Recently I talked on BBC Radio Scotland's MacAulay & Co morning show about Praise versus Criticism. This followed research findings that praising people in certain situations raised their confidence levels. I agree with this. Another time on the show, we discussed the same effect that paying compliments can have - a boost in confidence. We feel good when someone compliments us.

It's really important that we also look at praising and complimenting ourselves. We should be taking regular time to review our own effort, success and achievements. We can afford to be a little self-critical if we are looking at ways to make positive changes - but not too critical! Working with a Life Coach can help look at effective ways to improve self-worth and confidence. But everyone can start by giving themselves some praise- what could you say 'well done' to yourself for? Find something! Praise is so valuable and wonderful to receive. Are we ensuring we are praising where it is due?

Here is some praise I received this month from two of my clients:

"I had a very positive experience working with Sue and would encourage others wanting to improve their lives to appoint Life Coaching Solutions. It's essential to have a positive working relationship when discussing confidential and sensitive topics and I trusted Sue to help me reflect on my own situation and make positive changes. Sue's energy is infectious and she maintained an encouraging level of contact in between each session to ensure goals were being met. The decisions I made following our sessions have transformed my life and I only regret not doing it sooner."

"Quite simply, Sue has turned my life around. The change has been so big that friends and family have really noticed a difference in me, which is fantastic. From the very start when I called Sue to discuss working with her right through to our sessions together, she has been warm, friendly and put me completely at ease. I looked forward to my sessions with Sue and found her very easy to talk to. Sue's positive thinking, useful insight and action based approach set me up for days ahead leading up to our next session. The coaching I received from Sue has been outstanding. She has helped to analyse my approach to work, attitude to myself and life outside of work - doing this in ways I hadn't considered and showing me how to make positive changes. I feel positive about myself, my family life and career in a way that I have never felt before. I would thoroughly recommend Sue to anyone and have spoken family and friends about the merits of working with her. She has made a profound different to my quality of life and lasting happiness."

My confidence has taken a boost!