Motivate. Inspire Your Personal Growth & Development | Global Coaching Corner
Author: Dr. Shelly
Dr. Shelly Cameron is a leadership strategist, author, and executive coach dedicated to helping individuals uncover their purpose, elevate their leadership potential, and achieve meaningful success. She is the creator of the GreenLight Leadership Framework. As the curator of SuccessfulLeaders.net, Dr. Shelly shares insights drawn from her extensive experience in organizational development, human resources, and personal growth. She is passionate about empowering professionals to navigate change, manage stress, and design fulfilling lives through intentional goal setting, self-discovery, and continuous learning.
Dr. Shelly's research on Success Strategies was published in the JAABC Business Journal. She is also the author of several books, including works on leadership, success, and cultural intelligence.
Personally, Overthinking hits hard especially when you’re a perfectionist. It sometimes set unrealistic expectations, high standards, fearing mistakes and tying ourselves to flawless performance. This often leads to stress.
Procrastination due to a fear of failure, anxiety and harsh self-criticism, creates a cycle where nothing feels good enough. Overthinking is something to seriously about.
So which habit do you plan to leave behind? Do share. We would love to hear.
Need help? It’s time for you, a friend or family member to connect. Gift Certificates available.
The Christmas Spirit is a feeling of joy, generosity, kindness, and goodwill toward others often evoked by holiday traditions like decorating, gift-giving, music and spending time with loved ones. It’s also associated with fostering a festive, charitable, and warm atmosphere, often seen in acts of service and connecting with family, friends and even strangers during the winter season. (wikiHow)
Depending on how your year has been, you may have come into contact with individuals who complain of not experiencing that Christmas feeling. It is that spirit associated with past customs. Many force themselves into that feeling or pretend to get into the Christmas spirit. Some don’t bother and succumb to being depressed after suffering the loss of a loved one, familiar surroundings, or even a job.
Here are some uplifting, practical, and non-financial ways to help you or a colleague, get into the Christmas spirit. The season may feel heavy, disappointing, or overwhelming. So let’s see what we can do to overcome that feeling.
Ways to Get into the Christmas Spirit (Even When Life Feels Heavy)
1. Create a Simple “Good Moments” Ritual
Even during a difficult season, one meaningful moment a day can shift your emotions. These cost nothing yet helps your mind anchor in peace.
When life feels disappointing, purpose restores hope. Here are some non-financial ways to give back. Remember, helping someone else elevates your own spirit.
Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while
Write a handwritten encouragement note
Volunteer for 1 hour at a community event
Help a neighbor carry groceries or decorate
Read a Christmas story to a child or senior
4. Declutter One Small Space
A clearer environment creates emotional room for joy. Try any of these which will give you a sense of renewal going into the new year.
Cleaning one drawer
Tidying your desk
Freshening your bedroom with a sheet change
Hanging a single string of lights or placing one ornament in a meaningful spot
5. Start a Personal Christmas Gratitude List
Write down 12 things you are grateful for this year, even if they are small. Focus areas could be:
Growth
Lessons Learned
People who supported you
Unexpected blessings
6. Create a New Tradition (Simple or Free)
Traditions don’t need to be expensive. New traditions can help you reclaim the season in a way that fits your life now. For example, my own tradition started with hosting Christmas morning breakfast with family and close friends. That way, family members were available for evening dinner with the in-laws. We exchange gifts and more. As the kids grew, budget became an issue (hint – teenagers). We then adopted a young adult gift exchange as is done in corporate jobs.
Eat by candlelight for the month of December
Go for a night walk or drive to look at neighborhood lights
Bake something simple like Christmas cake or banana bread
Host a zoom or phone call “Christmas check-in” with a friend group
7. Limit the Noise and Protect Your Peace
Sometimes, the best way into the Christmas spirit is finding quiet. Give yourself permission to slow down without guilt.
Turn off the news for a day
Unfollow accounts that drain your emotions
Say “no” to events that overwhelm you
8. Play Christmas Music or Ambient Sounds
Music is emotionally powerful. Let sound create the atmosphere.
