Paying yourself first might seem like an odd idea. Let me explain. What usually happens each month is that we pay all the bills, with most of our salary disappearing before we've even seen it. If there's anything left, that's what we put towards goals such as paying off credit card debt (beyond the minimum payment), building a pension, or saving for a house deposit. Paying yourself first means … [Read more...]
Finding your motivation to establish good habits
"But it's soooo boring," is a common response when I mention the importance of maintaining a budget. Often, we avoid a good habit because it's not very enjoyable. But it's not always about having fun. If I go to the gym with the intention of enjoying myself, I fail nearly every time. However, if my objective is to improve my strength and fitness, I succeed every time. Occasionally I enjoy myself - … [Read more...]
Bracing Yourself for Stealth Expenses
"I don't know where my money goes," is what I often hear from friends and clients. Direct debits make it very easy to set and track monthly expenses, but what about those stealth costs that appear out of nowhere? Car repairs, boiler repairs, cat repairs. An unanticipated bill for £200 wreaks havoc with our current account, and it can take months or even longer to recover.Here's how to identify … [Read more...]
The Kindness Method by Shahroo Izadi
When we want to quit a destructive habit, it's common to be hard on ourselves. We don't just start with a gentle 20-minute canter around the block, it has to be a 5k run before breakfast. Every day. There's nobility in suffering and, of course, we crave fast results. This punishing schedule proves unsustainable and we're confronted with yet more evidence of our flakiness. Nevertheless, many … [Read more...]
The Importance of Thinking Small
It’s New Year, and the internet is awash with ways to transform your life. The idea of transformation is certainly seductive, but unrealistic. By trying to change everything at once, we’re essentially committing an act of self-sabotage. After all, there’s no way we can lose weight, pay off our credit cards, and find a partner. When we try and fail, it merely confirms the negative voice that tells … [Read more...]
What You Measure, You Manage
A little while ago, I managed to lose my FitBit. I'd worn it for around five years and had developed a habit of achieving at least 10,000 steps each day. My first instinct was to immediately buy another one. Then my rational brain joined in: "Well, Catherine, you've established the habit, so you don't need another FitBit. Now you can get a proper watch that doesn't annoy people. You're an adult, … [Read more...]
New Year, New Direction
Hello and a very Happy New Year. If you've visited my website before, you'll notice some big changes over the coming months. For the last five years, I've been scampering around the country, running workshops and retreats for PhD students. One of the many enjoyable elements of this business has been 1-2-1 coaching. I've worked with some remarkable individuals who've overcome significant challenges … [Read more...]