Enterprises frequently replace networking hardware during technology refresh cycles, resulting in surplus devices such as switches, routers, firewalls, and access points. Handling this equipment efficiently allows organizations to recover value while reducing storage costs and administrative burden. Partnering with reliable channels ensures that hardware is distributed securely and reaches qualified buyers. Collaborating with established networks enables companies to sell used networking equipment effectively, achieving optimal pricing and quicker inventory movement. These trusted avenues provide expertise in asset valuation, logistics, and client management, offering a structured approach to hardware liquidation. This article explores strategies, operational tips, and practical considerations for businesses seeking quick and profitable sales of surplus networking hardware. Evaluate buyer credibility The first step involves verifying potential buyers through financial records, certifications, and references. Confirming past transactions and client feedback provides insight into reliability and operational competence. Assessing stability ensures commitments are met and reduces exposure to defaults or delays. Compliance with industry regulations guarantees secure handling of sensitive equipment. Professional support and responsiveness indicate organizational capability and professionalism. A thorough evaluation reduces uncertainty and builds confidence throughout the transaction. Organize and prepare inventory Efficient preparation of equipment accelerates sales and enhances buyer trust. Devices should be inspected for functionality, cleaned, and documented with serial numbers, specifications, and warranty status. Secure data removal ensures compliance with privacy and regulatory standards. Proper packaging and labeling minimize damage risks during transportation. Maintaining a detailed catalog supports accurate tracking and simplifies communication with buyers. Organized inventory facilitates smoother negotiations and expedites the sales process. Utilize market insights Knowledge of current resale trends and regional demand influences pricing decisions. Buyers familiar with market fluctuations provide guidance for realistic valuation and competitive positioning. Awareness of product lifecycle stages ensures older or upgraded units are priced appropriately. Data on previous transactions and competitor offerings support strategic planning. Market intelligence allows businesses to identify optimal channels and timing for sales. Utilizing these insights enhances profitability and strengthens long-term business relationships. Secure transparent transactions Clear policies regarding payment terms, delivery schedules, and warranties ensure smooth operations. Structured agreements outline responsibilities, timelines, and mechanisms for dispute resolution. Payment security measures, such as escrow or verified transfers, protect financial interests. Flexibility in shipment schedules accommodates enterprise requirements while maintaining efficiency. Transparency builds trust and reduces misunderstandings with buyers. Reliable procedures create a foundation for repeat engagements and stable partnerships. Foster long-term partnerships Relationships with trustworthy buyers create consistent demand for future upgrades. Regular communication strengthens collaboration and improves negotiation outcomes. Partners providing feedback and market analysis contribute insights beyond immediate transactions. Consistent engagement facilitates faster inventory turnover and smoother operational processes. Strong partnerships reduce uncertainty and enhance overall profitability. Maintaining reliable connections fosters repeat business and supports strategic asset management. Streamline inventory preparation Efficient organization of networking hardware accelerates the sales process and enhances buyer confidence. Each device should be inspected for functionality, cleaned, and accurately documented with serial numbers and specifications. Secure removal of sensitive data ensures compliance with privacy regulations and prevents potential breaches. Proper labeling and categorization simplify tracking and facilitate smooth communication with prospective buyers. Packaging equipment carefully reduces the risk of damage during transport and maintains product integrity. Streamlined preparation supports quicker transactions and strengthens the credibility of the seller in the market. Trusted channels offer businesses a secure and structured approach to managing surplus networking hardware. Partnering with professional buyers ensures equipment reaches appropriate recipients while maintaining quality and credibility. Enterprises that adopt a systematic approach to sell used networking equipment can maximize returns, reduce administrative burden, and achieve faster, more efficient distribution. These partnerships also provide valuable guidance, operational support, and market insights, helping organizations make informed decisions and optimize asset management.

Buying jewelry as a gift sounds simple until you actually try. You scroll, browse, compare, and everything starts to blur together. Most pieces look fine, but few feel right. When the gift is meant to mark something important like a birthday or a relationship, "fine" doesn't cut it. You want the person opening the box to feel seen, and what’s inside to represent your connection, not a look or a brand. That’s why more and more people are skipping readymade jewelry and opting for pieces created with intention. The beauty of a custom jewelry gift is that you can choose every aspect of what you're giving, so there's no mistaking the sentiment when it's put on. 1. Custom jewelry speaks to personal moments Custom jewelry  is a response to the desire for something your loved one won't toss aside moments after unwrapping. Instead of sifting through what already exists, you become part of creating something as unique as the person receiving it. People tend to do this with the big things: engagements, anniversaries, birthdays, and family events. For example, a ring you propose with can be a direct reflection of your relationship. A pendant you make for a loved one’s graduation can have symbols that are only meaningful to you and them. Customization takes a gift and turns it into something so much more. 2. You can use it to mark milestones with intention Life does not pause for the big things. They come and go in a blink, and it’s all too easy to let the opportunity slip through your fingers when you have the chance to mark it just right. The use of jewelry as a marker of life's milestones has ancient roots, but going custom is an even more powerful statement. You're not simply recognizing or commemorating an event. You're declaring in what fashion that moment will live forever after. Graduations, career changes, personal achievements; people often want a custom piece to represent all of those things. And that is the equivalency of growth, change, or resilience translated through metal with no words needed. A custom jewelry piece makes a perfect  gift idea  that reminds you of where you were and how far you have come. 3. Allows you to collaborate with the designer One of the most special parts of creating a custom piece is the collaboration. You aren’t just giving over control, you’re working with someone who knows design, structure, and material, while you bring the meaning. It's this back-and-forth that turns an idea into a wearable form. You might begin with nothing more than a vague notion, a germ of an idea, or even just a feeling you want to capture. But gradually the image in your mind takes shape. You make some preliminary sketches and think about what works and what doesn’t. The questions and refinements you ask and make along the way also allow for the unintended to find a place in your work. That is how your final piece also becomes yours. 4. You can choose materials that hold meaning The type of material used is not only a question of aesthetics, but also about value, sentiment, longevity, and how you live. Precious metals (gold/platinum/palladium) are popular for wedding rings because they have always held value due to their strength and resistance to wear. You can even bring in existing stones or heirloom jewelry to be reworked into a meaningful gift to share. It's a great way for past stories to live on in new forms, and reusing materials can create a sense of continuity across generations. 5. Values emotional connection over trend-driven design Trends move fast. What feels current and cool one year can feel absolutely lame and old news the next. And by opting for custom art that’s mostly trend-proof since it’s designed to be relevant to you, you don’t have to worry about trying to conform to popular shapes or styles when gifting, but rather designing with yourself or whoever the piece is for. Often, that emotional connection is what makes the piece more versatile. You will just keep going for it because it feels right in many different situations. And after a while, you realize it's who you are and not just something from some fashion moment in time. 6. Craftsmanship in lasting value Craftsmanship impacts how jewelry feels on the skin and how it holds up over years of wear and tear. Clean settings, balanced proportions, and secure stone placement are things you may not always be able to see off the bat, but which will affect your experience with a piece every day. When something is well-made, you want to wear it all the time. You don't worry about a prong being loose or falling off when you take a nap or have to go to a party. It's the same with your custom jewelry piece, and a key factor in creating emotionally significant items. Why people are choosing meaning over convenience Convenience is great, but it rarely leaves a lasting impression. And as more people are deliberately choosing how and where they spend, they're also willing to put a little time into something that actually matters. Custom jewelry does just that by asking you to stop and think. When you give a piece that was made with care and purpose, the recipient feels that effort. The gift does not need explanation. Its meaning is felt. That is why custom jewelry is becoming the new standard for meaningful gifting, as it meets the need for connection that most mass-produced jewelry cannot.

