First, allow me to answer my own question: I do.

Some people are surprised when I tell them I have a life coach and have had for several years. The conversation usually goes something like this: “yeah, but you are a life coach Jon! Why would you need a coach of your own?”

It’s true that I’ve been a Certified Personal Development Coach for years, and that I’ve successfully coached hundreds of people. But that is exactly why I have a coach too: I have seen first hand how valuable it is to have a dedicated professional coach in your corner.

No self-respecting athlete would try to train themselves, and neither should you and I! We make much more progress overcoming our limitations and achieving our goals when we work with an experienced pro. The truth is, trying to “go it alone” makes things harder than they have to be, and you don’t make half as much progress–no matter what you are trying to achieve.

I’m sometimes asked which areas of life a coach can help with. I can honestly say that having a good coach has helped EVERY area of my life: my state of mind, emotional health, relationships, family and financial well-being. My coach helps me get more of what I want in life, and less of what I don’t. And that’s kind of the point, right?

Working with a coach has also helped me to become a better coach over the years, learning to quickly identify limitations and strengths. And one of the greatest parts of my job is helping clients to use undeveloped resources they already have to break free of old limitations, the past and childhood problems and move forward into the person they are capable of being today.

I’m often surprised (as are the clients themselves) at the positive transformations that occur in clients after we’ve cleared away some of the “cobwebs” that have been holding them back

If you’d like to move forward in your life–whether you’re in need of a complete “life makeover” or just solid guidance to help you stay the course, a good coaching program can take you there.

As for my own coaching program, I do not coach more than five clients at any one time. This protects me from “burn out” and helps ensure that every client gets the personal attention and dedication they deserve.

But because I limit my roster to only five clients at a time, I am not able to accept everyone that applies for coaching, so I must work to select the best “candidates” at any given time.

In order to decide whether I can take on a client, I request that all potential new clients email first and briefly explain their situation and also specify which coaching option they would prefer:

Coaching Option 1: Standard coaching requires a one month commitment and includes a one-hour phone consultation every week, plus up to two priority email consultations per week (note: the initial phone consultation may be longer to get sufficient background info). The normal rate for standard coaching is $495 per month, but subscribers to the easycalm newsletter get $100 off, so your actual rate is only $395 per month (note: don’t forget to to mention you are a newsletter subscriber when you email!)

Coaching Option 2: “Intensive” coaching is the best option for those who want to see major changes in the shortest amount of time. Intensive coaching also requires a minimum one month commitment and includes (2) hour-long phone consultations every week PLUS priority email support up to 3X weekly. The normal rate for Intensive coaching is $795 per month, but again, subscribers to the easycalm newsletter get a big discount–the total cost for subscribers is only $595 per month.

Important points to consider before applying for the coaching program:

1. If you are considering intensive coaching, be sure that you are ready to make a serious commitment to follow through. This program will require more of you in the form of challenging your limiting beliefs and “homework” assignments. You will need to dedicate both time and energy to making this transformation, because that’s exactly what I will be expecting.

2. Please understand that if you are not accepted at this time, it’s not personal, and it does not imply anything about you or the nature of your situation. Often, it is simply because my roster is full or because I feel that I’m not able to fully assist you with the situation you are dealing with at this time. Bottom line: If I’m not sure I can help you, I won’t coach you.

For coaching enquiries, please email coaching@easycalm.com and be sure to include the following info:

A. Describe your situation (briefly), your basic goals, and other relevent information.
B. Indicate which coaching program you are interested in (Standard or Intense Coaching).
C. Don’t forget to let me know you are a subscriber (saves you money!)

I look forward to hearing from you,

Jon Mercer, MA
Personal Development Trainer
Coaching info: coaching@easycalm.com

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Panic attacks are terrifying. As a former suffer, I’m all too aware of the intense feelings of fear and impending doom that panic attacks produce. 

Over the course of many years (OK, so I’m a slow learner…) I discovered that panic attacks are very often the result of an imbalanced lifestyle. In other words, your lifestyle can actually create a “mental environment” that make panic attacks more likely.

These days, I work with individuals all over the world, teaching techniques to stop panic attacks and anxiety problems, and In my experience, certain lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce your chances of experiencing panic and other anxiety problems.

The following is a list of the five most common lifestyle changes to minimize the likelihood of  panic attacks. The first few are quite basic–but don’t let that throw you. The simple “foundation” issues must be in place before any advanced techniques will be effective.

1. Be aware of the stimulants you’re putting into your body. If you’re like me, you probably love a good cup of coffee, but consider: Caffeine is well known to aggravate anxiety-related issues, like panic attacks. Cutting down on java and colas is the simplest way of discouraging or even stopping panic attacks. Drink a de-caff once in a while–it won’t kill you .-)

Likewise, nicotine from cigarettes is a powerful stimulant. Quit or at least cut-down on the smokes. Smoking seems to give a calming affect, but it’s actually helping to stimulate (or over-stimulate) your nervous system, which of course just aggravates anxiety related problems.

