Author: WE ARE BRAVE

Journaling is way more than just putting pen to paper; or fingers to keyboards, it’s a powerful tool for personal growth and self-reflection.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the practice of journaling can profoundly impact your mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.

Our We Are BRAVE Journal contains the prompts and content to guide you through your personal journey. Here’s five key benefits of incorporating journaling into your daily routine:

Get a Boost to your Mental Clarity

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help clear your mind. Journaling can organise your thoughts, making it easier to understand and process them. This clarity allows you to make more informed decisions and tackle problems with a fresh perspective. A fresh outlook.

You Can Reduce Your Stress and Anxiety

Journaling provides a safe outlet to express your emotions. By putting your worries and fears on paper, you can gain a sense of relief and control. This process helps reduce stress and anxiety, allowing you to manage your emotions more effectively.

It Can Boost Your Creativity

Engaging in regular journaling can ignite your creativity. The act of writing freely, without the pressure of structure or form, encourages the flow of ideas. This creative freedom can lead to new insights and innovative solutions in various aspects of your life. Just write and enjoy!

It’s Known to Promote Self-Reflection and Growth

Journaling is a form of self-dialogue that promotes introspection. By reflecting on your experiences, thoughts, and behaviours, you can often gain a deeper understanding of yourself. This self-awareness fosters personal growth and helps you recognize patterns that you might want to change or develop further. Our Individual Readiness Assessment also helps you with this, and it’s free! https://wearebrave.co.uk/individual-readiness-assessment

Journaling Strengthens Emotional Intelligence

Regular journaling helps you become more in tune with your emotions. By articulating your feelings and experiences, you can better understand and manage your emotional responses. This practice enhances emotional intelligence, improving your relationships and interactions with others. EQ is now an identified leadership characteristic.

But how do I even get started?

Starting a journaling practice is simple. Choose a time each day to write—morning or evening works well for many people. Don’t worry about grammar, spelling or structure; the goal is to express yourself freely. You can begin with prompts such as “Today I feel…” or “Something I’m grateful for is…”

Remember, journaling is a personal journey. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. The key is consistency and openness. Embrace the process, and you’ll soon discover the benefits journaling can bring to your life.

Sara

Taking time to pause and self-assess can be a brave and transformative act. Self-assessment involves looking inward to evaluate your current state—emotionally, mentally, professionally, and personally. It’s about facing your truths, acknowledging your achievements, and identifying areas for growth.

Let us tell you why we think Self-Assessment matters.

Clarity and Direction

Self-assessment helps you gain clarity on where you stand and where you want to go. It allows you to set realistic goals and develop a roadmap for achieving them.

Personal Growth

Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is essential for personal development. By recognising areas where you can improve, you pave the way for continuous growth. We can help you with this via our open workshops.

It Creates Empowerment

Taking charge of your self-assessment process puts you in control of your narrative. It empowers you to make informed decisions and take proactive steps toward your aspirations.

Overcomes the Fear

Self-assessment can be intimidating. It requires honesty and vulnerability, which can be uncomfortable.

Be kind to yourself when you do it. Be BRAVE and dig deep when answering.

Remember, self-assessment is not about perfection; it’s about progress. Embrace the courage to look inward, and you’ll find that the journey of self-discovery is one of the most rewarding paths you can take.

Get started here:

You can complete our Individual Self Assessment here, and it’s totally free with personal results emailed direct to your inbox.

https://wearebrave.co.uk/individual-readiness-assessment

Learn more about the benefits of joining Open Training Workshops

In today’s fast-paced world, we recognised that continuous learning is essential for personal and professional growth. But there was a flaw in our plan…

Our incredible programmes were only available to businesses and teams and after almost every session we’d always be asked

“how can I get my colleagues or people I know to come on these courses?”

We took this on board and came up with a bespoke selection of content that we knew could work for individuals, as well as teams and one deciding factor for us was that we could finally run them as open workshops.

For us, open training workshops offer a unique and accessible way to enhance your skills, expand your knowledge, and connect with like-minded individuals.

