Written by: David Campbell, 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. Decision making: know the why not the how. From experience, it is actually easy to make decisions. What is harder is making the right decision at the right time. Let’s go back to my analogy of a sailing ship being a metaphor for business. Your vessel is under sail and something happens to stop or slow your progress. What do you do? Raise more sail? Might not be the best decision, particularly if you are grounded. You will drive yourself into further issues. Understanding the why of your decision-making will actually release you into greater success in business. Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself about a grounding, progression-stopping time: Why am I making this decision? What are the effects of my decision? Will this decision impact my forward progress or cause me more harm? Am I willing to accept the consequences of my decision? In reality, decision-making is actually really, really easy. What's hard is making the right decision. And that's where you need to stop and think and know what your other impacting issues are. When you balance potential and performance; when you focus on the cause; and grow the owner; you harness the power and energy to make good decisions. The key is to start a discipline of thinking I think it's exactly that. It's thinking differently. It's taking the time to sit down and think about your business. And that is the real discipline you’re after. It’s a case of acknowledging that we're all busy people and deciding to take some time out. It can be as little as 10 minutes a day to just sit down and think about the direction of your business. This discipline can make a massive difference to what’s happening for you. (Note that I didn’t say “to you”) Take some notes: – what are the steps I need to take to produce a new widget or angle or direction? Here is an idea I have had, it’s just an idea, but write it down. Write down the dream you had last night. Many new and creative ideas come through dreams. One of my businesses is wood-turning and I love it, but what sets me apart are my decisions to do things differently – whilst thinking about the way forward, I suddenly had a thought to engrave the timber. So, I went out and acquired a laser engraver and started engraving. Since then I have also started to CNC carve into the various wooden products as another feature of my services. In that one thought, one decision and one application, I added another dimension and service to my business. Think about it: ‒ what are you adding to the service in your business that is making you look forward, not back? My coach says that I should add at least one new service to my business offering every year. When was the last time you added a new service to your business? Contemplate your own comments and know that these are the ways in which you can move forward in your business. Follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from David! David Campbell, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine David is an exceptionally experienced executive coach. He is an exceptional public speaker who challenges the way organisations and individuals think in relation to business and life. has led reform within a number of organisations and brings a unique understanding of the pressures in both the public and private sectors. He understands the changing requirements and time frames within the business environment and has considerable experience in leading, managing and coaching geographically dispersed (remote) teams. David brings a new insight into the way we think into our success in business to realise exceptional results.

Written by: Agnes Chau , 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. The addiction to suffering. Have you ever competed on who had it worse? Growing up, I remember conversations with friends where we tried to outdo each other about who had it worse. Drama stories with roles of victim, persecutor, and rescuer have become the norm so often in society. Our subconscious minds have been inundated with stories of suffering and the victimhood mindset. More often than not, a person may not even be aware of the addiction to suffering because it is how the human operating system has been conditioned through the influences of media, societal structures, cultural, and ancestral norms. Everything is energy and suffering is also energy. What makes suffering hard to resist is the comfort it provides to the person who has embraced suffering as a narrative or as part of their identity. Over time, familiarity with this known energy can become comfortable and even addictive. When someone finds comfort in the very thing that makes them consistently unhappy, there is little incentive to break out of the cycle. The addiction to suffering is a dis-ease in the mind-body system. The stress in the mind-body system affects one’s mental, emotional, and physical bodies. Why is there an addiction to suffering? We are spiritual beings having a human experience, with feelings we want to experience, and lessons to be learned in this lifetime. Sometimes it is easy to forget that we have the power to choose how we respond to situations, even when we may not feel that we have much choice in the matter. When we forget that we are co-creators of our reality and adopt a victimhood mindset, it can become all too easy to fall into the trap of suffering as a “state of being”, rather than something that will eventually pass. By attaching to suffering and giving audience to it beyond the time it deserves, suffering is given a life of its own. Ruminations about the past, what could have been done differently and our perceptions of a situation can take away the ability to find peace in the present. When people are stuck with old subconscious programs that have underlying themes of unworthiness and fear, it becomes a challenge even to be aware of one’s state, let alone know that there is an alternative to this human condition of suffering. There may be active archetypes of the victim, and saboteur playing out. There may also be secondary benefits, such as the comfort of meeting certain human needs such as feeling a sense of certainty, love or connection, or significance by embracing suffering. Why is it important to break free from the addiction to suffering? The addiction to suffering puts us in a constant state of stress and anxiety. The amygdala (activates the fight or flight response) is in safety mode and the prefrontal cortex stops thinking. It’s like the amygdala is the security guard protecting the system and the prefrontal cortex, the CEO of the mind, is on lockdown and unable to perform optimally. The two human needs, growth and contribution are hindered as a result. When addicted to suffering, our brains are not operating at their optimum. Getting to a whole brain state will bring clarity to the bigger picture of the suffering, learn from it and move forward so that one is no longer triggered. How to Break Free from the Addiction to Suffering To break free from the addiction to suffering means freeing our minds, so we can live in the present and co-create something better. It means we’ve had enough and it’s time to reinvent ourselves and align with our divine paths. If we have secondary benefits from the addiction to suffering, then it is time to find something else to fill the void. New experiences that involve self-discovery can help to fill that void. It means being aware of the patterns and feelings and disrupting them. Here are the ABCs to break free from the addiction to suffering. A ‒ Awareness ‒ Ask Powerful Questions Asking powerful questions can help bring awareness of one’s state. Questions to understand the purpose of the suffering and what one is addicted to: How does this suffering serve me? Has this become my identity? Is this what I want to be known for going forward? Questions to know if it is time for transformation: Who else suffers because I have this addiction? (Suffering causes a ripple effect. It’s not just ourselves who suffer. Others suffer because they worry about us or we lash out at them.) What lessons am I to learn from this? Have I learned them? What am I missing out on by focusing my attention on suffering? What deserves higher priority in my life? What do I want to spend my time on instead? Questions to transform: What do I want instead? What would life look like if I did not focus on this condition or situation? Who am I or who can I be without this addiction? What can I let go of? How can I turn this challenge into an opportunity? Also, check out the free brain health questionnaires at AgnesChauLLC.com/courses to understand how your thinking and feelings are connected with different parts of your brain and the reason why there may be an addiction to suffering. B ‒ Beliefs ‒ Change Your Belief Systems Isn’t it time for us to take back our power and know that we are worthy of experiencing the best that life and love have to offer? Life is more than just survival. It’s easy to have a victimhood mindset. The challenge is to recognize that we are all co-creators of our reality. It’s time to thrive by creating a new reality for ourselves and it starts with changing our belief systems, mostly subconscious. Where does the subconscious mind fit into the picture? There are a lot of outdated subconscious programs running at 40 million bits of information per second. The conscious mind is trying hard at 40 bits of information per second to change those beliefs. Sometimes, a powerful intervention like PSYCH-K® is needed to reprogram the subconscious mind to align with the conscious mind’s goals. PSYCH-K® is a spiritual process with often physical, mental, and emotional benefits. The subconscious may be constrained by past conditioning, while the conscious mind may be constrained by social, cultural, religious, or familial norms. The superconscious (Higher Self, Divine Intelligence within that is connected with Divine Source) is there with the bigger picture for one’s life and it is not constrained by space or time. Sometimes, the conscious mind needs the superconscious to help reprogram the subconscious mind to create the foundation for success. One still needs to consciously live their life and take action to support the new perspective. With the conscious mind’s intention, permission from one’s superconscious, and commitment from one’s subconscious, one is guided through whole-brain postures or movements to get to a whole-brain state for a condition or situation. Triggers from memories of past trauma no longer have the same effect. Instead of only