• 31. The 3 Psychological Resources That Helped Me Keep Moving Towards My Dreams... Even in My Hardest Season Yet
    Jul 20 2025

    Thanks for listening to Episode 31 of The Take Action Toolkit. If you’ve enjoyed this episode don’t forget to leave us a rating and review on your preferred podcast platform. Or, share it with a friend who you know will benefit from what’s inside.

    This episode is for you if:

    • You’ve been going through a tough time and want to build your resilience and strength to power you through.
    • You’ve lost momentum and need a gentle but powerful way to reconnect with your purpose and keep going.
    • You want to understand the real tools that help you keep going when times get tough, not just surface-level positivity
    • You’re ready to explore how self-compassion, meaning and mental toughness can support you during life’s hardest chapters.

    In this episode, we dive into:

    • The behind-the-scenes story of the hardest season of my life plus something I haven’t shared with anyone other than close family and friends.
    • 3 unexpected psychological resources that kept me going through a heartbreaking season (hint: it’s not “just be positive”)
    • The difference between mental toughness and toxic productivity and how to know which one you’re leaning on
    • A toolkit for developing psychological resources mentioned in this episode

    Research and theories mentioned: – Self-Compassion Theory Dr. Kristen Neff’s work https://self-compassion.org/ – PERMA Model by Martin Seligman (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment) Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. Free Press. – The 4Cs of mental toughness Clough, P., Strycharczyk, D., & Perry, J. L. (2021). Developing mental toughness: Strategies to improve performance, resilience and wellbeing in individuals and organizations. Kogan Page.

    Work with me + stay connected: Ready to stop hiding and start taking clear, supported action? I offer one-off, 90-minute coaching sessions designed to help you break through fear, reconnect with your motivation, and create a personalised, actionable plan. Click here to book your spot: https://stan.store/sarahlovecoaching

    Follow me on Instagram @sarahlovecoaching

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    29 mins
  • 30. Relationships and Relatedness: Why Not Caring What People Think is Bullsh*t and is Keeping You Stuck
    Jul 13 2025

    Thanks for listening to Episode 30 of The Take Action Toolkit. If you’ve enjoyed this episode don’t forget to leave us a rating and review on your preferred podcast platform. Or, share it with a friend who you know will benefit from what’s inside.

    This episode is for you if:

    • You’ve been trying to build something quietly. Maybe a business, a creative project, a new chapter, but it’s starting to feel lonely.
    • You find yourself stuck in your head, second-guessing everything, or avoiding action altogether.
    • You’ve bought into the “I don’t care what anyone thinks” mindset, but it’s not actually helping you move forward.
    • You know connection matters, but you’re not sure how to build the kind that supports your goals.

    In this episode, we dive into:

    • 3 common action blocks caused by disconnection (and how to recognise them in yourself)
    • The myth of hyper-independence and why going it alone keeps you stuck
    • How to take aligned, meaningful action and not just performative productivity
    • What self-determination theory and the PERMA model teach us about motivation and momentum
    • Practical tools you can use this week to feel more supported and start taking action

    Research and theories mentioned: – Self-Determination Theory by Deci & Ryan (Autonomy, Competence, Relatedness) – PERMA Model by Martin Seligman (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment) – The evolutionary need for belonging and community safety

    Work with me + stay connected: Ready to stop hiding and start taking clear, supported action? I offer one-off, 90-minute coaching sessions designed to help you break through fear, reconnect with your motivation, and create a personalised, actionable plan. Click here to book your spot: https://stan.store/sarahlovecoaching

    Follow me on Instagram @sarahlovecoaching

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    26 mins
  • 29. A Deep Dive into Building Resilience – Why It Will Get You Further Than Discipline Ever Could
    Jul 6 2025

    If you’ve ever told yourself: “I just need to be more disciplined!”…but deep down, you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and stuck in a cycle of trying hard → falling off → beating yourself up, this episode is for you.

    In this episode, I’m sharing stories from my own life where I tried everything: the structure, the schedules, even manifestation and still ended up back in burnout.

    Here’s what isn’t being talked about… discipline is useful. But it’s not the whole story. Resilience is what actually keeps you going when the plan falls apart.

    Here’s what we’ll dive into:

    ✨ Why discipline without resilience becomes guilt, shame, and all-or-nothing thinking

    ✨ A tool grounded in positive psychology to help you actually move forward even when things don’t go to plan

    ✨ A real-life example of how I used it just this week when my schedule went completely sideways

    If you’re ready to stop forcing your way through and start building real momentum, this episode will shift something.

