This week’s Positive Person is the delightful Dr Liz Gooster. Liz is an executive coach
What makes you happy?
It’s mainly the little things. Cuddles with my daughter. A great cup of coffee. Being by the sea. Cake. Blue skies on a frosty morning. Views of mountain peaks. Champagne. Spring blossom. Friends. Sleep. Chocolate. So many things …!
How do you stay positive?
I think I have a naturally positive mindset. And I’m currently studying for a Masters in Positive Psychology, which helps! I consciously make time for some of the things above on a regular basis. I know I can tend to get things out of proportion and catastrophise, so I try to keep things in perspective. Reminding myself of the things I appreciate in my life and that I’m grateful for. Also, and a bit counter-intuitively, when I remember (and accept) that life involves the negative as well as the positive, I tend to feel more optimistic and hopeful.
What do you do to relax?
Walking, yoga, mindfulness. Above all: reading. My go to habit for relaxing has always been getting lost in a good novel.
What quote do you live by?
As a coach, Stephen Covey’s ’Start with the end in mind’ is one I always come back to. And more recently, ‘We can do hard things’ (from Glennon Doyle’s book, ‘Untamed’). My daughter (age 4) loves this one already and frequently quotes it back at me! And one of Peggy Guggenheim’s I cam across just this morning: ‘I always did what I wanted and never cared what anyone thought.’ It could sound a bit selfish but taken in the right spirit I think it inspires you to be yourself and encourages you to pursue your dreams.
How has your photo changed the way you see yourself?
I love how lighthearted and happy I look in my photo – it’s a great reminder to have fun and enjoy life. Your question is more specific though … Your photo has made me see myself as natural and authentic.
Your ten-word value proposition…
Igniting excellence – inspiring people to be their positively amazing selves
You can follow Liz here on LinkedIn
