Written by Safiya Abidali, Neuroscientist and Professional Coach Safiya Abidali is a neuroscientist and professional coach specialising in behaviour change, resilience, and emotional regulation. She takes neuroscience research to develop practical tools for sustainable habits and mental wellbeing. You can do everything according to the books when it comes to habits. Set reminders. Track progress. Stay disciplined. And yet, often the behavior doesn’t stick. When that happens, many people assume the problem is a lack of motivation or consistency. However, neuroscience suggests that something else may be at play. The issue is often not a lack of effort but rather an approach that needs improvement. Understanding the difference between habits and rituals can change how we think about behavior change, especially in a world shaped by stress, unpredictability, and cognitive overload. What is a habit? A habit is an automatic behavior triggered by a cue and reinforced through repetition. In the brain, habits rely on efficiency-based circuits that enable actions to be performed with minimal conscious effort once they are established. This automation is useful. It conserves mental energy and frees up attention for other tasks. Many daily behaviors rely on this system to function smoothly. However, habits depend heavily on stability. They assume consistent routines, predictable cues, and manageable stress levels. When those conditions change, habits are often the first thing to break. What is a ritual? A ritual is an intentional action shaped by meaning rather than repetition alone. It engages attention, emotion, and purpose. Rituals are not about efficiency. They are about signaling importance. A ritual marks a transition and reinforces identity. It does not need to be performed perfectly to be effective. Where habits prioritize automation, rituals prioritize connection. Why habits can break When stress increases, the brain shifts its priorities. Attention narrows, emotional regulation becomes harder, and cognitive flexibility decreases. In these conditions, behaviors that rely on automation become more fragile. This is why habits often fall apart during illness, emotional strain, or major life changes. When a habit breaks, people tend to interpret this as failure, which adds shame and further activates threat responses. The cycle becomes self-reinforcing. The habit fails not because of a lack of discipline but because the nervous system is under pressure. The distinction Habits depend on repetition over time. Rituals depend on emotional significance. Actions that carry meaning are more likely to be prioritized by the brain, even under stress. Rituals create predictability, reduce uncertainty, and can lower physiological arousal. They offer stability rather than demand performance. This difference explains why rituals often endure through difficult periods while habits quietly disappear. Key differences explained Habits are designed to run automatically in the background, requiring as little attention as possible. Rituals, by contrast, invite presence, rather than operate on autopilot. Habits depend on consistency and repetition. When that consistency breaks, they often collapse. Rituals are more forgiving. They allow you to return without guilt, even after disruption. Habits tend to be outcome-focused. They are measured by results or metrics. Rituals prioritize the experience itself, valuing how something feels rather than what it produces. Under stress, habits are fragile. As cognitive load increases, automated behaviors are often the first to disappear. Rituals tend to stabilize the nervous system, making them especially valuable during periods of stress. Habits primarily shape behavior. Rituals engage emotion. It’s not just what you do, but how you feel while doing it. These differences matter because behavior change is never purely behavioral. It is emotional and physiological, shaped by how safe, supported, and regulated the nervous system feels. Do rituals replace habits? Rituals do not replace habits. They often come first. Rituals create the conditions that allow habits to form naturally. When the nervous system feels safe and supported, repetition becomes easier and less effortful. Over time, a ritual may evolve into a habit, but it begins with meaning, not pressure. Rituals are not a shortcut. They are a foundation. Turning habits into rituals When a habit fails to stick, the issue is often not inconsistency but a lack of meaning. To shift a habit into a ritual: Clarify why the action matters. Anchor it to a value, not a target. Create a gentle beginning and ending. Remove performance metrics. Allow variation rather than rules. Why rituals matter now Modern life places constant demands on attention, productivity, and emotional regulation. Many people attempt change while already operating in a state of nervous system fatigue. Rituals offer a different approach. They are not productivity tools or self-improvement tactics. They are stabilizing anchors in an overstimulated environment. When change is approached relationally rather than mechanically, it becomes more sustainable. What next? Lasting change comes not from rigid consistency but from choosing practices that support both your brain and nervous system, even when life feels unpredictable. If habits alone aren't working, focus on meaningful systems that adapt, support your values, and steady your nervous system through change. At Neuropath Coaching, I support individuals in designing neuroscience-informed systems that foster behavior change, emotional regulation, and resilience without burnout. If this perspective resonates, you are invited to explore a more compassionate way of working with your brain. Follow me on  Instagram ,  LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Safiya Abidali Safiya Abidali, Neuroscientist and Professional Coach Safiya Abidali is a neuroscientist and professional coach specialising in behaviour change, resilience, and emotional regulation. With a background in social anthropology and applied neuroscience, she bridges brain science and behaviour with lived experience. Safiya writes about motivation, uncertainty, habit formation, and mental resilience. She is the founder of Neuropath Coaching, a neuroscience-informed coaching practice.

Written by Jenny Hersey, Life Coach and Counsellor Jenny Hersey is a counsellor, life coach, supervisor, and critical incident debriefer. She has spent two decades in this field and works with individuals, groups, and businesses. Of all the emotions we experience as humans, I feel that shame can be the most destructive. When I think about my own experience with shame, it was an emotion that crippled me for over 20 years of my life. Shame had become a core belief that I held about myself. I was bad. I was a bad person. The effect it had on my life was huge. I was a people-pleaser, I shied away from relationships, I gave too much to people who never gave back, and I kept myself small. I turned down invitations for social events, refused to apply for promotions at work, and avoided anything that took me outside of my comfort zone. I had chronic depression and turned to drugs and alcohol to numb the pain and give me confidence. And I was confident when I was high. I was loud, funny, and the one who would do things that others would not. Everyone wanted to be around me, and I would often hear, “You are so funny and mad!” This gave me a sense of self-worth in that moment, and it became addictive. People thought I was happy. They never guessed how I really felt, and now, years later, people who were around me at that time say, “I cannot believe that you felt that way. You hid it so well.” What was actually happening was that shame had locked me into a cage. On the weekends, I would be a happy-go-lucky girl who was abusing drugs and alcohol, and then, when Monday came, I would be so ashamed of what I had done over the weekend that my depression would cripple me. I would get up, go to work, then come home, get into bed, and hide away until the next day, when I had to face the world again. This was a pattern I had for many years, and I didn’t know how to get out of it. I hated the version of me that took drugs because that was not who I truly was, and it brought me so much shame. It added to the narrative I believed about myself, that I was a bad person. I wanted to end my life so many times during those painful years because I thought there was no way out. I just could not see how things could get better for me. So where did this narrative come from? I look at a person’s early years as training. I know that life is a series of events that we learn from, but the training we receive from birth plays a huge part in who we become. We learn to walk, to talk, to eat, to use a knife and fork. Later, we learn to read and write, to socialize with others, to drive a car, or to learn a new skill. We also learn who we are as people and start to build core beliefs. This is all taught by our caregivers and the environment around us. If we are in a secure environment and have safe caregivers who nurture and praise us, we develop a “good” sense of self. We learn that people love us, that the world is safe, and that we are good people who can achieve what we want. If we are in an environment where we are shouted at, told that we are bad, and that we are an inconvenience, we learn that the world is not safe and that we are bad. Because that is what we are trained to believe.  My childhood was not safe. I was bullied by family members and made to believe that this was happening to me because I deserved it. I did not have a safe person because when I asked for help, I did not get it. I was told that things were not that bad and I was making it up. I have a vivid memory from my sixth birthday. I was on the bus with my dad, and he turned to me, pointed at me, and said, “You aren’t getting any presents because no one likes you.” Situations like this caused me to internalise everything that was happening as a “me” problem. If I was not a bad person, then this would not be happening to me. My six-year-old self did not understand that what was happening was abusive and cruel. Any kind of abuse can cause shame. Because of the safety I was not getting at home, I went out into the community to try and find it. I was so lost and did not feel that I belonged anywhere. This vulnerability led me into the hands of predators. I was sexually abused from the age of twelve. The men that did this to me made me believe that I wanted it to happen. That I had caused them to do what they did to me. And I believed that for many years. The 12-year-old me did not have the experience or emotional intelligence to realise that this was not my fault. Remember our training. What was I trained to believe in this situation? I am bad. But I was not at all. I was a child that had been let down by every adult in my life. People that should have known better.  