Written by Barbara Powell Love, Blogger Barbara Powell Love is currently the Office Manager for a small medical practice. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree concentrating in Business Development. During our Sister Prayer Call, we discussed anger and how it affects us. Some of us feel that sometimes, we have to give people a piece of our mind when they wrong us or disrespect us. We must get it off our chest. While some agreed, others had other thoughts on the subject, and I found myself listening intently. After some thought, I decided to share my view, so here is my take. Scripture: “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” – Ecclesiastes 7:9 (NIV) Anger: The anti-beauty emotion Holding onto anger can do a number on our health and beauty, and for me, that’s reason enough to think twice about it. The moment we start holding onto frustration, our bodies go into stress mode, pumping out cortisol and adrenaline. Sure, these hormones are great in small doses, like in a real emergency, but long-term? That’s when they start to affect things we care about, like our skin, our immune system, and even our heart. When cortisol sticks around, it can lead to breakouts, dull skin, hair loss, and a weary, exhausted look — no concealer in the world can cover that! On top of that, stress from anger has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and a weakened immune system. Imagine dealing with all of that because we let someone’s careless comment stick with us. Honestly, there are some times that it’s our own perception of what someone says that pushes our buttons. My mom’s wisdom: “God’s got this” Growing up, my mother had her own wisdom on anger. She used to say, “There’s no need to get back at that person or to ‘tell them off’ — God’s going to get them.” This was her interpretation of the verse, “Vengeance is mine, says the Lord.” She understood that while we may want to address the person directly, it’s often better for us to take a step back. When we give them a piece of our mind, we end up with less peace in our own lives. And, as she said, if we keep doing that, we’ll run out of “mind” entirely! We don’t always have to have the last word. Forgiveness: For our sake, not theirs Now, this is just my take on forgiveness, and it doesn’t cancel anyone else’s perspective. But I believe that forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves. It doesn’t make what someone did or said okay. It simply means we’re not willing to carry that anger around, paying for their words or actions with our own peace. Sometimes that means keeping distance and setting boundaries. We can exclude people who disrupt our well-being, letting them go their way while we keep our peace. Grace to let go I get it; some hurts feel impossible to forgive. But that’s where grace comes in. God’s grace allows us to forgive even when it feels impossible. It doesn’t erase the hurt, but it helps us move on. And while I might not always feel like forgiving, I’d rather lean on grace than keep adding stress to my own life. If anything, ignoring them completely lets them know that they are simply not important enough to disturb my peace. Aging gracefully through peace Ultimately, forgiveness is like the ultimate beauty product. When we let go, our stress levels drop, our hearts heal, and maybe we end up with a few less frown lines! Peace is a beauty treatment that no amount of concealer or highlighter can achieve. So, the next time someone wrongs me, I’ll choose grace, knowing that God’s got it covered. I’ll hold onto my peace, my beauty, and my health — and let God handle the rest. Prayer Dear Lord, thank You for Your grace and wisdom that helps me to forgive, even when it feels impossible. Please guide me in letting go of anger and filling my heart with peace, joy, and understanding. May Your love shine through me, healing any hurt and releasing me from resentment. Teach me to live in peace with others, so I can remain strong, beautiful, and free in both spirit and body. Amen. Follow me on  Facebook ,  and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Barbara Powell Love Barbara Powell Love, Blogger Barbara Powell Love is currently the Office Manager for a small medical practice. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree concentrating in Business Development. Barbara is also the owner of Beebe Love's Beauty @www.beebelove.com, a blogging website to promote beauty, motivate, inform, provide mental stimulation, educate, inspire and encourage other women over 50 to embrace their inner beauty and pursue their dreams. Her blog focuses on personal development, leadership, and lifestyle. She encourages women to become Seasoned Beauties instead of becoming Senior Citizens.

Written by Jennifer Martin Rieck, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Jennifer Martin Rieck is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and the owner of Epijennetics Counseling & Consulting in Libertyville, Illinois. She is also the owner of and writer for epijennetics.com , a website that explores the mental shifts that lead to healthy expression of self and healthy connection to others. Being a therapist who observes individuals and relationships for a living, I’ve learned that the only way to have a healthy and mutually satisfying relationship is to have a healthy amount of empathy and entitlement and strike the perfect balance between other-directedness and self-directedness. 1. Empathy Empathy is a necessary component of healthy relationships. In order to have healthy relationships, it is essential we learn to put ourselves in another’s shoes and see things from their point of view. Having empathy does not mean that we agree with every feeling or perception that someone has, it simply means that we can identify with and understand how someone might see something a certain way and thus feel a certain way. In working with individuals and couples, I have found that individuals who have chronic relationship difficulties or even mental health concerns often have either too little empathy, and thus aren’t sensitive to the feelings and needs of others, or have a lot of empathy, so much so that they struggle to hold others accountable or to make healthy boundaries. In my practice of Schema Therapy, individuals who struggle with either of these problems score high on Self-Sacrifice schema if they are high in empathy or Entitlement Schema if they are low on empathy. Related article: Narcissism and Caregiving: Dancing Around the Truth Falling on either side of the empathy spectrum is detrimental to having relationships that are healthy. It is important to know which side you fall on and how you can become more balanced. 2. Entitlement Entitlement is the feeling that one has a right to something. Entitlement also must be balanced to have healthy relationships. Someone with too much entitlement feels that they have the right to what doesn’t belong to them. Because of this, they often take too much from others, either by demanding things, being manipulative, or blowing past the boundaries of others. This results in resentment and anger in others and the feeling of not being respected. An individual that was taught growing up that they are not entitled to things, even things that they should be such as their feelings, needs, and desires, are often equally unhealthy in relationships. Since they don’t feel entitled to these things, they often feel guilty for wanting or needing things and fail to communicate their feelings, needs, and desires to others. This results in individuals chronically feeling unseen and failing to get the things that they need out of their relationships. Related Article: The Entitlement Spectrum: The Importance of Knowing Where You Fall 3. Other-directedness and self-directedness Individuals who receive the message that they should prioritize the needs and feelings of others growing up often become adults with an excessive sense of responsibility towards others. These individuals become hyper-vigilant about not hurting or upsetting others or consistently prioritize the needs and feelings of others over their own. Because of this obsessive focus on others, they can feel anxious and afraid to speak up, be direct, make boundaries, or say what they are feeling or need. When people are always focused on others, they eventually lose sight of themselves, fail to be mindful of what they are experiencing and needing, and often can’t describe what they want. This loss of identity makes it impossible to have true intimacy with others and prevents them from feeling seen and known. Individuals who are raised by parents who are overly focused on performance often become increasingly self-directed in an attempt to always monitor their performance and how others are characterizing their performance. These individuals lose opportunities to grow in empathy and turn into adults who struggle to be mindful of the feelings and needs of others because they are always self-focused. Self-focused or self-absorbed individuals are often seen as selfish and uncaring because they fail to notice the feelings of others or to be mindful of their needs. Partners of these individuals eventually get tired of not feeling seen or cared for, and eventually, the relationship often falls apart. Related Article: Other-Directedness and Anxiety: Does Focusing on Others Help or Hurt? Know yourself and commit to grow Understanding which side of things you fall on with regards to empathy, entitlement, and focus, is the first step to bettering your relationships. Regardless of which you identify with, strive to picture a spectrum with the middle always being the goal. In all of your interactions and conflicts, be mindful of striking a perfect balance between these three things and you will be well on your way to improving your relationship satisfaction and emotional health. If you struggle to identify where you are on the spectrum, seek professional support. Having a neutral third party to observe and help you see your blind spots is often helpful for creating a plan to improve yourself. If you are in a relationship, engage in couple’s therapy and have discussions about where you think you land and the work that you want to be held accountable to do. With the right information, support, and commitment, you can start creating balanced relationships and a balanced life. Start improving your relationships today Doing the work to become a healthier person and a better friend, lover, or family member, is every bit as challenging as it may feel. However, you can come a long way in your attempt to grow by simply identifying where you fall in the 3 areas above. Raising your self-awareness will equip you to understand what you can change that will set you on a journey toward increasing relationship satisfaction and quality of life. If you still have questions, engage in therapy and work on clarifying what it is that you want to improve in your relationships. Although individuals often feel stuck and unclear about how to move forward, therapists are often very familiar with situations like yours. If you are in the state of Illinois or Wisconsin and would like to work together in therapy, feel free to reach out through my website . I’m rooting for you!   Follow me on  Facebook , Instagram , and visit my LinkedIn  for more info! Read more from Jennifer Martin Rieck Jennifer Martin Rieck, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Jennifer Martin Rieck is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and the owner of Epijennetics Counseling & Consulting and epijennetics.com , a website that explores healthy self-expression and healthy connection to others. She specializes in working with individuals who struggle to break free from Narcissistic or Self-Sacrificing relationship patterns.

