Your Time With James Sweetman

Episode 155 When life gives you lemons!

We all know the adage - when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. That’s the theory, but in reality, sometimes life just punches you in the guts. I’m currently experiencing just such a time. In fact, over the last few years it seems that I’ve had so many lemons thrown at me that I could open a lemonade factory! On this week’s episode I speak about how I cope with life’s curveballs and how I try to manage my well-being during challenging times. I hope you find these insights and tips helpful when life gives you lemons.

Episode 154 In conversation with Jack Kavanagh

I’m starting this new series of episodes with an inspirational guest, Jack Kavanagh. In 2012, Jack suffered a life changing spinal cord injury leaving him with 15% muscle function. In the years since, Jack has challenged the perceived limitations of his situation. I was honoured to chat with Jack about his story. Jack poses some insightful questions to reflect upon, including how am I showing up for myself and for others and do I respect the person I see in the mirror. I also love his analogy about how small keys can open big doors. This episode is packed with gems of wisdom and no small amount of inspiration. I took a lot from our conversation and I think you will too.  www.jack-kavanagh.com

Episode 153 Overcoming Overthinking

In the final episode of this series, I’m exploring a topic that I’ve been working on personally and that’s overthinking. In particular, I share 8 strategies we can use to stop us falling into the bottomless pit of worrying excessively about the future, or ruminating on the past. When I realised that overthinking was the source of my exhaustion, I researched ways that would help me to quieten my mind and I’m sharing them with you this week. So, if like me, you struggle to switch off, find yourself rehashing past events, or analysing a situation to the point of inaction, then this is the episode to you.

Episode 152 Reflections on 20 years in business

This week I’m marking a milestone. Twenty years ago this month, I jumped from the corporate career ladder and set up my own coaching and training business. I’ve been looking back and reflecting on what I wish I’d known back then. This week, I’m sharing 7 lessons I’ve learned, many the hard way. Despite a financial crisis, a pandemic and many personal challenges, I’m still standing and I’m as passionate now about what I do, as I was back in January 2004.

Episode 151 Intention, Attention, No Tension

I’m kicking off the New Year with a special episode titled ‘Intention, Attention, No Tension.’ If you’re like me and don’t buy into all the ‘New Year, New You’ hype, or the old 'strive until you arrive' approach to goal-setting and resolutions, then this is the episode for you. I share the questions that I reflect upon at this time of year and give many examples of how the intention, attention, no tension approach has worked for me and my clients. So if you’re more interested in manifestation than motivation, inspiration than efforting, co-creating as opposed to doing it all yourself, then be sure to tune in.

Episode 150 The best gift of all - A Christmas Reflection

Emotions are amplified at Christmas and for many people it’s a stressful and challenging time. So this week, I’ve created a moment of calm, a reflection piece, words and music to help quieten the mind and soothe the soul. If you get overwhelmed by everything that clamours for your attention at this time of year, if you’re carrying the loss of a loved one, or if you simply want a moment of respite in the midst of the busyness, then I’d like to think you’ll find this episode worthwhile. This week also marks the 150^th episode of my podcast, so my heartfelt thanks to everyone who tunes in each week.

Episode 149 Book Review 2023

This week, I’m speaking about my favourite books of 2023, so this is an episode for the books lovers. I’ve narrowed down everything I’ve read over the last 12 months to my top 10 books. There should be something for everyone, from insightful biographies of figures I admire, page turning novels and of course some personal development books that generated plenty of ‘aha’ moments.

Episode 148 Oh wow! The importance of awe

This week’s I’m focusing on a topic that is gaining more traction when it comes to general well-being and that’s awe. It’s a tiny word, but a vast concept. Awe is a deep, rich feeling, that I believe we all crave. We want to feel the wonder of the world, not the weight of it. I speak about how awe benefits us, the humility, compassion and creativity it stimulates, as well as the ways we can open ourselves to experiencing more awe in our lives. I also share my experiences of awe, those moments that stopped me in my tracks and more often than not, brought a lump to my throat.

Episode 147 My journey through burnout

This week, the tables have been turned as Nichola Flood, aka the Queen of Health, interviews me about my experiences of burnout. This conversation was first broadcast on Nichola's YouTube Channel (where you can see us as well as listen to us!) In our open and honest chat, I speak about my health challenges, the symptoms of exhaustion I experienced and how I’m navigating a path forward. 

Episode 146 How do I know if it’s time to change jobs?

How do I know it’s time to change jobs? It’s a question most of us have asked ourselves at some point. This week I’ll take you through the different motivations for changing jobs, the  push and pull factors, criteria to consider and the pitfalls to avoid. I also pose some coaching questions to help you gain clarity on your specific situation.