Written by: Martine Kotze , Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. I remember sitting on my kitchen floor crying not knowing what to do next. We had such a great vision for our lives on the day we got married and never considered that our relationship may fail one day . Here I was, with fragments of a broken marriage, not quite knowing how we would fix it. In those first few years , things just worked, and we seemed happy, but fast forward to life's messy middle and a few kids later and we both felt trapped and lonely. The things that drew me into the relationship in the first place was now the very thing that annoyed me the most about my partner. We did fix our relationship and today we have open, honest conversations. We root for one another like we used to and we have found our way back to love. Here is what I wish I learned and implemented sooner. Having a relationship mindset The first thing to do when you find yourself in a relationship that has lost its spark is to decide to do things differently . If we agree that our habits make up our results then we have to intentionally do things differently . Over the years you become comfortable, you stop appreciating each other, you stop complimenting each other , you stop learning new things about each other , and although this is normal if you want a thriving relationship you want to revive some of these things . In the beginning , you fight for each other , but add a few years and you start fighting against each other. Relationships suffer when two partners are no longer in a mindset of working together . Turn back towards each other and watch your relationship thrive. It's never too late. Heartfelt understanding In long-term relationships when the newness fades and we are in a space where we think we know everything about each other and there is nothing new to explore we close our understanding of each other and operate in a much more critical way. As your relationship changes and each person inside the relationship changes we have the opportunity to adjust, learn new things, grow together , to build trust and closeness , but we only really do that if we start from a place of true heartfelt understanding for each other. Creating a culture of appreciation and compassion in your relationship is one of the biggest investments you can make in your happiness. Learn to fight smarter Conflict is not necessarily bad for a relationship, but couples that learn to use conflict to create closeness have healthy connected relationships. This is a skill that can be learned and the sooner you learn the right communication skills to resolve conflict positively, the more you will be seen and understood in your relationship. Conflicts allow you to learn something about yourself and your partner . It gives you the chance to have the uncomfortable conversations that are needed to repair and create closeness. Learn more about my bespoke relationship course for couples here or subscribe to my email list for more resources. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Martine! Martine Kotze , Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Martine is a Relationship and Mindset Coach and provides bespoke Relationship courses and coaching that values and honors each client and supports them through all aspects of transformation in their relationship, leaving them with valuable tools to share for generations to come. Martine believes that everyone deserves a relationship where they feel loved and seen and deeply understood. Healthy families start with healthy relationships between partners.

My name’s Kan Kouadio, Founder and CEO of Bxlder. I’m a very passionate person who likes taking big risks and working on big projects with fantastic teams. I think without this my life wouldn’t be the way I like it. Travelling, meeting new people and new cultures are my favourite hobbies. I also like playing and watching football, reading, listening to music, and playing video games. Kan Kouadio, Founder and CEO of Bxlder What is your business name and how do you help your clients? At Bxlder we help our subscribers reach their wellbeing goals in a happy and sustainable way. We do so by providing them with tailored nutrition plans that are based on the foods and cuisines they love, along with custom fitness plans that are based on their favourite sports and workout activities. We also provide live group workouts in our immersive gym for maximum enjoyment. All of this on our easy-to-use and convenient app. What kind of audience do you target your business towards? Our target audience are healthier lifestyle and fitness enthusiasts, along with aspiring athletes. What are your current goals for your business? My current business goals are basically the same goals for the whole Bxlder team: Finalise product development by late August, launch the Bxlder app, and generate revenue of around £500k by the end of 2023. Our mid-term goal is to quickly expand to the US in 2024. What is your work inspired by? Personally, my work is inspired by the prospect of helping human civilisation evolve as much as I can. Helping people improve their health and self-confidence is where I’m starting. In the future I want to do more and help enhance other aspects that are essential to help humanity evolve. Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far. My greatest achievement so far is to have been able to build a fantastic, world-class team that has the shared motivation to carry the Bxlder vision to great success and help as many people as possible worldwide. If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? Luckily enough, with my team, I have that chance to change things in the wellness industry. Too many wellness service providers and fitness apps focus too much on creating technically top-notch nutrition and fitness plans for customers without really taking into consideration what these customers actually like. We believe that the best way to help people improve their health and reach their wellbeing goals in both the short and long term is to provide them plans that are not only technically top-notch, but also based on the foods, cuisines, sports, and fitness activities that they love. This is exactly what the Bxlder app will be providing from August 2023. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more info!

Written by: Nigel Beckles, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Ending a relationship can be difficult and painful for both parties involved. However, it can be particularly challenging when one person in the relationship is a Narcissist. Narcissistic individuals have a distorted sense of self-importance and often lack empathy, making the breakup process complicated and potentially harmful to their partner. In this article, we will explore some of the things a Narcissist may do at the end of a relationship and how to navigate this challenging situation. The discard The last step in a narcissistic relationship is discarding, which is when a Narcissist decides to end the relationship very abruptly. This can be particularly shocking and traumatic for their partner, who may feel confused and hurt by the sudden ending. Narcissists may discard their partner when they no longer serve a purpose or when they find someone else who meets their needs better. I experienced this several years ago, being discarded the day before Valentine’s Day. Narcissists are well known for cheating on their partners, and often have alternative sources of Narcissistic Supply. This means the attention, admiration, validation, or other forms of emotional support that a narcissist needs from others to satisfy their constant need to be admired and validated. Narcissists rely heavily on these external sources of validation to maintain their inflated sense of self-importance and to regulate their self-esteem. They may use manipulative tactics to obtain narcissistic supply, such as charm, flattery, or even aggression, and may become enraged if not provided with the levels of supply they require. Narcissistic Supply can come from a variety of sources, including romantic partners, family members, friends, colleagues, or even strangers. If you are ever discarded by a Narcissist and are struggling with your emotions, you should seek support, including professional help if necessary, and give yourself time to deal with your feelings. Remember that the sudden ending of a relationship by a Narcissist is not a reflection of your worth or value as a person. Emotional baiting This is a manipulative tactic that narcissists may use to provoke a reaction from their partner or other people around them. Narcissists often use emotional baiting to create drama or chaos, as they enjoy the feeling of control and power that comes from manipulating others’ emotions. Emotional baiting can take many different forms, such as making provocative statements, starting fights, or pushing a person’s buttons on