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Life Coaching & Mentoring Services

Tag: Life Skills

Key Steps With Goals

July 3, 2017 /

    “The Secret To Reaching Your Goals”

Do you have an action plan?
Sessions can shape your life!
A year from now you’ll wish you had started today!

 

STEPS WITH GOALS

  • Acknowledge that a change is needed.
  • Show motivation and a positive mindset for your challenges ahead.
  • Use positive self-talk and belief.
  • Recognise and confirm your strengths.
  • Clarify your vision and values.
  • Plan ahead for your future.
  • Visualise and confirm your success.
  • Respond positively to feedback.
  • Persevere, stay in control and focused.
  • Reap your achievements and rewards.
GOALS WILL HELP YOU               
  • Know and understand yourself better.
  • Overcome barriers and set-backs.
  • Gain more confidence.
  • Set and achieve your chosen goals.
  • Personal satisfaction and achievements.
  • Enjoy life more.

 

 What do you need to do and achieve in the next 3 to 6 months?

What do you need to do and achieve in the next year?

What do you need to do and achieve in the next 2 to 3 years?

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 Do you need the tools and techniques to get ahead? 

Do you have a life coach or mentor and role model?    

Take big steps, call to action. 

“ I agree to coach / mentor you to the very best of my ability, to believe in you, to encourage you and to give you 100 %  of my energy and commitment.”                                             

Contact for a strategy session   

   Email: lawrie.7@outlook.com     

 

Wise sayings/quotes!

“Push yourself because no one else is going to do it for you.”

“You can never plan the future by the past.”

Budgeting

February 10, 2016 /

DEBT IS LIKE FIRE! 

Take Action & Control Now

Your Budgeting Sheet & Record! 

For many years I have worked with clients ready to move into their first home or new tenancy.

My role would be to provide the coaching & mentoring to enable them to prosper, improve their quality of life and importantly sustain their tenancy.

I would support my clients through identifying with an assessment of need, then with agreement would compile a tailored support plan and setting realistic goals to achieve. In general supporting my clients to improve and develop their life skills in preparation for their life journey.

One area that many clients struggled with, –  money management.

So I provided a basic budgeting sheet to help with working on their income and expenditure. Below is an example of the budgeting sheet. This is for guidelines and may require tweaking or extending to meet with your needs, but this was a useful starting point that many found useful.

A  amount away from  B  =  £

If  A  is more than  B   you are in credit

If  B  is more, then you are spending more than you have and may get into debt.      

First time tenants soon recognised that when bills arrived in, they were often a lot higher than expected. Such as: *rent *electricity *gas *water rates and many others. All these bills are expected to be paid within a limited time scale, so successful budgeting is an essential part to maintain any tenancy.

Many of us find this very difficult due to low income, so taking extra care is vital in coping and avoiding anxiety and stress that can come with worry over money management.

There are many temptations for buying items beyond our means, with payday loans, bank loans, overdraft facilities, the usage of credit cards and of buy now and pay later, ideal for many of us. Unfortunately these bills still require paying and they often clash with other weekly or monthly bills when they do need that final payment.

 

INCOME V EXPENDITURE

It is important that any taken out loans are repaid at the times stated on any contract or written agreement. *[Do check that the written agreement is clear, understood and that you can meet the repayment plan].

My advice was always to buy and purchase what you only really needed, to go to discount stores, take the time to find the shops or markets that you may get some bargains or cheaper priced items.

It may take a bit longer through some research but in the long run you will know where you can save a little and this will help you.

So don’t buy what you cannot afford and seek ways to reduce costs. Don’t let debt escalate and spiral out of control.

Keep records of payments and receipts where applicable, this will  help you to identify where you are spending and how much.

Use a budgeting sheet to monitor your income and outgoings and make adjustments or amendments as you go. This will help you maintain the knowledge and understanding and helpful to maintain your finances, home and tenancy.

I have a further write up on budgeting under the heading, Moving To Own Tenancy [Life Skills For Young People] that you may find useful.

 

Wise saying/quote!

“If it is important to you, you will find a way. If not, you will find an excuse.”

 

 

 

Confidence Building

September 4, 2015 /

Below is some building confidence steps that can help you to achieve and be more confident in everything you do.

8 Powerful Tips 

>Stop Comparing Yourself To Others

One way to help build your confidence is to stop trying to compare yourself with others. The reality is that we generally only know a small percentage of how that person really is.

