by) often writes blogs about how our future clients may not have heard of coaching as a profession or have no real idea what coaches do, so I thought I would try to demystify this today... ... and then I thought—I often find it really hard to put into words why coaching is so amazing. When I am being coached, it's like an internal journey. You put yourself in someone else's soft and capable hands, and at the end of it, you are changed in some way (and often not in the way you were expecting). Coaching is holistic, client-focused, and goal-oriented and requires a commitment to looking at yourself without a filter and connecting more with your true self. As coaches, we try to say very little as our full presence and deep listening create the shift in clients - we listen with our whole bodies, intuition, and all our senses. We look for congruence, authentic behaviour, and actions, and we raise what's not being said; it's detective work, in a way. WHAT IS THE PRIMARY ETHOS OF CAREER COACHING? Career Coach Nat Harrison in her element Pure empathy and 100% no judgment I create a safe space where I accept (and love) my clients for who they are fully and, in turn, help them accept and love themselves more fully. It 's not about living your best life but about living a life that is right for you and at your pace, building on your strengths and reaching your potential in whichever ways you choose. My job is a privilege People share their deepest desires and fears with me and tell me things they may not even share with their partners or best friends. I am there to say, "You deserve balance.... a lifestyle that makes you happy... career or business success... to not live in fear that you are not worthy or capable". It is hard work (for both parties), but on the other hand, it is a life that is more aligned with who you really are and the confidence that you are on the path you are meant to tread. LET'S TALK If you have any more questions about coaching I have a FAQs page on my site or drop me a message via my contact form . ABOUT CAREER COACH NAT HARRISON OF AYAMA COACHING Career Coach Nat Harrison of Ayama Coaching Hi, I am Nat. I help people become more fulfilled and happy in their working lives by aligning their career or business with their skills, values, and interests and helping them overcome their barriers to making the change they desire. I am also a trained ADHD coach. I work with neurodivergent people who want to harness their brains for the better and improve their relationships with themselves. Book a FREE consultation below if you would benefit from some coaching on your work life. SET YOURSELF UP FOR A SUCCESSFUL DAY BY BECOMING AWARE OF YOUR THOUGHTS, FEELINGS AND DAILY GOALS EACH MORNING!

Burnout can creep up on us! It’s easy to fall into the trap of putting ourselves last after EVERYONE and EVERYTHING else , especially if we are a parent or carer for elderly relatives and working full time. We are more likely to experience burnout at different times in our lives and at different times of the year . The period after the Summer, with the long stretch of no bank holidays up to Christmas, can be a prime time. The days are getting shorter and colder, and we can easily fall into unhelpful ways of working, like not going home on time. Nat looking very burnt out after a hellish project. Trust me, I’ve been there . There was a time when I was working myself into the ground - staying in the office until 10 pm many nights, trying to navigate limited resources and non-moveable deadlines, thinking if I worked harder, we would get the project over the line and, of course, I did all of this with a smile – see picture for said smile. It was 2010, I worked in banking, and I was also training to run the London marathon at the time (which I think contributed as I was both mentally and physically exhausted). I was really stressed about a looming deadline on a project that wasn't going well. I was working 60 hours a week, and I was struggling to sleep . My body went into shutdown, and my colleagues told me I was starting to repeat myself and didn't seem to be able to make simple decisions (yes, it was like starting Menopause at 34!). I was really worried about myself, had no resilience to illness and felt dreadful a lot of the time. By this time, I was a few years into my coaching journey and was able to see this as an opportunity to make a career change . I decided that I had to start putting myself first and take some time off and I felt I had no other choice than to resign from my job. I just couldn't imagine explaining to my family that I had been signed off work with stress (a hardworking belief system in the culture of my family was probably a big contributor to be honest). Thankfully I did leave in a measured fashion and worked a 3 month notice period, hiring and training my replacement so I left on good terms. I took 