Written by: Danielle Perlin-Good , 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 COVID-19 ransacked my home in early November, my husband and I needed to find ways to not only rest and take care of ourselves but also take care of our 2-year-old son. Even though we all had COVID-19, our son still needed to eat, play, and sleep. We were able to get through our 14-day quarantine thanks to Elmo, “The World Needs More Purple People” picture book, my husband’s job flexibility, and the fact that I had procedures in place to ensure my business could run smoothly. The idea of “hustling” has never appealed to me, but even more so when I was sick. We can’t necessarily plan for tragic deaths, illnesses, or anything of the sort. But as entrepreneurs, we need to have a plan-of-action so our businesses can run on their own. Have systems in place. Make sure you know what your daily, weekly, and monthly tasks are to generate revenue seamlessly in your business. Do you need to prepare videos in advance? Do you need to record podcast episodes a month before they go live? Do you need to write out 18 pieces of content on the first Monday of the month? Whatever is on your list, make sure you use a project management system like Trello, Asana, or ClickUp. This will make your life so much easier in the long run, and you’ll easily be able to delegate tasks if you do need to take a break from your business. Get yourself a Virtual Assistant. The minute I became sick, I Voxered (is that a verb now?) my incredible assistant, Brooke. She took care of my social media, my messages, and my inbox. She even helped me reschedule client and networking meetings to ensure I could get the proper amount of rest. Because of her help, I was able to get the rest I needed to recover. Your Clients Will Understand. If your cousin tragically passes away one afternoon, or if you get a positive COVID-19 diagnosis (which, unfortunately, both happened to me this quarter), your clients will, in fact, understand. If you pretend everything is kol besedar , or “everything is just peachy,” you’re ultimately not only doing yourself a disservice, but also your client. There’s no way you’ll be able to produce quality materials when your mental state and/or physical state of needing to rest, for whatever reason. Be honest with yourself, and be honest with your clients. Trust me, they will want you to get better, and when you do, you’ll deliver them fantastic results. This holiday season, spend some time preparing your business for the New Year. Take some time off. Rest with your family and friends, even if it’s resting via Zoom. Happy holidays to you and yours. Follow Danielle on her Instagram and Facebook group . Visi t her website and feel free to take the “What Type of Writer Are You?” quiz today. Read more from Danielle! Danielle Perlin-Good, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Danielle Perlin-Good is The Written Legacy Coach. She works with emerging C-suite leaders to unleash their memoirs, self-help, and personal growth non-fiction books so they can share their powerful legacies and transform lives. Since 2008, Danielle has written and edited hundreds of articles, books, social media content, e-newsletters, and more. She went from working overnight shifts at the Tribune Company to corporate digital marketing gigs, one of which was at Albert Whitman & Co., an esteemed children's publishing house. Danielle uses mindset techniques, exceptional editing skills, and quantum healing modalities to ensure her clients develop a beautifully crafted and publishable book that they will forever cherish. In her free time, Danielle enjoys swimming, practicing yoga, being outside, and spending time with her husband and their son.

Written by: Eugenia Oganova, 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. Isn’t it so discouraging when someone… x Schedules a sales call with you x Fills out your very-thought-through questionnaire x And then says: “I am just not sure” or “I need to meditate on it” or “I know it worked for others, but I am just not sure it will work for me.” As a spiritual coach, healer, or a holistic professional, hearing these sales objections when you thought everything was going great can be scary, confusing, and even discouraging. Especially if you felt you were clear that they understood the value of your offer and were going to buy something from you. When I help my clients organize their sales process, I hear that prior to working with me, they encountered “I need to think about it” and “I can’t afford it” way too often. And here’s what I tell them: Objections are always reflecting to you the issues you already are projecting out into the Universe. They are not real; most of them are opportunities for you to show your expertise and actually help your potential client out of their fear! Overcoming these objections begins way before they get on the phone with you. This usually is misinterpreted by the spiritual coaches and healers (no matter how successful!) as this: This means I am not ready and have to clear all my issues first. This means I have to have more pretty quotes or professional photos of me on my social media. This means I should convince them to buy and push more instead of letting them go. Neither one of these is the correct solution! Obviously, you should work on your own issues – we all became entrepreneurs because we want to change the world, but we also get that personal development is part of the process. Of course, you should have amazing content that speaks to your ideal clients, and some professional photos wouldn’t hurt – but that in itself isn’t going to fix objections on the sales call. But it does mean that you have to show up as an expert, not take things personally, and actually GUIDE your potential client through the process of making a very big decision! If you want someone to enroll in YOUR programs, you can’t be enrolling into THEIR story! So, let's look at how you can improve your sales experience: 1. Objections are always reflecting to you the issues you already are projecting out into the Universe. This means that you need to study what kind of objections you are getting on the sales calls – and then look at how they relate to your own mindset so you can adjust it. If you are indecisive in your own life, you will attract people who have difficulty deciding on the sales call. If you tend to worry about how much things cost and count pennies, you will attract people who haggle overpricing. If you do not fully believe in your offer or your ability to support your clients, you will attract objections of “let me think about it” because the potential clients didn’t see the full value of your program. 2. They are not real. Most of them are opportunities for you to show your expertise and actually help your potential client out of their fear! People do not like to part with their money, and even if your potential client is all ready to do in the sales conversation, they might still run into their personal fears when you begin to talk about the investment. This is where it is critical to NOT take their fear personally, but instead focus on being a coach/leader that can HELP by being a witness to the potential client’s fear, naming it and guiding the person through it. The objections that your potential client brings up on a sales call are usually habitual issues in their life – probably the very reason they were not able to progress as fast as they would like. Holding them in love, without judgment, and showing them how this issue blocks their success, will guide them out of fear. 3. Overcoming these objections begins way before they get on the phone with you. That’s right! If your marketing, messaging, positioning, is confusing or unclear – it will create objections. One way to counteract that is to handle possible objections in your content as if you are answering questions. This will help potential clients clarify what they want and alleviate their fears ahead of time, so that when they do get on the phone with you, they are ready to go! . Sales objections are just one component of a successful Soul-aligned business. That’s why I’m so excited about my Soul Aligned Wealth Challenge 5-Day Challenge! You’ll learn my Conscious Future approach on... How to consistently sell out your high-ticket offers  By upgrading yourself and your client to a premium level  And getting crystal clear on who your offer is meant for  So you can handle these pesky objections with confidence When you are aligned with your Soul purpose during the sales conversations, you are creating value for your potential client, even if they don’t buy. And value always means you are in the cycle of Abundance! Here is the link to join my FREE 5-day challenge: P.S. Merry Christmas! Find out more about Eugenia’s coaching program on her website. Follow her on Facebook and join her FREE Wealth Energetics for Women Entrepreneurs group: Read more from Eugenia! Eugenia Oganova, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Eugenia Oganova is an international Conscious Wealth Energetics Business & Marketing Coach for coaches, healers, and holistic health professionals who desire to fully step into their Soul Mission and live their Purpose through a profitable business. She creates custom high-end business, marketing & energetic strategies so that you can attract premium clients and uplevel to multiple 6-figures, without burning out or self-sacrificing. Eugenia is a Soul Strategist and a Self-Transformation expert with over two decades of expertise in spiritual entrepreneurship, transformational therapy and conscious healing, and a best-selling author of 3 books. Using an energy-based approach coupled with transformational psychology, extensive business and marketing knowledge, and her clairvoyant wisdom, Eugenia has created many programs that activate long-term core-level transformation in her clients.