Free playlists on YouTube
Gospel Christmas songs
Instrumental Christmas Jazz
Nativity meditation music
Fireplace or snowy cabin ambience videos
9. Journal Your Feelings But End With Hope
Disappointment is real. Letting it out helps you move forward. Take a look at these prompts, then end with one hopeful expectation for 2026.
What has been hard for you this season?
What do you need emotionally right now?
Where have you seen God’s hand even in small ways?
What’s one hopeful expectation for 2026?
10. Connect Spiritually
The holidays are the perfect time to reconnect with faith. Spiritual grounding brings meaning beyond the festivities.
Read a daily advent devotional
Join a free online Christmas service
Mediate on peace, hope, joy and renewal
Take a quiet prayer walk
These 10 tips were non-financial ways. With the commercialization of the season, Christmas can attract expenses. Here are a few that comes with financial input.
Attend a low-cost community concert or holiday market
Essentially, getting into the Christmas spirit is not about perfection, money, or big celebrations. It’s about small, intentional choices that bring warmth, connection and hope back into your day.
Here’s hoping these tips will help boost your spirit this holiday. Now it’s your turn. Are there annual customs that you would like to add? Is any missing that you plan to implement as a new tradition? Please share. We would love to hear!
Take time to deliberate, but when the time for action has arrived, stop thinking and go in. ~Napoleon Bonaparte
Ever found yourself checking and rechecking about a decision you have to make. It might be a presentation, a college selection, submission of a business proposal or even a marriage proposition (yikes)! It happens. It’s called overthinking which is defined as:
Putting too much time into thinking about or analyzing (something)
Overthinking is one of the biggest blocks for both leaders and business owners because it drains time, energy, and confidence. Here are 3 tips to stop overthinking.
1. Decide. Then Detach
Perfection isn’t progress. Once you’ve made a well-informed decision, commit then detach from the fear of “what if.” Every decision gives feedback: it either moves you forward or teaches you what to adjust. Leaders who wait for certainty often miss their moment.
Try this: Set a “decision deadline” give yourself 24 hours to choose, then move on confidently.
2. Shift From Thinking to Doing
Action is the antidote to overthinking. When you’re stuck in analysis, your mind loops on the same thoughts. But when you take even a small step, such as sending the email; posting the content, calling the client; actions like these contributes to you gathering real data, not imagined fears.
Ask yourself: What’s one small action I can take right now?
3. Practice Mental Stillness
Overthinking thrives in noise. Silence and stillness help you separate truth from fear. Try journaling, prayer, or a five-minute “mind reset” before diving into decisions. It’s not laziness, it’s leadership discipline.
Remember: Still minds make strong moves.
COACHING INSIGHT
Overthinking often signals self-doubt, not lack of skill. Leadership coaching helps identify those inner beliefs and build confidence. It then replaces the cycle of worry with a rhythm of wise action.
How about you? Are you an overthinker? Which of the 3 tips can you implement now? On the other hand, were you an overthinker? If so, how did you get over it? Do share. We would love to hear.
All I want for Christmas is …. the Pain to go away! The Pain of Not knowing what to do about your next steps has many effects. And year-end triggers deep reflection. Here are a few pain points:
Underdeveloped Potential:
Talented individuals Stay Stuck in survival mode. They fail to unlock their genius because no one helps them think strategically about their Growth.
Career Plateau
Professionals with great resumes stall out due to poor networking, weak positioning, or self-limiting beliefs.
Global Irrelevance
In our rapidly changing world where soft skills, emotional intelligence, and AI adaptability are important assets, people fall behind.
Silent Suffering
Many carry silent frustrations. “I’m better than this, but I don’t know how to rise”.
COACHING is the bridge out of that quiet despair 💥 If One or two resonate of these pain points resonated with you:
Thanksgiving may have passed, but the spirit of gratitude is one of the most powerful leadership tools we carry into the rest of the year.
This is the season where leaders shift from reflection to readiness. While many people slow down mentally, high-impact leaders use this window to recalibrate. It’s not about rushing to finish tasks. It’s about finishing the year with clarity and intention.
Gratitude sharpens our focus. It grounds our decisions. And it reminds us that leadership is not measured only by what we achieve, but by who we become along the way.
