Life coaching – it’s something most of us have never even considered, unless, perhaps we’ve been faced with a life-changing decision and need some advice on which path to take. I’ve experienced my fair share of mental health support – both during and following my brother’s cancer journey I took CBT and counselling, and even sought support from my osteopath on how to manage stress. I’ve had friends who’ve highly recommended life coaching for finding confidence in the workplace or tackling their self-esteem. Yet I’d never considered it.
I met Kerry Hales at a local networking group and was drawn to her infectious positivity and go-getter attitude. I spoke of my decision to leave my London life and build a career outside of the city, working as a freelance writer on the Kent coast where I grew up. Little did I know then that I’d built myself a glass ceiling, that I spoke incredibly negatively about my experiences and was rocking a classic case of imposter syndrome (with a side of drama queen for good measure).
Fast forward seven months later and I’m the busiest I’ve ever been, turning away clients and earning more than I thought possible. More than I thought I deserved. I never realised how much of an impact a coach would have on my life – until now.
What is a life coach?
The coaching industry is now worth a whopping $2billion globally. We’re faced with more life choices than ever before and whether it’s money, careers, family or relationships – a life coach can help to offer clarity and support to find our way and discover what we really want. (So, they say).
“When you lose the connection to who you are, it shows,” says Kerry. “You may be achieving in lots of areas in your life and wonder why success isn’t feeling how you imagined it would.
“You might even feel demotivated, undervalued – or lacking in confidence. These feelings may have built up over a period of time, potentially going unnoticed, but the energy and effort required to cover them takes its toll.”
Of course, it costs. You’re paying for years of training and qualifications, insight into the mind and life habits – but I found it incredibly useful having an outsider to look into my life.
What I learned
The coronavirus pandemic changed things, too. I’d joked for the last few months that having a life coach is much like having a fairy godmother. It’s having someone in your corner who ‘gets’ you and where your mind travels to when you doubt yourself. Never have I needed that person more than now.
Lockdown has made me feel emotional, lethargic, anxious, terrified for my family, guilty for continuing to work (albeit from home), and stupidly ashamed that I’m still busy.
We’ve all had time to look at our lives and evaluate what’s important to us. So many of us are finding this tough, but I’d be finding lockdown a lot harder had I not absorbed Kerry’s teachings. I know that these feelings are not facts – and I know it’s my pattern of unhelpful thinking that’s leading me. Group sessions have also given me new friends who feel the same and we all support each other on a weekly basis. That’s been priceless.
My wins
My life is in no way perfect. I have a lot going on – like everyone, and I don’t have everything I want. Far from it! Maybe I never will, but, I’ve stopped punishing myself and went after what I wanted – and I don’t feel guilty for that anymore.
What to look for when choosing a life coach
Inspired to give life coaching a go? Try one of these…