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Imagine we're sitting together on a comfortable couch, a warm cup of coffee or tea in hand. You're here because, like me, you've spent years working on yourself in therapy. Now, you're stepping into a new chapter without that structured support, and it's both thrilling and daunting. You might find yourself wondering, "Do I trust myself? Have I really done the work?"<figure id="figure-804r9bmxjqlwi6dte9"><img id="804r9bmxjqlwi6dte9" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1494883759339-0b042055a4ee?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw5OXx8QmxhY2slMjBwZW9wbGV8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzE2NDAzNjc4fDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="person in black adidas cap sitting on bench writing on notebook" title="person in black adidas cap sitting on bench writing on notebook" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1494883759339-0b042055a4ee?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw5OXx8QmxhY2slMjBwZW9wbGV8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzE2NDAzNjc4fDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Let's talk about that. It's natural to question your progress and feel a bit unsure. But remember, every challenge you face is a bridge you can cross, even if there are fears lurking underneath. I'm here to help you see that you have the strength to keep moving forward.<h3>Embracing the Fear:</h3>It's perfectly okay to feel scared when the safety net of therapy is no longer there. Stepping into this new phase of your life can feel overwhelming. There will be times when you doubt your progress. This fear is a part of your journey. The goal isn't to eliminate it but to embrace it, letting it guide you toward continued growth. Your healing journey is ongoing, involving daily choices that align with your values, especially when it comes to letting new people into your life.<h3>The Importance of Trust:</h3>One of the most significant lessons I've learned, and one that I share with my clients, is the importance of trust. Trusting yourself and others can be incredibly challenging, especially if past experiences have left you wary. It's tempting to build walls and control every aspect of your interactions to prevent getting hurt. However, true growth comes from learning to trust. You have to believe that the work you've done has prepared you to handle whatever comes your way.<h3>Three Tips for Enhancing Personal Agility</h3>Daily Self-Check-Ins: Begin each day with a moment of reflection. Ask yourself, "How am I feeling today? What are my goals? What do I need to focus on?" This practice helps you stay connected with your inner self and address any doubts or fears early on.Weekly Retrospectives: Just like in Agile coaching, conduct weekly retrospectives with yourself. Reflect on what went well, what didn’t, and what you can improve. This practice keeps you grounded and continuously evolving in your approach to life's challenges.Trust and Let Go: Practice trusting yourself and others. Let go of the need to control every outcome. Understand that not everyone will hurt you and that you have the resilience to handle setbacks. Trust in your ability to make the right decisions and learn from any mistakes.<figure id="figure-4j56qei31lwi6hh20"><img id="4j56qei31lwi6hh20" src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/1ZjSlxgXTTugxeCXaKdxaxcu81Ei5oZC2OInWUjTwTkzvQhKlPEEnrxIhYBk06qC.jpeg" alt="Close up self portrait of a beautiful african american woman taking a selfie" title="Close up self portrait of a beautiful african american woman taking a selfie" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/1ZjSlxgXTTugxeCXaKdxaxcu81Ei5oZC2OInWUjTwTkzvQhKlPEEnrxIhYBk06qC.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Being alone and learning to trust and depend on yourself can be both empowering and challenging. It's difficult to let people in when you can't control their actions. However, by trusting the work you've done and embracing personal agility, you can navigate these challenges successfully. Remember, the healing journey is continuous, and every day brings an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Keep checking in with yourself, trust the process, and know that you have the strength to face any situation.I hope these tips help you as much as they've helped me. Let's continue this journey of healing and growth together. If you're looking for more personalized guidance and support, I'd love to connect with you. Visit <a href="http://www.benjaminjadkins.com" data-mce-href="http://www.benjaminjadkins.com">www.benjaminjadkins.com</a> to learn more and sign up for a free chemistry meeting. Let's explore how we can work together to achieve your goals and navigate your journey with confidence.By Benjamin Adkins, ACC - Certifed Agile Life &amp; Leadership Coach

