Written by: Andrew Cowie, 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 decade ago, my world was in flames and falling apart around me. Burnt out by years of sustained stress in my job as a newspaper journalist, I was physically, mentally, and psychologically broken and could see no possible route back towards the light. Little could I have guessed at the time just how dramatically things would eventually change for the better. My story is far from unique. Few people can have emerged from the last decade completely unscathed from the catastrophic effects of the 2008 global financial crisis and its resulting impact on employment and lifestyles. Swingeing job cuts, sweeping austerity measures, and the rapid pace of technological change, combined with a global pandemic, uncertainty over Brexit, and an increasingly turbulent and unpredictable political landscape, have created a culture of deep-rooted fear and insecurity and a resulting mental health tsunami. Thankfully there is hope amidst all this doom and gloom. Sometimes a traumatic tearing down of old dysfunctional systems and institutions is necessary in order to clear the way for authentic, lasting change. Even during the turbulent events of the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve seen the seeds of a new and better world planted through the selfless actions of the millions of key workers who’ve risked their own lives and health to keep the world running throughout an unprecedented global lockdown. Health care professionals, shop workers, and other essential service providers have gone the extra mile to minimize disruption to our lives, while video-conferencing apps such as Skype and Zoom have enabled us to stay connected with loved ones, reach out to the vulnerable, and find new, smarter ways of working. Sometimes it takes a genuine crisis to shake us out of our complacency and force us to consider alternatives to our traditional way of life. My optimism is fuelled by personal experience. Ten years on from my own apocalyptic mental health crisis, I couldn’t be happier. My life has been renewed, refreshed, recharged, and reinvigorated in every possible way. I have a new job, running my own life coaching and therapy company, using my personal experiences as a springboard to help others recover from adversity and achieve their full potential. The turnaround in my personal fortunes has been so dramatic that it’s been tantamount to a total rebirth. But in order to be reborn, I first had to allow part of myself to die. I needed to surrender to the process of having my entire world torn asunder so that I could rebuild anew. I realized that the transformation I had been through was the exact process our ancestors had symbolized by way of the legend of the phoenix, hence the reason why I adopted the mythical firebird as the symbol for my business Phoenix Coaching & Therapy. As an archetypal icon of death and resurrection, the phoenix represents our innate capacity to regenerate ourselves and produce new life out of the ashes of the old. We all have this capability, even if we haven’t realized it yet. It’s a transcendent experience, known in the east as yoga and to the western world as alchemy. The symbolism of the phoenix is as old as time, and its influence can be found worldwide. Relatively few people are aware that the supposed "eagle" featured on the Great Seal of the United States was in fact originally intended to be a phoenix, sending out a supraliminal message of the "New World" (America) arising out of the ashes of the Old (the British Empire). In recent years this ancient symbol has undergone something of a renaissance in popular culture, thanks in no small measure to the inclusion of Professor Dumbledore's pet phoenix Fawkes in J.K. Rowling's blockbuster Harry Potter franchise. In mythology, a phoenix dies by bursting into flames before being reborn, rising triumphantly from the ashes of its predecessor. Most of us have at some time or other undergone a life-altering experience, whether that be depression, anxiety, or a traumatic event. Such circumstances often result in a breaking down of old dysfunctional patterns of living and thinking. At the time that it happens, the breaking down of the old can be hugely traumatic, devastating, and destructive. Like the phoenix bursting dramatically into flames at the end of its life-cycle, it can seem like literally the end of the world. And in a sense, it is. It’s the end of an old-world, old way of thinking and acting, old, outdated methods of living and working, and old relationships which no longer serve you. It could be that you’ve lost your job, that marriage or long-standing friendship has ended, or that circumstances are forcing you to make a geographical move about which you’re uncertain. Such changes are natural sources of anxiety and apprehension. Letting go of the past can be extremely difficult and frequently involves a significant emotional wrench. But sometimes, it’s unavoidable. In my own case, it was my job that had to go. This was no easy decision. I’d been a journalist for twenty years – the whole of my working life – and it was all I knew. To have to change direction at my time of life seemed unthinkable. The risks and dangers involved in a career change seemed to outweigh any potential benefits, causing me to stay in a job that was slowly but surely killing me through stress. Eventually, the realization hit home that the newspaper industry had changed beyond recognition from the job I’d trained for two decades earlier. Advances in technology, combined with massive changes in the way in which people chose to get their news, meant that print journalists were a dying breed. The choice facing me was simple. I could either stay in a job that was making me even more ill by the day or get out and do something else with my life. I chose the latter, and it proved to be the best decision I ever made. Walking away was traumatic. My whole world came crashing down. But out of the ashes of the destruction of my old world were laid the foundations of a new life. The old had to be cleared out to make way for the new. And I’ve never looked back. There is an inherent danger in human nature that we tend to cling to the old for the sake of comfort and security – whether that be an old shirt, a job, a habit, or a relationship – but sometimes we have to recognize that change is necessary for growth. One of the keys to lasting change and happiness is to be prepared to let go of everything you think you need. Buddhists refer to this as “freeing oneself from attachments,” but it’s a concept that can be found echoed throughout all faiths and cultures worldwide. Have you ever wondered why spring cleaning feels so satisfying? Purging ourselves of unneeded old possessions provides us with a buzz because we’re severing attachment to things that no longer serve us, in much the same way as the human body sheds dead cells. Take a look in your wardrobe. Is it full of old clothes that you haven’t worn in years and never will again? It’s human nature to try to cling to these things because of the memories associated with them, but in truth, this is simply keeping you chained to the past and unable to move forward with your life. Do yourself a favor and have a proper clear-out. You can give your old clothes to a charity shop or to someone who really needs them. Not only will this make you feel good, but you’ll have created loads of extra space in your cupboards and freed yourself from attachments. Try it now. It’s surprisingly liberating. If you're not getting the results that you want, then take a good look at your life to see if there's some piece of redundant baggage that hasn't been jettisoned. We must have the courage to let go of the past, to allow the old to “die” in order to clear the space for potentially exciting new chapters in our lives. This is the message of the phoenix. For more info, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and visit my website! Andrew Cowie, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Andrew Cowie is a transformational life coach, psychotherapist, and author dedicated to helping people overcome adversity and achieve their full potential. He came to the world of therapy after a 20-year career in newspaper journalism was brought to an abrupt end by severe burnout. In the course of his own recovery, he was introduced to meditation, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, yoga, martial arts, and NLP. He went on to retrain under some of the world's leading spiritual and personal development teachers to become an expert in these fields. Andrew has since dedicated his life to passing on this knowledge, synthesizing the various disciplines into one overarching system blending ancient spiritual practices with the latest cutting-edge techniques from the field of modern psychology. He is the owner of Phoenix Coaching & Therapy and the founder of its associated 'magical training school' The Ancient and Mystical Hermetic Order of the Phoenix (AMHOP). His debut book Rise Like a Phoenix, was published in 2021 and is described as a manual for personal regeneration. Andrew works with clients worldwide and is passionate about mental health and exploring the latent potential of the human mind.

