Author: natkp11

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Steps to Career Confidence

by natkp11, posted in Career coaching, Coaching Tips

Imposter syndrome—it’s that nagging feeling that tells us we don’t belong, that we’re not good enough. As someone who’s navigated career changes from employment coaching to life coaching, I’ve faced it head-on. In the past I would skip past applying for jobs that I now realise I would have been able to do with my eyes closed, because I didn’t think I could do them or had the right experience. So I’ve written this to help you the reader over come those feelings that might be holding you back from applying for your dream job.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

First things first, acknowledge the elephant in the room. It’s normal to feel like an imposter when stepping into new territory. Recognize these feelings but don’t let them define you. I remember feeling very out of place, like I wasn’t deserving of the role of employment coach. I felt that they had somehow misread my CV, that I had tricked them at the interview and that was the only reason they hired me. Acknowledge your feelings and release the negative ones, understanding that they’re part of the journey.

Reflect on Your Achievements

Take a moment to reflect on your journey. List your skills and accomplishments. Remember, you’ve come this far for a reason. Your experiences are valuable and transferable. In my 20s, I had little confidence. I went on a course to build my confidence and learned to accept and be comfortable with my achievements. This realization helped me understand that my experiences and skills are the reasons I am where I am today, setting the foundation for my future growth.

Embrace Continuous Learning

Learning is a lifelong journey. Dedicate time to upskill and gain knowledge in your new field. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel. Over the past ten years, I’ve devoted myself to continuous professional development (CPD). Whether it’s a short course, reading self-help books, attending webinars, or gaining another qualifications, I’ve always sought to expand my knowledge and skills. When I first left school, I had no idea where I wanted to be. It took a lot of soul-searching to discover my passion for life coaching. Continuous learning was key to building my confidence and competence.

Seek Support and Mentorship

You’re not alone. Seek support from mentors, peers, or professional networks. Sharing your experiences can be incredibly validating and help you realize you’re not alone in feeling this way. When I first started, the support from mentors and peers was invaluable. They helped me navigate the new landscape and reassured me that my feelings were normal.

Reframe Your Mindset

Shift your perspective. View new opportunities as learning experiences. Mistakes aren’t proof of incompetence; they’re stepping stones to growth. Embrace them. It took me some time to work on my emotional intelligence. I had a very fixed mindset when I was younger. By working on my growth mindset ( see How to Master Accountability for Personal Growth), it helped me to overcome many obstacles in my mind that didn’t exist in reality. In my journey, reframing my mindset was crucial. Viewing each challenge as an opportunity to learn allowed me to grow and build resilience.

Set Realistic Goals with SMART

Break down your larger career goals into manageable steps. Celebrate small victories along the way. Progress is progress, no matter how small. I set realistic goals by writing down what worked for me and my family. Breaking it down into achievable steps made the transition smoother. One incredibly effective tool is the SMART framework for goal setting. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

  • Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve. Instead of saying, “I want to improve my career,” say, “I want to become a certified life coach.”
  • Measurable: Determine how you will measure your progress. For example, “I will complete a life coaching certification course and obtain my certification.”
  • Achievable: Set goals that are realistic and attainable. Consider your resources and constraints. “I will dedicate two hours every evening to studying for my certification.”
  • Relevant: Ensure your goal aligns with your broader objectives. “Becoming a certified life coach aligns with my passion for helping others and my long-term career aspirations.”
  • Time-bound: Set a deadline to achieve your goal. “I will complete my certification within six months.”

Using the SMART framework can help you stay focused, track your progress, and achieve your goals more effectively.

Visualize Success

Visualization can be a powerful tool. Picture yourself succeeding in your new role. But don’t just see it as a future goal; feel that moment like you are already living it. Imagine the confidence, the accomplishments, the reality of your success. I often visualized myself succeeding, living that moment as if it were happening now. This approach boosted my confidence and kept me focused on my goals.

Embrace Positive Feedback

Don’t shy away from feedback. Constructive criticism from colleagues and superiors can help you improve and confirm your strengths. It’s a tool for growth, not a reflection of your worth. No matter how bad the feedback might seem, use a positive mindset to say, “Ok, let’s see where I can make this better.” In my own experience, a toxic friendship where I was constantly criticized became my awakening for emotional growth. Although that friendship has now ended, I am grateful for the lessons it taught me and the ability to improve myself. Embracing feedback, whether good or bad, in a positive way has been instrumental in my journey.