Everyone thinks, feels, learns and sees things differently.

You are the only person on this planet with your ability, it may not be with special human power that you posses, but the possibilities in you and the way you do things will be endless and different to everyone else.

No two peoples fingerprints are the same.

When you compare yourself to other people you tend to compare yourself to the one person who you believe has it best in life, perhaps believing they have everything, perhaps someone you idolise or admire.

This is definitely not a good way to assess yourself. Instead worry about what it takes to be someone that you like within yourself.

Build upon your own strengths, skills, talent and further your prospects with what you really want to do and plan ahead to achieve, to be successful and to be the best you can be.

>Always Make Eye Contact

Eye Contact

Many people are afraid of how other people will view  or judge them in different situations. By making eye contact you tell yourself that you are worthy, unafraid and confident. You also send the message to other people that you are talking too.

A little trick I find that works is to look between their eyebrows in the centre of their head, this is less intimidating for you as you are not looking directly into their eyes but from where they are standing it looks like you actually are.

Just make sure you are not staring to hard and are not too up close and personal as this may intimidate the person you are conversing with.

Many people have difficulties making good eye contact and them maintaining it. However, you will find that once you get into the habit of making good eye contact you will naturally feel more confident and this will improve in all situations.

>Exercise & Healthy Eating

Keep Fit

Appearance can be a big factor and is a cause for low confidence & self esteem. Improving your physical appearance can do wonders for your confidence.

Exercising often is the best way to make yourself feel better and look better. Exercise of any kind enhances that feel good factor, mood and sends a pleasurable feeling through your body.

Exercising on a regular basis will improve anyone’s physical appearance and subsequently their self confidence. If you feel good, you smile more, you smile more you feel more confident. There is pattern here emerging.

Also drink plenty of fluids, [avoid being dehydrated]. It is a good idea to drink a bottle of water [500 ML] when you get up in the morning and have several more drinks of water at regular times  throughout the day and as you need it to maintain hydration.

Furthermore, eating healthy, monitoring your food intake and implementing an exercise routine that you are happy with and enjoy will work wonders, but make sure it is a routine you enjoy otherwise your fitness regime will be short lived and you will see little or no improvement.

>Dress Sharp

Dressing sharp is an easy and immediate way to increase confidence. Dress sensible for the occasion.

For example, if you are going for a job interview you want to feel comfortable in what you are wearing while giving out positive signals that you have thought about your appearance and you value yourself and the job you seek.

A smart appearance shows that you have good standards and care about your personal hygiene and personal appearance [first impressions can be very important] and we rarely get a second chance to make that first impression.

Furthermore, this can result in positive physiological effect resulting in improved interactions with other people. This in turn will enhance your level of comfort in everyday situations. This will make you feel better about yourself and confidence levels will be raised.

>Compliment Others Often

Get into the mind set of thinking positive. This will allow you to see the good in people and compliment them in things that they do well and praise their strong points.

So you ask, how is that going to help boost your confidence, self esteem.

Well when you compliment others you are many times more likely to get a sincere compliment in return. This will then boost your confidence. This will reinforce your strong points and push your positive characteristics to the forefront of your self assurance.

Of course don’t over do it and make sure they deserve that compliment you give them.

>Help Those Less Fortunate

Helping Others

Finding the time to provide assistance, support or help to someone less fortunate should be very rewarding.

Helping those less fortunate is one of the most empowering feelings in the world. Those who do community work and providing a support service to the public often have incredible high confidence and self esteem and have a positive outlook on life.

The empowering feeling of helping others builds self confidence in yourself, the feel good factor and helps you realise that you are able to make a positive impact in the community and beyond and giving you great satisfaction.

>Face Your fears & Don’t Fear Failure

Having a fear is a massive reason for why many of us have low confidence. Fears that we may have can impact and take control over how we are feeling about ourselves and can affect our life.

When we feel anxious, worried or fear something we can feel weak, we may not be in control and perhaps unable to cope.

In order to overcome fear, we need to face up to the fears. Do not avoid the things that you are afraid of.

Learn to understand the cause and fear of the problem you are facing, instead of running from it. Learn to never fear failure.

Everyone in life fails in something from time to time. A few failures will not define your life. The way you respond to these fears or failure is what defines you and can make you much stronger.