When I started my healing journey, shame was the biggest hurdle I had to get over. There was a huge part of me that I had locked away. Carl Jung calls this our “shadow self.” Although I was not abusing drugs and alcohol anymore, I was still deeply ashamed of that version of me. I hated her. I had pushed her into the shadows because I thought she belonged there. I did not want anyone to see her. The “shadow self” is the parts of us that we think society will not like. We become a version of ourselves that needs to “fit in.” The person I thought society wanted was the one who gives, the one that must be of some use even if that meant abandoning myself. So how did I get over that hurdle? I went inwards and walked into my shadow. I looked at my training and started to see that I was fed a false narrative. I learned that the shame I had was never mine to carry. It was all the people that had failed me and abused me.  This was the hardest thing I had ever done, but also the most healing and freeing. A wise person once said to me, “If you could line up all the past versions of you, you should thank them for not giving up,” And I do. I thank the me that did not take her own life, I thank the version of me that was brave enough to walk in the darkness, and I thank the version of me that still was able to have compassion and empathy for others even though life had been so hard for me. I do not have any shame anymore. I also do not have a shadow self either. There is no part of me that belongs there. I am loud and proud of who I am and what I have overcome. I have alchemised my pain into power, and apart from the birth of my son, it is my biggest achievement so far.  So, for the person that is reading this, I want you to think about your own training. What was your childhood like? Were you cared for and nurtured? Did you have a safe person? Have you experienced any trauma? Do you live with shame? Is that shame stopping you from living your life? And the most important question. Is it yours to carry? The last thing that I want to say is your shadow self is not out to get you. It wants your love and compassion. If you have the courage to walk in the shadows, you may find the answers that you seek. Let the light in. Visit my website for more info! Read more from Jenny Hersey Jenny Hersey, Life Coach and Counsellor Jenny Hersey runs her own business, working with people to create a life that brings them purpose and joy. A victim of childhood abuse, she has since dedicated her life to helping others. She works internationally and has clients in different parts of the world as well as in the UK, where she is based. Jenny's mission is to educate people about the ability to heal themselves. She believes that everybody should have access to counselling and life coaching, no matter what their circumstances are.

Written by Viviana Castaneda, Digital Mompreneur Viviana Castaneda, a mom of two and entrepreneur since 2017, is the founder of Digital Mompreneurs, an empowering brand helping moms bring their digital business ideas to life. With a focus on confidence, time management, and content consistency, Viviana is dedicated to empowering fellow moms in the digital world. You know that sinking feeling when you’ve poured your heart into a post, and it lands flat? Crickets. Maybe a like from your mum, your biz bestie, and that one loyal client. That’s it. Meanwhile, someone else posts a Reel talking about the same topic, and boom, it blows up. You think, “What did I miss?” Let me tell you something that might surprise you. It’s not that your content wasn’t good, it’s that it was mistimed. Let’s talk about why that happens and how AI can help you stop guessing and start knowing what to post and when, not just to show up, but to stand out and build your authority in your space. 1. The big shift: From reactive to predictive content Most service-based entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, and creatives are stuck in content chaos. You sit down, maybe with your third coffee, scroll for inspiration, look at that blank Canva screen... and hope for a miracle. But here’s the truth, your audience isn’t just looking for value. They’re subconsciously asking, “Is this speaking to what I’m feeling today?” And even more, they’re scanning for leaders they can trust to name what they can’t yet articulate. If you’re posting based on what you think your people needed last week or what someone else is doing, you’re already behind. The people who are positioning themselves as authorities right now aren’t winging it. They’re using AI not just to write content, but to predict what their people will care about next, and to position themselves as the go-to voice in their niche. 2. What predictive content actually means Let’s demystify this. Predictive content means using tools (yes, some free and simple ones!) to catch the emotional undercurrent before it becomes the next big wave. It’s not about jumping on the trend train. It’s about anticipating what your ideal client is Googling at 11 p.m., or what problem they’re about to run into in their business or life, before they even fully realize it. Tools like: Google Trends: (What are people searching for more right now?) AnswerThePublic: (What questions are bubbling up?) Instagram’s suggested Reels: (What type of energy is trending?) ChatGPT: (Ask it to simulate your ideal client and see what questions come up) You’re not just trying to be visible. You’re aiming to be resonant. And that’s what positions you as someone worth listening to. 3. Finding the touchpoint before it’s obvious This is where the magic happens. Most people speak to the problem after it’s fully bloomed. But the most powerful content? It speaks to the moment right before the breakdown. Your job isn’t just to talk about burnout, it’s to speak to that quiet moment when she’s staring at her phone, knowing she hasn’t posted in three weeks, and feeling like maybe she’s just not cut out for this. And if you're a coach or service provider, this isn't just about engagement. This is how you make the shift from being seen as another voice online to being seen as the one who gets it. How do you find those pre-breakdown moments? Listen to how your ideal client vents in DMs or voice notes. Look at what content your audience saves (not just likes). Use AI to map out their emotional journey (e.g., "What happens before someone feels overwhelmed by content?") When you find these touchpoints, you’re no longer trying to “sell” your offer. You’re already inside the conversation they’re having with themselves. That’s where authority is built. 4. Your forecast-first content system (framework) Here’s a simple 3-part system to start creating from a place of aligned prediction, just to get likes, but to build momentum and visibility that actually supports your business growth: Input signals: Check in weekly with 2-3 tools (Google Trends, Reels feed, client convos). Gather emotional themes and common questions. Think, "What’s shifting in their world?" Emotional translation: Use AI (or journaling!) to turn those themes into prompts like, “What’s the internal monologue she’s having right now?” or “What’s the moment of hesitation she’s about to face?” Strategic distribution: Don’t just post and run. Plan where each idea fits. Reels to stop the scroll, Stories to deepen the convo, Email to expand the teaching, and Lives to position your expertise. This isn’t about being everywhere, it’s about being intentional and showing up like the leader your people are quietly looking for. 5. Why this isn’t just AI, it’s energetic alignment, too Here’s what I want you to know. This isn’t about becoming a robot, gaming algorithms, or being “on” all the time. It’s about creating content that meets your people where they are, and doing it in a way that feels light, intuitive, and smart. AI is your assistant. Your insight is the soul. When you put those together, your content becomes magnetic and manageable. And when your content is rooted in prediction, presence, and purpose, it doesn’t just build awareness, it builds authority. You’re not just showing up. You’re showing the way. And that’s what makes people stop scrolling and start paying attention. Ready to go deeper? Come join my free community, "Content Her Flow Collective" If you're ready to stop creating content in isolation and start building real connections, visibility, and momentum, this is your space. Content Her Flow Collective is the go-to community for women entrepreneurs who want to: Build authentic connections with like-minded creatives Collaborate and network with other soul-led business owners Learn how to create content that actually reflects who you are Get support showing up consistently, without the burnout Be seen, celebrated, and supported in your unique flow Whether you're working from your kitchen table or planning your next launch, this is where visibility meets sisterhood and strategy. Join us on Skool and start growing your business with content that connects. Let’s rise together, without the hustle. Join here . Follow me on  Facebook , Instagram , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Viviana Castaneda Viviana Castaneda, Digital Mompreneur Viviana Castaneda has been making waves in the entrepreneurial world since 2017. With a bachelor's degree in marketing and a dedication to her role as a mother, she has seamlessly balanced her entrepreneurial journey with raising her children. As the founder of Digital Mompreneurs, she leverages her personal experiences to develop empowering tactics and strategies that assist fellow mompreneurs in regaining the confidence essential for success, delving deep into the understanding of the human brain, mind, and behavior.

