Author: Luis Cova

As we move into the next decade, the job market will undergo a significant transformation. With advances in technology, shifts in societal needs, and changing consumer behaviors, certain careers are expected to rise in demand. Here are the top five careers that are predicted to become trending in the next 10 years:

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Specialists

As businesses and industries continue to integrate automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the future of work. From developing AI-driven software to implementing ML algorithms across various sectors, specialists in these fields will be in high demand. The need for professionals who can design, manage, and improve intelligent systems will continue to grow across industries like healthcare, finance, automotive, and entertainment.

Key Skills Needed:

• Expertise in programming languages (Python, R, Java)
• Understanding of data structures and algorithms
• Familiarity with deep learning frameworks like TensorFlow
• Strong mathematical and statistical skills

2. Sustainability and Green Energy Professionals

As the world becomes more focused on environmental sustainability, careers in renewable energy and sustainability will be essential. Climate change concerns, government regulations, and consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions will drive the need for professionals in areas such as solar energy, wind energy, sustainable architecture, and waste management. This sector is expected to experience exponential growth as companies transition toward greener practices.

Key Skills Needed:

• Knowledge of environmental science and renewable energy technologies
• Experience in environmental policy and regulations
• Project management and innovation in sustainable practices
• Strong communication skills to advocate for sustainability

3. Healthcare Professionals in Telemedicine and Virtual Care

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, and this trend is likely to continue growing in the coming years. Virtual care services, including telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and AI-powered diagnostics, are transforming healthcare delivery. As a result, telemedicine professionals—including virtual nurses, telehealth coordinators, and healthcare data analysts—will be in high demand. Furthermore, advancements in telemedicine technologies will also create new opportunities for healthcare specialists in developing software and managing virtual health platforms.

Key Skills Needed:

• Strong healthcare background (nursing, medical technology, or administration)
• Understanding of telehealth platforms and tools
• Familiarity with patient privacy laws (HIPAA)
• Knowledge of remote patient monitoring systems

4. Cybersecurity Experts

With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats and data breaches, the need for cybersecurity professionals is at an all-time high. As more businesses move their operations online, ensuring the protection of sensitive data will become a priority. Cybersecurity experts will be responsible for identifying vulnerabilities, responding to security incidents, and building defense strategies to protect organizations from cyberattacks. This career will span across various industries, including finance, government, healthcare, and tech.

Key Skills Needed:

• Expertise in network security and encryption techniques
• Knowledge of threat intelligence and risk assessment
• Proficiency in security protocols and cybersecurity tools
• Certification in cybersecurity, such as CISSP, CISM, or CompTIA Security+

5. Digital Content Creators and Influencers

The digital world continues to evolve, and content creation is one of the most dynamic fields of the next decade. With platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn becoming more integrated into our daily lives, digital content creators and influencers will continue to shape trends, public opinion, and consumer behavior. As brands increasingly rely on digital influencers for marketing, there will be a surge in demand for individuals skilled in video production, content strategy, and audience engagement.

Key Skills Needed:

• Proficiency in video editing and content creation tools (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro)
• Social media marketing and analytics
• Strong communication and storytelling skills
• Ability to engage with diverse online communities

Conclusion

The next 10 years promise exciting opportunities in fields driven by technological advancements and societal changes. Whether you’re considering a career change or exploring emerging job markets, these five career paths offer promising growth potential. To remain competitive, it’s essential to continuously upskill and stay ahead of industry trends. By preparing now, you can secure a place in the workforce of the future.

Which of these trending careers are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments

In today’s fast-paced world, many people find themselves constantly juggling work, family, and personal responsibilities, which can lead to stress, fatigue, and even burnout. As a result, a growing number of people are turning to meditation as a way to regain balance, boost mental clarity, and enhance their quality of life. The benefits of meditation are numerous, extending well beyond mere relaxation to touch virtually every aspect of our well-being. In this post, we’ll dive into the key benefits of meditation and why it’s a practice worth considering.

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

One of the most well-known benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Meditation encourages a state of calmness and relaxation by helping individuals focus on their breathing, bringing awareness to the present moment, and letting go of worries about the past or future. Studies have shown that meditation reduces the levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, which can help alleviate both short-term and chronic stress. For people with anxiety disorders, mindfulness meditation has been particularly effective in helping manage symptoms.