As we move toward the close of 2025, here’s a question I encourage leaders to sit with:
What is ONE decision you can make right now that will set you up for meaningful growth in 2026?
This may be a decision to: • Delegate more intentionally • Step into a new direction • Release what no longer aligns • Seek clarity before making your next move • Invest in development (your own or someone else’s)
The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year are the most underestimated leadership window, and yet one of the most powerful. Small shifts made now create profound momentum in the new year.
If you are a leader navigating transition, stepping into a new role, launching something new, or simply needing clarity for 2026, support is available.
And if you know someone in your organization, circle, or family who needs that guidance… this season is the perfect time to gift it.
Let’s finish strong, lead with intention, and walk boldly into the year ahead.
Who looks outside dreams; who looks inside, awakens. ~Carl Jung
As the year closes, the most effective leaders are the ones who pause long enough to evaluate, realign, and elevate. These 12 questions are designed to help you step confidently into 2026 with clarity, courage, and intention.
Take a moment to reflect on each. Use them to guide your vision, your team, and your next level of growth. Strong leadership doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through awareness, alignment, and action.
Reflection Questions
1. What are my top 3 leadership wins from 2025?
2. What drained my energy this year, and why?
3. What habits strengthened my leadership?
4. What habits weakened it?
5. What opportunities did I ignore that I should revisit?
6. What does success look like for me in 2026?
7. What limiting belief must I leave behind?
8. Who do I need to become next year?
9. What relationships do I need to nurture?
10. What boundaries do I need to create?
11. What skills must I develop or sharpen?
12. What is ONE bold move I will take before Jan. 31?
If you’d like support creating a strategic leadership plan for the new year, join the year-end and January coaching sessions. This is designed for leaders in transition and professionals preparing for a stronger 2026.
What will you do differently next year? Which question resonated with you the most? Do share. We would love to hear.
Ann, a historian and extreme planner, had an adventurous time touring Greece with her husband. During the trip, she shared photos of places she had learned in her undergraduate program. As they began their return trip, civil unrest occurred blocking all flights to leave Turkey, cruise and all. Quick decision, they decided to get out of the country whichever way they could. Both landed in Paris, only to be separated to get back home to the USA. Separation was a non-issue. Their goal was to return safely to their two kids waiting back home.
Times of Crises
There are times of crises as in Ann’s case. But most often we do have opportunities to plan ahead. Financiers will preach that we should plan for times of crises too.
Why is it important to set goals? Because if you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there. Where you will end up, who knows? That’s when you will just have to go with the flow.
Goalsetting is the process of identifying desired outcomes and creating a plan of action to achieve them, providing a sense of direction, motivation and focus
So why do we need to set goals? Because setting goals is the process of identifying desired outcomes and creating a plan of action to achieve them, providing a sense of direction, motivation and focus.
That’s the reason it a pleasure to facilitate the writing process with authors. The event was held at the Broward County’s West Regional Library in Plantation, Florida. This session focused on Writers Goal Setting for 2026 books through the Writers Group of South Florida.
If you are an aspiring author, or are ready to take your leadership to the next level and need a copy of the Goal-Setting guide, connect to get yours today. Leadership Assessment also available.
Not an author but ready to take your leadership to the next level through setting your 2026 goals, let’s chat. Referrals are warmly welcomed.
Life’s too short to learn from your own mistakes. Learn from others.
Every entrepreneur faces moments of doubt, exhaustion, and uncertainty. First-time founders, side hustlers, and small business owners constantly navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Whether they are launching their first startup, grinding through a side hustle, or scaling past a plateau; mindset shifts and motivation is needed to keep pushing forward.
Here are the top 5 Challenges Entrepreneurs face. As you review these characteristics, which can you identify with the most?
1.The First-Time Founder (0-2 years in business)
Characteristic: Everything is new, scary, and overwhelming. They’re discovering that entrepreneurship is 10 times harder than they imagined. Every setback feels like potential failure.
What they’re dealing with:
Imposter syndrome at peak levels
No roadmap or proven process to follow
Financial stress and uncertainty
Isolation (left their corporate network behind)
Constant self-doubt about their decisions
How to Stay Motivated:“You’re not alone in feeling this way.” Know that “It gets easier as you learn”
2.The Side Hustler (Building while Employed)
Characteristic: They’re living a double life. They are exhausted, stretched thin, and constantly questioning if they should quit their job or give up the dream.