Written by Nina Van Rompaey, Instagram & Business Strategist Nina Van Rompaey, co-founder of My Rising Jungle, helps business owners globally by optimising their online presence through strategic video content, website development, and creative copywriting. She also offers customizable digital products to boost social media impact. With so much noise online, it’s easy to wonder if value-based content still holds the same power it once did. The answer? It’s not dead—but how you deliver it needs to evolve. Simply flooding your audience with information or talking at them isn’t going to cut through the clutter anymore. What truly works is offering content that aligns with what your audience wants—something they find relevant, interesting, or helpful. When you shift from lecturing to connecting, people not only notice you but also remember you and come back when they’re ready to make a purchase. Stop lecturing, start offering value Many business owners mistakenly think value-based content means sharing as much information as possible. But if your approach feels like a lecture, your audience will eventually tune out. Value isn’t about pushing facts at people—it’s about solving their problems, answering questions, and providing something that resonates with them. Think about it: who would you rather listen to, someone who talks endlessly about their product or someone who shares simple tips that make your life easier? The businesses that get this right stop lecturing and start helping. They focus on their audience’s pain points, needs, and desires, offering content people want to engage with. Remember: it’s not about you; it’s about them. What is value, really? For example, if you’re a brand that sells fitness gear, don’t just focus on the features of your products. Show your audience how to maximise their workouts with quick, actionable tips, like the best exercises for a home routine or stretches to boost flexibility. You could even share a simple, healthy breakfast recipe to kick start their day or highlight motivational stories from customers who’ve transformed their fitness using your gear. The content doesn’t always have to lead back to a sale, but it should make your audience feel like they’ve gained something valuable from you. Now, put yourself in the shoes of your ideal client. Ask yourself: Why would I love to come back to this profile? Is it because you offer practical tips, motivational content, or easy lifestyle hacks? When your content consistently delivers value, your audience will keep coming back, eagerly waiting for the next piece of advice or inspiration that makes their life just a little better. Why value-based content works At its core, value-based content is about building trust. When people see that you genuinely want to help, their trust in you will grow. They’ll view your brand as a reliable source of information, not just another company trying to make a sale. Trust is a crucial driver of long-term loyalty, and in a world overloaded with sales pitches, people naturally like brands that offer fun and helpful content. It should almost be puzzling to people: Why does this person give so much away for free? And that’s the magic. When your free content is this good, it leaves them wondering, How incredible must the paid product be? Your followers will start to believe that if they’re already getting so much value for free, the value they’ll get when they buy from you will be on a whole new level. You build credibility and authority over time when you show, rather than tell, why your product or service matters. Instead of pushing for quick conversions, you’re laying the foundation for a lasting relationship with your audience. Moving from followers to community The real magic of value-based content is its ability to turn casual followers into a genuine community. It’s not just about gaining likes and shares; it’s about fostering a space where people feel connected to your brand and each other. People start to engage not just because they are passing by or like your products but because they care about the same values your brand represents. When your content reflects their passions, beliefs, or lifestyle, they feel part of something bigger than just a transaction—they’re part of a movement. Take a small business selling eco-friendly products, for example. Rather than flooding their feed with endless product promotions, they could offer practical tips on living sustainably, share stories about their responsible sourcing practices, or feature customers who have successfully integrated eco-conscious lifestyle changes. This type of content doesn’t just inform—it invites people into a larger conversation about sustainability, empowering them to make a difference in their own lives. The power of this approach is that it sparks genuine engagement. Your audience sees your brand as a trusted resource and ally in achieving their goals. They’re not just buying a product—they’re buying into a philosophy. Over time, this sense of connection and shared values turns casual followers into loyal advocates who feel proud to support a brand that stands for something meaningful. This strategy transforms your content from a one-way broadcast into a two-way conversation where your audience feels heard, valued, and inspired. And that’s where the real magic happens. How to create content that matters Creating valuable content doesn’t have to be complex or overwhelming, but it does require intention. So, how can you start delivering what your audience wants? Here’s a guide to get you started: 1. What does your audience want? Shift your perspective from that of a business owner to the perspective of your ideal client. What are their biggest challenges and concerns? Take the time to truly understand their needs and desires. Focus on delivering answers that can make a meaningful impact in their lives. By addressing their pain points, you demonstrate your empathy and that you genuinely care about helping them. 2. Consistency is your best friend Consistency is key! Don’t just show up when you have something to sell; make it a habit to regularly provide helpful, relevant content. Think of it like going to the gym—if you only go once a month, you won’t see much progress. But if you commit to going three times a week, you’ll build strength and stamina over time. As the saying goes, “Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally; it comes from what you do consistently.” By consistently sharing value, you build trust and position yourself as a reliable resource in your audience’s eyes. 3. Engage and build connections The value doesn’t stop when you hit ‘post.’ Take time to respond to comments, ask questions, and engage with your audience. This interaction fosters connection and builds a community around shared values. 4. Stories are the heart of your brand People connect with stories. Share your brand’s journey, how your product or service has made an impact, or highlight your customers’ experiences. A great example is the founder of   Loved Before , a business dedicated to saving stuffed toys from landfills. The founder, Charlotte Liebling, doesn’t just sell a stuffed toy; she tells an emotional story about each one , detailing its past, the love it once received, and how it can bring joy to a new home. This storytelling approach resonates deeply with her audience, creating connections that drive booming sales. Storytelling humanises your brand and fosters emotional connections with your audience. How can you make your brand story more relatable and impactful? 5. Spice up your content mix Value can come in many forms, and mixing up your content is vital to keeping your audience engaged. Think of it like a well-balanced meal; just as you wouldn’t want to eat the same meal every day, your followers want variety, too. Incorporate how-to guides that teach practical skills, share quick tips that make life easier, and feature customer testimonials highlighting real-life success stories. You could also offer behind-the-scenes insights that give your audience a glimpse into your process or daily life, helping them feel more connected to your brand. This variety keeps your audience curious and eager to see what you’ll share next, making them more likely to stick around for more. The long-term payoff of value-based content Value-based content isn’t just about driving short-term engagement but also about building trust and loyalty over time. When you consistently offer genuine value, your audience begins to see your brand as a trusted source of information and support. Businesses that deliver meaningful content will stand out in a world where consumers are increasingly selective about which brands they follow. By providing content that educates, inspires, and helps your audience, you can cut through the noise and foster a community eager to engage with your message. The brands that succeed on social media aren’t just those with eye-catching visuals or catchy slogans; they are the ones that prioritise their audience’s needs and deliver something unique—real insight, connection, and value that enriches their lives. People tend to remember and stay loyal to the brands that genuinely help them, not just those that push sales. So, ask yourself: What value can your business already bring to your followers today? By focusing on what your audience truly cares about, you can unlock the potential for long-term success on social media. Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Nina Van Rompaey Nina Van Rompaey, Instagram & Business Strategist Nina Van Rompaey is the co-founder of My Rising Jungle, where she combines her passion for writing, storytelling, and creativity with extensive business experience to help entrepreneurs enhance their online presence. On a mission to demystify content creation and eliminate superficial Instagram strategies, Nina offers strategic video content, website development, and copywriting services. She is determined to simplify online marketing, empowering business owners to show up on social media authentically, connect with their ideal audience, and move their business forward.

Written by Sophie K, Vitality Coach Sophie K is a joy-seeker, an entrepreneur, vitality coach and the founder of The Thrive Guide. She has made it her mission to help busy people have more time for joy, the things and people that are important to them. Her programs help her clients to ditch the old paradigm of survival, hustle and burn out in a fun and empowering way. Do you find yourself constantly saying yes to requests, even when it's inconvenient or stressful? Are you afraid of disappointing others, even at the expense of your own well-being? If so, you may be a people-pleaser.   People-pleasing is a common behavior, but what if that constant need to please everyone actually hurts your relationships and, ultimately, your business? In this article, we'll explore the hidden costs of people-pleasing and offer strategies to upgrade the results you get in your relationships and your business. Buckle up because it's time to break the cycle of people-pleasing! How people pleasing impacts your business Consider the case of Alex, a graphic designer running a small design agency. Alex was always willing to go the extra mile for his clients, often working late nights and weekends to meet their demands. While this initially helped him build a reputation for exceptional service, the strain of constantly saying yes began to take a toll. Alex's workload became overwhelming, leading to decreased productivity, errors in his work, and a decline in the quality of his designs. He found himself feeling resentful towards clients, not enjoying his work anymore and stressed all the time. As a result, his business started to suffer. His reputation for reliability took a hit, and clients began to question his ability to meet deadlines. People-pleasing can seem harmless, even helpful to others. However, research shows that it can have a significant negative impact on our mental and physical well-being, which is far beyond personal stress and burnout. Here are some specific examples of how people-pleasing can hurt the profitability of your business: Decreased productivity: When you're constantly saying yes to everyone, it's difficult to focus on the most important tasks. This can lead to decreased productivity and missed deadlines. Lower quality work: When you're feeling stressed and overwhelmed, it's more difficult to produce high-quality work. This can damage your reputation and lead to lost business. Negative impact on relationships: People-pleasing can lead to resentment and strained relationships with clients, employees, and colleagues. Missed opportunities: When you're too busy trying to please everyone, you may miss out on valuable opportunities to grow your business.   The reason we people-please The root of people-pleasing lies in the depths of our self-worth and self-confidence. Somewhere deep down, someone who people please believes that if they don’t do what the other person wants, the other person will think of them less, like them less, and respect them less. Essentially, people pleasers subconsciously believe that saying no means the loss of love, validation, and/or connection with another person. What is even more interesting is that many people who break out of their people-pleasing habits report the direct opposite happening to their relationships. They become healthier, more respectful, less dramatic and more fulfilling over time. This belief that saying no means the loss of the relationship in some way, is likely to be based on a childhood experience in response to a specific scenario or person and their behaviour. People-pleasing is a learnt behaviour, a protective mechanism, to keep us safe from a perceived loss of love or safety in the relationship. Here are some common reasons why we people-please Fear of rejection: The thought of someone being disappointed in us can be paralyzing. Low self-esteem: We might believe our own needs aren't important enough to prioritize. Need for approval: We crave external validation to feel good about ourselves. Fear of conflict: Saying no can feel confrontational, so we avoid it at all costs. The vicious cycle of people-pleasing The constant act of putting others first creates a vicious cycle of stress in our personal and professional lives. The more we people-please, the more stressed and overwhelmed we become. This, in turn, affects our ability to manage difficult as well as basic life and business situations effectively, leading to even more stress continuing the cycle. Stress can be very harmful to the success of our business as it can impair our decision-making, lower creativity, and overall productivity. Read my recent article I published on this topic. Strategies to ditch the people-pleasing The key to overcoming people-pleasing is to strengthen your self-worth and learn to set healthy boundaries. Here are some actionable steps you can take: Identify your triggers: What situations or people make you feel like you have to say yes? Practice saying no: No is a complete sentence! Start with small, polite refusals and build your confidence. Focus on self-care: Prioritize your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Exercise, eat healthy, and schedule time for activities that nourish all parts of you. Communicate clearly: When setting new boundaries and saying no to things when we have previously said yes, it can come as a shock to the other person with whom we have a personal or professional relationship. Communicate clearly and confidently why you are unable to follow their request. Focus on win-win solutions: Get creative. Can you find a way to accommodate your client's needs without sacrificing your well-being? Breaking free from people-pleasing can be challenging at first, of course, but it will ultimately be worth it. Trust the process. You got this! Remember, ditching those people-pleasing habits will be beneficial in the long term for you and for others, and a happy and healthy you is a better leader, partner, family member, friend, and business owner. Want to begin the journey with support from someone who has walked the path already? Get in touch by clicking here  to receive a complimentary discovery session to find out if working with me is for you. Follow me on  Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn  for more info! Read more from Sophie K Sophie K, Vitality Coach Sophie K is a joy-seeker, an entrepreneur, vitality coach and the founder of The Thrive Guide. She has made it her mission to help busy people have more time for joy, the things and people that are important to them. Her programs help her clients to ditch the old paradigm of survival, hustle and burn out in a fun and empowering way.

