You will get the lesson...until you get the lesson.

You'll get the lesson...until you get the lesson.

How many times do you catch yourself saying "here we go again"?

It's probably not a coincidence. If you track back through the situation...you'll find a pattern. A pattern that's driving you to continue to do the same behaviours while expecting a different result.

Tracking backwards...that's where you're going to find the clues...the behaviours, the mindset, the habits. But you have to be willing to do it. You have to be aware enough to notice that you are the common denominator when things happen repeatedly. You.That's where it starts.

That doesn't mean that other people aren't a part of it and...you are the only one who you have complete control over. You can learn to manage how you show up, which gives you incredible power. The power to influence the outcome of the situation...on your terms.

Now that's powerful.

The next time you catch yourself saying "here we go again"...

Notice...

• Maybe there's someone else in this situation.

  • This can be really helpful information, because it can help you to see that when this certain thing happens, there's something about that person that perhaps contributes to, or leads into this situation.

Again, you have to choose awareness...to be willing at some point to ask yourself: Is this how I want my story to continue? If the answer is no...you have all the power in the world to make that decision and then to take action to change.

Simple? Yes. Easy? Not necessarily.

Changing old patterns takes concentrated practice. Once you know what the common denominator or denominators are, then you can start to decide what that one change is that you're gonna make.

It could be changing your response or reaction to a situation. When you don't react or respond, like you usually do, you're now changing the trajectory of that situation. One small change in how you show up, will change how the situation unfolds.

The cool thing is that it doesn't have to be a huge change, it could be something like:

• Taking a pause before you respond.

• Not saying anything at all. 

• Changing your typical response.

It can be the tiniest of changes that you decide to make.

• Pause before you answer that text.

• Don't pick up the phone when that certain situation is presenting itself. Let it go to voicemail.

These are small, yet very powerful ways to start to make change happen for you. When you change your response, your reaction, you are changing your outcome.

Are you ready to learn the lesson?

Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

Pick a situation where you're ready to learn the lesson and move forward. Got one? Good.

• The first step is to make the decision that you want a different result.

  • Your intention in this situation is crucial.

  • You have to know what your desired outcome is.

• Prepare.

  • Imagine yourself in the situation and see yourself doing the new behaviours you want to do.

  • Remember, keep them simple. For example: Don't underestimate the power of a pause or refraining from answering a text or call immediately. Just do something different.

• Practice.

  • You're working on undoing potentially years of a habitual behaviour, this takes consistent practice.

  • Be patient. Change can take time.

It's not about big, dramatic actions…it's the small consistent actions...the tiny tweaks that lead to transformation.

This is work worth doing. Honour who you’re becoming...who you're growing into. 

Need some help with that lesson? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann

You will get the lesson …until you get the lesson.

So you think it's the prize that matters?

If you think that the achievement is the "prize"...

It's early 2026...goal setting is at the forefront of many people's minds. Maybe yours too?

Although December 2026 seems so far away, we both know it will come in a flash...so before you get caught up in the reach for the trophy, the finish line moment...HOLD ON!

The prize, trophy, the medal, the certificate, all are markers of completion. The symbol of the last piece in the puzzle, the final milestone being met. However, if you ask anyone to tell you about one of their achievements, chances are that they’re not going to run over to their drawer and pull out their medal and show it to you. More likely, they’re going to tell you a story.  Why?  Because, it’s the road they took to get there, that was full of potholes, hills and unexpected gravelly spots that made it an achievement. That’s what makes it a story.

Celebrating the road that led to the achievement is what really matters. Learning to recognize when you made progress, noticing what may have gotten in the way, and how you were able to get moving again. The obstacles you encountered that you overcame. No one’s going to tell you about something that went off without a hitch…where’s the story in that?

Why do you want to think about this now? Because when those roadblocks and obstacles come, you need to remember that they're there to become a part of your story, part of the path that gets you there..and let's face it, when you're "in it" it can be hard to recognize the value of every part of the path.