6 months off to fully recover before eventually launching my coaching business. Initially, it was a very difficult few months and something I do not wish upon anyone. I was very agitated and couldn't relax. I felt I had to keep doing or going places, or the world might stop spinning , but gradually, with lots of R&R and looking after myself, my health (and memory) returned, and I was able to enjoy some relaxed time travelling in India to re-evaluate what was important to me and what balance looked like before I returned back to London to start my business. THESE ARE JUST SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS OF BURNOUT I STARTED TO SHOW EARLY ON: Tiredness Increased anxiety levels Low mood Loss of motivation - feel apathetic and cynical Feeling powerless, that I just couldn't fix the problem - there is no more money, resources, room for scope change Then, as the burnout progressed, I experienced: Feeling unable to cope and no way out Feeling exhausted and sleeping too much or waking at 3 am on an adrenaline rush and not able to get enough sleep Short-term memory loss and scarily repeatedly having conversations I had had before! Problems with concentration, focus and decision-making I would highly recommend you avoid burnout at all costs - I believe a chink of my armour has been removed, and I will be forever more vulnerable as a result. Early intervention is so important, and here are some tips you can use at work to avoid falling into the trap and to help you to start putting yourself first. 1. First, start by understanding your motivations Are you overworking to meet unrealistic deadlines or saying yes to everything to get that next promotion, falling into the trap of pleasing everyone else? What impact is this having on your health, your enjoyment of work and your productivity? How do you want to feel at work and in yourself, and is there anything you can do to manage your workload better? 2. Take advantage of delegation where you can If something can be done by someone else with a lighter workload, then don’t be afraid to hand it over so you can focus on more important deadlines and tasks that need you. You don’t have to do everything and delegation is an important part of managing your team so you don’t become overwhelmed. 3. Create boundaries and practice saying NO kindly If your schedule is getting full and you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, don't be afraid to say NO to extra tasks and unrealistic deadlines that get in the way of your personal time and home life. One of the leading causes of burnout is working through lunch and staying late to get things done with tips on the scale of work-life balance. Saying NO to something often means saying YES to yourself. 4. Work healthy hours We are not designed to work around the clock. It’s ok to do some overtime here and there but if this is a common theme and you are doing extra hours every single day, and unable to switch off and taking work home with you, you will quickly start to see the signs of burnout. Try to stick to your scheduled hours and practice being honest about your workload and what you can done in one day, so you can really switch off, when not working. 5. And finally, don’t work into the night I have seen so many people do this, I have also done this myself. Maybe you’re close to a deadline, panicked and decided to work through the night to get the work done, sacrificing sleep for my job. No deadline is worth the damage staying up all night and then continuing to work through the day will do to both your body and mind. Remember, your health is the most important thing, and burnout can have detrimental effects that can take months to recover from and impact your workplace resilience. Also remember you are a role model for junior members of staff and also your (future) children. Recovered from burn out. Nat looking fresh faced in 2014 If you would like some more tips on burnout avoidance, then just head to my Instagram where I have even more content. If these habits are something you struggle with and you can feel the onset of burnout or you’re worried you’re heading that way, then let’s work through it together and break the cycle - > book your free consultation with me here . Remember, you are important and your health is a priority. ABOUT CAREER COACH NAT HARRISON OF AYAMA COACHING Career Coach Nat Harrison of Ayama Coaching Hi, I am Nat. I help people become more fulfilled and happy in their working lives by aligning their careers or businesses with their skills, values, and interests and helping them overcome barriers to making the desired change. I am also a trained ADHD coach. I work with neurodivergent people who want to harness their brains for the better and improve their relationships with themselves. Book a FREE consultation below if you would benefit from some coaching on your work life.