Written by Ralph Mandarino, Entrepreneur As an entrepreneur and craft beer alchemist, Ralph Mandarino established Necromantic Brew Co. out of a personal need. He shares insights on turning personal pain into a successful venture. Most people believe fear is the thing holding them back. They’re wrong. Fear is not the problem. Avoidance is. Fear is a signal, an internal alert system designed to draw attention to something that matters. Avoidance, on the other hand, is a decision. And every time we choose it, we quietly reinforce the very limitations we claim to want to escape. Over time, avoidance doesn’t just restrict behavior, it reshapes identity. Fear is honest, avoidance is strategic self-deception Fear appears when something meaningful is at stake, such as growth, responsibility, exposure, or consequence. It doesn’t appear randomly. It arrives at thresholds. Avoidance is what happens next. It looks like: Waiting until you’re “ready.” Over-planning instead of acting. Consuming information instead of making decisions. Calling fear “logic,” “timing,” or “realism.” Avoidance is rarely dramatic. It’s subtle, sometimes rational-sounding. And that’s exactly why it’s so effective at keeping people small. Avoidance shrinks identity before it shrinks opportunity Here’s the part most people miss. Avoidance doesn’t just delay outcomes, it trains the nervous system. Each avoided action reinforces a silent message, “I am someone who does not handle this.” Over time, this creates an identity ceiling. People don’t fail because they’re incapable. They fail because their self-concept never updates. Fear, when faced, expands identity. Avoidance calcifies it. High performers don’t eliminate fear, they decode it The most effective leaders, founders, and high performers are not fearless. They are fear-literate. They understand: Fear appears before identity expansion Fear intensifies at points of irreversible commitment Fear fades after action, not before it They don’t ask, “How do I get rid of fear?” They ask, “What is this fear pointing at?” Fear often signals: Unclaimed authority Deferred responsibility A version of self you haven’t embodied yet Avoidance blocks that evolution. The cost of avoidance is paid daily, not dramatically Avoidance rarely explodes your life overnight. It erodes it quietly. It shows up as: Chronic dissatisfaction without a clear cause Burnout without visible overload Resentment toward people who act decisively A growing sense that you’re living beneath your capacity This is not exhaustion. This is identity friction. The tension between who you are and who you know you could be. How to interrupt the avoidance pattern If fear isn’t the enemy, the solution isn’t confidence. It’s contact. Three principles shift the pattern: 1. Name the fear precisely Vague fear is paralyzing. Specific fear is workable. Ask: What exactly am I afraid will happen? What responsibility am I avoiding stepping into? Clarity weakens avoidance. 2. Act smaller, but act immediately Waiting for courage keeps avoidance alive. Action, even imperfect, updates identity faster than reflection ever will. Movement precedes confidence. 3. Expect discomfort, not disaster Fear exaggerates consequences. Reality rarely confirms them. Most growth requires discomfort, not catastrophe. When you stop negotiating with fear, it loses leverage. Fear is the threshold, avoidance is the choice Fear marks the edge of expansion. Avoidance is the decision to stay where you are. The difference between stagnation and transformation is not a matter of talent, luck, or timing. It’s the willingness to meet fear without bargaining with it. You don’t need to be fearless. You need to stop retreating. Because the life you want isn’t blocked by fear, it’s waiting on the other side of it. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Ralph Mandarino Ralph Mandarino, Entrepreneur Ralph Mandarino is the entrepreneurial force behind Necromantic Brew Co., Long Island's pioneering gluten-free craft brewery, born from his experience with celiac disease. As an entrepreneur and innovative brewer, Ralph offers a unique perspective on building a business by addressing niche interests. His journey highlights the power of turning personal challenges into thriving ventures that cater to often-overlooked passions, including the vibrant community of horror enthusiasts. Through his writing, Ralph shares insights on entrepreneurship, the craft beer industry, and the art of building a strong community around shared, sometimes unconventional, loves, from navigating dietary restrictions to embracing the macabre.

Written by Anthony Jackson, Thought Leader & Conversationalist Anthony Jackson is a thought leader and speaker dedicated to transforming the way people think about quality, purpose, and personal growth through his platform, The Circle. Dallas-Fort Worth is often framed through the lens of growth, new companies, new facilities, and new people. But beneath the headlines about expansion is something far more important and far less discussed. Quality is becoming the region’s real competitive advantage. Not quality as paperwork, not quality as inspection at the end of the line, but quality as a system that allows organizations to scale without breaking. As manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace, and advanced production continue to accelerate across North Texas, the companies that will lead the next decade won’t simply be the fastest movers. They’ll be the ones who build quality into how work gets done. The meaning of quality has changed For a long time, quality was viewed primarily as: Compliance documentation Audits Risk avoidance Those elements still matter, however, they are no longer sufficient. Today, quality is increasingly about: Process capability at scale Supplier reliability Speed without defects Cross-functional clarity Protecting customer trust and brand reputation Dallas-Fort Worth sits at a rare intersection, high-volume production, complex supplier networks, and regulated environments operating side by side. That combination is forcing quality to evolve from a department into a strategic discipline. Supplier quality is where the battle is won or lost One reality is becoming impossible to ignore. You cannot outgrow poor supplier quality. DFW manufacturers depend on expansive supplier ecosystems that span local, national, and global. As those networks grow, so does exposure to variability, documentation gaps, and late-stage disruptions that directly impact cost, delivery, and credibility. The organizations pulling ahead are not simply auditing suppliers more aggressively. They are building supplier quality partnerships, treating suppliers as extensions of their own quality systems rather than external risks to react to. In a region growing as quickly as Dallas-Fort Worth, supplier quality isn’t an operational detail, it’s a growth enabler. The new profile of quality leadership Another quiet shift taking place across North Texas is the evolution of the quality leader. The most effective quality professionals today are not isolated specialists. They are system thinkers who: Understand operations and throughput Speak the language of supply chain and engineering Balance compliance with business realities Help leadership make better, faster decisions This matters because Dallas is attracting organizations that expect quality to enable momentum, not slow it. Quality leaders who can translate regulatory requirements into operational clarity are becoming indispensable across the region. From audit readiness to business readiness Audit readiness is important, but it’s a lagging indicator. What forward-thinking DFW organizations are building instead is business readiness: Processes that don’t rely on heroics Documentation that reflects reality Systems designed to survive scale Cultures where issues surface early, not late When quality is embedded at this level, audits become routine, and growth becomes sustainable. A moment of opportunity for Dallas-Fort Worth Dallas-Fort Worth isn’t just growing in size. It’s growing in responsibility. With that growth comes an opportunity to redefine what modern manufacturing excellence looks like in the United States, not through shortcuts, but through systems that endure. When quality is done right, it doesn’t slow progress. It protects it. And in a region moving as fast as DFW, that may be the most powerful advantage of all. Follow me on  LinkedIn ,  and visit my website  for more info. Read more from Anthony Jackson Anthony Jackson, Thought Leader & Conversationalist Anthony Jackson is a speaker, executive contributor, and founder of The Circle, a movement designed to spark deeper conversations around mindset, purpose, and leadership. Drawing from his background in pharmaceutical quality assurance, Anthony teaches the power of integrity, structure, and self-mastery. His mission is to inspire individuals and organizations to pursue excellence not just in what they do, but in who they become.