seeing a situation from one angle/perspective, one can see it from all angles/perspectives. It is empowering to take back control of one’s own mind. The conscious mind is free to choose to suffer or to move forward. Freedom comes from knowing we have a choice. To learn more about PSYCH-K®, visit here. C ‒ Challenge ‒ Apply the 5 senses Take the challenge to transition away and out of the suffering by applying the 5 senses to resonate with higher frequencies. See or visualize what you want instead. Imagine your dream vacation spot, a happy place, or a happy memory. You can also try to visualize and activate the violet flame, which can bring about a sense of peace and gratitude. Listen to sound-healing music like solfeggio frequencies, rife frequencies, or binaural beats. Everything is energy and vibrates at different frequencies. Listening to music will help our bodies tune into frequencies for well-being. Smell a rose or a flower or scent that has a high vibrational frequency. Taste or imagine tasting your favorite food. Enjoy it with all of your senses. Eating foods that have high vibrational frequencies like fruits and vegetables, especially apples will also tune the body to frequencies for well-being. Feel through movement. Going for a walk, doing yoga, and dancing can help us get out of our heads. Doing the horse-riding stance in chi kung or intentional meditation to connect with Mother Earth’s natural vibrational frequency can help restore one’s well-being. Different types of meditation activate different brain waves. For example, transcendental meditation activates alpha brainwaves for restful alertness, and studies have shown it to reduce stress and anxiety amongst other benefits. In Summary Have compassion for yourself and others who have an addiction to suffering. While suffering may be a human experience, it is not meant to be a permanent state of being, nor a defining aspect of one’s identity. The key is not to get stuck in suffering and to take steps to move forward and live conscious lives. If you know someone who is addicted to suffering, enabling the addiction to suffering will not change things. The ABCs to break free from the addiction to suffering: A - Awareness - ask powerful questions B - Beliefs - change belief systems by getting to a whole brain state C - Challenge - use the 5 senses to resonate at a higher frequency Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website to learn more. Read more from Agnes! Agnes Chau, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Agnes Chau is an award-winning Transformational Life Coach, PSYCH-K® Facilitator, Private Consultant, and Speaker. With her training in various life-transforming modalities and her prior experience as an Engineering Executive, Agnes helps clients succeed in all aspects of life. Agnes enjoys helping people tap into their Divine Intelligence to identify the most effective path forward for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. She specializes in PSYCH-K®, Tong Ren tapping, and other modalities for wellbeing. Agnes has received many awards, including, International Association of Top Professional's (IAOTP) Top Transformational Life Coach of the Year, IAOTP's Empowered Woman of the Year, CXO Outlook's Most Inspiring Business Woman, Passion Vista's Global Icon, Brainz Magazine's CREA Global Award, Connecticut Woman of Innovation for Large Business Innovation and Leadership, the Manufacturing Institute’s STEP Ahead award, the Society of Women Engineers’ Advocating Women in Engineering Award and, several patents. Agnes is also the President and Founder of The Empowered Heart, Inc. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit https://www.theempoweredheart.org . She volunteers her time as a certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Women Empowered Instructor and gifts transformation sessions to veterans and allies of the Angels 14 community.

Written by: Louise Siwicki , 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. What impact does fertility really have on productivity in the workplace? How can conversations about fertility in the workplace become normalised? And how can a workplace better support the mental health of employees who are suffering infertility or going through the IVF process? Let’s now discuss In recent years, conversations about fertility have entered the mainstream. We discuss fertility treatments at the dinner table with our partners, and talk about egg or sperm freezing at brunch with our friends. However, there is still one place where fertility can remain taboo — the workplace. Infertility impacts 1 in 8 people and it’s on the increase globally! Each year in Australia, more than 80,000 people go through a cycle of IVF. Not an insignificant number of people and therefore it's highly likely that most workplaces will have an employee experiencing miscarriage or undergoing treatment at some point. These numbers alone make infertility at work a critical issue, and one that as a society, we have trouble addressing. With numbers like this we all know someone who is battling infertility, or chances are we have been ourselves at some point. It is time to normalise conversations about fertility in the workplace. Much research has shown many people experiencing fertility problems are reluctant to speak to their employer about it because they fear it may have a detrimental effect on their careers. We know that some end up reducing their hours or leaving employment entirely as a result of their fertility problems. This can be a challenge for employers both operationally and financially. This is why it is important to have a program in place so employees feel supported, and employers can get the best from them in difficult circumstances. While providing leave to attend fertility assisted treatments is a massive move in the right direction, there still needs to be a focus on employee's mental health during the process. Our fertility needs to be looked at holistically not just in terms of leave required for these appointments. There is so much emphasis at the moment on supporting the physical side of infertility and IVF. Providing employees with time off to attend appointments and physical procedures. But what has been neglected is the phycological impact IVF treatment has on the woman. It is just as important to consider employees' mental health and the impact infertility is having. Research has shown that women dealing with infertility have depression and anxiety levels similar to those with cancer, H.I.V. and heart disease, and — through my career as well as my personal experiences — I have become intimately familiar with infertility's psychological impact. The statistics around mental health and infertility are startling ‒ yet not talked about enough. Studies conducted by the American National Library of Medicine showed 25% to 60% of people with infertility reported psychiatric symptoms, with anxiety and depression significantly higher than those not going through infertility. Other important mental health fertility statistics: 76% of infertility patients experience anxiety. 56% of infertility patients experience depression. 39% of infertility patients meet the criteria for major depressive disorder. 9.4% of infertility patients report suicidal thoughts or attempts. (Study National Library of Medicine) Too many patients go into treatments completely unprepared and unsupported, then become blindsided by things like anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. They're then left feeling even more isolated, confused, and broken... It's essential to know the facts, to have support in place, and to be prepared not just physically for fertility treatments, but mentally too. Through my own personal experience, and now in my career, I have become intimately familiar with the psychological impact of infertility and its insidious way of encroaching on every part of your life – including your ability to focus at work. I battled infertility and my busy corporate role at the same time. I too well understand the struggles employees face. As a business, if you support women struggling to conceive by addressing their mental and emotional wellbeing, you will not only significantly decrease stress and anxiety levels, but in some cases, you may negate the need for medical interventions altogether. Workplace fertility mental health support program We are now all very aware of the phycological affect that infertility has on the person. It is also clear that many employees do not feel comfortable sharing their fertility journey with their workplace. According to a Glassdoor survey , 67% of job seekers consider a diverse workplace an important factor when deciding to accept a position. And if employers don’t meet these needs, they’ll fall behind. In fact, 58% of benefits managers said that they would consider it discriminatory not to offer fertility benefits by 2025. Change is a constant in the economy. Supporting employees’ fertility health and family-forming goals should be, too. By investing in fertility benefits, your company can reduce costs, maintain and expand your commitment to your employees welfare, and win over top talent— even during uncertain times! I offer a range of employee fertility support packages for businesses. If you are interested in chatting further about how I can assist please do not hesitate to reach out. I can not wait to chat with you! Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Louise! Louise Siwicki, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Louise Siwicki is a specialist in the fields of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Time Line Therapy®, Hypnotherapy, and Fertility Coaching, expert. She offers specialized programs for both women and men suffering infertility issues through pregnancy and early parenthood. She uses different practical processes and techniques to rewire the brain of her clients and build new neural pathways. This eliminates and heals the root cause of stress and anxiety, the negative emotions and limiting beliefs holding them back from achieving the success and happiness they desire in life. After suffering through 6 years of infertility issues herself, she has since dedicated her life to supporting women and men through this very challenging time in their lives. She is the founder and CEO of “Louise Siwicki Coaching,” author of "The Secret to Getting Pregnant is not Just in Your Body but in Your Mind" and a public speaker. Her mission: To help everyone understand the importance of the mind and body connection. If you don’t master your mind, your mind will master you.

