Ep#21: From Grief to Growth: Rewiring Your Mindset with John Walsh
Life is full of transitions—some joyful, some painful, and some that push us to our emotional and mental limits. In these moments of transformation, the journey from grief to growth can feel overwhelming. That’s why I was thrilled to sit down with John Walsh, a coach who specializes in helping people rewire their mindset and navigate life’s challenges with positivity, practical tools, and a deeper connection to themselves.
John’s approach to coaching stands out because of its simplicity and effectiveness. He incorporates techniques like Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), breathwork, and affirmations to help clients shift their focus, reduce anxiety, and develop habits that lead to long-lasting change. In this episode of the #SoRelatable Podcast, we explored the power of celebrating small victories, creating positive energy loops, and the essential differences between therapy and coaching.
Here’s a deeper dive into the key takeaways from our conversation.
Coaching vs. Therapy: Understanding the Difference
One of the first topics we explored was the difference between coaching and therapy. While therapy often focuses on healing past wounds, coaching takes a forward-focused approach, helping clients identify where they are now and guiding them toward where they want to be.
John explained that coaching isn’t about giving advice or fixing problems for clients. Instead, it’s about empowering individuals to access their own inner tools and strengths. Through coaching, clients learn to celebrate their progress, develop new skills, and reframe their mindset to overcome obstacles.
For anyone navigating a major life change, this forward-thinking perspective can be an incredibly powerful complement to therapy.
Practical Tools to Transform Your Life
John shared some of his favorite tools that he uses with clients and practices in his own daily life. These techniques are simple yet profoundly effective:
1. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
Also known as tapping, EFT combines principles of acupressure with mindfulness. By tapping on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on a specific issue, clients can reduce anxiety, release negative emotions, and open their minds to positive suggestions.
John led us through a quick demonstration of tapping for anxiety during the podcast. By following his guided tapping sequence, you can calm your nervous system, reduce the fight-or-flight response, and shift into a more relaxed, present state of mind.
2. Celebrating Small Victories
How often do we acknowledge the small accomplishments in our lives? John emphasized the importance of celebrating even the tiniest wins—like completing a chore or meeting a small goal.
Why is this important? Because celebrating small victories trains your brain to notice positivity and reinforces a cycle of motivation and success. Over time, these positive reinforcements create a mindset shift that can help you tackle bigger challenges with confidence.
3. Breathwork for Focus and Energy
John introduced a simple yet powerful breathing exercise to reset your energy. The technique involves rapid, intentional breathing followed by a period of holding your breath, which floods your body with oxygen and clears your mind.
This exercise is perfect for moments when you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or need to boost your energy before an important task or meeting.
Building Positive Energy Loops
One of the most inspiring concepts John shared was the idea of creating positive energy loops. By focusing on positivity and celebrating your wins, you naturally radiate positive energy, which in turn attracts more positivity into your life.
John offered a practical tip for boosting your energy in social settings:
- As you walk through a doorway, think to yourself, “I am magnificent,” and smile.
- This simple practice shifts your energy and confidence, making you more magnetic to others and more open to positive interactions.
The Daily Practice of Connection
A key theme in our conversation was the importance of daily habits and connection with yourself. John described his morning routine, which includes journaling, gratitude exercises, and visualization. These practices help him start the day with intention and positivity, setting the tone for a productive and fulfilling day.
By taking time each morning to focus inward, you can create a buffer between your inner world and the demands of the outside world. This intentional practice of self-connection allows you to approach your day with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Why Coaching Matters
As a therapist, I often refer clients to coaches like John because coaching provides a unique space for skill-building and forward momentum. While therapy focuses on emotional healing and insight, coaching offers tools and accountability to help clients take action and achieve their goals.
John’s work is a perfect example of how coaching can complement therapy. By combining practices like EFT, breathwork, and positive reinforcement, he empowers clients to develop resilience, reframe challenges, and take steps toward a more fulfilling life.
Closing Thoughts
Our conversation with John Walsh was a powerful reminder that healing and growth don’t have to be complicated. Simple practices like tapping, celebrating small victories, and focusing on your breath can make a world of difference in how you experience life’s challenges and opportunities.
Whether you’re navigating grief, a major life transition, or simply looking for ways to improve your mindset, John’s insights offer a roadmap for moving forward with positivity and intention.
Get in touch with John via his Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552001692867&sk=about
I hope you’ll take a moment to listen to the full episode and discover how these tools can help you create a stronger connection with yourself and the world around you.
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💬 Have you tried any of these techniques? Share your experiences in the comments below!