In oil and gas, big ideas often sound bold at first. Few survive contact with the ground. G2 Petroleum Texas is one of the rare stories where ideas were tested slowly, adjusted often, and built into something lasting. Founded in 2008 in the McKinney area of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, G2 Petroleum Texas did not arrive with grand claims. It arrived with questions. How does geology really behave? Why do some wells last while others fade fast? And what happens when patience becomes a strategy instead of a weakness? This spotlight traces how those questions shaped a career, a business, and a way of working that values long-term thinking over short-term noise. Early years of G2 Petroleum Texas : Learning what the ground allows G2 Petroleum Texas began during a period of change in the energy industry. Prices moved fast. Technology promised clarity. Many believed better tools would remove uncertainty. Early work focused on three deep Hackberry wells along the Gulf Coast. At more than 13,000 feet, progress was slow and expensive. The data did not always match expectations. “We thought preparation would remove surprises,” the team recalls. “Instead, it taught us how many surprises still exist.” Those wells delivered an early lesson. Effort does not guarantee outcome. Geology always has the final word. That insight would quietly guide every decision that followed. Wichita Falls: Fixing what others overlooked The next chapter unfolded in Wichita Falls, Texas. G2 Petroleum acquired interest in a group of shallow 2,000-foot oil wells. They were not exciting on paper. Some saw them as past their prime. Working closely with the operator, the team focused on treatments and reworks. Small changes. Careful timing. Close attention to production behaviour. “Those wells reminded us that age doesn’t equal exhaustion,” they say. “Sometimes things just need proper care.” Production stabilised. The work paid off. In 2013, G2 Petroleum sold its interest in the property to a publicly traded oil company. It marked a turning point. Not because of scale, but because it confirmed that steady thinking could unlock value others missed. The Appalachian Lesson: When tools fall short Growth led the company into the Appalachian Basin. Alongside industry and private partners, G2 Petroleum drilled and completed 20 wells. On paper, the project looked solid. Advanced tools were used. Geological models were detailed. Expectations were measured. The results were still disappointing. “It was one of the hardest chapters,” the team admits. “The tools looked right. The rock disagreed.” The experience reshaped their approach to risk. Technology became a guide, not a promise. Diversification stopped being optional. This period did not deliver strong production. It delivered clarity. And clarity proved more valuable over time. Shifting focus: Royalties, minerals, and time By 2011, G2 Petroleum had begun building a broader portfolio through royalty and mineral acquisitions. The focus moved toward long-term reserves instead of constant drilling. Positions were secured across more than 60,000 acres in the Bakken, Eagle Ford, and Barnett Shale. “Royalties changed how we planned,” they explain. “They let us think in decades instead of quarters.” This shift reflected a bigger idea brought to life: stability comes from structure, not speed. Royalties offered exposure to production without operational pressure. Minerals preserved optionality as basins evolved. It was not about avoiding risk. It was about choosing the right kind of risk. The DJ Basin: Where strategy took shape Today, G2 Petroleum’s largest footprint is in Colorado’s DJ Basin, within the Wattenberg Field. The company holds royalty interests tied to more than 1,000 wells, with the potential for thousands more in the coming years. The basin aligns several things the team values. Consistent geology. Strong operators. A long development runway. “The DJ Basin rewards patience,” they say. “It’s not loud, but it’s steady.” Alongside royalties, G2 Petroleum maintains non-operated working interest positions. This balance provides insight into drilling without the burden of daily operations. They describe it as a hedge built on experience rather than forecasts. Big ideas, quietly executed The ideas behind G2 Petroleum Texas are not flashy. They are practical. Respect geology. Expect decline curves. Spread exposure. Learn from failure. Write things down. Compare nearby wells. Slow down when things feel rushed. One habit stands out. “We always go back to local data,” they note. “Big trends matter, but nearby wells tell the real story.” Over time, these ideas shaped a business that values clarity over prediction. A career built by watching patterns instead of chasing noise. A career built to last G2 Petroleum Texas did not grow by trying to be everywhere. It grew by paying attention. Each basin added a lesson. Each setback refined the approach. “We didn’t set out to prove anything,” the team reflects. “We just kept asking better questions.” That mindset continues to guide the work today. The focus remains on long-term reserves, disciplined participation, and understanding what the ground is willing to give. In an industry known for extremes, G2 Petroleum Texas stands out for its calm. Not because the work is easy. But because experience has taught them where real value comes from. And it usually arrives slowly.

When most people think about real estate investing, they think slow gains, complicated processes, and years of trial and error. Jonathan Cronin and Larry Kite thought differently. In 2022, from a small base in Columbus, Georgia, they launched REI Accelerator , an online business aimed at helping other investors scale quickly, especially through multifamily and apartment deals. Their model wasn’t built around slow learning. It was built for momentum. “We didn’t just want to build our own portfolio,” says Jonathan. “We wanted to help 10,000 others build theirs, too. That’s the mission. That’s the movement.” What is REI Accelerator? REI Accelerator is part coaching, part training, and part execution machine. It combines 1-on-1 real estate coaching with high-level services that help clients take action quickly. That includes done-for-you sourcing of off-market apartments, VA recruitment and management, and capital raising systems that bring in consistent leads. They focus on helping investors avoid the most common trap, doing everything alone. “You can read books and watch videos,” says Larry. “But until you have a system and someone holding you accountable, it’s just knowledge. We’re here to make sure you act.” Early days: A fast start from ads to action REI Accelerator started running online ads at the end of 2022. Interest took off by early 2023. Jonathan and Larry were flooded with inquiries from new and experienced investors looking for a faster path to scale. What set REI Accelerator apart was how personal it felt. Despite being online, the company built its name on availability, direct coaching, and closed deals, not just theory. “People told us, ‘You’re the first program that actually answered when I needed help,’” Jonathan recalls. “That’s not a feature. That’s the standard.” Built on execution, not just education The program isn’t just a course or a mastermind, though it’s often called one. It’s more like a launchpad. They provide what most coaches don’t: Lead sourcing through trained virtual assistants Capital raising support Off-market apartment opportunities 1-on-1 coaching Accountability systems that keep deals moving And it works. Clients report getting into deals faster than expected, often in markets they never thought they’d break into. “The biggest shift for me was believing I didn’t have to wait 10 years to own multifamily,” said one client in a testimonial. “These guys made it real, and fast.” Why faith is core to the company REI Accelerator isn’t just about building portfolios. It’s about building legacy, both financial and spiritual. Jonathan and Larry are open about running a faith-based company, which gives the business a deeper sense of purpose. They talk about impact just as much as income. “For us, it’s not just about cash flow,” says Larry. “It’s about generational impact. We want to help families shift the direction of their future, in wealth, mindset, and faith.” That mission shows up in how they talk to clients, how they coach, and the standards they hold. They aren’t just building investors. They’re building leaders. The vision: A $100M mission built on service From the start, REI Accelerator was never meant to be small. Jonathan is upfront about that. “We’re aiming for $100 million in revenue,” he says. “But only if that means 10,000 people also built something they can pass down.” That’s why they’ve focused on scaling without losing personal connection. They’ve kept the coaching personal, the services done-for-you, and the systems repeatable. The company wants to be known as the most effective mastermind in real estate investing, not the biggest, not the flashiest, but the one that helps people get deals done. What makes REI Accelerator different? 1-on-1 coaching: Not group-only. Every investor gets real guidance. Done-for-you services: From lead sourcing to capital, the team helps with execution. Faith-based impact: Profit matters, but legacy matters more. Real deal support: Clients report getting into deals faster and with more confidence. Focused on scale: Everything is built to help clients go from one property to many. What’s next? The company continues to grow, attracting serious investors who are ready to take action, not just absorb information. They’re also expanding their VA services, adding more options for lead generation, and refining their capital raising tools to help clients attract investors without wasting time on cold outreach. But even as it grows, REI Accelerator keeps the same core focus, “Help one investor get one deal. Then help them scale from there. That’s it,” Jonathan says. “Everything else builds off that one win.” Want to learn more? Check out   REI Accelerator  to explore how they help real estate investors scale faster, create long-term equity, and build generational impact.