Written by: Michele Ogston, 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 am exhausted from being stronger than I feel” – Anonymous . I woke up the next morning not feeling like myself. I felt drained, achy, and I could even feel the beginning of a headache starting. I spent the morning pushing through my daily activities, hoping it would just pass. As the day progressed, it only got worse. Was I coming down with something? I replayed my actions over the past few days to see if I could figure out what was causing these sensations. It felt like I was coming down with the flu! The only vivid memory I had was spending time with a friend who “really needed to talk.” I recalled leaving that conversation completely drained. I had a hard time concentrating as I drove a few blocks home. I remembered arriving home and practically falling into bed. The next day she needed to hash it out again. I told myself that it would be okay; she really needed me. The conversation lasted longer than I had anticipated. Apparently, she really needed to empty out again. I listened, empathized, and gave advice when prompted. It was this next morning that I woke up feeling hungover, yet I didn’t drink anything the night before. In fact, I had been on a new health kick and had been eating healthy, drinking water, and getting exercise. That’s when I realized—I had an empath hangover! Dr. Judith Orloff writes in her book The Empath’s Survival Guide , “it's common for us to experience ‘emotional hangovers,’ an energetic residue left over from the interaction. Toxic emotions can linger long afterward, which make you feel exhausted, beset with brain-fog, or ill.” Here are some of the signs of an empath hangover and how to treat them: 1. You are easily startled: When you have an empath hangover, your perception of what’s happening around you feels off. You are often startled easily, and people might ask, “what’s wrong?” or “why are you so jumpy?”. Try and do a quick, grounding exercise. For example, place one hand on your heart, the other on your belly, and breathe. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, and you only need to do this for 30 seconds or more. 2. You feel exhausted: You feel like you’re coming down with something, almost like having the flu. You might be achy or have a headache. Your eyes might have a hard time focusing too. You will often feel very drained, as if you have no other energy to give. Rest or take a nap if possible. This will help you hit reset. Don’t be afraid to cancel or reschedule plans. Make some time for yourself without any other distractions. 3. You have a hard time holding a conversation: Your conversation skills will be lacking. Speech and digestion are the first things your brain lets go of when you are trying to survive. This is why your tummy might feel weird, and you might have a hard time finding the right words. Your body is focusing on circulation and has let go of other tasks. Try doing a quick visualization to help you let go. Gather all your thoughts. They can be happy or sad thoughts. Imagine there are leaves gently floating in the air. Now place each of those thoughts on their own leaf and watch as a breeze carries them away. Then allow yourself to let that breeze wash over and cleanse you. 4. You feel super sensitive: You might find that everything is bothering you, or maybe things that normally don’t upset you seem to be lingering. This is also a sign that you need to hit the reset button. When possible, take a bath or a shower. Water is a natural reset for empaths. It helps wash away all the negative energy you are holding onto. When a shower or bath isn’t an option, you can listen to music with water or waves washing onto shore in the background. You can try watching a video of the ocean or water running, which can have the same effect. 5. You have a hard time making a decision: Brain fog is a real thing that happens when the brain has reached its exhaustion level. Having a hard time making a decision is an indication that you might have an empath hangover. Usually, you will notice a small decision such as what you would like to have for lunch, what shoes to wear, or if you should or shouldn’t do something. It helps to be aware when you’re having a hard time making a simple decision. This is your brain’s way of saying it needs a break. Sometimes it’s as simple as breathing. When you can, take a moment, close your eyes, and breathe. That’s it. Sometimes we forget to breathe, and our brain is lacking oxygen. This is why we yawn when we are tired. Taking a moment to take some breaths can hit the reset for your brain. As a society, we are pretty good about watching where we could pick up germs. We wash our hands and even use hand sanitizer. We cover our mouths when we cough and sneeze away from people. We haven’t been as good about watching where we pick up negative emotions. Just like getting the flu, it’s so important to be vigilant about where we can catch an empath hangover. Clearly, I needed to be better about who I was spending time with and how much time I allowed this person to take from me. I went home that night and turned my phone on silent. I played ocean sounds and took a shower so that I could do a mindfulness shower mediation. I made myself a healthy but small dinner, then laid on the couch to rest and watch Netflix. The next day I felt like a brand-new woman. I was reminded that our energy is our emotional currency. It’s important to invest in the right things so that our emotional currency won’t be depleted. You can connect with Michele on: Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , or visit her website ! Read more from Michele! Michele Ogston, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Michele Ogston is a meditation & mindfulness teacher and a certified intuitive life coach specializing in life purpose & mindset. She works with her clients to empower people never to feel stuck in life. It is her belief that by breaking the patterns that have been holding you back and rebuilding with self-love, purpose, and mindset, you can live the life you were intended. After experiencing her own loss through the death of loved ones and a painful divorce, she decided to turn her pain into passion. In addition to writing, Michele also connects with her clients through her Empath Support Group, Meditation &; Mindfulness classes, and 1:1 sessions. She owns Cloud 9 Life Coaching in Northern California, where she lives with her husband, children, and fur babies.

Written by: Jenn Taylor, 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 am writing this post on December 15, 2020 - my 50th birthday. That sounds surreal to me, but it feels amazing. My oldest daughter, when she was 6-years-old, asked me how old she should be to become a Mom. I told her she should be at least 25. She - in all seriousness - said, “25? I’ll be dead by then!” I replied that I was older than 25. She looked at me in horror and said, “Oh my gosh, Mom, how old are you?” I remember I was 28 - ironic as that’s how old she is now. At 28, I didn’t feel old or young, and I felt good and happy. I was very aware that time seemed to go by more quickly the older I got. I was given sage advice when my first daughter was born to cherish every moment because it would go by in an instant. I heeded that advice, but regardless of how hard I cherished it, time has indeed gone by too quickly. At that 28th mark, I decided it would be great to be 28 forever, and I would tell my kids I was “28 plus 13”, etc.. on every birthday. Eventually, they would catch up, and we’d be in the “28 Forever Club”. The math became daunting, and I actually sounded older with my massive math equation, so I decided instead to just embrace where I am, which has been far more fun. I recall being a kid myself and thinking 28 seemed ancient and forever, far away. It also seemed unhealthy to get older, but as I’ve been experiencing it myself, I’ve loved every minute. Every season. Every change. I believe I chose my life, and I love it - even in tough times. I knew if I didn’t love it, I could choose differently. In these 50-years, I’ve learned a thing or two, and I’m sharing insights with you in the hopes you add to them or listen to them and maybe even relax a bit. 50 Things I’ve Learned In 50 Years Not everyone will like you and that’s okay. You won’t like everyone. We can still be pleasant to each other. You can know you’ve done a really great job as a parent, but your kids won’t necessarily agree - and that’s okay. There is no failure, only feedback, but that feedback can still feel like it’s kicking your ass. New running shoes DO make you faster. Just ask a runner with new shoes. You won’t be good at everything, but that’s okay. You can find someone who is, consider them a resource and let them shine. When people bring you food or ask to help, just say yes and thank you. If someone compliments you, say thank you. When someone is kind to you, say thank you. Just say thank you - often. Change it up and make someone else feel fantastic and say, “I appreciate you.” If everyone just picked up after themselves, our world would be clean. So would my house Laughter makes you feel better than you ever imagined. Find people to laugh hard with and do it often. Peeing your pants is a bonus Never trust a fart. Seriously. N-E-V-E-R When you feel or think something good about someone - say it. Even when the person on the drive-through intercom makes you smile When you feel or think something negative about someone - stop. Think about it for several minutes. It’s amazing how often you end up staying silent Words can hurt people or make them feel euphoric. Choose them wisely There is no price tag on friendship. Have fewer, great friends who love you for who you are and reciprocate it. (See 11) Love yourself first and then love others Be kind. It’s free and feels amazing Everything in life is an adventure. From getting lost, to getting married, from