Written by: Tomi Mitchell, 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. Every 18th of July, the world commemorates a person who has dedicated his entire life to end South Africa's racist system of apartheid – Nelson Mandela. From being an infamous political prisoner then becoming South Africa’s first black president, Mandela has dismantled racism and has instigated racial reconciliation. Everything that Mandela stood and fought for should be highlighted and emphasized at all times. Mandela showed absolute determination and a deep commitment to pursue justice, human rights, and freedom. He was unyielding in his goal for dialogue and solidarity. Even though he is known as a fierce advocate for equality, he has shown that it is possible to usher in a peaceful transition to democracy. But the work is not yet done. Mandela was known for his line: “For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Mandela himself had shared in his autobiography, “The true test of our devotion to freedom is just beginning.” He has become a symbol of hope, an epitome of the power of resisting oppression and choosing forgiveness over hatred. Mandela once said, “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” Sure enough , racial discrimination in all its dark facets and horrors will result in deep-rooted hatred. But Mandela must have known the effect of resentment on one’s mental health. His advocacy to foster peaceful racial reconciliation is worth promulgating and emulating. Poisonous indeed , more poisonous than the act of racial bigotry itself. Yes, experiencing racial discrimination and injustice can result in a crippling emotional toll. Moreover, racism has been known to trigger chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and racial trauma. Fostering change through channeling one’s anger and resentment into something constructive and peaceful to elicit meaningful change is a form of self-care. The fight against racial prejudice is far from over, and it has become more than just a fight against injustice – it has also expanded to become a fight for self-preservation. So how does one fight for self-preservation amid racial prejudice? Here are a few strategies. Open up to others and share your pain. You are not alone in experiencing racial discrimination. But your healing and resilience are your primary responsibility. Hence, honestly share your experiences with others, and find a community with the same ideals as yours. Love and accept yourself. Embrace your ethnicity. Get to know your ancestors and roots. Discrimination is rooted in ignorance. Know the history of your race, and embrace your heritage. Knowing yourself better will increase your self-esteem and give you a better self-image. Understanding history will increase your ability to shield yourself from the demeaning effect of ignorance and racial prejudice. Channel your anger correctly. Do not give in to your rage. Instead, direct it into creative pursuits. Find reasons to be optimistic and grateful . Racial injustice and oppression foster intense negativity into one’s life, ushering in anxiety and depression. However, acknowledging even the tiniest bit of change can be good for your mental health. You are being happy that the message is being heard little by little and that more white people have become aware of the harsh inequalities existing in society. Banking on these little glimmers of hope can be helpful for your mental health. And last but not least – take care of yourself. Change does not occur overnight – and that is precisely why the world needs you. It is a mission that requires perseverance and resilience, and even Mandela knows that the quest is “just beginning.” The fight needs people who are mentally equipped to face the atrocities of society. Let us remember how someone named Nelson Mandela made his mark and left a legacy, inspiring change. And it can begin with you. Follow Tomi on Facebook , Instagram , Linkedin , and visit her website for more info! Read more from Tomi! Tomi Mitchell, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Dr. Tomi Mitchell, MD, is a leader in the health & wellness industry, known for her advocacy for social issues, including health reform. She believes in the whole person's approach to life and health. Rather than resorting to quick fixes, she gets to the root of problems by taking the time to understand her client's emotional, physical, mental, environmental, financial, spiritual, and social health. She believes these factors affect individuals' behaviors and beliefs about themselves and others. Dr. Tomi Mitchell believes that people feel lost or overwhelmed when there is a loss of balance - which is why she takes such a holistic approach with each client's situation. Dr. Tomi Mitchell has appeared in many publications, including but not limited to Thrive Global, Fox, NBC, CBS, Global News, CBS & many other news outlets. She has her own blog & leads two ClubHouse clubs and has been a guest speaker numerous times. She is a game-changer, and she gets her client's results and refuses to compromise her integrity by sugar-coating issues. Using over 10 years as a family practitioner and certified life & health coach, she is able to help her clients create transformational, long-lasting results!

Written by: Hollis Citron, 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 streets are packed yet eerily quiet. Looking down at their phone and lost in a consistent motion of scroll double tap scroll on Instagram, there is the occasional baritone groan in the background, it is just another day. Without thinking twice, almost at the destination, they lift up their head and see a band of half-humans with arms extended, skin peeling, clothes ripped, and a cacophony of groans… At this point during the movie, you would be jumping off your couch screaming, “Run the other way,” but they are too busy obsessing and being jealous of their friends' vacation photos that they are seeing on Instagram. Which one is the zombie? As the grandparents might say, “ Notice how we can all be in a room, and we are not talking, everyone is on a device.” There are excuses that might sound like this, “I am checking my emails, making a post for my business, snap chatting, dming, face timing with my friends, or playing a game” sound familiar? Let’s explore releasing our zombie tendencies and embracing life. Actually noticing our surroundings, saying thank you to the person that ran ahead to hold the door for us, hearing the birds singing, and communicating with each other at various pitches. We get to choose to be an active participant that is willing to be more adventurous, curious and willing to make mistakes while laughing along the way. Some zombie fun facts for your perusal: They moan to alert others about the presence of food Their only mission is to feed They are afraid of fire and water They know not to eat each other Here are some possible modern day walking dead scenarios that can occur in our day to day and see if this resonates: Scene 1: Chicken without a head People running around from place to place on their cell phones. Eyes are glazed with sensory overload. Working, eating, drinking too much as an escape, going to sleep, and waking up to do the same thing. The brain is about to explode with so much busyness, but it is not the good kind of exploding. Scene 2: Auto-Pilot People are not in a rush to do much. Stuck in the same job, lazing around, not really motivated without any real goals. When asked how they are doing, the response goes something like, “ Same thing, different day.” The motivation level is not quite there. Their brain is literally shriveling. Scene 3: Being led aimlessly They are hanging out with people that seem so cool, fun, carefree, and they think that they are real friends. They think these people have their back and are genuine, helping them to expand as a person. But in reality, they are talking behind their back and are not real friends. Zombies - not zombies we could go back and forth all day but in the end, what it boils down to is that many are not truly alive. Possible side effects in day to day life: Forgetting to do those activities, hobbies, and interests that we really enjoy Denying ourselves the connections. You know, the ones that bring a smile to our face, give us the flutter in our stomach, and make us walk with energy in our step. We do not take the class that really interests us and actually expands our thinking. We do not join the meetup with like-minded people because we are too busy. We get caught up in thinking and are scared we will make a mess or not be good at something, so just don’t even try. So simply put, how can we wake up, breathe deep breaths, and truly live, EXPLORE possibilities, EXPRESS ourselves and EXPAND our thinking... Just do that thing that you have been wanting to do. Ex: take that belly dancing class you have been wanting to take. It does not have to be a huge leap from nothing to everything that is too confusing, take baby steps. Life is too short to sit around and wait for something to happen, you need to give yourself permission to take action. Connect with people that stretch you. They challenge you in a good way. They lift you up and inspire you to try new things. They make you smile and actually laugh, like a real belly laugh that hurts in the best possible way. Embrace change. Don’t let the past dictate who you are. Be an active participant in your interests, and don’t be the one on your deathbed with regrets. Some suggestions of creative outlets: Walking in nature Cooking, Singing, Dancing, Writing Yoga/Meditation Parenting Sports Public speaking Birthing that business that you always wanted to create Anything where we can express ourselves Free yourself, You courageous creature that can only save yourself… I believe in you! Creatively yours, Hollis Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or visit my website for more info! Read more from Hollis! Hollis Citron, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Hollis Citron is on a mission to make creativity accessible to everyone by exposing new possibilities. She has spent nearly 30 years of my life helping students of all ages and in all settings to access their creative expression. I Am Creative & Express Yourself Publishing was born from this passion to help people build their confidence to recognize, encourage and express the innate expression they are born with. Hollis does this through experiential kits, creativity coaching, her podcast: Creative Conversations with Hollis Citron & creating multi-author books to create community and safe space for people to share their stories to empower themselves and the world. Creativity goes beyond a pencil & a paintbrush! It is your voice, your expression, and everyone has one.