Here’s 5 compelling benefits of participating in open workshops:

1. You can enhance your skills

Open training workshops are designed to help you acquire new skills or improve existing ones. Whether you’re looking to learn a new habit, master a professional technique, or learn something from scratch these workshops provide hands-on experience and practical knowledge that you can immediately apply.

2. They encourage networking

Attending open training workshops allows you to meet and interact with a diverse group of people who share your interests. These connections can lead to new friendships, professional relationships, and even potential job opportunities. Networking in such settings often leads to collaborations and knowledge sharing that can be beneficial long after the workshop ends.

3. Meet the experts

Workshops are typically led by industry experts or experienced practitioners who bring a wealth of knowledge and insights. This exposure allows you to learn best practices, gain new perspectives, and stay updated on the latest trends and developments in your field. A skilled trainer will make your learning stick, whether face to face or virtual and leave you with simple easy to implement tools.

4. You can boost your motivation & confidence

Learning in a group setting can be highly motivating. The structured environment, along with the encouragement from instructors and peers, can boost your confidence. Successfully completing a workshop often provides a sense of accomplishment, inspiring you to pursue further learning and challenges.

5. Flexibility & accessibility

Open training workshops are designed to be accessible to a wide audience. They are available in various formats—online, in-person, or hybrid—making it easy to find a workshop that fits your schedule and learning style. This flexibility ensures that continuous learning is within reach, regardless of your personal or professional commitments.

6. It’s bespoke to you!

The huge benefit of open workshops is that they can be bespoke for individual learning needs, and are much easier for L&D budgets to accommodate for one person when it’s needed.

Interested?

To get started, you can register your interest in open workshops and the topics that interest you the most by clicking the WAITLIST link in blue below:

We’d love to see you on a session soo!

Sara

Wait List

We get it. Not everyone jumps out of bed on Monday morning like an energiser bunny just dying to open their emails or join the commute. There’s lot’s to unpack about why you might be feeling like this, and I am not a licenced therapist…but at We Are BRAVE we do have some thoughts.

Here are eight simple ways to shoo away the Monday blues and focus on a positive week.

Start with a Positive Mindset

Begin your day by focusing on the good things ahead. Try not to dwell on the bad stuff, focus on what you can do to take control of the day, and the week ahead. Remind yourself of your goals and what you’re looking forward to achieving during the week. Even if it’s just that KitKat at 3pm with a cup of tea. Mmm.

Get into the Groove a Little Earlier

Now we are not advocating working all weekend (hell no!) BUT, hear us out here, taking some time on Sunday evening to plan your Monday schedule might just help. Having a clear roadmap of tasks and goals can alleviate stress and help you feel more prepared for the week ahead.

Get Your Body Moving A Bit

We all know that exercise is a powerful mood booster. Whether it’s a quick morning walk, a spritely jog to put the bins out, a yoga session, or hitting the gym, getting your body moving releases endorphins that can uplift your mood and energy levels.

Chunking The Day Up

Breaking up your day into smaller, more manageable chunks and scheduling short breaks in between tasks like meetings and focus time really helps. Stepping away from your desk for a few minutes can refresh your mind and prevent burnout.

Keep Hydrated and Eat Good Stuff

Another one we all know but might not do. When you feel a bit flat it’s tempting to reach for coffee, sugar and the obligatory chocolate digestives (we don’t make these rules). Instead try to fuel your body with nutritious foods and stay hydrated throughout the day. Even if you only do this on Monday it will you feel better and more focused.

Get Those Upbeat Tunes On The Go

The power of music is massively under rated. Create a feel-good playlist to listen to during your commute or while getting set up or even for while you’re working. Music has the power to elevate your mood and shift your perspective, making it easier to tackle the day ahead. Just remember to mute before you answer the phone!

Get Some Gratitude Practice In

Something a bit more left field but often a bit of reflection helps us see that there are things going on that we can be grateful for, even on a Monday! Take a moment to reflect on the things you are grateful for. Whether it’s a supportive colleague, a delicious cup of coffee, or a sunny day, acknowledging the positives in your life can cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment.