purpose to get them to react strongly emotionally. Narcissists may also use emotional baiting to test their partner’s loyalty or to see how much control they have over them. It’s important to remember that emotional baiting is a form of manipulation and is not a healthy or productive way to communicate. Setting firm boundaries and assertively expressing your needs are crucial if you believe that a narcissist is trying to manipulate you emotionally. Get help from friends you can trust or a mental health professional who can help you deal with this very toxic behaviour. Blaming their ex-partner Narcissists have a hard time accepting responsibility for their actions and may instead place the blame on their partner for the relationship’s failure. They may tell their partner that they are the reason the relationship is ending, even if this is not true. Narcissists may also make their partner feel bad about wanting to end the relationship by implying that they are being selfish or leaving them. If you are ending a relationship with a narcissist, it’s essential to remember that their behaviour is not your fault. Don’t let them make you feel guilty or responsible for their actions. Stay firm in your decision and focus on your own well-being. Gaslighting Narcissists use the manipulative technique of Gaslighting to make their partners doubt their own perceptions and experiences. They may deny things that have happened, twist the truth, or invalidate their partner’s feelings. (I also experienced this with my ex-partner during the Discard, with her claiming we had discussed not seeing each other, which was totally untrue.) This can make their partner feel confused, frustrated, and even question their own sanity. If a narcissist is Gaslighting you during a breakup, it’s crucial to trust your own experiences and not let them convince you otherwise. Seek support from friends and family who can validate your experiences and help you stay grounded. Seeking revenge Narcissists may feel angry or hurt by the breakup, and they may seek revenge on their partner as a result. They may spread rumours about their ex-partner, try to damage their reputation, or even take legal action against them. Revenge-seeking behavior can be harmful and destructive, so it’s essential to take precautions and protect yourself if you suspect your narcissistic ex-partner is seeking revenge. Hoovering Hoovering is a way for narcissists to try to get their ex-partners back after the breakup. The person I was involved with also tried this tactic a couple of years after we parted. They may contact their ex-partner, expressing regret or remorse for their behaviour, or making grandiose promises about changing. However, these efforts are usually short-lived, and the Narcissist will quickly return to their old ways once they have regained control. If a Narcissist tries to Hoover you up after a breakup, it’s essential to remember why the relationship ended in the first place. Don’t fall for their empty promises or allow them to manipulate you into taking them back. Breaking up with a Narcissist can be very difficult, but it’s important to keep your own needs in mind and not let their behaviour affect you. Seek support from friends and family and, if necessary, from a therapist who can help you navigate this challenging situation. Remember that you are not responsible for their behaviour, and you deserve to be treated with respect and kindness. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Nigel! Nigel Beckles, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Nigel Beckles is an Author, Certified Relationship Specialist & Coach, holds a Dealing With Narcissism Diploma and Psychology of Relationships Diploma. He is an Educator, Online Adviser and Workshop Facilitator. Nigel is a contributor to the award-winning documentary ‘Looking for Love’ available on DVD and online. He is also the creator of the podcast 'Interesting Conversations with Interesting People' featuring Interviews with Award-Winning Authors, Therapists & Relationship Life Coaches. All Podcasts Available @ Website: www.authornigelbecklespodcasts.com his work involves guiding men and women through difficult relationship issues. Sources: 8 Things A Narcissist Does At The End Of A Relationship Margalis Fjelstad, Ph.D., LMFT https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/what-to-expect-when-you-break-up-with-a-narcissist Narcissist Break up Games: Reasons, Types & What to Do Rachael Pace 6 Oct, 2022 https://www.marriage.com/advice/mental-health/narcissist-break-up-games/

As a therapist breaking new ground with her world-renowned treatment protocol for Bipolar Disorder, published author, and founder of Environmental Stress-Targeted Therapy, Meera Duncan inspires each of us to search for our own personal true calling in life. Meera Duncan, Clinical Counselling Hypnotherapist & Author Tell us about your journey to become a Registered Clinical Counselling Hypnotherapist? It reads like a nightmare-inducing horror film turned inspirational memoir! Haha, it really does! March 24th, 1998: the day deceptively began like any other day, overrun with a barrage of mundane morning routines a typical Mom experiences on her way to work. Just another day, right? Wrong! It suddenly transformed into a living nightmare when the elevator rapidly plummeted and freefell 6.5 floors at my office, then went up and dropped another 5.5 floors into the parkade. The doctors were shocked that I survived two falls of this magnitude and I sustained severe permanent injuries. The list is long…severe concussion, severe cervical strain (whiplash), nerve damage, fractured jaw, herniated, bulging, and shortened discs in my neck, upper back, and lower back, and post-traumatic syringomyelia (a fluid-filled cyst in the centre of my spinal cord from T-4 to T-11 damaging nerves and possibly causing permanent paralysis and causing the pressure to continuously build and fluctuate within my head on a daily basis). Over a decade of procedures, medications, experimental treatments, and therapies but nothing changed. The excruciating pain levels were locked in a continuous debilitating loop, rotating throughout my countless injuries on a daily basis. Following the accident I was also diagnosed with PTSD and clinical depression from the searing daily pain levels and emotional trauma. I struggled through eleven years of what I can only describe as sheer misery and anguish. It was a dark time. It was hypnosis that changed everything. Hypnosis reduced my chronic pain levels by eighty percent, resolved my clinical depression and PTSD, and even though my team of doctors and specialists emphatically stated that I would never again work in any capacity I knew that I must go back to school to become a Hypnotherapist. If hypnosis could resolve the searing daily pain levels from my permanent injuries, resolve my depression and PTSD, what couldn’t it do? Who couldn’t it help? The possibilities fascinated me and a new journey began. What is the origin story of Environmental Stress-Targeted Therapy, the very first psychotherapeutic treatment protocol for patients with Bipolar disorder that utilizes hypnotherapy? I opened my private practice over a decade ago. A client walked into my office a few years ago seeking treatment. She had recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and was seeking psychotherapy that incorporated hypnotherapy to reduce her high levels of anxiety and stress, and to possibly reduce the duration and severity of her manic and depressive episodes. Since I had no previous experience or specific training utilizing hypnosis for a patient with bipolar disorder, I searched through hundreds of textbooks and studies in an attempt to locate past uses of hypnosis for this type of symptomology. But I couldn’t find any such treatment, therapeutic model, or case study. So, I began to craft my own treatment protocol, incorporating fundamental theories established in hypnotherapy and hypnosis, and discussed this experimental approach with her. She chose to commit to the therapeutic treatment plan that I had created, which, on a theoretical level, was quite basic in its ideology. We proceeded along a plan of combined counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, and hypnosis to achieve her therapeutic goals. We identified the specific traumatic events in her life, in addition to the triggers and associations connected to her first episode and other significant episodes that were manic, hypomanic, or depressive in nature. After only three months of weekly treatment, her episodes were less severe in nature, reduced in number, and more manageable, her climatized and acute levels of stress and anxiety were greatly reduced on a daily basis. These initial results far exceeded my expectations. How could treatment for such a complex mental illness, a treatment model in its most basic form, prove so effective and life-altering