Written by Cedric Drake, Educational Psychologist and Technologist Cedric Drake is an expert in educational psychology. He dissects learning and brings innovative ideas. He contributes to educational think tanks and writes articles for academic institutions in the US and Asia. Currently, he is building a publishing company to connect students to companies in different fields and expand education. Walk into any secondary school today, and you can feel it, an undercurrent of anxiety humming beneath the noise of lockers and laughter. Students are overwhelmed. Teachers are stretched thin. School psychologists are responsible for hundreds, sometimes thousands, of adolescents navigating academic pressure, social media saturation, identity formation, and an increasingly uncertain world. We often talk about a youth mental health crisis as if it were sudden. It isn’t. It’s cumulative. And it demands a response that is both profoundly human and intelligently adaptive. Enter the idea of the cyborg psychologist. Despite the sci-fi name, this is not a future where robots replace counselors, or algorithms diagnose children, quite the opposite. A cyborg psychologist is a human mental health professional supported, never supplanted, by ethical, transparent AI tools. It is a partnership designed to help schools care for their students better, earlier, and more equitably. At its heart, cyborg psychology is about attention. Human psychologists are trained to listen, empathize, and intervene, but they are limited by time. AI systems, when thoughtfully designed, excel at recognizing patterns across large amounts of information. Together, they form a care model that notices what too often goes unseen. Consider a student who stops turning in assignments, whose reflective writing subtly shifts toward a more hopeless tone, and whose attendance becomes erratic. No single data point screams “crisis.” But taken together, they tell a story. AI can gently surface that story for the school psychologist, who then does what machines never can, reach out, connect, and care. This kind of early identification is transformative. Instead of waiting for breakdowns, panic attacks, or disciplinary incidents, schools can move toward preventive mental health support. Students are met with concern, not consequences. Equally important is how cyborg psychology reduces stigma. Many adolescents avoid counseling because it feels intimidating or public. AI-supported systems can offer private, low-pressure emotional check-ins, simple prompts asking students how they’re feeling, what’s weighing on them, or what support they might need. For some, this becomes the first safe step toward asking for help. For others, reassurance comes from the sense that someone is paying attention. Crucially, these systems do not diagnose. They do not judge. They do not grade emotions. They act as bridges, guiding students toward human care when it matters most. Cyborg psychology also enables personalization, something adolescents crave but rarely receive. Instead of one-size-fits-all coping strategies, students can be offered tailored support, brief mindfulness exercises before stressful tasks, cognitive reframing prompts after failure, or reflection activities that strengthen emotional regulation. For neurodiverse learners or students managing trauma, this adaptability can mean the difference between disengagement and resilience. And then there is the quiet benefit we rarely discuss, protecting the well-being of school psychologists themselves. AI can reduce administrative overload by summarizing trends, organizing referrals, and handling routine screening, freeing professionals to focus on what drew them to the field in the first place, relationships, trust, and healing. Of course, none of these works without ethics. A cyborg psychologist must operate under firm guardrails, informed consent, strict data privacy, transparency, cultural sensitivity, and constant human oversight. Without this, technology becomes surveillance, and surveillance destroys trust. With them, technology becomes care. When embedded into classrooms, especially innovative environments like Project-Based Learning, cyborg psychology reshapes schooling itself. Mental health is no longer a separate office that students visit only in crisis. It becomes woven into reflection, collaboration, feedback, and growth. Emotional well-being and learning stop competing, they start reinforcing each other. The promise of the cyborg psychologist is not efficiency. It is presence. It is the possibility that no student slips quietly through the cracks because adults were too overwhelmed to notice. In a world where adolescents are constantly told to adapt faster, perform better, and cope silently, cyborg psychology sends a radically different message: You are seen. You matter. And help can arrive before you ask for it. That is not a technological future to fear. It is a human one worth building. Follow me on Instagram and visit my website for more info! Read more from Cedric Drake Cedric Drake, Educational Psychologist and Technologist Cedric Drake is an educational psychologist and technologist in the learning field. His ten years as an educator left him with the psychological understanding to innovate classrooms and learning centers for all ages. He has since gone on to be an educator at Los Angeles Opera, do doctoral studies in educational psychology, publish scholarly literature reviews and papers, and work at the American Psychological Association as an APA Proposal Reviewer for the APA Conference.

Written by Claire Wilding, Founder of Lead Success Deliver & Leadership Consultant Claire Wilding is the founder of Lead Success Deliver, specialising in identity-led leadership, decision clarity, and execution under pressure. She works with founders and senior leaders navigating complexity, growth, and high-stakes responsibility. By the time leaders reach senior levels, they are rarely lacking capability, ambition, or experience. Yet many describe a quiet shift, leadership begins to feel heavier, decisions take longer, and pressure lingers in ways it never used to. Through her work at Lead Success Deliver, Claire Wilding sees this pattern repeatedly among founders and senior leaders operating in high-stakes environments.  This article explores why that shift occurs, and why the solution is not more strategy, but a deeper recalibration of leadership identity. Senior leadership is often described as a privilege. And it is. But it also comes with an experience few openly articulate, leadership feels heavier at the top. Not busier. Not more complex on paper. Heavier. Decisions that once felt clean now linger. Pressure doesn’t switch off. Clarity takes longer to access. Even capable, successful leaders find themselves expending disproportionate energy on choices they would once have made instinctively. This is rarely acknowledged in boardrooms or leadership forums. And when it is, it is usually misdiagnosed. The default assumption? You need a new strategy. In reality, this is rarely the case. The subtle shift that changes everything As leaders rise, responsibility increases, but so do visibility, expectations, and consequences. Over time, a subtle internal shift occurs. Leadership moves from being driven by identity to being driven by role. Instead of leading from an internal sense of authority, leaders begin leading from what the role demands of them. Decisions become filtered through perception, optics, and expectation. Authority becomes externally referenced. This shift is rarely conscious. It doesn’t appear to be a case of insecurity or incompetence. In fact, performance often remains high for an extended period. But internally, leadership starts to feel effortful. And effort is expensive. Why pressure increase without performance declining Many senior leaders are surprised by this experience because nothing appears “wrong.” They are still delivering. Still respected. Still capable. Yet internally, decision-making feels heavier because every decision is carrying more than its operational weight. It is carrying identity load. When leadership identity is no longer stable, decisions begin to feel personal. They carry emotional residue. They invite over-processing, second-guessing, and unnecessary friction. This is not burnout. It is not a confidence issue. And it is not solved by adding more frameworks. Identity is the real leadership lever Leadership identity functions as an internal operating system. It determines how pressure is processed, how authority is experienced, and how decisively action is taken. When leaders operate from identity, decisions feel clean. Execution is direct. Pressure exists, but it doesn’t destabilise. When leaders operate from a role, pressure becomes internalised. Authority feels conditional. Decisions become heavier because they are no longer anchored internally. This is why adding more strategy often makes things worse. It increases cognitive load without addressing the underlying issue. The unspoken cost of senior leadership The unspoken cost of senior leadership is not responsibility, it is identity drift. Over time, leaders unconsciously outsource internal authority to external signals, stakeholder expectations, reputation management, or perceived risk. Leadership becomes something to manage rather than something to embody. And when that happens, leadership stops feeling natural. Reclaiming lightness without losing authority Leadership does not become lighter by removing responsibility. It becomes lighter when authority is reclaimed internally. Identity-led leadership restores clarity by returning leaders to a stable internal reference point. Decisions are no longer negotiated internally, they are made. Pressure remains, but it no longer defines the leader. It becomes data, not identity. This is the difference between leaders who feel burdened by success and those who move through it with calm authority. The real work at the top At senior levels, leadership is less about acquiring more tools and more about removing internal interference. It is about stabilising identity, so leadership is experienced as grounded rather than effortful. When identity is clear, leadership regains its natural rhythm. Decisions become lighter. Execution sharpens. And performance stops feeling like something that must be carried. That is not a strategy upgrade. It is an identity correction. Leadership does not become heavier because leaders are failing. It becomes heavier when identity is no longer anchored internally. At senior levels, the work is not to add more strategy, but to stabilise the internal reference point from which decisions are made.  When leadership is rooted in identity rather than role, authority returns, pressure becomes manageable, and leadership regains its natural clarity. That is not a performance upgrade. It is a return to alignment. Follow me on LinkedIn , or visit my website  for more info! Read more from Claire Wilding Claire Wilding, Founder of Lead Success Deliver & Leadership Consultant Claire Wilding is the founder of Lead Success Deliver, a leadership consultancy specialising in identity-led leadership, decision clarity, and execution under pressure. She works with founders, executives, and senior leaders operating in complex, high-stakes environments. Claire is known for her calm, direct approach and her ability to cut through noise to the root of performance challenges. Her work focuses on strengthening leadership identity so decisions become clearer, execution sharper, and results sustainable.