having a baby to having a good cry, from getting divorced to reinventing yourself Your story is good enough to be shared, and people want to hear it When it comes to boundaries, “no thank you” is a complete sentence Strength comes from overcoming the things you once believed you could not do Recognize your wins and pat yourself on the back. We don’t give ourselves enough credit far too often Listen to music that makes you feel good. It’s nearly impossible to remain in a bad mood The people you love are your most precious gifts Spend more money on adventures and memories than on things. You’ll forget the things You can make an incredible difference in the life of someone else, in passing, without knowing it happened Your kids are watching you - make sure you’re showing them what’s important Stop saying “I’m sorry” for every little thing, but say it when you should You’ve had a 100% success rate for getting through tough days. You are a badass Let go of the things that don’t matter - like the toothpaste being squeezed “wrong.” He may leave the seat up occasionally, but I always leave it down. It’s all in perspective Celebrate the little wins - compound interest can make you rich - the small, daily, easy actions that add up over time are enormous Life is too short to “save it for later.” It’s later now Presence over presents - your time is invaluable Don’t underestimate the power of a good foot rub. Or back rub Embrace your dorky side - it’s one of your best qualities Only wear a hat that says “I woke up like this” if you really woke up like this Sing loudly even if you don’t know the words - especially if you don’t know the words. Just make stuff up Cheer like crazy for the people you love - even if you don’t understand the rules of the game Be you. The world needs you. You were given your unique experiences, skills, talents, traits for a reason. Shine brightly and be committed to learning about you and sharing that with the world. You are a gift If you want to try something new, there will never be a better time than now (see No.33) Eat the cookie. Just don’t eat ALL the cookies 20-minutes outside changes your brain. Go outside. Put your face to the sun and breathe (even when the sun isn’t out) Filling your mind with good things is important, but so is learning to empty it. Find the thing that helps you let go. Running, meditation, writing, painting - whatever it is - and don’t forget to empty Unplug from everything every once in a while. You’ll notice the things you’ve forgotten to plug into Remember what gives you purpose, passion, and drive. Reignite it, reinvent it, reclaim it Write things down - you will forget Hug people and when you do, really give it your all. Hug like it’s the last time every time Don’t judge people. They will surprise you You can create a life you love. First, you need to determine what you really love In my 50 times around the sun, I’ve done a good job of keeping myself healthy and fit, I’ve continued to cherish time, I’ve managed to get through struggles and trials with a 100% success rate, and although tough times aren’t fun, they also don’t last forever, and they teach a tremendous amount. I take a lot of pictures, and I make a point of telling people I love them. I’m a dork at heart, and it’s one of my favorite qualities. I’ve made errors in judgment, and I have hurt people with my actions or words, but I have shown up 100%. Some days that looks like I”m knocking it out of the park, and other days it looks like a fraction, but I can say in hindsight that I’ve given my all and my best. For the times I’ve fallen short - I am truly sorry. For the times I’ve nailed life - you’re welcome; it was my pleasure. Cheers to the next 50-years. I can’t wait for the adventure of life to show me what else I will learn! For more info, follow Jenn on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and visit her website! Read more from Jenn! Jenn Taylor, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Jenn Taylor is Mom Of 18 and The Naked Podcaster, a Mindset Coach and Motivational Speaker. She is also an NLP Practitioner and has 15+ years in the foster care sector as both a parent and a trainer, has written the blog - Mom’s Running It - for 9 years, and is a published author of a self-help memoir "Hello, My Name Is... Warrior Princess". She teaches Compounding Joy, bringing fast, easy, actionable exercises to people to increase their joy and gratitude. She is also married to an amazing man in Reno, NV, is a runner, minimalist, and healthy lifestyle enthusiast. Compounding Joy - Using the theory of compound interest to create a happier life! If you’ve attended events or heard speakers in the past and gotten excited about making changes only to return home and not know what to DO with the information, or feel frustrated at not knowing HOW to implement the information, you’ll love this talk! Compounding Joy brings fast, easy, actionable exercises to people to increase their joy and gratitude. Not only will you walk away with WHAT to do, but you’ll also know HOW in quick, easy steps.

Written by: Aimee Teesdale, 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 12 years old, I overheard my parents having a huge argument. I heard items being thrown — one of which may have been a fist — something my Dad denied when I asked at the time, but my Mum affirmed. To this day, I still have no idea who was telling the truth. I described the event in my diary as "World War III, breaking out in my home ." I was terrified. I also wrote, "I hate my Dad. But he can't leave ; we could never survive on my Mom's wages." This, plus the bullying I faced at school for not wearing the latest Adidas trainers like all the other kids, left me feeling desperate for money in the hope it’d bring me safety and security. I spent the following 20 years of my life assuming that ‘when I have money, then I will feel safe and secure ,’ and believe me, I did some things I am not proud of to try to get it, including actively seeking sugar daddies and investing what savings I did have into dodgy ‘get rich quick’ schemes (only to lose it all.) I was approaching burnout, constantly on the treadmill feeling like I was on the verge of success and security, but never seeming to arrive. For 5 years, I built my business in survival mode, and I constantly felt like I was struggling to keep my head above water. I borrowed money and invested in countless coaches and marketing courses, thinking that that’d be the thing that finally got me to where I wanted to be: metaphorically safe on dry land. My experience highlights a huge error in human thinking that most of us fall victim to: believing that something external and outside of us will give us the feeling we most desire. Whether it be money, status, or romantic partners, we strive for those things without realizing that what we are really striving for is some form of love, safety, or belonging. The other thing I couldn’t see at the time was that my financial situation was NOT the cause of me feeling financially insecure. But rather, my financial insecurity was the cause of my financial situation. Those highly emotional experiences that I encountered as a child led me to believe ‘I can’t survive without money’ and ‘I don’t have much of it ,’ beliefs that colored my perception of reality the same way a pair of sunglasses colors it too. Those beliefs then drove corresponding behaviors that made my external reality match my internal one more and more. Your beliefs always precede reality. So if you want a different reality, start by changing your beliefs. That’s what I had to do: I had to confront the fear that I’d spent the previous 20 years trying to run away from. I cried like the fearful little girl who just wanted someone to look after her. And I gave myself the thing I had been searching for all that time: safety and security. I let go of the idea that it’d come from money and embraced the idea that it comes from within. More specifically, it comes from love: loving myself, knowing that others love me , and committing to helping others love themselves unconditionally. As if by magic, the more I love, the safer and more prosperous I become. Because that’s all that financial insecurity really is. It’s not a lack of money. It’s a lack of self-love. And there is nothing external or outside of you that can ever give you that. No amount of money will make you feel safe if you don’t allow yourself to feel safe. No level of success will make you feel loved if you don’t give that love to yourself. Everything you truly desire comes from within, by removing the barriers that get in the way of you feeling loved, safe, and belonging in the first place. Sure enough, I am now financially secure, free, and prosperous for life, simply because I choose to be simply because I choose love. I invite you to choose love, too. If you want to find out more about how you can create financial security, freedom, and prosperity from doing only what you love, enroll in my free 4-part training where I share the tools that have enabled me to do the same. Connect with Aimee through her website or Instagram ! Read more from Aimee! Aimee Teesdale, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Aimee Teesdale is an international six-figure success coach, speaker, author, podcast host, and digital nomad, living her dream life whilst enabling others to live theirs. Using her signature 5D Method™, Fearless Framework™ and Love.To.G.I.V.E Approach™, she enables service-based business owners and entrepreneurs to accelerate towards six-figure success and create financial security, freedom, and prosperity from doing only what they love faster than ever. Her ability to create such rapid transformational results with her clients is due to her personal experience overcoming 20 years of struggle, fear, and severely limiting beliefs . Discovering the secret to success - both for individuals and humanity - really is: less fear, more love.