for this patient? I began to immerse myself in research on bipolar disorder, and eventually I stumbled upon an answer that leaped straight off the neatly typed page and straight into my consciousness: In case study after case study, there always seemed to be an external stressor—a traumatic event—that preceded the initial episode, which was either manic, hypomanic, or depressive and usually occurred during the late teens or early twenties. The components of causation are strongly linked to genetics and a biological chemical imbalance in the brain (an alteration within the neurons and their ability to transmit). Yet, it always seemed to be activated initially by a traumatic event, a significant fight-or-flight stress response. The traumatic event seemed to flip a switch in the genetically predisposed individual, activating the actual onset of the disorder that leads to the chemical changes fostering a manic, depressive, or hypomanic response. Here my own theory of causation, linking the fight-or-flight stress response to the genetic and biological manifestation of this illness, began to take shape the Environmental Stress Theory of Causation. I identified a sort of switch that flips on, triggered by a powerful stress response that leads to the very first bipolar episode. I then began to develop a treatment protocol that focuses on this environmental stress component, the first to include clinical hypnosis. I have since coined this psychotherapeutic treatment protocol Environmental Stress-Targeted Therapy (EVSTT). Let’s discuss your book, A Therapist's Guide to Treating Bipolar Disorder with Hypnosis: An Introduction to Environmental Stress-Targeted Therapy. What led you to publish your research? With the incredible life-altering changes this client experienced from EVSTT I decided to conduct a small clinical research study in 2019 and the evidence-based results were truly shocking! I am truly grateful that I could publish my research and work so it can navigate new treatment options and offer therapists additional insight and awareness when working with clients with Bipolar disorder. It is beginning to alter the landscape of care patients with this disorder receive and offer new hope to achieve healing by reducing episodes, reducing the severity of each episode, increasing the time frame between episodes (maintenance phase), reducing anxiety levels, and increasing our understanding of the complex interplay and role stress and trauma play in Bipolar disorder and its dynamic impact and influence on episodes. You received an Honorary Doctorate in 2022 of Advanced Studies in Psychology for forming the very first treatment protocol for Bipolar disorder to incorporate clinical hypnosis and target the stress-response associated to manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes. Can I call you Dr. Meera? On a serious note, how does this recognition affect your work? What’s next? I am so honored and grateful that my research is being recognized academically. I continue to focus my practice on helping clients to achieve their therapeutic goals and am passionate about the healing benefits therapy offers. Each of us holds the innate inner strength and inner power to heal and change our lives for the better, to learn and grow from our experiences. As a therapist, I am simply the guide that enables this innate ability to heal, and feel privileged for the opportunity to stand in this position for others. I truly believe that this is my true calling and I wouldn’t remove a moment of suffering from those years of emotional trauma and physical pain ‒ even if I could. This struggle taught me countless profound lessons of healing and compassion that I now share with others who are facing their own personal struggles. There are truly no limits to what each of us can achieve… “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you pales in comparison to what lies inside of you” ‒ Ralph Waldo Emerson Visit my website for more info! Read more from Meera!

Written by: Lilia Ackerman, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. A long time ago, I couldn’t even remember setting any goals for my life. I just went along thinking that I had to live with the life I had. I didn’t question myself too much about it, even when I was so unhappy. I thought I couldn’t change anything, so I put my life on autopilot and kept going. What I didn’t realize was that my life was based on false beliefs that I somehow began to embody. Thank God my eyes were opened, and today I am living the life that I want. I am a fearless dreamer who knows that dreams unfold when you act. I am aware that a dream arises from the subconscious to the conscious mind when you are ready to fulfill it. Life is not just offering an invitation; it is bidding you toward personal growth. The outcome of moving on with my dreams exceeded my expectations because the experience I gathered in fulfilling dream after dream gave me the tools to create my "SHIFT" methodology. A strong, accurate, and practical methodology that can help you fulfill your dreams and live your ideal life, just like I do. Let me show you the way! When you follow these four crucial keys to fulfilling your goals, you will be set for success and be part of the 8% of people that fulfill their life dreams. Key No.1 Vision Key No.2 The Why ‒ Purpose Key No.3 Present State of Being Key No.4 Mission In this article, we will be talking about the first two keys: Vision & Why. In the following article, I will introduce the next 2 keys: Present State & Mission. Key No.1 Vision Vision is plain and simple, starting with ONE question: “What do you want to happen in your life?” This question is not about what others want. It only pertains to what you want! One of the most important characteristics of this key is clarity. In order to create your ideal life, you must be clear about your vision, and the reason why you want what you want. The more defined your vision is, the more you are familiar with it, the more thrilled you will be by the outcome. When you are 80% clear on what you want, life will light up to complete the remaining 20%—like a bright light through your window on a shining morning. So, how do you know that you are near the 80%? When you see your vision with transparency, when you believe that it is possible, and when you can feel it because it looks so real. Tip: Don’t get stuck on HOW you're going to get what you want. The How is presented only when you take action. It sounds silly, but that is the way it works. A great start in finding your vision is to have a deep conversation with yourself about what you want in life. Find out the desires of your heart. What kind of life do you want to have? What is something in the back of your head that you always wanted to do? What do you want to achieve and why? Or what don’t you want to experience anymore? Be brave and explore with curiosity within yourself. After all, you are the only one who knows what you want. If you are in a relationship, or have children, you should consider that your vision does not affect them. Quite the contrary, they are included in your vision. Dare to Dream “If you had a magic wand, what would you ask for?” Key No.2 The Why The WHY is the reason people either achieve or fail at their goals. According to statistics from a study conducted at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania and The Statistic Brain Research Institute, only 8% of people who set goals achieve them. This means that 3 out of 4 people end the year the same way they started it. Through the study, they found that 25% of people involved in the research gave up in the first week of the year, 55% quit their projects in the first month of the year, and 20% gave up after six months. Let’s find out some of the reasons why the majority of people fail. 1. We have been conditioned to fail. This happens because you have been influenced by social media, reality shows, soap operas, and music which manipulate, and condition your mind to want what others have. For the last 70 years, we have seen the same stories through soap operas about money. It’s the same messaging about money over and over again: “It is better to be poor than rich,” because people with money are portrayed as greedy, evil and/or selfish. These kinds of messages set people up to remain poor. Even if they want money, have great ideas, or work hard, they won't be successful because they are already conditioned to be in their world of poverty and need. Let’s see how this mental programming is carried out! Through television, we have visualization and sound, together they are a very powerful training weapon for the brain—for better or for worse. Visualization alone has a very powerful impact as 90% of people are visual. To the brain, it makes no difference if what you are hearing and seeing is real or not. An example is when you watch a program (be it horror, happiness, or your favorite