Expectations are a natural aspect of human relationships. They are shaped by our values, backgrounds, and the lessons we have learned along the way. They influence how we view the world and how we engage with others. Yet, if we start using expectations as yardsticks to judge the actions and perceived value of others, this will naturally result in a series of disappointments in both our personal and professional lives.

As I begin working with my clients, a frequently asked question tends to emerge from a prevalent misunderstanding within this space—what distinguishes therapy from life coaching? It's a valid question and one that deserves clarification as both disciplines offer distinct pathways toward reaching our fullest potential. In the growing landscape of self-development and personal growth, these two modalities often overlap, yet remain distinct.

How often do we find ourselves in search of what we believe to be the ultimate source of happiness in our lives? It's a common belief, one that I've personally witnessed time and time again, that reaching a certain milestone – whether it's a personal achievement, career goal or even a specific state of being – will bring about lasting joy and fulfillment. However, in this pursuit, there's a critical misunderstanding that often leads us astray. This is the essence of the arrival fallacy – the belief that happiness is a destination and once we arrive at a specific point in life, the grass automatically becomes greener, and we miraculously live happily ever after.

Let's get right to it and talk about something I think we all struggle with from time to time—the pressure to be perfect. There's a common misconception out there that we should always aim for perfection, to be A+, top-notch in everything we do, insisting that our efforts must be the absolute best and nothing less. But here's a little secret, it doesn't. Sometimes, it's perfectly okay to aim for “just fine”. We are humans, not machines. And humans? Well, we have limits.

Courage, in its purest form, is an act of resistance—a resistance against fear, against apathy, and against injustice. When we think about resisting fear, it extends far beyond overcoming our personal anxieties or phobias to challenging the broader fears that may limit societal advancement. Courage in this sense is about pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, and daring to not only imagine, but also participate in co-creating a diverse, more equitable world.

As today marks the beginning of a new year filled with endless possibilities, themes of restarts, recalibrations and the idea of an annual reset naturally come to mind. However, experience has taught me that unless a "reset" has a holistic approach— addressing mind, body, and soul, the likelihood of achieving lasting success is minimal. The concept of recalibration offers a structured approach to pause, reflect, and redirect our energies in a more balanced manner. Essentially, shedding the old and embracing the new—ensuring that all aspects of our being are aligned and geared towards our true purpose and highest sense of self.

Welcome to GRAVITAS, a transformational life coaching & executive leadership consultancy.