Written by Abisola Fagbiye, Customer Experience Strategist Abisola Fagbiye is a Customer Experience Strategist and Microsoft 365 Productivity Consultant with a Professional Diploma in CX from The CX Academy, Ireland. A WiCX member, she transforms how businesses connect with customers, turning interactions into drivers of loyalty and growth. Happy customers keep coming back until they find an even better offer. Those who are truly loyal not only stay but also often spend more, forgive any slip-ups, and even bring in new customers without any extra effort on your part. Moving from simply being satisfied to becoming a passionate advocate isn't just about good scores, it's about creating a real emotional bond, something many companies miss. When that bond is built, advocacy becomes much more lasting and genuine. Customer satisfaction is the minimum viable relationship Truly loyal customers are a special treasure. Unlike satisfied customers who might jump ship at the first sign of a better deal, loyal ones stick around through effort and time. They cheer for you wholeheartedly, often without expecting any reward, and their feedback shows they genuinely want to see your business succeed. These relationships aren’t just about maintaining income, they’re about growing together in a way that naturally fosters trust and connection. Research from Dimensional Research shows that supportive experiences inspire customers to recommend you to others, providing valuable word-of-mouth promotion at no extra cost. In today’s world, where gaining new customers is becoming more expensive, this kind of organic advocacy is mighty. Zendesk’s research confirms that happy customers tend to leave positive reviews online, influencing others more than advertising. Gartner’s insights remind us that a small group of loyal customers can generate a large share of your future profits because they stay longer, buy more, and cost less to serve, and they’re well worth nurturing. Satisfaction is fragile Emplifi highlights that customers tend to leave a brand after just a few negative experiences, so consistency is critical. One significant interaction won't make up for several mediocre ones.  While satisfaction is based on logic, loyalty is driven by emotions. When customers are satisfied, they've found your product acceptable. Loyal customers, however, feel a special connection to your brand that goes beyond just comparing features and prices. This emotional tie helps protect your brand from competitors' offers and occasional slip-ups. Over time, expectations of satisfaction keep rising, what delighted customers years ago might not impress them today. To stay ahead, continuous improvement is key. Ultimately, loyalty offers a stability that satisfaction alone can't provide. Four elements build loyalty Building consistency helps customers trust you because they feel confident that they'll get excellent service every time. When things aren't consistent, trust can fall apart, even if the quality is usually good.  Fixing problems quickly turns customers into loyal fans who stick around longer than those who haven't had issues. Showing you're committed, even in tough times, creates a strong bond that goes beyond just smooth sailing.  When customers feel recognised as individuals, remembering their preferences, acknowledging their history, and personalising interactions, they feel genuinely valued and more connected to your business.  Sharing your company's core values helps customers feel like they're a part of something bigger, building loyalty that goes beyond just liking your products. Discover how personalisation fosters the kind of recognition that turns into lasting emotional loyalty. Most loyalty programs miss the point Transactional loyalty programs, such as earning points, discounts, and rewards, motivate customers to return because of the immediate economic benefits. Customers join because it makes sense financially, not necessarily because they feel a special connection.  When rival companies offer better deals, customers often switch. On the other hand, experiential loyalty programs foster emotional ties by providing exclusive access, personalised services, and recognition. Customers value these memberships because they feel more meaningful than just saving money. Such programs foster true loyalty rather than mere habit. The most effective loyalty programs blend both approaches, they provide economic benefits that discourage switching and experiential perks that build emotional bonds. Usually, loyalty programs lean more on the transactional side because it's simpler to set up and track. However, genuinely loyal customers don't just need points, they value meaningful relationships. Employee experience determines customer loyalty Building strong relationships starts from within. When employees feel engaged and valued, their positive energy naturally extends to the customers, creating a welcoming and trustworthy environment. Happy, empowered staff are more likely to surprise and delight customers with thoughtful actions and creative solutions. Providing comprehensive training helps everyone on the team develop the skills they need to serve with confidence and consistency, fostering loyalty and trust. Remember, a caring internal culture transforms into a memorable external experience that keeps customers coming back. Design loyalty moments Loyalty blossoms through those special moments that genuinely surprise and delight your customers. By thoughtfully designing these moments instead of leaving them to chance, you can create lasting impressions. Focus on key emotional touchpoints such as the first purchase, issue resolution, and milestone celebrations, they have a powerful impact on building loyalty. Make everyday interactions extra special by adding small, unexpected gestures that create memorable experiences beyond ordinary service. When setbacks happen, approach recovery with enthusiasm, as it's a fantastic chance to strengthen relationships rather than fix problems. And don't forget to recognise and celebrate your customers' milestones, such as anniversaries and achievements, which provide excellent opportunities to deepen your connection. Amplify advocacy Make advocacy rewarding and straightforward with referral programs that smoothly encourage recommendations. Recognise and celebrate customers who refer others to show your appreciation. Highlight their voices by showcasing customer stories, testimonials, and reviews where everyone can see. Foster a community of advocates, because when customers connect around your brand, they build stronger relationships, making them less likely to switch to competitors. The journey from satisfaction to loyalty Identify your most valued customers, those who have been with you the longest, spend the most, or refer others. Understanding what made these relationships special helps you replicate that magic across your entire customer base. The gestures, recognition, and memorable experiences that build loyalty should be shared with everyone who has the potential to become loyal. Keep measuring and refining your efforts, ensuring loyalty metrics get the same focus as customer acquisition. Companies that truly win customer advocacy treat each customer as a valued individual, not just a transaction. Authentic care can't be faked, and customers pick up on genuine kindness, leading to loyalty that your competitors can't easily imitate. Understanding how to demonstrate the financial value of loyalty helps justify ongoing investments in this critical area. Ready to turn satisfied customers into vocal advocates? "The Art of Customer Experience" reveals what research shows works, and it's not points, programs, or discount tiers. Your organisation will learn the loyalty framework that brands use to create emotional connection, the moments that matter most, and how to systematise advocacy without manufacturing it. True loyalty comes from consistently delivered value, book for your conference or leadership event, or email here. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , or visit my website for more info! Read more from Abisola Fagbiye Abisola Fagbiye, Customer Experience Strategist Abisola Fagbiye is a Customer Experience Strategist and Microsoft 365 Productivity Consultant who helps organisations rethink engagement, build CX-driven cultures, and drive retention and growth. With global experience spanning SMBs to enterprises, she delivers workshops and training that blend strategy, energy, and actionable insight. She is a mentor and rising voice in CX leadership. Further readings: How to Personalise Customer Experience Without Being Creepy How to Train Customer Service Teams That Actually Perform How to Stop Customers from Leaving Before They Decide to Go How to Prove Customer Experience Actually Makes Money