Leadership development is often framed as a ladder tied to titles, bigger teams, and sharper badges. However, experienced leaders know that growth rarely follows this linear path. Leadership shows up in the moments of pause before difficult conversations, decisions made without applause, and times when certainty feels thin. Heading into 2026, organizations are questioning what leadership development should truly achieve. One of the common challenges in leadership development is that training programs often lose impact once the immediate benefits fade. While a keynote speech may energize an audience, it rarely leads to long-term change without practical, actionable insights. Research, such as Gallup's 2025 State of the Global Workplace report, reflects that global employee engagement and manager engagement have been declining. This trend points directly to the quality of leadership within organizations. A key shift in leadership development is the move toward continuous learning and integration of leadership practices into everyday work. Harvard Business Review research shows that leadership programs lose their effectiveness when learning is disconnected from daily tasks and when leaders aren’t given time to practice new behaviors. This suggests that the future of leadership training needs to connect learning to real-world situations, allowing leaders to continuously practice, reflect, and adapt. Key takeaways Leadership development must evolve beyond motivational speeches and one-time workshops. Continuous learning through real-world scenarios is essential for lasting change. Leaders need ongoing opportunities to reflect on their practices and adapt in real-time. Leadership success in 2026 will increasingly be judged by behavior and application, not just attendance at training sessions. The shift toward practical leadership development To create lasting leadership change, development programs must go beyond theory and focus on practical application. Rather than separating leadership learning from everyday work, organizations should ensure that leaders are given the chance to apply new skills in the real world. Reflection, shared language, and the ability to address difficult patterns in leadership are essential for meaningful change. Leadership programs need to emphasize these aspects to foster long-term growth. When training is directly tied to daily challenges, leaders are more likely to adopt new behaviors and sustain them. Public speaking resources  are a key element in this process. They provide opportunities for leaders to engage in conversations that reflect the real challenges they face. These resources facilitate workshops, panels, and smaller group sessions, helping leaders test ideas and connect lessons to the work already waiting on their desks. Where leadership learning happens The most impactful leadership learning often occurs through storytelling and real-world examples. When leaders share their struggles and mistakes, leadership becomes less about performance and more about authentic growth. This open exchange allows leaders to connect and learn in a way that feels practical and grounded, rather than theoretical. Leadership development also benefits from the perspective of external speakers who bring new insights and questions to the table. Outside voices can challenge internal norms and spark critical conversations, such as questioning why meetings feel ineffective or how accountability can break down over time. By addressing these questions head-on, organizations can create meaningful change where once there was stagnation. Conclusion: A new era for leadership in 2026 Leadership development in 2026 will require a shift from traditional models of one-time training to ongoing, integrated learning. The most effective leadership programs will focus on practical application, continuous learning, and fostering behaviors that are reflective of the challenges leaders face every day. By focusing on real work, continuous reflection, and authentic storytelling, organizations can create leaders who are not only skilled but resilient and adaptable in the face of real challenges.

Written by Aang Lakey, Life Coach, Consultant & Speaker Aang Lakey is the founder and CEO of Increasing Consciousness, a company dedicated to facilitating global equity through leadership coaching and education. Aang is well known for connecting key research areas in the self-development, human intelligence, DEI, and violence prevention realms to empower leaders to facilitate systemic change. How is your New Year’s resolution holding up? Every January, we set goals to change, fix, or accomplish something new. Yet by February, most resolutions fade… Not because we lack motivation, but because they’re often disconnected from our values and our actual capacity.  If you’ve noticed that your resolutions rarely last, you’re not alone. What most of us call a “failure of discipline” is really a lack of intentional alignment. This year, instead of more resolutions, try something deeper, leading with intention. Let go of resolutions and choose intention instead Resolutions focus on outcomes. Intention focuses on alignment. Traditional resolutions tell us what to achieve, but intentionality asks us why it matters and who we are becoming in the process. When we start from presence instead of pressure, our goals evolve from an external performance to an internal congruence that supports all that we are and wish to be. Leading with intention invites us to let go of urgency and perfection, and to slow down long enough to make conscious choices that actually reflect our values, capacity, and lived wisdom. Sustainable change doesn’t come from willpower, rather it comes from integrity and alignment with our deepest beliefs and values. From awareness to intentionality If you’ve read my work on Leadership Reflexivity , you’ve likely already developed a rhythm of awareness, evaluation, and adjustment to support you in turning your insight into conscious intentions for the new year.  This cycle helps us to notice what’s happening within and around us, make meaning of our reactions, and realign our behavior with our values and capacity. But after engaging in our reflective process comes a key question, what do we do with what we’ve learned? That’s where intentionality begins. Introducing conscious intentionality Conscious Intentionality recognizes that intention doesn’t live in a single decision, but that it’s woven into the daily patterns we repeat. Bringing Conscious Intention to your desires is a values-driven approach that helps leaders translate their reflective insights into aligned direction. It focuses on six interconnected dimensions that influence how we think, feel, and act: Thoughts: What internal narratives or beliefs shape my self-perception and mood? Emotions: Which emotions guide or distort my decisions to take action? Behaviors: What habits reinforce (or disrupt) my alignment? Actions: Where can I act more consciously and courageously to live in alignment? Processes: Which systems or routines no longer reflect who I am or desire to be? Community: Who keeps me accountable to growth and integrity? These six dimensions act as both a mirror and a lever to reveal where we’re out of alignment and offer direction for our conscious change. If we truly want to meet a goal or specified resolution, we must understand each of these dimensions and how they impact our intentions to meet those goals.  The power of intention: An example in practice Imagine you begin the year with a resolution to “be more productive.” By mid-February, your calendar is full, your energy is low, and guilt creeps in. Now, let’s look at your resolutions through the lens of intentionality: Intentional thought: What story do I want to stop believing this year? Intentional emotion: What emotion do I need to honor (or release) in order to live more authentically? Intentional behavior: What daily habit would help me embody my values more consistently? Intentional action: What is one meaningful action or decision I want to make from alignment this year? Intentional process: What system or routine no longer reflects who I am or how I want to live? Intentional community: Who do I need to stay connected to in order to remain accountable to my growth? Through awareness and alignment, our productivity can transform from performance into presence. This is how consciousness supports your desired intentions and facilitates the outcomes you desire for the new year.  Why this matters right now The new year often triggers urgency or a push to plan, produce, and prove. But conscious leadership asks for a sustainable presence that endures the test of time. As you practice intentional awareness and alignment this year, you’ll notice: You’re more attuned to your actual needs and how things support your growth. You’re more aware of your limits and boundaries that support your intentions. You’re more clear about what no longer aligns, releasing and making time for what does. Intentionality honors your internal wisdom and replaces the illusion of “new year, new you” with the truth that transformation begins by living your values, not escaping yourself. A conscious practice to begin the year Before setting another goal, try this reflective pause: Find 15 minutes of quiet. Ask yourself: What values feel most alive in me right now? What kind of leader, partner, or human do I want to be this year? What small but meaningful shifts am I ready to make in how I think, decide, or act? Breathe deeply. Don’t rush the answers. Remember that intention requires presence, so tap into your inner essence and hold onto your deepest desires and why you desire those outcomes, so you can bring it into your daily life as you navigate the outcomes you seek. Lead the year with conscious intention You don’t need to reinvent yourself this year, you only need to stay aligned with what matters. Every thought, emotion, and action can either reinforce old conditioning or cultivate conscious leadership. The choice is yours, one intentional pause at a time. Instead of starting this year with a resolution, bring intentionality and aligned rhythm. Let consciousness guide your intentions, and let those intentions shape the way you lead, live, and love. Explore more on intentional leadership in my book Conscious Intentionality , part of the Leadership Consciousness Essentials series . Subscribe to “The Conscious Leader” Newsletter. Follow Aang  on LinkedIn  or Instagram . Read more from Aang Lakey Aang Lakey, Life Coach, Consultant & Speaker Aang Lakey is a leader in ushering in a new wave of global consciousness. Their work facilitates global equity by educating and coaching leadership teams to integrate reflexivity, intentionality, and anti-oppressive practices into their daily lives and leadership styles. Through the principle of refraction, Aang encourages leaders to touch as many people as possible by living with integrity and emanating congruence in their leadership. Their approach is simple: elevate your own consciousness and watch the ripple effect that has on every aspect of your life and with every person you interact with.