Written by Dr. Alex Kokkonen, Peak Performance Mentor and Life & Leadership Coach Distinguished Technologist, model (100+ covers), athlete & fitness pro with a PhD, a DBA, three Master's & CIMA Fellow. 35 years of global leadership across over fifty countries. Passionate coach & mentor, inspiring others to achieve strength, resilience & their best self. As New Year’s resolutions lose their power, it’s time for a shift in mindset, New Year's realisations. In a world of constant change and unpredictability, resolutions based on short-term goals often fail. What’s needed now is a deeper understanding of who we are becoming and the patterns that shape our actions over time. New Year realisations focus on long-term growth, identity, and adaptability, offering a clear path for sustained transformation. Resolutions are dead, long live realisation The pace of change has broken the old contract behind New Year’s resolutions. Linear plans assume stable conditions, however, most people now live in volatility, disruption, and cognitive overload. As a result, annual resolutions fail because they overpromise short-term transformation and ignore long-term compounding. What’s needed are New Year realisations, clarity about identity, direction, constraints, and leverage points that play out over years, not months. The insight that we overestimate one year and underestimate ten is critical, habits, systems, and capabilities matter more than outcomes. New Year’s resolutions aren’t dead, but they must evolve, fewer goals, longer horizons, adaptive plans, and a focus on trajectory over targets. From promises to perspective New Year's resolutions focus on outcomes. What we want to achieve in the next twelve months. They are often reactive, idealised, and time-bound, assuming effort alone can force change. New Year realisations are different. They focus on understanding who we are becoming, what patterns shape our behaviour, what constraints we must work with, and what truly compounds over time. Realisations anchor action in identity, systems, and long-term direction rather than short-term targets. In an era of acceleration and uncertainty, realisations create adaptability. They guide better choices throughout the year, not just intentions made once and abandoned when conditions inevitably change. Related article: New Year’s resolutions fade. Developing habits creates real change – Forbes. Explains why most resolutions fail, citing data on low long-term follow-through, and emphasises the power of habits and behavioural tactics over rigid New Year pledges. Clarity that compounds Practical New Year realisations are driven by honest reflection, not optimism. They emerge from pattern recognition across time, what consistently works, what quietly drains energy, and where effort actually compounds. They are shaped by identity (“Who am I becoming?”), constraints (“What must be true?”), and leverage (“What small shifts create outsized impact?”). External change accelerates their importance, forcing realism about capacity, uncertainty, and trade-offs. Practical realisations integrate long-term intent with short-term adaptability, turning insight into guiding principles rather than rigid plans. When grounded in self-awareness, systems thinking, and temporal perspective, realisations become durable anchors, shaping decisions continuously rather than expiring by February. The quiet signals of real change Great New Year realisations don’t show up as dramatic declarations, they manifest as subtle but powerful shifts in how people think, decide, and act over time. First, they manifest as identity clarity. Instead of “What will I do this year?”, the question becomes “Who am I becoming?” Decisions start to align with a longer narrative of self, making consistency easier and self-betrayal less likely. Related article: The Human Advantage – Standing Out Through Authentic Identity Second, they appear as stronger boundaries. People become clearer about what they will no longer tolerate, overcommitment, misaligned work, energy drains. This subtraction often creates more progress than adding new goals. Third, they appear as system-building rather than goal-chasing. Habits, routines, and feedback loops replace one-off efforts. Progress continues even when motivation fluctuates. Fourth, they manifest as patience with trajectory. There is less anxiety about short-term results and more confidence in long-term direction. Setbacks are interpreted as data, not failure. Fifth, they express themselves through calmer decision-making under change. In volatile environments, realisations act as internal compass points, enabling faster, more grounded choices without constant reinvention. Over time, these quiet shifts compound into meaningful transformation. Momentum or meltdown? Great New Year resolutions feel grounded, specific, and humane. They align with existing values, respect capacity, and translate into small, repeatable actions. Their early signs include steady progress, reduced inner friction, and resilience when plans wobble. Motivation ebbs, but direction holds. Poor resolutions feel inflated and urgent. They rely on willpower, dramatic change, or comparison with others. Symptoms appear quickly, all-or-nothing thinking, guilt after minor lapses, constant renegotiation, and quiet avoidance. Great resolutions integrate with life, poor ones fight it. One builds momentum through consistency and learning, the other collapses under perfectionism, unrealistic timelines, and the belief that transformation must be fast to be real. Related article: How to Set Meaningful New Year’s Goals That Actually Stick (According to Psychology) Beyond resolutions: Turning awareness into action The start of a new year often brings reflection and the promise of change. Traditional New Year resolutions, however, frequently fail because they focus on arbitrary outcomes rather than more profound understanding and sustained growth. In contrast, New Year realisations are insights about oneself, one’s environment, and what truly matters, foundations for meaningful action. The following twelve steps provide a structured approach to creating and effectively implementing New Year realisations in a fast-paced, ever-changing world. 1. Reflect deeply on the past year Begin with honest self-reflection. Identify successes, failures, patterns, and behaviors that shaped the last year. Ask questions such as, “What worked well?” and “What limited my progress?” This reflection builds clarity and grounds new insights in reality rather than aspiration. 2. Distinguish between aspirations and realisations Recognize the difference between what you want to do (resolutions) and what you understand you need to acknowledge or change (realisations). Realisations focus on awareness, perspective shifts, and personal truths. They form the foundation for meaningful, achievable action. 3. Align with long-term vision Avoid the trap of short-term thinking. Consider what you want to achieve over five, ten, or twenty years. Frame realisations to support this trajectory rather than reacting to immediate trends or pressures. This helps prioritize enduring growth over fleeting objectives. 4. Identify key life domains Segment your focus into critical areas including health, relationships, career, personal development, finances, and wellbeing. Realisations across multiple domains ensure holistic improvement rather than fragmented or superficial change. Related article: Is Professional Identity Important? 5. Pinpoint core insights From reflection, extract three to five core insights, truths about your habits, priorities, or mindset. These are the realisations that, if acted upon, can create ripple effects across life domains. Examples include “I procrastinate on important projects” or “I undervalue personal rest and recovery.” 6. Connect realisations to actionable principles Translate each insight into a guiding principle or philosophy for action. For instance, “I need to prioritize quality over quantity in relationships” or “Incremental, consistent work outweighs sporadic effort.” These principles bridge awareness and tangible behavior. 7. Break insights into micro goals While realisations are broad, implementation requires specificity. Break each insight into micro goals, small, achievable steps that reinforce the broader understanding. For example, if the realisation is about health, a micro goal might be “Walk 15 minutes after lunch three times per week.” 8. Establish accountability systems Sustain change by creating accountability structures. Share your realisations with a trusted friend, mentor, or coach, or track them in journals and apps. Accountability reinforces commitment and creates external prompts to maintain focus amid distractions. 9. Monitor and measure progress Set measurable indicators to track the implementation of realisations. These need not be rigid metrics, qualitative markers such as “I feel more aligned with my priorities this month” are effective. Regular monitoring helps detect early deviations and adjust strategies proactively. 10. Embrace iteration and flexibility The world changes rapidly, and rigid adherence to a plan can be counterproductive. Treat realisations as living guides. Reassess and iterate quarterly or monthly. Adjust micro goals and strategies as circumstances evolve, ensuring relevance and practicality remain intact. 11. Reflect and celebrate small wins Acknowledge progress, however minor. Celebrating wins builds positive reinforcement and motivation. Reflection also provides insight into which strategies work best and which realisations are most impactful, deepening self-knowledge and enhancing future planning. 