Written by: Dr. Bunmi Aboaba, 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. It might surprise you to know that Facebook is seventeen years old, and Instagram has been around for nine years. These social media platforms, along with others, are now ubiquitous in our everyday lives. As of January 2021, 78% of the UK used social media on a regular basis. Like all media sources, social media platforms and the information shared on them substantially influence a person's behaviors, feelings, thoughts, mental health, and overall sense of well-being. As such, social media has been found to have a significantly negative impact in relation to a person's self-esteem, level of confidence, and body image, and relationship with diet and food. So, what knowledge has this information given us? Numerous studies demonstrate a correlation between regular, consistent social media use and the onset of negative body image issues. This is primarily because of the comparison factor which arises when viewing or scrolling through other peoples' posts, brand accounts, and images. The most common body image issues that arise from online comparisons include body surveillance, dysmorphia, dieting, excessive exercise or fitness goals, self-objectification, and eating disorders. Body dissatisfaction can lead to dieting and disordered eating, which is often a precursor to an eating disorder. Eating disorders are highly complex mental illnesses that are caused by genetic factors as well as environmental factors and have the highest fatality rate of all mental health disorders. In addition, a poor body image can also be a risk factor for a variety of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. As a food addiction coach, I encourage all my clients to undergo a social media detox. This usually has a profoundly positive effect with an almost instant boost to self-esteem and confidence. Our perceptions of self-worth can be extremely fragile, and it is our responsibility to nurture and protect ourselves from harmful conditions. This includes our interactions while online. Here are my top ten tips for detoxing your social media: Be Intentional It is easier said than done but avoid going on autopilot. It is so simple to pick up our phones and start scrolling absentmindedly. Instead, ask yourself why you are on your phone, what you are trying to achieve, and if it's the best use of your time. Focus on Real Friends Social media is a fantastic way to stay in touch with friends and family, especially during the periods of lockdown we've had; however, social media cannot replace authentic communication. Use social media as a secondary tool and instead focus on seeing friends in person, making phone calls, or jumping on video chat. You will be sure to notice the difference. Live in the Moment Instead of constantly documenting your life or trying to take the perfect photo when out and about, put away your phone and focus on the beauty of the present moment. Mindfulness helps us be in touch with our thoughts and feelings, increasing joy and connection. Follow the Joy Choose only to follow people, posts, and brands that bring you joy. When you are scrolling, what is it that puts a smile on your face, and what is it that causes distress? Take the time to purge your feeds, and ensure the only content you see is positive, beneficial, or rewarding. This will stop you from getting embroiled in other people's drama or in self-comparison, which only serves to lower your self-esteem and sense of worth. Mute Trigger Words Protect yourself from seeing upsetting images or conversations by muting keywords on Twitter . You can choose to hide usernames, phrases, hashtags, emojis, or trigger words for a brief period or for good. Stop Comparing It is all too easy to lose track of time scrolling on social media accounts. While endlessly scrolling, we are subjecting ourselves to a barrage of opinion and influence, which we are often entirely unaware of. A 2019 study [2] found that people who scrolled through Facebook posts for ten minutes each day suffered from a significant decrease in mood in comparison to those who used Facebook to chat with friends or create their own posts. Clear Up Old Content We have all been there. We all have old posts that we uploaded in times of anger, irritation, or even intoxication, and this old content can create a form of emotional baggage that hinders us online. Clear is a tool that connects to social media accounts and scans them for any not safe for work (NSFW) content, which helps you maintain a clear online conscience. Stop Engaging It's easy to engage with content that triggers us in negative ways. Whether it's political, environmental, fake news, or related to disordered eating, we can find ourselves at loggerheads with differing opinions. This can be exhausting and emotionally draining, and what's more, it's profoundly damaging to our mental health. If you find yourself being triggered, take a deep breath, unfollow, delete, or simply keep scrolling. Avoid Using Social Media in Bed For many of us, our mobile devices are the first thing we see in the morning and the last thing before we close our eyes at night. The stimulation from the blue light the device emits affects how we sleep and affects our mood and energy levels. Also, scrolling through your phone first thing in the morning interferes with your natural circadian rhythm and the release of serotonin as you wake. Leave your phone across the room when you get into bed – or better still, in another room entirely! Take a Break If you are aware that social media is affecting your mental health, why not take a break? A few days of detoxing from your social media accounts will help you recharge your batteries and reevaluate your priorities. Understanding the negative consequences that social media has on body image is essential for early mental health intervention. Body image distress is a common symptom of food addiction and eating disorders. Research shows that a negative body image is usually one of the last issues to be resolved during an eating disorder recovery and many people have body image concerns without experiencing disordered eating behaviors. However, these comparative concerns are still likely to provoke challenging emotions and a lack of confidence. If you are struggling with body image or find that your social media use contributes to diminishing life satisfaction, following these social media detox tips will help you regain autonomy over your thoughts and feelings. However, if you are struggling with food addiction or disordered eating, please seek help today. Recovery from an eating disorder can be a challenge, but with early treatment, the chance of regaining total health and freedom is possible. If you would like to seek help or learn more, please get in touch with me, Dr. Bunmi Aboaba, The Food Addiction Coach, by following this link. Follow Dr. Bunmi on Facebook , Instagram, LinkedIn or visit her website for more info! Read more from Dr. Bunmi! Dr. Bunmi Aboaba, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Dr. Bunmi Aboaba is a Recovery Coach specializing in Food Addiction, helping clients to achieve a healthy relationship with food to meet long-term health goals. Dr. Bunmi’s work covers the full spectrum of disordered eating, including overeating, compulsive eating, emotional eating, addicted eating, and other associated patterns. Dr. Bunmi is also the creator of the first Certified Food Addiction Certification to support nutritionists, personal trainers, dieticians, and clinicians to help their clients achieve long-lasting results. References: Wilksch, Simon M. et al. "The Relationship Between Social Media Use And Disordered Eating In Young Adolescents." International Journal Of Eating Disorders , vol 53, no. 1, 2019, pp. 96-106. Wiley , doi:10.1002/eat.23198. Accessed 14 July 2021. Verduyn, Philippe et al. "Passive Facebook Usage Undermines Affective Well-Being: Experimental And Longitudinal Evidence.". Journal Of Experimental Psychology: General , vol 144, no. 2, 2015, pp. 480-488. American Psychological Association (APA) , doi:10.1037/xge0000057. Accessed 14 July 2021.