Trusting Yourself After Therapy: A Personal Coaching Session

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In the whirlwind of modern life, it's easy to feel lost and overwhelmed. Between work, relationships, personal goals, and daily chores, keeping everything in check can seem like an impossible task. But what if there was a way to bring order to the chaos?Enter Scrum methodology—a versatile framework not just for software development but for life itself. In this article, we'll explore how you can apply Scrum principles to various aspects of your life, from your romantic relationships to managing your thoughts and making strategic decisions.<h3>Understanding Scrum Methodology</h3>Before diving into practical applications, let's revisit the core components of Scrum:Sprints: Time-boxed periods for focused work (e.g., 2-4 weeks). Backlog: A prioritized list of tasks or goals. Daily Stand-ups: Brief meetings to discuss progress and challenges. Retrospectives: Reflections on what went well and what needs improvement.<h3>Applying Scrum to Your Personal Life</h3><figure id="figure-qkxxp6838lv4h3lsr"><img id="qkxxp6838lv4h3lsr" src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/14mfhfH6i7uE0eqw2zm3NRiNbXWlIEQLB1oJPWboe5TL58zORauYQ48bys4vyx79.jpeg" alt="Young african couple in casual clothes choosing vegetables and fruits in grocery department of the supermarket, man is holding shopping basket" title="Young african couple in casual clothes choosing vegetables and fruits in grocery department of the supermarket, man is holding shopping basket" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>1. Personal Backlog: Prioritize Your Life - Start by creating a personal backlog—a list of tasks, goals, and ideas across different areas of your life (e.g., work, relationships, hobbies). Prioritize them based on urgency, importance, or emotional impact.2. Managing Your Romantic Life with Scrum - Set Relationship Goals: Define what you want from your relationship and discuss it with your partner. Plan Romantic Sprints: Schedule regular date nights or activities to nurture your relationship. Hold Relationship Retrospectives: Reflect on what's working, what's not, and how you can improve together. 3. Organizing Your Thoughts and Ideas - Capture Ideas: Whenever you have a new idea or thought, jot it down. Prioritize Ideas: Review your list regularly and prioritize ideas that align with your goals. Execute in Sprints: Choose a few ideas to focus on each sprint and work towards bringing them to life.4. Managing Home Life - Household Backlog: Create a list of household chores, maintenance tasks, and improvements. Family Sprints: Assign tasks to family members and work together to get things done. Home Retrospectives: Reflect on what's working well and what needs attention in your home life.5. Making Faster, Strategic Decisions - Decision Backlog: List out decisions you need to make, big or small. Decision Sprints: Dedicate time to research, analyze, and make decisions within a set timeframe. Decision Retrospectives: Reflect on the outcomes of your decisions and learn from them.<h3>Benefits of Applying Scrum in Your Life</h3>Improved Organization: Keep track of tasks, goals, and ideas in a structured manner. Enhanced Productivity: Focus on priorities and work efficiently towards achieving your goals. Better Communication: Regular check-ins and reflections foster open communication, especially in relationships. Empowered Decision-Making: Make informed, strategic decisions with clarity and confidence.<h3>Final Thoughts</h3> Scrum methodology isn't just for the workplace; it's a powerful tool you can use to bring order, focus, and clarity to all areas of your life. By embracing Scrum principles and adapting them to your personal context, you can unfuck your life and create a life that's more organized, fulfilling, and aligned with your goals.So, are you ready to take control of your life with Scrum? Start today and watch as you transform chaos into harmony, one sprint at a time!By Benjamin Adkins, ACC, CSM, CSPOIn collaboration with Relicia Amos, CSM