Written by: Dale Darley, 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 the last embers of this year die away and a new year awaits us, it is a time of reflection. I find myself contemplating the year with a mixture of fondness and dislike. Fondness because I have learned more about myself again. It's felt like a crash course in being human. And dislike because of what I have witnessed. I feel deeply and wish with all of my heart that I could add some magical herbs to my cauldron, stir it three times while dancing naked around the flames, and all life on Earth could be healed. If only it were that easy. So, even though this wasn't my favorite year. I have had worse. I imagine this is the same for many of you reading this. My 2018 was horrid. My spine fractured, and with other complications, I spent well over a year healing. I emerged stronger and discovered a level of sheer bloody-mindedness and resilience that certainly surprised me. These odd years force us out of our comfort zones, to declutter what does not serve us and ask what we want? Cue the Spice Girls telling us, 'I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want.' I'm ready to zig-a-zig ah. Are you? I feel right now, at least for me, that this is a powerful time to be thinking about what I want to manifest for the future. So let me ask you? What dreams do you have that you didn't realize in this last year? How can you let in your future heart's desires? Dreams, especially wild dreams, tell us a lot about who we are. The trouble is we can feel conditioned into having should and ought dreams that sound like they are the right dreams, but in reality, they only touch the surface. I would love to invite you to meet your wild inner child. The one with no filters on his or her imagination and ask what are your three wildest dreams. To make this work, you really do have to throw off the shackles and dance with the wildness within. Even if you are not visual, use your main communications style and let yourself be in the experience. Here are mine: To write a brilliant, first, bestselling novel which gets turned into a film and helps me to become rich beyond my wildest dreams. To fly in a spaceship around the Earth to witness it from all angles and perspectives. To sing on stage at Wembley, clad in rock chick leather gear, wowing the audience with the power and meaning of my songs. I can see and feel these clearly. Now in case, you think I'm incredibly shallow for desiring riches beyond my wildest dreams. Or a little dotty to think that I could fly around Earth in my lifetime, and I know you must be giggling at the rock chick because you have heard me singing to the dogs. Let me explain... This is where I find the juice that reveals what my wildest dreams really mean to me. Soon, I'll start to write my first novel. The person I want to become is more of a creative writer, a weaver of magical words that share deeper meaning. Flying around the Earth is about perspective, seeing the big picture, and humanity from all angles. But the rest is about how I can be of more service in the world. There is something that says to me, with more cash, I can help more people. I am saddened by what I have witnessed this year—people who can no longer sustain their business or job. People now have no money or benefits to put food on the table and pay the bills. Lives that have been torn apart by fear and isolation. And so many lives lost, from all kinds of things. I have two rescue dogs ; what about the lack of funds for the extra abandoned animals? Where I live, it's been tougher than ever for animal charities. I could go on , and there will be something that has touched your heart, I am sure. So, get in touch with your wild inner child and let it all out... Try it! Write down three of your wildest dreams, leave them, go for a walk, sleep on them and then look deeper. You will certainly find that the inner meaning of your dreams will reveal your purpose. Who do you want to become? What do you want to experience more of going forward? I want to become the weaver of stories who will inspire others to write to heal and then write to heal the world. My deepest desire and purpose is to touch many hearts with the alchemy of words. In doing so, I fulfill my purpose of being a better human in the service of others. What I want to experience is more kindness, compassion, and understanding in the world. What about you? For more information, please visit my website ! Read more from Dale ! Dale Darley, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Dale works with her clients to help them to discover the magic in their story through the power of writing, journaling, and energy work. Dale is an expert at getting your story out, finding the essence of who you are, what you want to become, and supporting you to get what you want through coaching and programs. She believes that writing heals, and her vision and mission is to create a community of people who find clarity, purpose, and meaning through their writing. That these people go on to inspire others to know what is possible in the world. Dale holds an MBA from The University of Glamorgan and an ILM Level 7 Executive Coaching certificate. She served in senior marketing management roles in the IT and manufacturing sectors before working for herself.

Written by: Maggie Perotin, 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 . Achieving great things, such as growing your business, is never easy. The entrepreneurial roller coaster of ups and downs leaves room only for the most persistent, consistent, and dedicated out there. But the journey to your success can be quite simple. For me, simple always beats complicated, and that's why I'd like to share with you this 3-step framework. I’ve developed the below 3-Step Coaching Model that aligns with a simple framework of how to successfully grow a profitable business. I’m hoping that by sharing it with you, you too can take it, apply it, and achieve the results you want. Dream We all dream. It's a natural gift that no one teaches us. Since birth, we're curious and want to discover the world with this magical wonder in our eyes. And as we explore it, we start dreaming. We dream about places we want to go to, people we want to meet, a person we want to become, and the things we want to do. Then as adults, we have the privilege to transform the dreams into our Vision: a vision for ourselves, our business, our relationships. Such a vision becomes a basis for the next steps. But before I get there, there are two other things in this step you need. The first one is your mindset and the second leadership . Without the right mindset and self-leadership first, you’ll give up sooner than you think, or you’ll hinder your business growth because you cannot become a people’s leader without the ability to lead yourself first. And both: mindset and leadership are not static, once set and done things. They’re a journey of growth and self-improvement. So as you enter into 2021, take the time to think about what do you need to do to grow the mindset of the person you want to become. What areas do you improve on to create the results you want for yourself? Plan Once you have the Vision, it's time to Plan. If you're scared of planning, don't be. Planning is an exciting and creative process to put your dreams on a trajectory to become a reality. Let me give you this analogy first. There is nothing more exciting than planning a dream destination trip to Paris, Bali, or Hawaii, right? Planning your business growth is no different at all. Here are 3 things you need in both cases. The first one is your goals . They become your destination, especially when derived directly from your Vision. If the goals are your destination, then strategy and tactics become your roadmap to achieving them. So, let's go back to our exotic trip example. You pick Paris or Bali or Hawaii (yes, in 2021, this might be all allowed again!), then you create a strategy on how to finance it, who to go with, where you’re going to stay. Tactics are steps you’re going to take to implement your strategy, such as booking plane tickets and accommodation, telling whoever is going with you about it, packing, getting to the airport, etc. Can you now imagine how planning would work for our business? And for me, this is much more exciting than an exotic trip. Why? Because here, you create your future! If your goals are aligned with your Vision, you’re starting to fulfill your bigger purpose through planning . You're planning how to make a difference in your life and those you help. You're planning how to make the world a better place, one client at a time. Do Finally, we’ve arrived at the third step. What would your dreams and plans become if there was no doing following them? Doing is where the rest of the magic happens. It's here where the creative process you’ve started in planning comes to complete fruition. And as you’ve probably guessed, this step also consists of 3 parts: action, habits, and systems. First, action allows you to make your goals a reality with the help of strategies and tactics you’ve created. The right mindset and self-leadership are there to motivate you, push you and help you learn and improve as you go. Moreover, habits and systems make it easier altogether. Why? Because the collections of your daily habits and systems make the “hard work” easy, fun, and less laborious. They save time, energy, and effort. And that’s what we all want! Don’t we? They offer you the ease of doing, create a compounded power of progress, and ultimately add to your competitive advantage. As James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, wrote: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” In Closing I hope that before 2020 goes away forever, and 2021 makes its entrance, you’ll take time to plan your business success. It’s so much fun to start creating your future results now! And if you’d like a step by step, walk through how to do it, connect with me. I have a great free training Design Your Success 2021 that I’ll happily share with you. Until then, I’d like to wish you Happy Holidays, and May You Realize Your Boldest Business and Personal Goals in 2021! Follow me on Facebook , Instagram and visit my website ! Read more from Maggie! Maggie Perotin, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Maggie Perotin is a business and leadership coach, helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses without the overwhelm so they can live the life they want. Through her DREAM-PLAN-DO coaching model, she helps her clients reach their potential and get results while maintaining balance in life. Maggie has over 13 years of coaching and leadership experience in the corporate world in various domains. She holds a Masters Degree in International Relations, Facility Management Administration designation, and currently pursuing an Executive MBA at Jack Welch Management Institute. Maggie uses all her knowledge and experience to help entrepreneurs be strategic and creative in building a successful business and brand that attract their ideal clients. She is passionate about spending quality time with her blended family with four kids in the Canadian nature, traveling, self-development, and healthy cuisine of the world.