Written by: Rylee June, 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. Everyone wants the key to success when it comes to building a coaching business online. The 5 steps, the 10 master mindset hacks, the mentor with the greatest accolades..the list goes on and on. But the truth is, no matter what you think your bright idea is that’s going to revolutionize the world, the likely chance that someone has done it before is 99%. This was a pill I had a hard time swallowing when I was ready to start scaling my business beyond 5 figures a year. What I began to learn from all the gurus was that the reason their businesses were so successful is that they stopped trying to solve the problems they thought people had, and started getting clear on solving one of 3 main problems almost all people relate to. 1. Some aspects of relationship development: whether it be to one's self or others; solving problems that people commonly face in a relationship. 2. Helping people get healthy, from the postpartum mom to diabetics, chronic illness, to lifestyle habits. 3. Money issues surrounding managing, selling, leveraging, and negotiating. There are a few more “problems” that can be added to each topic or sub-varieties of these but this was the main problem the most successful were solving. When it comes to spiritual support, oftentimes people who offer these services would cap themselves out at lower incomes, whether in the charging range for services and courses or a lack of clients. This again came back to using word salad most common people don’t understand and not being able to clearly communicate what people are struggling with in their lives. This was something I struggled with for a very long time. As a once spiritual coach I used to use language like “heal from your past to experience unimaginable freedom in your life in all areas”, “Uncovering your intuition will help you overcome the alignment issues you face to attract what you deeply desire” Your average person, and honestly, your potential clients, don’t understand how that applies to their lives, and if you coach males, their logical brains will not be able to wrap their heads around the value you are offering to provide. First, you have to get clear about the problem you solve in relation to the 3 categories above, And then these following 5 steps will wildly help you build the success you seek no matter what! The 5 things you need to incorporate into your coaching business strategy to build success this year are the following: 1. A Foundation This is more important than a plan because it is so easy to get distracted and swayed into believing so many things about so many strategies, you have to find one that suits your business model and stick with it. Nothing is proven to work unless you give it at least 6 months to a year. Your values and principles will be tested every time you sign up with a new person and in new programs. You have to know who you are at a foundational level for you to truly breed YOUR success in your business and the services you offer. 2. A Plan You’ve probably heard this one a hundred times over when it comes to any business, scaling and strategy. But let me help categorize this for you a little more for clarity. A. A social media plan to create content that revolves around your services that explain what you do effortlessly and post daily. Your content should do the heavy lifting in terms of helping your audience get to know you and your offers B. One service that you can constantly talk about over and over again until you’re blue in the face, a service that solves 1 specific problem that you can become known for and create cohesion in your business C. A place for people to pay you with ease, pre-set up templates for emails in google docs if you have to, and make your intro emails upon your clients purchase all about them and their transformation D. A way to generate more leads to bring in more business, don’t settle for the law of attraction or “if I build it, they will come” method, because more often than not people don’t come. Utilize Facebook groups with your ideal client, have a way to get on calls with them and offer suggestions/support and pour into your own Facebook community to bring lots of value and lead people back to YOUR network. 3. A Community You need a community to sell to. Without a community of your own you must serve in and leverage others. Both work, but when you have your own community people get to know you personally better and get to experience the value you have to bring on a whole other level. I’ve tried both and hands down building my own community has always provided me with more sales than ever serving in someone else's. 4. Consistency This one is pretty straightforward. If you want more clients, you have to show up more. There is a thing called omnipresence where you are at the forefront of people's awareness. Pitch to be on podcasts, guest train in programs, collaborate with other women, post daily, master one social media platform at a time and then hire the support to keep it up and grow your reach. 5. A Why RootedIn The Success Of Others Above Your Own You will burn the candle wick at both ends if you’re only out to gain more money than the month before. I have supported so many coaches in learning to be okay with the ebbs and flows of entrepreneurship, building transformational services their clients rave about without ever having to ask for a testimony. That is truly the best marketing. And above all else, walk the path of knowing that there is one person that needs you to show up and support them that day. Whether it be a client, an audience member or someone in a networking container you’re in. Strive every day to help at least one person. Sometimes that boils down to sharing an inspirational quote. There will be days when you don't want to show up, but if you knew that your services were going to save, let alone transform someone's life, you would show up no matter what. When your desire to build your business is rooted in the passion to help others, the by-product of your experience will naturally bring about more money and growth. These 5 things are what I implement, reflect on, and remind myself often of. It helps me move past my mental barriers, hire the support I need before I'm “ready” and take massive action in my personal life and business. They help me stay rooted in my values in faith and continue to push past societal conditioning and limitations that come up and face them head-on. You can build a brand and business you are wildly excited about, even on the down days, because let’s be honest, those down days are real and when they come, I am even more grateful I have my faith to keep me strong and willing. If you enjoyed this article, come to say Hi on Instagram @ryleejune.ca and I'd love to know what stood out for you most! All other services and podcast information can be found via my website. Let 2023 be the year you stand rooted, persevering above all odds and executing with a clear vision. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Rylee! Rylee June, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Rylee June is an international Intuition Master Coach and spiritual activator. Supporting thousands across the world in healing their trauma and limiting beliefs, as well mentoring and coaching those who offer energy services in curating ethical and deep transformative experiences for their clients. Podcast Host, Self Published Author & a pioneer in her industry, Rylee June is here to take a stand in the spiritual industry and create ethical practices for those seeking energy and life transformation support.

