I THINK — Stephen Burrell

Stephen Burrell

The importance of letting go

When you face criticism, see it as an opportunity to sharpen your focus and reaffirm your commitment to your vision. There’s a key difference between focus and attachment. Focus is rooted in clarity and intention, it’s about knowing what you want and why you want it. Attachment, on the other hand, is about trying to control the outcome, often driven by fear or a sense of lack. When you're attached to a specific result, you may inadvertently block the very thing you're trying to attract. Instead, practice focusing on what you desire, then release your grip on how and when it will come. Trust that the universe or life itself knows the best way to bring your vision into reality. Be open to possibilities you may not have considered. Focus on the what and the why, and let the universe take care of the how and when.


I think it’s essential to remember that maintaining your focus when things don’t go as planned is just as important. These moments may be invitations to grow, opportunities to become the person who is not only capable of achieving, but also sustaining, what you truly want.

Time well spent

Some things in life are best when we can telescope, compress, accelerate, and streamline them, making the process more efficient. And then there are things where the true value lies in the inefficiency, in the time spent, the time endured, and the effort invested.

““As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.””
— Sam Levenson
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Nature is our teacher

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Self-assessment is a superpower as it allows you to challenge and change self-limiting beliefs, giving you the ability to choose your emotional state rather than be at the mercy of it. The more aware you become, the more power you have to direct your focus and attract what you truly want. While humans are self-aware, the contents of our minds differ because we all have unique life experiences. As a result, our unconscious mind is often in a constant state of judging, complaining, liking, and disliking, based on what it believes to be true. I understand that if you grow up rooting for one sports team, you may be told to hate another, but if you consciously observe this belief, you may ask: Why should hate exist at all?

Trust the process

Here’s a thoughtful list of mindset shifts that support emotional detachment in a healthy, self-empowering way:
- Let people be who they want to be, then decide if you want them in your life.
- Trust that rejection is always redirection to something bigger and better.  
- Some people are only meant to help you grow, not be in your life forever.
- What if everything is falling apart to come together in a way you can’t guess?
- Focus only on what you can control.

I think each point touches on a different layer of letting go, trusting the process, and reclaiming your energy.

Failure is not an option

Image: Costas K. Gian ©

In investing, as in life, every dip teaches, and every fall refines. Each setback is not an end, but a stepping stone, it’s an opportunity to learn, adjust, and grow. The butterfly only takes flight after enduring the struggle, and so too must we embrace the challenges that shape us. Stay invested, both financially and personally, and commit to continuous evolution. Learn from the fall, acknowledge the journey, and take the time to investigate what lies beneath the surface. I think that only then can you rise again, wiser, stronger, and with renewed purpose.

Making wise choices

As a conscious and creative being, I recognise that I have the power and the ability to intentionally shape my life according to my deepest desires. I understand that I will only attract what I am truly focused on. That’s why it’s essential to choose my focus wisely, direct it with purpose, and maintain it consistently. I am patient with the process, yet relentless in my focus. I trust in the unfolding of my vision while remaining committed to my role in bringing it to life. And above all, I choose to enjoy the journey.

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Building interpersonal skills

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If you really want to learn more, start by listening more. It sounds simple but listening with the intent to understand and not to reply is one of the most overlooked leadership skills. Real learning begins when we create space for others to speak, and when we resist the urge to fill that space with our own voice. Nobody has ever learned anything new by dominating the conversation or hearing themselves talk. I think listening is where insight, trust, and real connections are built.

““The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.””
— Brian Herbert

Have a nice day

Did you know that people who genuinely love themselves tend to naturally attract love from others? When you are truly at peace with yourself, you are not focused on finding faults in others. Instead, you are drawn to the qualities that resonate with you, the parts that bring you joy. Research shows that gratitude has a profound impact on our bodies, including strengthening the immune system.

““If you spend your time chasing butterflies, they will fly away. But if you spend your time making a beautiful garden, the butterflies will come. Do not chance, attract.””
— Unknown

Reality check

In my control:
My attitude
My boundaries
My energy
My response
My self-talk
The way I process emotions
The way I speak
The way I treat others
Who I choose to spend my time with

Out of my control
Aging
External events
Other people’s beliefs & behaviours
Other people’s opinion of me
Outcomes
The future
The past
The way people speak to me
The way people treat me
Time
What others say about me

Living the dream

Image c/o Disney ©

Sometimes living in Denmark feels like stepping into my own version of Alice in Wonderland. Like Alice, I am guided by an insatiable curiosity and a thirst for adventure. Her ability to think unconventionally and adapt to strange, often surreal situations mirrors my own independent spirit and willingness to embrace the unfamiliar. Navigating a new culture, language, and way of life has pushed me to grow, reflect, and see the world through a different lens, just as Alice did in her whimsical journey.

Coaching isn’t a quick fix

As a coach, I can share the research, the data, and the average return on investment, but I can’t and definitely won’t promise specific outcomes. There are too many “get rich quick” or “guaranteed weight loss” schemes online. That’s not what coaching is, and it's unethical for coaches to make those kinds of claims. Instead, do good. Seek out opportunities to do good proactively. Here are five ways you can do that:

  1. Educate yourself
    Learn about diversity, inclusion, psychological safety, cultural awareness, and access barriers. Stay curious.

  2. Self-assess
    Ask yourself: “Where am I now?” “How am I doing?” “How am I coming across to others?”I have a leadership assessment form available, just send me an email and I’ll be happy to share it with you.

  3. Practice self-reflection
    Regularly ask: “What impact am I having?” and “How am I showing up in my actions and words?”

  4. Communicate your openness
    Diversity isn’t only visual. Ask yourself: “How am I communicating what I value and who I serve?”

  5. Expand access
    Coaching can be transformative. I constantly consider how I can increase access to it for people who may not be able to afford it.