Now What?® Coaching

Category: nwf-bottom

  • The Great Post-Holiday Reset

    The Great Post-Holiday Reset

    We’ve all hit the ground running this week, back to work, ready to take on the new year with gusto … right? Okay, maybe not.

    The holidays are a welcome break from business as usual. But let’s face it, the season’s festivities rarely offer much respite. Even if you had a chance to do a little hibernating, rolling out of bed and into the swing of things can be tough.

    With the merriment over and the downtime behind us, you may even find yourself with a case of the post-holiday blues.

    But we have stuff to do — obstacles to tackle, dreams to chase, and goals to achieve in 2025. It’s time to go after what you’re here to do!

    We can’t let the winter doldrums sabotage our plans.

    Here’s what I don’t recommend: New Year’s resolutions. As a coach, I can tell you they don’t work. Artificial fluff. Temporary distractions.

    Instead, I suggest you do this:The Great Post-Holiday Reset by Laura Berman Fortgang

      1. Pick a “back to normal” date. Accept that being back to work doesn’t mean being back to normal. When are you really going to kick things off? Be honest (and gentle) with yourself.
      2. Keep the party going. Add some festivities for this month. Gather with friends, go see a show, or take a little day trip. Give yourself something to look forward to in January.
      3. Face your finances. Did the holiday magic go over budget or add some debt? Don’t let it weigh on you; put a plan in place to tackle it.
      4. Get some sun. Even if it’s cold outside, the Vitamin D will do you good. Pick up an artificial sunlight lamp if you have to. I keep mine right on my desk.
      5. Move your body. You don’t need to hit the overcrowded gym this month or do anything extreme. Make it fun.
      6. Connect with people. Loneliness can get the best of us in the winter if we let it, but we’re social animals (even you introverts!) Make the effort to get together with friends and loved ones and meet new people.
      7. Give yourself grace. Acknowledge the post-holiday winter blues if you have them, and remember that this is temporary. Spring will be here before you know it.
    In other words, the key to a good post-holiday reset is good self-care. You’ve got this! I look forward to seeing what you accomplish this year.

  • Which Wolf Will Win?

    Which Wolf Will Win?

    Which Wolf Will Win?

    We’ve all been dealing with the news of what’s happening in the world around us lately, and it hasn’t always been easy.

    Some are pleased, devastated, celebrating, sulking, some victorious, defeated, encouraged, and some are weary.

    Very few are indifferent. We’re swimming in a sea of duality.

    We have light, we have dark. Good, bad. Love, fear. The push and pull feels like it’s spinning us in circles, not knowing where to turn.

    How do we get through this?

    I suggest learning to hold both. Accept duality.

    The conversations I’ve been hearing remind me of a lesson shared in a Native American parable, perfect for this moment — a story attributed to the Cherokee people called “The Two Wolves.”

    A grandfather tells his grandson of two wolves existing within him.

    One wolf is filled with negative emotions — anger and hate, wishing harm upon his enemies.

    The other wolf represents the positive — joy, serenity, and doing no harm.

    The young listener asked the elder which wolf wins.

    His answer: “The one I feed.”

    The way forward is to decide which wolf to feed.

    Will you head toward the light? Will you embrace your community and do what’s right?

    Duality will always exist. We can all make our best attempt to carry both: darkness and light, good and evil, fear and love.

    Whatever the situation, whether you’re reveling in great news or reeling from a kick in the gut, try embracing duality and deciding which wolf to feed.

    You don’t have to betray your values; look deeply within.

    What’s next for each of us?

    As for me, I’m pretty quiet right now weighing how to continue to feed joy and to strive to spread love in everything I do.

  • Why It’s Time to Unmask

    Why It’s Time to Unmask

    Want to know one of the best ways (by far!) to improve your life, career, and business?

    Stop faking it.

    Stop putting on an act. Pretending to be someone you’re not isn’t working as well as you think . . .

    We’ve been conditioned to believe people will like us better if they perceive us a certain way — successful, rich, sophisticated, charismatic, funny.

    Sometimes we think the only way they’ll accept, hire, or promote us is if we share the same interests, hold the same beliefs, and agree on the topic at hand, so we go along with whatever it is to get along. People choose everything from clothing and hairstyles to cars and hobbies just to fit in.

    We bend, twist and wear a mask — all in an effort to show up as the most well-received version of ourselves. And the most frightening thing about this mask . . . is taking it off!

    Unmasking is shedding your protective gear, making the real you more vulnerable to judgment, criticism, and disapproval.

    If the idea of showing up as your true authentic self terrifies you, you’re not alone. Letting your guard down and letting people see you as you can be scary. What if you get rejected? Ignored? Laughed at? Ostracized?

    Why it's Time to Unmask by Laura Berman FortgangThe fear is real, and it isn’t something that typically resolves on its own. If you’re struggling to show up authentically, try —

    Journaling about it; put your feelings down on paper.

    Talking about it with someone you trust; open up and connect.

    Working with a therapist to get to the bottom of what’s holding YOU back.

    Dropping the mask isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.

    When you live as your authentic self in everything you do, life is less stressful. You’ll realize you were just wasting tons of time and effort putting on an act.

    Only you can be you. YOU is what enhances your personal brand like nothing else.

    Things like wearing bold, colorful glasses, having a nose ring, and stepping on stage to speak in sneakers are ME. Keeping it real and saying what needs to be said is ME. Showing up as my authentic self boosts my confidence and helps me stand out. What’s YOU?

    Be seen, Heard, and the person that the world needs.

    You were designed perfectly just the way you are, and your contributions to the world matter. We’re all waiting to experience more of YOU!