Prioritize Self-Care

Taking care of your mental and physical health is crucial. Incorporate activities that relax and rejuvenate you. For me, self-care is taking time out for myself, be it in the form of a walk, my exercise regime, or something as simple as an early night. I like to think of it as perching myself on a charging platform. This platform takes many different forms and can last for whatever length of time, but ultimately, the goal of feeling better and being able to pick myself up and regroup my thoughts is achieved. During my transition into a new career, prioritizing self-care was essential. It helped me manage stress and stay balanced.

Be Authentic

Authenticity is your superpower. Be yourself, from the application process, to interview, right through to the day you start and beyond. Genuine connections, reduce feelings of being a fraud and foster a supportive environment. Throughout my journey, staying authentic has been my guiding principle. It’s helped me build genuine connections and stay true to my values.

“I don’t know whether every author feels it, but I think quite a lot do — that I am pretending to be
something I am not, because, even nowadays, I do not quite feel as though I am an author.”
—Agatha Christie

Overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey of recognizing your worth, building confidence, and finding support. Every step forward is a victory. If you’re struggling with imposter syndrome or navigating a career change, know that you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I’m here to help. Reach out to me for personalized career coaching, and let’s unlock your full potential together.

I’d love to hear from you. Share your own experiences or insights related to imposter syndrome in the comments below.

How To Master Accountability for Personal Growth

by natkp11, posted in Coaching Tips

Accountability is one of the most powerful tools for personal growth, yet it can often be the most challenging to develop. Embracing accountability helps cultivate resilience, reinforces a growth mindset, and accelerates progress toward life goals. Here’s how to master accountability as a core element of your journey toward self-improvement, supported by emotional intelligence, and tips to implement a self-accountability practice.

The Power of Accountability in Personal Development

Accountability is the commitment to follow through on decisions and actions, holding yourself responsible for both successes and setbacks. When you’re accountable, you’re not only taking responsibility but actively working on developing a reliable, results-oriented mindset. Research has shown that people who practice accountability tend to have greater self-efficacy, which boosts their belief in their ability to accomplish their goals this mindset also builds resilience as you learn to view challenges as growth opportunities rather than insurmountable barriers.

Growth Mindset: Why It Matters

Accountability goes hand-in-hand with a growth mindset. Psychologist Carol Dweck’s research defines the growth mindset as the belief that abilities and intelligence can develop through dedication and hard work, leading to higher achievement. People with a growth mindset see failures as opportunities to learn, allowing them to stay motivated in pursuing their goals. Accountability is this mindset, as it encourages consistency and self-improvement over time.

Building Accountability with Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is vital in building accountability. High EQ involves understanding and managing your emotions effectively, which can improve your ability to stay disciplined and committed to your goals. EQ enhances self-awareness, allowing you to recognize and understand your feelings during moments of doubt or frustration. As a result, you’re better able to manage these feelings rather than allowing them to derail your progress.

Strategies to Foster Accountability Through Emotional Intelligence:

  1. Self-Reflection: Regularly examine your progress and setbacks. Self-reflection improves self-awareness, making it easier to adjust your approach as needed.
  2. Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness during moments of difficulty, understanding that setbacks are part of growth.
  3. Resilience Building: View challenges as learning opportunities. This mindset reinforces your commitment to your goals. It helps you become more resilient in the face of adversity.

How Accountability Resilience Helps You Reach Goals

When you commit to being accountable, you strengthen your resilience. By holding yourself accountable for actions, you develop the mental toughness needed to handle setbacks. Resilience is built not just by facing challenges but by taking responsible action afterwards. This quality helps you stay focused on your goals, even in the face of discouragement or unforeseen obstacles.