Written by Leoniek van der Maarel, Academie voor Verlies/Grief Training Centre Leoniek van der Maarel is a Dutch psychologist, grief expert, author, and trainer with a clear and powerful mission. "Creating a world where grief is no longer a silent struggle, but a supported path forward." When a loved one chooses euthanasia, parents face one of the most difficult questions, "Should we involve our children in this process?" It's a question filled with uncertainty, fear, and love. As someone who has worked with grieving families for over twenty-five years, I want to take you through this sensitive topic with honesty and care. Imagine not being there when your father dies "Where were you when Daddy died?" I asked Timo. "I was playing at my friend's house." "Did you know Daddy was going to die while you were at your friend's place?" With his head slightly down, a soft 'yes' comes out. I then imagine how that must have been. Timo is playing at his friend's house. What would he have been thinking about while he was playing there? Could he lose himself in the game, or was he picturing what was happening at home? Then I think about how it must have been when he went back home. The door opens, and inside, he finds all these very sad people. This is not an isolated story. Imagine being in that position as parents. Euthanasia is going to take place, "What is wise for my child?" Why involving children can be helpful for their grieving process I get this question regularly, not only from parents but also from care professionals. It's a question and topic full of uncertainties, sensitivities, and emotions. What I see time and again in my work with loss in young people is that they are much stronger and more resilient than we often think. Involving them in this process helps with their grieving. It's understandable that parents hesitate to involve their children in such an intense situation. The question of whether you can involve your child in euthanasia is very personal. But even if children are not physically present at the euthanasia itself, they can certainly be involved in the process. The power of honest communication This can start with giving a clear, honest explanation about what euthanasia means, what will happen, and why it is necessary. This prevents confusion and offers space for children to understand what is happening in their family environment. Without this information, children create their own stories, and those stories are often more frightening than reality. How to involve a child in euthanasia: Practical steps How can you involve a child? What can you recommend to parents if they decide to have their child be there? Let me walk you through the essential steps, based on what I've seen work in practice. Give an honest, age-appropriate explanation First of all, it's important to give an honest, obviously child-friendly explanation. Tell them what euthanasia is, what will happen, and who is involved in the process. Use simple, clear language. Avoid euphemisms like "going to sleep forever," as this can create confusion and fear around normal sleep. Often, doctors can help with finding the right explanation. Address the finality clearly It's also important to tell them that there really is no treatment left that can help. Too often, I hear from children that they think, "But what if next week a new medicine comes on the market?" Children need to understand that this decision comes after all other options have been explored. This prevents them from carrying false hope or later guilt. Prepare them for what they will see and hear Prepare children for what they can expect. "Daddy will get an anesthetic that will make him fall asleep, then there will be a second injection that will make his heart stop." (Always make sure parents check this with the doctor, or ask the doctor to explain it). Be specific. Will there be medical equipment? Will Daddy look different? Will there be sounds? Children can handle the truth much better than we think, but they cannot handle the unknown. Have a support person available What I also often advise parents is to have someone in the house who is not necessarily present at the euthanasia but is somewhere in the house to support or catch the child, should they suddenly want to leave the room. This prevents a parent from having to run after the child or be occupied with the child while, at that moment, the loved one is dying. This person should be someone the child knows and trusts. Brief them beforehand about what to expect and how to respond if the child needs to leave. Give them the choice, but guide them carefully If possible, it can be valuable to give children the space to choose for themselves whether they want to be there. This can be complicated because children don't know what they're choosing and tune into the tension they feel from the person asking. It helps to not make the conversation heavy or too serious, but to explain it as calmly as possible so the child feels safe in making the choice. Let them know they can change their mind. They can be there for part of the time. They can say goodbye beforehand. There is no right or wrong choice, only what feels right for them. What children actually experience when attending euthanasia Although the decision to physically involve a child in euthanasia or not is heavy, it can, when well guided, contribute to a greater sense of connection and better processing of the loss. I have not yet experienced children having bad experiences after attending a euthanasia in my practice. Often, adults who were there say that it was actually a beautiful and peaceful moment to say goodbye together. The difference between what we fear and what happens What strikes me most is the gap between what parents fear will happen and what actually happens. Parents worry their child will be traumatized. In reality, when children are prepared, supported, and given a choice, they often experience the moment as meaningful. They see that daddy is no longer in pain. They feel included in something important. They have a clear memory instead of a frightening fantasy. And it is always good to remember, should there be bad memories, there are therapies to deal with that, there are no therapies to undo what you have not done. Creating a memory instead of a mystery When children are excluded, they create their own narrative. And that narrative is often filled with more fear, guilt, and confusion than the reality would have been. They imagine the worst. They feel left out. They wonder if they weren't important enough to be there. These are the seeds of complicated grief. The key elements: Preparation, communication, and attunement When it comes to involving children, it's all about careful preparation, honest communication, and especially tuning into what feels right for the child. The parent obviously has the choice. Involving a child also gives the child the feeling that they are an important part of this process. This is not about what we think children should be able to handle. It's about recognizing that children are part of the family system, and significant losses impact that entire system. Excluding them doesn't protect them, it isolates them. What grief teaches us about inclusion In my years of working with bereaved families, I've learned that children who were included in the dying process , in age-appropriate ways, generally have fewer complications in their grief. They have concrete memories. They said their goodbyes. They felt treated as important members of the family. They weren't left alone with their imagination. This doesn't mean every child needs to be in the room at the moment of death. But it does mean they deserve honesty, preparation, choice, and the message that they matter. Need guidance for your specific situation in grief? Every family is unique. Every child is different. What works for one family might not work for another. If you're facing this decision and need support in thinking through what's right for your child and your family, I'm here to help. As a grief therapist specializing in loss, I offer guidance to parents and professionals navigating these incredibly difficult waters. Sometimes you just need someone who understands, who has walked this path with other families, to help you think it through. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to talk about your specific situation. You don't have to figure this out alone. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Leoniek van der Maarel Leoniek van der Maarel, Academie voor Verlies/Grief Training Centre With over 25 years of experience and a deeply personal connection to her work, Leoniek has become one of the leading voices in the field of loss and transition. Her approach is grounded in the understanding that grief does not always begin with death, and healing is never one-size-fits-all. Her career is defined by one central truth, grief is everywhere. In the aftermath of a death, a divorce, a broken family bond, or a lost dream, it weaves itself through human lives in ways both visible and silent. And yet, society still often asks us to "move on" too quickly, or without the right support. Leoniek’s life's work is to change that.