Scrum Your Life: Unfucking Chaos and Embracing Agility in Every Sphere

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As leaders, it's crucial to pause and reflect on our impact beyond the immediate tasks and goals. Are we merely managing teams, or are we actively coaching, mentoring, and cultivating the next generation of professionals? This introspection is pivotal for the sustained growth and success of any organization.Imagine a workplace where every leader sees themselves as not just a manager, but also a mentor and coach. This paradigm shift can revolutionize how organizations develop talent and foster leadership. But how can leaders transition into these roles effectively?<h3>Enter Agile Methodology</h3>Often associated with project management, agile principles can profoundly influence leadership development. Agile emphasizes adaptability, collaboration, and continuous improvement—values that align perfectly with coaching and mentoring.By embracing agile practices, leaders can adopt a more dynamic approach to leadership development. Rather than rigidly adhering to traditional hierarchical structures, they can create flexible frameworks that encourage learning, experimentation, and growth.One of the core tenets of agile leadership is empowerment. Leaders who empower their teams foster a culture of autonomy and accountability, laying the groundwork for mentoring and coaching relationships to flourish. Instead of micromanaging, they provide guidance and support, allowing team members to learn through experience.Furthermore, agile methodologies prioritize feedback and reflection. Leaders can leverage this emphasis on continuous feedback to mentor and coach their team members effectively. Regular one-on-one meetings become opportunities not just to discuss tasks but also to provide guidance, offer insights, and facilitate growth.So, why is this shift towards coaching and mentoring crucial for the long-term growth of an organization? Simply put, it's about sustainability. Building a pipeline of capable leaders ensures that the organization remains resilient in the face of change. When leaders invest in developing their teams, they create a culture of learning and adaptability—a culture that is essential for navigating an ever-evolving business landscape.Scaling coaching and mentoring practices in any company requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, it starts with leadership buy-in. Leaders must recognize the value of investing in talent development and actively promote a culture that supports coaching and mentoring.Secondly, organizations need to provide resources and support structures to facilitate mentorship and coaching relationships. This may include training programs, mentorship networks, and platforms for sharing best practices.Lastly, scaling requires a shift in mindset at all levels of the organization. Employees must see themselves not just as workers but as learners and future leaders. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, organizations can ensure that coaching and mentoring become ingrained in their DNA.In addition to organizational strategies, it's essential to consider the expectations of the newest generation in the workforce: Gen Z. Research indicates that Gen Z seeks leaders who are authentic, inclusive, and invested in their personal and professional development. According to a study by The Workforce Institute at UKG, 77% of Gen Z employees believe that their managers should provide regular feedback, and 68% expect their managers to mentor them. This generation values transparency and collaboration, and they desire leaders who prioritize these qualities.<figure id="figure-kma6udxhoiluvtyx88"><img id="kma6udxhoiluvtyx88" src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/aFzkes0maORb9d5dgBQBmohn9JT6lYJUd84alLVJzv3gxHJYujW992T4qQNHP468.jpeg" alt="Young black man wearing rastas over yellow background laughing keeping hands on heart, concept of happiness." title="Young black man wearing rastas over yellow background laughing keeping hands on heart, concept of happiness." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>In essence, Gen Z is vocal about their desire for leaders who not only manage but also mentor and coach. They see mentorship and coaching as essential components of their career growth and development. Therefore, for organizations looking to attract and retain Gen Z talent, cultivating a culture of coaching and mentoring is not just a preference—it's a necessity.The question for leaders is not just about managing teams but about nurturing the next generation of professionals. By embracing agile principles and prioritizing coaching and mentoring, leaders can lay the foundation for long-term organizational growth and success. It's time to shift from being managers to becoming mentors and coaches, empowering our teams to reach their full potential.By Benjamin Adkins, ACC&nbsp;

Leading Beyond Management: Cultivating Tomorrow's Leaders Through Coaching and Mentoring

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Hey there fellow CEOs,Buckle up, because we're about to shake things up. In the fast-paced world of SaaS and tech, change isn't just constant – it's exponential. And as we stand on the brink of a new era with Gen Z and Alpha entering the fray, it's time to rethink how we lead and manage our teams.Having spent a decade in the trenches of this ever-evolving landscape, from senior leadership roles to driving internal process improvements, I've seen firsthand the shifting sands. One thing's crystal clear: the old ways of doing things just won't cut it anymore.<h3>So, let's flip the script.</h3>I'm here to champion a bold new approach: self-managed teams.Imagine squads where managers aren't just bosses – they're facilitators. Where every team member is empowered to take the reins, identify priorities, and drive results like never before.<figure id="figure-j807qp0gtplua834s3"><img id="j807qp0gtplua834s3" src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/36iXuXjTNBxLqI176hxf3DyFdjihbgRDwQtrjc8CyMlTG7pZztmE6tMP328Xweob.jpeg" alt="African American father and son are happy to raise hands up. Learning to work with computer. Child education concept." title="African American father and son are happy to raise hands up. Learning to work with computer. Child education concept." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/36iXuXjTNBxLqI176hxf3DyFdjihbgRDwQtrjc8CyMlTG7pZztmE6tMP328Xweob.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>But this isn't just wishful thinking – it's backed by some serious firepower:</h3>-Deloitte's study tells us that 84% of executives are banking on agile teams for success. -McKinsey's data? Companies with self-managed teams see a productivity spike of 10-20%. -And Gallup? They've crunched the numbers and found that highly engaged organizations rake in 21% more profit.Now, I'm not just throwing stats your way. I've lived and breathed this stuff, from the frontlines.So, fellow game-changers, let's roll up our sleeves and dive in. Let's schedule a chat and explore how we can unleash the potential of self-managed teams, agile frameworks, and scrum methodologies.The future isn't waiting – it's knocking at our door.Cheers to leading the charge,By Benjamin Adkins, ACC

