As humans, one of the things our brain is designed to do is see patterns and trends; it's how we learn so quickly. We also look for patterns when we need more information - like trying to solve a puzzle. Seeing patterns is a tremendously valuable skill set, and the best of us can uncover mysteries a...

Sometimes, we're not upset for the reason we think we are. I've had several coaching clients lately who can tell they're getting more upset than usual, but they can't quite figure out why.

From what I see, meltdowns are rarely about the last thing that happened to send you over the edge - they are ...

I often annoy my coaching clients by "making them" understand why they had a good weekend. It's funny, handlers don't want to focus on the good with me; they want to talk about their problems instead. I get it - we're all trying to get better, and we believe we do that by focusing on the "challenges...

Today, a client shared some advice she sought and received from another handler at a trial. She said the advice made sense to her logical brain. That simple sentence sparked an often-overlooked concept: when we ask emotional questions, we get emotional answers; when we ask rational questions, we get...

I'm writing today's post in this sort of "in-between." I'm in between many handlers—and clients—coming home from the AKC Agility Nationals and my own preparation for my national specialty. So basically, expectations are flying!

My expectations are about the future, while some handlers are sortin...

I'm not sure who needs to hear this, but it's okay to forgive yourself. For mistakes made, for things not working out, or for the things you wish you could do over.

It's okay. You can let it go. You can forgive yourself.

You might be surprised to learn you're not alone in holding the past ag...

Whenever I hear someone talk about "self-sabotage," I think to myself, "At least I don't do that." However, upon just a smidge of reflection, I realize how wrong I am. Sigh.

Self-sabotage happens in lots of tiny ways. Sometimes, I frame it as "cutting corners" because the ways we sabotage oursel...

Remember the story Three Little Bears and Goldilocks? One bed is too hard, one too soft, and the other "just right." I often use that blonde child's name as a shortcut when talking to clients about finding the right intensity or "edge." Too much or too little isn't good; you must find your personal ...

Because you are receiving this newsletter, I know you embrace process goals (I see you and appreciate you!). Yet, clarifying your process goals can be tough for some. So, I have a question: "What does success look like?"

This is a common question in the corporate world used to evoke clarity and def...

If you've been around me for a minute, you know that resilience is one of the most essential mindset skills. The reason, of course, is that "stuff" happens, and our dog lives don't always go according to plan. And that means we have to be good at recovering so we can focus on what we have to do next...

I consider February my anniversary month. I don't remember the exact day I launched The Q Coach, but I know it was this month, eight years ago! (Wow!)

There were two things I knew I wanted to address in the dog handler community: goal-setting and the mental game. Goal-setting because every handl...

When I think about what "takes me out" at a trial, it's usually because I've allowed my attention and energy to wander off in a not-so-good direction. Examples include: the time I obsessed about a fellow competitor's parking choice, letting myself get twisted up about my ring conflict and what the j...