As a career coach, I work with clients who feel stuck and unhappy in their current jobs or who are facing the challenges of identifying and transitioning into a new career. There are many practical and tangible actions on the client's part, and my job is to hold the space for them and allow them to dream and consider all possible options whilst keeping fear at bay. LET'S TALK ABOUT HOW I DO THAT USING EXPLORATION, SELF-REFLECTION & ACTION I start by reflecting on a client's interests and skills . I have a set of pre-coaching exercises to help with this, and some clients opt to take a fun personality or strengths tests to get greater insight. Next, we dive into researching different career options that align with their interests and skills . We use job descriptions, salary info, and required qualifications and intuition to help them narrow down their options. I am there to handhold and support my client through what is often a scary and hard process. If we are talking about a career change, then researching and using your network are crucial steps. I recommend reaching out to people from all the different fields you are interested in, preferably within your network or through friends of friends, and asking them a set of questions to gain diverse insights. IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT A CAREER CHANGE, HERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK: Begin by asking them about their typical day at work - what activities do they do? Where do they work and who with? How busy are they? What are their clients like? Then, inquire about the pros and cons of their job . Maybe ask for three of each. Ask them what they miss if they've transitioned from a corporate career or a different vocation. Find out about their experience during the transition process. What would they do differently if they had to do it again? Did they have support from a mentor or career coach or any other useful form, including financial support? How did they find it? WHAT ELSE COULD YOU CONSIDER: You will also want to explore salary expectations or understand how different careers and jobs align with your salary expectations. Collecting information from various sources will give you diverse insights and guide you in making an informed decision about your next career move. The sooner you reach out and start building your network of contacts in your new field or sector, the more it will pay off in your next career life. CONCLUSION: The more informed you are about the career and the more you can see yourself doing it, the more likely you will be to demonstrate an authentic passion for it, which makes hiring managers more inclined to take a risk on you. Life is about constant change, so wherever you are on your change journey, I wish you a smooth and easy ride. If you're thinking about changing your job or are already beginning the process and would like some extra support , then book a free consultation with me here to see how I can help you along the way. ABOUT CAREER COACH NAT HARRISON OF AYAMA COACHING Career Coach Nat Harrison of Ayama Coaching Hi, I am Nat. I help people become more fulfilled and happy in their working lives by aligning their careers or businesses with their skills, values, and interests and helping them overcome barriers to making the desired change. I am also a trained ADHD coach. I work with neurodivergent people who want to harness their brains for the better and improve their relationships with themselves. Book a FREE consultation below if you would benefit from some coaching on your work life.

HOW DO WE OVERCOME PROCRASTINATION AND GAIN BACK CONTROL OF OUR TIME? This problem seems to have plagued many of my clients since the lockdowns began, and I am no stranger to it myself (although this is a lifelong issue). You see, I am chronically optimistic, which causes me to : 👉 Write too long and unrealistic to-do lists 👉 Underestimate how long it takes me to do tasks 👉 Leave large tasks until later in the day, thinking I will be able to fit everything in 👉 Believe I can do just one more thing, which means I am forever rushing. Sadly for me, time waits for no woman! I have collected real-life scenarios of how procrastination presents itself in our lives based on my own and my client's experiences and tips that might help to overcome it . HERE ARE 6 REASONS WHY I PROCRASTINATE AND SOME GREAT TIPS TO HELP YOU OVERCOME YOUR PROCRASTINATION: 1. Not knowing where to start or taking on overwhelming tasks Your calendar is your best friend It can be very difficult to get motivated about harder and bigger tasks, and we often set these sorts of tasks aside for another time. This is a sign that the task needs to be broken down into smaller, more manageable chunks and scheduled over a period of time rather than facing into the abyss of the unknown. It's just as important to give yourself some time to think and understand what research or activities you might need to do to get started. With dopamine-rich content all around us, we put off deep thoughts more and more these days. Write down the dependencies and tasks to understand what’s involved. And here’s the piece-de-resistance… Allocate time to each of these mini-tasks and SCHEDULE THEM IN YOUR CALENDAR , then breathe and COMMIT to doing as your calendar dictates! 