>Carry Confidence With You

Work on being confident and carry it with you in all that you do. For example,

  • Speak clearly and with a reasonable volume.
  • Give good eye contact.
  • Be conscious of your posture.
  • Don’t cross your arms as this can show insecurity.
  • Use your hands to explain things, this can help to draw your crowd a vivid picture of your explanations, [make sure you do this in a controlled way].
  • Key is to maintain a positive attitude, outlook and approach. To believe in yourself and be willing to make a change/s to better your situation.

Self confidence can be learned, practised and mastered just like any other skill. Once this has been mastered, everything in your life can improve and change for the better.

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Now ask yourself, are you implementing the steps and maintaining the skill?

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Set-up a successful workshop with clients using the Oakleaf Enterprise, charity in Guildford, Surrey.

Participants achieved learning skills, steps and techniques to become more confident and improve quality of life.

Participants given handouts, action plans and goals to implement.

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Do you need to build your confidence & self esteem and improve your quality of life? If so, don’t delay get the support you need NOW.  Call to Action.

Energise your life strategy 

 Meditation Sessions [Boosting Wellbeing]

[One-to-One or Group Sessions / Workshop]

Contact for a strategy session   

Email: lawrie.7@outlook.com                    

                                                                                                                           

        Wise sayings/quotes!

     “The most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence.”   

 “As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.”

 “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.”

    

 

      Scenery can be a beautiful picture and take your breath away. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moving To Own Tenancy

June 5, 2015 /

My Experience, Life Skills For Young People

   Keys       House

Helping Those Moving To Independence & Start-Up

I have had the privilege of working with clients ready to leave residential adolescent homes, hostels or supported housing and preparing to take up their first tenancy, moving into their new rented home.

While this is an exciting time, for many it can be daunting with so much to do and may not have the support of parents, family members to provide assistance along the way. Therefore may rely on supporting organisation/s to provide assistance to help with this move.

There are some young people just 18 or 19 and are not aware of the many tasks that need to be undertaken prior and during the moving in process.

For example, when viewing a property it is important that you go along with one or two responsible adults or professional people that are experienced to guide you and provide the service in asking necessary and prepared questions to the landlord or housing provider that may need answering.

To check that the property looks safe and secure, that each room in the property has been viewed and assessed as liveable and in good state of health.

That there are no repairs needing attention and whether in need of any urgent decoration. If repairs need undertaking has this been made clear and will this be done before you move in.

Sometimes it has been known that if the decor is poor and you wish to do it yourself a decorating allowance has been provided, based upon so much per room. Otherwise, this should be done by the organisations professional workers and in good shape for any new tenant about to move in.

It is important that you ask and see that there is an up-to-date gas safety certificate in the property and updated every 12 months. Has the electrical appliances had safety checks, is there smoke detectors fitted and operating.

You need to have a  carbon monoxide detector alarm  fixed on the wall or ceiling in the same room as fuel burning appliances.  Additional  alarms can be located  where people spend most time. Check this  with your landlord that this is in place and will be replaced if needed.

Do check that any outstanding work will be completed before you are due to commence with your tenancy. Once you have checked the property over and there is no maintenance issues or concern, then you need to check thoroughly the tenancy agreement.

This is when it is sensible to have someone that you trust and responsible that can assist you to check through the legal tenancy agreement and fully understand before signing. Two heads are often better than one.

*Understand all the contents of the tenancy agreement.

*Don’t sign anything until you are happy, satisfied and agree with it.

After signing the tenancy agreement ensure that you keep this in a safe place along with other paper work documents and that you can easily find when needed.

It is important that you receive from your landlord, housing provider contact details. Especially in case of an emergency maintenance issue that may need attention out of normal office hours an [emergency call number].

It is important that you know where to find your stopcock, water mains supply, where to find your electric and gas meters and that you take a reading from both and find out who your suppliers are.

Often the landlord or housing association will know, if not you will need to find out and inform the suppliers that you are now the new occupiers of the property, confirming the date you moved in and to provide meter readings to enable you to start with a clean slate.

Suppliers such as: gas, electricity, water suppliers, rent and others all need to be informed of your new address and for you to provide some details to set up and activate accounts and payment systems under your name.

Put together a list of service providers telephone numbers and keep safe, stored on your mobile for easy access and keep in a folder as back-up.