Written by: Serena Fordham, 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 have noticed a lot over the last few months that many female entrepreneurs are spreading themselves very thin when it comes to their workload. What I mean by this is that I see situations like; Someone who I know as an incredible fearless fitness coach suddenly offering blogging services. Someone who I look up to as a super talented makeup and beauty expert, randomly promoting themselves as a sales trainer and business coach. Someone I respect as a reliable social media expert giving advice as a spiritual healer in a women's business Facebook group. Plus, every single week, I see at least one amazing woman who was once pursuing her business idea wholeheartedly and then starts promoting multilevel marketing (MLM) products as a side hustle - and as time goes by, her once-flourishing business is never to be heard of again. Now I'm not going to lie , and this makes me extremely sad. Especially for these women who I know deep down wished their business-babies had grown up into profitable adults, but instead (due to desperation for money to pay the bills), they were forced to leave these on the sidelines before they had time to fully develop into money-making machines. Not only is it sad that business dreams are becoming extinct before they have even started to become a reality, but by extinguishing these flames too early in favor of new fires (whether in the form of new ideas, projects, businesses, or side hustles) this also confuses potential customers - which results in even lower interaction, sales, and money all round. As confusion is the single biggest reason why your ideal client won't buy from you, imagine if you suddenly started promoting a totally different business, product, or service that your audience had been used to seeing from you - this would cause a massive sense of confusion and raise a lot of questions and concern amongst them. Plus, from these reactions, people who might have been considering buying from you might now feel uneasy about you and totally back away. So, if they are not interested in your new offering, then you have totally lost these customers for good. And how do I know all this? Well, I have been there on more than one occasion (yes, I admit it) and have learned the hard way. I previously switched my focus here, there, and everywhere, and from it, I have learned that this kind of behavior takes a lot of hard work to fix and to begin to gain trust and respect from your ideal client again. So, if you are struggling to make the money you want (and need) from your business, my advice is, rather than choose something completely different to attempt to increase your income, invest all of your time into making your business a huge success and making all your money from it. Rather than spreading yourself so thin and sporadically switching your focus at the drop of a hat (in desperation to get the next pound or dollar in), focus all your time, efforts, and energy into building and nourishing your business baby to ensure that it blossoms into something you can solely financially live off. After all, like real babies, you have to invest a hell of a lot into them in order to see successful and sustainable results. Don't give up on your business dreams too early, just because everything you want doesn't come to you straight away. Instead, reign in your focus towards creating a business based on pure quality and passion, and with a few workable business strategies thrown in, very soon, this will result in more than you could ever have achieved by spreading yourself too thin and clutching at various smaller income straws. If you are interested in speaking at or attending any of our events to train, inspire and empower female small business owners, please get in touch through www.herbusinessrevolution.biz & follow me on Facebook . Read more from Serena! Serena Fordham, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Serena is an expert Business Strategist, Growth/Development, and Empowerment Mentor to Female Entrepreneurs, as well as a best-selling Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur, and successful multiple Business Owner. Her main passion is offering business strategies, support, and empowerment to ambitious and high vibe business women both locally and internationally – through HER Business Revolution at www.herbusinessrevolution.biz . She is also known for her organizational skills through owning Glow Virtual Assistants and for her support of women and child-related charities (also founding two charitable initiatives – Mums Empowerment Movement and SociaBubble).

Written by: Inna Mel, 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. Somehow, I’ve always known that I’m a healer. As a child, I was thoughtful, curious, dreamy, and extremely nurturing. I also remember playing with energy, having precognitive dreams, being hyper-sensitive to the physical and emotional environments around me, and somehow always attracting wounded people into my life. Sharing my knowledge with others was a struggle, so I kept to myself. Partly because we are often met with resistance, either from our friends, family members, society, or ourselves. I didn’t want to be different, at least not back then. It wasn’t until much later in life that I fully embraced being different and came across reiki healing. I initially went in for a session to help manage my own energy levels and find some support during a transformational time in my life. After a few sessions, I became fascinated by the opportunity to learn a healing technique where no particular effort was required, and there was no risk of draining my own energy in the process. And so, I got certified as a reiki practitioner. Since the Covid pandemic began, reiki has played an even greater role in my life. It helped me stay balanced during all the uncertainty and release negative emotions. As many lost their loved ones unexpectedly, others had to face difficult life-changing situations on their own, and the uncertainty caused much anxiety and grief over the situation. So, you may wonder, how does reiki help during grief and loss? Since most of the discomfort we carry in our bodies is because of energy blocks, these blocks then affect our physical, mental, and emotional state. Reiki helps you overcome the tightness and negative emotions that become bottled up when you experience loss. It is a simple process that produces quite profound effects. Benefits of Reiki: Helps you feel at ease and more able to cope with the emotions that come up and helps you release feelings in a safe, supportive space. Releases energetic blocks or pent-up energy that causes anxiety. Helps manage stress, depression, and chronic pain. Clears the mind and improves sleep and focus. Helps you let go and creates space for intuitive ideas to come through. Reiki is powerful yet wonderfully gentle and nurturing. Anyone can learn to become a reiki healer to improve and enhance the quality of their life and the lives of others. Inna Mel, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Inna Mel is a relationship coach who helps single, successful women stop wasting time on the wrong men and finally find their King. Her personal struggles have been the driving force that inspired her to become a coach. Inna had experienced her share of heartbreak, from witnessing her parents' divorce when she was just 8 years old to attracting emotionally unavailable partners and breaking toxic patterns. Inna's signature course, an 8-week program, "Conscious and Intuitive Dating," was created to help women gain clear vision and clarity on what is standing in their way in life so that they can call in their ideal partner. Her methods are research and experience-based and involve working through mindset shifts and developing the self-worth needed to attract high-quality partners into their lives. Inna has been featured in Social Lifestyle Magazine, Yahoo Finance " Top 10 Relationship Coaches Transforming Lives In 2020", Net News Ledger, and Influencive. She is also a contributor for The Mighty and Thrive Global.