2. Enhances Emotional Health

Meditation doesn’t just make you feel good temporarily—it can lead to lasting improvements in emotional well-being. Through mindfulness and compassion-based meditation techniques, individuals learn to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment. This self-awareness helps them manage and understand their feelings more effectively. Over time, meditation can improve outlook and self-acceptance, increase positive thinking, and reduce symptoms of depression. Research even suggests that consistent meditation can lead to changes in the brain that are associated with positive emotions.

3. Boosts Focus and Concentration

Our brains are constantly bombarded with distractions, and maintaining focus can be challenging. Meditation trains the mind to focus on a single task or object, which improves attention span and concentration over time. Studies have shown that just a few weeks of meditation practice can improve one’s ability to stay focused on a task, increasing productivity and efficiency. Many high-achieving professionals and creatives incorporate meditation into their routines to help sharpen their mental clarity and performance.

4. Improves Sleep Quality

Struggling with insomnia or poor sleep? Meditation can be a game-changer for improving sleep quality. Meditation techniques such as mindfulness and body scan can help you let go of tension and racing thoughts, making it easier to drift into a restful sleep. By practicing meditation regularly, individuals report falling asleep faster, staying asleep longer, and experiencing deeper, more restful sleep. With better sleep comes improved energy levels and a greater sense of vitality throughout the day.

5. Strengthens the Immune System

The connection between mental wellness and physical health is well-established, and meditation is a powerful example of how the mind-body connection works in favor of our health. Meditation has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammatory response in the body, and boost immune function. It can even enhance resilience to illness by promoting relaxation and reducing the body’s response to stress, which can weaken immune function over time.

6. Cultivates Compassion and Empathy

Some meditation practices, such as loving-kindness (or “metta”) meditation, focus on fostering compassion and empathy toward oneself and others. These practices encourage the practitioner to send well-wishes to themselves, loved ones, acquaintances, and even people they might be at odds with. This promotes feelings of interconnectedness and empathy, helping people build more positive and harmonious relationships. Cultivating compassion has benefits beyond personal happiness; it can improve social connections and even enhance teamwork and understanding in professional settings.

7. Reduces Age-Related Memory Loss

Meditation may also be a powerful tool for enhancing brain health as we age. Research has shown that meditation can improve mental clarity and focus, which may, in turn, reduce age-related memory loss. Mindfulness meditation has been linked to an increase in brain density in areas associated with memory and learning. Meditation may also help prevent cognitive decline by enhancing attention and processing speed, potentially making it a supportive practice for healthy cognitive aging.

8. Encourages Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

Meditation offers a way to explore deeper aspects of oneself, helping people understand their values, aspirations, and fears. By sitting with oneself in silence, individuals can develop insights into their behavior and motivations, which can lead to transformative personal growth. Many people who meditate regularly find that they gain a clearer sense of purpose, feel more aligned with their true values, and make decisions that reflect their authentic selves.

9. Offers a Simple, Accessible Practice for Everyone

One of the greatest advantages of meditation is its accessibility. You don’t need any special equipment or a designated place to meditate; all you need is a quiet space and a few minutes of your day. Many apps and online resources offer guided meditation, making it easier than ever to start. Meditation can be done alone or in a group, at home or on a break at work, making it an adaptable practice for people of all backgrounds and lifestyles.

Getting Started with Meditation

If you’re new to meditation, it may help to start with just a few minutes each day and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable with the practice. There are various types of meditation—such as mindfulness, transcendental meditation, and loving-kindness meditation—so exploring different methods can help you find what resonates most with you. For beginners, guided meditation apps like Headspace, Insight Timer, and Calm offer structured practices and are excellent resources to build confidence in meditation.

Conclusion

Meditation is more than just a trendy wellness activity; it’s a practice that has been around for thousands of years and offers a multitude of mental, emotional, and physical health benefits. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve sleep, increase focus, or cultivate compassion, meditation can provide a pathway to a more peaceful and fulfilling life. The benefits of meditation may start small, but with consistency, they compound to create meaningful and lasting changes in both your inner and outer worlds.

So, why not take a few minutes today, sit quietly, and let yourself begin the journey toward a more mindful, healthier, and happier you?