This is life. You don’t have a crystal ball to let you know what will happen so make a plan and start from there.  Some might call this a strategy. The thing about strategies is, if they’re too rigid, you risk missing the opportunities that are right under your nose.  A plan or strategy that has a backbone, direction, and also flexibility, leaves room for course correction. Options. Because a plan without options well…. sounds…. kind of rigid.

Think about one goal you achieved in 2025.

At some point, you started with a "direction", something you wanted.  A setting of your compass.  You didn’t have to know every step, it started with the first one. It might have been a phone call, an email, or to register for that first course. It was all about setting the wheels in motion and, as you continued to take steps, the compass may have started to shift and lead you somewhere else. Notice the feeling of progress as you moved towards your goal. It’s the working towards your goals that gives you a purpose, not the completion. That’s the celebration.



Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

Here's some things to remember for the year ahead:

• Achievements give you a chance to notice the patterns that emerge when you’re working hard towards something you want. Celebrate as you go...this will provide the fuel to keep going.

• Notice that taking even the smallest of steps towards your goal, rather than doing nothing at all can make a difference.

• When you get stuck, remember this is all a part of it. What makes it a story. What skills or resources can you draw upon to get going again?

At the end of the day, it is the experiences along the way that make it worthwhile.  Don't lose sight of this! 

Enjoy the ride!

Ready to shift your mindset in 2026? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann

So you think it’s the prize that matters?

If it's going to be...it's up to me...

If it's going to be, it's up to me...

How often do we make excuses and look towards someone else to get the ball rolling, to fix things, to *you fill in the blank*...

We abdicate, yeah, I include myself here sometimes. We figure someone else is gonna take charge. Wouldn't that be nice?

How's that working out?

It's a New Year...I know it's cliche...and, a clean slate is available to you to decide what exactly it is that you want. To be clear, we're not talking about the traditional goals for work... that's taken care of by default.

I'm talking about YOU. What do you keep waiting for? Is it the right time, the right circumstances, the right, whatever it is that you seem to think is going to come along one day. When, in fact, I think we all know that all of these factors don't exist, and yet wait we do...

What if you adopted this approach..."If it's going to be...it's up to me."

No excuses, just truly digging deep asking yourself... "How is my mindset standing between me and the things that I want?"

This doesn't preclude you from getting help, it's never about that...two heads are definitely better than one. And...if there's something you really want, you have to take the the initiative. The very first step, and that could mean you're reaching out to someone to help you. That's how it works. You don't have to do it as a solo journey...but you do have to start with the babiest of steps. While you're waiting for the ideal conditions...the time's gonna tick away.

The theme of time keeps coming up because if there's one thing that's sure, you don't get time back. You can't turn around and recoup time, it just doesn't work that way.

• Where have you been waiting for "it" to happen?

  • For the right time, the right person, the specific circumstances or whatever your particular "it" is.

How's that working out?

What if you started with a plan for your first step.

Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

It's a New Year. I want you to think about that thing that keeps crossing your mind. It's always there, quietly in the background...or maybe not so quietly sometimes.

And if you don't know what it is, maybe talk to someone who knows you well and get them to illuminate that for you. It's the thing that you always bring up and don't even notice you're doing it.

You got it? Great! Now ask yourself:

• What's holding me back?

  • Sometimes it's things like: Not thinking you deserve the thing you want.

  • Or maybe like a lot of people, you're last on your priority list, so it keeps getting bumped.

• Or maybe for you, you're just waiting for that particular person that you think should be doing it, to do it...and they're just not.

Or maybe...

You truly don't know where to start.

What happens when you apply the "If it's going to be, it's up to me" mindset?

Perhaps there are some tough decisions you have to make...some uncomfortable actions you have to take. Or maybe it really is reaching out to that one person and letting that be a start.

It is up to you and you're not alone - Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann

If it’s going to be…it’s up to me…

Whoa...hang on a second!

Happy New Year!

