Image created by the author using Ideogram.A new way to encourage positive behaviour change behind barsAs someone who worked for Court Services Victoria (Australia) for over 10 years, I am aware that prisons today face many challenges in rehabilitating inmates and reducing recidivism rates.Overcrowding, lack of funding, and outdated rehabilitation programmes all contribute to high rates... Continue Reading →
The Agony of “Urgent”
Prioritising what really mattersImage created using AITake a look at the picture above. Does it look familiar?Let me introduce Dave, a manager who was constantly feeling he couldn’t distinguish what tasks needed tackling first from ones that didn’t.Here is his story...Dave slumped back in his chair, rubbing tired eyes, as he took another sip from his mug... Continue Reading →
How Social Media Addiction is Rewiring our Brains for Solitude
Image by the author using IdeogramThe lonely pursuit of likes and notificationsAre you mindlessly scrolling through your social media feeds late into the night, desperately seeking that next dopamine hit of likes, comments, or shares?Is your addiction to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) actually making you more lonely?A growing body of research suggests that... Continue Reading →
Learning to Love Your Body
Image created using AIIt’s a journey, not a destinationAs I looked in the mirror, I felt that familiar pang of disappointment in my reflection. I pulled at the skin on my stomach, pinched at my thighs, and sighed at my arms.Why couldn’t I just be happy with what I saw?Yes, there I was — critiquing my perceived flaws instead... Continue Reading →
The Secret Ingredient to Telling a Story is Human Emotion
Fairy tale storytelling with open book concept: AI image downloaded from FreepikStorytelling is a fundamentally human endeavour. While the specific genres and formats may change over time, the core purpose remains constant — to connect with our audience on an emotional level.When I analyse why certain stories resonate while others fall flat, I keep coming back to this... Continue Reading →
How to Build a Consistent Writing Habit (And Actually Finish What You Start)
Image created using AII’ve always loved writing but have struggled for years to actually sit down and do it consistently.I’d get bursts of motivation where I’d write frequently for a week or two and then fade away for months at a time.It was frustrating to have so many half-finished drafts collecting virtual dust. I wanted to... Continue Reading →
How to Survive a Micromanaging Boss and When to Let Go of Control
Taking Back Your Power and Giving Others Space to GrowImage created using AITom stared at his computer screen, dreading the knock at his office door that came right at 9am every day. As if on cue, his manager John, poked his head in.“How’s that report coming along?” he asked, glancing over Tom’s shoulder.“I’m making good progress,” Tom... Continue Reading →
Speak with Confidence: 5 Tricks to Beat Public Speaking Jitters
Image created using AITame Those Butterflies and Own the StageLet’s face it, public speaking can be scary. But it doesn’t have to be.Here are some tricks to help you crush that presentation without breaking a sweat.Table of Contents1. Know Your Stuff2. It’s Not All About You3. Take a Deep Breath (or Ten)4. Strike a Pose5. Nervous Energy is... Continue Reading →
Quit Smoking for Good
Photo by Elsa Olofsson on UnsplashIt’s Time to Kick Butts in the ButtI know, I know... you’ve said you'd quit smoking before, but it’s really tough to actually stop, isn’t it?Whether you’ve tried and failed lots of times or just thinking about it, breaking the nicotine habit ain’t easy.But don’t stress — with the right plan and mindset, you... Continue Reading →
Understanding and Preventing Job Burnout
Image created using AIA Comprehensive Guide for Busy ProfessionalsThe modern work environment presents unique challenges for our well-being. With always-on technologies, blurred work-life boundaries, and the ongoing stresses of the pandemic, job burnout has become disturbingly common. But it doesn’t have to defeat us.Join me as we explore burnout in-depth, including its causes and how to... Continue Reading →