Navigating Perimenopause: What Every Woman Needs to Know

Hey lovely ladies! Let’s talk about a topic we often dance around but really need to tackle head-on: perimenopause. If you’re in your 40s or 50s (or even early 40s—surprise!), chances are you’re already familiar with some of the rollercoaster symptoms that come with this transition. As a woman who’s been through the thick of it, let me share some of the ups, downs, and awkward moments, plus what you can do to take charge of this phase of life.

What Exactly Is Perimenopause?

Think of perimenopause as the lead-up to menopause, which is when your period officially stops for good. This can last anywhere from a few months to several years (lucky us!). It usually starts in your 40s, but for some women, it can begin in their late 30s. During this time, your hormone levels—particularly oestrogen—start fluctuating like mad, which can lead to all sorts of fun (read: challenging) symptoms.

Common Symptoms (Aka the Perimenopausal Party)

1. Hot Flushes: Oh yes, the sudden feeling of being trapped in a sauna in the middle of a boardroom meeting. Your face turns tomato-red, sweat pours down your back, and you’re left fanning yourself with the nearest napkin. Embarrassing? You bet!
2. Night Sweats: These are like hot flushes, but they hit you when you’re trying to sleep. Goodbye restful nights, hello drenched sheets.
3. Mood Swings: One minute you’re fine, the next, you’re tearing up at a cute puppy video or snapping at your partner because they chewed too loudly.
4. Brain Fog: Losing your keys for the third time this morning? Welcome to the world of perimenopausal forgetfulness. It can feel like your brain is running on a low-battery mode.
5. Irregular Periods: Sometimes they’re heavy, sometimes light, and sometimes they just skip altogether. It’s like your body is playing period roulette.
6. Weight Gain: You might find that despite exercising and eating well, your body decides to pack on a few extra kilos, particularly around the belly. Frustrating, right?
7. Fatigue: Even after a full night’s sleep (if you’re lucky enough to get one), you can feel completely wiped out during the day.
8. Loss of Libido: This can happen thanks to hormonal changes and is completely normal, though it’s a tricky topic to bring up sometimes.

Embarrassing (But Totally Relatable) Moments

We’ve all been there: standing in the middle of the supermarket when a hot flush hits, and suddenly, you’re sweating like you just ran a marathon. Or maybe you’ve been in a work meeting when brain fog strikes, and you forget what you were saying halfway through your sentence (cue awkward silence). These moments can feel mortifying, but remember, you are not alone in this!

So, What Can You Do About It?

The good news? There are plenty of ways to manage perimenopausal symptoms and make this transition easier on yourself.

1. Stay Active: Regular exercise can help balance mood, manage weight, and even reduce hot flushes. Plus, it’s a great way to clear that brain fog!
2. Eat Well: Focus on whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Avoid too much caffeine, spicy food, and alcohol, which can trigger hot flushes.
3. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential, especially if you’re dealing with night sweats and hot flushes.
4. Manage Stress: Meditation, yoga, or simply taking time out for yourself can help keep mood swings in check. Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
5. Sleep Smart: Try to maintain a consistent bedtime routine, keep your room cool, and avoid screens before bed to improve sleep quality. A good night’s rest is key to managing fatigue and mood.
6. Talk About It: Find a friend, a support group, or even an online forum to share your experiences with other women going through the same thing. It’s so much easier when you know you’re not alone in this journey.

Medical Help and General Wellbeing

If perimenopause symptoms are seriously affecting your quality of life, it might be time to chat with a healthcare professional. In Australia, your GP can offer advice and recommend treatments like:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): This helps balance out your hormones and can reduce many symptoms, like hot flushes and mood swings.
• Non-Hormonal Treatments: If HRT isn’t right for you, there are other options, like antidepressants, that can help manage symptoms like anxiety and mood swings.
• Supplements: Some women find relief with natural remedies like black cohosh or evening primrose oil, but always check with your doctor first before starting any supplements.

Support Resources

Looking for extra support? Here are a few places to start:

• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health: A trusted resource for Australian women offering info on perimenopause, menopause, and general health.
• The Australasian Menopause Society (AMS): Offers a wealth of resources about perimenopause and menopause, including access to specialists.
• Your GP or Specialist: Always a good first port of call if you need medical advice.