sport), the body reacts according to what is being seen; you cry, you scream, you get angry, you sweat, and it literally has the power to change your day, week, and eventually the rest of your life. What you observe has a profound impact on what you do, feel, think, and who you are. While music uses rhythm and lyrics, the message can be very destructive (talking about suicide, killing, sexual desire with your best friend's partner, etc.). However, an irresistible rhythm prevents people from paying attention to the lyrics. We also see how love is represented with drama, suffering, betrayal, and abuse. So, what do you see in today’s world? Exactly! So many dysfunctional families. Social media gives a false sense of reality. As an example, let’s look at success; success is portrayed as driving a luxury car, wearing a particular brand, and living an excessive lifestyle. In reality, it is all for show because to keep up with that kind of lifestyle takes a toll on people, psychologically, emotionally, and financially. The reason being is that they are living a lifestyle that has been masked by social networks representing a false idea of what success is, and this diverts them from following their true desires. The most shocking is that people are not consciously aware of what is happening. When you are conditioned to do something, you don’t question anything; you just live like a zombie. 2. Most of us want what others have, not what we truly want. We are conditioned to have what others have. This is because we are disconnected from ourselves. And we are terrified to look within. The movie “Keeping up with the Joneses” is an example of how people want what others have and the lengths they will go to get it. Sadly, more people than you think fall for this false reality. It is like seeing the mirage of water in a desert landscape. They don’t realize it isn’t real until they jump into the water and hit nothing but sand. 3. Being the extension of parents’ unfulfilled dreams. You end up in the wrong field of work, buying a house you don't like, or marrying a partner that your parents consider ideal, based on the partner they did not choose for themselves for whatever reason. Their wishes are imposed on you. You may possibly end up in divorce, or in an unhappy relationship. All of these wrong life decisions happen when you fail to choose your vision; instead choosing to fulfil the broken dreams of your parents. 4. Not knowing The Why. When the vision you follow belongs to others, it will be impossible to know why you are doing what you are doing. You will find it very hard to stay motivated, because true passion is when you are pursuing your life vision, not another’s vision. If you get to accomplish your vision, you most likely won’t find fulfilment. Deep down, your inner voice will whisper to pursue your true vision. So, when you are not clear on your vision, the WHY can’t be created. Why am I telling you this? So that you consciously choose what you want to do with your life from your authentic self. What is the WHY? The reason behind what you want to do. The reason why you want to have what you want. A driving force. It is the engine that will take you to your destination What is the role of your WHY/Purpose? It will motivate you when you feel weak. The why is the heart of your vision giving you the courage to overpass resistance, doubts, and it gives you the strength you need to continue. It gives a sense of direction towards your vision. Otherwise, you would be lost. It propels you to act. It awakens your creativity to confront adverse circumstances and create solutions to problems that are in your way. Tips to find your WHY: Have clarity on WHAT you want. Get clear on WHY you want it. Follow your heart. Be open to knowing the depths of yourself. Remember that no one knows you better than you. Follow your intuition. Don't be afraid to explore your inner self with curiosity. Then, you will clearly see the WHY of what you want to do. Example of The Vision and The WHY: Vision/What: I want to buy a house close to work, with a big yard, swimming pool, and waterfall. WHY? For my children to do outside activities, have fun, and to stay away from electronics. To have a dog for my kids, and to protect the house. When I come from work, I want to sit on the patio and relax while listening to the sound of water, so I can unwind from work and be more present for my family. Exercise in the pool, so I can lower my cholesterol, while also saving money by canceling the gym membership and putting those savings towards our next family trip. Rather than wasting time on the road, I can spend more time on new ideas to be able to start my own business working from home. Now you know that your Vision is your destination, and your Why is the motor that drives you there. Don’t forget to read the next article where we will discuss Key No.3 (Present State of Being) and Key No.4 (Mission). Mastering all four keys will allow you to conquer your Vision! In the meantime, I leave you with the million-dollar questions: “What do you want, and Why do you want it?” Take 2-4 minutes a day to meditate on this. Don’t worry if nothing comes up in the first days. Keep doing it, and you will be surprised when your inner person starts giving you the answers you seek. “Without Vision in your life, there is no Mission to create—there is not a destination to arrive to.” Because I believe in you, I am gifting you with a 45-minute 1:1 Clarity Coaching Session to identify and transform limiting beliefs into a powerful one to succeed on your vision. Send an email here to schedule your appointment! I can’t wait to hear from you! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Lilia! Lilia Ackerman, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Lilia Ackerman aka "The Truth Digger" knows that to change your world and experience the abundance of life, it is neccessary to make changes and adjustments in your personal life. She gets to the core of your troubles using her education, knowledge of more than twenty years in the Wellness Industry, her gifted intuition, effective strategies, personal experience overcomming unresolved issues, and rising above rejection, sexual and emotional abused, and her Methodology SHIFT.

Written by: Rick Lowe, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. What do you focus on most of the time? Do you find yourself being anxious about what life is giving you?How do you manage yourself mentally to move towards what you want? As someone who has spent many years reading about and exploring techniques to develop myself into a growth-oriented individual, I have always returned to the key element of success, the mindset. When I think back to what has allowed me to succeed as an entrepreneur ‒ there are three qualities that spring to mind. Tenacity. Drive. Perseverance. These have undoubtedly been crucial in propelling me forward. Ultimately, there have also been many failures and disappointments, but the secret for me has been to find the strength within myself to roll the dice again. Mindset is a crucial ingredient not only to success but in your general mental well-being as an individual. And with the big media focus on mental health currently, I wanted to share a perspective on how, I believe, it's possible to keep your emotions consistently finely tuned Get perspective in your life. Start with setting the right expectations. What I often find drives the most negativity in our minds is the conditioning that we can have it all, and have it quickly. And those around us, especially in our fields of expertise ‒ seem to effortlessly move ahead. That is an illusion. By nature of us being human, we can fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others, and it can be further magnified by the vicious cycle of social media. Currently, I am writing my first business book. And when I dive into the selection of successful authors, it is all too easy to start feeling disheartened and lose sight of my own personal reasons and goals. that inspired me to write a book in the first place. I have failed to hit my deadline to hand over the manuscript to my publisher three times. Initially, I set the wrong expectations. However, now that I have experience with what it takes to write a book, I am committed to enjoying the process. So please remember that your life is your journey. You can't build a bulletproof mindset when you're constantly comparing yourself to everyone and beating yourself up when things shift. The three takeaways to focus on: Take personal responsibility There is something powerful that energises the mind when you stand up and take responsibility. By taking personal responsibility for who you currently are, and for who you want to become ‒ this habit will inevitably shift your mind away from the valley of excuses and give you a sense of true empowerment. It can be nerve-wracking, but like any muscle, with practice, it