Kategori: Personal development

Articles about personal development.

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Getting your best year in 2024

If you are like me you are using the time in the end of a year to prepare making your next year even better.

So starting a new year with the intention of making it your best year ever involves a combination of reflection, goal-setting, and intentional action. Here’s five steps to help you get started:

  1. Reflect on the Past Year:
    Take some time to reflect on the previous year. What were your achievements, challenges, and lessons learned? Understanding your past can help you make informed decisions for the future.
  2. Set Clear Goals:
    Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for the year. Break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks to make progress more achievable.
  3. Develop Positive Habits:
    Identify habits that contribute to your well-being and success. Establish a routine that incorporates these habits into your daily life. Consistency is key in forming new, positive habits
  4. Develop Healthy Habits:
    Consider adopting habits that contribute to your overall well-being. This could include regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and mindfulness practices. Healthy habits provide a strong foundation for achieving your goals.
  5. Take Action:
    The most important step is to take action. Start working on your goals today, even if it’s with small steps. Consistent action is key to making progress and turning your aspirations into reality.

Remember, making it your best year ever is a process, not an overnight achievement. Stay committed, stay positive, and stay focused on your goals. Celebrate the small victories along the way, and keep moving forward.

And good luck for 2024

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6 Undeniable Benefits of Having a Mentor for students

IvyPanda is a student success hub designed to improve the educational outcomes and learning capabilities of students around the world by connecting them with academic experts and by providing highly-efficient self-study services and online tools.

And they have been writing about the impact of a mentor, and they mean that for many students having a mentor is a life-changing experience. Here are some of the advantages of having a mentor from IvyPanda:

  1. It helps set and track individualized goals. Together with a mentor, you can work on setting individual short and long-term objectives and developing an action plan. Such an intentional weekly interaction helps achieve a lot in college, career, and life.
  2. It improves self-awareness and decision-making. An essential component of working with a mentor is self-reflection. If you regularly practice reflection with your mentor, you can assess your strengths and recognize areas for self-improvement.
  3. It allows for constructive and supportive feedback. When working with a mentor, you get helpful and timely feedback that can boost your progress. Having a mentor also creates an opportunity to address any issue quickly and resolve it on the spot.
  4. It offers psychological support. A mentoring relationship is a safe space for you to grow spiritually without fear of judgment and receive reassurance from someone you trust. The opportunity to share your feelings with someone else eases stress and anxiety.
  5. It creates the foundation for a lasting personal network. In many cases, the relationship between a mentor and a mentee remains even after college graduation. In other words, mentoring creates a special bond that you might find helpful throughout your life.
  6. It offers a diversity of perspectives and experiences. College offers plenty of extracurricular activities. You can consult with your mentor to learn more about them and find activities that best fit your needs.

This is a part of an article from IvyPanda see the whole article by clicking on the name.

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Why should I manifest?

It looks like one of the popular buzz word for the time being is MANIFESTING, but what does it mean and should I try it?

Manifesting is the practice of focusing your thoughts, beliefs, and intentions on a specific outcome or desire in order to bring it into your reality. The idea behind manifesting is that by aligning your thoughts and emotions with what you want to achieve or receive, you can attract and manifest those desires into your life.

There are different approaches to manifesting, but the underlying principle is based on the belief in the power of thoughts and the law of attraction. The law of attraction suggests that like attracts like, meaning that positive thoughts and emotions can attract positive experiences and outcomes.

By consciously directing your thoughts, visualizing your goals, and maintaining a positive mindset, you can increase the likelihood of achieving what you desire. The process often involves setting clear intentions, affirming positive statements, practicing gratitude, and taking inspired actions towards your goals.

It’s important to note that while manifesting can be a powerful tool for personal growth and goal achievement, it is not a magical solution or guarantee of instant results. It requires consistent effort, belief in oneself, and a willingness to take action in alignment with your intentions.

Manifesting can be seen as a way to tap into your own inner potential and create a mindset that is conducive to achieving your desired outcomes. It can help you clarify your goals, develop a positive attitude, and stay focused on your aspirations.

Photo: From «The chic life» run by Diana, click on the picture and go straight to the page for more about manifesting and Laws of attraction.

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Let go of your past – Say hello to your future

Do you sometime feel stuck in your past. Not because you want to, but because it has become part of your identity. 

Listen, and let me explain:

You were bullied at school and therefore felt "less valuable" when you're among people. Of course, this is not true, but you may still hold onto it to this day because it "became a part of you ”. Are you thinking that, and that's why you still feel less valuable when you're among people.

Or it could be that you were told by your parents that "if you got your act together you could achieve almost anything" and to this day you sit with the feeling that you are still not "doing enough". Because you have not achieved everything.

Or maybe you are always "the funny one", but feel that it has become a slightly worn version of you. A version you want to put down.

And yet you keep repeating your old patterns. Why? Because it gives you some kind of security. A comfortable feeling of something familiar. But is that kind of security really that important to you? If it is the same (perhaps even false?) sense of security that keeps you stuck in the past and prevents you from unfolding into the future - is it worth it?