12. Integrate realisations into identity The ultimate success of New Year realisations lies in internalisation. Move beyond external actions to integrate insights into your identity, values, and mindset. When realisations become part of “who you are” rather than “what you do,” they create sustainable transformation. Conclusion New Year realisations are not about fleeting motivation but about self-awareness, alignment, and long-term growth. By reflecting on the past, distinguishing insight from aspiration, connecting realisations to actionable principles, and implementing them with flexibility and accountability, individuals can cultivate meaningful change even amid uncertainty. Unlike traditional resolutions, realisations foster clarity, purpose, and resilience, enabling progress not just in one year but across a decade or more. In a world of accelerating change, these steps ensure that personal development remains grounded, strategic, and sustainable, transforming fleeting intentions into lasting impact. Related article: New Year’s Resolutions: A Psychological Perspective on Setting and Achieving Goals - Tay Psychology Turn realisations into results Start your year with awareness, not just ambition. Take time to reflect on your past, identify core insights, and turn them into actionable realisations that align with your long-term vision. Break these into manageable steps, track progress, and remain flexible as circumstances evolve. Share your journey with accountability partners and celebrate incremental wins. Commit to integrating these insights into your identity so change is sustainable, meaningful, and resilient, creating a foundation for growth that extends far beyond a single year. Ready to move from inaction to impact? Book a coaching session today and start transforming distraction and overwhelm into focused, value-adding action. Let’s unlock your potential and turn clarity into measurable results. Follow me on Instagram, and visit my LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Dr. Alex Kokkonen Dr. Alex Kokkonen, Peak Performance Mentor and Life & Leadership Coach At 55, Alex is a rare blend of technologist, athlete, and global leader. A Distinguished Technologist with a PhD in IT, a DBA in Business, and a Fellow of CIMA, she also holds three master’s degrees. Her 35-year career spans leadership and consulting roles across four continents and over fifty countries. Beyond her corporate life, she is a published model with over 100 magazine covers, an award-winning fitness professional, and a competitive bodybuilder. Today, she channels her unique mix of intellect, resilience, and discipline into coaching and mentoring, helping others achieve their best in life, career, and wellbeing.

Written by Martha Maria Smith, Bilingual Coach Martie Smith's journey as a Resilience Ambassador began in Colombia and highlights her steadfast strength and adaptability, from her service in the US Air Force to becoming a Radiation Therapist and a certified personal trainer at 62. An internationally acclaimed author and Poet Laureate, she mentors young individuals and shares her expertise. Young entrepreneurs are often encouraged to move fast, scale quickly, and remain constantly visible. The message is loud and persistent: if you are not seen, you are falling behind. Yet visibility alone does not build influence. It may attract attention, but attention without trust does not last. What creates sustainable impact across industries, cultures, and continents is credibility rooted in character. I did not begin my journey with a global strategy or a polished blueprint. I began with a decision to live with purpose and to serve with integrity. What followed was not a traditional public relations approach, but a path shaped by resilience, consistency, and human connection. One conversation led to another. One story traveled farther than expected. Trust became the bridge that carried the work forward.   Public relations is frequently defined by exposure. Mentions, features, and measurable reach. Exposure has value, but it is not authority. Visibility without values fades quickly. Sustainable influence is built when people believe in who you are, not just what you offer. That belief forms over time through action, alignment, and reliability.   My work expanded because my mission remained clear. Whether mentoring youth, collaborating with women leaders, or speaking about resilience and leadership, the foundation never shifted. Serve people with dignity. Lead with compassion. Build bridges where others see differences. Growth followed not because of promotion, but because purpose stayed grounded.   Every entrepreneurial journey begins with being known. Not as a logo or title, but as a human being. I shared my story because it was honest. Experiences of service, caregiving, loss, reinvention, and faith shaped a voice that resonated beyond geography. Pain does not recognize borders. Neither does hope. When people recognize themselves in your story, a connection begins naturally.   The next phase is being liked, not through performance, but through presence. Many young leaders believe credibility requires distance or perfection. Trust grows when leadership feels accessible. Humor, humility, and humanity create safety. People do not connect to flawless images. They connect to the truth. When leadership is human, relationships deepen.   Trust is the turning point. It grows through consistent action, not promises. When commitments are honored. When listening is valued as much as speaking. When integrity remains steady regardless of audience or circumstance. Trust transforms attention into credibility and credibility into opportunity. It turns conversations into collaborations and ideas into shared missions.   As my work reached across countries and cultures, one truth became undeniable. Humanity is the universal language. Values such as integrity, courage, compassion, and respect transcend borders. When leadership is grounded in these principles, connection replaces competition. Differences no longer divide. They enrich.   At its best, public relations is not about controlling perception. It is about reflecting alignment. It allows others to see who you are through how you live. You do not need to shout to be heard globally. You need clarity in your message, consistency in your actions, and courage in your choices.   Recognition and awards came along the way, but they were never the objective. They were outcomes, not destinations. Impact was always the focus. Seeing individuals reclaim their voice. Watching leaders choose empathy over ego. Witnessing communities rediscover confidence and hope. This is the kind of influence that endures because it is rooted in service.   For young entrepreneurs, the lesson is simple but powerful. Know, like, and trust is not a marketing funnel. It is a relationship. Relationships require presence, patience, and care. Authenticity cannot be automated. Integrity cannot be rushed. Legacy is built through daily decisions to show up with intention.   Resilience has been the foundation of my journey. Resilience is not about pushing harder or ignoring limits. It is about rising wiser. Learning from setbacks. Adapting without losing identity. Staying rooted while expanding reach. Resilience allows growth without erosion of values. For young entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty, the most practical step forward is simple but demanding. Lead with intention before ambition. Define your values before defining your offers. Let your actions speak consistently, even when growth feels slow. Choose progress over performance and substance over shortcuts. Build relationships before scaling reach and invest in trust before chasing traction. When challenges arise, pause long enough to learn, then move forward with clarity. Resilience is not reactive strength but thoughtful persistence. It is the ability to adapt without abandoning who you are becoming. The leaders who endure are not the loudest or fastest, but the most aligned. Each decision you make today becomes part of the reputation you carry tomorrow.   When you commit to consistency, integrity, and service, your influence compounds naturally. This is how credibility is built. This is how confidence grows. And this is how purpose-driven leadership begins to shape a legacy that extends beyond business success. Crossing ponds across the globe was never about expansion for attention. It was about connection for impact. About carrying a mission forward with responsibility and heart. About building something meaningful that serves beyond personal success. Legacy is not measured by numbers alone, but by the lives touched along the way.   "If I did it, you can too." You do not need permission to begin. You do not need perfection to lead. Start where you are with what you have. Stay aligned with your values. Serve consistently, even when results are not immediate. Allow trust to grow naturally. Let your story open doors you never imagined.   Your voice matters. Your resilience holds wisdom. Your leadership has the power to shape outcomes beyond borders and beyond business.   Begin now. Lead with purpose. Build something that lasts. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Martha Maria Smith Martha Maria Smith, Bilingual Coach Martie Smith's journey as a Resilience Ambassador began in Colombia and highlights her unwavering strength and adaptability. She exemplifies resilience from her service in the US Air Force to become a Radiation Therapist and certified personal trainer at 62. As an internationally acclaimed author and poet, Martie mentors young individuals, sharing her expertise and spreading messages of hope and resilience globally as a captivating speaker.