Final Thoughts

Perimenopause is a natural part of life, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Remember to be kind to yourself—your body is going through some pretty intense changes! It’s all about finding what works for you, whether that’s adjusting your diet, finding time to rest, or seeking medical advice.

So, to all the women out there navigating this transition: you’ve got this! And when those embarrassing moments strike, just know that we’ve all been there, and it’s OK to laugh about it (after all, humour is one of the best remedies).

Mental Health Support for New Immigrants in Australia

New immigrants to Australia often face a range of mental health challenges, which can vary depending on individual circumstances, cultural background, and past experiences. Common mental health issues observed among new immigrants include:

1. Depression

Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low mood are common, particularly as migrants adjust to a new culture, language barriers, or feelings of isolation.

2. Anxiety Disorders

Immigrants often experience high levels of anxiety related to the stress of resettlement, uncertainty about the future, financial concerns, and navigating unfamiliar systems.

3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Migrants who have endured trauma, such as war, persecution, or displacement, may suffer from PTSD, which can include flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.

4. Acculturation Stress

Adapting to a new culture and social norms can cause acculturation stress. This may manifest as alienation, identity confusion, or conflicts between traditional values and the expectations of the new environment.

5. Social Isolation and Loneliness

New immigrants often struggle to build social connections and support networks in their new communities, leading to feelings of loneliness and social isolation, which can negatively impact mental health.

6. Language Barriers

Limited English proficiency can create significant challenges, affecting migrants’ ability to access services, communicate effectively, and engage in social interactions, which can lead to frustration and isolation.

7. Discrimination and Racism

Experiences of discrimination, prejudice, and racism can deeply affect immigrants’ mental health, fostering feelings of marginalization, self-doubt, and psychological distress.

8. Family and Relationship Issues

Migration can place strain on relationships and family dynamics, as family members may experience different levels of acculturation or face unique challenges adapting to the new environment, leading to interpersonal stress and conflict.

9. Trauma and Loss

Immigrants may have suffered significant losses, such as separation from loved ones, social status, or their familiar surroundings, contributing to grief, sadness, and emotional distress.

10. Access to Mental Health Services

Limited knowledge about available mental health services, cultural stigma surrounding mental illness, and barriers to accessing culturally competent care can prevent immigrants from seeking help, resulting in untreated or under-treated mental health conditions.

It’s important to recognize the diversity and complexity of migrant experiences, as their mental health needs can vary greatly. Providing culturally sensitive support, accessible mental health services, and community resources tailored to the needs of migrants is essential for addressing these mental health challenges effectively.

Mental Health Services in Australia

Mental health services are provided by the federal, state, and territorial governments, as well as the private sector. These services can be accessed in person, online, or over the phone. Understanding how these services operate can be overwhelming, so here’s an overview of the different types of mental health services and how to access them.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate help, call triple zero (000). Alternatively, you can reach Lifeline at 13 11 14, available 24/7.

Various organisations across Australia offer support and education to individuals with mental illness, as well as to their families and carers. You can call Head to Health at 1800 595 212 to speak to a local mental health professional who can help connect you to the support you need.

You can also contact Beyond Blue at 1300 224 636 or visit their website to chat with an advisor online for free.

The Mental Health Community Living Supports for Refugees (MH-CLSR) program, operating in seven local health districts, provides community-based support to refugees and asylum seekers with mental health issues, helping them live and participate in the community according to their own terms.

Referrals to STARTTS can be made by anyone, including service providers, healthcare professionals, family members, friends, or the individual themselves. To make a referral, call (02) 9646 6800 and ask for the Intake Counsellor.

This article serves to raise awareness and promote access to vital mental health resources for new immigrants, ensuring they are supported in their journey of resettlement and well-being in Australia.

Psychosocial Hazards in the Workplace: What They Are and How to Deal with Them

Work can be challenging enough without dealing with extra pressures that leave you feeling drained, anxious, or even unsafe. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, undervalued, or bullied at work, you might be experiencing what’s known as “psychosocial hazards.” It sounds like jargon, but it’s something many of us face at some point in our working lives.

What Are Psychosocial Hazards?