becomes stronger. It will also push your focus toward your ambitions and dreams, diminishing the impact of negative people and other non-constructive circumstances. You should also be ready to accept that in life, you simply cannot control everything. Control is another common antagonizer for a healthy mindset, which can steer you away from the actions you need to take to move forward. We've all been there when something throws us out of balance in life or business ‒ we become slaves to anxiety as we are powerless to influence. It can be anything from a cancelled flight, or a deal we lose simply because a few circumstances worked against us. The sooner we snap back onto what we can influence and what we can control, the sooner we start to move forward again to where we want to go. Action is the driver How many times do we get stuck in a cycle of overanalyzing or even worse, catastrophizing about a situation? Sounds familiar? It invariably holds us back and weakens us emotionally. It is well known that you cannot change your emotional state by sitting still and gazing at one point. Taking action will change your emotional state and again shift that mindset to be closer to being bulletproof. Whenever I am stuck mentally, I will either go for a workout or a walk in nature. This has always cleared my mind and let me get back to a healthier mindset. Another good idea is to watch or read something inspirational – this can be a powerful lever to reset our thoughts. A key facet of all leading successful people is that they are in a constant state of flow, they naturally build momentum. They can throw off setbacks and find the inner strength to continue to take a step forward. We attract the circumstances we want into our life It has never ceased to amaze me that when we are at our best, our most focused and confident, doors seem to open for us. Why is that? Well, fundamentally we all like to be around positive people and our ability to garner success in our own life is geared towards our ability to influence others. There has been a lot written about the Law of Attraction, masses of evidence that show how success is just like a snowball rolling down a hill acquiring more snow and getting bigger each minute. Success is the same, the more momentum you build around your ambitions, the more drivers will manifest around you to get you closer to your goal. Add to that your commitment to take full responsibility for your actions and outcomes, meanwhile refusing to compare yourself to others. If taken seriously, you'll have all the ingredients to Build a Bulletproof mindset. Challenge yourself this week to focus on yourself and what you want, take decisive action, keep your feet on the ground with the right perspective, and see what happens. I wish you all the success you deserve. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Rick! Rick Lowe, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Rick Lowe, is a serial entrepreneur in the world of licensed fashion. Coming from humble beginnings of a small street market stall to the global market today using tenacity, resilience and determination. His journey has led him into co-founding Brands In Ltd, being a founding member of the Company of Entrepreneurs as well as a Past Master. His business life involves working with some of the biggest entertainment brands such as Disney, Warners and Netlfix as well as popular music artists, and servicing leading high street retailers with licensed fashion. In London, Rick constantly strives for active entrepreneurship as an ambassador for Home Grown – London’s leading business club, providing personal and business development talks through public speaking, social media. He has already recently started to dive into the podcast space by interviewing key game changers in the space of business and personal development.

The online gambling market is one of the most lucrative on the planet - in 2021 it was valued at around $66 billion and that’s only set to rise. This is thanks to a huge multitude of factors, including legislation changing in certain countries and new online casinos popping up almost every day. But one of the often overlooked factors of this growth is the speed at which people can get their winnings getting quicker and quicker. Fast payout casinos, such as the great selection of online casinos you can find at Spelaspel, are becoming increasingly popular. Today we’re going to take a look at what these special casinos actually are and why they’re so popular. What are fast-payout casinos? As the name suggests, these types of casinos have systems and payment processors which often allow users to get their payouts almost instantly after their withdrawal request has been approved. These types of casinos have created a whole new era in the online gambling industry. We now live in a world that is incredibly dynamic and built around speed - people don’t want to be waiting days to get their hands on money they’ve rightfully won. It was only a short time ago when players had to wait the best part of a week to get their hands on any money they had won. This was a huge thorn in the side of players and could cause players anxiety, checking their bank account over and over to see if the money had landed. Thanks to advances in technology and the creation of incredibly fast payment processors such as PayPal, waiting around for money to hit your account has basically become a thing of the past. Why are these casinos so popular? The primary reason they’re so popular is pretty simple - players get their winnings pretty much instantly. There are no more waiting-around days. You simply have to put in a withdrawal request, and send your information over to be verified and as soon as it's verified the money is on its way to the bank. Many of these fast payout casinos have quick verification times on top of the speedy withdrawal methods. Withdrawal verification times can take up to a week at some online casinos, but fast payout casinos will usually have you verified within 48 hours tops. On top of this reason, you have the fact that the more players who play on these casinos increase their popularity. This in turn causes more of these types of casinos to be made, meaning more choices overall. Many of these faster payout methods are incredibly popular in their own right. They’re huge, billion-dollar companies with great reputations, meaning they’re trustworthy and totally secure. You’ll find plenty of security measures in place - from two-factor authentication all the way to 128-bit SSL-encrypted transactions. This ensures that any withdrawals players make are totally secure - another reason why they’re so popular. The best fast-payout casinos offer much more than great payout methods - They have a wide range of different casino software to enjoy. These often include a massive selection of online slots, live casino games such as Blackjack or Roulette, scratchcards, lotto and more. Let’s not forget the top-notch customer service you can expect, with things such as round-the-clock live chat and phone support. The casino bonuses that are offered by fast-payout casinos are great as well. You can find heaps of free spins, huge welcome packages, no deposit bonuses and plenty more! Finally, these types of casinos are always adding new speedy payment methods. One of the newest additions you can find at select casinos is cryptocurrencies, which don’t just offer speed but also unparalleled anonymity in transactions. Conclusion It's pretty easy to see why playing on a fast payout casino is important - not only do you get your money quicker than a regular online casino in a safe and secure manner, but the casinos also offer a huge range of games, bonuses, perks and much, much more.

Written by: Katie Scott, business reporter Brainz Magazine A stage adaptation of Netflix’s hugely successful series, Stranger Things, is to premiere in London’s West End later this year. This is the streaming giant’s first foray into theatre and will be called Stranger Things: The First Shadow. CNBC revealed that it “...will take place more than two decades before the show’s first scene” and will include police chief Jim Hopper. The play is based on a story by the writers (and directors) of the TV series, Matt and Ross Duffer; Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry. Trefry wrote the play, which will be directed by Tony and Academy Award winning director Stephen Daldry. “Expanding our world beyond the TV series is a thrilling experience and collaborating with this incredible team, led by the inspiring Stephen Daldry, is a joyous process of discovery,” said Matt and Ross Duffer. “Bringing this new Stranger Things story to the stage, with live audiences, is a prospect that we find enormously exciting, and we are delighted that a city with such a rich theatre culture as London will receive the world premiere of our new story. We can’t wait to share it with you.”