Written by Andrea Douala, Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach Andrea Douala is the founder of MissDoualaFitness, a bilingual fitness and wellness brand. Her approach emphasizes nurturing every dimension of health, mind, body, and soul to help you become the best version of yourself. If obesity were only about willpower and food choices, we would have solved it a long time ago. Yet, the narrative that obesity is all about “eating too much and not moving enough” still dominates public debate. While diet and physical activity matter, they only represent one piece of a much bigger and complex puzzle.  Biology says something different. Obesity is now recognized as a chronic medical condition, not a lack of self-control or a personal failure. It is influenced by a combination of multiple factors such as metabolism, genetics, environment, hormones, psychology, and even past weight-loss attempts. These mechanisms can actively work against the body’s ability to lose or maintain weight.  Because of its complexity, obesity oftentimes requires more than just lifestyle tips. In many cases, a medical approach combined with sustainable and personalized lifestyle strategies, is necessary to support long-term health.  To move away from blame and get a better understanding of obesity, we need to look beyond calories and diet, and explore the hidden lifestyle and biological factors that shape how the body regulates weight.  The body & stress Regardless of our weight or lifestyle, we all experience stress. It’s part of being human and, to some extent, it’s unavoidable. But what exactly is stress? Stress is the body’s natural response to change or challenge. Not all stress is harmful. Some forms of stress are positive, the kind that makes you feel motivated, energized, or excited. Think about starting a new job, going on a first date, or learning a new skill. This type of stress is usually short-lived and can even be beneficial. The problem arises when stress becomes constant. Chronic stress, such as ongoing financial pressure, job insecurity, or relationship difficulties, keeps the body in a prolonged state of alert. Over time, this persistent stress leads to elevated levels of cortisol, often referred to as the body’s main stress hormone. High cortisol levels don’t just affect how we feel emotionally, they directly impact our physiology. Cortisol influences appetite, energy levels, mood, sleep, and how the body stores fat. When cortisol remains elevated for long periods, it can increase hunger, promote cravings for unhealthy and convenient foods, and disrupt normal eating patterns. Even more importantly, chronic stress affects where fat is stored in the body. Elevated cortisol is strongly associated with increased fat accumulation in the abdominal area, a region that is particularly linked to metabolic complications. This type of fat distribution is associated with a higher risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In other words, obesity is not only about how much fat the body carries, but also where it stores it, and stress plays a major role in that process. Sleep: The silent regulator Sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice when life gets busy, yet it is one of the most powerful regulators of body weight and metabolic health. Just like stress, poor sleep doesn’t affect only how tired you feel the next day, it affects how your body functions at a hormonal and physiological level. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body enters a state of imbalance. Two key hormones that regulate appetite are directly affected, ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates hunger, increases, while leptin, the hormone that signals fullness, decreases. In simple terms, lack of sleep makes you hungrier and less satisfied after eating. This explains why short nights are often followed by stronger cravings, larger portions, and a tendency to snack more, especially on high-calorie, sugary or salty foods. Poor sleep also worsens insulin sensitivity, meaning your body has a harder time managing blood sugar levels. Over time, this can promote fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area, and increase the risk of metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Combined with elevated cortisol levels from chronic stress, sleep deprivation creates a hormonal environment that actively works against weight regulation. Beyond hormones, fatigue affects behavior. When you are exhausted, decision-making becomes harder. You are less likely to cook balanced meals, more likely to rely on convenience foods, and less inclined to move your body. Physical activity feels more demanding, recovery is slower, and motivation drops. This creates a cycle where poor sleep leads to behaviors that further impair sleep quality and metabolic health. So sleep is a biological necessity. Improving sleep duration and quality doesn’t just support weight management, it supports hormonal balance, energy levels, mental health, and overall well-being. Movement is not a punishment Movement is often reduced to one thing, burning calories. But this limited view misses its real power. Movement is not a punishment for what you ate. It is a cycle breaker. Regular movement, whether it’s walking, mobility work, or resistance training, plays a central role in regulating your metabolism. It helps your body use energy more efficiently, improves insulin sensitivity, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and supports fat metabolism. In other words, movement helps your body work with you, not against you. But the benefits go far beyond physiology. Movement is one of the most effective tools we have to manage stress. It lowers cortisol levels, improves mood, and supports better sleep. Even low-intensity movement like walking can significantly reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Another key benefit of movement is its impact on body composition. Rather than focusing only on the number on the scale, movement helps increase muscle mass, preserve lean tissue, and reduce fat mass over time. This shift improves metabolic health, strength, and resilience, regardless of weight loss. What matters most is consistency, not intensity. You don’t need extreme workouts to see results. Sustainable, enjoyable movement practiced regularly is far more effective than short bursts of high-intensity effort followed by long periods of inactivity. Beyond the physical, movement reconnects you to yourself. It builds confidence, restores trust in your body, and allows you to rediscover what your body is capable of. For many people, it becomes a gateway to improved mental well-being, self-awareness, and even a renewed sense of identity. Environment & lifestyle Finally, we need to talk about environment and lifestyle, not as excuses, but as real and powerful influences on our health. Most people don’t live in a vacuum where they can perfectly plan meals, train daily, sleep eight hours, and manage stress effortlessly. Real life looks like busy schedules, long workdays, commuting, academic pressure, financial stress, family responsibilities, and emotional load. When your days are packed, and your energy is constantly drained, healthy choices become harder, not because you don’t care, but because you’re exhausted. A lack of structure often leads to irregular meals, skipped meals, followed by overeating, reliance on convenience foods, and eating driven by emotions rather than hunger. Emotional eating, in particular, is not a lack of discipline, it’s a coping mechanism. Food can become a source of comfort, relief, or control in an environment that feels overwhelming or unpredictable. Mental health also plays a major role. Anxiety, low mood, chronic stress, or burnout can significantly impact appetite, motivation to move, sleep quality, and even how connected you feel to your body. When mental health is struggling, expecting “perfect” lifestyle habits is unrealistic and unfair. Our environment shapes our behaviors, our rhythms, and our capacity to care for ourselves. Sustainable health improvements don’t come from shame or extreme rules, but come from creating supportive routines, realistic structures, and an environment that makes healthy choices easier, not harder. Reframing obesity Obesity is a complex and multifactorial condition that cannot be reduced to individual choices alone. Sustainable health improvements do not come from shame, restriction, or extreme rules. They come from small, consistent habits, supportive routines, realistic goals, and environments that make healthy choices easier, not harder. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do for your health is not to do more, but to simplify. To slow down. To listen to your body. To rebuild habits that fit your real life, with kindness rather than pressure. If there is one takeaway, let it be this, health is not about perfection, it’s about creating a lifestyle that works with your biology, not against it.  Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Andrea Douala Andrea Douala, Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach Andrea Douala is a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach passionate about inspiring others to embrace the joys of healthy living. As the founder of MissDoualaFitness, a bilingual small business offering services in both French and English, she is dedicated to making fitness and wellness accessible to everyone. No matter how busy life gets, Andrea believes that your health is your greatest strength. With her holistic approach, she empowers clients to create sustainable and meaningful changes that are unique to them.

