I don’t really know where to start – and that is a part of the problem.

I came onto this site as I have read many self help books to try and help me. I have been diagnosed as a sufferer of clinical depression for more than 11 years but recently kicked myself off the medication and actually feel no worse for it.

Trouble is I do feel unable to move forward, like many, I lack motivation, commitment but worse an inability to identify past, present or future passions, goals and generally what I want.

All exercises rely on understanding what you really love to do and I just don’t know.

I am normally a very self confident person but I’m finding that I’m questioning the basis for my belief (in myself) since I don’t remember most of my childhood & I have no-one to ask.

I’m seriously thinking about going to see a qualified hypnotherapist/nlp specialist to dredge up my past to try and get some clarify because it’s constantly on my mind and I think it’s time to face whatever’s happened but at the same time I don’t want to crash.

Any advice would be great. Thank you, Sally

I have been with my partner for almost 5 years and love him very much and we generally get on very well. However we row often, my partner gets annoyed very easily and may stay angry over something small for a couple of days.

When we do sit down and talk, the problem is resolved quickly, but it’s hard to get him to talk. He’s extremely pessemistic about life at the moment and has very little confidence in himself, despite my efforts to boost his spirits. Sometimes I find his attitudes very draining.

I have asked him to see a life-coach/counsellor but he refuses. How can I help him help himself?

I am extremely lucky. I have a lovely life, have just moved to France for a year and am writing courses in child psychology.

My problem is I was born into a poor family and left school with no qualifications. Although I now have a degree in child psychology, am a qualified lecturer in child care I still think I am not worthy/clever/do not deserve etc.

My aim is to write a book. How can I develop belief in myself?

I’ve been reading a lot about setting myself goals – I think I can get motivated but what helps people stay motivated? Long term goals seem so far away or even impossible at times I’m worried I’ll get “stuck” or give up.

All my life I have “picked up” and “dropped” ideas, gone on courses, read books, got motivated then lost the impetus.

I am interested in so many things but am a real Jack of all Trades…etc etc! I know I lack clarity and concentration. Now nearly 50 I know that time for action is running out. I am healthy,intelligent and energetic and I want to make a success of my life.

How on earth do I find out what my passion is?? Surely I should know by now!!

I’m self-employed (in a job that I sleepwalk through) and have moved away from where all the work is to live with my parents, travelling to do chunks of work (staying with friends) every so often.

In my weeks at home I planned to work on projects I’ve always dreamt of doing. But my time there is filled with worry about not being able to buy a house and support myself with my ‘dream work’ and I end up putting it aside. I feel trapped at my parents and want my own place.

But at the moment there’s no way. I could get a job there but I know I’d be sleepwalking there too and then nothing’s changed.

What holds me back – some days I am really strong and positive others pathetic and cannot get motivated or focused – I want to change my career but seem unable to move forward?

Please help.

In the last couple of months, I have been asking myself some honest searching answers and finally come to the terms with the truth.

I’ve recognised and found it difficult to face the many flaws I have. My controlling behaviour and outwardly strong coping persona is putting me under very much strain. As a big sister of 5 siblings – I’ve always been bossy and sorted other peoples problems. Nobody realises (including my husband) that I have probs of my own.

I maintain the strong coping business like mother who is able to juggle everything front – but I’m not.

Where do I begin?

I want to be a journalist. I have spent the past 3 years feeling lost working as a secretary at the BBC. I have just decided to leave to pursue my dream. I was wondering if you had any tips for:

1. Networking
2. Staying motivated
3. Any other tips