Written by Tarrent-Arthur Henry, Mental Wellness Specialist and Advocate Tarrent-Arthur Henry, known by the pen name Tarrent ‘Authur’ Henry, is a devoted husband and stepfather to two exceptional young men. The founder of 'Righteous Uplifting Nourishing International, Inc.,' a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization, he passionately leads its global mission to empower individuals to achieve their dreams. For centuries, the word “Abracadabra” has conjured images of magic, mystery, and limitless possibility. But there’s more to this mystical word than meets the eye. With roots in Aramaic, “Abracadabra” roughly translates to “I create as I speak,” pointing to the immense potential our words hold. When used with intention, this ancient principle can drive real transformation in our lives. Here are seven powerful ways to tap into the magic of “Abracadabra” and start creating the life you envision. 1. Speak your desired reality into existence The core of “Abracadabra” is creation through words. Countless studies in psychology affirm that speaking our goals and aspirations into existence can have profound effects on our mindset and behavior. By verbalizing your dreams, you reinforce your commitment to them and create a mental map that helps you navigate the path to fulfillment. Set a daily intention, speak it aloud, and let it become the foundation of your reality. 2. Transform negative self-talk into empowering beliefs Words shape our perception of self. When you consciously replace negative self-talk with empowering affirmations, you reframe how you view yourself. Start by identifying one area where self-doubt lingers, then apply the principle of “Abracadabra.” Speak affirmations that counter negative thoughts—repeatedly and consistently. With time, you’ll internalize these empowering beliefs, creating a foundation of confidence and resilience. 3. Adopt a mindset of limitlessness One of the remarkable aspects of “Abracadabra” is its reminder that the only true limitations are the ones we set. By incorporating this mindset into your daily life, you begin to break down the mental barriers holding you back. Approach each challenge with the idea that solutions are possible, and you’ll find your creative problem-solving abilities expanding. 4. Practice intentional language for clarity Language is a powerful tool for setting boundaries, creating understanding, and fostering deep connections. By practicing intentional speech—choosing your words with care and purpose—you communicate clearly and positively, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings. This small shift can significantly enhance both your personal and professional relationships, leading to more meaningful and harmonious connections. 5. Establish a daily "magic" ritual for centering and growth Create a space in your daily routine to harness the principle of “Abracadabra.” Use this time to practice gratitude, affirmations, and visualization exercises that align with your goals. A “magic ritual” like this grounds you, centers your mind, and sets a powerful tone for the day. Through consistency, this ritual becomes an anchor of peace, helping you stay focused on your intentions and personal growth. 6. Manifest abundance and opportunity “Abracadabra” is a key to inviting abundance. When you speak about finances and opportunities with positivity, you’re framing wealth as a real, attainable aspect of life rather than an elusive dream. By cultivating gratitude and expressing positive beliefs around abundance, you attract new avenues for growth. Speak prosperity into your life, and let the law of attraction work its magic. 7. Ignite creativity and innovation Creativity is essential for growth, and “Abracadabra” encourages you to break free from routine thinking. Allow this principle to be a source of inspiration when you need a creative breakthrough. Speak openly about your aspirations, allow yourself to dream big, and don’t shy away from ideas that feel outside the box. This mindset opens doors to new perspectives and innovations that can spark meaningful change. Conclusion “Abracadabra” is more than a word—it’s a transformative concept that invites us to create our lives with intention, confidence, and resilience. By speaking with purpose, embracing limitless thinking, and nurturing positive beliefs, you can create a reality that aligns with your deepest desires. Let the magic of “Abracadabra” remind you of your power to craft the life you’ve always imagined, one word at a time. Follow me on Facebook,   Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Tarrent-Arthur Henry Tarrent-Arthur Henry , Mental Wellness Specialist and Advocate Tarrent-Arthur Henry, known by the pen name Tarrent ‘Authur’ Henry, is a devoted husband and stepfather to two exceptional young men. The founder of 'Righteous Uplifting Nourishing International, Inc.,' a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization, he passionately leads its global mission to empower individuals to achieve their dreams. He is also a best-selling author and poet. Henry serves as a Pastor, Chaplain, Mental Wellness Specialist, and advocate. And holds certifications as a Coach, Speaker, Teacher, Trainer, and Facilitator with Maxwell Leadership.

Written by Jen Legaspi, Master Life Coach Jen Legaspi is a trauma-informed, certified Master Life Coach, author of the book Brave Wise Woman, and yoga teacher. She helps post-divorce women over 40 figure out what comes next, guiding them to create a meaningful new chapter in their lives. Do you find yourself ruminating on that one tiny mistake, unable to appreciate everything else that went as planned? If so, you might be struggling with perfectionism. While it’s often seen as a path to success, perfectionism can trap you in patterns that undermine your well-being and leave you feeling stuck and unfulfilled. It’s time to acknowledge how perfectionism may harm you more than good and break free from its grip. Are you a perfectionist? Do you know that feeling when you’ve double-checked and triple-checked but still can’t seem to let it go? It’s that you need to make sure everything is just right: the email with the exact wording, the home that is always kept spotless, or even styling your hair to perfection every time you leave the house. You’re likely the one people rely on, the go-to for getting things done right. It feels good to excel, to see your efforts pay off, and to view yourself as someone who doesn’t settle for less than the best. But inside of you, a different story unfolds. Your effort is never quite enough. You catch yourself redoing tasks because “great” doesn’t feel "flawless.” That little voice whispers, “You should’ve done better,” or “What will they think?” The drive that once pushed you forward starts feeling heavy. It’s exhausting to keep up with the image of having it all together, and sometimes, you wish you could just relax without feeling guilty. Is your perfectionism unhealthy? Perfectionism is characterized by setting high standards and striving for excellence, whether those standards come from within or reflect what you think others expect. When perfectionism is healthy, these standards are both high and realistic, driven by a desire to learn, improve, and pursue meaningful goals. Mistakes are seen as valuable learning opportunities. Those with healthy perfectionism can thrive while doing what they do best and dial back their perfectionist tendencies as needed, without distress. On the other hand, unhealthy perfectionism   sets standards that are impossible to reach. What does "perfect" even look like, and how will you know when you’ve reached it? The bar keeps moving, leaving you in an exhausting chase for something that never quite materializes, so your mind and body can never truly rest or feel safe. Instead of positive motivation, unhealthy perfectionism is fueled by fear, shame, and the belief that anything less than perfect is unacceptable. It’s marked by harsh self-criticism, fear of failure, and an anxious preoccupation with avoiding mistakes. This often becomes a coping mechanism to feel in control "If I do this perfectly, nobody will judge me." This mindset spills into all areas of life, leading to constant comparison, envy, and disappointment in others who don't meet the same high standards. When your actions stem from fear and a need to control how others see you, the constant vigilance takes a toll. Trying to maintain an image of perfection can drain you emotionally and mentally, leading to chronic stress, anxiety, burnout, and even depression, distancing you from your true self. All-or-nothing thinking is often tied to perfectionism, viewing every effort as a complete success or failure, which can prevent you from taking risks or trying new things. You may procrastinate on projects, fearing they won’t turn out perfectly, or avoid opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone. Mistakes become proof of inadequacy rather than growth, adding up to self-imposed pressure that holds you back and limits your ability to savor your successes and experience true joy and fulfillment. Unhealthy perfectionism can also disconnect you from your authenticity, causing you to focus more on meeting perceived expectations and seeking validation than honoring your true feelings, desires, and values. I experienced this first-hand while writing Brave Wise Woman. Draft after draft, my inner critic insisted my story wasn’t “right.” What began as a desire to produce my best work morphed into a paralyzing fear of judgment, dimming my voice and stifling my creativity. The anxiety affected my productivity, delayed the editing process, and contributed to chronic insomnia. The mind-body connection The stress of perfectionism is a full-body experience. Since unhealthy perfectionism is typically rooted in fear, it activates the threat response in your nervous system. Perfectionism is associated with the flight response and is experienced as an anxious urge to avoid situations where you might fail, face criticism, or ultimately be rejected. This constant state of alertness keeps you on edge. The effects manifest as rigidity in both the body and mind. Physically, this tension often shows up as tightness in areas like your chest, shoulders, neck, and jaw. Mentally, it fuels rigid thinking patterns, black-and-white perspectives where everything is either good or bad, right or wrong, success or failure, etc. When expectations aren’t met, this inflexible mindset can amplify any underlying feelings of inadequacy. When perfectionism becomes an ingrained behavior, this rigidity shapes how you view and engage with life. Because the body and mind are deeply interconnected, this cycle perpetuates itself, trapping you in survival mode and preventing your growth. Perfectionists often struggle to fully relax and miss out on the restorative benefits of rest and play. Rather than enhancing your performance, unhealthy perfectionism keeps you in a state of chronic stress and hypervigilance, undermining your ability to thrive. How perfectionism develops Perfectionism often begins in childhood, where explicit or subtle messages link success to love and approval. Praise for achievements, like good grades, can lead children to associate performance with acceptance, believing they must achieve to be worthy. Over time, this need for external validation becomes an unconscious survival strategy, a way to feel safe, secure, and loved. Trauma, such as emotional neglect or frequent criticism, can reinforce this connection, making perfectionism a coping mechanism to avoid rejection. I experienced this myself; my intellect was praised, and love seemed conditional on bringing home A’s. But when I got in trouble, I faced blame and shame. These mixed messages led me to believe my worth was conditional that I had to be "good" or perfect to be accepted. Perfectionism protected me from the pain of criticism and rejection. Other factors, like cultural ideals of beauty and “success,” competitive environments like school and the workplace, and observing and adopting behaviors of perfectionistic caregivers can also contribute to the development of this behavioral pattern. 3 tips to loosen the grip of perfectionism Expecting perfectionists to let go of their habits entirely can feel unrealistic and even counterproductive. These behaviors have often contributed to success in some areas of life. The goal isn’t to bypass their importance or shut them down entirely but rather to loosen their grip and create space to explore healthier ways of achieving success without the constant fear of falling short. The tips below offer a starting point to ease the stress perfectionism can create. In my coaching, we go further, addressing the deeper fears and insecurities that drive these behaviors, creating lasting shifts that support growth and self-compassion. 