Written by: Nadija Bajrami , Senior Level Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Let’s talk about grief, how it can affect our self-esteem and how the use of hypnosis can help with grief management and restored self-esteem. “You will lose someone you can’t live without, and your heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of your beloved. But this is also the good news. They live forever in your broken heart that doesn’t seal back up. And you come through. It’s like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly—that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp.” ‒ Anne Lamott When a loved one dies, we want to keep them forever, we do not want to let them go, we do not want to forget them, and we do often bury them in our heart. We call this the grieving process. So, what is grief exactly? In simplest terms, it is a reaction to loss. The loss of a loved one through death, but also the end of a marriage or relationship, the end of a career that meant the world to you… The American Psychological Association defines grief as the anguish experienced after significant loss, usually the death of a beloved person. Grief often includes physiological distress, separation anxiety, confusion, yearning, obsessive dwelling on the past, and apprehension about the future. Grief is a natural human response to the loss of a loved one. It can show itself in many ways. Grief moves in and out of different stages from disbelief and denial to anger and guilt, to finding a source of comfort, to eventually adjusting to the loss as well as possible. For survivors, the grieving process can take a long time, often many years. The challenge of accepting death and dying as the end stage of life is what the grieving process is all about. If you love, you will grieve, and nothing is more mysteriously central to becoming fully human. We do not talk enough about the effect that grief will have on us. Our culture often makes the bereaved feel alone, isolated, broken, and like they should just ‘get over it’. In my own personal and professional lives, I have heard these words far too often. “Life goes on and you will just have to get over it”. If only it was that easy… Grief can manifest itself in many different ways. It can be so powerful that all your usual coping mechanisms are useless. You find yourself physically and emotionally unable to function with any semblance of normality. Let’s talk about the link between grief and self-esteem Grief can be a very powerful emotion, and it can have a devastating effect on our self-esteem. When we lose a loved one, this brings on intense emotions and it feels like the world has come to an end. We may feel like we cannot go on without them and that we will never be able to have a ‘normal life’ again or be happy again. And as we cope with grief, it is easy to lose our sense of self. This can severely impact our self-esteem, which can affect all areas of our life and make it even more difficult to cope with our loss. This loss of faith in yourself can damage our self-esteem as well as impact our mental health. What is self-esteem? Self-esteem is how we perceive ourselves; what we think about ourselves and how much we value ourselves. Our self-esteem is made up of thoughts and opinions, often formed in our early years, about who we are and what we are capable of. Self-esteem also impacts how we interact with the world around us. When we are grieving, our self-esteem often takes a hit because we are struggling to cope with our loss. The effect of grief on self-esteem is not something much spoken about in grief. And yet significant loss can completely drain and deplete any self-esteem we may have, making it feel impossible to move forward in a healthy or purposeful way. Grief can damage our self-esteem in a number of ways. First, we may compare our own grief to others and feel like we are grieving in the wrong way. We might feel we are not sad enough or that we are too sad. It can also impact how we interact with those around us. It can make us feel like we are annoying people around us with our grief or that they might be fed up with us and how we feel and not enjoy our company anymore. All these thoughts and feelings can have a profound impact on our self-esteem. How can grief impact our self-esteem? When we lose someone close to our heart, it can feel like our whole world has fallen apart. The intense pain and sense of loss can leave us feeling empty, alone, and hopeless. These feelings can be so overwhelming that they lead to a loss of faith in ourselves. This can be particularly damaging to our self-esteem, as it can make us feel like we do not deserve to be happy without the person we lost. If we have healthy self-esteem, we tend to see ourselves in a more positive light and believe we are worthy of a happy life. If we have low self-esteem, we might not believe ourselves to be worthy of love and positive experiences. When we lose someone close to our heart, we also cease to play a role in that person’s life and that can also affect our daily life. We may have feelings of being insignificant when we feel no longer needed. As previously mentioned, we may also set unrealistic goals for ourselves and others when it comes to grief. Our self-esteem might be affected because we feel we are not ‘getting over it’ in a reasonable amount of time or that we are not moving on quickly enough. It is important to understand that there is no ‘correct’ one way to grieve. Everyone experiences grief differently, and there is no timeline for healing. In fact, it is normal to feel like we will never recover from our loss. We just have to remember that with time, patience, and self-compassion, we will eventually start to feel better. When someone close to us has died it can generate a sense of fear – for the future, of disease, or even death. There may be a feeling of insecurity because of life changing so drastically after a loss. Uncertainty for the future may cause us to feel more vulnerable. Impact of lower self-esteem on our physical health Grief can also affect our physical health, which can further damage our self-esteem. When we are grieving, it is common to lose interest in taking care of ourselves. Our eating and sleeping patterns can be very much affected. This can make us feel even worse about ourselves. It is crucial to take care of ourselves during this difficult time and develop healthy habits. The small daily steps that add up to a more positive outlook are the ones that can help us in our grieving process. How to keep healthy self-esteem while grieving? We have to be patient and gentle with ourselves. It is important to understand that there is no ‘one’ or ‘correct’ way to grieve. Grief is very personal. Everyone experiences grief differently, and there is no timeline for healing. In fact, it is absolutely normal to feel like we will never recover from our loss. We just have to remember that with time, patience, and self-compassion, we will eventually start to feel better. As each day passes, we will feel a little bit stronger. Every little step is a victory towards feeling better. Develop healthy habits. When we are grieving, it is common to lose interest in taking care of ourselves. We may stop eating well, exercising, or getting enough sleep. This can lead to physical health problems, which have a negative impact on our self-esteem. We have to try making small changes to our daily habits to help support our health. This could mean preparing a healthy meal or simply going for a walk. Spend time with loved ones. When grieving, it is important to talk to loved ones who will make us feel good about ourselves. Seek out activities that make us happy. When we are grieving, it is important to find activities that make us happy and help us feel good about ourselves. This could be anything from reading, meditating, going outdoors. Whatever makes us happy, we have to make sure to do it. Let’s do more of anything that makes us feel good about ourselves. And last but not least, seek professional help. Losing someone close to us brings on intense emotions. A therapist can provide us with the support and guidance we need to heal our wounds and rebuild our self-esteem. They will help us to identify how grief has damaged our self-esteem so that we can take steps to correct it, move on from our loss and live a fulfilling life. Grief, self-esteem, and hypnosis Hypnosis is a very powerful modality which helps us manage our grief and restore our self-esteem in the process. One of the best ways to deal with the emotional aspect is by using hypnosis for grief. That is because grief is a form of trauma, an event that overwhelms our ability to cope. And because grief can be such a traumatic experience, it makes sense that hypnosis can be an ideal modality to help manage it. In fact, hypnosis is extremely powerful in helping clients with trauma. Hypnosis for grief offers so many options. What is hypnosis? As an award-winning, fully qualified, and accredited hypnotherapist, I can say that hypnosis is a very powerful modality to manage grief and boost self-esteem. Hypnosis is a safe and natural state of relaxation with an increased level of awareness during which you are not asleep and are fully in control. You will experience a pleasant state