Written by Danijella Dragas, CEO The Bear Stearns Investment Banking firm employed Miss Dragas for over 18 years. She worked in their offices in London, São Paulo, Beijing, New York, and Irvine. Her specialty was asset management, capital markets/investment banking during her final four years at Bear Stearns. Miss Dragas was one of the original team members who introduced Bear Stearns mortgages to the banking industry in the residential wholesale market. In early 2026, the world is watching a series of seismic geopolitical shifts, particularly around Venezuela’s oil industry, that are sending ripples far beyond energy markets and straight into the economic realities of everyday households and real estate investors. Why Venezuela matters and not just to traders Venezuela holds the largest proven crude oil reserves on the planet, yet years of underinvestment and sanctions have left its production far below potential. Recent events, including a controversial military operation and shifting export agreements, have reignited global attention on how Venezuelan oil could reshape markets. Despite headlines suggesting dramatic disruption, analysts largely agree that near-term impacts on global oil prices may be limited because Venezuela’s current output is a small portion of total global supply, and logistical challenges remain. However, investor expectations, markets, and policy decisions are reacting in real time, and that’s where the real connection to housing markets begins.   The chain reaction: From oil to your mortgage 1. Energy markets affect inflation and interest rates Energy prices aren’t just about gas at the pump. They can influence: Consumer prices across multiple sectors Inflation expectations, which central banks watch closely Interest rate decisions If oil prices rise sharply, central banks may raise rates to keep inflation in check, which in turn pushes mortgage rates higher. Higher mortgage rates reduce affordability for buyers and dampen demand in housing markets, potentially slowing price growth or reducing transaction volume. Conversely, if oil supply expands and keeps prices lower longer, inflation pressures ease, and borrowing costs may remain more favorable for homebuyers and investors.   2. Global risk and investment confidence Political instability, like major shifts in Venezuela, feeds global risk perceptions. When investors become cautious: Equity and real estate investment can slow, especially in markets seen as vulnerable Capital may flow toward safe-haven assets or stable real estate sectors Homebuyers might delay decisions, waiting for certainty This impacts housing markets not just in Venezuela or oil-producing nations, but globally, through international investment flows and confidence cycles.   3. Construction & operating costs Energy prices influence: Material costs (steel, lumber, concrete transport) Utilities and heating costs for buildings Rental operating expenses When energy is volatile or rising, developers often pass costs on to buyers and tenants, pressuring affordability. Opportunities amid uncertainty While geopolitical events can introduce pressure, they also create opportunities for savvy investors: Lower long-term energy costs may ease inflation and support stronger housing demand in the medium term. Periods of uncertainty can depress equity valuations, creating entry points for long-term investors. Migration patterns change amid economic turmoil, sometimes increasing rental demand in certain cities. For example, if Venezuela once fully re-integrated and expands oil production over the next few years, it could help stabilize global energy costs, putting downward pressure on inflation and potentially lowering borrowing rates for consumers and investors alike. However, this would take time and substantial investment in infrastructure.   What homeowners & investors should watch now 1. Central bank signals Closely track rate announcements they often react to energy prices and inflation. 2. Commodity & bond markets Movements in oil and related markets can be leading indicators for wider financial trends. 3. Regional migration and construction trends Political instability can accelerate internal or external migration, shaping rental demand in unexpected markets.   Bottom line Global geopolitical events like the evolving situation in Venezuela don’t just belong on the pages of financial news. They help shape mortgage rates, inflation expectations, supply chains, construction costs, and even where people choose to live and invest. For homeowners and investors alike, understanding how distant events connect to local housing economics isn’t just smart, it’s essential in an increasingly interconnected world.   Follow me on Facebook, Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Danijella Dragas Danijella Dragas, CEO Born and raised in England. She earned a BS in Economics/International Trade and Banking from the prestigious University of London. The Bear Stearns Investment Banking firm employed Miss Dragas for over 18 years. She worked in their offices in London, São Paulo, Beijing, New York, and Irvine. Her specialty was asset management, capital markets/investment banking during her final four years at Bear Stearns. Miss Dragas was one of the original team members who introduced Bear Stearns mortgages to the banking industry in the residential wholesale market. She has been in residential and commercial lending for 36 years. Her focus has been on construction finance, asset repositioning, fintech, and the blockchain market. In addition, numerous prestigious commercial projects on an international level. Miss Dragas has also worked in multi-sector business finance, corporate sponsorships, hospitality, clean energy, trade programs, and pre-IPO.