Written by: Jane Morales, 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. How to overcome sadness? It is quite common to ask yourself this question. Sadness is an emotion that tends to generate significant discomfort in us. However, the most considerable inconvenience occurs when it lengthens over time, affects the different areas of life, or causes depression that leads to absence. All the emotions we feel, whether good or bad, help us throughout our lives and forge our character; as time goes by, we learn to handle them. In the case of sadness, it is not objective to say it is damaging because it is normal to feel it. What is not constructive is to enter an apathetic circle in which this feeling becomes permanent. It is essential to learn how to manage our primary emotions; in this way, we build a clearer picture of how life situations affect us. For example, sadness is one of the emotions that can cause the most harm is vital to recognize it, know what it is, and be clear about how to manage and overcome it. What is sadness? Sadness is one of the primary emotions that human beings experience, along with joy, anger, and fear. There are other emotions linked to sadness that sometimes cover it up, cover it as anger can be. That happens because it is less difficult to accept anger than sadness in our society since it has a negative connotation as a sign of weakness. Feeling sad is not a problem. On the contrary, it is normal and healthy to have and show this feeling in certain situations. Every emotion has a function that makes it easier for us to adapt to the reality in front of us. Some of the tasks of sadness are focusing on oneself, promoting introspection, slowing down, and promoting the search for support and empathy. However, on certain occasions, it can become pathological and even lead to a disease or psychological disorder such as depression. Suppose you are immersed in a loop of negative thoughts and cognitions for a long time. In that case, you have been invaded by pessimism, and it is affecting other areas of your life, that sadness may no longer be adaptive and pathological. Another sign of what a problem can be is that you have tried to overcome it yourself without success. Nobody wants to be sad. There are people whose main pleasure is victimizing themselves in their environment, but there is a difference between"to feel sorry" and "to feel sorry." Even these people are looking for a thousand ways to overcome sadness. Sadness is a natural emotion. Therefore, sadness is part of life if it does not take over our lives. However, when it lingers, we must learn how to manage it to avoid serious psychological problems like depression. Here are some tips that might help. What to do if you are sad? Cry if you feel like it. Sadness is an emotion like any other and has its function. You have the right to feel sad and cry if you need it. Unfortunately, knowing what to do when you're sad is not easy. Accept your moment and give yourself time. It's okay. Sometimes the best way to change something is to accept it and stop fighting it. We can feel happy after a while. Every process takes its time. Do not judge how you feel. The judgment we make about our feelings generates more significant discomfort: "what I am supposed to feel, what others will think, what I think I am for feeling like this..." Being sad wouldn't affect us so much if we didn't think that says something about us and we cling to it; we can see it as an emotion that, like any other, just as it comes, goes away. Do not isolate yourself. The tendency to isolate helps us feel even worse when we are sad. While it is true that there are times when we need to be in solitude, sharing moments with other people distracts us, it makes us think about other things so as not to continue feeding the negative feeling. Talk about it, share it. When we feel sad, we don't have to go through this alone; if you try, you will discover that talking about something or venting can be liberating. We will always find at least ONE person willing to listen: a friend, a family member, an acquaintance, a professional... Even a diary can be handy! Take up your time. What do you want to do? A priori, the answer can be "nothing." Apathy takes over our decision-making power. If this stays in time, stop and think calmly. Are you sure that something does not come to mind? Trivial things fill our day-to-day: A hot bath. A movie. Going for a walk. Chatting with a friend. Preparing our favorite dish. Signing up for an activity that can bring us entertainment and excitement will make us feel less sad. Take care of your appearance and your hygiene. Take a shower, get dressed, and take care of your hygiene. Paying attention to something so basic is essential. It means taking care of us: if a person cannot forget you, it is yourself. In addition, seeing each other well contributes to improving our mood. Go out on the street. If we spend the entire day in our bubble, the atmosphere will end up flawed. There is more oxygen out there. So please go out and breathe it! Establish a routine that pushes us to organize our day-to-day and not abandon ourselves in sadness and loneliness. Try a sport. Playing sports, in addition to helping us disconnect and release emotions, causes us to generate a series of hormones that contribute to maintaining a positive mood against sadness and loneliness. Focus on the present. "What is done, it is done." It seems easy to say, but we cannot go back to make up for time or change the past. However, we can focus our attention and effort on 'today' to take advantage of the time and change the future. It is essential to keep this in mind to combat loneliness. Set small daily or weekly goals that can help combat sadness and loneliness. Focus on other issues and pay less attention to those worrying you. Every process takes its time. Reviewing, analyzing, and seeing our progress can help us feel animated and stimulated. If necessary, seek professional help. For example, when we are sad, we cannot recover by relying solely on our environment, yet there is a way out. Just as we go to the doctor when we do not feel well, why not go to the psychologist when our heart hurts? Take charge of your emotional state, your inner self. Learn to watch your feelings and control what happens inside your heart and your mind. Do not let your thoughts take over and run through you without you even knowing. Be the boss of your daily feelings, wishes, goals, and outcomes. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Jane! Jane Morales, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Jane Morales is a Human Development, Leadership, and Assertiveness Coach, Meditation Master, Writer, and Public Speaker. She holds a BS in Marketing from Bentley University in Boston and a Master of Science in Communications from Boston University. In addition to her higher education, she is trained in The Power of Intention, Positive Affirmations, and Living your own Success. She completed a higher degree in Psychosynthesis Psychology which expands the boundaries of human potential exploring values and purpose in life.

Written by: Michelle Sherbun, 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. As a leadership coach, I listen to the fears my clients face every day through their personal stories. And I am certainly not immune to my own fears. Like everyone else, I am reminded of them more often than I may like. Yet, whenever I face fear, I give myself permission to free my heart and mind. It is a conscious choice to move beyond pain and be open to the possibility that freedom from fear brings. Mikaela Shiffrin talks about being raised to make friends with her fears. A World Cup slalom athlete, Mikaela shares how her family encouraged taking risks and being open to new things by embracing fear. That philosophy has fed her competitive spirit and served as an anchor in her approach to life. I have fallen in love with the very idea of making friends with my fears. These words give me the grace and the space to acknowledge my fear, understand it, and then – only then – meet it head-on. Because, in a world where chaos is the norm these days, I welcome the gentleness and respect making friends grants. Michael Meade (author and storyteller) once wrote, “There is no transformation without feeling fear. Our greatest fears mark the places we must go or risk losing our souls.” Making friends with fear takes what is broken and makes it whole. Know that making friends with our fear lets us seek to understand pain from a place of love. And when we create this sacred space, we also form a deep friendship with the self. There is a great possibility lying in the folds of our friendship with self. It is transformative. So where does our fear come from? Emotional fear often lives in our ego – all those voices in our heads that tell us what we can’t do – who we can’t be. Eva Holland (Where does fear actually come from?) identifies the primary emotions as sympathy, embarrassment, shame, guilt, pride, jealousy, envy, gratitude, admiration, contempt, and more. Those emotions often surface in our fears as questions and doubts. Am I good enough? Will they like me? What if I don’t have enough money? What if I’m alone? What if I fail? What if I don’t get that job? What if? What if? What if? Our emotions can be real, honest, and unvarnished. Or they can be remembered or imagined. No matter their source, we anticipate the pain the emotion will cause and first feel it somewhere in our body before it even registers as a threat in our heads. So how do you begin to meet your fears? Take a breath and notice where fear shows up in your body. Where do you sense it? Embrace that. Awareness is your first step in making friends with your fear. Name the fear as best you can. Is it honest in time, remembered, or imagined? Do you need to respond to this fear in the moment, or can you sit with it to understand it better? Most importantly, be gentle with yourself because friendship takes time. Ten Additional Questions to Get You Started What do I gain by addressing the fear? What do I lose if I don’t address the fear? What one thing at this moment would you like to do, but fear is holding you back? How does that fear make you feel? And then, how do you typically respond when you feel that way? What fear might you be holding onto from your past? How is that fear holding you back? What will it take for you to make friends with it? What do you want your future to look like? How is fear blocking that life? In the world of chaos, you may be hearing lots of fear. It can be contagious. Do you want to listen to that or let that fear go? You have a choice. What if you do something that doesn’t turn out the way you wanted? What unnamed fear do you sense in your body and ponder in your head? What do you need from yourself and others to make friends with your fear? Who and how can trusted others support you? What one thing has the tightest hold on you and trips you up when you try to move forward? What fear is lying underneath that hold? Hang in there. This gets easier with practice! Follow me on LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Michelle! Michelle Sherbun, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Michelle Sherbun came to her career first as a vocalist and an actor. And while she no longer performs, the listening and improv skills she honed on stage became the foundation for the leadership coaching she does today. Whether partnering with an individual leader or working with a nonprofit or business team, she taps and nurtures their courage, curiosity, and creativity to create the possible. Her favorite question: WHY?