Written by Tricia Brouk, Founder of The Big Talk Academy Tricia Brouk helps high-performing professionals transform into industry thought leaders through the power of authentic storytelling. With her experience as an award-winning director, producer, sought-after speaker, and mentor to countless thought-leaders, Tricia has put thousands of speakers onto big stages globally. Being able to support speakers in using their voices for impact is a privilege, and I had the pleasure of sitting down with Founder   Kristina DiPalo  where we talked about her watershed moments, their connection to resilience, and why the world needs more iconoclasts. Kristina, you speak about how we have to break icons before we can become an iconoclast. What do you mean by breaking icons? Let’s start with icons themselves. An icon is a representation, an image, a likeness. On a personal level, we all represent certain characteristics and aspects that make up how we see ourselves and how others see us. In a sense, we are all unique icons.  When that iconic definition of ourselves becomes misaligned with how we are really behaving in the world, we experience a lot of tension. It’s like feeling you are walking around in someone else’s shoes. They keep you moving ahead, but boy, do they hurt your feet. When you realize you are wearing someone else’s shoes, you’re being called to assess where you are in your life and re-align what you are in the world with who you truly are. You’re being asked to break the icons you are living.  Taking on the mantle of breaking those icons makes you an iconoclast. Literally, a breaker of icons and the one who challenges and breaks free from what no longer works.  And why is this important for leadership, business, and impact?  It matters across every corner of human endeavor, this willingness to challenge our assumptions and methods when things are out of alignment.  For leaders, especially those responsible for delivering value to customers and various stakeholders, losing sight of the essence of what makes your company or institution valuable can blind you. You make decisions that are biased toward reactivity instead of proactivity. For example, in the late 2000s, internal messaging tools, like Yammer and Jive, were the rage at large companies. These tools were meant to increase connectivity within internal networks and move work along at more efficient rates. They were introduced as add-ons, and quite honestly, employees didn’t see how to integrate them into their workflow routines. So companies launched leader chats and open question sessions, hoping that people would see their value. It took a while and successive versions before employees adopted them. If leaders more concretely connected their company’s essence, like being the swiftest R&D shop in the industry, for example, with how the new tool made this happen better, the impact would have been greater sooner. There was an opportunity to leverage technology to “break” the way people were working to deepen internal organizational networks and keep pace with changing market expectations. To align the what with the who. Tell me more about the concept of a watershed moment, that I have heard you speak about.  A watershed moment is that experience of great tension. The moment you come to terms with the fact that you are not living in a way that recognizes and respects your deepest self.  Watershed moments happen everywhere. They happen to individuals. They happen with businesses when a company is struggling to figure out what they bring to the marketplace and what their current and potential customers expect of them. Recognizing and navigating through a watershed moment is a hallmark of resilience. It’s a time to choose how you want to respond to the present and redefine the future. Watershed moments happen collectively, too. I can’t tell you how many people have told me in recent months that they no longer recognize the country or the world they are living in. They are afraid that new technologies and tone-deaf leaders will strip away our greatest power, our humanity. They are aching for someone or something to open a path to a less scary, more human-centered future.  What was your watershed moment, and how do we know if we are in one? I’ve had many watershed moments in my life, but it took a long time to see them in that light. The last one I went through, the biggest one, happened about 8 years ago. It was a confluence of events ranging from the ending of my marriage to questions about my career direction to, ultimately, the passing of my mother. All these events were happening around me, but the real internal watershed moment was taking off the mantles I had been wearing for so long (wife, communications strategist, daughter) that no longer fit. I had to morph into a new version of myself that still held fast to the elements I knew to be true. The people I’ve coached and the friends who have gone through similar watershed moments have something in common. They know that the discomfort of holding on to what isn’t working is far worse than the anxiety of taking the risk to change. What does becoming an iconoclast mean when it comes to business growth? There comes a moment in every organization’s life when what had been working no longer does. When the connection between core purpose and defining characteristics is lost. When it keeps going through a cycle of reinvention with little improvement in outcome. The systems, stories, and symbols that built your legacy start to feel heavy. The icons that once inspired your people begin to limit them. Wise leaders embrace the necessity of challenging and, when needed, breaking the methods and strategies that no longer work. Perhaps the company has tried too hard to follow the pack or has ventured into products and services that don’t align with its core strengths. Becoming an iconoclast in these circumstances is not destruction. Its creation. Creation leads to growth and sustainability. That leads me to this Kristina, you have led some incredibly lucrative initiatives in the multi-billion dollar M&A space. How has this kind of experience reinforced you owning being an iconoclast? Either working within a company or as a consultant, I’ve been a communications leader during multiple monumental transactions. It was exciting to be at the forefront of such changes. The ones that were successful were those where a new entity emerged from the best of the prior organizations.  This is not an easy thing to do. You’re effectively taking prior entities, living organisms in a lot of ways, that functioned with their own ways of working, priorities, and mores to create a new living organism that hopefully lives up to expectations. As I worked with companies going through this process, it was clear that leaders need wisdom to capture the best of the old and courage to discard or break what should not carry forward. The first part was relatively easy. The second part, the courage to discard or break, was not. The second part required being an iconoclast for the sake of future success. If someone reading this is on the verge of breaking their own icons and becoming an iconoclast, what are the questions they need to ask themselves to know they are ready? The questions are ones you might be asking yourself already: Am I happy with who I am at work? Am I happy with who I am at home? Am I happy with where I am heading? What remains true in me of who I once knew myself to be, and what needs to break? This is just a start. You can dive a little deeper through a quiz I created. It will help you discover how close you are today to the person you once imagined you would become, where you got out of alignment, and whether you are ready to become an iconoclast.  There is also a version available that looks at iconoclasm in business. You can reach out to me here to get a copy.  What would you tell someone who feels they are already an iconoclast? And what are their blind spots? I’d say “Congratulations!” You are self-aware, willing to question patterns and ways of being when they feel out of date, and are courageous enough to do what it takes to ensure what you are in the world is aligned with who you are within.  The blind spots come from success. Becoming an iconoclast is momentous. It takes a great deal of courage and faith to honestly ask yourself these questions and make the decision to break what is no longer working. So it’s easy to think, “Wow, I’m glad I only have to do this once in life.” The truth is, everything around you keeps changing and evolving. Which means that you may not always be present to the subtle ways you become misaligned again. You forget that being an iconoclast is not about having a title. It’s about the never-ending quest for alignment. For more info, follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website ! Read more from Tricia Brouk Tricia Brouk, Founder of The Big Talk Academy Tricia Brouk helps high-performing professionals transform into industry thought leaders through the power of authentic storytelling. With her experience as an award-winning director, producer, sought after speaker, and mentor to countless thought-leaders, Tricia has put thousands of speakers onto big stages globally. She produced TEDxLincolnSquare in New York City and is the founder of The Big Talk Academy. Tricia’s book, The Influential Voice: Saying What You Mean for Lasting Legacy, was a 1 New Release on Amazon in December 2020. Big Stages, the documentary featuring her work with speakers premiered at the Chelsea Film Festival in October of 2023 and her most recent love is the new publishing house she founded, The Big Talk Press.