Written by Jenni (Benningfield) Black, Mental Performance Coach Jenni (Benningfield) Black is a former professional athlete, a mental performance coach, and the founder of Inner Opponent Coaching. As a certified professional coach, Jenni specializes in working with high-performing leaders, athletes, coaches, and teams. You don’t need more hours in the day, you need more of you available in the hours you already have. Time is fixed. Energy is fluid. And it’s the fluid part that determines the quality of your day and your life. Energy is not something you wait for. It’s something you build by paying attention and building awareness. When I say “energy,” I am referring to the combination of your physical capacity, mental focus, emotional bandwidth, and motivation. Together, these create the fuel that determines how you show up in every area of life. Low energy makes everything feel heavier. Decisions take longer. Small setbacks feel bigger. High energy isn’t about doing more. It’s about thinking clearly, feeling confident, and moving with purpose. Are you moving through each day on autopilot, repeating the same patterns without making intentional choices that support your goals and what matters most? What would be different for you if you had 10% more energy every day? So, what do we do with this? Let’s consider energy through 3 different lenses: The 3 A’s Awareness: recognizing what energy we have access to Alignment: directing it toward what matters Action: taking 1 small step Step 1: Building awareness of your energy and time Let’s take this example. In a world where our phones give us access to everything, we are very aware when the battery is getting low. The last thing we do is charge our phone at night and know it will be at 100%, ready to go when we wake up. But how aware are we of our own energy until we are on empty? Are you recharged and ready to start the day, every day at 100%? Activity: Your daily energy snapshot Consider a typical day, and rate your energy level from 0-100% at these moments: When you wake up Mid-morning Lunch Mid-afternoon Evening Before bed Then take a moment to reflect: What drains your energy? What replenishes it? Which routines are happening on autopilot that are either supporting you or getting in your way? Step 2: Align your energy with what matters Now, reflect on two things: What energy percentage feels right for you at each of the above points in the day? Create a "do" list and a "not do" list.  What simple actions (big or small) have helped to recharge you in the past? (continue to "do" this) What habits or actions are getting in the way of you and your goals, and no longer serve you? (what "not" to do moving forward) Step 3: Take aligned action Choose 1 that you can commit to this week. Where can you add 1 simple action for 5–10 minutes to lift your energy even slightly? (A few examples from my clients: go for a walk, listen to a favorite song, stretch, soak up some sun for 5 minutes, etc.) Schedule it into your day the same way you would schedule an important meeting. Energy shifts when behavior shifts, so let the first step be small enough that you can repeat it and big enough that you feel it. Afterwards, ask yourself: Did this raise my energy, even by 1%? What changed in my mood, focus, or clarity? These insights guide your next steps and support the momentum you’re creating. What is the cost of continuing as you are? Friendly reminder: even when you choose not to change, you’re still making a choice. The choice is yours. Give this a try and see what shifts. You may be surprised by how much impact a single small, intentional action can have on your day. And remember, you don’t have to navigate your energy or your goals alone. If you’re ready to take this work further, let’s connect. Coaching can help you move from intention to action and create the transformation you have been seeking.   Follow me on   Instagram ,   LinkedIn , and visit my   website  for more info! Read more from Jenni (Benningfield) Black Jenni (Benningfield) Black, Mental Performance Coach Jenni (Benningfield) Black, a former professional athlete and mental performance coach, discovered the life-changing impact of mental performance during her final year of professional basketball, helping her overcome the mental and emotional challenges of retirement and inspiring her to earn a Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology. Driven by this passion, she founded Inner Opponent Coaching to help high performers break through mental barriers and create a game plan to succeed in what truly matters to them.

Written by Ewa J. Kleczyk, PhD, Bestseller Author Dr. Ewa J. Kleczyk is a nationally recognized, award-winning healthcare research executive, author of Empowered Leadership: Breaking Barriers, Building Impact, and Leaving a Legacy, and Editor-in-Chief of UJWEL. She is a frequent speaker, board leader, and advocate for healthcare innovation and community empowerment. From the outside, high-performing professionals appear composed, confident, and in control. But behind the polished surface, many experience something often invisible yet deeply impactful. High-functioning anxiety It doesn’t show up as panic, it shows up as overthinking, racing thoughts, and a constant internal pressure to do more, achieve more, and be more. And although these individuals excel, they often do so at the expense of their own peace. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.   The paradox of success and stress High-functioning anxiety is a paradox: it propels achievement while quietly draining the achiever. It fuels preparation and performance, but it also intensifies worry, replayed conversations, second-guessed decisions, and fear of disappointing others. High achievers often tell themselves: “What if I didn’t do enough?” “Everyone else seems calmer.” “Why can’t I turn my mind off?” Nothing is wrong with you. Your mind has been trained to excel and trained to anticipate threats.   Why high performers experience it more The traits that drive success also create internal pressure: High standards that easily slip into perfectionism Strong accountability that turns into self-blame Relentless drive that masks chronic stress People-pleasing disguised as leadership “Push through it” mentality inherited from work culture The result: a leader who looks steady but feels on edge.   Recognizing the signs High-functioning anxiety often appears as: Constant overthinking or mental “loops.” Guilt when not being productive Difficulty relaxing, even during downtime Fear of disappointing others Saying “yes” when overwhelmed Confidence on the outside, worry on the inside Awareness is not failure, it’s clarity.   How to cope and recenter yourself You don’t fix high-functioning anxiety by suppressing it. You transform it by interrupting the patterns that feed it. 1. Name the pattern Label the moment: “This is overthinking, not truth.” It reduces intensity and gives you distance. 2. Ground yourself in facts Swap anxious thoughts with: “What do I know right now?” “Is this fear or reality?” 3. Redefine ‘good enough’ Not every task requires 120%. Ask: “What level of effort truly matches the need?” 4. Create micro-rest moments One slow breath. Shoulders down. Ten seconds of stillness. Small resets regulate the nervous system. 5. Share what you’re experiencing Even a short, honest admission, “I’m feeling overwhelmed today,” breaks the isolation that fuels anxiety.   The new portrait of high performance Modern leadership is not about being unshakeable, it’s about being self-aware, emotionally grounded, and willing to care for the mind that fuels your success. Your racing thoughts don’t make you weak. Your worries don’t diminish your talent. And your need for balance is not a flaw, it’s wisdom. Learning to honor both your excellence and your humanity isn’t just healing. It’s transformational.   A final thought and an invitation If this article resonates with you, know this: you can strive for greatness without sacrificing your well-being. You can lead boldly without carrying quiet panic. And you can succeed without running on fear. For deeper insights into courageous leadership, resilience, and building a future grounded in confidence rather than anxiety, explore my book Empowered Leadership. Read it on Amazon .   Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Ewa J. Kleczyk, PhD Ewa J. Kleczyk, PhD, Bestseller Author Dr. Ewa J. Kleczyk is a leader in healthcare research, leadership, and community impact. With over two decades of experience, she has transformed healthcare innovation and data-driven strategies while championing education and equity. She has dedicated her career to empowering leaders, advancing women in healthcare, and helping organizations create lasting impact. She is the author of Empowered Leadership: Breaking Barriers, Building Impact, and Leaving a Legacy and Editor-in-Chief of UJWEL. Her mission, break barriers, build impact, leave a legacy.

Written by Dr. Michael Copeland, CEO/Owner/Author Dr. Michael Copeland is an educator, author, and consultant who empowers individuals and communities through storytelling, leadership, and purpose-driven work. He is the founder of Copeland Consults LLC and a 15-time Award-Winning author. Every powerful movement begins with a story, one that tests us, shapes us, and ultimately becomes a beacon for others. For Schwartzen Precil and Dr. Michael Copeland, storytelling is far more than an art form, it is a calling rooted in purpose, healing, and generational impact. Together, these two visionary authors have joined forces in the publishing game to help others transform lived experiences into lasting legacy. Both men share a fundamental belief: writing a book does more than share ideas, it establishes authority, expands influence, and ignites transformation far beyond the page. Schwartzen Precil, an award-winning author, entrepreneur, and 2025 Author of the Year Finalist, embodies the power of story in its most authentic form. As a former foster youth who rose through adversity to become a national resilience coach and publisher, Precil’s journey reframes hardship as strength. Through seven published books, a monthly webinar series, and leadership work with educators, youth, and families, he demonstrates that storytelling can heal, inspire, and mobilize communities. His publishing company, Be Your Own Publisher, was created to help others do the same, turning real-life experiences into a written legacy. Dr. Michael Copeland, a seasoned leadership consultant and multi-award-winning author, complements that mission with strategic insight and purpose-driven guidance. Copeland teaches that a book positions a voice as a trusted leader long before readers ever meet the author. “Your story has the power to reach people you will never meet,” he often says. “It inhabits rooms long after your voice is gone, offering guidance, encouragement, and connection.” His work helps aspiring authors understand that publishing is not just about a book, it’s about building influence that lasts. At the intersection of Precil’s grit-driven journey and Copeland’s leadership expertise lies a shared conviction: stories build trust and catalyze change. Together, they equip authors to move beyond writing in isolation and instead build community, clarity, and confidence. Precil’s focus on resilience and emotional intelligence shows how narrative can shape education and community development, while Copeland’s leadership framework reveals how authors can position themselves as authorities in their fields. Their partnership teaches that books are both mirrors and maps reflecting personal truth while guiding others toward growth. Whether inspiring a struggling reader, equipping a leader, or transforming a community through coaching and curriculum, the ripple effect of the written word is undeniable. As Precil reminds audiences, “Your story doesn’t just impact one reader, it moves through families, schools, and generations.” This is why Dr. Copeland and Schwartzen Precil continue to join forces, creating spaces where authors are empowered to write boldly, publish strategically, and build legacy intentionally. Their work is proof that writing is more than publishing, it is a purpose in motion. Join the movement. Their next Author Legacy & Publishing Webinar takes place: February 25th, 7:00 PM (Virtual) Register here . If you’ve been carrying a story that deserves to be told, this is your invitation to turn purpose into print and legacy into action.   Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website to learn more. Read more from Dr. Michael Copeland Dr. Michael Copeland, CEO/Owner/Author Dr. Michael Copeland is an educator, author, and leadership consultant dedicated to empowering individuals through storytelling, mentorship, and purpose-driven work. Drawing from lived experience in education and community advocacy, he helps others transform adversity into impact. He is the founder of Copeland Consults LLC and the author of several books. Dr. Copeland’s work centers on leadership, resilience, faith, and social responsibility. His mission is to elevate voices, strengthen communities, and help others build lasting legacies through education and storytelling.