1. Understand where your inner critic comes from Perfectionists often become deeply identified with their inner critic, mistaking its judgmental voice for their own. However, this inner critic typically stems from past influences and echoes of parents, caregivers, teachers, or societal expectations from childhood. To gain insight into your inner critic, try this illuminating exercise: draw a picture of it. What does it look like? What words does it say to you? What or who does your critic remind you of? Reflecting on these aspects can help you explore your inner critic's origins and distinguish its harshness from your true voice. By recognizing these influences, you can start to challenge the validity of the inner critic’s words by asking, "Is this really true?" This practice helps you develop a kinder, more understanding view of yourself. 2. Build your capacity to tolerate messiness Perfectionists have a low tolerance for disorganization and disorder, often because they equate messiness with a lack of control or even failure. Allow yourself to purposely do something imperfectly to build your capacity for tolerating mistakes and challenge your relationship to control. Consider starting a small, low-pressure project at home without worrying about the final outcome, such as writing a "messy" draft without censoring yourself or whipping up a meal without a recipe. As you do this, pay attention to what arises within you. What sensations can you notice in your body? What is your inner dialogue like? These reflections can reveal underlying beliefs and fears that influence your relationship with perfectionism. Every observation is an opportunity for self-discovery. My clients who have tried this exercise often report a sense of relief, realizing that giving themselves permission to be imperfect didn’t lead to disastrous consequences. This practice encourages you to see imperfection as not only typical but valuable, ultimately challenging the belief that there’s only one “right” way to perfection. Embracing this perspective helps nurture a healthier, more compassionate relationship with yourself and your creative process. 3. Practice being, not doing Perfectionists often tie their worth to their accomplishments, trapping themselves in a cycle of constant productivity. They may struggle to understand the value of rest and may feel guilt when pausing. What’s needed is a new relationship with “being.” In a state of “being,” the mind has nothing to “do” but exist in the present. This can be uncomfortable for perfectionists, and practices like meditation may feel challenging due to concerns about doing it “right.” Instead, I recommend cultivating a mindfulness practice, such as yoga or a simple ritual that invites you to connect with your senses. For example, pour a cup of hot tea, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, and gaze out the window undisturbed for a set period of time. These practices encourage you to challenge the urge for constant productivity and simply be present. Notice the sensations in your body and the thoughts that arise without judgment. Allow them to exist without trying to change or engage with them. Don’t let perfectionism rob you of the life you desire Unhealthy perfectionism may promise success and a sense of safety, but it often leads to inner turmoil. It’s not just about doing well; it’s about being flawless, a pursuit that disrupts peace of mind, fuels anxiety, undermines self-trust, and distances you from your true self. This cycle of stress and dissatisfaction can block your access to real joy and fulfillment. If perfectionism is robbing you of the life you want, it’s time to ask yourself whether your exceptionally high standards are truly helping or holding you back. If you’re ready to soften the grip of perfectionism for good and are curious about what coaching can do for you, let’s connect! I’m offering a limited number of coaching session sampler packages for the 2024 holidays so you can experience a taste of this work at a special rate. I invite you to schedule a complimentary call  with me and mention Brainz. Follow me on   Instagram ,   Facebook , LinkedIn ,  and my website for more insightful tips and empowering guidance for divorced midlife women creating a fresh new chapter in life.  Read more from Jen Legaspi Jen Legaspi, Master Life Coach Jen Legaspi is a trauma-informed, certified Master Life Coach, author of Brave Wise Woman , and yoga teacher. After her second divorce in her 40s, she faced the inevitable question, ‘What now?’ This led her down a path of healing and self-discovery, including exploring a new life on her own in Mexico for a year and a half and finding healthy romantic love after 50. She now enjoys helping post-divorce women over 40 discover their own answers to that question. Her compassionate guidance creates a soft space for them to land.

Written by Willie Nicholson, Business Consultant Willie Nicholson has held numerous leadership roles, building and empowering successful teams while enabling employees to grow and achieve career success. His go-to phrase is, "It's not who's right. It's what's right." In an unprecedented move, the U.S. has officially declared a mental health crisis among children, highlighting the urgent need for attention and resources to address rising rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma in young people. This declaration underscores the strain on mental health services and the impact of societal challenges on youth well-being. With this call to action, experts and policymakers are advocating for transformative measures to support the mental health of the nation’s children. Children are our most valuable resource and our best hope for the future –  John F Kennedy.   Actions and events in a workplace can have a ripple effect that extends beyond the immediate colleagues, influencing a wider network. I believe bad managers' stress on employees carries over into their families, hurting children.   I once came across an unknown author's quote: "Parents must be okay for their children to be okay. Parents' mental health is the foundation for children's mental health." Because stress lingers, it reminded me of my experience with job stress and carrying it home: what does it mean to be okay? Is it because I think I’m okay? But I am still stressed and have normalized it. It also reminded me that stressing a child out only takes a moment.   In this article, we will explore if there is a connection between bad managers and children’s mental health. Research suggests that there is a strong correlation between the two.     On October 19, 2021, for the first time in US history, a children's mental health crisis was declared in the US by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), and the Children's Hospital Association (CHA)   Crisis news is not new. The declaration of a children’s mental health crisis is significant and begs the question of what is fueling this.   We are used to hearing many stories about the upsetting emotional toll that bad managers take on their employees. Less focus is placed on the impact this emotional toll has on the children of employees. Even the potential that there may be long-term negative effects on a child's mental health should make many of us apprehensive. Chronic stress from work is thought to be one of the main sources of ongoing stress that has a detrimental effect on mental health and accumulates over time.   And, if these numbers do not alarm you, then maybe, that increased suicide attempts have been the most common mental health condition seen in children's hospitals.   Myth, misconception and mistake Imagine the saga that can unfold when misapprehension leads to assumptions. When I was a newly hired manager, I once took over a team of difficult but incumbent employees in a toxic environment with an HR department that supported the current tough team. One of my tasks was to fix this problem. On top of everything else, the team outright said they would be getting me fired. Naturally, they believed I was a poor manager.   Let me clarify the myths, misconceptions, and mistakes cited when discussing bad managers. Myth: There are traditional stories that people do not leave companies because of bad managers. The fact is people do leave companies because of bad managers and they also leave for other reasons. Misconception: Bad managers and leaders are always intentionally malicious or actively trying to harm their team. In reality, poor management stems from a variety of factors, including, lack of skills, inadequate training, egos, lack of empathy, or not understanding how to lead or motivate teams. Mistake: The primary mistake is trying to fix the result rather than the cause. It’s generally not productive to solely blame bad managers when in reality they are contributing to the problem, and when there is a rich tapestry of different factors, each contributing in a unique way.   I want to be very clear about my viewpoint. It is not always necessary to pass stress on. It is now your responsibility to take action, regardless of your role as an employee, parent, manager, leader, or organization. "The ball is in your court,”    Stress is contagious “I am not arguing. I am just explaining that I’m right.” Rick Sanchez from the animated series “Rick and Morty”   Bad behavior can cause stress that becomes toxic to others, especially in the workplace, where a manager's stress can trigger similar responses in their employees. Recently, I have been thinking about how long bad behavior should be accepted. When does indifference turn to intolerance?   Consider this scenario: you are enjoying a fantastic day until you encounter your manager, who speaks to you in an unpleasant and insensitive manner. This is the manager's persistent behavior, and you have attempted to call it out to no avail. You choose to endure it for a variety of reasons. But the conduct persists. For a variety of reasons, you decide to endure it.   I think the problem with bad behavior is that we both have choices. The decision to act badly or not rests on the person who is behaving badly. I may choose whether or not to accept it. Bad behavior is bad behavior regardless of whether you are a manager or not. Why would we put up with the same behavior at work if we wouldn't put up with it from our kids, friends, or anybody else? Furthermore, we shouldn't tolerate bad behavior because you are getting paid.   I believe we can all agree that stress is not stationary and has no boundaries, and as Dorothy Nolte famously remarked, children do learn what they live. Then they grow up to live what they've learned.   What I did not know is that stress can be contagious. When people are stressed the chemical hormone cortisol leaks out of the skin through sweat and can impact others.    And like a nasty cold or flu, it can spread fast. Research shows that simply observing someone who is under a lot of stress can jack up our levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. In fact, stress is so contagious that a new Swedish study found that you can even spread stress to your dog.    Stress erodes parental-child connections and, according to study, is infectious, spreading like wildfire. The parent-child crossover effect illustrates how emotions or behaviors may spread throughout a family structure. The "ripple effect" refers to the overflow from the workplace into the home. According to studies, between 30 and 50 percent of working parents are already concerned about their kids' mental health without having to deal with additional stress at work.    Anything that has a long-term impact on our children's mental health, regardless of the source, should raise grave concern and is unacceptable. Bad managers create stress. Employees are afflicted and pass it on to their families.   Managers would argue the pressure and stress that managers put on their staff to get things done originates from leadership. When this happens, and it does, achieving managerial outcomes takes precedence over employee empathy. Ineffective managers become even poorer managers.   In truth, a manager's approach is a personal choice. Its downstream consequences are not justified by compounding the situation. Unfortunately, this unseen dispersion of rage enjoys a robust but unregulated reputation in business.   