Use A Reward System to Help You

It’s a an old trick but having something to look forward to at the end of the day, whether it’s indulging in your favourite hobby, spending time with loved ones, or simply unwinding with a good book or podcast can make all the difference. Maybe you make Monday into Movie Night? Perhaps Monday = Pizza. Anything to make the association a little better can work.

So if you can try incorporating even one of these simple practices into your Monday routine, you might just be able to banish those Monday blues and take control of the rest of the week.

Rhi

Think about the voices we hear the most. Radio adverts, podcast intros, tv commercials, public transport announcements, political speeches….notice anything strange?

The world we live in is often dominated by preconceived notions of what is deemed to sound “professional”

Learning to embrace, accept and own the sound of our own voice is actually a powerful exploration of our own authenticity. 

Your voice sounds and patterns are as unique as the very DNA that made you. 

Contrary to outdated beliefs, professionalism isn’t confined to a specific tone, accent, or vocal inflection – it’s about embracing the unique voice that defines each individual.

The traditional, and yet still widely used and accepted, narrative has perpetuated the idea that the well spoken, white, cis, male voice is the epitome of professionalism.  How is this still a thing in 2024? 

However, we’re sensing a push towards breaking away from this blinkered perspective and we are here for that and already playing our part. 

When we deliver SPEAK, our public speaking workshop, we’re helping to dismantle the biased perception surrounding how a ‘professional’ voice should sound. The diversity of voices we hear is a reflection of the rich tapestry of humanity, and every voice deserves recognition and respect. Encouraging individuals to own their voice involves empowering them to find confidence in their unique expressions, rather than conforming to a standardised myth of professionalism.

This is essential if we are to encourage people to be the best versions of themselves. True professionalism is about authenticity, and every voice, irrespective of its pitch or accent, carries the potential for impact and influence. We just need to lay down our own biases (yep, we all have them) and accept that the world is a diverse place with more than one way of sounding professional. 

Imagine a brave world where every voice is celebrated for its distinctiveness. 

Eton educated and white male? Super! ✅

Public school and broad Geordie female..? Class! ❤️

Sixth form dropout with an Italian inflection…? Bellisimo! ????

By everyone working to remove the bias associated with vocal characteristics, we can create an environment that fosters inclusivity and helps people to build their authentic selves. This long overdue shift not only benefits individuals but amplifies the sounds of many diverse voices.

At We Are Brave we champion the idea that professionalism trumps stereotypes and promotes the authenticity of every voice. In doing so, we lead the way for a more inclusive, diverse, and unique sounding professional landscape.

Sara

Have you ever felt like you’re about to be rumbled?

What are you even doing in this job…?

Imposter syndrome, 2 words we are starting to hear more and more about. Affecting men and women, across the globe, it’s a phenomenon where people doubt their abilities and fear being exposed as frauds despite plenty of evidence of their competence!

We think the pursuit of success, the pace of doing business, various cultures at work plus increasingly tough societal expectations are contributing to the rise of imposter syndrome. In this blog post, we’ll explore this issue and provide five effective strategies to overcome it.

Spotting the 4 P’s.

There are some clear signs that imposter syndrome could be affecting you, or those you work with. They are the 4 P’s. Perfectionism, Paralysis, People-Pleasing, and finally Procrastination.

Perfectionism might turn you into a crazy micro manager looking for the perfect piece of work.

Paralysis can make you freeze like a statue when you need to take action the most.

People-pleasing is the sure fire way to destroy and work life balance.

Lastly, (did you see what we did there) Procrastination can show up as being a busy fool doing all that ‘busy work’ so that you don’t have to get to the big stuff.

Strategies to Help

1. Recognise it and Label It!:
The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is spotting it. Acknowledge the thoughts and feelings associated with your self-doubt. Understand these feelings are really common and do not accurately reflect your capabilities. By acknowledging imposter syndrome, you take the initial step towards conquering it. One step further is labelling it which helps your brain tag that feeling with what it really is. Anyone who has self awareness around their emotions will already understand the incredible power of slapping a label onto it!