Written by: Jennifer Jank, 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. There’s a lot more to productivity than just grinding away for hours at a time. In fact, that’s not the route to productivity at all. That’s the route to bad performance and burnout. The human brain has certain limitations and requirements, and the secret to peak efficiency is to work with your brain, not against it. Although no one can wave a magic wand to transform you (or your team) into the most productive version of yourselves, working smarter isn’t a magic trick. And it’s not another piece of software or app that you download on your phone. Why not? What is productivity anyway? So many of us brag about being busy, especially Americans. Multitasking (or believing that it’s possible); doing this, that, and the other thing, rushing around in the car, all seem to be pretty universal. That doesn’t mean you’re getting anything worthwhile done. It just means you’re doing “stuff.” Productivity and efficiency aren’t defined by just doing random “stuff.” They involve activities that get you to your goals or move you forward in some way. Many people are “busy” on social media. Messing around on those platforms doesn’t get you anywhere, but it does make the company providing the service a lot of money from advertising. There are other ways to be busy and “get things done” without actually approaching any of your goals. If you’re an entrepreneur, for example, you can be very busy with choosing the exact right shade of mauve for the header on your website or the right font styles. You can also get busy looking up how to create a website or establish a business entity, picking graphics, asking people what they think about your title or logo. Maybe you go from networking event to networking event and collect business cards. None of those activities are productive. It’s more important for a business owner to have a place for potential clients to find them on the web. Pick a font, a color, a style, and a URL, and go. You don’t even have to design your website, but choose a service that has templates and choose the one you like. Put in your own related pictures and content. When that’s done, sooner rather than later, you have more time to spend on calling or getting introductions to your ideal client. That is what will get you the results you want in your business. Yes, you probably need to network. There are lots and lots of these events, online and off, but only a few of them will actually be useful to you. Making connections at a networking event that is filled either with your ideal client or others who work with your ideal client is productive. Joining and attending every chamber of commerce within a 20-mile radius is busyness. Why do we get so fixated on being busy? Many cultures (and certainly corporate America) put business before pleasure and may even look at leisure time as a little bit suspect. Many corporate managers apparently don’t trust their employees and want to see them at their desks at any given second during the workday. If you can get your work done in six hours, but your boss has to see your face for eight, you need to look or be busy for an extra two hours. Or stretch your work to cover eight hours with the help of busyness, distractions, interruptions, etc. Busyness may also be a form of avoidance. Working for hours on end means you don’t have to head back to unhappy or unsatisfying home life. Or that you don’t really know what you want to do with your life. Not that everyone who likes to be busy is a workaholic, but quite a few are. Addictions are rarely about the substance but about trying to avoid or distract from discomfort. Busyness can be a sign of procrastination as well. I’m not saying that before I began writing this article that I checked out my social media profiles, emailed a couple of people just to say hi, and walked out to the mailbox… but I’m not not saying that. Just saying. Busyness? Not something to brag about. Productivity isn’t always easy. When you’re doing the things that you need to do to get the results you want, you probably have to be a little uncomfortable. You don’t get results in the comfort zone. But doing things that are uncomfortable… is uncomfortable. Some business owners, especially introverts, would rather stab themselves in the eyeballs than have a sales conversation where they directly ask for the business. But how else are they going to help people who need their product or service? Those who are afraid of public speaking might rather play Russian roulette than get up on the stage. Yet speaking is a tremendous method for getting more business and clients, establishing oneself as an expert in the field, etc. When you’re doing hard things in order to stretch yourself, you don’t have to make everything else difficult, too. In fact, having some comfort in a different area of your life may be what you need to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Supporting yourself and your brain is an easy way to make some of this more agreeable. Use habits that help, like getting enough sleep, nutrition, daily physical movement, and end-of-day rituals. I’ve written elsewhere about those, but another very helpful routine to get used to is accountability. Accountability doesn’t have to be as boring as it sounds. There are a variety of ways that people can hold each other accountable: informal arrangements, scheduled times to check-in, and mastermind groups. It doesn’t have to be a tedious exercise when you find a way that works for you. There’s a lot of evidence that having an accountability partner increases the chances of success. Many programs devoted to helping people kick bad habits encourage accountability in one way or another. Traditional 12-step addiction groups typically have sponsors who help guide newcomers, often by having them check in on a daily or weekly basis. Other addiction treatments encourage similar partnerships. Weight-loss products and groups often have communities where their adherents can post about difficulties (and wins!). Most of these programs suggest a workout buddy as well. For some reason, it’s hard to uphold our own standards and boundaries. One piece of pie easily turns into more, especially if you’re by yourself. Getting to the gym is easily avoided because you can convince yourself that you need more sleep instead. (Exercise energizes you, incidentally. Not always easy to remember at 6 am when you’re not a morning person, but still true.) When you have to admit to what you’ve been up to, social instincts kick in. You don’t really want to admit to eating half the pie, and that aversion may be strong enough for you to put the pie down. You know you’ll feel bad if you leave your gym pal hanging by themselves, literally or otherwise, because you didn’t show up. And your pal is probably going to be pretty unhappy with you too. As social animals, humans need approval and a sense of belonging. Knowing that you’re letting another person down can be powerful enough to get you into your sneakers and on your way. Accountability buddies make stepping out of your comfort zone easier. They know what you’re going through and will support you. Having a cheerleader at your side makes doing new and uncomfortable things a little less scary and a little more manageable. It also helps you focus on what you know you need to be doing to achieve your goals. You’re signaling your brain to pay attention to those tasks. Finding accountability buddies. Even for introverts, this doesn’t need to be hard. Many people are perfectly aware that willpower only gets you so far, and supply is limited. If you ask someone who doesn’t already have a partner, they’ll probably be receptive to working with you. I’m in a group coaching program, and the founder encouraged us to form accountability groups of 3-4 people. I went into the Facebook group and said I wanted to start one. Within a few hours, I had three people (whom I didn’t even know) who agreed to join. Networking groups are a good place to find one. You can also try an online forum to start. Either way, you want a buddy who is also positive and wants personal and/or professional growth. Someone you can get along with. An accountability partner is not (necessarily) the same as a mentor. Their job is to ask you whether you did what you said you were going to do, and if not, how to prevent it in the future. That’s it. In contrast, a mentor helps you with your career, introduces you to people you should know, etc. Keep your meetings short and to the point. Bond over coffee or drinks after the accountability meeting, not during. Everyone should report on their progress and determine what they want to be held accountable for over the next week (or whatever period of time). You can certainly ask a friend to be an accountability partner. But first, consider whether they’re really the right person. Will they support your efforts or crack jokes about it? The occasional joke is fine and usually welcome, but your partner should take your attempts seriously and have serious goals of their own. Do you want what you talk about to stay between you and your accountability partner? A friend might mention it to their spouse or to another mutual friend. Would having someone outside your friend circle and who hasn’t known you for years be a better fit for you? If your first accountability partner doesn’t work out, or they’re unable to continue on, just find another one. You’re not getting married! You might have to work with a few before you find a good one. You’ll know it when the accountability is aligned between the two of you, and you can communicate with each other clearly and honestly. Let go of your busyness, and embrace getting results instead. Find someone else who has goals to achieve and pair up to support one another. Follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter for more info! Read more from Jennifer! Jennifer Jank, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Jennifer “JJ” Jank works with those who want to be more productive and spend more time on the life side of the work-life balance. She trains high-growth teams so they can deploy high-performance strategies to work smarter. JJ holds a BA in Physics from Rutgers University and an MBA in Finance from New York University. She is a Certified Financial Planner ™ professional. Currently, she’s the President for the Women Leaders Forum in Coachella Valley and the webmistress and Fundraising Chair for the Palm Springs chapter of AAUW. She is also a speaker on various topics, including productivity, personal finance, and entrepreneurship. JJ has been published in Journal for Divorce Financial Analysts and Coachella Valley Weekly, among others. Her current books, From Zero to $avvy: A Quick Guide to Investing, Get What You De$erve: The Ultimate Guide to Divorce Finance, and Make the Leap From Employee to Entrepreneur: Your Easy and Effective Handbook to Unlock the Secrets of $avvy Business Owners are all currently available on Amazon. She can be found at the Productivity Injection website and LinkedIn at @JenniferJank.