2. Your energy levels aren’t in tune with the task you are doing Anchoring to a place is a great way to focus I find it very difficult to sit down and focus for an hour or two and do some training / research / writing if I have just finished a energetic coaching session. A great way to get in the zone for deeper focused work is to have an anchored place for certain states/energy/tasks and only sit in this place when doing this specific type of task. I am very lucky to have a lovely armchair in my office at the side of my desk, which I keep for tasks such as reading books, taking part in online coach training, and thinking. I may churn out work at my desk but my armchair is where the work goes on that makes ALL the difference to my business success. Whenever I sit in the chair, I automatically become calmer and more focused. Why not find a place in your home (or workspace) to anchor a state of focus and productivity and give it a go... 3. Leaving larger tasks until the end of the day or not starting them at all First thing in the morning, ticking off small tasks on your to-do list as quickly as possible can make you feel busy and that you are getting a lot done. It's also a quick way to get a dopamine boost in the reward-centre of your brain and feel like you are nailing it! But this is generally not the best way to start your working day and in reality, this is just procrastinating on larger projects and assignments. If this sounds like you, a process you may be interested in is called “Eat Your Frog”, where you commit to starting that larger task first thing in the morning and doing it for 10/15/20 minutes increments (gradually increasing) whilst you build up your tolerance to starting larger tasks earlier in the day. This is taken from the Book "Eat That Frog" by @thebriantracy if this sounds like something you really need help with. Annoying tomato-shaped cooking timer 4. Losing focus and Getting Distracted If all else fails, Pomodoro will not . Grab your annoying cooking timer from the kitchen (red tomato one optional, I have a white egg-shaped one). Then decide what your max attention span is when it comes to concentrating on work, then give yourself a downtime reward for 10-15 mins. From my experience, I would say most people drop off a cliff in between 75-90 minutes. Now, plan your work in sprints of your attention span throughout the day and practise using the technique for a couple of weeks. Tweak as you need to... 5. Not Taking Advantage of Your Existing Daily Habits Did you know that you can use connected behaviours to your advantage and it’s a way of overcoming procrastination, particularly around not doing exercise or self-care activities? It's called Habit Stacking , which means connecting something you want to do with something you habitually do. Identify a current habit you already do each day and then stack your new behaviour on top.⁠ For example, after I pour my cup of coffee each morning, I meditate for one minute. The reason habit stacking works so well is that your current habits are already subconsciously patterned in your brain. Once you have mastered this basic structure, you can begin to create larger stacks by chaining small habits together, allowing you to take advantage of the natural momentum that comes from one behaviour leading into the next.⁠ Top tip: I am currently using an app called Fabulous ( @thefabstory ) to help me structure my morning /bedtime routines and stack lots of actions together.⁠ 6. Having a Huge Overwhelming List of Different Tasks Making coffee is productive right? One of the best tips I have, which I took from some time-management gurus is to have 3 To-Do lists.⁠ Never-ending humongous list where you write everything so you can overcome your fear of forgetting something. Your daily to-do list (which should be achievable, by the way!)⁠ A monthly to-do list of 7 OR LESS bigger things/projects so you can actually, gain traction and achieve things. I have to admit that I have a lot of resistance to no. 3 “ What! I HAVE TO LIMIT myself to just seven things a month?” “But what about all the other stuff I need to get done?”⁠“I will NEVER be able to choose what goes on the list of 5-7 things for the month.” But since I started doing the training, this idea has stayed with me...⁠ It is genius! It makes you prioritise, it means you are more focused, and it means you will benefit from the motivation gained from actually completing something! Fixing your reasons for procrastination may well seem a little overwhelming too, so why not break them down into realistic change? Why not make a list of all the reasons you procrastinate, prioritise them in order of impact on your time, and then work through them? Make one change a month and practise every working day and within 6 months you could be a master of your own time (and destiny)!! Good luck and let me know how you get on. ABOUT CAREER COACH NAT HARRISON OF AYAMA COACHING Career Coach Nat Harrison of Ayama Coaching Hi, I am Nat. I help people become more fulfilled and happy in their working lives by aligning their career or business with their skills, values, and interests and helping them overcome their barriers to making the change they desire. I am also a trained ADHD coach. I work with neurodivergent people who want to harness their brains for the better and improve their relationships with themselves.   Book a FREE consultation below if you would benefit from some coaching on your work life. SET YOURSELF UP FOR A SUCCESSFUL DAY BY BECOMING AWARE OF YOUR THOUGHTS, FEELINGS AND DAILY GOALS EACH MORNING!

Ever been in a meeting where you find it hard to focus because that little voice inside your head is telling you all your self doubts and insecurities ?...Yes? - please don't feel you are alone, most of us have been there, especially if we are ambitious and eager to climb the career ladder. We put so much pressure on ourselves when Imposter Syndrome kicks in That voice, referred to as 'your inner chimp ' by Professor Steve Peters in the book "The Chimp Paradox," can be particularly challenging for individuals struggling with imposter syndrome. While imposter syndrome affects people at various career stages, it's worth noting it can be particularly bad after promotions, and especially as you get more senior - I have very senior coaching clients of mine still suffering. It’s like we are given a new title, and suddenly we have to live up to something, and there is new PRESSURE to be someone different from who we are, and overnight! In this blog post, I delve deeper into the concept