Written by Brenda Green, Wellness Mentor Brenda Green is a Wellness Mentor guiding women toward clarity, confidence, and well-being through intentional self-care. As the founder of Perceptive Healings and host of the Perceptive Healings podcast, she leads online wellness clubs that nurture personal growth and intuitive living, fostering a balanced and impactful life. Most of us live in a world of outward focus and constant input. Notifications arrive faster than thoughts can settle, calendars fill themselves, and screen time is excessive. Somewhere in the middle of all this activity, many people sense a quiet invitation to turn inward, to reconnect with something essential. This subtle turning inward is reshaping how people experience belonging. Increasingly, inner beauty reveals itself through reflection, presence, and shared spaces that allow individuals to arrive without explanation or performance. In reflective communities, belonging feels less like participation and more like recognition. It is a sense of being seen and heard, within a safe space. Inner beauty as an ongoing inner relationship Inner beauty, a personal quality, yet lived experience, suggests it functions more like an ongoing relationship with one's inner life. It shifts as awareness deepens, as priorities change, and as individuals learn to listen to themselves with greater honesty and care. Inner beauty shows up in how a person responds to challenge, how they hold compassion, and how they choose discernment over urgency. It is dynamic and responsive, revealed through attention rather than effort. Over time, it becomes an internal sense of coherence that quietly informs how one moves through the world. "Inner beauty becomes visible when we slow down enough to notice what has been quietly guiding us all along." Inner beauty as a spiritual quality From a spiritual perspective, inner beauty is the felt experience of alignment with one's inner truth. It is sensed rather than seen, often recognized through presence, sincerity, compassion, and quiet clarity. Inner beauty emerges when attention turns inward, and life is met with awareness rather than urgency. Many people feel drawn to nurture inner beauty because it brings a sense of wholeness. When inner beauty is honored, relationships tend to soften, decisions feel steadier, and daily life carries a natural ease. This unfolding does not require striving. It responds to attentive presence and the willingness to listen inward. Why reflection-based communities support inner beauty Reflection-based communities support inner beauty by interrupting habitual patterns of self-reference and external validation. In these spaces, attention is gently redirected from constant assessment and problem-solving toward observation, awareness, and inner coherence. This approach mirrors how intuitive awareness is presented within Perceptive Healings. Rather than directing people toward predetermined insights, reflective communities create conditions where recognition arises organically. Through guided inquiry practices, and shared reflection, individuals begin to notice their own inner signals, preferences, and wisdom. Over time, this strengthens trust in internal guidance. Inner beauty unfolds here as steadiness, discernment, and the ability to meet life with clarity rather than reactivity. What gives this process depth is the feeling of resonance during each gathering. It builds upon lived experience, allowing insight to integrate gradually and authentically. Belonging that honors individual rhythm Belonging within reflection-based communities is shaped by flexibility. Individuals engage when inspired, listen when that feels supportive, and return when timing aligns. This rhythm respects personal boundaries and evolving needs. For many, this creates a sense of ease and trust. Without pressure to perform or contribute in specific ways, people feel free to be present. Inner beauty often manifests here as quiet confidence, self-awareness, and a deeper connection to one's inner life. Reflection and journaling as tools for inner recognition In reflective communities, journaling functions less as a record of thoughts and more as a mirror for awareness. Writing becomes a way to notice what language feels alive, what patterns repeat, and where attention naturally settles. When paired with guided reflection and shared conversation, journaling supports integration. This approach aligns with Perceptive Healings' teaching of intuitive awareness, helping individuals recognize their own inner language rather than adopt someone else's framework. Reflective prompts you may use today: When do I feel most grounded in myself during the day? What situations tend to quiet my internal noise? What kind of reflection leaves me feeling clearer rather than drained? What feels steady or trustworthy inside me right now? What am I beginning to notice about how I make decisions? These questions invite noticing rather than analysis, allowing insight to surface naturally. An invitation to reflect and belong online Let's be honest, most people aren't looking for another obligation, another platform to manage, or another space that requires constant engagement. What many are seeking instead is a place to pause, reflect, and reconnect without pressure or explanation. The Perceptive Healings Circle of Friends is an online community offering from Perceptive Healings. It is designed as a steady, low-demand space for reflection, intuitive insight, and meaningful connection. The Circle meets online six times each year, offering guided practices, thoughtful conversation, and space to listen. You have the opportunity and flexibility to attend live calls fully present on screen or quietly tuning in with a cup of tea nearby. Each year begins with a free January online gathering, open to anyone who would like to experience the community's rhythm firsthand. From there, individuals may join the Circle at any time during the year by enrolling here. Membership is offered through a one-time $35 investment, providing access to six online gatherings annually, recordings, journaling prompts, and guided practices. Many participants appreciate that the Circle fits into real life, it does not demand constant attention, yet it remains available when reflection feels most needed. In a world skilled at pulling attention outward, the Circle offers something quietly sustaining, a place to return inward, in good company, at your own pace. Follow me on Instagram , or visit my LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Brenda Green Brenda Green, Wellness Mentor Brenda Green is a Wellness Mentor dedicated to guiding women toward clarity, confidence, and well-being through intentional self-care and holistic habits. As the founder of Perceptive Healings, she creates supportive communities where women uplift and inspire one another in their journey of self-discovery. Through her online wellness clubs, she empowers women to embrace their intuitive, spiritual, and empathic gifts, cultivating their highest potential to positively impact their lives, communities, and the world around them.