Practical Tips to Strengthen Accountability Practice

Mastering accountability requires consistent effort and intentional practices. Here are some actionable steps to make accountability a lasting part of your personal growth journey:

  1. Set Clear, Achievable Goals: Break your goals into small, actionable steps. This approach makes accountability feel manageable and allows you to track progress, reinforcing your commitment as you see tangible results.
  2. Use a Self-Reflection Journal: Writing about your daily or weekly achievements, challenges, and reflections can increase self-awareness and highlight areas for improvement. Journaling is also a valuable tool for evaluating patterns that may need adjusting.
  3. Identify an Accountability Partner: Sharing your goals with a trusted friend, family member, or coach can add an extra layer of commitment. Knowing you’ll check in with someone can boost your motivation and keep you focused on progress.
  4. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledging each small step forward reinforces positive behaviour and can provide the momentum to keep pushing forward, especially during more challenging periods.
  5. Focus on Self-Compassion: Learn from setbacks without dwelling on them. Resilience is developed when you forgive yourself for mistakes, view them as learning opportunities, and get back on track.

How Coaching Can Support Your Accountability Journey

If you’re ready to deepen your accountability journey, a coach can provide personalised support. They offer strategies and motivation to help you stay on track. I offer guidance tailored to your unique goals and challenges. This guidance helps you build a resilient mindset. It helps you stay consistent and navigate obstacles that may come along the way. Reach out to discover how prioritizing accountability can be a transformative foundation for your growth and success.

Contact me here

Tips for Building Consistency and Discipline

by natkp11, posted in inspiring

In life, we often start something with high energy and enthusiasm, only to feel that motivation wane over time. Whether it’s a fitness goal, career milestone, or personal project, staying consistent is often where the real magic happens. But when those inevitable moments of doubt or lack of motivation creep in, pushing through can feel like an uphill battle. The key is to remain consistent, even when the going gets tough.

When I first started my swimming journey, there were so many days where I felt like throwing in the towel, especially when progress seemed slow. One particular day, I remember barely being able to complete ten lengths of the pool. But instead of giving up, I reminded myself that every step, no matter how small, was still progress. By focusing on that, I was able to push through, and after the 20 lengths mark something in me shifted. I ended up swimming 64 lengths on that day and now strive to complete that at least once per month.

Why Consistency Matters: Consistency is the foundation of progress. Whether it’s building strength, growing a business, or nurturing relationships, small, daily actions compound over time to create lasting results. It’s not about massive efforts all at once but rather about showing up, even on days when we feel like quitting.

Consistency builds habits, and habits are what carry us through when motivation wanes. This is where discipline and the long-term vision take over. Think of it like planting a tree—watering it every day, even when it seems like nothing is happening. Over time, roots grow deeper, and one day, the growth becomes visible.

Overcoming the Urge to Give Up: It’s natural to feel like giving up at times. We might think, “What’s the point?” or “I’ll never get there.” But this is precisely the moment when consistency becomes most important. Here are some ways to combat that feeling:

  • Remember Your “Why”: When motivation fades, it’s helpful to reconnect with why you started in the first place. Was it to improve your health, provide for your family, or find personal fulfillment? Keep that reason front and center.
  • Break It Down: Feeling overwhelmed by a big goal can make you want to throw in the towel. Breaking it into smaller, manageable tasks can help you see progress more clearly.
  • Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize every small achievement along the way. These wins fuel your motivation and remind you that progress is happening, even if it’s slow.

Have you ever felt like giving up on a goal? What helped you push through those tough moments?

Tips to Stay Motivated: When you’re lacking the drive, here are some strategies to stay consistent:

  1. Set a Routine: Build consistency into your day by scheduling your tasks at the same time. This builds a habit that becomes automatic.
  2. Accountability: Having someone to check in with, whether it’s a coach, a friend, or even social media followers, adds a layer of accountability. You’re more likely to stick with your goals when you know someone else is watching.
  3. Visual Reminders: Keep reminders of your goals visible—whether it’s a vision board, a calendar with progress marked, or daily affirmations. These visual cues keep your end goal top of mind.
  4. Track Your Progress: Logging your daily actions, no matter how small, shows you the bigger picture of progress. This can be incredibly motivating on days when you feel like you’re standing still.
  5. Practice Self-Compassion: There will be days where you falter. The key is not to let a setback spiral into giving up. Be kind to yourself, and remember that consistency is about showing up more often than not.
  • For the Perfectionist: Sometimes, it’s not about doing things perfectly, but just showing up. Progress over perfection.
  • For the Social Butterfly: Surround yourself with people who share your goals or join a community with similar interests.
  • For the Goal-Oriented: Create milestones within your larger goal and celebrate when you reach them.
  • For the Emotional Decision Maker: Journal your thoughts and feelings when you feel like giving up. Getting them on paper can help you see things more clearly.

