Kirsty Redford is a qualified Master NLP Practitioner, Life Coach, Mindfulness Practitioner and Certified Firewalking Instructor. As founder of Firewalk Events, she helps people build confidence and resilience, inspiring them to find their inner power and reignite their spark.
As the nights draw in and the weather turns colder, November can feel like a pause between chapters.
The rush of summer has gone, Christmas isn't quite here yet, and we're left somewhere in the middle... reflecting, regrouping, and maybe even re-evaluating what this year has meant so far.
If you're anything like most people I speak to, this is the time the mind starts whispering: "I should have done more by now."
We look back at what we didn't achieve instead of noticing how much we've already come through.
But here's the thing - you're still standing.
You've handled every challenge that came your way, learned lessons you probably didn't ask for, and kept going anyway.
That's strength. Real, everyday strength.
At Firewalk Events, people often ask me, 'Kirsty, how do I keep that spark alive when life feels heavy?'
And honestly, it's not about walking on fire or breaking boards - it's about taking one small moment each day to remember who you are beneath all the noise.
So here's a simple mindset exercise you can try - no flames required!
The Three Golden Thoughts reset
At the end of each day this month, before you switch off the light, take a few quiet seconds to ask yourself:
If not, say them out loud. This little nightly ritual trains your brain to focus on progress, not problems - and that shift alone can lift your mood, help you sleep better, and rebuild your confidence bit by bit.
It's one of my favourite NLP-inspired tools because it's simple, and it works.
Your brain believes what you tell it most often, so when you remind it of your wins, it starts to look for more.
This November, instead of letting the darker nights dim your energy, use them as a chance to light something within. Slow down. Reflect. Reconnect with yourself.
And remember - it's never too late to start again. The year isn't over. You're not behind. You're just getting ready for your next chapter.