Many people can be shocked at their costs, bills that can occur, so pay as you go or monthly bills can be useful especially at the start, but check what is available and what suits you best.

Money Management

Money

Many of the young people I have coached and mentored have struggled financially due to being unemployed or at university or college. This is why it is important to complete a budgeting plan.

INCOME  V  EXPENDITURE and to monitor monthly incoming and outgoing and to keep a track of your money and make any necessary adjustments as / when needed.

It really is essential to keep records and receipts of expenditure and have a plan and to have self discipline and to maintain control.

If difficulties arise with payments, I would suggest at the earliest point to notify the supplier or company and try and negotiate a repayment plan and or see if you can change the package deal or use a cheaper tariff.

An example of this can relate to mobile phones or Sky TV packages etc.

 One thing that I would provide for my clients, a shopping list of items they would need to purchase [fixtures & fittings] for their home. This was appreciated by clients, as they could see at a glance what they may need and try to get these things as and when money was available and over time.

The list is general and for guidelines and based on a 1 bedroom accommodation. Of course some properties may be partly or even fully furnished, so this list may not apply. This is based on nothing provided.

                                                 

Helpful shopping list of items to purchase for your home                    

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For your guidelines: Items would be priced based on an Argos catalogue. Many people would require initially to purchase some items through quality second hand stores or warehouse to reduce costs and to rely on other supporting networks for financial help.

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It is great when you have peace of mind and you can rest comfortably and recharge your energies for the next day!

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I provide inspirational quality coaching & mentoring to meet with your personal development and your support plan or programme.

Wise sayings/quotes!

“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

“You can’t expect to be old and wise if you were never young and crazy.”

“Today is the first day of the rest of my life.”

                      

 

 

GOALS

November 7, 2014 /

How To Get Results Within A Timescale

  “Accomplish Your Goals”

The process of planning and setting goals helps you choose where you want to go in your life. By knowing what you want to achieve, you know where to concentrate your efforts.     

*Clearly define your goals.

*State each goal as a positive statement.

*Express your goals positively.

8 Powerful Steps, Your Personal & Professional Development Plan

  1. It’s important to take your plan into your own hands and decide your direction….?
  2. Assess where you are now….?
  3. Identify your specific goals….?
  4. Gather information that you need to progress….?
  5. Evaluate your professional skills….?
  6. Decide on a strategy to how you will achieve, reach your desired destination….?
  7. Develop a timescale to complete your tasks and goals….?
  8. Write it down and keep records of your progress, updates with completed outcomes, achievements and celebrate success….?

From time to time we can all benefit from some coaching or mentoring.

It maybe that all that is needed is a few sessions to mull over our thought process and to find some peace of mind, some clarity for our decision making and for direction, to enable us to plan ahead for a smoother path forward as we progress through our life journey.

If you feel there is a need for extended or on-going coaching / mentoring support, then in a planned and supportive way it will be there for you.

 

Goal planning & setting goals, [one-to-one or group session/s].

Sessions will stretch your comfort zone.

 

  • Give yourself some quality time, you know you deserve it.
  • Remember you are unique, you are special and deserve to be the very best you can be.
  • Consider the above how you want your life to be, the things that you wish to do, what you want to achieve?
  • Let today be a new start. Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
  • Make the positive changes you may have thought about, but not yet begun, or feel stuck and not making headway.
  • Can I be of help to you?  To support you to unlock your talent and potential.
  • Do you need the tools and the techniques to get ahead?                                

Over many years I have coached clients to reach their objectives, desired outcomes and goals of all kinds. This has provided the tools for them to get ahead and enjoy more happiness, success, achievements and quality of life.

 

>Start your Life Coaching sessions today.   

“I agree to coach / mentor you to the very best of my ability, to believe in you, to encourage you and to give you 100 %  of my energy and commitment.”

 

Email: lawrie.7@outlook.com           

                                                                                                                           

Andy Murray [Britain’s tennis player] picture of the gold post box at his home town Dunblane, in honour of his Olympics gold medals. [singles, 2012 & 2016].         

  Wise saying/quote!    

“A goal is a dream with a date. It will remain as a dream unless powerful purposes combined with action planning to arrive at a predetermined place in time.”

 

My goals planned and completed in a week, homemade apple pie, scones and bread.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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