Written by: Julie Allison, 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. Usually, on a Saturday, I would have been riding a Big Wheel across the rocky concrete sidewalk in popsicle-stained clothes or imprisoning fireflies in glass jars. I had no idea what I wanted to “be” when I grew up. But, on this Saturday afternoon, my older brother and I sat on the living room floor listening to my father read while the green shag carpet scratched my legs. Bedtime stories were routine, but a new book in the middle of a sunny Saturday afternoon felt important. So did our book, Girls Can Be Anything by Norma Klein. With floppy hair and an oversized lab coat costume, the main character, Adam Sobel asked his best friend, Marina, to bring him the stethoscope as he announced the rules for a game of hospital. “Girls are always nurses, and boys are always doctors,” Adam affirmed. “Why is that?” Marina asked in her bouncy pigtails and red dress. She wanted to be the doctor, too. “Good question,” I thought. I waited for my dad to read the answer. But, Dad kept reading. When Adam and Marina played airplane, Adam announced that he was the pilot. He told Marina to “walk around in back and give people drinks,” which she did. But, when she wanted to be the pilot, she left and went off to fly her own plane. “Dad, why does Julie get to fly the plane?” my brother interrupted. I was now playing the part of Marina, the foil to all of my brother’s plans. I looked up from the book as my brother sought an answer for this treasonous decision. Truthfully, I wasn’t interested in playing airplane or being the pilot on that day. I would have chosen to hop on my banana-seat bike and ride circles around the block, but his reaction drew me in. We expected my brother to have a seat in the cockpit. It was MY presence as a pilot that needed a book to explain. Outwardly, I straightened my back and smirked at my brother when dad replied that I could be anything I wanted to be. Inwardly, I felt the sting settle in. Why was my brother always focused on taking something away from me? In time, I would grow to wonder: Why didn’t Marina ask THAT question? Why is his freedom tied to limiting mine? If I was Marina, my brother, who was only ten months older than me, was my real-life Adam Sobel. When we played outside on those summer days, I always had to be the bad guy. Once, he caught me, handcuffed my wrists around the neighbor’s patio porch column, and took off to resume his play. I waited in silence for an eternity with my forearms pressed into the painted wood behind me. When I had to pee, I called for mom to bring the key. “For heaven’s sake,” she said when she unlocked me, but I showed no fear or anger… just pride that I had played my part well. Where was Marina then? How often would I morph myself to play their game? On another hot day, the boys took off their shirts and ran around bare-chested in the sun. I took mine off, too, until a neighborhood mom saw me through her kitchen window. She stepped outside in her ruffled yellow apron with a toddler on one hip and a hand on the other. “Girls have to keep their shirts on. Only boys can take them off.” I ran back inside and sat on the edge of my bed. “Girls have to keep their shirts on. Only boys can take them off.” I replayed the words in my mind as I tried to understand this rule. Did Marina know that her book was all wrong? It’s not just Adam Sobel who wants to be in charge. It’s the neighbor, too. It would take years for me to articulate what I then knew to be true. Women can play the part of Adam. I put my T-shirt back on and followed the rules of the game. Soon, we moved to a new block in a small town several hours away. Our red brick ranch home was wedged between the end of the cul de sac and the neighborhood grade school. I only had to squeeze between the evergreen bushes at the edge of the driveway to reach solitude and freedom on the playground and the lush green carpet of the open fields. But finding freedom when the boys were around was hard. They tossed worms down my shirt when the fields were muddy. They chased me on their bikes. Once, they surrounded me and demanded that I kiss a boy in my third-grade class, or they wouldn’t let me go. I stood there in the center of that circle, shaking my head until my mom peeked through the bushes to call me home for dinner. The boys rode off, but they would be back again on another day. When the boys picked teams for baseball, my brother assigned me to right field. “Yes!” I said as I skipped out to my position, surprised at his willingness to let me play the game. At the end of the inning, I ran to the dugout to line up for my turn to bat, only to learn a new twist to the rules: playing isn’t the same as batting. “You’re an all-time fielder,” my brother exclaimed and sent me back to right field. I tucked back through the bushes and plopped down at the kitchen table. “Why won’t he just let me play?” I complained to my mom. “Boys don’t like girls to be good at things meant for boys, and baseball is for boys,” Mom replied. “Why is that?” I could hear Marina ask. “That’s just the way it is.” Adam would have responded. My childhood self started to think that Adam was right. Who Wrote the Rules? Today, I want to go back to that Saturday afternoon on the shag carpet and ask questions. When Marina wants to be a doctor, why do BOTH she and Adam become doctors? When Marina wants to be president, why do they BOTH become presidents and hold a presidential dinner together? Does that mean girls can only play those parts when a boy doesn’t have to give up his? Why? When Marina flies her own plane, why isn’t Adam the flight attendant? He plays the role of co-pilot, but not the attendant. Instead, she makes the plane “self-service” with a “little machine in back” that dispenses drinks. Why? Does Adam not know how to serve drinks? What about other jobs, like teachers, florists, therapists… and bug catchers? Why weren’t Adam and Marina fighting over those jobs? Who decided that doctors, pilots, and presidents were the only jobs worth pursuing? Why do all of the coveted jobs require one person to reign over others like a king? Who made these rules? Perhaps the books should have been titled “Girls Can be Anything…as Long as They Follow the Rules.” Changing the Game In college, most of my professors were still men, but many of my classes were filled with women. We worked hard, followed the rules, and were on our way to becoming doctors, lawyers, accountants, and even pilots. Marina was still in my pocket, buried deep beneath the well-worn fabric of experience. For years, I would keep her hidden, running the tips of my fingers over her spunk, but never bringing her out to play. She collected the questions that still went unanswered. A few years after graduation, I took a job as an accounting supervisor working for a male boss in a male-dominated profession. Our relationship was strained from the beginning. He delegated work. I asked too many questions. He got angry and would stand behind my desk chair with his