When we discover that old inhibiting patterns have become part of our identity, it is time to let them go. Because they hold us back. They stop us. They make us hit our glass ceiling. This is because we have come to believe that our old ways of functioning are necessary for us to feel like "ourselves".


When you discover it or realize it, you become far. Because then you can talk to a mentor, or a coach. And such a conversation can help you not to be stuck in the old situation anymore. To detach yourself from a self-image that belongs to the past, already here you will discover a huge freedom.

Being able to talk about your pain and your challenges is far better than unconsciously being stuck in them.

Photo by MARK ADRIANE on Unsplash

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The Significance of Ethics in Mentoring and Coaching – Part 2

  1. Professional Boundaries

Maintaining professional boundaries is another critical aspect of ethical mentoring and coaching. Ethical guidelines provide clear boundaries that mentors and coaches should adhere to in their relationships with mentees or clients. These boundaries help prevent the abuse of power and the crossing of lines that could harm the individuals seeking guidance.

By maintaining appropriate boundaries, mentors and coaches ensure that their interactions remain focused on the mentee’s or client’s development rather than personal or ulterior motives. This professionalism contributes to the overall effectiveness of the mentoring and coaching process.

  1. Accountability and Integrity

Ethical mentors and coaches prioritize accountability and integrity in their interactions. They are committed to providing accurate information and guidance, even when it may not be what the mentee or client wants to hear. This commitment to honesty and transparency is crucial for the mentee’s growth and development.

Furthermore, ethical mentors and coaches hold themselves accountable for their actions and decisions. If they make a mistake or act inappropriately, they are willing to acknowledge it and take steps to rectify the situation. This accountability builds trust and demonstrates the mentor’s or coach’s commitment to the mentee’s success.

  1. Long-Term Benefits

Mentoring and coaching relationships that are grounded in ethics are more likely to yield long-term benefits. When mentors and coaches prioritize the well-being and development of their mentees or clients over personal gain, the mentees are more likely to experience sustained growth and success.

Ethical mentors and coaches are invested in the long-term success of their mentees or clients, which may include helping them navigate challenges, make ethical decisions, and develop the skills necessary for their personal and professional goals. As a result, these relationships often lead to lasting positive outcomes.

Conclusion

Ethics plays a pivotal role in the success of mentoring and coaching relationships. By adhering to ethical principles such as trust, respect, professional boundaries, accountability, and integrity, mentors and coaches create an environment where individuals can thrive and reach their full potential. These ethical foundations not only benefit the mentees or clients but also contribute to the overall growth and development of the mentor or coach, making mentoring and coaching a truly transformative experience for all involved.

Get into the next post to see European Mentoring and CoachingCouncil and their «The Global Code of Ethics», coming very soon

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The talk – a new podcast from MentorGuru

I have launched a new podcast called «The talk» at Spotify, in the beginning it will be in Norwegian, but some episodes will also be in English.

So if you know or wants to hear/learn Norwegian a link to the Spotify and start listening, there is 5 episodes out already…

Using SWOT as an personal tool
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Design thinking approach in designing your life

Her is the book and its also a workbook you can buy: https://designingyour.life/the-book/#

Many of you felt something was missing when finished education and starting your first job, Bill Burnett and Dave Evans at Stanford University thought the same for their students. And after teaching design in Stanford University for several years, they realized that their students didn’t have much of an idea about how to kick off their new lives after they graduate. They needed help to design their lives.

Therefore, they created the “Designing Your Life” elective course in Stanford to teach their students how to apply design thinking to their lives and build their careers with fulfillment and joy. The course became the most popular elective in Stanford. Shortly after, its fame expanded to the tech companies in Silicon Valley. Google even has an internal group of facilitators to deliver the “Designing Your Life” program to its employees. For the ones who cannot attend live workshops in the US, Burnett and Evans wrote the book, “Designing Your Life” to share what they teach with the rest of the world.

I saw this very interesting article on Kingstown College website.

Read more about Designing you life and Sinem Bahadırlı and here why into the design thinking world.

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How to find a mentor post Covid-19

Photo by Hello I’m Nik on Unsplash

Experts says that mentoring will be even more important after the pandemic. But finding a mentor won’t be easy. So even more important to listen to us «profesionals», Joshua Daniel wrote a good article called «6 Ways to Find a Mentor Post-COVID». He is working in Korn Ferry as a Career Coach and says:

«Judging from the social media profile, it looks like a match. You both share similar interests and experiences. Her posts are both funny and informative, giving the impression that you can laugh and learn from her. She has the experience you don’t (but need). And the best part is that there are mutual connections in common to provide an introduction. So should you ask this person to be your mentor?

Few people question the value of a mentor, but studies show that most workers—54% in one survey—don’t have one. And the pandemic and remote work has only made it harder, of course, given the challenge and awkwardness of trying to find one virtually. “There’s an element of tact needed when approaching someone regarding a potential mentoring relationship.»”