We are aware that parents give their kids emotional support. Although well-meaning parents may be aware that their mental health affects their family, they might not always be aware of the additional harm that bad managers cause to their families.   Because I have been on both sides as a manager and parent my perspective is divided. A manager who experienced pressure and stress to meet leadership objectives, and a parent whose daily routine entails a straight path home to an unaware family carrying an invisible element of stress that is very contagious and harmful. We may not be able to control bad managers, but we can strive to control ourselves.   There really are two sides to every story “Don’t raise your voice, improve your argument” Desmond Tutu   “The first to present his case seems right until another comes forward and examines him.” Proverbs 18:17   The most critical thing we need to know is often the most important piece of information we don’t have. Instead of pretending we know what we are doing we should fill that gap.   Dr. Safia Debar, a stress management expert at Mayo Clinic Healthcare explains that the difference between good and bad stress is about the perception of stress and how your body is actually handling it. It is reasonable to acknowledge that a little bit of stress can be helpful and motivate you to perform well. I would argue that no one else, even managers, can determine how much stress each person can manage before positive stress turns into negative stress, and it is commonly known that too much positive stress can turn into negative stress.   As a result, it may appear reasonable and possible that many managers do not take their employees' families into account while interacting with them due to leadership directives. However, one may consider this line of thinking to be an appeal to hypocrisy. Another fallacy that avoids addressing the subject directly in favor of reactive criticism in response to a claim. Some managers may not believe that they affect the families of their employees, and they most certainly may not think that they are contributing to children's mental health crises. This is because those managers are more focused on their obligation to meet predetermined objectives than the opinions of their staff. They are in managerial positions to accomplish goals. It does not lessen the manager's obligation to achieve those goals whether an employee disagrees with the management's decision, or objectives, or even believes the manager is awful.   It is also possible for managers to explain that following directions from superiors does not always indicate a lack of character. Managers are seen badly for carrying out the decisions that leaders make. You see that all the time between parents and kids. Children view their parents as terrible individuals when they make decisions. Although this argument appears to be sound, it is incorrect because it involves an unsubstantiated assumption about a link between two things, known as the "causal fallacy," which cannot be verified. A recent 2024 Harvard Business Review article supports that managers’ burden is increasing. “The job of the manager has become unmanageable. Organizations are becoming  flatter  every year. The average manager’s number of direct reports has increased by 2.8 times over the last six years, according to Gartner research. In the past few years alone, many managers have had to make a series of pivots from moving to remote work to overseeing hybrid teams to implementing return-to-office mandates.”  The manager's claim that pressure from the top is not helping their cause is further supported by Gartners’ research that found that  managers today are accountable for 51% more  responsibilities than they can effectively manage and yet they remain the load-bearing pillars of an organization. They carry the weight of leader expectations at the top while responding to employee expectations at the base. This is accurate. Managers are, undoubtedly, under more pressure now. This demonstrates the hazards of the ripple effect and how weak managers, who are already unhappy and victimized, pass on their stress to their staff. However, as author Ryan Blair wrote, “If it’s important to you, you will find a way. If not, you will find an excuse.” In psychology, it is often called “projection.” where you unconsciously attribute your experiences to another person. Leadership is not blameless for their role in this issue. Businesses need to do more to address this issue. Whether you agree or disagree, terrible behavior is always unacceptable and should never be condoned, supported, or spread. This data reveals stress is not biased and is more proof that supports bad managers' role in fueling the children's mental health crises. Further casting an unflattering spotlight on businesses, they cannot expect to escape. Before we assume that nothing has been tried to help reduce parental stress, working from home has been one approach. According to a study from Northwestern University, around 40% of parents who worked remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic reported experiencing higher parenting stress due to disruptions from their children, compared to only 27% of parents who worked onsite. This illustrates that other factors are at play with stress. I am sure that some children would in turn say that parents working from home adds additional stress on them as well. When it comes to dealing with bad managers, organizations are trapped between a “rock and a hard place.” I once asked our CEO, "Do you really think training will change bad managers?" He said, "Well, I can’t fire all my managers." He is right. But does this also imply there is nothing more that can be done?   As a matter of facts “A wise man proportions his belief to the evidence” David Hume   Fortunately , a 2023 Work in America Survey found that the majority (77%) of workers reported being very (36%) or (41%) satisfied with the support for mental health and well-being they receive from their employers.   Unfortunately, 84% of American workers say poorly trained people managers create unnecessary work and stress.   It should be noted that bad managers and toxic cultures are not the only contributing factors to children's mental health crises. Yet, workplace issues are more intricately linked to health concerns than any other stressor in life, even more so than financial or family issues, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.   Mental health foundation, 2023 20% of adolescents may experience a mental health problem in any given year.1 50% of mental health problems are established by age 14 and 75% by age 24. 10% of children and young people (aged 5 to 16 years) have a clinically diagnosable mental problem3, yet 70% of children and adolescents who experience mental health problems have not had appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age.     The pew charitable trust Dec 8, 2023 — Our nation faces a new public health threat. Accelerated but not solely caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, feelings of anxiety and depression have grown to levels where virtually no one can ignore what is happening. A CNN/Kaiser Family Foundation poll put a number to it: 90% of Americans feel we are in a mental health crisis.   The centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) The most recent data, from 2021, was stunning: 42% “experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness,” up from 28% in 2011. 22% “seriously considered attempting suicide,” up from 16% in 2011. Youths have had low rates of suicide mortality, but that began changing about a decade ago. Today, (ages 10-24) account for 15% of all suicides, an increase of 52.2% since 2000. Suicide has become the second-leading cause of death for this age group, accounting for 7,126 deaths. Project hope  About 15% of the world’s adolescents have a mental health condition.  Around 1 in 7 young people ages 10 to 19 have a mental health condition. Mental health issues often start in the early stages of life: About half of all mental health issues begin before age 14 and most cases go undetected. Mental health disorders could cost the world $16 trillion by 2030  Over half of Americans with a mental illness don’t receive treatment In May 2024, the Children’s Hospital Association issued the following statement titled “A Better Tomorrow for Children’s Mental Health Depends on Today’s Actions.” “Most people don’t often associate mental health emergencies with children. Instead, people tend to believe children and adolescents are immune to depression, anxiety, loneliness, trauma, or severe mental health challenges. They simply don’t want to believe that pediatric emergency departments see a significant number of school-aged children at risk of suicide. But that’s simply not reality. The truth is suicide is the second leading cause of death in 10- to 24-year-olds, and suicide attempts, ideation, and self-injury are among the most common mental health conditions seen in children’s hospitals’ emergency departments (EDs). These serious issues accounted for 31% of behavioral health encounters in children's hospitals EDs in 2023 alone, according to data from the Children’s Hospital Association’s Pediatric Health Information System®.” What’s more, unmet mental health needs in childhood can lead to crises in adolescence and young adulthood. According to the CDC, in 2021, 22% of high school students seriously considered attempting suicide, and one in ten attempted suicide at least once during the past year. This crisis is also costly to American businesses. The more time a parent spends caring for a child’s mental health needs, the greater the disruption to their work and productivity. It is estimated that indirect costs related to mental health such as lost productivity cost employers  $47.6 billion annually. Naturally, managers would argue that pressure is the root source of stress, not bad managers, who are contributing to children's mental health crises. This is confirmed by the fact that managers are beginning to collapse under pressure. Fifty-four percent of managers are suffering from work-induced stress and fatigue. 44% are struggling to provide personalized  support to their direct reports . One in five managers said they would prefer not to be people managers given a choice. Forty-nine percent of workplace conflict is a result of personality clashes and egos. The danger is significant, employees who report to bad managers are far more likely to fail: Ninety-one percent less  likely to be high performers Three times   more likely to want to leave their organizations Four times more likely to underperform on both customer satisfaction and innovation goals. But what are the parents saying? , Evernorth Health Services commissioned YouGov to survey 2,500 U.S. parents. Working parents managing a child’s mental health needs reported a significant impact, personally and professionally. Compared to working parents of children who do not have mental health challenges, they are far more likely to have mental health struggles of their own, with 54% reporting a diagnosed condition. “Curbing the youth mental health crisis and its human and economic toll is imperative for a thriving, vital society.” David M. Cordani, chairman and CEO, The Cigna Group   In August 2024, said in an advisory he had warned about young people’s mental health in 2021. “My hope is that we can shine the light on something that affecting millions of people across the country.” He went on to state “Let’s be clear, the actual stress factors are wide and have long concerned parents.” Dr. Vivek Murthy, US Surgeon General, The evidence is compelling, but only if you want to see it. Because they are the center of the working parent's universe, it is more appealing and thrilling to blame lousy bosses and their egos; Albert Einstein wrote, “More the knowledge, lesser the ego, lesser the knowledge more the ego.” Consider this Reddit post, in which a middle manager tells the story of top management's bloated ego, which disliked an exceptional, hard-to-find software designer and compelled the middle manager to face this employee. The worker resigned when they were in the middle of a two-million-dollar offer, which was lost to the business for whom the software designer later worked. In “Ego is the Enemy, Ryan Holiday wrote that Geneen famously said, “The worst disease which afflicts business executives in their work is not, as popularly supposed, alcoholism; it is egotism. Whether in middle management or top management, unbridled personal egotism blinds a man to the realities around him; more and more he comes to live in a world of his own imagination; and because he sincerely believes he can do no wrong, he becomes a menace to the men and women who have to work under his direction,” Thinking about what happens next “When solving problems, dig at the roots instead of just hacking at the leaves.” Anthony D’Angelo. If the welfare of children is not something important to us, then what is? If it is true that our children are our most valuable resource, our best chance for the future, how did we arrive at the point where a child mental health crisis had to be declared?   