2. Change your diet. Foods that have high amounts of sugar, caffeine and/or alcohol are well-known triggers of anxiety issues. In some cases, stopping panic attacks can be as simple as switching to a diet of lean meats, vegetables, whole grains and fruits.

IMPORTANT TIP: Dairy products can cause emotional problems, such as panic attacks for MANY people. A large percentage of the population is either allergic to, or intolerant of dairy. Removing dairy products from your diet for a few weeks will give you a clear indication of their effect on you. Notice how you feel after a week or so without dairy. Some people experience dramatic improvement from this one lifestyle change. Highly recommended.

3. Exercise. we all know about the benefits of exercise. But if you have a history of panic attacks, it is critical that you develop (and stick with) an exercise routine. You don’t have to over-do it (speak to your doctor first if you have any specific health issues), just develop a basic exercise plan that you can stick with. Even taking brisk walks is beneficial. It’s not so important how hard you work out, just that you do it consistently.

4. Relaxation techniques.  Meditation, visualization and other “mind directed” relaxation techniques can soothe an anxious mind and go a log way toward stopping panic attacks in the future. The simplest of these often focus on your breathing, and slowing your breathing cycle. More advanced versions (such as “The Recharger” from www.easycalm.com) use powerful mental imagery and the power of suggestion.

Even taking a simple “time out” for several minutes to clear your mind can help calm frayed nerves. Just close your eyes and quietly focus on your breathing for a few minutes.

4. Get support from someone who has been there.  Many well-meaning doctors or therapists seem a bit clueless when it comes to dealing with panic attacks and anxiety issues. I’ve encountered this personally many times. One doctor just stood there with a confused expression on his face as I explained how the panic attacks felt, and he finally said, “why don’t you just stop thinking about that.”

To be fair though, I’m not blaming the MDs or therapist for not “getting” what panic attacks are like. The truth is, unless someone has experienced these things for themselves, they can never really understand what they are all about, and they certainly can’t understand how they “feel.”

Having the support of someone who has been there can be invaluable, and that is one of the many reasons I recommend the EasyCalm Anxiety Coaching Videos. This series covers every aspect of dealing with panic attack and anxiety problems in an informal one-on-one guided format.

The video series also contains the most powerful techniques for stopping panic attacks and anxiety, as well as advanced “lifestyle” tips, relaxation/visualization sessions and much more. (TIP: check out the “Speed Merchant” technique. This one is receiving rave reviews from users all over the world). Get more information and watch a free video introduction to the series at www.easycalm.com

Jon Mercer, MA
Personal Development Trainer
www.easycalm.com

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“Anxiety and Panic Attack sufferers tend to live lives of quiet desperation.”

As a personal development trainer specializing in anxiety issues, and a former sufferer of extreme anxiety and panic attacks, I can assure you the above statement is true–I’ve been there. I spent years of my life searching in desperation for an anxiety cure that was effective and would last.

Like many people, I tried the medical route: I was prescribed anti-anxiety medications that doctors assured me would provide a “real” anxiety cure with no severe side-effects…at least that’s what I was told…

Fast forward two years: I had gained 50 pounds, had chronic heartburn, fatigue, memory loss (my friends began calling me “Mr Short-Term Memory”) and sexual “dysfunction” (don’t even ask!). My relationship was in ruins and I was barely able to function at my job.

And the worst part? My anxiety and panic attacks were still there!

Here’s what the medical community and drug manufacturers don’t really want you to know: anti-anxiety medications are completely ineffective for most people as an anxiety cure. The best anti-anxiety medications available have success rates that are only slightly higher than a placebo–and when you factor in the severe, soul-destroying side effects, it’s easy to see how dangerous and harmful these medications usually are.

 I’m not saying there’s a conspiracy going on (exactly), but I am saying that there is a ton of money to be made by keeping this information quiet. And that’s exactly what the big corporations do. Which is great news if you are a stock holder, but terrible news if you are desperately seeking an anxiety cure, as I was for so many years.

 So if medication is not the answer, what is?

A “real” anxiety cure must be sustainable, not a quick fix that makes your life progressively worse over time, creating a type of addiction that keeps sufferers feeling like helpless victims. A “real” anxiety cure is all about empowerment–taking back control over your life.

The method  I used to cure my anxiety problems has been well-documented both online and off: The EasyCalm System for Anxiety and Panic Attacks.

The EasyCalm System is the only proven anxiety cure presented in video format, for a one-on-one training experience, and it’s all natural–no weight gain, memory loss, or other weird side effects. And best of all–no more feeling like a helpless “victim,” watching your life slip away from you, and feeling powerless to do anything about it.

