Reclaim Your Power: Why September is the Perfect Time for Busy Men to Take Control and Thrive

So it's September! Summer is over and it's the month of action. It's when we have renewed energy and we can take the opportunity to invest in ourselves and take command of our mindset and our lives.

How was your summer fellas? Everything you wanted it to be? Did you get some R&R in? Spend quality time with the family? Or were you still consumed by work?

Was your summer a bit like this?

Diary Entry: July 21, 2024

Worst Day of the Summer

Today was supposed to be a break from the relentless pace of work and life, a chance to recharge and enjoy the summer. Instead, it has been one of the most stressful and disheartening days I can remember.

I woke up feeling the weight of a thousand responsibilities pressing down on my chest. My first thought was about the stack of emails waiting for me, the projects with looming deadlines, and the meetings I couldn’t afford to miss. I haven’t even had a chance to enjoy my coffee in peace for weeks now. My mind races the moment I open my eyes, filling my head with a relentless barrage of tasks and worries.

Self-doubt has been my constant companion today. I can't shake the feeling that I’m not good enough, that I’m failing at everything I attempt. The thought loops in my head: “Why can’t you handle this? Everyone else seems to manage. What’s wrong with you?” The more I try to ignore it, the louder it becomes, drowning out any semblance of self-confidence I have left.

Work stress has bled into my personal life. This morning, my wife and I had a huge argument. She’s tired of me being physically present but emotionally absent. She said she feels like she’s living with a ghost, someone who’s always preoccupied, always somewhere else mentally. Her words hit hard, and I can’t help but agree with her. I feel disconnected from her, from our kids, from myself.

The kids wanted to go to the park today, and I promised I’d take them, but work calls and emails kept pulling me back. Seeing the disappointment on their faces was like a knife to the heart. It’s not the first time I’ve let them down, and I’m scared it won’t be the last. I don’t want them to grow up thinking their dad never had time for them.

By midday, I was completely overwhelmed. The stress was so intense it felt like I was suffocating. My chest was tight, my head pounding. I snapped at a colleague over a minor issue, something I regret deeply. My frustration is always bubbling under the surface, and it doesn’t take much for it to spill over.

The negative self-talk has been brutal today. I keep telling myself I’m a failure, a fraud, that I don’t deserve the success I’ve achieved. I feel like I’m barely holding it together, and any minute now, everything is going to come crashing down. It’s exhausting, mentally and physically. I’m tired of feeling like this, tired of feeling inadequate, tired of feeling like I’m constantly on the verge of breaking.

I ended the day in my office, the house quiet as everyone else slept. I should be resting too, but my mind won’t let me. I’m filled with fear that I’m not living up to my potential, that I’m not making the impact I want to in the world. I want to contribute more, to feel confident and empowered, to have better relationships with the people I love. But right now, it all feels out of reach.

Would you rather it had been more like this?

Diary Entry: August 20, 2024

Best Day of the Summer

Today was, without a doubt, the best day I’ve had in a long time. After weeks of working with my life coach, I finally feel like I’m seeing the results, and it’s nothing short of transformational.

I woke up this morning feeling refreshed and calm, something I haven’t experienced in years. The first thing I did was my morning meditation, a practice my coach encouraged me to adopt. Just ten minutes of focused breathing and mindfulness set a positive tone for the day. Instead of a mind cluttered with tasks and worries, I felt clear-headed and at peace.

For breakfast, I sat with my family, truly present and engaged. We laughed and talked about our plans for the day. It felt wonderful to connect with them without the usual distractions. My wife noticed the change in me, and she smiled, saying she loves seeing me so relaxed and happy.

At work, I was productive but not overwhelmed. I’ve learned to manage my time better and set boundaries. I tackled my to-do list with confidence, prioritising tasks that align with my goals and values. When unexpected issues arose, I handled them calmly, without the usual stress and frustration. My colleagues even commented on the positive energy I brought to the team today.

I made sure to take breaks and not let work consume me. At lunchtime, I took a walk in the park, soaking in the sunshine and enjoying the moment. It’s amazing how such a simple act can recharge my spirit.

The highlight of the day was the afternoon I spent with my kids. We went to the park, just as I had promised them so many times before. This time, I was fully present, playing and laughing with them, creating memories I know we’ll all cherish. Seeing their joy filled me with a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

My wife and I had a quiet dinner together after the kids went to bed. We talked about our dreams and plans, something we hadn’t done in ages. There was a new level of intimacy and connection between us, a result of the intentional effort I’ve been making to be more present and communicative. She told me she’s proud of the changes I’ve made and how much happier and more connected she feels with me.

Tonight, as I sit here writing this, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. The self-doubt and negative self-talk that used to plague me have diminished significantly. I still have moments of uncertainty, but I’ve learned to address them constructively rather than letting them spiral out of control. My coach has equipped me with tools to manage stress, prioritise my well-being, and build stronger relationships.

I feel confident, connected, empowered, and purposeful. My life is no longer a chaotic rush from one task to the next. Instead, it’s a series of intentional actions and meaningful interactions. I’m making the impact I always wanted to, both at work and at home. I have peace of mind and more time to contribute to what truly matters.

Today was a testament to the power of transformation. I’m excited about the future and the person I’m becoming. Working with a life coach was the best decision I’ve ever made, and I can’t wait to see what other positive changes lie ahead.

All it takes is one message to me to take control and start taking action on living differently. Let's have a chat.