Future-Proofing Leadership: How Self-Managed Teams Are Revolutionizing Success

Picture this: it's past 5 PM, the day's hustle is behind us, and we're settling in with a glass of wine, ready to chat about life's intricate dance of balance. As your certified Agile Life and Leadership Coach, I'm here to guide you through the maze of expectations and demands that life throws our way.<figure id="figure-w2ivxeqhlplu77vvtp"><img id="w2ivxeqhlplu77vvtp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/170AMPkrPFjtN5RrcaYJlhJcxvU8wypdY3IZWSzEi7eTmDFLbJMboFEhNtnrz17s.jpeg" alt="Woman raising wine glass to drink" title="Woman raising wine glass to drink" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/170AMPkrPFjtN5RrcaYJlhJcxvU8wypdY3IZWSzEi7eTmDFLbJMboFEhNtnrz17s.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>In a world that constantly demands more from us – be it in our professional endeavors, personal growth, romantic aspirations, or social engagements – finding balance can feel like chasing a fleeting dream. But fear not, because I'm here to share insights that will help you navigate this journey towards a more authentic and fulfilling life, much like the path I'm traversing myself.1. Embrace the Agile Mindset: Just as in agile methodologies where flexibility and adaptability reign supreme, adopt a similar mindset in life. Understand that balance isn't a static state but rather a dynamic process of constant adjustment and realignment. Allow yourself the flexibility to pivot when needed, prioritize what truly matters, and adapt to the ever-changing demands of life.2. Cultivate Personal Agility: As individuals, we must develop personal agility – the ability to respond gracefully to life's twists and turns while staying true to ourselves. This involves setting boundaries to protect our time and energy, honing our decision-making skills to prioritize our values, and fostering resilience to bounce back from setbacks stronger than before.3. Nurturing Relationships Amidst Life's Chaos: Despite the whirlwind of work and worldly pressures, it's crucial to nurture our relationships – both new and existing. Whether it's carving out dedicated quality time with loved ones, expressing vulnerability to deepen connections, or actively seeking out communities that align with our values, investing in relationships is essential for a fulfilling life.<figure id="figure-g7dyeb85pblu77zpj0"><img id="g7dyeb85pblu77zpj0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/6DKgtOlrhnagqbIrJz6uTMUtNWpGP4kDqc19qFqwwVNGDTdQ39rXkjBFYR3FCWlT.jpeg" alt="Silhouette of a young woman doing yoga on the beach at sunset." title="Silhouette of a young woman doing yoga on the beach at sunset." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Finding balance isn't about juggling everything perfectly; it's about finding harmony amidst the chaos, staying true to ourselves, and embracing the journey with resilience and authenticity. So, let's raise a glass to navigating life's balancing act together, one agile step at a time. Cheers to finding our equilibrium in the midst of life's beautiful chaos.By Benjamin Adkins, ACC

Sip, Chat, Balance: Navigating Life's Maze with an Agile Coach

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Hey there, let's take a moment to sit back and have a chat. Imagine we're on a cozy couch, sipping our favorite beverages, and diving into a meaningful conversation about life and priorities.You know, one of the most profound things I do with my clients is help them get clear on what truly matters to them. It's like shining a light on the path they want to walk, guiding them towards their goals and dreams.I often find that people haven't really taken the time to think about what's important to them in this way. It's not about the everyday tasks or the to-do lists; it's about digging deeper, uncovering those core values and aspirations that drive us forward.<figure id="figure-r7712eftl8ltx9yej1"><img id="r7712eftl8ltx9yej1" src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/94JMV7S46G4sqLG95oCU7n7gMucgRuIXMA191WM6Uwg4MxsdNtiV2spDefZ2jbve.jpeg" alt="Woman doctor stand infront of yellow note on window glass" title="Woman doctor stand infront of yellow note on window glass" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>So, picture this: you wake up in the morning and head to your bathroom, armed with sticky notes. On one side, you jot down all the things you think you have to do that day – the meetings, the chores, the errands. But here's where the magic happens – on the other side, you carefully select what truly matters to you. What aligns with your values, your dreams, your aspirations.Now, imagine doing this every single day for 30 days straight. Thirty days of making conscious choices about where you want to focus your time and energy. What do you think could change in your life during that time? What new ideas might emerge? And perhaps most importantly, would you feel closer to reaching your goals?This isn't just about setting priorities; it's about reclaiming control over your life. It's about saying yes to the things that truly light you up and saying no to the things that drain your energy.And here's the beauty of it – when you're clear on what's important to you, you start to see opportunities where others see obstacles. You become more creative, more innovative, more willing to take risks in pursuit of your dreams.So, my friend, I invite you to join me on this journey of self-discovery and prioritization. Let's declare what's important together, one sticky note at a time. I promise you, it's a conversation worth having.By Benjamin Adkins, ACC

Benjamin J Adkins LLC

Blog

Trusting Yourself After Therapy: A Personal Coaching Session

Scrum Your Life: Unfucking Chaos and Embracing Agility in...

Leading Beyond Management: Cultivating Tomorrow's Leaders...

Future-Proofing Leadership: How Self-Managed Teams Are Re...

Sip, Chat, Balance: Navigating Life's Maze with an Agile ...

Finding Clarity: A Conversation on Priorities