feet spread and his arms crossed, breathing down my neck. “Just do it, young lady.” “Because I said so.” For my performance review, he led me to the board room, closed the door, and offered me a seat in one of the soft leather chairs at the sleek wooden table. He sat at the head of the table and opened his thin folder. Like a litigator in court, he had come prepared. “You are intimidating to the men in the department.” Then, he paused and held my gaze as he waited for my reaction. I caught a glimmer of delight behind his eyes as if he had caught me sneaking into the kitchen after bedtime. My heart sped as he laid out his case with meeting dates, minutes, and feedback he had received from male co-workers on the floor. On a Tuesday in July, I suggested at the department meeting that we change a monthly process. On a Thursday in August, I questioned why I was given a task that had already been completed by another employee. “I’m sorry,” I interrupted. “I’m confused. Don’t you want your employees to bring up new ideas? Don’t you want me to try and save the department time by eliminating duplicate work?” “I want you to bring your ideas to me or another man in the department so that we can bring them up in the team meetings.” He spoke without a hint of reservation. Adam Sobel would have been proud. “Ahhhhhhhhhh!” I screamed in my head while my cheeks turned red. My heart hammered against the front of my chest. My underarms grew sticky. There was no point in pretending to be calm; I could hold back no longer. “You don’t get to tell me what to do.” My Marina-inspired rage boiled up and spilled out. “That’s NOT just the way it is!” “I don’t want to be your stewardess.” “I’m not your nurse.” “I am already everything. I’m done playing your game.” The meeting with Human Resources was uneventful. With her big blue eyes and red hair, the director sat behind her desk in her private office. I spoke openly. She listened with interest and empathy. Nothing could be done unless I filed an official complaint, but it would be his word against mine, and who wants to go up against Adam when the rules are in his favor. I resigned from the organization weeks later and had my exit interview with a female controller over lunch. Word got back to me days later that she was surprised and disappointed that I didn’t reveal any information about my boss or our department. Surely, she understood. I knew how to follow the rules, too. Sometimes it’s best to walk off the field if your own team doesn’t want you in the game. Finding the Freedom to Play my Own Game I wish I could say that was my last encounter with Adam Sobel or that I’ve always had the courage to confront him. More times than not, I’ve twisted myself into playing my role or simply walking away… leaving the next woman to deal with Adam. However, as an individual, Adam was never the only problem. Like my brother, the neighbor woman, my mother, my boss, and even myself, Adam was always just one part of a system. He played his part of command and control, and I played mine. I morphed myself, hid, and followed the rules of someone else’s game. “Why is that?” Marina taught me to ask. Now, almost fifty years later, I have my OWN answer… It’s hard to go against a system. It’s hard to be seen. It’s hard to take your shirt off when you know the neighbor will judge. It’s hard to stand at home plate and demand that someone give you a turn to bat. It’s hard not to internalize the expectations given by those in our lives who love us. It’s hard to break the rules. It’s hard to be engaged in a constant battle when there is always another Adam waiting in the wings. There are no easy solutions, but there are things we can do together to find freedom and disrupt the system: Develop our own self-esteem – The system thrives on selfless women; the more we prioritize our own interests with confidence, the freer we become. Fly a plane if that’s your dream, or ride your bike and capture the fireflies. Stop morphing ourselves – Adam isn’t going to change if we continue to play our defined roles and twist ourselves into other people. If we are ourselves, the world around us will be forced to adapt instead. Stop playing the role of Adam – We lose nothing by lifting someone else, so hire women, promote women, shop at their stores, and be less judgmental of women who live differently. If your neighbor takes off her shirt, look the other way. Own our strength and allow it to be seen – Marina does no good hidden in a pocket. Let her stomp around in public and ask, “Why is that?” whenever you get the chance. Take your turn to “bat” – Expect and demand to be given the same opportunities as Adam and ensure that other women on your teams have access to do the same. Allow women to be women – Freedom for women doesn’t come from getting to be a man; it comes from allowing us to be women. Let’s stop expecting women to function as men, especially in the workplace. Elevate roles labeled “feminine” – Women make great doctors and lawyers, but we need to start elevating and compensating ALL roles. Nurses are as important as doctors, especially when it comes to patient care. Break a few rules – If we want to live by our own rules, we have to start by breaking the old ones. If it feels uncomfortable to step out of line, imagine how uncomfortable your change will feel to Adam… and smile. Create new rules or go without – Rules are invisible boundaries. Every time we set a limitation, let’s make sure we understand who the boundary is serving. Stand in the center of the circle – Sometimes, action isn’t possible or safe, and all we can do is stand at the center of the circle and shake our heads “no.” Adam can still be found everywhere, waiving his book of rules and granting permission only when he sees fit. We can hand him the stethoscope or pull out the big wheel and wave to him as we fly past. It’s not easy. Peddling can get hard. But our legs will get stronger, and the path we carve will soon feel less like Adam’s and more like our own. We’ll breathe in the expanse of those lush open fields as we play our own game. Freedom doesn’t come from Adam. It comes from within. Follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn. and visit my website for more information! Read more from Allison! Julie Allison, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Julie is a passionate and experienced financial professional dedicated to helping women launch and manage financially sound companies. She believes that women's creative and collaborative approach makes them uniquely suited to mentor, guide, and lead. When women-owned businesses grow, so do their voices, influence, and communities. Julie has over twenty-five years of financial management experience inside major corporations working with marketing, manufacturing, and supply chain teams. She has learned first-hand the pitfalls of corporate greed and brings a holistic view of business success to her clients. Julie is the founder of Watch Her Grow, a company providing expert financial services to women-owned businesses.