Psychosocial hazards refer to anything in your workplace that could negatively impact your mental health, wellbeing, or ability to perform. They aren’t physical hazards like slippery floors or heavy lifting, but they can be just as damaging. These hazards can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, or even burnout.

Common psychosocial hazards include:

• Workplace bullying or harassment – Whether it’s sexist comments, being picked on, or left out intentionally, these behaviours can take a toll on your mental health.
• Unreasonable job demands – Ever felt like you’re doing three people’s jobs but only getting paid for one? When work demands are excessive and constant, it’s a major stressor.
• Lack of support – Whether it’s from your boss or co-workers, feeling unsupported can leave you vulnerable to stress and isolation.
• Workplace conflict – Not getting along with colleagues or managers can create an environment where you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
• Job insecurity – Not knowing if you’ll have a job tomorrow is a massive burden and can affect your mental wellbeing.
• Poor work-life balance – If you’re constantly checking emails after hours or skipping time with family to get work done, it can harm your mental and emotional health.

How to Identify Psychosocial Hazards

If you find yourself dreading work, having trouble sleeping, or feeling anxious about interacting with certain people or tasks, these could be signs of psychosocial hazards. Pay attention to how you feel both during and after work. Do you feel overwhelmed? Drained? Constantly stressed? If yes, there’s a chance psychosocial factors at work could be the cause.

You might also notice:

• Feeling isolated from your co-workers.
• Increased irritability or sensitivity at work.
• Physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or changes in appetite.
• Reduced job satisfaction or a feeling of helplessness.

Trust your instincts. If you feel like something isn’t right, it’s worth looking deeper into what’s going on.

How to Report Psychosocial Hazards

In Australia, workplaces have a legal obligation to provide a safe and healthy environment, including your mental wellbeing. If you’re experiencing any psychosocial hazards, reporting them is an important step toward addressing the issue. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Document everything – Keep records of incidents, conversations, and how the situation is affecting your mental health. Having clear documentation can be really helpful when reporting the issue.
2. Speak to someone you trust – This might be a supervisor, HR, or a trusted colleague. Let them know what’s happening and how it’s affecting you. If the issue is with your manager, go higher up the chain.
3. File a formal complaint – If nothing changes after an informal conversation, you may need to lodge a formal complaint. Most workplaces have policies in place for dealing with bullying, harassment, and other psychosocial hazards.
4. Know your rights – In Australia, laws like the Fair Work Act and Work Health and Safety Act protect workers from bullying, harassment, and unsafe work environments. Don’t be afraid to use them.

Where to Find Help and Support

It can be tough to deal with psychosocial hazards on your own, but there are plenty of resources available in Australia to support you:

• Beyond Blue – Offers mental health support for those feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed by work.
• Fair Work Commission – Provides advice on dealing with workplace bullying, unfair treatment, and unsafe work conditions.
• WorkSafe Australia – Can guide you on your rights around workplace safety and mental health, and how to report unsafe working conditions.
• Lifeline – If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, Lifeline offers 24/7 crisis support.
• Your union – If you’re part of a union, they can be a great resource for understanding your rights and helping you address workplace issues.

Final Thoughts

Psychosocial hazards are often invisible, but their impact can be very real. Whether it’s workplace bullying, unreasonable expectations, or poor support, you deserve to feel safe and supported at work. Don’t hesitate to speak up, seek help, and take action when your mental health is at risk. You’re not alone, and there’s plenty of help out there to guide you through the process. Remember: looking after your wellbeing is just as important as any deadline.

When I tell my clients that they need to declutter their homes and relationships to achieve the success they want in their businesses, I’m typically met with some skepticism. If you’ve never thought about it before, it can be confusing to think that the things we keep with us physically and mentally can have an impact on our business lives.

In truth, however, clutter in our physical environments and relationships energetically blocks the flow of abundance, getting in the way of the success we are reaching for.

But it makes sense, doesn’t it? When we have clutter and unwanted stuff in our lives, there isn’t space for the abundance we are seeking. We want more money, nicer clothes, more delicious food, yet all we have is lots of mediocre, old, unused crap taking up our precious space.

This applies to our mental and emotional environments as well. Often we hold onto resentment and deny forgiveness, then wonder why it’s so challenging to feel grateful and truly appreciate the things we have that matter.

If you’re serious about manifesting and welcoming abundance into your 2015, here are some ways you can physically and mentally declutter your life.

