By Jo Permaul
I love being coached and recently I’ve been coached on a personal level, reminding me what a transformative experience it can be. As an experienced coach I value growth and self-improvement, but this recent coaching involvement reminds me that we all have areas for development! Stepping out of the comfort zone is not always easy, but as I have more and more coaching it does become a habit worth playing around with!
It’s easy to stick with what you know, but real growth happens when we dare to venture into the unfamiliar. My coach encouraged me to take on challenges that I would have otherwise shied away from. This has not only boosted my confidence but also opened up new opportunities that I hadn’t even considered before. And what a curveball of a new experience has come my way (more to follow on this as I’m really excited about it. Just talking about what we want can actually manifest it!)
Accountability has also played a crucial role in my coaching experience. Having someone who checks in on my progress and holds me accountable has been incredibly motivating. It’s much harder to procrastinate or make excuses when you know someone is checking up on you and expecting you to follow through on your commitments. (And she really does!)
Another powerful aspect of being coached is the fresh perspective it brings. Sometimes, we get so caught up in our own ways of thinking that we miss out on alternative solutions and viewpoints. I love the way that I can be shown a new point of view which takes me to a place I’ve not seen before
Lastly, having someone to call me out and hold up a mirror has been one of the most impactful aspects of this journey. Facing flaws , our shadow side and blind spots is essential for true self-improvement. My coach has done this with compassion and integrity, helping me to see myself more clearly and work on areas that need attention. I have really enjoyed her technique of replaying exact sentences I have said and then letting me listen to things verbatim. In one of our SSD workshops recently I was talking about this, it’s so powerful, but also quite uncomfortable when you realise that the language we use tells no lies about our thought patterns!
While personal coaching has been a life-changing experience, it’s worth noting how it differs from business coaching. Business coaching tends to focus on professional development, goal setting, and strategies for career advancement. It often involves improving leadership skills, managing teams, and enhancing productivity. Personal coaching, on the other hand, delves deeper into individual growth, emotional well-being, and personal goals. It addresses areas such as self-awareness, relationships, and work-life balance, aiming to create a more fulfilling and balanced life.
In my personal coaching journey, the focus has been on issues that I needed to explore in a safe space away from my family. This contrasts with my experience with a business coach, which has been oriented towards achieving targets and goals I set myself.
If you’re considering working with a new coach, go for it—it might just be the nudge you need. Whether it’s personal or business coaching, each has its unique benefits, and both can lead to significant improvements in different areas of your life.
You can take advantage of our Diploma students offering free coaching sessions as part of their training. Just email me if you are interested. You can also join our Wellness Extra programme and have some business targeted group coaching.
Find out more about being coached and our courses!
Book in a discovery call with Jo our Director to find out how you could integrate this learning into your professional career.