Written by: Jennifer Loehding , 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. Relationships matter. Some might agree that relationships are everything. We thrive on connecting, and through relationships, we learn life skills, and we gather knowledge. All of these acquired skills help us grow in life and business. However, in a world where we live on the go, we often lose sight of the importance of relationship building. We must understand that we need to build relationships for our lives and, if we are also business owners, for our businesses. Relationships are the ingredients to a recipe for success. To understand the importance of relationship building, one must first know how it can affect a business and its performance. Building relationships keeps customers connected to the business owner, and that means repeated businesses. Not only that, when trust develops between a client and a customer, it opens the door for referrals. A client may be more inclined to pass a company's name along to a friend or family member if they feel a connection, but more importantly, they will be open to bringing the business owner more leads. Additionally, when clients trust the business owner, they are more open to passing information they think is vital to the business's success. We know that when customers are happy, they talk, and they generate more revenue. These examples are the apparent reason why relationships are helpful. Where the situation gets tricky is with other business partners. Often we don't understand why we would be wasting time with someone that isn't going to immediately bring us business, much less be in the same field as us. Sometimes a company may not be able to make an immediate transaction with another business. However, if a relationship establishes, business partners may be more inclined to refer a potential client. Perhaps the company is overbooked, and they have a contact they can send your way, or maybe they have come to realize you are a better fit for the client. When business partners form relationships with other businesses, they present an opportunity for collaborations, referrals between companies, and an overall sense or obligation to help one another. When something happens, wouldn't it be great if one of your referral partners just so happens to think your company would be an excellent fit? Building relationships is not always easy. It takes time and patience. One has to learn to be open to constantly meeting people, engaging in conversation, and asking lots of questions. Staying away from pitching goods at the opening discussion is essential. Here are a few tips for building healthy business relationships. Attend networking meetings when possible. Many of these are in person, but there are also plenty of online networking events that occur. Searching through social media is a good start. Join Groups. You can have some of the best conversations within a group page where you have similar interests. Engage in social media within your personal page. When you engage in people's posts, you will not only be noticed but will appear more authentic. Posting opens the door for conversations that you can not take off the social media page. Set up face-to-face chats, whether online or in person, to get to know people. It's important to ask questions centered around the family, recreation, occupation, and goals. These questions will prompt them to want to ask you questions, and that leads to great rapport. Learn details about your clients. It's essential to know the small details, i.e., their children's names, dogs, etc. Ask for referrals. Don't be shy when asking both customers and colleagues. They probably know someone that could benefit you and them in some way. Remember, it's not always the initial contact that might be who you need to talk to today. It may be someone they know. Look for opportunities to collaborate when necessary. Maybe you can create an event for your customers or business partners that centers around getting to know the community. Go over and above. Keep your word and go that extra mile. People will remember how you made them feel. You are going to do things for others and not immediately receive a return favor. You have to accept that in business. However, in time someone will do the same for you. Sometimes you have to pay it forward. Imagine a scenario where an entrepreneur starts a new business and makes relationships building a massive part of the weekly schedule through networking. One day the entrepreneur attends an event and starts a conversation with an individual, not knowing whether that would lead to anything. It was a casual conversation. However, that entrepreneur learns that this individual has a business that intrigues the entrepreneur. That prompts a discussion about a possible collaboration, and after several conversations, the entrepreneur recognizes that this individual's firm is in alignment with the entrepreneur's work and ambition. They decide to work together. Too often, as businesses owners, we focus on transactional business rather than leaving the focus to relationship building. It's not to say that every conversation will lead to something. Still, there is an opportunity to explore every interaction, and the better we get about building relationships, the greater the odds of growing our businesses. It's not what you know but who you know that makes a difference, and if you are feeling stuck in your business at this moment, then the answer might be with the next person you meet. When you master the art of connecting with people, you will flourish not only in your business but in your personal life as well—happy connecting. Cheers! Want to learn more from Jennifer? Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and visit her website. Read more from Jennifer ! Jennifer Loehding, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Jennifer Loehding is a mindset coach, blogger, speaker, author, and creator/host of the Starter Girlz Podcast. Her memoir—Beat the Toughest Obstacles—highlights the period in her life when she recovered from the pain and frustration that comes with a diagnosis of Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia. After years of getting no answers from medical professionals, Jennifer decided to find the best path to healing for herself. Relentless research and dogged determination allowed her to get around the sabotaging behaviors in her own life, and she now lives pain and medicine-free! Now Jennifer desires to teach people tips that will help them TOO to have exponential growth. She channels her energy and enthusiasm into the podcast—Starter Girlz—which she hosts every week, interviewing athletes, entrepreneurs, and individuals, highlighting the strengths that have helped them not only succeed but overcome the challenges they have faced. Jennifer likes empowering people to achieve success by assisting them to recognize sabotaging behaviors—their source and how to get around them.