Written by Gemma Gains, Director Gemma Gains is a Space Holder and Facilitator in the world of healing and transformation. She specializes in the subtleties of reading and harnessing energy. What if the key to transformative change lies not in enduring hardship, but in measuring its impact and addressing its root causes? This article explores the shift from tolerance as mere survival to innovation born of care, highlighting the power of self-respect and honesty in reshaping both personal and societal systems. By becoming the engineers of our own lives, we can move beyond mere endurance and create lasting change for a healthier, more connected world. Make measuring impact, rather than enduring harm, child’s play I was woken at 4 a.m. with the design for this article fully formed, clear, crisp, and complete. I didn’t even need to get out of bed to write it. But on my way to make a cup of tea, because before there is life, there is tea, at least in my reality, I noticed my son’s Christmas and birthday presents sitting on the floor, unopened. And the article wrote itself. Challenge accepted Tolerance has been a defining theme in my life. Growing up in a chaotic environment, tolerance wasn’t a virtue, it was a necessity. I learned early how to endure, how to read the room, how to accommodate instability in order to stay safe. I used to ask myself, "Why does no one help? Why does no one do anything?" Tolerance is not peace Powerless in the face of my caregivers’ behavior and decisions, unable to save myself, I looked outside my family dynamic to find the control I longed for. My mother was the most empathic, kind-hearted, loyal woman you could ever meet. Her agreeable nature and fear of conflict, however, kept both herself and her children in chaos. Observing patterns When you grow up inside this kind of dynamic, you begin to recognize it everywhere. People enter systems like healthcare, education, and social services because they want to help, to make a difference in their communities. Over time, many become disillusioned and lose momentum. They care deeply. Yet most are fearful of what true change demands, shaped by their own histories of what happens when you challenge authority. I see my mother’s love and good intentions reflected in so many of our social services. I also see my own childhood powerlessness. Over the years, I have worked alongside extraordinary people in these systems, humans working themselves to exhaustion trying to facilitate change. And still, the question returns, "Why does no one help?" When I became a single parent, my son was still a baby. Two friends, Alex and Michelle, quietly carried me through those early years. They cooked for me, welcomed me into their families, shared baby items, and offered support without spectacle. They were heaven-sent. What I’ve come to understand is this. Tolerance is an incredible survival skill, but a poor engine for transformation. It teaches us how to cope, not how to intervene. It keeps systems intact, even when those systems are harmful. The women around me all knew tolerance. They tolerated parenting alone, navigating hardship without systemic support, and they supported me in the same quiet, effective way. Tolerance is a social lubricant Innovation, however, is rarely born from tolerance. It emerges from people who care too much to accept what isn’t working. When the body says no Humans are not machines. We have limits, and I reached mine. I had not slept properly for months. I began collapsing from exhaustion and stress. People agreed with me. They empathized. They said they understood. And then they said, “We can’t do anything about that.” Tolerance is not enduring discomfort. It is having the courage to stay human with one another. Society fears conflict more than it fears dishonesty This article is not about being kind, it is about being honest, without cruelty. We have become adept at hiding emotional immaturity behind policies and procedures, using stories to avoid presence. We minimize, demoralize, and turn away when things become uncomfortable. Unsure of what to say, we say nothing. Afraid of making mistakes, we do nothing. Honesty with ourselves can be brutal. When we truly acknowledge the uncertainty and stress we carry daily, we realize we were never taught how to sit in discomfort, how to voice our needs, or how to ask for support without shame. The engineer begins work When I became a parent, listening deeply to my son’s needs, I realized something profound. I was no longer powerless over my reality. I was the engineer of it. Instead of tolerating my existence, I redesigned it. I began measuring rather than enduring waste, risk, inefficiency, and harm. My body became the gauge. It could not lie. It did not care about expectations or appearances. If it didn’t feel safe, it told me. If it felt calm and alive, it told me that too. I engineered a new way of living based on bodily truth, how I lived, what I ate, how I raised my son, and how I structured my days. That truth transformed me. It allowed me to become a healer, first for myself, then for my community. I found a level of self-confidence and abundance that many only dream of. Caring about outcomes, not appearances An engineer does not tolerate a bridge that “mostly works.” Self-respect is where tolerance ends, and care begins. When my son was very young, I taught him this. I taught him to say no, to walk away when something didn’t feel right, and to refuse physical contact if he didn’t want it. I encouraged him to communicate his needs and to challenge me when he disagreed. His autonomy was central to our relationship. I wasn’t raising a compliant child, I was raising a man. My intention was for the bridge to last forever. From the outside, this challenged the system’s narrative. True interdependence, repair after conflict, changed behavior as apology, the capacity to hold different perspectives while remaining connected, these are the tolerances we actually need within our systems. Beyond the individual My story is a microorganism within society. Change threatens systems because it replaces control with accountability. In engineering, tolerance is an expression of care. In society, it has become a substitute for it. Whether in families or institutions, interdependence and sustainability must be the intention. Innovation born from self-respect reveals the gifts a system was always capable of holding. The truth of our bodies must be placed front and center, a compass through the quagmire of societal norms and martyrdom. When individuals are encouraged to become engineers of their own lives, equipped with discernment rather than endurance, care rather than compliance, and engagement rather than acceptance, systems begin to shift. We must build systems in symbiosis, systems that measure connection and health, where success is defined by social well-being rather than endless growth. Only then do we stop leaving our collective gifts unopened . Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Gemma Gains Gemma Gains, Director Gemma is a space holder, guiding you as a compassionate, protective, and dedicated shepherd through the subtle energies of your field. With patience and wisdom, Gemma uses her intuitive card readings, deep conversation, and body work to help release blockages and heal generational traumas, realigning your energetic flow. Drawing on principles of quantum physics, Gemma can help you understand how your inner world reflects your relationships with yourself, others, and the Earth. As your unwavering guide, Gemma is dedicated to supporting you in returning to a "right" relationship with yourself, while leaving you with full autonomy over your healing journey. Her intention is to empower you to reconnect with your true self and cultivate harmony within your body, energy, and the world around you.

Written by Rashmi Gajree, Registered Nutritionist Rashmi Gajree is a Registered Nutritionist helping women in midlife reclaim their energy, regulate blood sugar, and feel sexy, confident, and in control of their bodies again, without dieting or deprivation. If you’ve ever told yourself, “I just need to be more disciplined.” “I know what to do, I just don’t stick to it.” “Something must be wrong with me.” I want to be very clear, as a registered nutritionist. This is not a willpower problem. It is a biology problem. And until the biology is addressed, no amount of motivation, meal plans, or “starting Monday again” will ever stick. The quiet pattern I see again and again The women who come to me are not lazy or lacking knowledge. They are capable, intelligent, high-functioning, and deeply tired. They often describe: Waking up already exhausted Relying on coffee or sugar to get through the day Gaining weight despite eating less Clothes that no longer feel like them A fading sense of confidence, desire, and presence Most have tried: Cutting carbs Skipping meals “Being good” all week Exercising harder Starting over repeatedly And when it doesn’t work, they internalize the failure. But here’s the truth, your body is not broken. It is responding to stress. What looks like “lack of discipline” is often survival biology From a nutritional therapy perspective, what people label as “poor willpower” is usually the result of chronic physiological stress. That stress commonly comes from: Blood sugar instability Undereating, especially protein Long-term dieting Poor sleep Perimenopausal hormone shifts Years of mental and emotional load When the nervous system is under pressure, the body prioritizes safety, not fat loss or libido. Cravings increase. Energy drops. Motivation disappears. This is not failure. It is adaptive biology doing its job. Why diets stop working after 40 In your 40s and 50s, your body becomes far less tolerant of: Skipped meals High-sugar breakfasts Excess caffeine Ultra-low calorie intake Constant restriction followed by “reset” attempts Instead of weight loss, the body responds with: Cortisol spikes Blood sugar crashes Increased fat storage (often around the middle) Brain fog, irritability, and low mood This is why eating less often results in less energy and more frustration. The missing step most people skip Before weight loss, confidence, or feeling attractive again can happen, the body needs to feel regulated and fueled. In real life, this means: Stabilizing blood sugar Eating enough protein early in the day Supporting the nervous system Reducing internal stress signals Working with hormonal changes, not fighting them When this foundation is in place, clients often say, “I didn’t realize how much I was running on empty.” One recent client came to me convinced her issue was willpower. Once we corrected her intake and daily rhythms, her energy stabilized, and the weight followed without restriction. Nothing extreme. Nothing punishing. Just the body is finally being supported properly. This is where sustainable change actually starts Lasting change does not come from more rules. It comes from understanding your body and responding to it intelligently. That is exactly what I do inside my signature program, Sexy Switch 8. This is for women who want to: Lose weight without obsession Restore energy without stimulants Stop fighting their body Feel confident, attractive, and at home in themselves again Break the cycle permanently No extremes. No shame. No guessing. If you’re still reading, this is your moment If this article resonated, it’s because you recognize yourself in it. At this stage, the only thing that keeps people stuck is waiting: Waiting for more motivation Waiting for life to calm down Waiting to “try again” later But your body doesn’t need more time. It needs the right inputs. Your next step (clear and simple) I work with a limited number of women at a time inside Sexy Switch 8. This is not information. It is not a challenge. It is a guided, evidence-based process. Go to my website . You do not need to be perfect. You do not need to “feel ready.” You only need to decide that continuing like this is no longer the plan. That decision is the real switch. Book your free call here . Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Rashmi Gajree Rashmi Gajree, Registered Nutritionist Rashmi Gajree is a Registered Nutritionist who helps women in midlife reclaim their energy, mood, and confidence through blood-sugar-balanced nutrition. Her signature Sexy Switch method blends evidence-based guidance with realistic lifestyle support to create lasting weight loss without deprivation. Rashmi’s work centres on helping women feel sexy, powerful, and fully themselves again. She is deeply passionate about showing women that small changes can spark big transformations.