What they’re dealing with:
Working 60-80 hour weeks between job + business
Guilt about time away from family
Progress feels painfully slow
Watching others succeed faster
Energy depletion and burnout risk
How to Stay Motivated: “Your pace is valid” + “Every hour invested compounds”
3.The Struggling Scaler (Stuck at a revenue plateau)
Characteristic: They’ve proven the concept works, but can’t break through to the next level. The excitement has worn off, replaced by grinding frustration.
What they’re dealing with:
Revenue flatlined for 6-12+ months
Doing everything themselves (can’t afford to hire)
Comparing themselves to “overnight successes”
Questioning their business model
Burnout from working IN the business vs ON it
How to Stay Motivated: “Plateaus are part of growth” + “Breakthrough is closer than you think”
4.The Solopreneur (No co-founder, no team)
Characteristic: They make every decision alone, celebrate wins alone, and face failures alone. The loneliness is crushing.
What they’re dealing with:
Decision fatigue (no one to bounce ideas off)
Wearing every hat (CEO, marketer, accountant, customer service)
No one to catch them if they fall
Feeling like giving up but having no one to hold them accountable
Craving validation that they’re on the right track
How to stay Motivated: “Your independence is strength” + “Solitude doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong”
Characteristic: They’re carrying baggage from past failures. Every challenge triggers memories of “what happened last time.” They need courage to keep going despite the scars.
What they’re dealing with:
Fear of repeating past mistakes
Judgment from people who saw them fail
Financial pressure (often starting with less capital)
Self-trust issues (“Can I actually do this?”)
Imposter syndrome amplified by previous failure
How to Stay Motivated: “Failure was data, not destiny” + “Most successful entrepreneurs failed first”
Honorable Mentions:
The Mid-Life Career Changer: Left stability for uncertainty, facing age discrimination and “what have I done?” panic
The Minority/Underrepresented Entrepreneur: Fighting systemic barriers while building, needing validation in spaces that don’t always welcome them
The Post-Pivot Founder: Had to abandon their original idea and start over, grieving the old vision while building the new one
Which did you identify with most? Deeply reflect and if you need help, let’s connect.
Otherwise, gift a copy of 101+ Empowering Quotes to the entrepreneur in your life. It’s available in eBook, paperback, and hardcover formats, all under $20. It’s the thoughtful gift that fits in a stocking and inspires all year long.
What makes this gift special? It’s genuinely useful. Unlike generic presents that collect dust, this book becomes a go-to resource on tough days. The portable size fits perfectly in stockings, bags, and on desks. And at under $20, you can afford to gift it to your entire network of entrepreneurs, coworkers, or team members.
Give the gift of daily inspiration. Give them the reminder that they’re not alone in this journey.
Midlife transitioners face feelings of sadness especially when work, independence and purpose feel out of reach. This is a common scenario I have found in my coaching practice amongst mature women. They complain, sulk and feel ‘why bother’ (as in the case of a recent discussion). For women experiencing these feelings, here are 7 thoughtful strategies of how 50+-year-old women in this situation can begin moving forward. Adopting these strategies can help them regain control of their life, emotionally, practically, and spiritually.
1.Start With Emotional Healing
Before any external progress, healing the inner voice is key.
Acknowledge your feelings; grief, frustration, even shame, as valid. You’re not alone; many older adults feel invisible or “left behind” as the four stages of elimination in life profess.
Seek emotional support: a counselor, therapist, or support group for midlife depression can help rebuild self-worth.
Practice daily motivation and affirmations: “My life still has purpose.” “I am capable of starting again.” Small mindset shifts add up.
Faith & reflection: If you’re spiritually inclined, journaling prayers or reading devotionals about renewal (e.g., Isaiah 43:19… “Behold, I am doing a new thing…”) can anchor your hope.
2.Rebuild Self-Worth and Confidence
Depression often comes from feeling “useless,” so rediscovering value is important.