Written by: Stacey Henry-Carr , 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 woke up daily and followed a routine that I had grown accustomed to. After graduating college, my sole desire was to find a job making enough money to be independent. I needed to pay the rent and all the basic needs to survive. And so, I sought out a job based on my college degree. I remembered I listened intently during my senior seminar in college, and I took a job even though the salary was not that great. “We all have to start somewhere.” This was the way it was back then for me and many others. I searched for an industry that would have longevity and found telecommunications. Back then, I searched for work in the career section of the newspaper. That concept seems foreign now since technology has become the forefront of everything we do. While in school, I was not taught about working with passion and purpose. I dared not even considered being an entrepreneur. These terms were not discussed in my family or circle of friends. Everyone was looking for a job to make a career. I was expected to work for someone else and show them all my capabilities and potential with hopes of getting an annual raise. I watched the people in my life work numerous jobs and barely meet financial obligations. And so, I thought that was my benchmark to emulate. I fell into the cycle and continued the working woman’s legacy. I set goals such as, “I am going to double my salary in a year. And in nine months, I am going to seek a promotion.” Most of my bosses loved working with me because I had brilliant ideas. I was always willing to try something new. My work ethic was unmatched. When I was on this work cycle that felt like a hamster wheel, I had no knowledge or understanding of the other side of the coin. I was working as an intrapreneur and never entertained the thought of being an entrepreneur. I did what I knew, and I became extremely good at it. I received many promotions and accolades. I jumped through all the proverbial hoops to make it lucrative for me. Until one day, after many years of being on the wheel, I started feeling like something was missing. I struggled to find joy and excitement in my familiar work cycle. I was not sure what was happening to my comfort zone. The many leadership changes that were occurring stopped being a welcomed challenge and started to feel like a defeat. And as this was happening around me, I realized that my priorities were changing, and the joy and excitement I once had as a “working woman” was diminishing. I started complaining about the organization and the leaders. I had to spend time in my car hyping myself up to go into the office. Yes, it was true that some of these leaders were grossly ill-equipped. But the shift I was feeling was deeper. It seemed that I had outgrown this work cycle. I no longer wanted to be a part of the rat race. This realization was a scary one, especially since I had invested 21 years on this wheel. How would I jump off? What would I do when I jumped? It was during this time that I revisited something I had learned along the way. I needed to awaken my life’s purpose. This article could be prolonged to many pages because the journey from corporate leader to Life Coach and Hypnotherapist has been the most rewarding experience of my life. I know many people are seeking the truth about their passion and purpose. I quickly realized that my purpose was not something to find because it was not lost. It was something I had been cultivating and nurturing all along. I was always the Life Coach in the office. I was the person everyone came to for guidance and wisdom. My best days were spent when I helped someone sought through life’s dilemmas. I had been working on my purpose on some level. When I left corporate coaching for life coaching, it was time to make my major shift. If you are at a crossroads with your career and seeking to have a deeper meaning in your life. Here are eight tips to help you awaken your purpose: Identify your top five values — Align your values with all areas of your life. Use your values as a compass. What is important to you? What keeps you balance? Create a personal vision and mission statement — Fill in the blank. If I had all the money I desired, then I would do Conduct a root cause analysis on yourself and become aware of your beliefs and where they originated. What are you telling yourself about yourself? What is your inner dialogue? Trust your spiritual guidance — Your inner intelligence and intuition are great guides. What keeps you grounded? Take daily inspired actions — Dream it and act on it! Motivate yourself with action. What makes you jump out of bed? Invest in yourself — Try something different to get different results. Read a book, watch a podcast, or take a course. What do you need to learn more about? Surround yourself with positive people — Who is in your village? Do they share your vision? Know what legacy you want to leave behind — Write your legacy speech now. Write the speech you would like someone to give at your retirement party. What will they say that you have accomplished? Many years ago, if someone had given me these tips when I graduated from college, my story would be different. However, because of the path I took, I learned many lessons. I can guide people through their journey to passion and purpose. When I left my corporate job, I realized I was unwilling to stay in a daily routine that no longer served me. I had outgrown that phase of my life. It was time to shift my energy and invest in getting to know the coach, healer, writer, and speaker. It was time to release the baggage that I called my job. Follow Stacey on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and visit her website for more info! Stacey Henry-Carr, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Stacey Henry-Carr is an ex-corporate leader who now helps people identify, interrupt, and replace blockers with living more meaningful and intentional lives. She is a Certified Life Coach, Certified Hypnotherapist, an author, a mother, and a wife with a positive approach to life. She practices authentic leadership and servitude in everything she does. Her twenty-two years of corporate leadership, training, and career development have equipped her with a proven track record to help guide others in their journey of discovery. She has always had a passion for helping others become their best selves. She has a passion for reading, writing, traveling, dancing, singing off-key, and the beach. She spends her days homeschooling her daughter, coaching clients, and creating meditation recordings. She writes healing blogs and inspiring articles. Her self-published book “Live Your Truth and Break the Cycle” is one of the ways she authentically serves people. In this book, she shared her journey from trauma to triumph while bringing awareness to child sexual abuse. Stacey has overcome her life challenges which have strengthened her will to serve others. She is a testament that you can rise from any situation with determination, spirituality, and a positive outlook on life. She believes that her true legacy to her children will be the lives she has touched by motivating and inspiring others to change. Stacey has a Master’s in Human Resources Development but believes that life’s experiences have been her best teacher.

Written by: Rita Roushdy, 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 would it feel to achieve every money goal that you set? Ever wanted a money goal so big that it scared you? One that scared you so much that you ended up lowering to a more 'attainable' goal? Yet, became frustrated and disheartened when you didn't even achieve it? Oftentimes, fear plays a big role in the decision-making process when it comes to setting a money goal. This will be even more so when it's a money goal you've not yet achieved. And sometimes this will be true if you've achieved this money goal before yet believe that it was a fluke. Even though you've lowered your goal, if you don’t achieve it, you're left unsatisfied. And before you know it, you're setting an even lower goal next time. So, if you find yourself lowering your big money goal, it's time to ask yourself two questions: why and what? Why is my mind telling me that it's not possible for me? What's the thought that's made me doubt myself? There will be a money block behind that fear-based decision, which is an opportunity for growth. Here's a breakdown of why setting a bigger money goal might be more attainable than a lower goal. The most important thing to understand is that it's not the action that we take that matters. What's even more important is the energy that lies behind the action. Meaning the alignment and the energy in which you set your next goal is more important than the goal itself. What you might not be aware of is that by lowering your goal in fear, you're sending messages into the universe that: You don't believe in yourself. You don't 'really want that lower goal because your true desire lies in the big money goal. You don't believe you're worthy of the money you desire. And the truth is that by lowering your financial goal in fear, you're in misalignment to your goal from the get-go. So here are a few journaling prompts so you can make sure that you're in mind, body, and soul alignment with your goals. Ask yourself the following: How do I see my ideal life? What does my ideal day look like? How would it feel for me to live this life? What would my business look like, in an ideal world? Would I have a team supporting me? How much money would I like to earn through my business that will make the above possible? How does it feel in my body when thinking about this money goal? Once you've set yourself up for success with an aligned goal, you next must visualize it in your now reality. Use my powerful (yet free) Manifest Money Guided Visualisation. Why wait when you can access your big money goal immediately? Step into the moment of achieving your goal here. Connect with Rita on Instagram and visit her website . Read more from Rita! Rita Roushdy, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Rita Roushdy is an expert in the money mindset, uncovering subconscious limiting beliefs and supporting high-level women in becoming a powerful magnet for money. After a decade of hustling hard but hardly being paid, leaving her depleted and wounded, Rita was on a mission to heal her relationship with money, knowing that it will be a lifelong journey beginning by healing herself first. Rita’s purpose quickly became to share this secret with other women who desire to level up their businesses and finances into new heights of limitless abundance that spill into all areas of their lives. Transforming society’s relationship with money, one woman at a time, Rita strives to uncover and release old limiting money paradigms that we’ve been programmed with. Using an abundance of healing tools and techniques, she guides her clients, releasing anything that no longer serves them by healing old money wounds and deep-rooted beliefs, making space for what they truly desire to have more of in their lives, activating and allowing them to become magnetic to their dream clients. She has supported her worldwide clients, reaching consistent £10K and £20K per month income goals and hitting their first £100K in business in less than 2 months of working together. She’s been invited to share her expertise on money mindset and became a keynote speaker, all within the first year of entering the coaching space.