    Theories mentioned:

    Self Determination Theory: https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/SDT/documents/2000_RyanDeci_SDT.pdf

    Want to go deeper? Book a 90 minute session with me. The Reset + Refocus session is made for exactly this kind of moment. We’ll build your resilience, reconnect you to your purpose and get you a clear, doable action plan so by the end of the day you’ll be able to take action. Just £77.

    Click here to book: https://stan.store/sarahlovecoaching

    Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahlovecoaching/

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    24 mins
  • 28. The Power of Strengths: Focus on What's Strong, Not What's Wrong
    Jun 22 2025

    This week’s episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt stuck, unmotivated or like you’ve somehow lost your spark.

    Spoiler: you’re not broken, and you don’t need fixing. What you do need? A better relationship with your strengths.

    You’ll discover: – A fresh way to think about personal growth that doesn’t involve fixing flaws – What most mindset advice misses when it comes to real follow-through – How to reconnect with the traits that have quietly helped you all your life – Why your middle strengths deserve more attention than you think

    Plus, towards the end of the episode, a very exciting announcement about something launching tomorrow that will help you finally stop circling your goals and start making real progress.

    Join The Take Action Toolkit Course: A 4 week course to equip you with the tools you need to FINALLY take action. No more letting your goals gather dust while the world makes progress. Sign up today: https://stan.store/sarahlovecoaching/p/the-take-action-toolkit

    Research sources, books, and journal articles mentioned: Aware Explore Apply Model: Niemiec, R. M. (2018). Character strengths interventions: A field guide for Practitioners. Boston: Hogrefe.

    Freidlin, P., Littman-Ovadia, H., & Niemiec, R. M. (2017). Positive psychopathology: Social anxiety via character strengths underuse and overuse. Personality and Individual Differences, 108, 50–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2016.12.003

    Govindji, R., & Linley, P. A. (2007). Strengths use, self-concordance and well-being: Implications for strengths coaching and coaching psychologists. International Coaching Psychology Review, 2(2), 143–153. https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsicpr.2007.2.2.143 Buschor, C., Proyer, R. T., & Ruch, W. (2013). Self- and peer-rated character strengths: How do they relate to satisfaction with life and orientations to happiness? The Journal of Positive Psychology, 8(2), 116–127. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2012.758305 Crabb, S. (2011). The use of coaching principles to foster employee engagement. The Coaching Psychologist, 7(1), 27–34. Harzer, C., & Ruch, W. (2014). The role of character strengths for task performance, job dedication, interpersonal facilitation, and organizational support. Human Performance, 27(3), 183–205. https://doi.org/10.1080/08959285.2014.913592 Peterson, C., Stephens, J. P., Park, N., Lee, F., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2010). Strengths of character and work. In P. A. Linley, S. Harrington, & N. Garcea (Eds.), Oxford handbook of positive psychology and work (pp. 221–231). Oxford University Press.

    Take the free VIA Signature Strengths Survey here: https://www.viacharacter.org/account/register

    DM me your strengths list @sarahlovecoaching — I’d love to know what surprised you most. And if you enjoy the episode, a quick rating or share would mean the world.

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    27 mins
  • 27. You Don't Need More Willpower - You Need Stronger ANCHORS
    Jun 15 2025

    Ever find yourself not taking action on something that deeply matters to you... again? Whether it’s launching your business, posting consistently on Instagram, writing that book, or showing up for your side hustle… you know what you want. And yet, here you are, stuck in the same loop. Sound familiar?

    In this episode of The Take Action Toolkit, we’re exploring a powerful reframe that can help you shift that pattern, one that’s grounded in research from psychology and behaviour change. You’ll learn how to reconnect with what truly matters when motivation dips, and why your values might just be the tool you didn’t know you needed.

    💡 This episode is especially for you if:

    • You’ve been feeling disconnected from your goals or stuck in procrastination

    • You want to move forward with more purpose, clarity, and self-compassion

    • You’re ready to stop relying on motivation and start building something more sustainable

    I’ll guide you through a practical, four-step journaling exercise to help you re-anchor yourself when life feels messy, plus share a personal take on how values can act as both your compass and your anchor.

    Ready for action? Join me in my 1:1 coaching container and start seeing real progress in as little as one session! 👉 Visit my Stan Store

    Research mentioned in this episode:

    - Creswell, J. D., Welch, W. T., Taylor, S. E., Sherman, D. K., Gruenewald, T. L., & Mann, T. (2005). Affirmation of personal values buffers neuroendocrine and psychological stress responses. Psychological science, 16(11), 846–851. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2005.01624.x

    - Patterson, J. L., & Kelleher, P. (2005). Resilient School Leaders: Strategies for Turning Adversity into Achievement. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED509031

    - Steele, C.M. (1988). The psychology of self-affirmation: Sustaining the integrity of the self. In L. Berkowitz (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology: Vol. 21. Social psychological studies of the self: Perspectives and programs (pp. 261–302). San Diego, CA: Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2601(08)60229-4

    Let’s Connect:

    If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. DM me on Instagram at @sarahlovecoaching or @takeactiontoolkit

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    23 mins
  • 26. Not All Progress Looks Like North: Reframe Your Journey With This Simple Tool
    Jun 9 2025

    Thank you for listening to the Take Action Toolkit!