What strategies have worked for you when you’re feeling unmotivated?

Conclusion: Consistency isn’t about being perfect every day; it’s about sticking with your journey even when things get tough. When motivation fades, discipline, small wins, and remembering your why will carry you forward. Keep showing up, and over time, you’ll be amazed at the transformation you create in your life.

So the next time you feel your motivation waning, remember—small, consistent efforts lead to big results. Pick just one tip from this list and start implementing it today. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; consistency doesn’t come from motivation alone, but from discipline and perseverance. How will you take that next step?

10 Quotes to Inspire Life Changes

by natkp11, posted in inspiring

Making changes in your life can often feel overwhelming, but it’s also the most empowering thing you can do for yourself. Whether you’re looking to start a new career, focus on your mental well-being, or develop healthier habits, finding inspiration to take that first step is key. To help you on your journey, I’ve compiled a list of 10 powerful quotes that will inspire and motivate you to embrace change with open arms.

1. “Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.” — Alan Cohen

We often find ourselves waiting for the “right moment” to make a move, but this quote reminds us that the act of starting itself creates the right conditions for success.

2. “You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress, simultaneously.”
— Sophia Bush

This quote is a beautiful reminder that even while you’re growing and evolving, you’re still worthy, capable, and complete just as you are.

3. “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
— Alan Watts
Alan Watts encourages us to stop resisting change and instead flow with it, treating life’s changes as a dance, rather than something to fear.

4. “If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living.”
— Gail Sheehy
Growth and life go hand-in-hand. This quote is a reminder that change is the lifeblood of personal development.

5. “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
— C.S. Lewis
This speaks to the power of now—while we can’t undo the past, we can create a better future by taking action in the present.

6. “It’s not too late to turn back from the wrong road. It’s never too late to start over.”
— Anonymous
It’s comforting to know that no matter how far down a path we’ve gone, we always have the choice to start fresh and redirect our lives.

7. “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
— Socrates
This quote highlights the importance of looking forward and investing your energy in creating new opportunities rather than clinging to the past.

8. “What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.”
— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
It’s easy to procrastinate, but this powerful quote urges us to start now—after all, tomorrow’s success is built on today’s efforts.

9. “Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.”
— Jim Rohn
Life is what you make of it, and positive change requires conscious, intentional effort. Don’t wait for life to “happen”—take control!

10. “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
— Les Brown
There’s no age limit on dreaming, setting goals, or making changes. Les Brown encourages us to continue pursuing our ambitions, no matter where we are in life.

Final Thoughts
These quotes are here to inspire you as you step into your next chapter. Change can be scary, but it’s also necessary for growth. Whether you’re at the start of your journey or already on your way, remember that every small step counts, and there’s no better time to begin than right now.

These quotes serve as little sparks of wisdom that can push us to change, but remember, it’s not just about inspiration—it’s about action. Start by choosing one quote that resonates with you today and ask yourself, “How can I apply this in my life?” It might be something small, but it’s a step in the right direction.

What quotes inspire you? Share your favorites or any personal experiences of change in the comments below! And if you’re ready to take actionable steps towards transformation, I’d love to help you plan your next move. Visit my contact form on the website to start your journey!

How I Transformed Trauma into Strength: A Personal Story

by natkp11, posted in personal journey

I have lived a very colourful life, peppered with both good and bad scenarios. With every experience, I have learned something new, found ways to navigate difficult situations and pull through. I have built strength out of trauma and turned my life around. I am mentally strong and focused now, but that wasn’t always the case.

Five years ago I wasn’t the person I wanted to be.


“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” – J.K. Rowling


It’s funny how the above quote can seem so far from the truth when we hit rock bottom. We are dragged to the point of desperation, clinging on to the last threads of the very thing that is destroying us thinking that it is the only way forward, afraid of completely letting go in fear of landing with a huge thud and staying that way. But remaining stagnated in situations that are not good for us is far worse than actually letting go and allowing the storm to pass.