The objective is not to solely cast all the blame on bad managers but to evoke our compassion and empathy to ignite the opportunity to diminish this problem at every source. Mental health challenges are not hidden from us. They are in plain sight and amongst us. The opportunity to study, explain, and manage these challenges is what should stir something in us. This is not about who is right. It’s about what is right.   It may not seem important to talk about the stress that bad managers cause right now, but a small change in behavior can improve leadership skills today and the mental health of others now and in the future.   Again, although not the only contributing factor, the research covered here provides viewpoints that do nothing to refute the notion bad managers create stress for employees that contributes to their mental well-being that extends to families.   The only logical question is, “If we know the problem exists and have clearly identified one source of the problem, can we deny its existence?” I could remind you of this article's title and ask if you initially believed this was true. However, this is not to determine if this is a moral or ethical issue. The purpose is to raise awareness. I would conclude that studies have demonstrated that terrible managers negatively affect the mental health of employees and that employees pass their stress, worry, and other job-related distress down to their families. Therefore, it is reasonable to conjecture that bad managers are inadvertently exacerbating the children's mental health crisis.   Our children's legacy depends on all of us: companies, managers, employees, and others actively directing our concern toward the same final goal. Even the large number of CEOs of businesses who legitimately claim, "I can't fire all my managers," would undoubtedly agree that what is currently being done is not enough and further measures need to be taken to help our children have a more sustainable future and bridges all racial, ethnic, religious, and creedal divides. Visit my website for more info! Read more from Willie Nicholson Willie Nicholson, Business Consultant Willie Nicholson, a thought leader and business adviser, helps others improve their knowledge of the business world. Because he didn’t have early mentors in his life, Bill entered the corporate world uninformed and inexperienced. Bill didn't appreciate the value of advice until he had the opportunity to work with two separate female leaders who helped him develop his early business understanding and aptitude. From then, he began to take an early interest in helping others understand the intricacies of business.

Written by Joana Dockute, Business Development Specialist/ Business Coach Joana Dockute is a business development specialist and a business coach with a background in running her own direct sales and marketing company for 7 years. When it comes to helping her clients go to the next level Joana perfectly understands their problems, as she had to go through most business development stages herself before she became a business coach. Do you know that sales are just an energy exchange between your dream client and yourself? And once your dream client feels understood by you, feels like you get them, and likes what your brand ethos is about it is easy. However, attracting your dream client that aligns with your brand requires a bit of planning, preparation, and analysis of your dream client. So, before you start making your content strategy you should understand what your dream client went through before they discovered your brand. Understanding your potential clients To understand what your dream client is going through when searching for your expertise online let’s take a step back and look at what happened to your dream client before they found you online. From information overload to DIY master There is so much information out there. They probably ‘heard it all’! And your dream client is perhaps suffering from information overload. This leads them to become a DIY master as with so much knowledge shared online they start believing they could do it themselves. Usually, it’s a very burnt-out and exhausted DIY master who is still ‘struggling’ to get the desired results. In my particular case, I am amazed at how much my new clients understand marketing. They learned bits and pieces online on how to market their business. However, they still struggle ‘to connect the dots online’ (meaning, they can’t get a consistent flow of new customers). And that’s the time when they seek the help of a professional to help them move their business forward.   And that applies to any niche out there. Think about your current clients, you are probably amazed by how much they know about your niche/subject. That’s the new information age we live in. Do you know what the doctors hate the most? When a patient comes in and starts telling the doctor how to heal their disease the way Google told them. Expectation of instant gratification And then there is an expectation of instant gratification! ‘I want the results yesterday!’ One thing I learned back in a day while running my sales agency is to conduct 1 hour-long expectations meetings with new salespeople. During that hour I used to tell them what might go wrong on their journey as a salesperson. So, when they stumble across the challenge, they don’t freak out or throw in the towel, they think ‘Oh, yeah, Joana told me this is going to happen!’ Having expectations meetings with your new clients or prospects takes a lot of stress away later, especially in this ‘instant gratification world’. And that thing alone might ‘set you apart’ from your competition. Educating your dream client on the process and managing their expectations might even make them respect you more.   Once you understand what your dream client went through mentally when trying to solve their problems you could look at how they were consuming content!   Content consumption stages Your Dream Client will go out and check your branding, and the content you share. Your dream client needs to be sure that the two of you can ‘vibe together.’ In other words, they are checking your brand ethos (your brand’s character) and your online presence history. But before they discover you as a brand, they check your ‘surface-level’ content. ‘Surface level’ content When a prospect is looking for answers to their problems online they aren't looking for you in particular. They are looking for solutions to their problems. Initially, if they see your posts or videos, it would be just a surface-level interaction. If they like what they have seen they will go and explore more. They will check your other content. Businesses use this basic/industry-related content to attract prospects initially to them. But content that makes them convert into your customers isn't surface-level content. ChatGPT is full of surface-level answers. If you got my Content Strategy Workbook, it's the initial 20 questions I teach you to brainstorm in the beginning. Specific content that adds value Once your prospects are satisfied with the general info they will want to explore more. Your prospect's interest level rises once they find answers to   specific questions. Questions or the angle you answer them differently from anybody else. Your Dream Client feels like you added value to them. If you are in a fitness niche a specific question would be 'How do I save time preparing my keto meals?' You see, they don’t ask ‘What is a keto diet?’, or ‘What should I eat on the keto diet?’ Now at this stage, they are very close to converting as their questions are of somebody, who is already considering, getting it. But your dream clients might not be ready to convert yet, especially if you sell a high-end product/service. Check out my article about the 5-Step Marketing Strategy if you are selling a high-end product here. Your Dream Client needs to get to know you better and start trusting you more. Your dream client wants to make sure that you are the right fit. Content with personal branding If you aren't Huawei and can't beat other tech companies on price it's your personal branding, that will push your prospect over the line. If your dream customer believes, they can hit their goals with you, or you will help them solve their problems they will buy from you. In other words, they buy from you because they like you. If you ever did sales before this is the oldest trick in the book. People buy from you because they vibe with you, your dream clients think that you are cool, and they resonate with you. Content that involves Personal Branding is unique to you. But it’s quite simple. Don’t be afraid to show who you are, your interests, and your views. You will get more customers by being yourself, rather than trying to be ‘cool’, and sounding like your competition. Content creation challenge How do you get to that stage where you aren't afraid to show your authentic side? It's easy. Every entrepreneur can do that. But you might not like what I am about to suggest for you.. You commit to 90 Days of Content Creation. No matter what for the next 90 days you will go out and create a piece of content every day. You might ask me ‘But why do I have to create content about topics that my competition is already talking about?’ Yes, you might have another 5 business owners talking about the same thing in your city but there will be something different about you: Maybe it’s the way you answer the question Maybe it’s a different intake on a solution Maybe it’s your client’s testimonial, that will resonate with your dream client. To discover what to expect if you do decide to commit to 90 Days on Your Content Creation Journey check out my video on ‘Becoming Better, In Creating Content’ here . And remember: The content you think your customers need to know and the content your customers want to see   are usually two different things! But you only discover that by creating content consistently and analyzing which content brought you clients. Conclusion To rehash, attracting dream clients that resonate with your brand ethos is easy. It requires a thorough understanding of your dream client. From what happens before they find you, why are they looking for you and how is your dream client deciding to buy? And just remember why you are doing it. Meaning, why should you spend time analyzing your dream client? If your business wants to acquire more customers, you must create the right marketing message and content that resonates with your dream client. To understand what content to create you need to understand your dream client’s problems, how they tried to solve those problems, and what happens if they don’t. Thank you for reading this article on Mastering the energy exchange: attracting your dream client that aligns with your brand ethos. If you need help with anything I discussed above feel free to reach out to me for a consultation via my website . Follow me on LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Joana Dockute Joana Dockute, Business Development Specialist/ Business Coach Joana Dockute is a business development specialist and a business coach with a background in running her own direct sales and marketing company for 7 years. When it comes to helping her clients go to the next level Joana perfectly understands their problems, as she had to go through most business development stages herself before she became a business coach. She loves helping business owners 'find their voice', design, and implement customized business systems and processes. Each business is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all. Joana's mission is to help entrepreneurs succeed without having 'to sell their soul'. Meaning, if the strategy doesn't align with your values you shouldn't even consider it.