    Ever feel like life keeps getting in the way of your goals? You’re not alone and this episode is for you. In today’s episode, we dive into a simple but powerful tool to help you reconnect with your purpose, even when things feel overwhelming or uncertain. It’s perfect for those moments when your plans are derailed and you’re not sure how to keep going.

    Whether you’re grieving, burnt out, or just feeling like you're constantly juggling too much this episode will leave you with a fresh perspective, renewed clarity, and a gentle sense of momentum.

    🎒 Think of this tool as your emotional sat nav, keeping you connected to where you’re headed, even when the path takes a few turns.

    🎙️ Tune in to discover: – A gentle framework for getting back on track (without the pressure) – Why you’re not as “off course” as you might think – How to hold your goals with more compassion and flexibility – A journaling prompt that could reframe everything

    This might be the most grounding 20 minutes you spend today.

    💬 If this episode resonates, I’d love if you could share it or leave a quick review — it means so much.

    Want more? Check out the June Journal for deeper reflection: Click Here

    Follow me on Instagram: @sarahlovecoaching

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    19 mins
  • 25. The 4 Psychological Skills That are the Cheat Codes to Getting Things Done
    Jun 1 2025

    We all love a fresh planner… but what if the real secret to lasting productivity isn’t found in another colour-coded to-do list?

    In this episode, I’m diving into the four psychological skills that will help you get more done, with less overwhelm and more intention. These are the skills that fuel real change and sustainable motivation, especially for purpose-driven people who want to live more connected, meaningful lives.

    If you’ve ever found yourself thinking:

    • “I know what I want, so why can’t I follow through?”

    • “I’ve got 6 planners and I’m still stuck…”

    • “Maybe it’s just me…”

    …this one’s for you.

    We’re unpacking the acronym HERO and exploring small, actionable mindset shifts that build momentum where it matters.

    You’ll walk away with: ✅ Fresh insight into what might really be keeping you stuck ✅ A toolkit of evidence-based mental skills you can strengthen this week ✅ A free journal download to help you turn these ideas into action

    💌 Free Download

    📔 Grab your free June Journal to start building these psychological skills in a grounded, reflective way: 👉 https://stan.store/sarahlovecoaching

    📚 Research & Links

    Want to explore the research behind HERO and everything discussed in this episode? I’ve linked the key sources mentioned in this episode below: 🔗https://positivepsychology.com/psychological-capital-psycap/ 🔗https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1744-6570.2007.00083.x 🔗https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-032516-113324

    If you enjoyed this episode, let me know! Send me a DM on IG @sarahlovecoaching

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    21 mins
  • 24. Still Sad, Still Dreaming: Reclaiming My Spark After Loss
    May 18 2025

    In this episode of Manifest Action, I’m opening up about something deeply personal, the season of grief I’ve been walking through since losing my mum, and how, bit by bit, I’m beginning to reconnect with my dreams, my energy, and myself.

    This isn’t a “bounce back” story. It’s about allowing. Allowing rest, sadness, slowness… and also allowing tiny glimmers of hope, growth, and purpose to return.

    I share:

    • The surprising goal that helped me start looking forward again

    • Why future planning once felt impossible

    • The journaling practice that helped me feel something good for the first time in a while

    • A gentle reminder that your dreams don’t disappear — they wait

    • How to know if what’s “getting in the way” is a genuine priority or a disguised excuse

    You'll also hear a few of my favourite Best Possible Self-inspired journaling prompts, plus reflections on how to make gentle forward motion even in your hardest seasons.

    🌿 Also available:

    ✨ The Nature Connection Journal: A positive psychology-informed tool to help you reflect, reconnect, and set meaningful goals with the support of nature. Whether you’re feeling disconnected, in transition, or ready for a fresh start, this weekly journal will guide you through small, focused actions to support your well-being.

    ✨ Available now via @sarahlovecoaching or my Stan Store.

    🎧 Listen to Episode 21 for a full guide to the Best Possible Self journaling practice.

    💌 I'd love to hear from you

    If this episode resonated, or you’re navigating your own version of “still sad, still dreaming,” please message me on Instagram. I love hearing your stories and reflections. We’re not meant to do this alone 💕

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    15 mins