Get a Grip on your life.

Stand Up, Slow Down, and Find Your Power

A science-backed guide to getting control of your thoughts, time, and sense of self.

 Stand Up for Yourself: Saying No Is a Power Move

Let’s be real—it’s way easier to say "yes" and keep the peace than it is to say “no” and risk upsetting someone. But every time you ignore your own feelings to make someone else comfortable, you chip away at your confidence.

 Science says: Chronic people-pleasing can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even low self-worth. Dr. Susan Newman, psychologist and author of The Book of No, says saying yes too often leads to decision fatigue—a state where you lose the ability to make good decisions because you’re mentally worn out.

“No” was one of your first words. Reclaim it.

Here's how:

Ask: What do I actually want?

Practice assertiveness: not aggressive, not passive—just honest.

Be specific: “I don’t want to go out tonight, I need time to recharge.”

Assertiveness isn’t about "winning." It’s about equal ground. Your needs matter just as much as anyone else’s.

 Find Meaning in the Everyday

Meaning isn’t some deep, mystical thing you discover in a flash of lightning—it’s something you build, one decision at a time.

According to psychologist Martin Seligman, meaning is one of the five elements of well-being in his PERMA model. He says people feel more fulfilled when they do things that contribute to something bigger than themselves—whether that’s helping others, standing up for what’s right, or just being kind on purpose.

Meaning = Action + Values

Ask yourself:

What do I care about?

What makes me feel alive, even a little?

How can I bring more of that into my everyday routine?

Meaning isn’t found. It’s created—on your terms.

Develop Self-Reliance: You Are Enough

Just because you’re independent doesn’t mean you’re emotionally self-reliant.

Sometimes we try to get others to validate us—by comparing ourselves, fishing for compliments, or needing reassurance. That’s normal… but also a trap.

Dr. Kristin Neff’s research on self-compassion shows that people who treat themselves with kindness and respect are more resilient, less anxious, and less dependent on others' approval.

Quick Tools for Self-Reliance:

Journal: “What do I believe about myself that’s actually true?”

Reframe: Compliments are nice—but they’re bonuses, not your baseline.

Own your emotions: Feelings aren't facts, but they do have something to teach you.

When you know your worth, you stop begging the world to prove it to you.

Slow Down to Speed Up

About MeI’m AJ Philp, Empowerment Coach and founder of Sail to Success. I work with women who are ready to break free from old patterns, rediscover their strength, and design a future filled with clarity, confidence, and joy.

 Your Next Step

If you’re tired of drifting and want the future to feel brighter and more in your control, the best step you can take right now is to book your free call with me. In just 40 minutes, we can uncover what’s holding you back and set you on course for the life you actually want.

 Claim Your Free Gifts

When you connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, simply comment “I’m in, Sail to Success” — and I’ll send you a free hypnosis session plus my empowering e-book as my gift to you.

This is more than a call. It’s a chance to shift your story, clear the fog, and start steering your life with purpose. 

Why wait another day to feel like the captain of your own soul?