Written by Jamie Alexander, CEO, Certified Online Fitness Trainer, and Author Jamie Alexander is the CEO of Living Well With Jamie, a Certified Online Fitness Trainer, and author of the Mind, Body & Soul Fitness Journal, helping high-performing women transform through holistic wellness, fitness, and mindset coaching. Every January, motivation is high. Gym memberships spike. New workout plans get downloaded. Promises are made. And yet, by February, most women feel frustrated, tired, and quietly disappointed that they’re starting over again. The problem isn’t discipline. It isn’t willpower. And it certainly isn’t laziness. The real issue is this. Fitness is still being treated like a short-term resolution instead of a long-term lifestyle. When that shift happens, everything changes. Why do New Year’s resolutions fail so often? Research shows that nearly 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail by mid-February. According to the University of Scranton,  only about 8 percent of people actually achieve their resolutions. This isn’t because people don’t care. It’s because most resolutions are built on unrealistic expectations and temporary motivation rather than sustainable systems. Resolutions often rely on extremes. Working out every day. Cutting out entire food groups. Completely overhauling routines overnight. For busy women balancing careers, families, and personal responsibilities, this approach creates burnout fast. When life happens, and it always does, the plan collapses. Missed days turn into guilt. Guilt turns into quitting. A lifestyle approach removes the pressure to be perfect and replaces it with the goal of being consistent. The mindset shift that changes everything – Identity over outcome The most powerful change doesn’t start in the gym. It starts with how a woman sees herself. There’s a big difference between saying, “I’m trying to work out,” and saying, “I’m someone who takes care of her body.” When fitness becomes part of identity rather than a temporary goal, decisions shift naturally. Movement stops being something to check off and becomes something that supports energy, confidence, and mental health. This identity-based mindset removes the all-or-nothing trap. Missing a workout doesn’t mean failure. It simply means adjusting and continuing. That’s how consistency is built. Why motivation isn’t the answer Motivation is emotional. It fluctuates. Lifestyle habits are structural. Studies published by the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine  show that long-term health behavior change is driven by routine, environment, and habit formation, not motivation alone. This explains why relying on how motivated someone feels almost never works long-term. A lifestyle approach focuses on systems instead. Simple systems like scheduling workouts like meetings, choosing movement that fits the season of life, planning meals that are flexible rather than restrictive, and allowing lower effort days without quitting entirely. When systems are in place, progress continues even on low-energy days. The three pillars of sustainable fitness Mindset How a woman talks to herself determines how long she stays consistent. Progress requires patience, self-trust, and the willingness to let go of perfection. Sustainable fitness supports mental health rather than punishing the body. Movement Movement doesn’t need to be extreme to be effective. Strength training two to four times per week, daily walking, and mobility work create powerful results over time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  adults who engage in regular moderate strength and aerobic activity reduce their risk of chronic disease, improve metabolic health, and support longevity. Consistency matters more than intensity. Nutrition A sustainable lifestyle avoids rigid rules. Nutrition works best when it’s flexible, balanced, and realistic. Instead of cutting everything out, the focus shifts to adding in. More protein. More hydration. More whole foods. This approach supports hormone health, blood sugar balance, and long-term adherence. For evidence-based nutrition guidance, the  Harvard T.H. Chan   School of Public Health  offers extensive research on sustainable eating patterns that support long-term health rather than short-term results. What fitness as a lifestyle actually looks like A lifestyle approach doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly. It looks like showing up even when motivation is low, adjusting workouts instead of quitting, choosing consistency over extremes, measuring progress in strength, energy, confidence, and how clothes fit, and understanding that fitness supports life rather than competes with it. It’s quiet. It’s steady. And it lasts far beyond January. Redefining success beyond the New Year Fitness success isn’t a number on the scale or a date on the calendar. It’s the ability to keep going when motivation fades. It’s building routines that support real life. It’s choosing progress over perfection. When fitness becomes a lifestyle, there’s no need to start over every year. There’s only forward movement. And that’s where real transformation begins. For many women, making fitness a lifestyle is easier when they’re not navigating it alone. Structure, accountability, and guidance remove the guesswork and help consistency become sustainable rather than seasonal. This philosophy is what continues to shape my work through the Elite Transformation Accountability Program, where fitness is approached holistically through mindset, movement, and nutrition. When health is supported in a way that fits real life, it stops feeling like something to restart every January and becomes part of who you are. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram ,   LinkedIn ,  and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Jamie Alexander Jamie Alexander, CEO, Certified Online Fitness Trainer, and Author Jamie Alexander is the founder of the Elite Transformation Accountability Program, helping high-performing, busy moms all around the world prioritize their health and create lasting change. She’s the CEO of Living Well With Jamie, a Certified Online Fitness Trainer, and author of the Mind, Body & Soul Fitness Journal. Jamie’s mission is to help women thrive from the inside out through holistic wellness, fitness, mindset, and sustainable habits. Her work empowers women to feel strong, confident, and in control of their health, no matter how full their plates are. Follow Jamie for real-life strategies, expert insights, and inspiration to live well in every season of life.

