Blog
Sometimes in life, the things we want most don’t arrive quickly.
They take time.
They test us.
They ask us to improve, to grow, and to keep going when there is no immediate reward.
This week was incredibly special for me because it marked the realisation of a dream I’ve had for many years – to work closely with law firms.
The Long Road
Back in 2018, I had the opportunity to deliver my Mental Resilience Masterclass to the team at Rothera Bray LLP in Nottingham.
It went well, and I remember thinking, “I would love to do more work with firms like this.”
But nothing immediately followed.
Now, this is where many people would quietly move on.
But I didn’t.
Instead, I focused on what I could control – improving my craft.
Over the next six years, I:
- Continued to refine and strengthen my Mental Resilience Masterclass
- Built a brand-new Productivity Breakthrough Masterclass from the ground up
- Tested and evolved these ideas through real coaching with clients
- Learned what truly works when people feel overwhelmed, stressed, and stretched
There were no guarantees. Just belief, consistency, and a willingness to keep improving.
The Opportunity Arrives
Fast forward to a few months ago.
I reconnected with Rothera Bray CEO Christina Yardley, who invited me to coach a member of her team.
That initial coaching went extremely well.
Then came more coaching.
Then, more positive feedback.
And then the opportunity I had hoped for:
Delivering at their Partners’ Day.
That moment was eight years in the making.
I want to say a sincere thank you to Christina for her trust, her belief in my work, and for the opportunity to work with her and her brilliant team.
The Masterclass Experience
Last week, I delivered my Productivity Breakthrough Masterclass to over 30 partners at Rothera Bray.
It was one of the most enjoyable sessions I’ve delivered.
We explored practical techniques to:
Double productivity per hour
Identify the most important work
Understand and manage the inner chimp
Beat procrastination
Switch off properly in the evenings and weekends
What made it especially powerful were the breakout discussions, where partners could go deeper and embed the learning.
Built Through Real Experience
This masterclass isn’t theory – it’s built from real life.
During COVID, I lost my entire business. It was one of the toughest periods I’ve faced. But it forced me to rethink everything – how I work, how I manage my time, and how I stay mentally strong.
The techniques I now teach helped me rebuild, achieve more each day, and feel calmer and more in control.
I then saw the same impact in the people I coached. That’s when I knew this needed to be shared more widely.
Why I Love What I Do
A couple of days after the session, I received one of the best testimonials I’ve ever had:
“Many of our team members remembered fondly the excellent mental resistance training John delivered for us pre-COVID, and so it was an absolute and long overdue pleasure to welcome him back to do a productivity masterclass for our partners’ day. The feedback was fantastic. John’s delivery is exceptional, his knowledge extensive, and his manner warm and engaging. John also delivers coaching for us, and I’m really excited to be doing more work with him over the coming months.”
Christina Yardley, CEO and Partner, Rothera Bray LLP
That’s why I keep doing what I do.
An Inspirational Reminder – The Power of Patience
There’s a well-known story about Colonel Harland Sanders.
At 65, after years of setbacks, he set out with his fried chicken recipe, knocking on doors and asking restaurants to partner with him.
He was rejected over 1,000 times.
Most people would have stopped long before that.
He didn’t.
Eventually, one person said yes.
That one “yes” changed everything.
Today, KFC is a global brand.
The lesson?
- Success doesn’t always come quickly
- Rejection and delay are part of the journey
- Persistence, belief, and improvement are what separate those who make it
Three Key Learnings
- Stay committed to your vision, even when progress is slow
- Use the waiting time to improve your craft
- Trust that the right opportunities will come through relationships and consistency
Thoughts for the Week
- What am I working towards that hasn’t happened yet?
- How can I improve my skills this week, even in small ways?
- Where can I add value that may lead to future opportunities?
This week reminded me of something powerful:
The right opportunity often comes at the right time – not the quickest time.
Well, that’s it for this week.
Have a wonderful week ahead, and keep believing.
Warm regards
John
https://jdmindcoach.com/product/off-the-wall-how-to-develop-world-class-mental-resilience/
