But sometimes, we get out of balance. Sometimes one of these "lives" takes over from the others and we lose our connection with some of the other facets. Or, one of the facets gets out of line with our strengths, values and purpose.

For most of my clients, it's the work facet, or "persona", that has taken over or is completely out of line. I can tangibly sense the relief in their voices when I tell them that we're not going to talk about work or their career for the first couple of sessions; that I want them to get back in touch with who they REALLY are. Relief. But also, sometimes, fear and trepidation. Because sometimes, we've travelled such a long way away from that person that we've forgotten who they are.

And let's face it, when we meet someone for the first time, it's not guaranteed that we're going to like them. But, don't worry. I'm here to tell you that you will like them. It will be like meeting that old friend that you haven't seen for 10 years and automatically clicking as if you just saw them yesterday.

And they've never really been away. YOU have been there the whole time, peeking out when you can. Bringing joy, tears and laughter.

To get back in touch with the real you, I want you to completely disregard your "work persona" whilst thinking about the questions below.

Take a sheet of A4 and draw a depiction of yourself (it's OK, it can be a stick figure if your art skills are like mine!). As you're answering the questions, capture the words that stand out for you and resonate deeply with who you are. Write them around the picture.

Now answer the following questions:

• When was the last time you felt completely relaxed? What were you doing? Who were you with?
• When was the last time you had a belly laugh? What made you laugh?
• When was the last time you were in flow (completely absorbed, forgetting about time and surroundings)? What were you doing?
• What three words (adjectives) describe you when you're at your best?
• How would your closest friends and loved ones describe you?

By now, you should have some words around your picture that depict the real you. Feel free to redraw the picture and redistribute the words - perhaps some of the words cluster together, perhaps some are naturually closer to your head or your heart or your gut or your feet.

I'd like you to keep the picture somewhere close - maybe by your desk or take a photo and keep it on your phone. Look at it regularly and remind yourself who you are at your core. If you feel far away from that person, try to take a small step or moment each day to move a bit closer and bring them out of their shell.

And, if that work persona has really got out of hand or is in complete misalignment with YOU, keep reading these articles or you can always book a Discovery Call with me.

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