I’ve often told people over the years that I’m prouder of passing my driving test than I am of my BA, MA or PhD. 

It’s absolutely not because I liked my driving test the most. In fact, I haven’t used my license for years – because I work from home, because I live in London and because, with the whole of my soul, I hate driving. Many of my friends relish being in control of a vehicle; they feel calmed by the activity of focusing their mind and reactions on the road. I’m repelled by knowing these machines can’t be reasoned with; that I and those around me are at the mercy of mindless button-pushing, with a margin for human error as small as it is deadly! I’d much rather discuss, argue and develop stories and concepts into being, putting something unique in the world that wasn’t there before and never would be if I didn’t develop it. That’s why, at least for me, spending five years on a thesis was always going to be more calming than driving to the supermarket!

Somehow, though, I did it. I suffered for my not-art and passed my theory and practical tests. I have my licence, it’s there (somewhere) in my desk, whether I choose it to be part of my life or not. And because of that, I know something far more important: it is possible to achieve your personal ‘impossible”, and to experience the chain reaction of confidence that begins: “I thought I couldn’t  do that, and I did, so perhaps I can do this next thing too…” Just as the writing and presenting I do for Indicator Films might terrify someone about to do their first work presentation, the right coaching turns an ‘impossible’ into an ‘interesting’, and a dream into a more-than-achievable goal.

If you’re ready to build confidence and grab lifelong tools to keep your voice clear and your choices authentic in work, art and life, Rewire Your What-ifs is for you. Secure your place now or nab a giveaway on Instagram at 6pm tomorrow! 

Rewire your “what if…” circuitry away from anxiety and towards engagement with your goals, values and personality. Each session will be a mix of practical coaching tools and creative exercises to get you more comfortable in your driving seat for art, work and life. Week 1: Goal-setting Sometimes a busy or stressful time means dealing with the ‘immediate’ in our lives constantly and the ‘important’ more rarely. This can mean what we want takes a back-seat to what we fear. Today is a chance to connect with each other, reconnect with ourselves and explore relaxing and intriguing coaching tools to focus on what you enjoy, love, value, and what steps can connect your wishes and hopes to your habits and goals for the work, art and life you want.  Week 2: Characterisation – in Life and Art! Who are the characters that we carry in our minds, whose opinions, wishes and values affect our decision-making? Both in our fiction and day-to-day life, today is an opportunity to get to know those voices, ask what they want, and ask yourself whether you still want them as major or minor characters. Enjoy a mix of exercises to bring your own voice out of the chorus, and actively select which voices get to stay in your backing group!  Week 3: Plotting – The Story So Far Today we explore the relationship between character and plot: how events create characters, but also how characters, as they change, change the world around them as a result. Enjoy a mix of practical exercises, story tools and problem-solving activities to make your story grow your way. These techniques will work for decisions on the page as well as those you make in work, at home and with family and friends. Week 4: Time and Place Today we’ll look at what it means to feel present in your life and story, and how that sense of being present allows you to experience and utilise your time. Make un-rushed, value-centred choices about what you do, how and who you spend your time with and what you give space to in life and on the page. Explore and develop incisive questions for your unique story, on the page and off it! Week 5: Freedom Not Fear: Approaching the Blank Page When you are clear about your character’s objective, it’s much easier to know what dialogue and actions they will select. This is just as true in life as it is on the page or on the stage. Today, we’ll be using tools, activities and resources to explore self-direction and value-aligned action. Bring “show don’t tell” into your boundaries in work and life, and into the quality of your creative and professional writing. Week 6: Moving Forward A celebration and summary of the discoveries you’ve made in art, work and life. Requests welcome for any favourite exercises to revisit, as we honour the journeys so far and plan for what happens next. Looking back to goal-setting in week 1, what are the things that were important to you then and how are you going to keep the ‘important’ above water when the ‘immediate’ is all around?