Written by Lynda Sunshine West, Book Publisher She ran away at 5 years old and was gone for an entire week. She came home riddled with fears and, in turn, became a people-pleaser. At age 51, she decided to face one fear every day for an entire year. You’ve built a business. You’re making six figures, or more. You’ve overcome hurdles, learned life-changing lessons, and have a message that could change lives. And yet, that book idea still sits quietly on the shelf of your mind, collecting dust next to all the “maybe laters” and “somedays.” You’re not alone. I work with powerhouse entrepreneurs every day. Many of these thought leaders, coaches, and visionaries delayed writing their book because of one or more of these five reasons. If that’s you, this article is positioned to help you reclaim your voice, your legacy, and your freedom from the fears that keep smart people like you stuck. What keeps entrepreneurs from writing their book? Honestly, it’s rarely a lack of ideas or success that stops entrepreneurs from writing a book. More often, it’s emotional resistance masked as logistical excuses. “I don’t have time.” “I’m not a writer.” “What if no one reads it?” Behind these phrases are deeper fears of being seen, of not doing it “right,” and of putting something into the world that feels so personal and permanent. And because entrepreneurs are typically high achievers, they don’t want to do something unless they can do it at a high level. That perfectionism can become paralyzing. Why writing a book is worth it, even if you’re not ready The truth is, writing a book is about far more than just getting published. It’s about becoming crystal clear on what you believe, who you serve, and why your voice matters. Your book becomes a magnet for the opportunities you’ve been chasing, from speaking gigs to media features to high-ticket clients who read your book and say, “You’re the one I’ve been looking for.” When done with intention, your book becomes your best marketing asset. As corny as it sounds, your book speaks for you when you’re not in the room. 5 reasons entrepreneurs delay writing their book, and how to overcome them 1. “I don’t know where to start” You’re not alone. This is the most common roadblock I hear, and this was me when I started writing my first book, The Year of Fears . Most entrepreneurs have too many stories and ideas. They think they need to write their entire life story or teach their whole business model, when in fact, your book just needs to communicate one transformation, the journey your ideal client takes, and how you can guide them through it. Overcome it: Start with one question, "What do I want my reader to believe, feel, or do by the end of this book?" When you know that, the rest becomes much clearer. 2. “I don’t have time” You’re running a business, maybe a family too. The thought of sitting down to write a whole book feels laughable. But here’s the thing. Your book doesn’t need to be written in long, uninterrupted blocks of time. You can time hack the process. Record voice notes while walking. Turn client stories into case studies. Delegate the outline. Work with a ghostwriter. Action Takers Publishing has plenty of ghostwriters who can help you write your book. Batch your thinking. Overcome it: Treat your book like any other project, with structure, milestones, and support. You’ll be able to start, finish, and publish your book. It’s not about writing faster. It’s about writing smarter. 3. “What if no one reads it?” This fear is deeper than it seems. It’s the fear of being invisible, irrelevant, or even worse, judged. And I get it. Publishing a book is an act of visibility and vulnerability. People will see you, and they will judge you. It’s human nature. But what if their judgment is a positive judgment? Yep, that’s a thing. Here’s the truth. Your book isn’t for everyone. It’s for the right people. And if your book helps one person shift their mindset, say yes to themselves, or hire you, it’s already done its job. Overcome it: Don’t write for everyone. Write for someone specific. Write for your ideal client who needs you now. 4. “I’m not a writer” Good. Because books that transform people aren’t always written by perfect writers. They’re written by real humans who have lived through something, figured something out, and want to help others shortcut the struggle. You don’t need to be an expert in sentence structure. You need to be an expert in your message. The right team can help shape your words into something professional and powerful without losing your voice. As Zig Ziglar once said, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” Overcome it: Start talking instead of writing. Record your thoughts like you’re having a conversation with someone who needs your help. That’s where the magic is. 5. “What if people judge me?” Here’s the truth. They might. But they’ll judge you whether you write a book or not. The fear of being seen, misunderstood, or not “enough” stops more would-be authors than almost anything else. It’s not really about the book. It’s about visibility, vulnerability, and exposure. I used to live in that fear. In fact, at age 51, I committed to breaking through one fear a day for an entire year. Why does someone do something as drastic as that? Because the fear of judgment was debilitating. I realized I was allowing invisible critics to run my life, and it was costing me the impact I was meant to have. Writing your book doesn’t just amplify your message. It helps liberate you from the prison of other people’s opinions. Overcome it: Write for the one person who needs your story, not the ones who might roll their eyes. If your book helps even one person change their life, wasn’t it worth it? Your book is your legacy Every day you wait to write your book, someone out there continues to struggle with the very problem you’ve already solved and can help them solve. Your story, your lessons, and your truth matter. Not someday. Not “once you’re more ready.” Because, frankly, you’ll never be ready. Your time is now. Writing a book is an act of courage. It’s also one of the smartest business decisions you’ll ever make. Ready to start? If you’ve got the desire but don’t know where to begin, I’ve got you. I created the Story Sculptor GPT , an AI tool that helps you outline and write your book quickly. Or, if you’re the kind of person who wants a guide, not a gadget, book a free Fear Busting Book Clarity Call with me, and let’s figure it out together. Visit here and let’s turn your “someday” into “today.” Remember, nothing happens without action. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and YouTube for more info! Read more from Lynda Sunshine West Lynda Sunshine West, Founder & CEO of Action Takers Publishing She ran away at five years old and was gone an entire week, came home riddled with fears and, in turn, became a people-pleaser. Lynda Sunshine West is the Founder & CEO of Action Takers Publishing, a women-owned book publishing company that is dedicated to empowering 5 million women and men to share their stories with the world to make a greater impact on the planet. Specializing in collaborative book projects, Lynda Sunshine’s journey from fear to fearless living inspired her mantra, "Do It Because You're Scared." At 51, she embarked on a transformative journey, breaking through one fear every day for an entire year. A rock band bassist and passionate speaker, Lynda Sunshine helps others turn their dreams into reality and their stories into lasting legacies.