2. Celebrate your Achievements:
Often, people suffering with imposter syndrome can downplay their achievements. We want you to take time to celebrate your successes, regardless of their scale. Maintain a record of your accomplishments and revisit them during moments of self-doubt. This practice helps build confidence and reinforces the reality of your capabilities.

3. Seek out Support and Mentorship:
Sharing your feelings with trusted colleagues, friends, or mentors can be instrumental in overcoming imposter syndrome. Discussing your experiences with someone who understands and values your abilities can provide valuable perspective. Seek mentorship to gain guidance from those who have faced similar challenges and successfully navigated through them. This could be in work, life or anywhere you see someone who you think might be able to help you.

4. Embrace Continuous Learning:
Imposter syndrome often stems from the fear of inadequacy. You can combat this fear by adopting a growth mindset. Embracing continuous learning and viewing challenges as opportunities for development. By seeing that personal growth involves facing unfamiliar situations, you can turn imposter syndrome into a catalyst for advancement.

5. Learn to Challenge Negative Thoughts:
Develop the habit of questioning negative thoughts associated with imposter syndrome. When self-doubt arises, challenge it by asking for evidence supporting those thoughts. Often, you’ll find that these thoughts lack a solid foundation. Replace your negative self-talk with positive affirmations and focus on your strengths and accomplishments.

Imposter syndrome is a more common experience than you think that is spreading across gender and business boundaries. By recognising, celebrating achievements, seeking support, embracing continuous learning, and challenging negative thoughts, people can overcome imposter syndrome and unlock their full potential. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and by talking about it you will have started the process of beating it.

Sara

Are you tired of blending in with the crowd, like yet another plain doughnut in the box? Well, we think it’s time to unleash your inner unicorn and embrace your unique, dazzling brave self!

In a world where conforming and blending in seems to often reign supreme, we want to champion those who are BRAVE and dare to be different.

Have you been in the The Clone Zone?
We all see this in businesses all around the world. Cookie cutter versions of the same person in every organisation. Same style. Same suit. Same buzzwords (circle back anyone..?????) and the same old outcomes. It’s boring. An army of corporate clones roaming the corridors of Dull & Duller Ltd.

You might be thinking, “But what if people judge me?” Well, let them! Remember, it’s not about being weird; it’s about being authentic. Using your brain to think first & think better. You might be surprised by peoples reactions.

We want you to be different, and say what you want to say in a calm and confident way. Learning to speak so that people listen and

Who wants to conform anyway?
Choosing to be different means making choices that reflect your unique personality, tastes, and quirks. It’s about proudly proclaiming, “I’m not going to do what everyone else is doing just because it’s the ‘in’ thing!”

Why Being a Unicorn is BRAVE.
Here’s the thing: it takes guts to be a unicorn. It requires bravery to defy societal expectations and march to your own unique rhythm. But, the rewards are sweet.

   1.    Authenticity: When you’re unapologetically you, people are drawn to your genuine spirit. Authenticity is magnetic.
   2.    Innovation: Unicorns are often the pioneers and innovators. They’re the ones who bring fresh ideas to the table because they’re not bound by the “this is how we’ve always done it” mentality. They can disagree and decide and still take people on the journey with them.
   3.    Personal Pride: The feeling of pride that comes from just being yourself, quirks and all, is unparalleled.

Bring Out Your Inner Unicorn ????
Life is too short to be just another black-and-white zebra in the very large herd. We want you to get your sparkle on instead. Daring to be different is a celebration of your uniqueness. It’s the path to authenticity, innovation, and the kind of pride that can only come from being the most honest version of you.

And that means you can be BRAVE.

In the world of financial planning, where we are working with clients, helping them understand and achieve their goals, we are sometimes doing the people that work in our profession a disservice.

In my vast experience of working in different types of firms, with various teams and management styles, I’ve seen those that are happy stay with the same firm for years and show true dedication. I’ve also seen more people look at switching jobs as a challenge to be achieved because there are still a lot of bad practices – unfortunately, especially in small businesses.