Thank you so much for being here! A new year is always an exciting time. New beginnings and opportunities just seem more possible at this time of year. The excitement can be palpable and the temptation to rush into what's next can preclude us from savouring what was, getting the lessons...before we jump into another action packed agenda.

So...Whoa! Before you get ahead of yourself...

Let's take some time to reflect on 2025. Really. Slow down. Take a breath and pause for a few minutes.

Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

2025 was definitely one for the books for me and I can't wait to dig into these questions. No matter what your year was like, reflecting on “what was” is a useful exercise that can bring clarity as you enter a new year.

Ready to explore? Let's get going with these questions. You're definitely going to want to grab a piece of paper and something to write with.

• What am I ready to leave behind?

  • What better time than the end of a year to ask yourself this question?
    You can carry so many things with you year over year, maybe it's time to leave behind the things that are holding you back or weighing you down. Perhaps it's a relationship you've outgrown, a habit or feeling that you’re done with, an attitude, or even a tangible "thing"?

• What do I want to keep?

  • While setting new goals is always exciting, it's important to remember some of the stuff that you already have that's pretty great. Stuff you want to keep. Relationships, health, friendships, work, useful practices that you do etc.

• What do I want to add or have more of in 2026?

  • While "adding" always sounds good, you may already have some things in your life that you just want more of - family and friend time, me time...you get the idea here.

• What have I put on hold?

  • Depending on the year you had, you may have had to put some things on hold. It happens.  While there’s no perfect time to do that thing you want to do, maybe you do have time for it now. What's one step you could take to get you going?

• What have I discovered about myself this year?

  • Every year brings an opportunity for growth. Spend some time pondering "what did I discover about myself"?

Now take a moment. Breathe. Notice what you're feeling right now. Maybe you feel proud when you see how the year unfolded. Maybe 2025 kicked you in the pants and you're glad to see the end of it. Or perhaps you've found a gap that you'd like to address. There's no right or wrong here.

No matter what surfaced for you, you now have some information you didn’t have before. You get to decide whether you do something with it or not. Something for you to mull over in the coming days. That's the point - to get you thinking.

Sending warmest wishes to you for 2026.

Ann

Whoa…hang on a second!

Follow YOUR path...trust YOUR direction.

Follow your path...trust your direction.

When you say it, it seems like this is just like the Wizard of Oz, and it's laid right out in front of you, like the yellow brick road. Just follow it and if you stay on it everything's going to be fine...and if you dare to veer off it...well, you know what happens.

I don't know about you, but that's never been my experience. In fact, it's often not until I'm back on my path that I realize I've even been off of it...that I've taken a detour.

And the more I think about it...

I think the thing is that it's all a part of your path...the straying from what you think is the way you should be going. Sometimes to what looks bright and shiny, sometimes to things that look like really good options, and sometimes...you've lost your GPS signal.

That realization...that's where the path becomes visible again.

More strongly...even if you don't have the long-range forecast or the GPS locked in. The destination almost feels secondary. Secondary to the fact you've gone through a reset...lost your way...taken a detour... And now you're back online...the GPS has been recalibrated.

How about you?

How do you know when you're veering in a direction that probably isn't right?

Often it starts with a niggling inside that tells you something's off. At first, you probably can't put your finger on it...but it's there in the background. Gradually it gets louder and louder until you can't ignore it anymore you have to investigate it.

We're heading in to a New Year. Maybe it's a good time to examine that path you're on?


Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

We're on the cusp of a New Year which is a natural opportunity to reflect and make some decisions. Checking in on where you're heading. Maybe it's one particular area of your life where you need to make some sort of an adjustment. Pick just one thing now, one situation, and reflect on these questions:

• Are you headed where you want to go?
  

  • Or does something "feel off"?

• If you stay on this trajectory, what will December 2026 look like for you?

  • It seems a long way out and yet fast forwarding can provide you with some clarity.

• What little thing could you change about this situation?