Rashmi Gajree is a Registered Nutritionist known for helping 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. Rashmi Gajree, Registered Nutritionist Who is Rashmi Gajree? I’m Rashmi Gajree, a Registered Nutritionist and founder of Rashmi Nutrition. At home, I’m a mum, a foodie, and someone who feels most herself in a beautiful dress with a good coffee in hand. In my work, I specialise in supporting women in their 40s and 50s who are exhausted, battling cravings, and feeling disconnected from their bodies. I don’t believe in restrictive dieting. I teach women evidence-based, realistic habits that stabilise blood sugar, improve energy, and help them reconnect with the spark I call the Sexy Switch. Before retraining in nutrition, I spent years in corporate finance, looking successful on the outside but feeling depleted on the inside. My own transformation is why I do this work now. When women feel energised, grounded, and confident again, every part of their life begins to rise. What inspired you to become a nutritionist? My journey began when I realised the issue wasn’t my discipline, it was the approach. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and running on caffeine and willpower. Learning about blood sugar, hormones, and stress physiology changed everything. Small, sustainable shifts gave me my energy and confidence back, and I wanted other women to experience the same. The Sexy Switch was born from that moment when a woman finally feels her spark return, not through restriction, but through nourishment. What does the Sexy Switch aim to solve? The Sexy Switch supports the midlife woman who wakes up tired, feels stuck in clothes she no longer likes, and senses she’s not herself. The programme addresses three core issues, unstable blood sugar that drains energy, midlife hormonal changes that influence weight, cravings, and mood, and the emotional disconnection that happens when a woman stops feeling like herself. When these pieces fall back into place, everything shifts, energy improves, cravings settle, and confidence returns. Who is your ideal client? She is a woman in her 40s or 50s juggling work, family, and constant responsibility. She’s capable but tired, craving structure that isn’t restrictive and support that understands her changing biology. She doesn’t want another diet. She wants to feel like herself again, energised, confident, and in control. What is the first sign someone may need nutritional guidance? Persistent morning fatigue. Waking up tired, even after sleep, is often the earliest sign that blood sugar, stress hormones, or midlife hormone shifts are out of balance. When energy collapses, everything becomes harder, food choices, mood, motivation, and confidence. Addressing this early prevents a cascade of symptoms later. How does your approach differ from a typical diet? My method is not a diet. It’s built around physiology, not restriction. Instead of focusing on calories or cutting foods out, we stabilise blood sugar, support stress hormones, and adapt nutrition to perimenopause and menopause. The process is flexible, satisfying, and realistic for busy midlife living. Sustainability comes from ease, not rules, and from helping women feel switched back on rather than depleted. Your most memorable client success? A woman in her late 40s came to me feeling invisible in her own life. Within weeks, her energy lifted, her cravings reduced, and she felt emotionally grounded again. But the moment that stayed with me was when she said, “I caught myself smiling in the mirror, I haven’t seen that version of me in years.” That’s the essence of the Sexy Switch. How do you integrate real-life lifestyle, stress, and long-term habits? We start by understanding her actual life, stress patterns, sleep, routines, and emotional triggers. Then we build habits that fit into her days, not ideal ones. We focus on balanced meals, nervous system support, stress resilience, and simple routines she can maintain even on her busiest weeks. This creates long-term change that feels achievable, not overwhelming. Why is your programme particularly effective for women in their 40s and beyond? Because it’s designed for their bodies. Midlife brings hormonal fluctuations, sleep disruptions, increased stress sensitivity, and changes in metabolism. Traditional diets ignore these realities. My programme works with a woman’s physiology and her lifestyle. When she understands her body and supports it properly, she stops feeling like she’s fighting against herself. How do you support women who say “I’ve tried everything”? Nearly every woman who comes to me feels this way. The first step is removing the shame. She hasn’t failed, she’s simply never had an approach tailored to her stage of life. We identify root causes, create simple habits that give quick wins, remove extreme rules, and build confidence back slowly. When her energy rises, her whole system responds, and she realises she was never the problem. Common misconceptions you help women overcome? The belief that they need more discipline, that eating less will fix everything, or that a strict diet is the answer. These misconceptions keep women stuck in cycles of fatigue and frustration. Once they understand their biology, the pressure lifts. They stop blaming themselves and start working with their bodies instead of against them. What is the first step to working with you? A free discovery call. It’s a relaxed conversation to understand your symptoms, your lifestyle, and what support your body actually needs. If we move forward, you can expect a personalised, evidence-based plan, simple habits that fit real life, deep support with energy, blood sugar, and hormones, and a compassionate space to be honest about what’s been overwhelming. The goal is lasting transformation, not temporary change, and supporting you to reconnect with the confident, vibrant version of yourself. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Rashmi Gajree

Written by Jyllin, Holistic Health Coach & Somatic Educator Jyllin, founder of the Holistic Liberation Method, weaves Five Element theory, meridian yoga therapy, and EFT to restore emotional balance and embodied resilience, drawing on nearly two decades of teaching experience across four continents. I saw them walking toward me and told myself this was the moment to say something, anything. But as soon as we got close, my eyes dropped on their own. I walked past in silence and replayed the scene later in my mind, easily saying all the words I couldn’t say in real life. Back then, I told myself I was shy. I believed it was insecurity or overthinking. I kept promising I’d do better next time. But when the moment came, I did the same thing again.   I didn’t yet realize that my body was responding first. My breath tightened and my chest braced. My nervous system was doing its best to protect me, even though it left me feeling stuck and confused.   What I noticed was the freezing, the racing thoughts, and the shame that followed. I wanted to do things differently, but I couldn’t yet reach the part of me that felt steady enough to choose.   What began to shift things wasn’t forcing confidence or trying to outthink anxiety. It was learning to ground into my body and feel the sensations I’d been overriding. As I learned to inhabit my body again, the pattern softened because anxiety wasn’t only in my mind. It was living in my physiology.   Why anxiety feels automatic & keeps returning Anxiety doesn’t begin in the mind. What we call anxiety often starts in the body’s systems that are designed to keep us safe.   When something feels stressful or uncertain, the nervous system prepares for survival. The heart beats faster. Breathing becomes shallow. Muscles brace. The mind scans for danger. Research shows this shift happens long before conscious thought even arrives.[1]   When this happens often, the nervous system becomes sensitized. It reacts faster and takes longer to recover. The brain learns this pattern, and life begins to feel like danger is always nearby. This can show up as worry, overthinking, or sudden spikes of fear.   The gut plays a key role in this conversation, constantly communicating with the brain. Ongoing stress weakens digestion, and the gut returns stress signals that heighten alertness. This explains why anxiety can feel like tightness in the stomach or unease that isn’t tied to any single thought.[2]   Traditional Chinese Medicine has long viewed these processes as connected. It understands anxiety as something that affects the whole person. Modern research is now reflecting this overlap, especially with gut-brain studies and body-based approaches.   When we see anxiety this way, it becomes clear why willpower alone doesn’t heal it. Yet many of us try to manage it by thinking more. We analyze, plan, and reassure ourselves. But real change begins when the body feels safe, and then the mind can rest.   Start with the body, the mind follows Many people try to power through anxiety. They argue with their thoughts or decide they shouldn’t feel this way. Others start believing this is simply who they are. When that happens, the whole system tenses even more. One client described it as living on constant standby, bracing for something that never came.   This is when embodiment becomes essential. By gently returning attention to physical sensations, you tell your nervous system that you aren’t in immediate danger. Over time, the stress response stabilizes. The brain sends fewer alarm signals. The nervous system learns a steadier rhythm.   Simple practices like feeling your feet on the floor, lengthening your exhale, or placing a hand on your chest may seem small but create a real physiological shift. The heart rate settles. Muscles release. Thought patterns slow.   