Written by: Poly Panou, 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. In 2023, an effective EVP will be more important than ever since employers are facing intense pressure to attract and retain top talent. In this dynamic environment, an effective Employee Value Proposition (EVP) can be the key to success. Let’s not forget that EVP is a clear and compelling statement of the benefits, opportunities, and rewards that an organization offers its employees. It is the foundation of the employment brand, and it helps to set expectations for both employees and employers. Here are the five key elements that should be included in every EVP, in 2023: 1. Competitive compensation In a tight labor market, competitive compensation is essential. Organizations must offer salaries and benefits that are competitive with the market and that reflect the skills, experience, and qualifications of their employees. 2. Career growth and development Top talent wants to grow and develop professionally. Organizations must offer opportunities for employees to advance their careers, through training, mentorship, and challenging assignments. 3. Work-life balance The demands of work and life have never been greater, and employees are looking for employers who understand and support their needs. Organizations must offer flexible schedules, telecommuting options, and other benefits that promote work-life balance. 4. Culture and values Culture and values play a critical role in employee engagement and retention. Organizations must have a strong, positive culture that supports their employees and aligns with their values. 5. Meaningful work Finally, employees want to be part of organizations that are doing important work that they believe in. Organizations must be transparent about their purpose and mission, and they must offer employees opportunities to make a meaningful impact. A survey from Edelman in 2021, indicates that higher wages is not anymore, a sufficient incentive to work longer & harder. Nowadays employees are focusing on changing jobs and finding a better fit between their own & their employer’s corporate values, beliefs, and behaviors. Finally, an effective EVP is essential for attracting and retaining top talent in 2023. Organizations that invest in developing and communicating their EVP will be better positioned to compete for the best and brightest employees. Follow me on LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Poly! Poly Panou, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Panou Theopoula (Poly) is an HR Manager/Business Partner, a Coach, an Agile HR Practitioner, and a Mentor. She is currently responsible for the entire HR cycle, specializing in Talent & Performance Management, Engagement, and Retention of Talent & Business Coaching. She is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) accredited by the ICF Federation and specializes in Solution Focused Coaching, supporting teams and professionals to improve/develop their professional & personal lives. She is an HR enthusiast who loves to talk about coaching life, HR management, business coaching, and HR business partnering.

Written by: Shawnesse Nicole Herbert, 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. When we think about February, we tend to think about love and everything associated with love. We watch romantic comedies that make us laugh and cry as we contemplate our love stories or tragedies. Blooming roses, strawberries dipped in the finest chocolates, and lavish gifts to express our abundance of love for that special someone. As quickly as Valentine's Day flies in with gifts of affection, it also rapidly leaves us wanting more. More time, more affection, more attention, more love. Why are we constantly seeking love? Giving love without learning to love oneself is part of the lesson missing from the storyline. To love others, you must love yourself. Learning to love yourself authentically allows you to continuously give yourself love without always seeking love from others. I believe the famous poet Ralph Waldo Emerson had it right when he said, "We must be our own before we can be another's." What does it take? Glad you ask! Accept You You are you. That's it. There is no one else like you. Love your uniqueness. Embrace it. We spend so much time studying other people's looks and traits and take no time getting to know ourselves. Dismiss the need to push down your self-worth. Do not allow others to discredit the qualities that make you unique, and resist the urge to speak negatively about yourself around others. Learn to love yourself unconditionally by changing your attitude about yourself. Try: Look in the mirror every morning and admire your physical attributes. Say, "I am enough, just the way I am!" Repeat until you believe. Give Kindness Our internal thoughts can be brutal. We can be harmful to ourselves. Learn to stop the negative internal dialog by replacing harsh words with kinder, gentle words. Stop waiting on others to speak kindly to you and speak positive words of affirmation to yourself. Try: Picture yourself as your best friend and practice giving yourself words of gratitude. Create a positive mantra for yourself and repeat it daily until you believe your own words. Identify Your Positive Qualities. We all have positive qualities; you have them; you need to let them shine. When we dismiss our greatness, we limit our capabilities. We are so focused on self-improvement that we forget to nurture the qualities that work in our favor. If you are an excellent scheduler, find ways to use these skills in your personal life. Schedule your daily affirmations and calendar in time to write love notes to yourself. Regardless of the trait, use it to give love to yourself. Try: Make a list of every positive quality you possess. Then create opportunities in your life that let those qualities shine daily. Work Through Negative Qualities. It is one thing to know your negative character traits and another to dwell on them. Instead, find healthy ways to improve the quality gradually. Learn to embrace your challenging qualities by accepting this imperfection and resisting the desire to believe you are less because they exist. You may need help to stop interrupting others when they speak or learn to listen more than talk during conversations. Be vulnerable and tell others that you have set a personal goal to improve your conversation habits or take a public speaking class to support your plan. The key is to understand that you can make improvements and that a negative quality can turn into a new skill you love about yourself. Tip: Pick one uncomfortable quality to work on and create small monthly goals to help you enhance the quality. Learn Your Love Language Coined by Gary Chapman, the five love language personalities all speak the language of love. Learning your love language will help you learn about yourself and help you tell others how you want to be loved. We assume that others know how to love us or that our partner can read our minds. Unfortunately, this is not true. We must teach others how to love us. Knowing your love language will give you a guide to loving yourself better. Once you discover your love language, practice loving yourself in your love language. For example, if your love language is quality time, take a mindfulness walk with yourself, go to the movies, or bake yourself your favorite dessert. Tip: Take the love language quiz to learn your primary and secondary love languages. Accept Your Diversity To love yourself authentically is to embrace your culture. Make no apologies for your food, dress style, traditions, or customs. Resist the urge to hide your culture and discover new ways to display your culture daily. When we deny our ancestral roots, we say our originality is not essential. Each time we culturally assimilate to "fit in," we dilute a little bit of our true identity. Regardless of where you move or live, your culture is within you. Learn to accept everything about you, which makes you unique and better to love. Tip: Reconnect with family and seek an understanding of traditions and cultures. Actively seek out new foods and music to immerse yourself in your heritage. Understand that you deserve to take up space in this world and start making space for yourself daily. Rise every day and be proud that no one else is you. Believe in yourself and appreciate what you have to offer first to yourself and then to everyone else. Continue to learn about yourself through self-discovery; explore old hobbies or find new interests. Remember, the more you uncover your authentic self, the more you will love yourself. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and visit my website for more info! Read more from Shawnesse Nicole! Shawnesse Nicole Herbert, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Shawnesse Herbert is a licensed psychotherapist who empowers individuals to survive their struggles, evolve in their relationships, love their lives, and fulfill their purpose. With her passion for educating individuals on the importance of mental health and the need for more BIPOC mental health professionals, she opened DISCOVER S.E.L.F. PLLC. As a privately owned premier counseling studio, Shawnesse supports individuals who thrive in seeking self-love and self-care. She supports teens and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and other mental health struggles interrupting their daily lives. Shawnesse has worked in the education and mental health fields over the last 15 years to obtain a dynamic understanding of human interaction and behavior development. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology from Texas Christian University (TCU) and a Master's in Counseling from Prairie View A & M.

