Join me on Tuesday 30 June, 4pm (UK) for The Purposeful Pause - a FREE mid-year reflection and refocus session. We’ll gently look back at the first half of the year, reconnect with what matters, and explore what you want the next six months to feel like. If you’re craving clarity, change, or a little more breathing space, I’d love you to be there. Book your free place on Eventbrite.

In this episode of The Purposeful Shift, Emma reflects on the importance of recognising our own progress and the evidence we've built through life's experiences. Inspired by a quote from manifestation coach Vanessa Jaden, she explores the connection between belief, growth, and possibility, considering how acknowledging our achievements can help us feel more confident about what's still to come.

Drawing on psychology, Emma discusses concepts including hedonic adaptation - our tendency to quickly normalise achievements and move the goal posts - and Albert Bandura's theory of self-efficacy, which suggests that our belief in our own abilities grows through evidence of overcoming challenges and succeeding in the past.

Emma also reflects on her own journey, sharing the story of building a successful wedding photography business from scratch, and how easily we can forget the courage, determination, and resilience that helped us achieve things we once believed were beyond our reach.

Ultimately, this episode is a reminder that growth isn't only about becoming more. It's also about recognising who you've already become, celebrating the progress you've made, and using that evidence to believe in the possibilities that still lie ahead.

Take a sheet of paper and divide it into three columns.

In the first column write:

Five years ago I was...

In the second column write:

Today I am...

In the third column write:

What growth happened in between?

Rather than focusing solely on achievements, think about what you've learned, overcome and discovered about yourself during that time.

Write down every achievement you can think of, from the smallest everyday wins to the milestones you're most proud of.

Don't filter your list or compare it to anyone else's.

This isn't about impressing other people. It's about creating your own evidence bank - a reminder of everything you've already achieved and the resilience, courage and determination that helped you get there.

---

Thank you for listening to The Purposeful Shift.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow or subscribe so you don't miss future conversations. If someone came to mind whilst listening, why not share this episode with them too?

You can also connect with Emma on Instagram at @thepurposefulshift.

If you would like to take part in similar exercises in a live online session, you can book for The Purposeful Pause on Eventbrite, it’s free to join and takes place on Tuesday 30 June at 4pm (UK). Book on Eventbrite.