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Alex Honnold is an American rock climber best known for what’s called “free solo” ascents of intimidating rock faces which means that he climbs without any safety equipment. I’ve recently watched the awe-inspiring film Free Solo about his attempt to be the first person to climb the 3,000-foot south-west face of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without ropes. (Spoiler alert : he did it!).

Over the past year, I’ve been setting up my stall as a speaker to share my messages with more people and grow my leadership and career coaching practice. I’ve done alot of training, facilitating and presenting in my time, but I’ve found that speaking is a whole different ball-game. Why is that, when they all involve exposing yourself in front of a room full of people?!

What’s led you to reading this article? Did you see the title and think, “Great! Someone’s going to give me a process/formula/magic bullet (circle as appropriate) for making the “right” decision about my career/relationship/life (circle as appropriate)”?

A few years ago, I rented out my flat. The new tenant was initially very enthusiastic about the garden and promised to look after it.

Last year, I went along to a few improvisation classes in Brighton in search of some fun and a creativity boost, drop-in classes designed for all levels including novices like me. I love the silly games and the encouraging atmosphere – in improv, everything goes.

I’m not a baker, or even much of a cook, but I’m going to admit to you that I do like my annual fix of GBBO (The Great British Bake-Off for the uninitiated).

Mary, a senior manager, is recently back from maternity leave. She’s juggling a demanding client-facing role with mothering her 18-month old little girl and is, unsurprisingly, battling exhaustion.

When we moved house a few months ago, we took the opportunity to declutter. That included the loft. A daunting task not only because of the amount of stuff up there but also the difficulty accessing it – a small hatch above a narrow stairwell.

Are you struggling to find the time to lead not just manage? To be strategic and future-focussed instead of just trying to keep your head above water? If so, you are not alone.

I loved reading Matthew Syed’s recently published children’s book, You are awesome, an empowering read with the premise that you can be brilliant at anything if you practise.