Written by: Candace Fox, 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. When I was diagnosed with AD[H]D at the age of 35, I was already well-established on my healing journey. Having intentionally sought out tools to support my recovery from an eating disorder, when the ‘dust settled’ so to speak, and I was not constantly ambushed by myself – the ‘quirks’ I had always assumed were related to a dysregulated nervous system caused by my eating disorder were still lingering. After some serendipitous hints and nudges – not to mention, encouragement from my Neurodivergent friends, I decided to explore a diagnosis. To no one’s surprise, including my own – it was confirmed medically, I’m an AD[H]Der. As most people do after such experiences, I started down the rabbit hole of learning all about AD[H]D. I was fixated. After reading a multitude of books, articles, and studies I moved on to masterclasses and summits with experts in the field all talking about various causes, aspects, symptoms, and pharmaceutical interventions. Without the heavy burden of my eating disorder, I had more energy and capacity to do a deep dive and internal investigation. After doing a life audit – childhood years through to the present day, I found much of what I was struggling with, including the development of my eating disorder, undiagnosed intrusive OCD thoughts, and rejection sensitivity dysphoria were all related to or were common comorbidities of AD[H]D. As I was trying to understand where the AD[H]D ended and I began, I was grateful for the clarity brought by the diagnosis but found myself pendulating between relief and grief. I knew my AD[H]D symptoms were not nearly as pervasive and debilitating as they were in my teenage years and 20s. I figured if the tools and knowledge I had gained by that point about nervous system regulation could stabilize a 15+ year eating disorder – could they be used intentionally for my AD[H]D symptoms? Luckily for me, during this time I was an Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) ‘Tapping’ Practitioner moving forward with my Master Conscious EFT Practitioner training through the National EFT Training Institute in Canada and my Advanced EFT Practitioner certification through EFT International in the UK. I decided to do an amateur research project required for my certifications titled ‘Acupressure Tapping as an Intervention for Adult AD[H]D Symptoms’. Admittedly, the research project was a bit of a bust. Did I mention I failed Stats 207 multiple times in University? While participants did experience benefits and shifts throughout the 8-week process – especially while tapping together in the group, the foundation of the research project I created was flimsy and my expectations too lofty. It was me, and certainly not the participants or the tools that failed to measure up. (Psst. If you aren’t sure what EFT or Acupressure Tapping is, scroll to the bottom for an explanation.) What that experience did provide – aside from helping me obtain my certifications was a heightened curiosity around how self-regulation tools like EFT can be used to support Neurodivergent folks in deeply meaningful ways. I also learned I wasn’t alone in my hypothesis that yes – these tools work for AD[H]D symptoms. During my research, I chanced upon an article written by Kate Moryoussef for ADDitude Magazine that explored EFT as an intervention to calm the AD[H]D brain. It was the validation and encouragement I needed to continue down my path of exploration – and confirmation that it was working for other AD[H]Ders across the pond! Fast forward to today and the good news I can share in working with Neurodivergent folks, Acupressure Tapping and EFT work in supporting AD[H]Ders manage many of their symptoms. Perhaps the biggest impact I have seen on myself, and others with consistent use of self-regulation tools has been ‒ more balanced emotions, a decrease in the intensity of mood swings, stress, binge eating, and impulsivity/reactivity, and an increase in focus/clarity. As my friend and colleague Lisa Criffo say (referring to EFT), “I put that shit on everything.” I could not agree with her more! EFT is the hot sauce of the self-help world and its impact on the many Neurodivergent individuals I have had the profound honor of working with has been immense and long-standing. Again, when used consistently, EFT can transform many peoples’ life experiences and create opportunities for transformational growth. The truth, as I see it ‒ when we can create more capacity in our complex systems by using self-regulation tools like EFT – we don’t go ‘off-line’ to be ruled by our emotions or ‘knee-jerk’ reactions. When we are proactive in keeping our nervous systems regulated, we are less triggered and are more in control of our emotions and thus all aspects of ourselves. While many experts say self-regulation is the cornerstone of development in children – I would take that further to say that self-regulation is the cornerstone of development and maturation in all humans. With Acupressure Tapping and EFT, that power is literally within each of our hands. What is EFT and Acupressure Tapping? Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), also known as ‘Tapping’ is an evidence-based Energy Psychology tool that uses psychotherapeutic stimuli mixed with somatic stimulation of acupressure points on the face and body. Users are invited to tune into an issue they’d like to resolve while repeating an acceptance statement followed by tapping on a sequence of points referred to as the ‘EFT recipe’. Acupressure Tapping also known as ‘Bronze Tapping’ is tapping on acupressure points but without the need for words. Using the same sequence called the ‘EFT recipe’ tapping can interrupt the stress response in the body ‒ lowing cortisol, heart rate, and blood pressure back to their baseline levels. Both tools, used on their own or with a practitioner support individual healing, a regulated nervous system, and increase immune function in the body. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Candace! Candace Fox, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Candace M. Fox is a Psychosensory/somatic Practitioner who works with Neurodivergent youth & adults, sharing self-regulation tools and resources to support them on their journey towards self-discovery and transformational growth. Born and raised on the prairies in Canada, Candace has always had a passion for helping others. Her journey of healing has been a wild ride and led to an AD[H]D diagnosis at the age of 35. Today, she's doing what she loves most ‒ using her past struggles as a catalyst to help others. A self-professed 'student of life', Candace admits her clients teach her just as much if not more than she does them.

