Reach Your Goals Without Stressing Out

A High-achiever's Guide to a Successful Life!

We all possess mental resources but only a few of us use them to their full potential. Instead, we apply the -working hard' approach rather than the -working smart' approach, and end up getting stuck in bad habits that drain our energy, blur our minds and disrupt our focus. Mindfulness expert Chantal Hofstee shares her expertise, inspiration and techniques to show you how to break that cycle so you can achieve new personal insights and implement practical strategies for sustainable success.

Chantal Hofstee is a clinical psychologist, executive coach and mindfulness expert, who has worked in both the private and corporate sectors. She uses the techniques of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and mindfulness to provide her clients with easy-to-use skills that can be quickly and effectively implemented to change their lives. Through her company, Renew Your Mind, she provides mindfulness courses and business training to enable people to take control of stress, improve focus, solve problems, achieve their goals, boost their productivity and become more creative. Her first book was the very successful Mindfulness on the Run.

Reach Your Goals Without Stressing Out
Exisle Publishing
Author: Chantal Hofstee
RRP: $29.99

 

Interview with Chantal Hofstee

Question: Why did you decide to write Reach Your Goals?

Chantal Hofstee: Writing Reach Your Goals felt like a natural progression from my last book Mindfulness on the Run. In both my own life and in my work I noticed that even though a better grip on stress and thoughts is life-changing for most people, many still struggle to change the habits that they want to change (including myself) and become the person they want to be. More needs to be done to take the changes to the next level and working on how to reach your goals felt like a perfect next step.


Question: Would you classify yourself as a high-achiever?

Chantal Hofstee: I have always been a bit of a perfectionist and high achiever. A good student, graduated with honors, always worked hard to pay my way through my studies. In my work as an executive coach, I come across many high achievers. Amazingly talented people who are so skilled and work so hard but like always your biggest strengths can also be your greatest weakness. High achievers are often very critical and hard on themselves, high strung and find it very hard to enjoy the process of their work and sometimes they even find it hard to fully enjoy the achievements (I used to be like that). Luckily you can maintain the benefit of being a high achiever whilst improving on the downsides.


Question: How does Reach Your Goals take our daydreams to reality?

Chantal Hofstee: In this book, I explain more about the brain and how to strategically change habits. Consciously thinking about what it is you want to change or accomplish and then strategically working on achieving that sets you up for success. Most people try to change habits and reach their goals simply by trying hard but all of us run out of steam after some time and willpower doesn't come in unlimited amounts. So to be more successful in reaching your goals, you need to go about it in a smart and strategic way that sets you up for success. In this book I explain step by step what that looks like.


Question: How can we minimise stress whilst doing this?

Chantal Hofstee: It starts with being very clear and specific about what it is you want to achieve, goals that tap into your values, passion and serve others are more powerful because you are doing it for the greater good and you have a natural interest in them. Then it is important to be, and remain, focused on your goals (easier said than done when you have a busy life!). You need both energy and perseverance in order to create lasting change and small but consistent steps is the way to go. And last but not least it is so important to consciously enjoy the process and the outcome.


Question: Can you share some practical tips to help us realise our dreams?

Chantal Hofstee: Chose what you want to do and do that (and not the other stuff) ~ In other words prioritise, focus and learn to say no to what doesn't serve your purpose and goals.

For one week clock how much time you spend on social media and watching TV/YouTube. You have more time than you think. Dedicate some of your screen time to a daily or weekly activity that brings you closer to your goal.

Consciously celebrate your achievements, even if they are small. Not only because you deserve it but also because it gives energy and boosts your confidence which makes it easier to reach even bigger goals.

Interview by Brooke Hunter

Reach Your Goals Without Stressing Out
Exisle Publishing
Author: Chantal Hofstee
RRP: $29.99