Declutter Your Physical Environment

This applies to the physical space you spend your time in on a day-to-day basis: your home, workspace and even your car. Aside from getting rid of the things you don’t use anymore, you should also eliminate the items that are not invited into the next phase of your life with you.

Picture the vision you hold for yourself — the abundance you want, the success you need to achieve, and the place you want to be by the end of 2015. Is that old stained T-shirt or towel with holes welcome in that picture?

Go through every room in the house, every drawer and cabinet. Evaluate if what you’re finding meets the high standard of the improved version of your life you’re working toward. How many spices in your cabinet have never been used? Are you ever going to find the lid for that Tupperware? How about socks without matches or clothes that don’t fit? They don’t belong here, I promise.

When you physically remove these things, you create space for new, improved items. Recently I spent a lot of time decluttering my bathroom of old makeup and half-used lotions or soaps, and the next day a gift from a friend showed up on my door step full of chemical-free, mostly organic self-care goodies. Clear that space so the abundance can come in.

Declutter Your Relationships

It might feel a little unnatural to talk about decluttering your relationships like you would do with your belongings, but similar rules apply. We’re all directly influenced by the people we choose to surround ourselves with; that’s something we learn at school and carry with us through the rest of our lives. To declutter your relationships, you need to be around people who love and support you. When you’re looking to attract abundance, surrounding yourself with others who are abundant is extremely important.

Declutter Your Emotional Baggage

Practice forgiveness — forgiving yourself and others.

Get rid of the fear that lives in your head. This fear will confuse you, keep you playing small, and get in the way of your success.

Stop procrastinating and prioritize. Delegate and eliminate all of it so you aren’t drowning in overwhelm.

Allow yourself to see past the things that have hurt or disappointed you and visualize them as steppingstones and lessons to be learned from.

Release your frustration. This is a must if you want live in the present and not the past.

Everyone has emotional clutter. It’s natural. The important thing is to recognize and declutter your emotional baggage so that it doesn’t prevent you from seeing and taking the opportunities that are right in front of us. When you can release the painful baggage you’ve been hanging onto, great transformation is possible.

by Kathleen Ventura / Mind Body Green

Photo Credit: Arinan Kitina

The majority of the population has no idea what life coaches do. Not only that, but they have no idea what kind of person would hire a life coach. So, here’s some types of people who could use some coaching:

1. You’re stuck. So, you have this decision to make. Either to get married, leave your crappy relationship, change careers, make a geographical change or go after that big, badass dream of yours. Anything. You’re confused with the voices in your head. The one that tells you it’s too risky vs. the one that says “go for it!” You’re swimming with thoughts of “what if I do it and it doesn’t work” vs “what if I don’t do it and I regret it”. And you want a guarantee of the outcome. A life coach will look at her magic 8 ball and tell you the answer. Not really. A life coach will help you dig underneath the thoughts and feelings of “what if’s”, help you discover what’s important to you about this decision, and explore those voices. Which one is the scared and playing-it-safe inner-critic and which one is your bedazzling inner intuitive voice. A life coach won’t make the decision for you, but help you clarify and sort it all out.

2. You’re lost. Maybe you don’t know what your “thing” is. Maybe you don’t love your job, or you feel like you’re living your life like a sloth on auto-pilot (did you know there is such a thing?). Maybe you just got out of college and don’t love the field you studied in. Or, your routine as a parent/spouse is leaving you unfulfilled. And don’t get me started on the guilt you feel about this. Rest assured you are totally normal and there are boatloads of people just like you. I believe everyone is lost before a big breakthrough. A life coach will help you sort out what your true personal values are (you may have NO idea, or may think that your values are what you inherited from your family or other institution) and when you discover those, you can get clear on what is important to you. That way you can decide how you want to honor those values and a really awesome side-effect is you being fulfilled. Imagine that!

3. You’re unhappy. If you’re unhappy, you need a change. Or you need to change. Or maybe you just had a breakdown. Or you’re about to lose your damn mind. Either way, a life coach can help you through this. Your coach will help you pinpoint why you’re unhappy (many times you think it’s one thing, and it’s another) and help you make changes. This also goes back to your values. The majority of the time, people that are unhappy aren’t living their personal values, and the values that are true to them are being stepped on or suffocated. Example: You don’t love your job. Or even if it’s your job as a stay-at-home-mom. What’s making you unhappy isn’t your boss or your kids. Somewhere inside of you might be a value around freedom. Or purpose driven work. Or creativity. And if you’re not getting it, your soul and spirit will suffer.