  • A little thing implemented consistently will reap transformative results over time.

Consider this...

It's the zigs and zags that make your path worthwhile. It's understanding that there's not one way, one path, for you...that's the beauty of it. The fact that your path can go many directions, not always good, not always where you're meant to be, but always in places and spaces where...if you're open to it...you can learn a lot.

Follow your path. Trust your direction.

Ready to shift your mindset in 2026? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann

Follow YOUR path…trust YOUR direction.

Feeling overwhelmed and stressed?

Feeling overwhelmed and stressed?

Of course you are! This is probably one of the most stressful times of the year. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza or nothing at all…the end of the year can create a tremendous amount of pressure. Finishing up last minute preparations or, perhaps, completion of those end of year work goals...and let's not even talk about 2026 goal setting...

Wrapping things up, literally and figuratively.

Remember "Goldilocks"? She knew when the porridge, the bed, and the chair were just right. Not too hot, too soft, not too...you get the picture…

Stress can be like that: Too much and your circuits get overwhelmed...too little and you have no oomph to get things done.  What do you need? Just the right amount to give you the energy to show up to the things you want to show up to...feeling your best. No matter what this busy time of year throws at you.

It's possible. 

There's definitely something about a little bit of healthy stress - that boost of adrenaline - that can make you feel motivated and energetic and ready to get that thing done.

But...how do you put in place some healthy boundaries to ensure that your circuits aren't getting overloaded? 

Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

Here are some suggestions for managing your resources over the next couple of weeks. Resources can be many things: Tangible things like money, or things like your time and energy.

• Tangible things:

  • Before you tap your card again...ask yourself: When January comes and it's time to "pay up" will I regret this decision to spend my money on this?

• Time:  

  • Before you take on one more thing…ask yourself : Do I have the time to do this thing? Time is finite. We only get so much of it. If you're taking on something "extra", maybe ask yourself: What do I need to say no to in order to do this?

• Energy:

  • This is a tiring time of year. Extra requests are being made of you on top of your already busy schedule. In addition to time, your energy can take a hit. When you get asked to do that thing, ask yourself: Is this really what I want to spend my energy on?

• Selfcare:

  • Probably the most important element in managing over the next few weeks. Taking time each day to do something for yourself. A quick walk, a few minutes of breathing, throwing on a song you like and dancing. Having a chat with someone you love. Whatever works for you. And, a friendly reminder that, NO is a complete sentence.  You don't have to make excuses for taking care of yourself.

Ready to shift your mindset in 2026? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann

Feeling overwhelmed and stressed?

Here's the thing about things...it's rarely about the thing...

That's the superficial top layer.

It can go so much deeper.

Picture an iceberg...the tip of the iceberg. It's the only thing that you can see and we know there's so much more below the surface.

It could be the symptom or maybe it's the final straw.

How do you know?

There are several perspectives to consider when you're looking for answers.

First and most obvious is your own perspective. You know what's underneath it all, you can tell that story. It's your experience. Reviewing the situation through your own eyes.

That's one perspective.

Another perspective?

From the perspective of others who are or were close to that situation who could describe it from how they saw it...how they experienced it. You may not necessarily agree with them...because of course, they're also  telling it from their particular lens. Look at it as information. And if no one was actually involved? Imagine how someone else might have experienced the situation.

And finally, consider the situation from a spectator's viewpoint. What?

Picture being at a sporting event or maybe a concert where you're in the mid level seats. You can get a pretty good idea of what's going on but not necessarily hear the words that are being said...but you can see the behaviours and inevitably draw some conclusions...rightly or not... you get another layer to the story.

So why do we think we know what's going on over there when we only have the one perspective. Ours. How are you supposed to know what the thing is when it's embedded in so many other things?

I think a good place to start might be:

• Get curious.

• Ask questions.

• Don't make assumptions.

Back to that iceberg picture that we often see where you can only see the top...the thing that finally came to the surface. In that visual you can see that there's so much more going on beneath it.