I personally know the difficulties of managing a small business, but the key for business owners is not to take on everything yourself. Determine those non-negotiable things in the business, and looking after your people is one of those.

Rule #1: Look after your people

I’ve been part of financial planning teams for more than 10 years now, and this isn’t about the official team manager alone – great culture is created when everyone in a team looks after one another.

I’ve been on a number of sides within financial planning teams – a junior member of a team, a paraplanner, senior paraplanner, team manager, head of paraplanning, and now a business owner, managing the business and the paraplanning team. 

Now that I’m on the business ownership/management side, I believe even less that there’s a good “business” reason not to look after people. 

So often through the mentoring scheme that I created, we hear from administrators and paraplanners that they just aren’t being treated well. Exams and memberships not being paid for or supported by employers, no sick pay and a very limited amount of holiday are a small number of things that are grating on people in our profession at the moment.

As a business owner, I know all this comes at a cost, but if you truly want your business to be successful, looking after your people is key.

Obviously, a successful business looks different to each business owner – for me, I was to do some good in the world. We have engrained “happiness” as one of our key values because as much as I want to have a nice life for myself, I want it for others too. But we shouldn’t ignore that happier people are more productive and committed people. This is good for business! 

So, how do you look after your people?

The first and most important thing is for each team to have a specific person that is responsible for the people in that team. Responsible for their workload, productivity, wellbeing and general happiness at work. In my opinion, this person should be someone that understands the job those in the team are doing – if they have personal experience of the job, that’s even better, but having a good understanding of the actual tasks and skills involved, and the personality type of those doing the job, is important.

The other trait they need is to have an actual interest in other people’s well-being. For most people, they want to ensure they have an outlet, feel that they are being listened to and are progressing. For some, this looks like building skills or increasing pay; for others, it’s about continuing to balance work and life. Understanding how to relate to all of these needs is a tough job and should not be underestimated.

Having one-to-one meetings with every member of the team on a regular basis – in my opinion, monthly is best – is a good way to “look after” a team. This confidential and private space builds trust, but it does work on both sides. Team members also have a responsibility to show up and take charge of their own happiness and development. We talk about this a lot within mentoring, and the making your own development happen is powerful and something we can all do.

Rule #2: Treat your colleagues like your family

Although your team will never be your family (unless you are actually related), there’s no reason why they cannot be your friends. That said, not all of us need more friends, but let’s not forget that as social beings, the connection between us is needed for us to thrive. Anyone who has read around financial well-being will understand that all the data and research leads us to conclude that living and happiness is about human connection.

Rule #3: Caring about others costs nothing

Financially, that is true, although there is an emotional cost, which we shouldn’t ignore. We know that not everyone has a deep, caring nature, although it is true that, generally, humans are caring. How does this show up in a team? There is no job role that includes “caring” as a responsibility within our profession; however, with the right culture, this is part and parcel of everyone in the team. Caring about others touches so many parts of our professional lives, from booking a holiday or time off work, dealing with our workloads or challenging others’ opinions.

Finally, I will say that looking after people should always be a work in progress. Humans are complex beings with needs that constantly change over time due to life events, hormones, health, as well as social change, and keeping up with how all these things can affect people showing up at work is a tough job.

Keeping an open mind and continually learning is a great way to look after people. 

Sian Davies Cole

sian@plan-works.co.uk

Wanting to avoid conflict is a completely natural part of human interaction. Trust us, there are only a select few who begin each day with the burning desire to run into some conflict along the way! 

It’s perfectly normal to just want the easy life, and in essence, look for the quietest and most peaceful option. 

For many of us, avoiding conflict can be damaging to our roles and self esteem at work (and in our personal lives too) but, and here’s a terrible thought you’ll probably wish you never read. 

But, what if, by avoiding the very thing you fear the most, you might just unleash a beast you like even less…

‘Underlying Tension’ ????

When we choose to sidestep a conflict, we may experience feeling of immediate relief and even success! But, if you’ve really just created tension by ‘sweeping it under the rug’ you risk allowing it to fester beneath the surface until it’s ready to make things a whole lot worse. 