This isn’t about forcing relaxation. It’s about building internal safety one moment at a time. When we support physiology first, change feels less like a battle and more like easing into steadier ground.   From coping to real holistic change For years, I believed anxiety was something I’d always have to work around. I learned techniques and coping strategies. Some helped, but none of it felt like freedom.   What changed was realizing that my nervous system can learn and relearn.   When anxiety keeps showing up, it doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It usually means your body has responded this way for a long time. Staying alert felt safer than softening. Bracing felt wiser than trusting. But the same biology that learned anxiety can also restore stability.   I see this often in my work. Someone notices what happens before the spiral takes over. Tightness in the chest, a flutter in the stomach, a rush of thoughts. Instead of pushing past it, we pause and feel the support of the chair, notice the breath, and stay present while letting the sensations be exactly as they are.   Moments like this teach your nervous system something new. Activation rises, then settles. Your body learns that sensation isn’t the same as threat. Over time, the baseline shifts, and the mind doesn’t have to work so hard to stay in control.   Healing anxiety doesn’t mean life stops being stressful. It means you can meet what comes without losing yourself in it. Instead of feeling trapped, there’s space to choose.   Nervous system tools are a powerful beginning, and they often open the door to deeper healing. As steadiness grows, it becomes easier to explore supportive methods that transform the entire body.   A simple practice you can use anytime Try this when your body or your thoughts speed up.   Step 1. Pause and notice Acknowledge the sensations in your body without changing them. Notice your breath, your chest, your stomach, or your shoulders.   Step 2. Ground yourself Feel your feet on the floor. Sense the support beneath you. Let your body lean into it.   Step 3. Breathe and soften Take a slow breath toward the area with the most tension. Let the exhale ease it without force. Repeat for a few breaths.   Step 4. Stay present Let the sensations be there. You don’t need to fix anything.   Practice this a few times a day, even briefly. Muscles begin to relax. Thoughts slow. Your body learns a different baseline.   Next steps for lasting calm This is a small but meaningful start. Over time, you can layer in other support for your nervous system, digestion, and overall health as a way to heal anxiety rather than merely cope.   Kindness and consistency matter most. Each pause, breath, and grounded moment teaches your system that you’re safe. When your body feels safe, your mind follows, and lasting change becomes possible.   Follow me on YouTube , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Jyllin Jyllin , Holistic Health Coach & Somatic Educator Jyllin is a holistic health coach and somatic educator who blends trauma-informed coaching, meridian yoga therapy, and EFT to support emotional resilience and embodied healing. Teaching internationally since 2012, she draws from her background in Five Element philosophy, mindful movement, and nervous system regulation to help others reconnect with their innate wisdom. Through her Holistic Liberation Method, Jyllin offers a grounded, integrative approach that bridges Eastern and Western wisdom to restore flow in both body and mind. Reference: [1] (Porges, 2011) [2] (Mayer, 2016)

It is widely believed that responsibility has to be followed by action in order to be truly proven. However, in today's world, this principle is becoming a bigger issue day by day. As most people present themselves as something they are not, responsible workers, parents, friends, etc., without any specific act. On the other hand, in organizations and communities, underestimating your title or role has become equally common. How responsibility shifts from action to assumption How did it all happen? It doesn't matter if we are looking into business and organization rules or relationships, it all begins the same. Firstly, the boundaries are set, and responsibilities are fairly shared. There is always someone responsible for guiding others and in charge of supervising things going their way. What then tends to happen is that you start overlooking things, certain details, and you assume the main task is covered. That same pattern can be observed in other aspects of your lives (e.g., relationships), where you basically expect someone to know what you need or how you feel or what you’re thinking. All that, even though all these things change over time. Gradually, repetition replaces awareness. People’s minds wander during almost 50% of waking hours. Task performance significantly declines when attention drifts. – Harvard University Attention span  declines, and little details you’ve once carefully checked become automatic activities. So you’re not really checking anymore. If someone were to ask you, “Did you check this?”, you’d know that you’ve done it, but you wouldn’t remember you ACTUALLY doing it, as if you were on autopilot. Basically, what happens is you consequently stop paying attention to what's happening around you. And if you were on ‘autopilot’, did you really pay attention? That is the question you should be asking yourself. And, as you can surely imagine, this could easily cause issues. Why shared responsibility often means no responsibility Diffusion of responsibility reduces intervention/oversight in group settings, this is especially noticeable when roles are loosely defined. – U.S. Department of Justice After the mentioned shift has happened, it's no longer clear who should take responsibility. What was initially fairly shared has fallen apart, and all that exists just in theory. In reality, there is no one to supervise or respond to others' needs at this point, or to direct in the right way. This rarely comes from one single decision. Usually, the main culprit here is patterns. The comfort of familiarity An environment without any change will naturally pull people into their comfort zone. Familiarity becomes an obstacle instead of being a supportive companion in life.  Getting used to the same activities and receiving the same amount of attention will most certainly reduce your desire to show up and do better. (False) sense of control People often get a false sense of security, which they draw from policies/structures that provide them with a sense of control. But it’s all an illusion. That’s because there are rules, sure, but that doesn’t guarantee oversight. Responsibility here is assigned through titles/discussions without any consistent follow-through. So what ends up happening is that, from the worker’s standpoint, rules begin to be perceived more like enforcement than something that’s meant to give control and security. And when there’s enforcement, there’s also resistance. And the titles? They slowly begin to replace real accountability. But, in everyday life, regulations are more than needed, as much as the people who implement them. Why people hesitate to step in How many times have you said things like 'that's not onto me' or 'what if I'm wrong', that was fear talking. Fear of social consequences and uncertainty are the primary reasons why people fail to intervene when they recognize/notice a problem exists. – National Library of Medicine (NIH) Overwhelming intrusive thoughts  convince us that stepping in is socially risky, due to potential disagreement. Unfortunately, not only does that affect our emotional system, but it also leads to loss of responsibility. What gets lost when responsibility isn't actively practiced When responsibility is assumed, many things are bound to have a downfall. And all the early signs (e.g., skipped steps, checklists left unchecked, overlooked details, reassigned/delegated tasks, delayed responses, no follow-through, ‘someone else will handle it’-type of thinking, etc.) are super easy to miss. And then, as more and more time passes, they start piling up into something bigger. Naturally, this will affect your work, your relationships, your mental health, and that isn’t good. Patterns mentioned earlier perfectly describe an unaware society. Checklists that are never actually checked, despite being equally important for further management. Authority may be present, but through their actions, they seem careless, which really looks like society is living in an illusion of safety. Checklist-based protocols greatly reduce errors. Breakdowns typically occur because of assumed task completion (not lack of rules). – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention This is how systems begin to progressively fail. Health care systems or concerns raised about safety at youth organizations  could be easily overlooked as nothing serious at the beginning. In these types (high-trust + high-responsibility, shared-oversight, duty-of-care, authority-by-role, etc.) of environments, early warning signs are much easier to dismiss when responsibility is assumed rather than actively practiced. While consequences are most noticeable in big organizations, the same ones appear in people's everyday lives. Conclusion As people tend to overlook and get distracted, things might slip right out of our hands. The good news is you shouldn't be scared of that as long as you keep track of your duties over time. Not waiting for others to fix things up becomes crucial as you learn to master your roles and responsibilities.