Where are you making an assumption right now, thinking that the thing that you see is the actual thing?



Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

Think of a situation where you're scratching your head, trying to figure it out. Wondering what's going on when you only have the top of the iceberg as your reference point?

What if you take a moment now to explore the three potential perspectives?

• Your perspective, how do you see this?

  • What are you assuming from your perspective?

• Theirs.

  • What if you imagined stepping into their experience?

• A spectator’s.

  • What would an uninvolved party see that you can't? What wisdom could they add to this particular situation?

What new information do you gain after looking at this situation from all these perspectives? What's different now?

It's getting close to the time of year where the pressure can be high and patience low. Remember...be curious and kind and don't make assumptions.

Ready to shift your mindset in 2026? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann
*Confidence *Mindset *Performance Coach *Author 
www.steppingstonecoaching.ca

Here’s the thing about things…it’s rarely about the thing…

Are you missing the top of the puzzle box?

Have you ever tried to solve a puzzle without the top of the box?

Yikes!

You're not always going to get the top of the puzzle box.

How the heck are you supposed to solve a puzzle when you don't know what it's supposed to look like?

When you're in the "in between" maybe feeling uncertain or in a space that feels foreign for you...that can be exactly what it feels like...you're missing the top of the puzzle box. The clues for what's next...or at least some sort of framework.

That doesn't mean you can't solve it, or that you can't get started. It just means you have to be willing to take a chance. Try a piece...see if it fits...be willing to fail.

It also offers a lot more flexibility in how that puzzle's gonna turn out.

You get to determine how many pieces are in the puzzle, which piece you start with, when the puzzle is complete - the final result.

In life, you're gonna find yourself in foreign territory from time to time...experiences that you've never had before...where there's no "top of the box" to guide you through it. Where you truly have to navigate it one puzzle piece at a time.

The cool thing about solving puzzles is that you don't have to do it alone. Every now and then someone else is holding the puzzle piece that you need for your puzzle.

Where right now do you have a puzzle with no box top?


Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

Maybe you're navigating a job loss, or a family member is unwell, and you're navigating through the system. Perhaps for you, there's been a relationship change. There are so many situations that can come up where there's no puzzle box with the clues that you might need.

• Life doesn't always come with the picture on top of the box. 
  

  • Even if you think you have a “plan” sometimes you're looking at the wrong puzzle box. It happens.

• We need others to complete our puzzle.
  

  • Sometimes, we just don’t have all of the puzzle pieces we need to complete the puzzle. 

• Likewise, sharing some of our puzzle pieces is the right thing to do.

  • Everyone needs assistance from time to time. Look around...who could use one of your puzzle pieces?

While doing things on your own may be fine for you most times, we all need assistance from time to time and getting someone else’s puzzle piece may be the exact thing you need right now.  

Check in. Do you need to take a puzzle piece...or offer one?

Looking for the top of the puzzle box? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann

Are you missing the top of the puzzle box?

Curveballs are going to happen...

Curveballs are going to happen...

Things don't always go as planned, that's for sure. Life's going to throw you some curveballs...

• Something unexpected.
  

  • You had something planned and didn't get the reaction you were anticipating.

• Something surprising.
  

  • This can also include good things!

• Or perhaps it's something disruptive.
  

  • An accident that temporarily changes your life or that delayed flight that inconvenienced you.

No matter what it is...it's what you do next that counts. 

It's really not about the curveball...it's more about your response to it...which for most people is probably going to be reactive. Totally normal. It's what happens next...how you eventually choose to respond...that ultimately matters...and that response may take you some time.

Let's face it, some curveballs are going to require an immediate reaction - or action. So react if the situation requires it. Take the necessary action.

Or...if the situation warrants it, take some time so that you can actually respond. Easier said than done, especially depending on the associated emotions...because let's face it, not all curveballs have the same magnitude. In a moment of emotion, we can respond without thinking it through. If you have the luxury of time, the 24 hour rule is usually a good idea...taking some time to shift your emotions, be in a better state of mind, before you respond...because when you do this, you're actually responding versus reacting. It's different.