Written by: Dawn Bates, 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. For those of us who thrive on the adrenaline of being in business and doing the deals, we often get so caught up in the party of pushing through the comfort zone barriers, that we risk losing key individuals on our team because they are drowning in fear and overwhelm… whilst smiling sweetly at us. Our job is, of course, to lead them through the perceived storms they are facing, even though we cannot see the dark clouds they see. How do we lead others through something we are not aware of? How do we lead them safely to their shore, whilst we are setting the sails to full, ready to surf those massive waves? How do we make sure they feel safe, if after we have had those 1:1 ‘quick chats’ or the motivational team meeting, they still wish to remain on land jumping ship or are tentatively wanting to sail the open oceans with us? And why all the sailing analogies? Well, because as an open ocean sailor, I have faced the 6 metre waves crashing over the bow of the boat, with the rain pounding in my face, with low visibility and the only thing I can see is either the sky because we are pitched so vertically, or the next wave crashing over the bow. I have felt the fear from my fellow crew members who are not as ocean ready, and I have felt that fear and used it to make me feel ALIVE! Our team members joined us for a reason, they stayed for many more, and they will leave if our growth is too fast for them. Their comfort zones are not as wide open as ours are, hence why they are the employees and we are the employers. Now, we could hire a motivational speaker who comes in and waxes lyrical about leadership in the corporate world, using anecdotes from their own life of climbing the corporate ladder whilst jumping out of planes and fighting fires. We can put our teams on various training courses or go off on team building days ‘to energise and harmonise’ the team spirit, But do they really have the long-term impacts we are looking for? Do we even know who our team members are outside of the office and what they are dealing with, which could be holding them back or wanting them to be seen by us in a different light – which could ultimately be the saving grace of our companies? Working with companies as they step change up into the next level of business is not something many people associate with me. Most only see an international bestselling author, author coach and publisher. Others see my nomadic life and cannot fathom it, whilst also seeing it as risky, reckless and irresponsible, as if I am running from something rather than simply experiencing life in a beautifully curious way of adventuring and ascending. What my lifestyle of ‘chaos’ represents for others is a mix of inspiration and fear, and this is why I am one of the most powerful change catalysts for you and your team when facing the fear of the unknown growth and scaling of the business. It has been said many times over that I am more of a badass speaker rather than a motivational speaker, one who is prepared to drop the so-called truth bombs to shatter the fear and break down the illusions of ‘I can’t do this’ turning your teams fears into “I’m ready for this, ALL of this!” with a healthy dose of “Why did I not believe in myself for so long?” Admittedly, I am not the kind of leadership coach for every organisation, and if you have read any of my books you will know that my life has thrown so many curve balls at me, I could be Ty Cobb reincarnated. (Those who know, know). Most of us have personal challenges we are working through, and whilst we do our best to not allow those challenges to get in the way of work, we are still human after all. Our unconscious programming by social media and society tells us what we should be achieving, what we should be dreaming, and how we should and should not be feeling about ourselves. Being able to switch those off within ourselves is one thing, switching them off in our teams, or harnessing the power of them – which is what I prefer to do – is quite another. Oftentimes, I use powerful uplifting music and dance around shifting the energy and getting my heart rate up, especially on those days of feeling ‘less than’ – which only tend to happen when my monthly cycle hits and all I want to do is climb under the duvet and sleep a little longer. I like to nap, and not the power hour or 20-minute kind of naps either. I am talking about the ‘go to bed and let my body tell me when to wake up’ kind of nap. Yes, I am blessed to work for myself, but imagine if we sent our team into a ‘nap room’ or home for a nap – imagine the feelings of being seen and appreciated that would give them. Don’t you think they would then give you the 10x effort Grant Cardone bangs on about all the time? For those who don’t need a nap and can function on 4 hours of sleep per day for 365 days of the year, you may not understand the power of the nap, but you are not meant to. You are not wired that way. Finding out what our teams need, whether it is an in-house running or spinning club, or perhaps a group of individuals who just love to create beautiful food, so get together at lunch to feed everyone is so vitally important. We have to give our teams what it is they need to sail with us to the promised lands, not what we think they need. One of the biggest things I do with my clients when they are either writing their own story or they are allowing me to write their biography, is remove all the blockages of fear and doubt they have about putting themselves out there. Many entrepreneurs are happy to hide behind their knowledge base in business, but when it comes to showcasing themselves as human, warts and all for the sake of a higher purpose, creating social change as a legacy, or exposing human rights violations and corporate corruption, this takes on a whole new level of bravery which not many of us are capable of. These same skills I use throughout my author coaching and biography writing are the ones which make me an excellent motivator for companies facing the winds of change; and which have inspired the minds and hearts of some of the most successful entrepreneurs the world over. Working with clients who have achieved 9 and 10-figure incomes, both personally and in their businesses, is an absolute delight and means I have to know what I am talking about, and have to hold space for some pretty big fears (and sometimes egos). Their fears are often in the realm of losing everything they have built, not for them, but for the people who they employ around the world by damaging the reputation of the businesses they have cultivated with people who have believed in them. Speaking out on highly sensitive issues is something not to be taken lightly, and for my clients, knowing they can speak freely without judgement and in the strictest of confidence is what has them refer others to me time and again. This is the level of confidence we need to build in our teams as we take them through the step changes of our businesses. And whilst this all seems like the most basic of common sense, it is often the one which is most overlooked. Without our teams we would be the ones drowning in the late nights and the admin, the tech, the lead gen and the customer service (or lack of it due to the overload of work). Without our teams standing firm with us as we navigate the course we have set for our business and our ultimate vision; we are the ones lost at sea. So let’s remember to make sure our teams are not left in our wake and left with sleepless nights because our growth is too fast and scary for them to even comprehend, let alone keep up with. And if you need a badass to come and support you all through the process, or want someone to guide you in getting your story out into the world, you know where to find me. Follow me on LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Dawn! Dawn Bates, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine "Dawn Bates is a true international bestselling author multiple times over on five continents. She specialises in developing global leaders into real authorities who wish to give a voice to the voiceless whilst working with them to create brand expansion strategies through activism and authorship. Profound truths, social justice and human rights underpin everything she does, and at the core of her soul is a passion for being of service to humanity, giving hope, courage and confidence for others to stand in their truth and live a life of conviction. She writes for various magazines, sails around the world on yachts as a digital nomad and is currently working towards her PhD in Human Rights and Social Justice with the University of Oxford, whilst also hosting her own podcasts The Sacral Series and The Truth Serum. Her books are powerful and comprise of solo compilations and multiple collaborations of the highest caliber. Dawn brings together the multi-faceted aspects of the world we live in and takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, whilst delivering mic dropping inspiration, motivation and awakening. Her work captures life around the world in all its rawness. Dawn’s expertise and insights will make you rethink your life, whilst harnessing the deepest freedom of all: your own truth. She’s an authority on leading others to create exceptional results by igniting the passions and fires deep within to speak and live powerfully. "

