The Balance Collective 2023 Blog Round-Up

If you are newer to the blog, or dip in and out over the year, you may not have seen or read all the blogs published over 2023. There may be some that didn’t resonate at the time they were published, and now, this article will introduce you to some concepts that will help kick 2024 off to the start you deserve. Either way, let me share with you the Balance Collective 2023 Blog Round-Up.

 

These five blogs represent the five key elements that I have had the most conversations about over 2023, with clients, contacts, friends and foes (OK, I jest about the last part, just wanted to check you were paying attention.) They cover; understanding how coaching can help, how to speak to your manager about accessing it, how to move forward in your career, how to manage feeling overwhelmed as a parent, and finally, how to support your version of balance. These are, of course, a small smattering of the articles published in 2023, so head over to the main blog page to find the other areas and themes that may help you create a career to enjoy.

 

How to understand your coaching needs

Do you have an inkling that you want to make some changes, a touch of dissatisfaction with how things are, and a desire to rewrite what is next? Do you think you need coaching, but you aren’t quite sure where to start? You aren’t alone. I want to give you some tips on how you can pick the area to focus your coaching on.

 

What to do when you feel behind in your career

This blog covers a common belief when I start to work with career development clients. They come to me with aspirations and wishes about their career and decide to work with a professional to make them come true. As we go through the process of reflection, often the issue of feeling left behind is uncovered. When you have set yourself career and life goals, it can be disheartening when you feel like you aren’t meeting them. So often my clients lament that they feel like they “ should have been promoted/earn more money / feel more confident” (or, insert your own career belief here).

 

How to manage sensory overload as a parent

Sometimes the world is just a little too loud for me. Noises feel like needles in my ears, my clothes don’t settle right, the lights are too bright, smells are overwhelming, and I can’t quite find my physical place in the world. Does that sound familiar? It is something that many parents experience, but don’t always share. The overstimulation of the world we live in, can overwhelm our senses and make us feel exhausted, anxious jittery or just done.

 

Why it is OK to change your mind about balance

 

There are moments when you might want to say both “NO” and “YES” to something, but those responses conflict with the boundaries you’ve established. Maybe it’s some work that takes you outside of your normal working hours or something you usually say YES to, but your “cup” is full right now. This is the moment to remind yourself you are not an algorithm; you are a person. Having a situational response based on what is driving you is OK! You can flex what balance looks like if it brings you balance; it doesn’t mean that you aren’t able to revert to those boundaries in the future.

But “How?”, I hear you ask. Well, this is where a little preparation comes into play.

 

How to build your business case for return to work or career coaching

 

Asking for coaching can feel hard, especially if it’s coming from a place of uncertainty. However, supportive your organisation is, even when coaching it within the context of professional development, the fear of rejection can lead you to avoid directly asking for what you need. The points below can help you focus, and make sure you are covering all the points you want to include.

All of this is based on the belief that EVERYONE benefits from Coaching. Should you find that the organisation doesn’t have the budget for 1:1 coaching, this approach can help you find a compromise, such as a group coaching programme, training, time to work on developing your skills or a discussion around what your workday looks like. These can all support your well-being as well as your career. However, if you start the process of asking for 1:1 coaching, then at least you have a goal to begin the conversation with. A business case can be simplified by providing answers to questions, which you can ask yourself and answer for those that need to know!

 

 

I am excited about what 2024 has in store, and I’m looking forward to continuing to share my career and return to work coaching and workshops online and in person! If you would like to find out more about how I can help you, feel free to explore the website or reach out to arrange a suitable time for us to speak.