Written by Jessica Lagomarsino, Business Strategist Founder of Cusp of Something, Jessica Lagomarsino, helps women integrate personal growth with strategic clarity to build intentional brands, businesses, and lives. She writes on introspection of purpose, inner work, and entrepreneurship. Purpose has often been described as an idea that inspires action, but science shows that it is also a biological force. When we engage in work that feels meaningful, the body responds. Chemistry, emotion, and energy align in ways that make clarity and motivation easier to sustain. Purpose is not an abstract concept that lives only in philosophy or self-help language. It is deeply physical as it is the body’s expression of direction. Within the brain, purpose triggers a network of responses that affect how we think and feel. When a person works toward something they truly care about, dopamine is released. This chemical supports learning, focus, and persistence. It helps us stay engaged during challenging tasks and transforms effort into a sense of progress. Dopamine is not the molecule of pleasure, as it is often labeled. It is the chemistry of motivation and forward movement. Another part of this biological story is oxytocin, the hormone that strengthens trust and social connection. When we feel part of something larger than ourselves, oxytocin levels rise, creating a sense of belonging and calm. This chemical balance directly lowers cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, allowing us to handle challenges with more steadiness. Purpose, in this sense, is a nervous system advantage. It creates the internal conditions for resilience and balanced energy. Research in positive psychology confirms that meaning drives more sustainable performance than external rewards. People motivated by contribution or curiosity consistently outperform those who rely on competition or recognition. This inner orientation is what psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi described as the flow state. In flow, attention sharpens, self-consciousness fades, and the boundaries between effort and enjoyment dissolve. The brain’s electrical patterns shift into coherence, creating a deep sense of engagement that feels effortless yet powerful. When we move through work that is not aligned with our values, the opposite occurs. The nervous system interprets misalignment as stress, releasing cortisol and adrenaline in constant cycles. Focus becomes forced. Energy begins to feel depleted. Creativity narrows. Alignment, however, rebalances the system. Dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin rise in harmony, supporting clear thought, curiosity, and connection. The entire organism works with us rather than against us. Purpose also strengthens resilience. Studies show that individuals who feel connected to a sense of meaning recover more quickly from adversity and display lower inflammatory responses under pressure. Meaning helps the brain interpret difficulty as challenge rather than threat. This reframing allows the body to maintain stability and the mind to remain open, even in periods of uncertainty. Purpose becomes a form of biological protection. Organizations that understand this principle perform differently. Teams that share a clear mission experience stronger collaboration, higher retention, and deeper creativity. A sense of shared purpose enhances psychological safety, inviting people to contribute new ideas without fear. It transforms compliance into commitment and turns daily routines into expressions of shared vision. In these environments, energy circulates more freely, and the human system behind the business begins to thrive. For entrepreneurs and leaders, this science carries an important message. Performance is not only a matter of mindset; it is the natural outcome of internal alignment. When what you do matches what you believe in, the brain rewards you with clarity, calm focus, and sustainable drive. Work begins to feel like an expression of vitality rather than an exchange of effort. The biology of purpose is a reminder that meaning is not a luxury. It is a fundamental human need, one that fuels endurance and creativity. When our choices reflect what we value, the body supports us with chemistry designed for growth. That is why purpose-driven work so often leads to long-term success. Follow me on Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Jessica Lagomarsino Jessica Lagomarsino, Business Strategist Jessica Lagomarsino is a business strategist, guide, and founder of Cusp of Something. After years in corporate strategy and project management, she followed a pull toward more meaningful work. Today, she supports women in building aligned businesses through clarity, intentional action, and deep personal transformation.