of mind with increased attention and focus. The hypnotic state is similar to some moments in your life when you are daydreaming or fully absorbed in a specific activity like reading for example. There is absolutely nothing to fear as therapeutic and clinical hypnosis is totally different from stage and entertainment hypnosis and as you remain in control, you will never be asked to do anything foolish or against your will. For the hypnotherapy session to be successful, the hypnotherapist must have your consent, collaboration and full commitment as the purpose is to help you reach a feeling of being more in charge and in control of your life. While in a relaxed state of mind, new information can make its way into the subconscious which transforms old beliefs and thought patterns. Hypnosis delves into your subconscious mind to plant positive thoughts and suggestions, which can create meaningful and lasting changes in your thought process. Hypnosis replaces the old with the new. Changing your thinking will change your beliefs, fears, desires, habits, and anything that creates resistance when achieving new things. When working with a qualified hypnotherapist, you will learn to reframe your thoughts and feelings around any trying or traumatic experiences you went through. Hypnotherapy is a useful and effective intervention for prolonged grief. Its effectiveness lies in the fact that it is so good at helping people deal with underlying conflicts or issues. As a hypnotherapist I believe I work in a profession which is fantastically placed to help people manage grief and boost their self-esteem. The memories of the trying or traumatic events and experiences we went through can be extremely painful to deal with and can be really debilitating. Our brain tends to work as a coping mechanism and store these difficult or traumatic moments deep within our subconscious. Hypnosis cannot help you completely delete these bad memories or take the loss away. When you face a trigger that brings you back to a difficult or traumatic experience or event, you become faced with the hugest urge to get it out of your head. However, the harder you try, the more the memories end up coming back into your conscious mind. It is during these tough moments that we would like to just delete these memories. As previously mentioned, hypnosis cannot free you of these difficult or traumatic memories, but it is a very powerful tool and modality to help you heal from these trying memories and move forward in your grieving process while keeping your self-esteem at a healthy level. What your mind does as its own form of coping mechanism is it takes your negative, emotionally charged memories, and pushes them into your subconscious as a means of protecting you from re-experiencing the pain and trauma. This is what is commonly known as repression. As we may know from experience, the emotions from these memories can be resurfaced from a trigger, which often causes a rollercoaster of emotions and can also create complete paralysis in our minds. When you force yourself to suppress a recent painful memory like the loss of a loved ones, the memory is recalled. You then add more importance to the memory as the emotions are being re-triggered. Hypnosis will help manage those memories in a more productive and healthier way. Memories, with their associated thoughts and emotions, are adaptable and flexible, making us open to suggestion and more able to accept small changes to some of their original meaning. You can change what a particular memory means to you, how you feel about it, and how you respond to it when you create and attach new pairs and associations and narratives to that memory. Hypnosis is your reframing tool to change and “re-edit” the memories in your mind and your negative pairs and associations with a memory. Hypnosis will help you change how you remember rather than the “raw” memory itself, by releasing the emotional response to the memory you release the symptom. This is when you become the driver of your life, move towards our goals with confidence and optimism and take care of the vehicle that is your mind. Not everyone is aware of the link, but grief can have a profound and negative effect on self-esteem. If you are grieving, it is important to seek professional help, be patient with yourself and do not allow your poor self-esteem to get out of hand. As you pass through the grieving process, you will begin to feel more capable of handling your grief. And as you are able to handle your grief in a more positive way, your self-esteem will slowly begin to improve. Hope this gives you a better understanding of the link between grief and self-esteem and about the use of hypnosis to manage your grief and restore your self-esteem to help you move forward in life with peace of mind and confidence. Follow Nadija on her Facebook , Instagram , Linkedin , and visit her website for more info. Read more from Nadija! Nadija Bajrami, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine French by birth, Nadija has lived in Scotland for 7 years and has traveled the world. After recovering from some serious health issues, Nadija had a wake-up call and came to Ireland to find her path. She has been living in Dublin since 2017. Nadija is a multi award winning trauma, empowerment specialist and holds a double diploma in Hypnotherapy, Mind Coaching, and online therapy. She is dedicated to helping her clients get empowered, supercharge their confidence and self-esteem, overcome their limiting beliefs as well as manage anxiety, and symptoms of traumatic experiences and help people on their grief and healing journey through her therapy, coaching, and spiritual work.

Written by: Katie Scott, business reporter Brainz Magazine Toblerone will soon lose its iconic Matterhorn logo after a change in where the bars are made. US firm Mondelez, who makes the chocolate bars, has opted to move some of the production from Switzerland to Slovakia; and so the bars have lost their “Swissness”. The company will instead use a generic peak. The chocolate bars first went on sale in 1908 in Bern, reports BBC News but it wasn’t until 1970 that the silhouette of the Matterhorn appeared. For the bars, alike any milk-based products, to continue to be Swiss, they would have to be exclusively made in Switzerland. Other products whose names and authenticity are tied to their country or place of origin include Feta cheese and Darjeeling tea.

Written by: Maya Zack, Senior Level Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Have you ever felt like a fraud, despite your accomplishments, knowledge or qualifications? Do you worry that you're going to be exposed as a someone who isn’t skilled, knowledgeable or good enough? If you've ever felt that way, welcome to the club. Most successful entrepreneurs have feelings that they don't measure up one point or another. In fact, these are some common secret thoughts of successful women. So know that imposter syndrome is real, you're not alone in experiencing that nagging imposter feeling that you don't deserve your success, that you're just fooling everyone around you and that maybe you reached where you are because you got lucky or have connections. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 5 beliefs driving those thoughts & feelings of self-doubt and how to overcome imposter syndrome with new, empowering beliefs. 1. ‘I’m or it’s not good enough (therefore, I don’t deserve)’ Imposter syndrome is often about having too high standards for ourselves and can be tied with perfectionism. Of course, we want to provide high quality service, but it’s just not realistic to do something perfectly (especially if we’re only starting out). While aiming for excellence can be a powerful driver for progress, thinking you're not good enough, aiming for perfection and comparison to others only leads to overthinking, self-criticism, and even anxiety. We can only improve if we allow imperfection to be there. Only in imperfection is there space for growth. Since perfection is unattainable. So, we can either accept this truth and feel free of the pressure, or we can resist it and get stuck in an ongoing inner conflict. The trick is to aim for improvement, but to practice self-acceptance at the same time. Focus on progress. Appreciate your achievements, no matter how small, as well as how far you’ve already come. Allowing yourself to simply be where you’re at means you’ll have more available energy to direct towards doing better. So, reframe this and believe in yourself that: ‘It’s good enough for now and I enjoy the process of constant improvement.’ 2. ‘I should already know everything (and since I don’t, I don’t deserve)’ This is thoughts telling us ‘I’m not ready’ or feeling like we need to have all the answers. The ‘next shiny object syndrome’ is also tied in, where we feel like we need to sign up to all the trainings, watch all the webinars, get all the certificates and read all the books before we can finally put ourselves out there and serve. We spend so much time on accumulating information rather than experience. But remember that knowledge is useless without action. No one has ever become an expert without experience and without going through the stage of not being an expert first. So, you’re exactly where you need to be now in order to become an expert later. Secondly, remember that you don’t need to know everything, only more than what your clients know. They don’t have any of your skills or knowledge, that’s why they’re looking for help. You know enough to do the job and are entirely capable of providing that help. What’s missing is not more information or training but the courage to put yourself out there and get started. Believe in yourself that ‘I know I’m capable of incredible things by taking action, learning & growing.’ 