Written by Jennifer Schmidt, Athlete Mental Health Mentor Jennifer Schmidt is Recreation Therapist, Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach and self-proclaimed "Mental Health Mentor." When consistent triathlon training didn't "cure" her depression and anxiety (as her education promised), Jennifer sought other answers and discovered the root of her mental illnesses were likely being amplified by her intense training regime. As winter temperatures drop, motivation can plummet for runners who reluctantly turn to the “Dreadmill” rather than braving the cold. While treadmill running offers a break from the elements, the monotony of running in place can quickly feel uninspiring, leading many to skip workouts—or worse, abandon running altogether. So, how can you stay motivated to stick with indoor running this winter and keep your training on track? The keys to consistent motivation In order to have a consistent level of motivation, we need to consider 2 things: the benefits of the activity and our personal values. When we can consciously connect the benefits of running with our own personal values, our motivation will increase and stay that way, even when the conditions (aka the dreadmill) are not ideal. Know the benefits of running Whether you're a seasoned runner or just getting started, chances are you're acquainted with the benefits of running  for your health, such as improved cardiovascular health, increased strength, and higher energy levels. Each runner also experiences their own more personal benefits, such as feeling connected to a community, stress reduction, or getting time in nature. Connect to your personal values You may not, however, have really considered your values. Many equate their morals with their values, but they are not the same thing. Personal values are phenomena that give you energy and get you excited. They might use the same language as morals (for example, kindness, honesty, family, love, growth, freedom, etc.), but rather than being things that society states will make you a good person, they are qualities that, when used, will light you up. How to identify personal values To reveal your own personal values you can take time to reflect on experiences in your life that have left you feeling energized and see if you can identify the common thread between these situations. Alternatively, a professional can help you identify your values by using assessments and therapeutic techniques (I do this with all of my runners and triathletes – let me help you!) Once you're clear on your personal values and know what benefits you're seeking from your running, you can make connections between the two which will help to boost your motivation. A real-life example Let's use an example to help you see how this might work for you. Pamela runs primarily because she wants to keep her body strong as she ages. She's identified her top values as family, adventure, and growth. Pamela tries to talk herself into every treadmill running session by reminding herself of her goal to stay strong, but it doesn't seem to help. However, if she connects this goal with her values by also remembering that staying strong will help her to be able to be healthy for her family and play with her children and future grandchildren, allow her to be ready for epic summer adventures, and gives her a chance to see how strong she can get if she's consistent, now she's feeling more motivated! Not only that, if she consciously reflects on this deeper meaning before each indoor run, her motivation will be much more consistent in the long run (pun fully intended!) Pamela could also take this a step further and reflect both during and after her run. While on the treadmill, she could be thinking about how different intervals are strengthening specific muscle fibres, and how that growth will fuel her exciting plan to run a marathon next summer. After her workout, she might make some notes for herself in a training journal about this session so she can look back later and see how far she's come, which connects with her value for growth. Instead of thinking about how boring the treadmill is going to be and counting down the minutes while she's there, connecting the benefits and personal values gives Pamela something more exciting to focus on, which will drive her neurotransmitters (in this case, dopamine) to help her want to actually do the activity. It will also create a positive memory of the treadmill run that will leave her brain wanting more (aka making her motivated to run indoors again soon!) The key here is to consciously make these connections regularly, as this is what will activate the neurobiology that drives you to have consistent motivation over time. If staying motivated feels out of reach right now, there may be more going on than just a need for a mindset shift. I help runners like you find renewed energy and joy in both life and sport! Together, we’ll work from the inside out to support your body and mind, so you can feel your best and as a bonus, these strategies will enhance your performance too. Ready to feel better and perform even better? Take just two minutes to let me know you’re interested. There’s no obligation just an easy step toward feeling like yourself again! Follow me on  Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Jennifer Schmidt Jennifer Schmidt, Athlete Mental Health Mentor Jennifer Schmidt is Recreation Therapist, Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach and self-proclaimed "Mental Health Mentor." When consistent triathlon training didn't "cure" her depression and anxiety (as her education promised), Jennifer sought other answers and discovered the root of her mental illnesses were likely being amplified by her intense training regime. Her personal mental health experience combined with her professional experience in psychiatry fuelled her to start Ignite Health Coaching and Wellness, where she mentors endurance athletes on creating a lifestyle for positive mental health while simultaneously unlocking their true athletic potential.

Written by R ena Hope Barnett Matthews, Attorney Career Coach Rena Barnett Matthews is an executive legal recruiter with nearly two decades of experience placing attorneys in top law firms and Fortune 500 companies. A former practicing lawyer, she offers unique insights as a career coach, helping attorneys navigate career transitions and advancement in the legal field. Navigating a legal career is a complex journey that combines intellectual challenge with intense pressure. For many attorneys, the demands of the profession can lead to unintentional self-sabotage, particularly during critical moments such as job interviews or high-stakes workplace interactions. The legal field's competitive nature and the weighty responsibilities placed on lawyers create an environment where even the most competent professionals may find themselves stumbling. Understanding self-sabotage in the legal context Self-sabotage in a legal career is a multifaceted issue that often manifests in subtle ways. It's crucial to recognize that these behaviors are not simply character flaws but often stem from deeper psychological and experiential factors: Past work trauma The legal profession can be unforgiving, and negative experiences in previous roles can leave lasting scars. For instance, a young associate who was harshly criticized by a senior partner may develop an overly defensive communication style. A certified career coach can help you reframe these experiences into learning opportunities, fostering resilience rather than defensiveness. Stress and anxiety The high-stakes nature of legal work creates an environment ripe for stress and anxiety. Courtroom pressures, client demands, and billable hour requirements can create a constant state of tension. A coach can work with you to develop effective stress-management techniques, helping you channel this pressure into productive energy. Fear of judgment Lawyers often operate in environments where their every word and action is scrutinized. This intense scrutiny can lead to a paralyzing fear of judgment. A career coach can assist you in building confidence and reframing your mindset, so you can view feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than as a personal attack. Impostor syndrome Many lawyers, even those with impressive credentials, suffer from impostor syndrome. This can lead to self-sabotaging behaviors such as turning down opportunities for advancement or failing to assert oneself in important discussions. Working with a coach can help you recognize your accomplishments and combat negative self-talk, reinforcing your belief in your capabilities. Perfectionism The legal profession often attracts perfectionists, but this trait can become self-sabotaging when it leads to procrastination or obsessive over-preparation. A coach can guide you in setting realistic standards and help you understand the value of progress over perfection. Establishing robust guardrails during interviews Preparation is key Thorough preparation goes beyond researching the firm and practicing common questions. It involves a deep dive into your own experiences and motivations. Create a personal narrative that coherently ties together your career choices and aspirations. Utilizing the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when preparing answers can help prevent rambling and ensure you highlight your skills effectively. Recording yourself during mock interviews can further illuminate unconscious habits, allowing for targeted improvement. Mindfulness and breathing techniques Incorporate a regular mindfulness practice into your daily routine. This could involve guided meditations, yoga, or simple breathing exercises. Before an interview, try the 4-7-8 breathing technique: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. This practice reduces anxiety and promotes clarity of thought. Set intentional boundaries Creating boundaries isn't just about deciding what topics to avoid; it's about crafting a professional persona that aligns with your values and career goals. A career coach can help you develop a clear understanding of your professional ethics and non-negotiables, empowering you to communicate them effectively. Utilize silence Embrace the power of the pause. When faced with a complex question, take a deliberate moment to gather your thoughts. Verbalizing your need for a moment of contemplation can demonstrate thoughtfulness and poise. Implementing career-long guardrails Develop reflective practices Establish a structured reflection routine. Journaling prompts such as "What were my wins today?" and "Where did I feel challenged?" can help you track your growth. Additionally, conducting a personal SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis quarterly can provide insights into your evolving professional landscape. Identify triggers Conduct a thorough self-assessment to identify your specific triggers. Keeping a "trigger journal" for a few weeks can help you recognize patterns and develop personalized coping strategies. A coach can assist you in creating a toolkit that includes grounding techniques and positive affirmations. Practice active listening Enhance your active listening skills by practicing techniques such as paraphrasing and asking clarifying questions. This not only improves understanding but also demonstrates engagement and respect. Implementing the WAIT principle (Why Am I Talking?) can help you focus on listening rather than formulating your response prematurely. Create a supportive network Diversify your professional network to include mentors, peers, and junior colleagues. Engaging in reciprocal mentoring relationships can help combat impostor syndrome, reinforcing your expertise while allowing you to support others. Conclusion Self-sabotage in a legal career is a complex issue that requires ongoing attention and effort to overcome. By implementing these comprehensive guardrails, attorneys can create a robust defense against the internal and external pressures that often lead to self-defeating behaviors. Building resilience and overcoming self-sabotage is a journey that demands consistent effort, self-compassion, and a willingness to learn from setbacks. Regularly reassessing and adjusting your guardrails will ensure they remain effective as you advance in your legal career. By cultivating self-awareness, developing strong coping mechanisms, and fostering supportive professional relationships, you can not only prevent self-sabotage but also thrive in the challenging and rewarding field of law. Your unique voice and perspective are valuable assets to the legal profession. Implementing these strategies will ensure that your best self shines through in every professional interaction. Follow me on Facebook , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Rena Hope Barnett Matthews Rena Hope Barnett Matthews, Attorney Career Coach Rena Barnett Matthews is an executive legal recruiter with nearly two decades of experience, placing attorneys nationwide and internationally in leading law firms and Fortune 500 companies. Her background as a former practicing attorney gives her invaluable insights into the legal profession. Rena has supported attorneys throughout their careers, from junior associates to managing partners and C-suite legal officers. As the founder of attorney-career-coach.com , Rena offers her expertise to law students, associates, counsels, partners, and in-house attorneys from junior to chief legal officers; helping them navigate the complexities of the legal job market and advance their careers, empowering them to reach their full potentials.