Read the whole article here

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The Five Game Changers of Coaching

I read this post in an email from The coaching Institute and wanted to share it with you. The way we work, where we make our purchases, and spend our time is changing. 

Online coaches get to enjoy living in «the growing side of the economy.» The business advantages are so vast, we call them Game Changers. 

Here they are:

1. You can start with nothing

Most businesses require a specialized background or a sizeable financial investment. Not coaching, except learning coaching skills. 

There’s nothing you have to «bring with you» as a coach except your interest in helping people. 

You don’t need any kind of technological skills or educational background, be a particular age or gender, or live in a particular location. You’re needed just the way you are. 

Coaches can create a thriving coaching practice from home without having to make substantial purchases, learn complicated marketing systems, or even have a website. 

2. You don’t have to take risks

Most career changes involve risk, in that you have to leave your current workplace in order to start your new career. 

This is not the case for coaching! There are many ways to add coaching to your life on your own schedule without taking any career risks. 

For instance:

> Most of our students keep their day job as they study coaching and start developing a paying clientele on the side. 

> Some people choose to keep their current career, while practicing coaching as a meaningful second stream of income. This gives added income security.

Bottom line: as a coach, you get to call the shots. Add coaching to your life in the way that best serves you, without having to take any kind of professional risk. 

3. No Geographical Restrictions

Have you ever thought your income and career were limited by where you live? 

Yes, that used to be true. But it’s not true anymore. 

There are hundreds of millions of people online who are perfectly qualified to be coaching clients – nice, stable people with good incomes who are hoping that coaching will bring improvement to their lives. 

These clients don’t care where you live. What they want is quality coaching that can move their lives forward. You may never meet those clients in person. 

Therefore, as a coach, you can run your business from anywhere in the world, with no restrictions. 

4. Time freedom

Many of us have complex lives, with family, work, or other obligations that occupy our schedules. So it’s important to have a livelihood that is time-flexible. You want to be able to do your work in a way that fits your life.

As a coach, you get to design your coaching practice around your needs. Do you like to keep several days of the week completely free for your own use or for your passion projects? Great. Do you like to keep a whole week work-free every month? Super. Do you like to work until 11am every day and have the rest of the day for other things? It’s your option. 

Whether you have another profession, a full family life, or creative projects you want to work on, coaching gives you the time freedom to grow and develop yourself. 

5. Pandemic proof

The world has changed. Any business or career that requires customers to be physically present is in constant danger of having to close its doors. 

People are having to wake up every morning and check the news to see whether they’re likely to be sent home, or, worse, risk getting sick at work – or bringing sickness home. That’s not how life is supposed to be! 

It’s actually safer to have your own online business, that you get to run from the comfort of your own home. 

Unlike street businesses, which depend on local people to come in every day, as an online coach, you have a massive customer base: everybody on the internet. An online coach only needs 10-20 paying clients at any one time. And there are hundreds of millions of them.

The Sky Is The Limit

Coaching is the ultimate way to get started online. It’s easy to start. It’s purposeful, rewarding, and you learn so much about life and people. 

And if you’ve ever had dreams of doing something else – writing a book or leading groups, for instance, coaching is the perfect way to get there.

Coaching gives you the skills in creating change, a strong knowledge of human nature, and a working confidence in helping anybody make positive changes. It gives you stories of transformation from your coaching practice to share with your public. 

This was a post in an email I received from The Coaching Institute in 2020

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Are you tired of you?

Do you know the feeling of being a little tired of yourself?

A little tired of everyday life? A little fed up with the way things are?

Here’s the good news: Your tiredness can be a good sign. A sign that you need a transformation. Not thinking about a big external transformation, but of an internal transformation. Because when we feel a little tired in life, it is often because something new is calling us. Something that is more true for us. Quite often, unfortunately, we don’t really get anything done about it. And yet: A crisis hits and tickles us even more. A person you meet on your way awakens something in you.

A book you read goes into a deeper way than usual. Your inner pressure is becoming more and more pressing. Something is calling you. A transformation is lurking around the corner. For me, Corona has caused such a transformation. From having a very full life, where many people’s needs were met (perhaps you know that?) I was suddenly «forced» to quite literally be at home and present in the very close. In time, it would also prove to be a way to – in a figurative sense – be more at home in myself. At first I felt resistance. As we often do when something new comes knocking.

Even if we can feel that it is right for us. Then I got angry: «Why did this have to happen». Anger is (also) often a sign that an inner change in you is intruding. And then, after a frustrating time, I try to change my perspective on the situation we were in. Step by step, my approach to the new situation changed.

I started looking at what story I was actually telling myself and the outside world about the Corona situation. I started looking at my beliefs about the consequences of the Corona epidemic (and there were many of them). And I began to look at my perception of my everyday life as it was before and as it was now, in the middle of the storm. And that changed something. Perhaps you have tried the same or something similar?

Transformation is a big challenge. At the same time, it is also a great opportunity. An opportunity to develop. Move forward in life. What do you want to transform?