Today, I'm Going to Start Taking Back Control of My Life…

Yesterday, I had the privilege of being part of the coaching team at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Convention 2026.

There was just under 2,000 attendees at the event, who had come to hear the latest developments, support and thinking in the fundraising world today.

I was part of a group of seven coaches providing 30 minute FREE coaching sessions to attendees at the event.

This was my fourth year of being part of this team and again my coaching sessions were completely booked.

As I sat reflecting at the end of the day, I realised that what stayed with me wasn't how busy the event was.

Or how busy we as coaches were.

It was the honesty from those that I coached, the stories that were shared, the challenges that were presented. Every person’s story was unique and individual and I was honoured to be part of their journey even for a short impactful moment.

For most yesterday was the first step of being vulnerable and sharing their story in the hope of finding a way forward.

When I woke up this morning, one thought that kept coming into my mind as a theme of yesterday was…

Today, I’m going to start taking back control of my life!

Not yesterday, not tomorrow but today…

Yesterday, although every conversation was different, there was often a common thread running through them.

People wanting to feel more confident.

People wanting to trust and believe in themselves again.

People feeling stuck, overwhelmed or unsure of what comes next.

People knowing they are capable of more, but not quite knowing how to move forward.

And whilst everyone's circumstances were unique, what many of them had in common was a desire to take back control of something in their life.

Maybe that's something for us all to reflect on.

Where in your life have you given away more control than you'd like?

What decision have you been putting off?

What dream, goal or aspiration have you placed on the back burner?

What would change if you trusted yourself just a little bit more?

The truth is, taking back control doesn't always require a huge life-changing decision.

Sometimes it starts with a conversation.

Sometimes it starts with asking for support.

Sometimes it starts with deciding that you deserve more than just simply getting through each day.

And sometimes it starts with one small step.

Not yesterday.

Not tomorrow.

But today.

As we move further into the year, my invitation to you is simple:

Take a moment to check in with yourself.

Ask yourself what you need right now.

And think about what taking back control might look like for you.

You don't need all the answers today.

But maybe today is the day you begin asking the questions.

Because sometimes the most powerful change starts with a simple decision:

Today, I'm going to start taking back control of my life.

If you're feeling stuck, lacking confidence, or unsure of your next step, I'd love to support you.

Through coaching, workshops and keynote talks, I help individuals build confidence, strengthen self-belief and move forward with greater clarity and purpose.

If you'd like a space to pause, reflect and reconnect with yourself, get in touch to find out more about my coaching services or book a free 20-minute Confidence Reset Session.