Written by Jerry Stirpe, Special Guest Writer and Executive Contributor When we meet someone new or are in a relationship that has matured, intimacy is often assumed to come naturally, but there are occasions where there is a disconnect. This isn’t due to a lack of love, it’s about how love is expressed and received. Understanding your partner’s love language allows affection to be communicated verbally and through action. Understanding each other's language(s) makes giving and receiving love intentional, not accidental. What are the 5 love languages? The five love languages are words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. These are the five ways that people give and receive love. Understanding these languages can help partners recognize that love can be given and received in different forms. Love does not depend solely on how love is actually given but on how it is communicated. Couples will either have the same language or at least one in common, or they may be complete opposites. However, this doesn't mean the relationship can't work, the languages just need to be communicated so that there is mutual understanding, allowing each partner to give and receive the love their partner desires to nurture the relationship. Why most of us speak more than one love language As we go through life, we are exposed to all five love languages, and love is rarely expressed through only one channel. We have a primary way that we feel most loved, supported by a secondary language. Our primary language can develop over time, often because we may not have received much of it while growing up. For example, a child who didn’t receive words of affirmation may seek those words as an adult. Without deep intimate relationships, our parents may not have experienced this, which is then passed on to the child, who carries it into adulthood. This is why it’s crucial to communicate and ask your partner about their love language when entering a new relationship. Where intimacy falls apart Without proper communication, a relationship, whether 25 years old or just three months old, can fail. After a relationship ends, we often question why or reanalyze what might have gone wrong. Sadly, instead of communicating or asking our partner about their desires, we make assumptions about what they want, assuming everything is fine. Even though the love we give may not be what our partner desires, most of the time this is not done with ill intentions. To use myself as an example, I had a girlfriend who would buy me gifts, but all I ever desired was a hug and a kiss. It was something I had to continually ask for, even though it was free. I was still thankful for the gifts, but they didn’t speak to me because physical touch is my primary language. Our connection failed because my love language couldn't be met, despite my communication. Some may argue that her language was receiving gifts, and it was. She expressed her love to me through gifts, assuming that was my language because it was hers. The old saying goes, we are born with two ears and one mouth, listen to your partner. Call to action How love languages can personalize intimate relationships Notice how your partner gives and receives love. It’s the key to making love truly feel personal. Match your actions to what resonates most with your partner. Notice how affection is shown, this cannot be stressed enough. Listen, to what they say and value. And ask questions, do not assume what the other person wants. It can be offering words of encouragement, spending uninterrupted time together, performing thoughtful acts, giving meaningful gifts, or sharing physical closeness. When these acts are performed for your partner, who is able to receive them, love becomes personalized. Understanding the languages, communicating, and performing actions based on those languages will lead to deeper intimacy, stronger emotional and physical connections, and a relationship where both partners feel genuinely known and valued. When both partners understand each other's language, giving and receiving love becomes intentional instead of accidental because love is now personalized. To understand your Love Language, try the quiz here. Follow me on Instagram , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Jerry Stirpe Jerry Stirpe , Special Guest Writer and Executive Contributor Jerry Stirpe is a laser specialist and entrepreneur dedicated to delivering advanced, results-driven skin, body, and hair restoration treatments. Currently the owner and operator of Pain Free Laser & Hair Restoration Clinic, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, where Jerry and his team work extensively with Alma Laser platforms to address skin resurfacing, hair loss, body contouring, hair and tattoo removal through customized, primarily in non-invasive solutions while driving sustainable growth through an educational vs sales approach within the aesthetics industry.

Written by V anessa Rose Chykerda, Hairstylist Educator Vanessa Rose Chykerda is a rising hairstylist whose passion for hair and educating fellow industry professionals is propelling her career to new heights. In January 2025, she accepted a job where she shares her expertise in product knowledge for Matrix and Biolage. Your hair is constantly speaking to you, but most of us were never taught how to listen. From frizz and breakage to styles that never quite work, these "problems" are actually messages your hair is sending about your biology, lifestyle, and care habits. The Language of Hair Inc.™ teaches you how to decode these signals, so you can break free from guesswork and frustration. Discover how understanding your hair’s true language can lead to healthier, more manageable hair and a calmer, more confident relationship with your appearance. Your hair isn’t random. It isn’t “difficult.” And it certainly isn’t betraying you. From frizz that won’t calm, to breakage that seems sudden, to styles that never quite look right. What most people call hair problems are actually messages. The Language of Hair Inc.™ believes hair is a living system that constantly communicates about your biology, lifestyle, stress, environment, and care habits. When those signals are misunderstood or ignored, people end up trapped in cycles of damage, disappointment, and expensive guesswork. This is not another trend. This is literacy. Hair has a language, and no one taught us to read it The average person lives in quiet frustration with their hair, trying products, following trends, and blaming themselves without ever being taught the truth. Hair has a language, and no one taught us how to read it. Instead, we were handed rules that don’t apply, advice that ignores individuality, and routines that silence what the hair is actually asking for. When you understand the language, the struggle dissolves. What once felt unmanageable becomes communication, and what felt like “bad hair” reveals itself as misunderstood hair. For decades, the beauty industry taught us to override hair instead of understanding it: Fight frizz Force curl patterns Mask damage Follow trends not suited for our biology But hair responds not to trends but to understanding. The curl that collapses. The colour that won’t hold. The dryness that never fully resolves. The scalp that’s always irritated. These aren’t failures. Their feedback. And once you learn how to read that feedback, everything changes. What if hair care wasn’t guesswork? Imagine knowing: Why does your hair behave differently in each season What your hair needs before it breaks or sheds How to work with your natural pattern instead of against it Why certain techniques work for others, but not for you The Language of Hair teaches you how to decode hair behaviour, so you can make confident decisions, not hopeful ones. This is not about products. This is not about perfection. This is about understanding cause and effect. This is education the industry skipped Hair education has long been fragmented, pieces of information without context. People are left blaming themselves, their stylist, or their hair type. The Language of Hair fills the missing gap: How hair structure responds to touch, tension, and time How stress, hormones, and lifestyle show up in hair first How technique matters more than trends How listening creates longevity, health, and ease When you understand hair, you stop fighting it. When you stop fighting it, it starts responding. For professionals and individuals alike Whether you’re a stylist wanting deeper mastery, or someone who’s tired of not understanding their own hair, this work applies. Because hair doesn’t belong to one category. It belongs to the body it grows from. And when you learn the language, you gain: Confidence Consistency Predictable results A calmer relationship with your appearance This is the shift from control to communication The future of hair isn’t louder tools or stronger products. It’s listening. The Language of Hair is a new way of seeing hair, not as something to dominate, but something to understand. And once you hear what your hair has been trying to tell you all along, you’ll never approach it the same way again. Join Skool and become the first wave Enrollment is now open for those ready to stop guessing and start understanding. This is not a launch you discover later, it's one you step into early. By joining Skool now, you’re entering at the very beginning, where intention is pure, access is intimate, and every voice matters. This first wave is about proximity, to the knowledge, the conversation, and the evolution of something quietly powerful. Inside, you won’t find noise or overwhelm. You’ll find refinement. Thoughtful teachings, elevated dialogue, and a shared language that deepens with time. The first wave is always different. It carries discernment, curiosity, and a natural leadership energy. If you feel the pull now, trust it. Some doors don’t announce themselves loudly they open softly for those who are ready to step forward. If you’ve ever felt like: Your hair “should” be better than it is You’ve tried everything with little clarity You want knowledge, not noise Then you’re exactly who this was created for. Learn the Language. Change the relationship. Let your hair finally be heard. Sign up now to be part of The Language of Hair Inc.™ on Skool. Follow me on Facebook , and visit my Instagram for more info! Read more from Vanessa Rose Chykerda Vanessa Rose Chykerda, Hairstylist Educator Vanessa Rose Chykerda was born with a passion for beauty, education, and helping others. Inspired by her father’s words – “Pick a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life” – she’s built her career on purpose and passion. Her mission is to bring out the beauty in every client while empowering fellow professionals through education, mentorship, and meaningful connection. Vanessa believes everyone deserves to feel their best, look their best, and achieve their best, both in the salon and in life.