Written by: Yogesh Osher, 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. Approaching the year's festivity period or the ‘silly season,’ I want to give you "Three Secret Keys" on how to cruise your way through this fun/challenging time while being and becoming even more empowered. I want to help you overcome the more than common problems that most people face with this time. Just to have a perspective, this ‘fun’ time of the year is also typically when suicide rates go up, and depression or anxiety kicks in too. So do these 3 secrets, make sure to thrive, and don't get bogged again in this time's typical familiar traps. If you keep at heart these 3 things that I will share, your whole festivity experience will be one of empowerment and joy. Let’s dive in! Secret No One: Balance — The overcoming of old triggers. This secret is the key to NOT getting stuck in the old triggers. So, how to do it? Firstly, you need to know what are the old triggers. Then by looking deeply into them, you’ll find the core idea or thought that is so painful and triggers the reaction. When you find that out, you’ll be a third of the way out from the trap. The second third is asking yourself, "Do I want to go there again?" And here is exactly where your new choice is born! Take your answer and turn this energy into your ability to see, feel, know and accept your emotional action while not reacting and choosing to act (step 3) differently this time! Let your choice come from your freedom of being who you are, being in your body in your embodied sense of self. Secret No Two: Boundaries — The self-protection method. When we know that certain things, or behaviors, or activities, or foods, or drinks, etc., are not good for us, we need to say NO. This is a very positive capacity! This may even be true for some conversations or interactions that we know produce only pain and suffering or regrets. It may also certainly be true to thinking patterns like excessive worry, or constant blame, or self-criticizing, for example. Changing these things can change your whole way of experiencing relationships and life! The power of NO is critical. Because without NO, there is no true YES. Learn to say no, and see how more respect and more appreciation comes your way. It's true that there may be some challenges to your new NO, but it will help you cement your choice and become clearer on who you are, even in the face of resistance or challenge. Secret No Three: Maturity — The ability to self soothe. The main difference between children to adults is that children have the constant external support of their caretakers while adults have the constant support of their inner self-care. Or, in other words, self-care. As long as we really or expect or even wish for that constant external support, we still have a childish approach. That doesn’t mean that we can't be loved or helped by parents or others, but it means that the attitude is more of a mature one to this support. It's not a dependency that disempowered me but gratitude that fulfills me. And the only way to achieve this fulfillment (note it is not pride) is with the ability and attitude of SELF-LOVE and SELF-CARE. In short, this secret is to learn how to be the parental figure for yourself. Yes, very empowering, very practical, sounds funny, but it actually works! I have seen lives transformed with this secret alone! I wish you a great festivity period and hope you will be the most empowered version of yourself throughout this period! To your empowered success! Yogesh Osher. For more information, visit https://www.livingtotalwellness.live/detoxpro. Read more from Yogesh! Yogesh Osher, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Yogesh Osher holds a Masters Degree in Gestalt Therapy. He is a highly skilled Gestalt therapist and group facilitator, a certified Wellness Coach and Yoga Teacher, and a Detox Practitioner (Dip. Natural Therapeutics). He is the founder of Living Total Wellness and a co-founder in the global naturopathic movement of Natural Yogic Treatments. In the past two decades, he has been studying, practicing, and teaching Zen, Tantra Yoga Meditation, Gestalt Therapy, and Functional Medicine. His life purpose is true wellness. Engaging a synergetic synthesis of east and west and drawing on methodologies, practices, and systems that bring real results. He currently offers online wellness programs integrating personal growth with detoxification and lifestyle changes. He brings a spiritual outlook to promote lasting transformations in the life of his clients. Using the gestalt process, self-empowerment, and practical wellness, Yogesh promotes a heartfelt integration and elevation of life as a whole.

After being chained to the same corporate job for close to 14 years and living with debt for most of her adult life, Brenda decided it was time to stop playing small. She changed her relationship with money and success (and more importantly, herself) to turn her passion into profit. Within 7 months of leaving her corporate job, she had built a successful 6-figure business. As a High-Performance Mindset Coach and the host of The Limitless Life podcast, Brenda helps other driven Women tap into the power of their subconscious minds so they can access their full manifesting potential. She does this by helping transform limiting beliefs and fears that create patterns of self-sabotage so they can create an abundance mindset and go from worry to wealth. You’re known as the High-Performance Mindset Coach and host of the Limitless Life Podcast. Can you tell the readers more about that and the work that you do? I help professionals stop self-sabotage, unblock their abundance mindset, and activate their manifesting capabilities. I do this by helping them transform their limiting beliefs and fears that are causing patterns of worry and self-sabotage; into creating new patterns of confidence and an abundance mindset which cultivates new levels of untapped wealth. We know you’re passionate about transforming limiting beliefs, self-sabotage, and Money mindset. Why do you have a passion for these topics, and why do you believe that people should focus on this? I am so passionate about what I do because I was the person who had a blocked abundance mindset. I had a horrible relationship with money and success, and I lived with a scarcity mindset for most of my life. I could make a lot of money, and then I would find ways to get rid of it, usually by taking care of other people because I was an over-giver. My worthiness was tied into my wealth in so many ways, and that includes staying in a job that I didn’t love because I was conditioned to believe that you get a good job and you stay there... no matter what. I believed that making money (and keeping it) had to be hard and stressful. I felt like my financial situation and the amount of money I could make was totally out of my control. And I don’t want other people to have to go through that . I don’t want them to be stuck in the pain of overwhelm. You can have all of the best systems and funnels in the world, but if you have beliefs that go against what you are trying to create, it will be a struggle. This is why Mindset work is SO important, we talk about being healthy and moving our bodies, but so few people focus on making the muscle between their ears more powerful. You have some very interesting hypnotherapy methods and techniques. Would you like to share some of that and how that can make a change in people's lives? It’s actually a wonderful tool to help calm the nervous system down. This is important because if you’re constantly stressed out and in fight or flight mode, your subconscious is not open to new suggestions (beliefs). Using hypnosis creates a deep state of relaxation . It distracts the conscious mind , and you have a sense of increased awareness and heightened suggestibility. This allows access to the subconscious mind through the imagination, which also produces the ability to experience thoughts and images as real. This is how we begin to transform beliefs and also create a bigger vision for manifestation. Our subconscious minds require repetition to transform a belief, and they will play on a loop the last thing you think about when you are falling asleep. Have you ever had a problem you couldn’t solve, and you go to bed thinking about it, and when you wake up, you have the answer. It’s cool, right? I take full advantage of that, and I create immersive hypnosis audio programs designed to be listened to at bedtime. Not only do they put you in a state of deep relaxation, but they also give us the ability to access your subconscious mind so we can transform beliefs that aren’t serving you so you can take new and empowering actions when you’re awake. How does it get any better than that? Having said that, Hypnosis is only one of the techniques I used. I am a very action-oriented Coach, and it’s important to understand that even with hypnosis, you still need to take action in other ways to fully tap into your potential and activate your manifesting capabilities. If you can mention the three most powerful lessons you learned so far as an experienced Mindset Coach and Entrepreneur, what would that be? Such a great question. If your mind can conceive it, you can achieve it, but success is only guaranteed based on our actions. I had to stop trying to do it all on my own. One of the most important lessons I have learned so far is to invest in myself and my business. Finding a Coach/Mentor who understands you and can help guide you to where you want to go. And also, understanding that you may outgrow them, so to speak, and you will work with different Coaches and Mentors throughout the years depending on what stage of business and personal growth you are in. Stop being so serious, and just be YOU. When I started, I thought I had to speak a certain way, act a certain way, or I wouldn’t be taken seriously. It was like I was a different person . The business started to feel forced and out of alignment. What are the greatest benefits your clients say they are getting from working with you? Well, aside from busting through income ceilings and plateaus, I am certain they would all agree that experiencing their level of confidence expand and seeing all areas of their lives transform is one of their greatest benefits. When you work on one area of life like the money mindset, the transformation creates a ripple outward into other areas of your life in beneficial ways. Finally, what do you have in front of you, and what’s your next big goal or project? I just created my new Abundance Mindset Quiz , and it accurately helps you discover your current Abundance Mindset. And applications are now open for the first round of my new Activate Your Abundance Mindset group coaching program, which starts January 11, 2021. I’m really excited about this because It’s a 6-month intimate group coaching experience where I lead people through an immersive, action-based transformation to unblock their abundance mindset. Connect with Brenda on her Instagram and her website , or c heck out The Limitless Life Po dcast ! Read more from B renda !