This quote became my inspiration, my motto, in a strange way. But it also gave me reassurance that I could change things.

This time five years ago, I couldn’t even see a way out of the dire situation I was in and the string of events that led me to make what felt like at the time, one of the worst decisions I had to make in my entire life. I literally hit rock bottom and couldn’t see a way out of it.
Six months I felt this way, but by the sixth month, I decided to do something about it. Too long I had allowed my life to be controlled and very often went against my intuition. This lack of trust in myself led me into an internal conflict with my soul. For what was best for my children and me. I knew I needed to make a change when at my lowest point, the thought of ending my life seemed like the only solution.

But for my children’s sake, I chose not to leave them traumatized by my own self-pity party and decided to be the change that they needed to see. To step up and be a strong role model to them.

I knew I needed to start living my life authentically and start setting good examples for my children.

It became clear that to move forward, I first needed to accept responsibility for my actions, and learn from my mistakes. I had heaps of healing to do, whilst staying present and strong for my kids. I chose not to blame those who had negatively influenced my life and forgave them. It was, after all, my decision to allow my life choices to be influenced by them.

So, with little more than a small suitcase and a backpack, my boys and I returned to the UK to build a new life. I needed to be with all my children, not just half of them.

The pandemic provided an unlikely and welcome leaning post to my healing as the pressure of immediately finding work was nulled thanks to the lockdowns. I chose to use this time to focus on my children during the day and my wellbeing at night.

I started practicing yoga again and exercise in the form of nature and beach walks were the highlight of our days. Making macramé bracelets and playing my guitar regularly, writing songs. It was a time of growth, healing, nurture and learning.


Today I feel content. Today I feel nurtured. Today I feel happy. I’m in love with life and enjoy each new day and the adventures it brings. In the last five years I have achieved far more than I ever though possible! I am fully present for my children but find balance by being able to nourish my soul with the things that are in tune with who I am.

I am becoming the person I always wanted to be, living my truth. No longer a watered-down version hiding behind the main character in the shadows, hidden from the world. I live my life full of smiles and kindness. I don’t allow negativity to penetrate my soul. I acknowledge it and look for ways to overcome obstacles. I am a fighter who fights with peaceful means.

I can freely help others the way I want to without being told that I shouldn’t. I speak my mind and stand strong to my beliefs, without forcing my views on others or making them feel bad for having differing opinions to mine. I feel I have gained a new sense of strength and independence.

I don’t claim to be perfect and know that life is one big journey of self-discovery and finding ways to improve. I have learned to embrace my differences and no longer care about the judgment of others.

In amongst all these positive emotions, the odd anxiety or stress-induced emotions have surfaced but on a scale of 10, they have been a 1 or 2. I developed the tools to be able to navigate out of holes with ease, rather than a shovel that could only dig down.

When we allow our feelings to get the better of us it can wear us down, creating a darkness that overshadows even the happy moments in our lives. It penetrates so deep filling any space and stifling the growth of happiness.

Letting go allows us to live as authentically as we can, to analyze and learn. To live in a way that we want to without harming others. I am fully embracing who I am becoming and my heart and soul are starting to feel complete.

Learning to let go has been a huge help in reducing the suffering from negative feelings. The shackles are off and my soul is free. I am becoming a person who trusts her intuition, who lives authentically, and believes in the magic of our world. No longer afraid or indecisive and aiming to be mindful in all I do. I have been dedicated to improving my emotional intelligence and living more authentically.

I have always loved helping others and this personal growth became the foundation of my passion for helping others achieve their own life goals.

As an employment coach, I supported individuals transitioning back into work after the pandemic, delivering workshops on mental health, well-being, and managing anxiety during life’s changes.

Now, I offer personalized life coaching services that are designed to help you make lasting changes in your life.

I’m here to help you get organized, stay motivated, and plan for the lifestyle you deserve.

Together, we’ll develop practical strategies and personalized steps to implement meaningful changes and improve your mental well-being. Whether you seek guidance on personal growth or support through life’s challenges, I’m here for you.

If you’re ready to make a positive change, I’d love to hear from you! Simply reach out via message on Instagram or click the button below, and let’s start this journey together.

contact me