3. ‘I shouldn’t have to make such an effort, it should come naturally to me (therefore, I don’t deserve)’ We often see all these big successes online, and they look or sound like reaching their level is so easy and effortless. This is what we compare ourselves to and it can make you feel like you don't belong in that club. But the truth is, no one got there without hard work. You don’t see all the effort, the struggles, the failures that happen behind the scenes. All you get to see is the shining moments. Secondly, know that it’s not about our level of born-with talent. Of course, we want to have some skills, but being a genius is not required to be successful. Most entrepreneurs who are high achievers and highly successful have gotten to where they’re at not because they are exceptionally gifted, they attribute their success to having a consistent, persistent, positive and resilient attitude. They've often felt the same way you do, but they continue showing up with passion, they keep learning, practicing and developing their skills over time. So, to overcome imposter syndrome, believe in yourself that: ‘I’ve got talent and skills and I can improve and excel through more practice.’ 4. ‘I need to do prove myself by always going way and beyond’. This is when we constantly push ourselves to work harder, over-working, over-achieving or people pleasing in order to prove ourselves. This belief can be in the way of setting healthy boundaries or of saying ‘no’ when that’s what we’d authentically want to say. We might be over-delivering to clients giving them extra content, extra time or extra discount. All these might not be aligned with what we want to do, but we feel like we need to give the extra in order to get approval, we don't feel like what we already do is enough. So let go of wanting to prove yourself, and focus instead on achieving the best results for your clients. Believe in yourself that ‘I’m here because I’m good at what I do, I got lots to offer, and that’s all I need to focus on.’ 5. ‘I should be able to do it all on my own without asking for help’ This is when we feel uncomfortable asking for help because we see it as a sign of weakness and it makes us question our competence. But if you’re a solopreneur, you know that running a business is not just the actual service or product we provide. It’s creating content, doing the marketing, the sales calls, the business planning, keeping the books… all the while also keeping our mindset in check! That’s a lot. Truth is, almost all successful people delegate tasks when and where they can. They also have mentors and coaches who help them get to where they are and through challenging times. Whether it’s business or mindset coaching, those who have successful businesses know the value in getting support. They know it makes them more rather than less powerful. So, believe in yourself that: ‘Getting support is a strength because it allows me to excel and get results faster and easier.’ Conclusion In conclusion, to overcome imposter syndrome we need to reframe limiting beliefs around ‘I don’t deserve’ and ‘I need to prove myself’ and fears of failure. Know that what you're going through and what you're feeling is perfectly normal. And that feeling like you're a fraud doesn't make you a fraud. It's important to remember that beliefs are beliefs, not facts. And you don't have to feel this way. When we remove beliefs that don’t serve us and take charge of our self-talk, not only does our experience become a whole lot easier, but we're also be able to achieve things that previously felt impossible. Own your power, potential and possibilities. Wherever you’re at – you deserve to be here. You're actually exactly where you should be on your growth journey. You deserve to take up space. And you deserve the opportunity to grow into that space. You can learn to think like successful entrepreneurs, that too is a skill. Not sure how to remove persistent limiting beliefs in your way? Join me on the 21st of March for a live Give your Limiting Beliefs the Boot training where I’ll be showing you a practical, simple and fast process to do just that, help you let go of negative self-talk and clear the way for your success while feeling easier, lighter and freer. You can also download my free business mindset guide for women entrepreneurs right here. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Maya! Maya Zack, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Maya Zack is an award-winning personal development, peak-performance and mindset coach. She holds a master’s degree in clinical hypnosis and is one of the only Sedona Method™ facilitators in the UK. Maya works with women business owners all over the world, and has been featured in a number of international publications. She helps entrepreneurs free themselves from past baggage and mental & emotional habits that prevent them from experiencing more success or that slow it down. She removes psychological blocks to taking bold action and getting the clarity, confidence and focus they need to follow their strategy with resilience, courage and powerful self-belief while improving their wellbeing. She has developed her unique, signature step-by-step mindset makeover programs that change thinking & feeling patterns on the deepest, subconscious level, reprogramming their minds for success so that new habits & behaviours quickly become automatic and effortless.

Written by: Santarvis Brown, Senior Level Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. No one ever said leadership was easy. Well, at least not anyone with a clue about how to lead effectively. Being a good leader takes time, dedication, and the ability to admit when you’re wrong. More than anything, today’s leaders must be able to connect with their employees on a “human level”. This means talking about their goals and the issues going on in their life that might impact their performance as well as their professional and personal strengths and weaknesses. Leaders don’t have to be personally invested in the private lives of their employees, of course, but they should be able to connect with them via more than work quality and met deadlines. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to shift your thinking from placing more importance on a business than a person. Over the years, however, I’ve come to understand that the true measure of a company’s success is its employees. I’m writing this to help you focus on people, in all of their complexities, rather than as one-dimensional employees whose strengths and weaknesses are often ignored. What are “complexities” and how do I see them? Don’t worry if the idea of seeing complexities is confusing. This isn’t something many leaders, especially those from a decade or three back, are used to considering. The term “complexities” refers to the things in life that aren’t neat and tidy. Consider an employee you see every day but know very little about. To you, their entire life might as well be lived in the office, because once they’re out of it, they almost don’t exist to you. I don’t mean this in a horrible way, but rather to illustrate the “I’m only concerned with your value as an employee, not necessarily your value as an individual person” that is so prevalent in the business world. Now let’s say you get to know that employee a little bit more. You learn a bit about their family, their goals, and the struggles and triumphs they have had. They are no longer able to be neatly boxed at the end of the day. You have begun to understand the complexities that drive them. As for how you “see” complexities, the best advice I can give you is to reach out to your team and talk to them about their lives. You don’t have to be pushy or ask for a lot of detail – just talk about your own family or goals and ask them about theirs. Become an empathetic leader interested in your employees’ success and well-being, and you will be surprised how quickly you come to know their complexities. Building a tight-knit, functional team might not be easy (at least at first), but there are few things as rewarding or valuable to your long-term success. Visit Santarvis on his LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more information. Read more from Santarvis! Santarvis Brown, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Dr. Santarvis Brown has spent 15+ years serving as a leader, innovator, and changemaker in education, showcasing in-depth insight as an administrator, educator, and program director. A noted speaker, researcher, and full professor, he has lent his speaking talent to many community and educational forums, serving as a keynote speaker. He has also penned several publications tackling issues in civic service, faith, leadership, and education.