Have you ever loaded up new software on your PC, only to have it crash and reboot in Safe Mode? Your PC has detected a conflict - and as B9 Robot from Lost in Space would exclaim, Warning! Warning! - only to leave you stranded and wondering what to do next!

This happened to me the other day, and I realised there is a good reason for Safe Mode. It allows you to discover the cause of the conflict and correct it before re-starting in normal mode. While you are in Safe Mode, the functionality of the PC is limited to the basics - just enough to get by, while you sort through the issue.

Sometimes, we may face times in our life that create fear or uncertainty, and cause us to enter 'Safe Mode'. It could be a result of bad news (eg redundancy), a blow to our self esteem (eg a relationship break-up), or any other crisis.

By recognising what is happening, you can avoid the trap of 'wallowing' in the experience or making excuses. Wallowing creates a focus on problems rather than solutions, and excuses take power away from you - by blaming an external circumstance, or someone else, you are deciding to be at the mercy of life. In these circumstances you may find yourself 'stuck' or unable to move forward.

As a Personal Coach, I assist clients in looking deeper into what is holding them back, and how to address it. Often, the resulting shift in awareness and perspective yields remarkable results.

Common indicators of being in 'Safe Mode' include:

• Self doubt
  
• Procrastination
  
• Inability to make difficult decisions
  
• Unable to move forward
  
• Resignation / apathy
  

What can you do to improve the situation?*

• Allow yourself enough quiet time to explore the issue from all angles.
  
• Identify the true causes of the conflict. Be honest with yourself.
  
• Understand how you can resolve your personal conflicts.
  
• Take the steps you need to deal with the issues you have identified.
  

*Always ask yourself before starting this process 'do I need assistance to deal with this?'. If you feel overwhelmed, or that you can't handle things on your own, then it is advisable to seek help from a professional.