DRIES VAN LAEKEN, 27

MANAGER AT VILLA INTERNO

I was physically at home but not mentally.

Work! I just kept working and didn't stop. I came home and just kept working. Even in bed, I took my phone with me to jot down things I shouldn't forget, and I just kept thinking about things I really shouldn't be dealing with.

I was restless, under relational pressure, felt a sense of chaos professionally, and had a sugar addiction. I essentially had no private life anymore. I was stressed.

I felt like, 'Something isn't right here, what should I do?'

It took me some time—'do I feel up to this, do I not?'—but eventually I made the decision and started a Mental Coaching program with David.

During the sessions, David explained to me how our emotions work. You start thinking about the effects that all has on your body. That had already achieved a lot for me because I realized, 'that makes sense.' You just feel that it is getting stronger and stronger every day.

It has done a lot for me personally, and consequently for the company as well. There is peace.

Now everyone does their job, and I no longer try to take tasks away from other people. That used to be one of my weaknesses. Today, I take the time to explain things thoroughly and delegate. Everything is under control now; I bring structure to it and follow my schedule.

This provides stability and ensures I have time for everyone when needed. I also see opportunities again. I will maintain this.

I believe that everyone who runs a business can benefit from it.

What I didn't dare to do before, I dare to do now.

I no longer have only goals at work; I have personal goals too. It's about saying more often, 'I would like to have that in my life too,' and because you dare to say it, you want it; you believe in going for it more. Some things might not be realistic, but you have to dare to dream them; that is also part of life.

Mental coaching has had a positive impact on my life, I can definitely notice that. Especially now that I put my phone aside for private use. I even forgot it… Hahahahaha