Written by Adriana Bárbara Rodríguez, Mind Coach Adriana Barbara is a mind - specialized coach who is focused on helping CEOs and high-level entrepreneurs to develop their leadership teams by assisting each member to transform their mindset from the root. A new year begins, and almost automatically, we fill ourselves with excitement and hope. We start defining our “New Year’s resolutions”, losing weight, saving money, changing jobs, finding a partner, and starting a business. January arrives loaded with promises, a new calendar, new plans, and new expectations. However, for many people, the start of the year doesn’t only awaken excitement, it also triggers anxiety, guilt, and a quiet sense of inadequacy. This isn’t the first year you’ve set out to change, and experience tells you that things don’t always unfold the way you imagined. Why does this happen, and what impact does it have on our minds? There is a compelling collective narrative at the beginning of a new year, “a clean slate.” We repeat phrases like, “This time I’ll make it,” “This will be my year,” “Everything will be different,” “I will be better.” The problem is that these declarations, rather than creating calm, often spark an internal conflict. Our mind performs an analysis, though not always consciously, between the expectation of radical change and meaningful achievements, and the results obtained in the past. Results that weren’t necessarily bad, but were incomplete, slow, or disappointing. And that’s where internal tension begins. Our conscious mind is the rational part of us. It analyzes, plans, sets goals, and designs strategies. It’s the mind that dreams, visualizes, and writes resolutions. However, it represents only a small portion of who we truly are. On the other hand, our nonconscious mind knows us deeply. It holds our accumulated experiences, our past emotions, and above all, our mental conditioning, the beliefs we have about ourselves and what we are capable of achieving. When the nonconscious mind detects an idea that is not congruent with those patterns, it activates automatic mechanisms to bring us back to our familiar state of being. To illustrate this, let’s consider one of the most common New Year’s resolutions: exercising, losing weight, and adopting healthier habits. At first, you feel excited. You imagine yourself slimmer, energized, going to the gym, and eating better. You research diets, sign up for a gym, and everything seems to fall into place. However, your nonconscious mind stores years of neglect, frustration, discouragement, or low self-esteem emotions linked to beliefs such as “I’m inconsistent,” “I lack discipline,” “I always fail at this.” Here, a deep incongruence is created between what your conscious mind desires and the self-concept that governs your mental conditioning. And the mind doesn’t seek change, it seeks coherence with the identity it already knows. So what usually happens next? After a few days, more work comes up, you feel tired, or a physical discomfort appears. That becomes the perfect excuse to quit. This new “failure” reinforces the old belief and restores coherence between how you think, feel, and act. You stop struggling, and a sense of “peace” emerges. But this “peace” doesn’t bring fulfillment or satisfaction. It’s a numbing kind of peace. It allows you to stop spending energy fighting against who you believe you are, but it doesn’t help you grow or transform. The real danger of this false peace is that it invites you to settle, to accept the same results you don’t like, simply because you don’t know how to recognize this internal struggle or how to transform it at its root. To avoid this, here are five simple steps that can help you create real change this year: Identify your related beliefs: Be honest with yourself and observe what you truly think about the goal you’ve set. Do the inner work: Question that belief. Identify its origin and ask yourself whether it is truly true or simply a learned story. Redefine and stabilize: Replace the limiting belief with a new, healthy, and expansive one. Work daily on your thoughts and emotions to reinforce them. Be congruent: Align your thoughts, emotions, and actions with this new belief. Act as the person you are becoming. Be consistent: Don’t rely on motivation. Even when doubt or fatigue arises, maintain your inner commitment. Applied to the example above, the process would look like this: I recognize that my belief is “I’m inconsistent, and I fail at this.” I discovered that it comes from past experiences and learned messages, but it does not define who I am today. I redefine my belief as, “I am capable of developing discipline and improving.” I act in alignment by exercising daily and taking care of my nutrition. And even when doubt appears, I sustain my new identity through consistency. This requires mental discipline and intentional inner work. At first, it may feel challenging, but over time, it becomes natural. And when that happens, change stops being an effort and becomes part of who you are. This way, you won’t just achieve your goals, you’ll become a person who is congruent with the results you want to create. If this start of the year doesn’t feel the way you expected, it doesn’t mean you’re failing. Perhaps change doesn’t begin with more pressure, but with learning how to understand and consciously direct your inner world. Would you like me to guide and support you in transforming your mind and your team’s to create real, sustainable change? Learn more about my training and coaching services here . In my next article, we’ll continue exploring how to use the mind and emotions in your favor to move forward with greater balance and clarity. Follow me on  LinkedIn ,  visit my website for more info! Read more from Adriana Bárbara Rodríguez Adriana Bárbara Rodríguez, Mind Coach Adriana Barbara is a mind-specialized coach who is focused on helping CEOs and high-level entrepreneurs to develop their leadership teams by assisting each member to transform their mindset from the root, achieve their full potential, and improve their highest productivity in order to accomplish the organization’s goals in an effective and sustainable way, with her innovative neuroscience method in leadership.

Written by Anne Wallen, Director and Founder of MaternityWise Intl Anne Wallen is a respected figure in women’s health with over 30 years of experience and is a leading voice on global change in maternity care, particularly for those at greatest risk. Pregnancy and childbirth are transformative life events that come with a mix of joy, anticipation, and challenges. For many, this journey can also bring feelings of uncertainty, fear, and vulnerability, especially when navigating medical care. Understanding what to expect during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum is essential in reducing trauma and promoting a sense of empowerment and control for expectant parents. The link between knowledge and reduced trauma Trauma in pregnancy and childbirth often stems from unexpected or distressing experiences, lack of communication, and feeling a loss of control. Research indicates that when individuals are informed and involved in their care, their overall satisfaction improves, and the likelihood of experiencing trauma decreases. Here’s how knowledge plays a crucial role:   1. Empowerment through education Knowledge is empowering. When individuals understand what to expect during prenatal visits, labor, delivery, and postpartum care, they are better equipped to participate in decision-making. This sense of agency can help mitigate feelings of helplessness, which are often associated with traumatic experiences.   2. Reduced anxiety and fear Fear of the unknown can be a significant source of anxiety during pregnancy and childbirth. Knowing what procedures, options, and potential outcomes to expect can alleviate these fears. Prenatal education classes, birth plans, and open communication with healthcare providers can foster a sense of preparedness.   3. Improved communication with providers Informed patients are more likely to ask questions, express preferences, and advocate for themselves. This strengthens the partnership between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that care aligns with individual needs and values. Effective communication reduces misunderstandings that can lead to distress.   4. Anticipating emotional and physical changes Understanding the physical and emotional changes during pregnancy and postpartum can help individuals navigate these transitions more smoothly. Awareness of common experiences, such as hormonal shifts or physical recovery post-birth, can normalize these changes and reduce feelings of isolation or inadequacy.   Practical steps to increase knowledge and preparedness 1. Attend prenatal education classes Prenatal classes offer comprehensive information on labor, delivery, breastfeeding, and newborn care. These sessions provide practical tools for managing labor pain, understanding medical interventions, and preparing for postpartum recovery.   2. Develop a birth plan A birth plan outlines preferences for labor and delivery, such as pain management, birthing positions, and newborn care. While flexibility is essential, having a plan can help parents feel more prepared and aligned with their care team.   3. Build a support network Surrounding oneself with knowledgeable and supportive individuals such as doulas, midwives, or experienced friends can provide additional reassurance and advocacy during the birth process.   4. Ask questions and stay informed Regular communication with healthcare providers is crucial. Asking questions about tests, procedures, and potential outcomes ensures that individuals fully understand their care.   5. Prepare for postpartum The postpartum period can bring significant physical and emotional changes. Learning about potential challenges, such as postpartum depression or breastfeeding difficulties, and having resources in place can ease this transition.   The long-term impact of informed care When expectant parents feel informed and prepared, they are more likely to have positive experiences, even if unexpected complications arise. This positive outlook can extend beyond birth, fostering a stronger sense of confidence and emotional well-being as they transition into parenthood.   Reducing trauma in pregnancy and childbirth benefits not only individuals but also families and communities. By prioritizing education, communication, and empowerment, healthcare systems and providers can create environments where parents feel respected, valued, and supported.   If you’ve been impacted by birth trauma or just feel unsettled about your birth experience and you want to help others to have a more conscious and peaceful start to their parenting journey, you might consider becoming a doula. Supporting and preventing birth trauma is a doula’s primary goal, as they educate and support and show respect for the birthing families they serve. Not all doula courses are created equal. However,  MaternityWise  has a very comprehensive and powerful program that includes birth, postpartum, and lactation, which might change your own life, as you answer your calling to make a positive difference in the world.   Conclusion Pregnancy and birth are deeply personal experiences that deserve thoughtful and compassionate care. Knowing what to expect in the medical care journey can be a powerful tool in reducing trauma and fostering positive outcomes. Through education, communication, and a supportive care environment, expectant parents can approach this transformative journey with confidence and peace of mind. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram for more info! Read more from Anne Wallen Anne Wallen, Director and Founder of MaternityWise Intl Anne Wallen is a respected figure in women’s health with over 30 years of experience and is a leading voice on global change in maternity care, particularly for those at greatest risk. She continues to educate and empower birth professionals in more than 20 countries, contributes to a variety of curricula, and shapes the future of maternal health through her impactful role as a speaker and mentor. Anne is the Director and co-founder of MaternityWise International, and her legacy lies in inspiring generational changes around and elevating women's healthcare worldwide.