A brief introduction to Karpman’s Drama Triangle

People often want to control how others behave, yet this is impossible and highly stressful and damaging. A model I use all the time is something called the drama triangle. It’s shows the different roles we default to in situations with others.

When we're in a dysregulated nervous system state, it's nearly impossible to show up as our best selves in our life and work.

The procrastination and avoidance are often a self-protective mechanism.

By compassionately listening to the wisdom of the body, we can figure out the right level of intensity to stay within our window of tolerance and tune in to our nervous system; it’s here to help.

You know you are great at what you do, but sometimes you just feel frozen - stuck - and can’t move forwards.

That’s procrastination rearing its ugly head. Ready for a breakthrough?

As an experienced business coach, I've witnessed countless entrepreneurs seek out tactical advice to improve their performance and achieve their goals.

While strategic guidance and practical tips can certainly be valuable, I've come to realise that they often fail to address the deeper, underlying issues that hold many business owners back from reaching their full potential.

The truth is, life is inherently unpredictable. No matter how much we plan or how tightly we hold on, there will always be variables beyond our control. When we become fixated on controlling every detail, we not only create unnecessary stress for ourselves but also rob ourselves of the opportunity to grow and adapt.So, how can we work with these feelings of fear and the need for control?

In the coaching work I do now with founders and business owners, I see mental health struggles day in and day out. Lack of sleep, financial worries, pressure of payroll, employee issues, loneliness are some of the common themes I hear most days and can contribute to anxiety, depression and burnout if not managed.

According to a recent study, over 80% of founders experience poor mental health at some stage in their entrepreneurial journey.

That's a staggering statistic, but perhaps not surprising given the demands of running a business. The long hours, financial stresses, and weight of responsibility can take a serious toll.

New research reveals that loneliness is a major issue for 22% of small business owners. But I suspect that number is even higher. Because when you're at the helm of a company, there's a pressure to project an image of unwavering strength and confidence.

Admitting to feelings of isolation and loneliness can feel like a weakness.

But here's the truth: loneliness is an almost inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey. You're not alone in feeling alone. Trust me.

Founders, be honest: when was the last time you took a proper break?

Research shows 3 in 4 small business owners take less than 20 days off per year, far below the statutory entitlement.

With 46+ hour workweeks and under 5 hours of sleep a night, it's no wonder burnout is rife.

I know how hard it is to step away when your business is your baby, in the first 3 years of my business I took no time off (apart from Christmas) - boy did I learn the hard way.