If you've been thrown a curveball here are some things to consider:

• Curveballs are there to knock you off your feet, sometimes literally, and they're a way to redirect you.

• They aren't permanent but the lessons you learn can be.

• In time, when you reflect on your situation, you may connect some dots and possibly, appreciate why it happened.

Curveballs can leave you feeling off balance...not yourself. So remember...if you're feeling shitty, take some time to regain your balance...which may include some moping, anger and perhaps some bitterness...BUT don't unpack your bags and live there! Feel the feels and gradually pick yourself up, take the next best step and keep going.

Things to accept:

• You  may need help (yikes). Ask for it.  Not something many of you may be used to. Receive it with gratitude.

• Letting go of control and the way it's supposed to be, because, at least for now, it's not.  

• Everything truly is temporary.

Life's most valuable lessons aren't going to be in a video or podcast. Nope, they're often presented as unexpected curveballs. 

Curveballs are gonna happen. Life's going to throw one at you every now and then.

Then what?


Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

If you're dealing with the aftermath of a curveball ponder these questions:

• What can you accept about it?

• Where's the lesson for you moving forward?

• What if you look forward six months or so...what might you be seeing then?

As you recover, remember: No matter what you're working on, it's not going to happen overnight, it's going to happen over time. Maybe read that again.

Been thrown a curveball? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann

Curveballs are going to happen…

Things don't always work out...thank goodness!

Things don't always work out...thank goodness!

Can you imagine if every single thing that you planned came to be? How many other things would you have missed out on because of that?

It's been a month now since that thing that I planned didn't work out...and really "didn't work out" isn't my opinion of it at all…and others looking in might think that.

I'm feeling so grateful right now to be exactly where I am...knowing that everything happens for a reason and when something doesn't work out...it isn't the end of the world...in fact, it can be the beginning of an amazing new chapter.

Typically when things don't work out we look at that as a bad thing. You had a plan or an idea and now it's not going to be fulfilled.

What if you chose to look at it differently? 

When something doesn't work out the way you think it might have or "should have" get curious. Me? I'm digging immediately for the lesson, for the learning, and for how I can move forward to my next thing. It's actually a little bit exciting.

How about you?

How do you behave when things don't work out the way you think they should have? Do you look at it as a failure or do you look at it as information? I wouldn't have necessarily reacted this way in the past, and...I've done a ton of work. Maybe that's why I roll with things much differently now... and it's possible for you too.

As always...there's no right or wrong answer. It's about exploring your natural response to something and deciding whether you want to look at it from a different perspective.

One of the first things to look at is the idea that we have control over our plans. It's kind of delusional, because life is going to throw you a curveball every now and then that's going to knock you off your feet and change your plans with or without your consent.

• The relationship breakup you didn't see coming.

• The ice storm that cancelled your trip.

• The technology that made you redundant.

Anything can interrupt your plans and that's kind of life. It's what you do afterwards, how you move forward, that matters.

Is there somewhere right now where you've been left scratching your head, thinking "this isn't how I planned for it to go?" 

Maybe you've been blindsided by something or you surprised yourself by making a decision that was out of character for you. Whatever the case may be...things did not work out as planned.

Now what?


Are you ready?

Let's get to it...

Your challenge...

Think of a situation where things didn't work out. Maybe you didn't get that job, the relationship ended…whatever comes to mind for you. 

Ask yourself these questions:

• How did my life change because of this?

  • When it first happened and now, upon reflection.

• What new thing came my way because of this?

  • When plans don't go the way you hoped, typically something else shows up.

• What did I avoid because this thing didn’t work out?

  • Hmmmm…you may not necessarily look at this perspective.

What else did I learn because of this? There's always a lesson when you're open to receiving it.


Things not working out? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.

Cheers,

Ann

Things don’t always work out…thank goodness!