Tracy Prentice - Coaching

Thank you for the Christmas jam . I’m so excited to try it.

As I browse social media this morning, there are mixed reactions to England’s defeat yesterday. From denial (penalties shouldn’t be allowed), to disappointment (for not getting the result that was hoped for), to joy for how far we came, and compassion for those who missed getting it in the net on the penalty shoot-out. All these reactions and many more are normal. Yet it got me thinking about how we define success. Many believe being successful means the achievement of a desired vision or goal. Yet, I don’t believe it’s what we do, or achieve per se, but who we are becoming. To quote Jim Rohn, “Success is something you attract by the person you become”. Gareth Southgate has demonstrated exemplary composure, courage, compassion, presence, and overall leadership as the England manager. Qualities that have been passed onto the team. Did we win yesterday? No. Will we lift that trophy in the future? I absolutely believe we will because those men are already winners.

I love a surprise gift, especially when it comes in the form of a thank you card and chocolate. Thank you . Feeling blessed. ❤️

If anyone wants to book in for a coaching consultation this year, I have my new Filofax at the ready 😊

A beautiful gift from a beautiful soul - Julie McCarthy. Can you see the exquisite detail in this picture - at the bottom, that’s me walking my little dog Emmie. I love it and have the perfect place for it. If you haven’t already done so check out .fairweather. She produces such beautiful work and such a lovely person.

That’s it folks! I’ve finished work, the gin is poured so it’s officially Christmas!! It’s been one big roller coaster ride this year so I wanted to take the opportunity to say a massive thank you to each and every one of you for all your love and support. Happy Christmas everyone. Roll on 2021!

Attending the online Aspire Resolve Global Conference. So many amazing speakers! Feeling inspired.

I’ve been reflecting back on the past month. For those that aren’t aware, I ran 50 miles in 27 days for Dementia UK (photo is my last run). I’d like to share my thoughts on success:

• Create a strong why. What matters to you? When things get tough, obstacles get in the way, knowing your purpose will help keep you connected to the end goal.

• Break the goal down into bite sized chunks. This will help it seem less over whelming. Focus on each individual step, not the whole process.

• Trust yourself unconditionally. You are amazing, and capable of amazing things. Trust yourself.

• Get it done. Some days it won’t be your best work or greatest accomplishment. Some days it’s just about getting it done.

• You’re stronger than you think.

• Get going. Motivation comes when you start something. Don’t wait for motivation before you begin.

• Bounce back. Bad days will happen. Get over them quickly. Tomorrow’s another day.

• Surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Find a group or an accountability partner who can cheer you on.

Keeping well in times of crisis.

I saw a post on Facebook the other day defining the term ‘Coronacoaster’. Here’s the definition: ‘the ups and downs of a pandemic. One day you’re loving your bubble, doing work outs, baking banana bread and going for long walks and the next you’re crying, drinking gin for breakfast and missing people you don’t even like!’

I could relate to this; maybe not the gin at breakfast though!! Some days I feel mentally strong, full of purpose, driven and focused. Other days, I want to curl up in a ball and weep, tears of sadness and despair. I’m afraid, as so many of us are, of what the future holds, the loss of earnings, the loneliness. In these moments, I feel so tired, demotivated and lost. I then get angry at myself for feeling this way and very self-critical. It’s a vicious circle and one that Tony Robbins calls the Crazy Eight (Tony Robbins Strategic Intervention training). If you don’t know this model, see picture.

Tony Robbins uses this model to describe the emotional swings between the two states of depression and anger. Both states serve a purpose and give us some benefit. If we look to the natural world, if a storm has raged, then isn’t it natural that what will follow is a period of calm. This pattern though is exhausting and keeps repeating itself over and over until the cycle is broken.

How do we find a way out of the cycle? Some unproductive, unhealthy ways out of the cycle are through over-eating (yep, that corona belly from lockdown 1) or drinking. According to two studies into rising alcohol consumption since the lockdown restrictions began, ‘more than 250,000 Britons are drinking before midday during lockdown’ (Independent June 3rd, 2020). Will this pattern will continue?

A more empowering way of responding, once we’re conscious of this pattern, is to change what we focus on. Being in fear doesn’t serve us and its delivered to us all day through the medium of radio and television. Stories of businesses closing, job loses, rising coronavirus cases and economic recession. This is also coupled with concern about family, and personal worries around one’s own health, loneliness and money worries. It’s no wonder stress is on the increase.

I don’t claim to have all the answers, but what I do know is if we change the meaning, we change how we feel.

So, here are my 5 top self-help tips for survival:

1. Focus on kindness, love and contribution. Carry out random acts of kindness and see how you can give back to others, even in small ways.

2. Listen to and promote success stories. These can be hugely motivational.

3. Take time for yourself and your wellbeing. This might be reading a good book, taking a bath, walking in nature. Whatever restores your sense of wellbeing.

4. Look for the gift and opportunity in this situation. I’m currently focusing on personal fitness and have set myself a challenging goal for November. I wouldn’t have had the time to run if I’d been working at the rate I was before lockdown 1.

5. Speak out about your stress, worries and/concerns to those you trust and have earned the right to hear your story. There’s no shame in saying that you aren’t coping well right now. Reach out and ask for help.

I hope this helps. Stay well and reach out in you need support x

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First day of lockdown and I wanted to share this thought. It isn’t what life hands you but how you respond to it, mentally and physically, that matters most.

One of my coaching clients just gave me this beautiful gift to say a “massive thank you” as we complete her coaching journey. This means so much to me as I’m passionate about growth. A beautiful reminder that I am living my life’s purpose.