Written by: Fanny Elizaga, 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. How does it feel to be stuck? Nothing gets your heart pumping. You no longer look forward to things. You just feel blah. If you’ve ever been there, you know how unpleasant it can be. Despite your best efforts, you can't break out of your funk. Take heart: You are not the only one. Why Do You Feel Stuck? You may hold subconscious fears, which drive your behavior and hold you back. You may have disempowering beliefs that you grew up with. You may have built up a resistance to positive change. Or, you may have internal conflict. Your actions and values misalign. Psychologists call this cognitive dissonance. So How Do You Snap Out It? Neuroscience has some answers. Many of them involve waking up the motivation ***network of your brain. Try these simple NeuroTips. 1. Dance Mindfully! I am partial to this one because I have been a ballroom dancer for almost 20 years. Moving to music can be magical, especially if you do it mindfully. Here’s how: Yawn mindfully three times. Stretch slowly. Put on your favourite music. Move. Be present to your bodily sensations. Pause and notice what you feel. Are you holding tension? What is your breath doing? What is your emotional state? Continue to move in any way that feels good — but do it mindfully! Why? 2. Use Pleasure Your brain is a pleasure-driven system, so do as many pleasurable activities as possible. Give yourself a massage. Stroke your body with nurturing touch. Discover what feels good. Savour simple, pleasurable experiences. Smell the roses. Bring to mind a happy memory of someone you love. Or dance mindfully. Do that once an hour. Why? When your brain anticipates pleasure, it releases dopamine, which motivates you to take interest in the world. 3. Be Curious The brain delights in novelty. New experiences wake up your motivation network. The anticipation of something new gives you a rush of dopamine. Activate your inner (curious) explorer and encourage playfulness. Just make sure you are centered, in a relaxed state and chose a pleasurable activity. Be playful: dance or move while holding your pet or child, or do something goofy: laugh for 20 seconds, even if you have to fake it. You might feel silly doing this, but this lowers stress and anxiety and improves the overall mood for several hours, as documented in two peer-reviewed journal articles. Make a Passion Board: write down 10 things you believe would bring you great meaning, purpose and joy in your life. Circle the top 3, and decide which one you can begin to pursue. The mere act of thinking about those 10 things will give you a rush of dopamine. Savor the excitement and anticipation of this experience. Curiosity, Movement, and Pleasure: The Antidote for Stuckness The brain thrives with pleasure. Curiosity and anticipating excitement are healthy ways to counteract the feeling of stagnant flow in your life. Stay curious. This post was mindfully crafted by Fanny Elizaga, OTR/L, certified Neuro-Coach, and mindfulness trainer. To learn more about brain networks, please refer to my earlier article. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Fanny! Fanny Elizaga, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Fanny Elizaga is an occupational therapist, certified Neuro-Coach, and trauma-informed mindfulness trainer. Over the years, she has embraced her passion for learning and applying holistic modalities for mind-body healing in her personal and professional life. Fanny is also a Reiki master practitioner and certified instructor in the art of Qi-Gong. Fanny inspires, empowers, and educates her clients by teaching brain-enhancing tools for self-improvement, expanding out of their comfort zone, and thriving. Fanny is also the founder and trainer of Neuro-Wellness Academy; she is genuinely passionate about creating content and courses based on practical brain science – for wellness, resilience, personal transformation. Resources: The Neuroscience of Growth Mindset and Intrinsic Motivation National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore 637616, Singapore Brain Sci. 2018, 8(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci8020020

Written by: Luca Berni, 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. Unfortunately, even today we register some resistance from Managers, Entrepreneurs, Professionals or ordinary people to be supported by a Professional Coach. Someone thinks he's a kind of psychologist, someone sees him as a support teacher for those who can't perform effectively, someone believes that no one can teach him anything about his job, and others think he's just one of the many fads and still others they don't think they need to. All this arises from the lack of knowledge of this profession, which is very different from teaching and has nothing to do with therapy but focuses on supporting the Coachee (or "Client" in the definition of the International Coaching Federation) in a self-learning program that helps him/her maximize his performance and achieve new and extraordinary results. In sports – from which modern professional coaching partially derives – the best athletes need to be supported by the best coaches to go beyond their limits. Likewise, in work and in life, being supported by a professional Coach can be a key factor in achieving what you want, achieving new results, and obtaining a fuller and more satisfying life. Once you understand the importance of having a Coach by your side, all that remains is to choose the right one. To do this, here are some suggestions that can be useful for orienting yourself in the jungle of Coaching. Specific training in Coaching The Client must always be informed about how the Coach was trained. Coaching is a trendy and growing profession. That induced many people to invest in this activity, some have studied, while others have thought that a professional experience was enough (for example as a manager, consultant, holistic, sports operator ...) or a course of study (psychology, sociology, business …) to operate as a Coach. All those backgrounds can be useful, but Coaching is a specific discipline that needs specific training. So, always ask the Coach how he trained in coaching, which school he attended, and the duration of the course (at least 100 hours). Certifications, credentials, or similar In most countries, it is not necessary to have a document certifying the skills of a Coach in order to practice the profession. However, having a certification, a credential, or an acknowledgment from any independent organization presupposes that the person has undergone a process of verifying their professional skills. Of course, the verifier cannot be the same organization that provided the Coaching training and the Coach cannot be part of the body that dictated the guidelines of the certification process. Associations Membership in professional associations is a feature increasingly requested by Coaching clients and in particular by companies. The most important association in terms of size and global diffusion is certainly the International Coaching Federation (ICF), with over 40,000 members and present in almost all countries of the world. By statute, ICF does not provide Coaching but is dedicated to establishing the professional and ethical guidelines of Coaching and verifying that its associates respect them. ICF is not the only association of Coaches. At the local level, there are many and in some countries they are very representative. Coaching experience A good question to ask the Coach is how many hours of Coaching he has done and in what areas. It's a bit like asking a pilot how many flight hours he has on his flight log. It is useful information to understand the degree of experience of the Coach and, considering that the certifications we mentioned above are often based on the hours of Coaching accumulated, if a Coach does not have an idea of what to answer it may not be a good sign. We can consider a Coach as an established professional from 500 hours of Coaching up. Previous experience or provenance A much-debated topic, especially in corporate coaching, is whether or not the coach should come from the sector in which the company operates. From the point of view of Coaching theory, the answer is certainly no, because the Coach is responsible for the self-learning process, not for the content of the sessions. However, there are Coaches who specialize in certain areas and this can be helpful from the point of view of understanding a certain language, which could be specific to that sector. For example, the typical language of the fashion industry is completely different from the language used in the IT field. Teaching or publications Another factor indicative of the level of competence of a Coach could be the constant teaching in the Coaching training course, perhaps also accredited by one of the bodies or associations mentioned above. Teaching Coaching involves further training and a continuous review of the skills of this profession. This is an added value, as are books, publications, and articles that talk about coaching or stable collaboration with specilized magazines. Chemistry But the real determining factor is the "chemistry" that the Client perceives when he meets the Coach for the first time. If there is a connection, affinity, and that feeling of dealing with someone who understands and values us, then this criterion will trump all previous ones. Following a Coaching program mainly means creating a Partnership with the Coach, a person to whom the Client can entrust their stories, their secrets, their desires, and much, much more. For this reason, if there is immediately the right chemistry, everything becomes easier and faster. Three is the magic number A good practice is to meet at least three Coaches before deciding who to work with. This practice, which has been a bit lost lately, is called (of course) "Chemistry Meeting". Follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Luca! Luca Berni, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Luca Berni is an Executive & Team Coach that works with Leaders, Top Managers, Entrepreneurs, Boards of Directors, and Leadership Teams. Before becoming a Coach in 2009, he worked as a Manager in different Multinational companies in different Countries for almost twenty years. Luca also works as a management consultant, he co-founded and runs TheNCS The Neuroscience Coaching School, and he writes articles and books about Coaching and Management.