4. You’re happy. So, why would someone need a life coach if they’re already happy? It’s the perfect time for a life coach. When you’re happy, and you love where you are, you’re more likely to be open to growth. You’re more likely to wonder what else is out there for you to reach out and grab and be more willing to do the work. I’ve met many people that are unhappy that are willing to do the work as well, but being happy can be a great motivator as well.

5. You just got out of a relationship. You’re brokenhearted, or maybe not-so-much. Either way, you’re starting over. And that’s a beautiful place to be. You have every reason to be excited about beginning again on your terms. But, what are your terms? You might not know. Working with a life coach will help you clarify what you want, why it’s important to you, what’s possible for you (hint: everything), and how you can get it. You can brainstorm, strategize, explore and clarify. (And for some clarity on why your relationships might be failing, click here).

6. You’re comfortable. You have your routine. Your comfort zone. It starts here and it ends there. Any variation of it and you squirm. We’ve all been there. It might be one part of your life, or it might be all parts of your life. And yes, life should be comfortable, but are you having FUN? And some kind of excitement? Coaching will invite you, hold your hand and push you to step out of your comfort zone. A coach will challenge you to make new magic this way.

7. You’re scared. Let’s face it: We’re all scared. We’re afraid of the dark, afraid of looking stupid, afraid of failure, afraid of success, afraid of what people will think, afraid of what they’ll say, afraid of being alone, afraid of being seen, afraid of not being seen, afraid of leaving a relationship, Afraid, Afraid, Afraid. A life coach will hold the space for you to name your fears, give you tools to take action despite them, and change the way you look and feel about your fears. You’ll still have fears, you’ll just be able to stand up to them with more courage.

8. You’re done with therapy and thinking, “Now what?”. Therapy and coaching can make a great marriage together and life coaching after therapy can be a perfect self-discovery journey. Many therapists cross over into life coaching, and if you find someone that does that for you, great. But, if you feel your relationship with your therapist has run its course, finding a life coach that will help you with your “now what?” inquiry may be just what you need. Therapy will help you uncover and heal your issues from the past. This is essential for being able to forgive and move past hurtful experiences. Life coaches generally don’t need to know your stories of your past. We’re interested in where you are now and where you want to go. We generally coach people who are of sound mind and who are well mentally and emotionally.

One thing is true about all of these things. No matter what you feel, you are not broken, nor do you “fixing”. You are naturally creative, resourceful and whole when it comes to you and your life. And a life coach can help you tap into that. Also, life coaches aren’t magic bullets, or magic pills. The solution always resides inside of you, but many times we are so fearful, we can’t hear or see it. Coaching can help you look at any situation from a different perspective to get you out of that paralyzing fear.

My hope for you and all people is that when they are ready, they get a coach. You don’t have to spend your life savings on one, there are ways to get coaching inexpensively. All coaches have different styles. Do your research, listen to your heart and find the right one for you.

By Andrea Owen, Author of 52 Ways to Live a Kick-Ass Life

Image by HP Meausonne

The purpose and anticipated end result of this program is for participants to improve the level of satisfaction in each area of ​​life, providing tools and strategies to avoid isolation and, as a consequence, empower and help women improve their self-esteem and motivate them inspire them to become agents of social change, because helping women is Help your community.

This program will contribute to our service delivery by helping the women CALD of the community in their social connection, general well-being and their need to feel part of community.

What are the expected results of the program?

Improve the level of satisfaction in each area of ​​life: career, education, finance, health, development Family and personal. Empower women by improving self-esteem. Motivate and inspire participants to become agents of social change. Involve women to meet with other women and work as a team to help each other and to your community through networking.

This is a 10 session program, customized for women living in the Macarthur area: Goal setting Career and business Education / Training Money and finance Family relationships Health & Wellness Personal development Action Plan and Vision Board Mentoring and Networks Self Assessment and Graduation This program is currently running in partnership with Focus Connect in Campbelltown NSW