My First Time Being Coached

“What was it like working with a life coach?“

I discovered that a life coach doesn’t help you fix yourself. They help you find yourself. It’s like having a second person helping you to look for your glasses. You’ll find them, and find them a lot faster, when you’re with someone than looking by yourself. That’s how coaching felt for me.

I Wanted Purpose And Goals

I’d been retired for a year, when I contacted a life coach. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. Sure, I was busy supporting family, doing hobbies, and visiting with friends, but I wanted goals, and a purpose for me. 

I Was A Nervous Newbie

I’d never known anyone who was a life coach or who’d worked with one. I’d had a mentor before and I’d worked with a therapist. I knew that I wanted more of the “mentor energy,” rather than the healing of therapy. It was a serendipitous decision to reach out to my first life coach: I can’t explain it. I was nervous, and I almost bailed after sending my email and requesting a consultation. The step felt huge, and exciting, …. and scary. 

Meeting My First Coach: From Nervous To Excited

At the consultation, I was surprised by how much the coach listened, and how much I rattled on and on. She was friendly, confident, and easy to talk to. I became more excited than nervous. I couldn’t wait to get started. Over the weeks, we dived into identifying my values, strengths and abilities. 

Working On Myself Was A Gift

I really looked forward to our biweekly Zooms, and I spent a lot of time considering the questions that she asked, the understandings about myself that I’d discovered, and diligently completing the “homework” reflections. When I had questions between sessions, I reached out to her on email, and she replied with encouragement and understanding. After only 3 months, I was able to “find my glasses.” I had a new direction and was enrolled in college. What growth!

Being Coached Through Growth And Change

When I made my next steps towards a new career, my coach held me accountable for following through. I really needed this.  There’s nothing like knowing that someone will ask me about my homework to ensure that I do it.  My coach validated and assess my worries about my new goals of going back to school, and opening a business. With her encouragement, I started to see a new identity for myself that has been tremendously rewarding. 

The Value Of Continuing To Be Coached

As I trained to be a coach, I continued to be coached by others. They cheered me on as I tried my new skills, and helped me maintain my new habits. (Being a beginner isn’t easy when you’re used to being the experienced professional in the room.) These days, I still work with coaches to reflect on my coaching focus, cope with the unexpected business hurdles, and continue to mature my coaching practice. 

Best Choice I’ve Made For Me

Without coaches, I would still be wondering where to go next, and how to get there. With coaches, the journey feels rewarding, achievable, and the best fit for me.

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What do you wish for?

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