The cure for anxiety is not to be found in a pill. A real and lasting anxiety cure can only come from proper training and and the knowledge of what is causing your anxiety situation in the first place. Watch the free EasyCalm introduction video (27 minutes) and find out for yourself. And then take YOUR life back.

Don’t believe the hype folks–There IS a real, drug-free anxiety cure. I cured my anxiety and panic attacks years ago by following this method. I truly hope YOU won’t you wait years to get this information. The sooner you take action–the sooner you take back control of your life.

 Jon Mercer, MA,
Personal Development Trainer
www.easycalm.com

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Just a quick comment today:

I recently overheard someone discussing a big change in their life, and they described it as “making a choice to move out of the darkness, and get back into the Sun.” I thought, “what a great line,” but also, “what an accurate way of describing a transformation in life.”

We always make a choice. For many years my choice was to feel like a victim, and to focus on anxiety, panic attacks, and fear. When I began making a different choice, I began to see different results in my life. I chose to get back into the Sun (literally–I live in St Augustine, Florida), and my new choice brought new results.

What side of the street are YOU choosing to walk on? The dark side or the sunny side? Even in our toughest times, both sides are still there. You always have a choice.

 Take care,

Jon
www.easycalm.com (The Anxiety Coaching Videos Series)

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Anxiety attacks suck. We all know that. But you know, the way you choose to live your life can “set the stage” for anxiety and panic attacks, or…it can make these things less likely to occur. This comment is not meant to “blame” anyone, but rather, to encourage us all to take responsibility for the choices we make. For example, you can’t expect to make much progress with your anxiety if you are not eating right, not getting any exercise, drinking heavily or otherwise neglecting your body. The decisions you make in these areas do affect your mental state.

 Likewise, think about what you are giving your attention to in your everyday life. Do you watch lots of “slasher” films or scary,  overly-dramatic TV shows? You can’t expect to feel peaceful and centered if you are focusing lots of attention on these kinds of “anxiety-heavy” programs. In fact, an informal poll I took once indicated that anxiety sufferers tend to watch more TV than people with no history of anxiety. Of course this poll was not scientific, just a random sample of clients I’ve worked with, but the results certainly were interesting…

 The first step in overcoming anxiety and panic attacks is to take responsibility, and beginning TODAY,  take some action (no matter how small) to improve your situation. Watch less crap on TV, exercise a bit more, even just drink an extra glass of water each day! All of these “little things” quickly add up to a big change in how you feel. Your day-to-day choices do matter. Start today–start now!

 Take care,
Jon Mercer, MA
www.easycalm.com

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It’s been pointed out many times that I speak a lot about “positive thinking, self acceptance and gratitude, but what do these things really have to do with anxiety and/or panic attacks? Some ask, “Isn’t anxiety a physical or medical problem more than an issue of what you think about?”

Actually, anxiety and panic are really based on just one thing: your thoughts.

That’s why what you think is such a big deal. Everything we do in life begins as a thought, a way of looking at the world, a belief or intuition, and it is this habitual way of thinking forms our attitude. Attitudes determine what we focus on and what we ignore (filter out) in our day-to-day lives, and this is the real power we have over anxiety and panic attacks.

As someone once pointed out, “the thought is the ancestor of all action.” This point is so obvious I have never heard anyone try to argue against it. Thought determines your attitude, what you believe, what you fear, what you respect, what you do, what you don’t do, even who you are! It may be a cliché, but it’s still true: attitude really is everything.

A mistake I’ve made about a zillion times* is feeling that it was more important to act than to get my thoughts together (after all, I am male J). But action alone will get you nowhere fast. Your thoughts and attitude MUST be in harmony with your actions to accomplish much in life. That’s why the humble thought gets so much attention in personal development.

That’s also why I spend a ridiculous amount of time (in some people’s eyes) working with individuals on their attitude—their habitual way of thinking. It is the only place to start to achieve anything worthwhile—like freedom from anxiety and panic attacks.

A program or video series (like the EasyCalm Anxiety Coaching Videos: www.easycalm.com) can help you a lot with techniques and exercises, but don’t overlook the power of the humble thought as well. Personally, I read, watch and listen to every “positive thinking” resource I can find and I consider it a very worthwhile investment. From the results I see in my own life, I know how much difference this makes, so I encourage everyone dealing with anxiety and panic attack issues to “delve into” the world of personal development and positive thinking. In my experience, it can only help–and sometimes, much more than you might think.

Talk to you soon,

Jon Mercer

www.easycalm.com

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Thanks for visiting the new Blog. I’ll be posting updates regularly so be sure to bookmark us. Also don’t forget to visit out homepage www.easycalm.com for anxiety resources and coaching.

Take care,

Jon Mercer

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