Written by King Nerio Sibulo, Holistic Embodiment Coach King Nerio is a ICF Certified, Holistic Embodiment Coach. He is a 3rd Generation Medicine Man utilizing the experiences and wisdom from his forefathers and a holistic and result drivern appraoch to his coaching practice. A typhoon recently hit my hometown of Camarines Sur, Philippines. My family is safe, but many families were affected. Homes were destroyed, there were casualties, roads were closed due to flooding, and infrastructure and businesses were affected. As I received updates on the situation from social media, one of my cousins sent me a picture that showcased the embodiment of "Bayanihan," a Filipino word that means mutual assistance or the spirit of unity.   Since the roads were inaccessible, travelers had been stranded for days without access to food or water. In some affected areas, the water reached the first floor of houses, meaning the water level was around 5 to 6 feet deep. People were stranded on buses, in their cars, driving trucks, and various other modes of transportation. Since most businesses were closed due to the typhoon, people had very little access to food.   The traffic stopped moving on Monday night, stretching across multiple cities and remaining stagnant for over 4 days, leaving people stranded. The least affected members of the community sprung into action, cooking food for those stranded in their vehicles. This small action inspired others, and soon enough, groups of people from families, students, and school faculties were gathering whatever they could to help those in need. They provided food and water to those stranded on the road, delivered essential items like diapers and milk for infants to evacuation centers, and brought medicine to those with infections and coughs due to the severe weather conditions.   As I type this blog, I see that the relief efforts are still ongoing. What it has shown me is the power of community.   When you have a community around you, you have hope. Some of the travelers didn't expect the flood, so most of them didn't pack enough food or bring enough cash. This simple gesture of giving the stranded travelers food and water brought smiles back to their faces and lifted their spirits.   When you have a community, a little bit of something can go a long way. What I saw was everyone coming together and combining their resources to help those in need. Those who had cash donated money to buy food, those who had time and energy helped with preparing, cooking, and packing the food, and even the children helped distribute it to those in need. It taught me that you don't need much to help.   Lastly, a simple act of kindness can go a long way. What inspired this momentum of community members helping the stranded was a local vendor who sells sweet bananas. Instead of selling them to those who were stranded, she decided to give them away, knowing that everyone was short on cash and some hadn't eaten in days. Follow me on  Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from King Nerio Sibulo King Nerio Sibulo, Holistic Embodiment Coach King Nerio is a ICF Certified, Holistic Embodiment Coach, and a Cold Plunge Practitioner. He is a 3rd Generation Medicine Man utilizing the experiences and wisdom from his forefathers and a holistic and result driven approach to coaching. He helps men embody their most confident self and create a positive self-worth so they can create healthy and meaningful relationships with women, live the life they desire and become a healthy and positive role model for society. King Nerio also hosts meditation and mindfulness workshops to teach people mindfulness practices to deepen their awareness, increase their clarity and live a life grounded in the present moment.

Written by Julie A. Christiansen, Speaker, Author, Registered Psychotherapist, Coach Julie A. Christiansen is a leading authority on anger and emotional mastery. She is known as "The Anger Lady" and founded the Anger Solutions Program, the best evidence-based alternative to anger management. She is the author of The Rise of Rage (2024), and the host of the Free domology podcast. In earlier articles, we've delved into the six types of toxic workplace behaviors and offered strategies for employers to manage them. But what if you are the target? Facing any of the toxic styles presents challenges; however, standing up to the Narcissist, the Bully-Victim, or the Abuser can feel overwhelming. Remember that you have options. You don’t have to endure the negativity passively. Employees often navigate four key stages when coping with toxic behavior, each with distinct approaches and outcomes. In this article, we’ll guide you through these levels, helping you determine when to move forward, step back, or seek resolution in a way that protects your well-being. 1. Resistance Your first line of defense when dealing with toxic employees is resistance. Resistance sometimes looks like defending yourself, calling out unacceptable language or behaviour, or using your documentation as to protect yourself from unwarranted claims. A subtler form of resistance is resilience. There are five pillars of resilience: self-awareness, mindfulness, self-care, positive relationships, and purpose. Use the skill of self-evaluation and T.S.A.  to check in with yourself and to monitor your ability to cope within the work environment. Take time each day to be quiet, to rest your body and your brain, and to be mindful of your current environment but of all the other aspects of your life that add to its richness. Remind yourself that your work is only one part of your life, not the whole. Engage in regular self-care. Hydrate and nourish your body so that it can be physiologically resistant against the effects of stress. Pay attention to your sleep hygiene. Exercise. Rest. Stay connected! When you are under pressure, that is not the time to become an island unto yourself. Reach out to people who love you and are part of your circle of support. Rely on those you trust to help you get through challenging times. Finally, pursue your purpose. Your job is not your purpose; it is a vehicle through which you attempt to fulfill your purpose. Shoring up your resiliency is the best form of resistance. 2. Report toxic behaviours Sometimes resistance is not enough to stop toxic behaviours from happening. When it reaches a tipping point, it is time to report. Be sure to have documentation in hand and take it to HR. If your workplace is unionized, you may speak to your union representative to determine the best way to proceed. Be sure to state your expectations that the complaint or grievance will be fully investigated and that you will be kept in the loop as to the findings. Ask for support as the matter is investigated. 3. Relocate Here are the facts: not all investigations will go as expected. Some, if not all, witnesses will decide they don’t want to get involved, and they will refuse to answer questions, or they will lie to protect themselves. Some leaders are easily swayed into doing less than is required when investigating. It may then be in your best interest to seek a lateral transfer to another location, site, or team so that you can have some distance from the toxic co-worker. Where there is an opportunity to relocate, take it. 4. Resign The MIT Sloan Management Review  reports that at the start of 2021, over 40% of employees were considering leaving their jobs, and as the year progressed, a record-breaking wave of resignations followed. Between April and September alone, more than 24 million American workers quit—an all-time high. While business leaders are grappling to understand the factors fueling this exodus and, more urgently, seeking effective strategies to retain their most valued employees, those high-value employees are taking matters into their own hands and fleeing the toxic dump for greener, healthier pastures. The last line of defense is to walk away from the job. Remember that your job is a vehicle that enables you to pursue your purpose. If it no longer facilitates that, or the price of pursuit is just too high (your mental health, physical health, depleted family life, or lack of job satisfaction), then there is no shame in leaving. Brian Tracy declares that you are the CEO of your own career. This means you get to choose where you work. Do not buy into the lie that, “you should be happy you have a job here.” Somewhere, there is an employer looking for someone just like you, with your skills, your passion, and your talent. Many people may say that it isn’t fair for toxic employees to keep their jobs while good employees leave. It’s not fair, but it happens often. At the end of the day, you must do what is right for you in seeking an employment environment that is free of poison and toxicity. In the face of toxic work environments, you don’t have to feel powerless. This article has shared four strategic stages to help you regain control: resisting the negativity through resilience, reporting incidents to HR, considering relocation if necessary, and, ultimately, knowing when it’s time to move on. Each stage offers clear actions to protect your mental and physical health and align your work with your purpose. Navigate your toxic workplace with confidence, and connect with Julie  for personalized coaching support designed to help you thrive. Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Julie A. Christiansen Julie A. Christiansen, Speaker, Author, Registered Psychotherapist, Coach Julie Christiansen has an extensive background in mental health counselling, public speaking that spans almost 30 years. She has authored fifteen books including The Rise of Rage . Julie's personal mission is to leverage people and organizations into radical, positive, lasting change. She fulfills this purpose with passion as a keynote speaker, podcaster, psychotherapist, and executive coach.