A month or so ago I was asked to make a difficult decision. One that could influence the way my life went. I talked to mentors, I agonised over it with my husband, I pushed it away until one day I realised that what it was that was holding me back. It was fear. It was my inner doubting voice.

Noticing an emotion is the first stage of changing behaviour. I tell that to my clients all the time. Why was I finding it so hard?

When faced with a decision that impacts your life, if you let it, you can experience all sorts of negative emotions. Ones like feelings of pride, anger, frustration, fear, grief, apathy, guilt and shame. The result of this is that you are stressed, impatient, withdrawn, stuck, blame others and are resistant to change.

In a separated situation, these types of negative emotions can only lead to negative behaviours, taking you further away from your optimum result where you will feel optimistic, courageous, forgiving, grateful and you will be able to live your life productively, happily and harmoniously.

Whether you are a CEO or a person transitioning from a relationship breakdown, the theory is the same.

Change your thoughts and your behaviours will follow.

Take that and apply it, in any area of your life, it will work.