Here’s a few reasons why avoiding conflict can lead to the unleashing of underlying tension:

Suppressed emotions

When we dodge a confrontation, we suppress our feelings and emotions. This suppression can create a sense of unease, which builds over time, like a pressure cooker ready to explode.

You’re not speaking up

Conflict often arises from miscommunication or misunderstandings. By avoiding the issue, we miss an opportunity to clarify and rectify the situation, by speaking up and avoiding assumptions and misconceptions to thrive.

Unresolved Issues

Unaddressed conflicts result in unresolved problems. These problems won’t disappear on their own; they often persist and potentially worsen, causing long-term damage to the relationship or situation. 

Bye bye Trust

When people avoid conflict repeatedly, trust can slowly disappear. Others may perceive them as insincere or uncommitted to resolving issues, leading to a breakdown in trust and rapport. It’s hard to work with people you don’t trust. 

Conflict Incoming!

The longer a conflict is left unaddressed, the more it can escalate. As the tension builds it feeds the initial conflict until they’re both ready to create the perfect storm. What was once a small disagreement may grow into a substantial issue that’s even harder to tackle.

So, what do We Are BRAVE suggest we can we do to avoid the accumulation of underlying tension while addressing conflict effectively?

Open Communication

Engage in open, honest, and respectful communication when conflicts arise. Speak Up and discuss your concerns and listen actively to the other person’s perspective.

Right Time and Place

Select a good time and a private setting for discussing conflicts wherever you can. An audience often escalates an issue and encourages poor behaviours. Always try to stop, think and then respond instead of react. 

Disagree Well

Disagreeing with someone doesn’t have to mean you dislike them! Use our tactics to help you move forward in a mature and collaborative way. If a conflict seems impossible to resolve on your own, consider involving a neutral third party, such as a mediator or HR, to help facilitate the conversation.

Decide on Solutions

Instead of dwelling on the problem, work together to decide on viable solutions. This shifts the focus from blame to resolution.

Think about your thinking

Reflect on each conflict as an opportunity for personal growth and relationship improvement. Learn from your experiences to prevent recurring issues. 

We think with a little help from us you can master the art of disagreement, calm conflict and collaborate effectively with your colleagues. It all starts with being BRAVE. 

Sara

Everyone needs a plan.

Regardless whether your goal is world domination, smashing the annual bonus scheme or something more personal, we believe that when you put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, you are way more likely to get stuff done.

Research has shown that people who write down their goals are 42 percent more likely to achieve them than those who don’t.

Having something as simple as a basic Personal Development Plan (aka the PDP) can often be the start of something brilliant.

You can download a simple template from us here. It’s amendable if you’d like to make it a little more ‘you’.

Here’s 5 Tips to Get You Started.

1. Think about the work you’ve already done

Before you get started on what it is that you want to achieve, spend some time thinking about your progress over the last 12 months. This will help you get a picture of what’s going well and any areas that you can improve on, it will also help you to recognise the strengths and weaknesses in your skillset.

2. Write a list of your strengths and weaknesses

Your strengths are a mixture of your talents, knowledge and skills. By getting an idea of what your strengths are, you’ll be able to identify activities where you can add value. And by recognising your weaknesses, you can start to get involved in work that allows you to develop gaps in your skills and knowledge.

3. Set some goals

Goals can be anything from short-term to long-term, big or small. Whatever you decide you want to work towards, the key thing is to make sure that you’re setting goals based on what you want to achieve, not what you think your manager would like to see. Once you’ve set your goals, consider prioritising them – and try not to tackle too many at once.

4. Get SMART

Now that you have an understanding of what you want to achieve, it’s time to set some concrete actions. Think about what you’re working towards and then work backwards from there, outlining the steps you’ll need to take. It’s also important that the actions you set for yourself are clear, measurable and obtainable. A great way to make sure of this is to follow the SMART method: keep them Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timed.

5. Make time for updates

For your PDP to work, you need to update it regularly. Setting a weekly reminder in your calendar is a great way to get yourself into the habit of spending time reviewing your progress and updating the areas of your PDP that you’ve been working on.