Mel, the Money Coach, is a leader within the world of financial coaching. She is known as the Medical Professional's Go-To Money Coach as she is also a Nurse Practitioner and Graduate Nursing Educator. After Mel and her husband paid off $160,000 in 20 months, she set out to help others do the same. She has the heart of a teacher and has dedicated her career to helping others win with money, especially medical professionals. She is the creator of Money Masterminds, a group coaching platform, where she helps her clients improve their financial literacy and hone their skills such as budgeting, saving, and investing. She also has a YouTube channel called Mel the Money Coach, where she helps her listeners learn all things related to finances. Her mission: Everyone deserves to live financially free. Mel is a motivated, hard-working, and passionate money coach with the heart of a teacher. She is known as Mel the Money Coach, a certified financial coach. She has a passion for helping medical professionals win with money by improving their budgeting skills, saving more, and investing more. She has a unique insight into what it takes as a medical professional to win with money because she is a full-time Nurse Practitioner. After working amidst the pandemic and witnessing firsthand the challenges of being financially stuck, she has set out to help medical professionals live financially free. Path to Financial Freedom Mel began her path to coaching at a young age, even before she realized it. Coaching comes naturally to a person like Mel, whose passion is teaching, motivating others, and serving as an example to those around her. After completing a decade of schooling to become a Nurse Practitioner, Mel and her husband realized they were $160,000 in debt. The culture of those obtaining a degree in healthcare is to rely on debt to pay for school. Mel went along with this culture. However, after school, they realized how limited their career and life options were while being deeply in debt. After discovering a proven plan to pay off debt, save more, and invest more, Mel and her husband paid off $160,000 in 20 months. Paying off debt was long, tough, and challenging. They not only learned how to become financially free using budgeting and savings tools, but also experienced a strengthened marriage, a new mindset, and a completely new way of living. After experiencing this degree of life change, Mel decided to combine her interests in teaching, coaching, and a newfound love of personal finance to become a money coach. Why do you work primarily with medical professionals? Mel believes that she can best serve medical professionals because she is an actively practicing Nurse Practitioner. Health care is a tough profession with a high burnout rate, especially after the recent events of the pandemic. She believes that in order to serve medical professionals best, it is important to understand what it’s like to practice on the frontline. Being a medical professional herself is what makes her a unique money coach. She understands the challenges and struggles a client faces because she faces them too. If you want a coach in your corner to help you win with money like you never have before, Mel should be your first choice. What can you tell us about your up-and-coming opportunities? If you’re looking for life-changing coaching and becoming financially free once and for all, you’re in luck. Mel is now accepting 1:1 clients. She also has a group coaching opportunity coming up this fall. You can’t afford not to work with her. Working with a coach like her will catapult you into financial freedom. Don’t wait; the best time is now. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and visit her website for more info. Read more from Melissa!

Written by: Elizabeth Olujimi, 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. Are you satisfied with where you are? If your answer is no, now is the time to shift from surviving to thriving. For this shift to happen, you need to get uncomfortable with being comfortable in survival mode. When you are surviving, you are not living at your full potential, you have capacity for more but for whatever reason, you are not achieving it. Sometimes this could be a result of circumstances beyond your own control however when you realise that a shift is necessary, you must take responsibility and be prepared to make changes where necessary. Once you have determined that something needs to change, you need to identify the areas where change must happen and determine what you are going to do to implement the change. Change your mindset. Believe that the change you desire is possible, and you have what it takes to makes the change a reality. In believing, you must shift certain mindsets that have held you back and put a lid on your potential. For some, it could be fear because you do not know if the change you are looking to make will be effective. It could be things that people have said to you in the past and those words are still ringing in your subconscious. Believe that regardless of what has been said, you are more than able to make the changes and shift from surviving to thriving. Your mindset will determine how you will react to any limiting thoughts that crop up in your mind. If your mindset does not change, all the other changes you make will not have a lasting effect. Change your habits. Your habits are the things you do repeatedly so if you find yourself in a place where you are surviving, look at your habits and work towards changing them and adopting habits that will enable you to thrive. Shifting from a place of survival to thriving requires an element of growth however, your growth can be affected by several things, one of which is your habits. It has been said that your future is a result of what you do today, so your habits are impacting your tomorrow. Change your environment. If a plant is in the wrong environment, it will never grow to its full potential likewise, if we are in the wrong environment our potential can be easily hindered or restricted such that we do not see beyond where we are. The room you find yourself in, will automatically cap your growth and potential at a certain level however, if you want to grow beyond that level then, you need to be intentional about changing the room you are in. Sometimes the environment you are in can limit the resources you have access to, if there are resources you need outside of where you are, do not be afraid to go in search of the resources by so doing, you are moving outside of your current environment. So, look around you and decide what needs to change about the environment you are in, does it enable you live out your full potential? Change your association. As they say, we become like the people we surround ourselves with so, who are you surrounding yourself with? Are the people around you comfortable with just surviving or are they tired of where they are and making changes to start thriving or maybe they are already thriving. If the people around you are comfortable just surviving, over time, you will find yourself in the same place. Aim to have people around you that encourage, challenge, motivate and inspire you to be at your best and shift from surviving to thriving. Follow Elizabeth on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and visit her website to learn more. Elizabeth Olujimi, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Elizabeth Olujimi is a Coach, Speaker, Mentor, Wife, Mother and Pastor. She is known as the Thriving Coach who helps women in their journey of self-discovery, confidence building, personal growth and achieving their goals and dreams so that they can thrive in life. She is the CEO of Dare To Believe Coaching Ltd and her mission is to see women transition from surviving to thriving. She has spoken on virtual stages inspiring women and young people to maximize their potential. Elizabeth is also a Coach, Speaker and Trainer with the John Maxwell Team and has published articles for the Luminous Wisdom SOPHIA magazine.