of 'taming your chimp', explore what imposter syndrome is, and discuss effective strategies to overcome it . UNDERSTANDING IMPOSTER SYNDROME Imposter syndrome is that nagging feeling of not being good enough despite evidence of your competence and achievements . It's like a sneaky imposter sitting on your shoulder trying to convince you that you're a fraud . You're not alone in this experience; imposter syndrome can affect anyone, regardless of their job title or experience. The first step to overcoming it is to recognise its tricks and become more aware of the impact it can have on your self-confidence. THE CHIMP PARADOX: QUIETING THE INNER CRITIC Professor Steve Peters explains that the inner chimp represents our emotional and impulsive side, often responsible for self-sabotaging thoughts . Taming the chimp involves gaining control over these negative thought patterns. While the concept of the inner chimp may be especially relevant for senior clients, it applies to anyone experiencing imposter syndrome. By learning to manage and quiet the inner critic, you can growth confidence and focus on your strengths and capabilities - WHAT YOU CAN DO! STEPS TO OVERCOME IMPOSTER SYNDROME 1. Embrace Self-Reflection: I encourage you to recognise your accomplishments and acknowledge your skills. By documenting achievements and positive feedback from colleagues, you can build a repository of evidence that counteracts self-doubt and have that conversation with yourself to bring about balanced thinking. 2. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: To adopt a growth mindset, involves seeing challenges as opportunities for growth and embracing the concept of continuous learning. This mindset allows for a shift - there is no pass or fall, no making the grad or not.. by accepting your are on a learning path, as Carol Dweck, who coined the term " Growth Mindset " says "YOU ARE JUST NOT THERE YET!!!". Adopting this mindset allows you to approach new tasks with confidence and resilience. 3. Challenge Negative Thinking: Challenging your self-defeating or self-deprecating thoughts by first listening to them, writing them down and then questioning their validity is the first step to overcoming imposter syndrome. Replacing negative thoughts with more balanced and reframed ones will help you negotiate with your inner voice and see yourself in a more realistic way. By reinforcing balanced thinking with positive affirmations, you will start to feel, think and act differently and build your self-assurance. 4. Seek Support: It's tough to self reflect alone - seek support from trusted friends, mentors, therapists, peers, or coaches. Engaging with a supportive network can provide guidance, offer different perspectives, and remind you that you are not alone in your experience. 3 PRACTICAL TIPS FOR SOUNDING OUT YOUR CHIMP—These have been tried and tested not only by me but also by my clients. ‌1. Practice 4-7-8 breathing before meetings / presentation / interviews or when you are anxious - this will calm your nervous system and allow your chimp to remain still or even go back to sleep. 2. If your chimp chimes in with an unhelpful thought, try to distract yourself by counting objects around you - e.g. all the chairs in the room or wedding rings or pens... counting helps to bring your back into the present moment and back into the room. 3. Keep reminding the chimp.- THIS MEETING IS NOT ABOUT YOU! You are only there for a business objective - focus on the topic of the meeting and not who is in the meeting ... this can alleviate the need to speak just because you need to say something (anything!) or try to impress someone like your bosses boss. CONCLUSION Recognising Imposter Syndrome is the first step to overcoming it. Imposter syndrome can affect individuals across various professional levels. Understanding the concept of "taming your chimp" and recognising the presence of imposter syndrome are crucial steps toward overcoming it . By embracing detailed self-reflection, listening to what the chimp has to say, cultivating a growth mindset, challenging negative thoughts, and seeking support, you can reclaim your confidence and thrive in your personal and professional lives. Remember, overcoming imposter syndrome is an ongoing journey , but with determination and the right strategies, it is possible to quieten the inner chimp and achieve your true potential. NO LONGER WANT YOUR LACK OF CONFIDENCE TO HOLD YOU BACK? I know imposter syndrome inside out - I come from a working-class family and was brought up as a single parent on a council estate. The odds were probably against me obtaining a master's degree in Nuclear Physics and becoming a Vice President at The City of London Bank, but I have never let where I come from or my lack of self-belief hold me back. I know how crippling self-doubt and feeling like an imposter can be, and I have had to overcome my old beliefs and replace them with new ones. Helping my clients have fulfilled careers or successful businesses, and improving their self-worth and confidence is where my true purpose lies. If you are struggling with any of these issues, why not take the first step now and reach out => book a complimentary consultation with me . I ca n identify how I can assist you in moving towards a calmer, more confident and ultimately more fulfilling work life. ABOUT CAREER COACH NAT HARRISON OF AYAMA COACHING Career Coach Nat Harrison of Ayama Coaching Hi, I am Nat. I help people become more fulfilled and happy in their working lives by aligning their career or business with their skills, values, and interests and helping them overcome their barriers to making the change they desire. I am also a trained ADHD coach. I work with neurodivergent people who want to harness their brains for the better and improve their relationships with themselves.   Book a FREE consultation below if you would benefit from some coaching on your work life.