Revisit strengths and experiences. Make a list of past achievements, career skills, and life lessons.
Volunteer or mentor. Helping others (e.g., tutoring, mentoring younger professionals, or supporting community causes) reminds her that her wisdom matters.
Refresh her image. A new hairstyle, headshot, or wardrobe doesn’t just change how others see her — it helps her feel renewed.
3.Redefine Purpose and Direction
You may be entering a new season, not the end of your working life. Shift from “job-seeking” to “value-offering.” Instead of asking “who will hire me?” you should ask, “where can my experience help someone solve a problem?”
Consider flexible or freelance work:
Virtual assistant or remote admin work
Customer service, tutoring, or caregiving
Consulting in your former field
Selling crafts, baked goods, or eBooks online
Take free online courses (Coursera, Google Digital Skills, LinkedIn Learning) to update your skillset and confidence.
4.Improve Her Job Search Strategy
Age can be an advantage when presented with confidence and skill.
Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Focus on experience, reliability, and mentoring skills rather than long timelines.
Network quietly and personally. Reach out to old colleagues or community connections; many opportunities come through relationships, not job boards.
Seek community or senior resources: local housing or utility assistance programs, food banks, or financial coaching through nonprofits.
Budget for empowerment, not punishment. Even small control (like managing one bill or goal) restores agency.
Explore part-time or gig work (e.g., Instacart, pet-sitting, or online micro-tasks) as temporary bridges.
6. Build a New Daily Routine
Structure gives life purpose.
Morning: prayer, gratitude, short walk
Midday: job search, learning, or volunteer time
Evening: journal one positive action from the day Even a simple daily rhythm can counter the “stuck” feeling.
7. Believe in Renewal
It’s never too late to rebuild. Many people in their 50’s and beyond start new careers, businesses, and callings. Your story isn’t over…it’s shifting. Be encouraged. See yourself not as “unemployed,” but as “relaunching.”
Reflection:
“If I could start fresh today, what small step would make me feel proud by the end of this week?”
Hope these strategies help you overcome these feelings of apathy. If you’re not in that sphere and know someone who might be, please share with them. We are also here to help women regain confidence for their new chapter.
At a networking event, a bold Networker spoke about her reluctance to use social media. She was hesitant about using it. She asked herself “why not enroll into a social media class?
How can a business owner overcome this fear? This is a powerful and timely question especially as we get close to the peak of the biggest holiday season. Most business owners are confident in their work but hesitant about visibility.
4 Ways to Overcome the Fear of Marketing as a Business Owner
Many business owners love what they do but freeze when it’s time to promote their work. They fear sounding “salesy,” being judged, or stepping into the spotlight. Yet, marketing isn’t about ego, it’s about service and connection. Here are some tips to negate that fear.
Reframe “marketing” as “helping.”
Marketing is simply communicating the value of what you offer to people who need it. When you shift from “selling” to “serving,” fear loses its grip. Ask yourself: Who needs this solution? How can I make it easier for them to find me?
Start with authenticity, not perfection.
You don’t need perfect videos, fancy funnels, or flawless captions. You just need a clear message and consistency. Share your why, your story, and the transformation you help others achieve. Authenticity builds trust faster than polished perfection.
Use your strengths.
If writing comes naturally, blog or post. If you’re a people person, go live or network. If you’re visual, create short reels or carousel posts. Play to your natural communication style instead of forcing what feels unnatural.
Build confidence through small wins.
Set simple, repeatable goals, one post a week, one short video, one client testimonial shared. Every time you take action, your comfort zone expands.
A leadership or business coach can help you uncover the root cause of your fear. Whether it’s fear of rejection, comparison, or visibility and replace it with confidence and clarity.
Coaching helps you align your mindset, message, and methods so you can show up as a confident leader of your brand.
Coaching helps you align your mindset, message, and methods so you can show up as a confident leader of your brand.
Remember: As with the business owner we spoke about, she learnedd that she did not have to love marketing, she just needed to see it as part of her leadership. She did and was happy to shout the benefits.
Remember, your voice, your story, and your offer could be the answer someone is praying for. Don’t let fear keep you silent.
Have you been hesitant to step out and share your work? Do share. We would love to hear.