Written by: Maria-Paz Hornisch, 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 biggest mistake I see entrepreneurs making when they choose their email marketing platform is that they try to go for either the cheapest option or don’t do enough research beforehand, so they end up using a tool that doesn’t fit their business. This can be very frustrating, especially for solo entrepreneurs trying to do all the things in their businesses. It can lead to wrong strategic decisions, such as not wanting to use email marketing because “it’s hard” or “I don’t have the tech skills for this.” Email Marketing can be simple! With the right guidance and knowing the exact steps to take, you’ll be able to use this fantastic and helpful tool in your business and implement the strategies your business needs to grow even further. To choose the right Email Marketing Platform for your business, you need to ask yourself the following key questions: 1. What’s the current stage of my business? There are many email marketing platforms out there, but you need to make sure to use the one that fits your business. Are you a solo entrepreneur just starting? Are you using several platforms you want to integrate with email marketing? Have you been in business for years and need to change your email marketing platform to implement new and sophisticated marketing strategies? 2. Do I have a product or service-based business? Suppose you’re selling products within different categories and shipping methods. In that case, you need to use a sophisticated email marketing platform that can integrate to your website (or at least be able to connect them with an external provider, such as Zapier) and be able to send automated emails depending on the purchase or action a customer did on your website. On the other hand, if you have a service-based business and want to send out newsletters, deliver your freebies, and create automated email sequences, then a regular email marketing tool will do the work. 3. What’s the use I’m going to give to my email marketing platform? Make a list of all the requirements you and your business have for an email marketing platform, so you are precise when looking for all the options available. Do you want to send only email marketing campaigns and newsletters? Do you want to use it also as a CRM (customer relationship management) tool? Do you want to create automated workflows? Do you want to segment your subscribers? Add tags? Need to send post-purchase emails? 4. Which email marketing platform fits my needs? Take a look at the email marketing platforms out there and check if they offer the features you have written in your list (either in their free or paid plans). You’ll have a clearer view of the investment you need to make, and by comparing it to your budget, you can make a better and informed decision. Do you want to learn the best Email Marketing strategies and the great things it can help accomplish in your business? Register to my Free Masterclass. For more info, follow Maria-Paz on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or visit her website. Read more from Maria-Paz! Maria-Paz Hornisch, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Maria-Paz Hornisch is the Business Coach & Digital Marketing Strategist behind The Digital Madl, dedicated to helping ambitious mompreneurs with branding and digital marketing strategies to create a rock-solid presence online and skyrocket sales. Maria-Paz is a bachelor in Business Administration and holds an MBA in Luxury Business from ISC Paris École de Commerce. For twelve years, she developed her career in Chile, France, and Germany, working for a Spanish multinational commercial bank and two German luxury and fashion e-commerce companies. Originally from Santiago de Chile, she now lives in Munich, Germany.

Written by: Lea Gerlock, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise . Have you ever had a day where everything seemed to go right? Where each part of your daily routine flowed smoothly without interruption? An enjoyable day can make you feel calm, centered, even joyful. And then, out of the blue, something negative sneaks up on you, and that’s it. Your mind grasps on tightly to the problem (and the feelings you feel as a result) and refuses to let go. Suddenly, you can no longer focus on, or be grateful for, the one hundred things that went well that day. All you can think about is the one thing that didn’t. The trigger that opens the door to a flood of negative emotions can be something different for all of us. Perhaps a disagreement with a friend, maybe the never-ending guilt that comes along with parenthood, or a missed deadline at work. Even something as insignificant as a small mistake can suddenly render you unable to focus on anything else but your negative feelings. This is where I step in and ask… "Just who is in charge here, you or your emotions?" Before you answer, I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is, the answer is you. You ARE in charge of how you feel. The bad news is you are not completely in charge of what happens in your world. There will be events that bring about an emotional reaction, and that part, you cannot control. However, you can certainly take charge of how you feel when things do go wrong. Despite the relentlessness of your negative emotions at times, you do not have to be a victim to them. As a Life Coach, I’ve helped many clients get past overwhelming emotions with a three-step process. I know it can feel impossible when you are in the thick of it. Still, I promise this is within your power. When you feel pushed around by your emotions, here are some tips to help you reclaim control: Step 1: Feel what you feel (Awareness) The first and most fundamental step is self-reflection. To take charge of your emotions, you must first identify what you are feeling. Emotions can be complex, sneaky things. Grief, for example, will often masquerade as anger until you expose it for what it is. The better you get at identifying how you are actually feeling, the better equipped you are to face it. Take out a notebook and start journaling. Don’t critique or edit your feelings; get them out on paper. Once you know what you are actually dealing with, practice things that encourage an actual mind-body experience. Many of us have developed unhealthy coping mechanisms to avoid our negative feelings. We numb out. We pretend it isn’t happening. So, when difficult emotions pop up, we have no idea how to handle them. Stop that. It is impossible to conquer your emotions if you avoid them entirely. They will still pop up, only by then you won’t have a clue what to do with them, having pretended they don’t exist for so long. Just feel it. Emotions can be many things, but one thing is for certain they are fluid and ever-changing. You are never stuck in a permanent state. You have to go through the bad ones to get to the good and vice versa. If you suspect you are numbing out, try to bring your mental and physical states together in harmony. Yoga, tai chi, or meditation are great tools to help you achieve this. Step 2: It is what it is (Acceptance) Back in the Stone Age, a good day meant survival. Emotions were not something to be numbed out or avoided because negative feelings were often directly connected to personal safety. In modern times, we no longer have that incentive to recognize our negative emotions and respond appropriately. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t still experience them. We have no idea how to deal with them anymore. We have gotten so accustomed to a life of comfort that when faced with difficult emotional situations, we balk at the thought of feeling that discomfort. However, we evolved as a species because of our ability to recognize and feel negative emotions. Our feelings of fear, anxiety, sadness, or frustration are not going anywhere. So, get comfortable with being uncomfortable sometimes. Life does not have to be perfect. We are wired for both the highs and the lows. Acceptance, rather than avoidance of your negative feelings, is the key to moving past them. Step 3: Take action where you can (Action) Once you have identified, experienced, and accepted your negative emotions for what they are, it is time to act. Action can take different forms for all of us. Maybe for you, action means a gratitude journal to remind you of the best parts of your life. When you are grateful, it is hard to become bogged down in negativity. Perhaps action means taking steps to surround yourself with positive people and influences that bring about balance to the difficult times. Maybe action means celebrating your small victories and treating yourself with the kindness you extend to others. No matter what action means in your life, one thing remains true. You and only you have the power to determine your state of mind. Maybe you cannot control the root cause of your negative feelings, but your emotional well being is within your domain. Do not avoid your feelings or try to change them. Just be as you are. In doing so, you put yourself back in the driver’s seat. Empower yourself with the knowledge that whatever you feel, you will handle it. And nothing lasts forever because you will not allow it to. You are stronger than you think. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Lea ! Lea Gerlock, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Lea Gerlock is the Founder and CEO of Personal Chapter, a life coaching and personal development empire focusing on mastering all transitions to step into one’s highest potential. As a divorced mom of 3 and recovering alcoholic, Lea was able to break through the fear, self-doubt, and uncertainty that comes with major transitions in life. After overcoming her own battles, Lea quickly learned that so many people struggle to navigate major and minor transitions. Her superpower is helping people transition into the next and very best chapter of their lives. When Lea is not working, she enjoys traveling, long walks on the beach, and spending time with her 3 amazing sons.