Blog #001 what is life coaching and how can it help you ..... here's my story as a Women's Executive Coach

What is Life Coaching and How Can It Help?

Life coaching is a powerful tool that helps people unlock their potential and create fulfilling lives. As someone who has gone through my own transformational journey and is passionate about supporting others, I believe life coaching can be a game-changer. In this blog, I'll explain what life coaching is, how it can help, and share some of my personal experiences that underscore its impact.

What is Life Coaching?

Life coaching is a collaborative process between a coach and a client that focuses on the present and future. Unlike therapy, which often delves into past traumas and psychological issues, life coaching is action-oriented and solution-focused. It involves setting goals, identifying obstacles, and creating strategies to overcome them. The coach provides support, accountability, and a structured approach to help the client achieve their desired outcomes.

The Role of a Life Coach

A life coach is not someone who tells you what to do. Instead, they act as a guide, a mirror, and a catalyst for change. A coach helps you gain clarity, explore your options, and develop a plan that aligns with your values and goals. The relationship is built on trust, confidentiality, and mutual respect.

- Guidance: Coaches help clients navigate through uncertainties and complexities.

- Accountability: Regular check-ins ensure clients stay on track and committed to their goals.

- Support: Coaches provide encouragement and support, fostering a safe space for clients to explore and grow.

Why I Became a Life Coach

My own journey to becoming a life coach unbeknown to me started over 15 years ago. I wasn’t very happy in myself this part I knew; I didn’t know I was lost, unfulfilled and completely without purpose. This manifested in many different ways, unsuitable relationships, lots of partying, an apathy to life, feeling jealous of others I thought were doing better than me and feeling threatened constantly. I didn’t realise it at the time but the best thing that happened for me was a job opportunity that came up and meant moving to Brussels. I didn’t really know anyone, and this gave me space. To step back and look at what was going on in my life, (none of this was conscious decision making) only in hindsight can I see now I was starting to find my way. I could be who I wanted to and start again this led me to explore different life philosophies, including yoga, breathwork, and the significance of physical spaces these and A LOT of self-help books triggered my interest in self-connection and self-discovery. To discover I was not connected to myself at all was a real shock for me. I’d always had great gut instinct, empathy and connection to myself but somehow along the way I’d lost myself without realising, which was probably why my behaviour had changed.

This was the beginning of my self discovery journey that’s spanned many books, retreats, countries and has brought me to this place now where I’m ready to help other women discover or rediscover their connection (much faster than my 15 years)

Last year I was thinking about my life, everything I’ve done where I’ve been, the experience I’ve gained and how I could use this to be able to help others.  I started working with a coach again and discovered I’ve got a lot to give in a coaching capacity myself. Originally, I thought coaching would be like having a drill sergeant and someone just telling me what to do. After working with my coach, who’d studied with the Co-Active Institute and understanding their framework, that everyone is naturally creative, resourceful & whole. When people are supported as such it enables them to solve their own problems and realise their dreams. Once I’d decided to try an introduction weekend with the Co-active institute learning the basics of their framework. I knew I’d discovered the platform for me to study so I could work to help others.

Now after completing the initial accreditation stage of coaching over 100 hours, I’m now about to start on the journey to certification. Over the course of the next 6 months I’ll be burning the midnight oil, studying the Co-Active model and coaching more beautiful clients. It’s going to be a busy 6 months but I know it will help me to begin to master this curriculum so I can help people to the best of my abilities with the unique skills I can bring to the coaching world.

How Coaching Helped Me

Coaching changed my life, I first was a coachee in 2019, I was living in Bangladesh working in a job that was successful but not wholly fulfilling, I had great friends, social life and was travelling the world, from the outside looking in, my life probably seemed pretty great. But I was feeling lost, confused about what I was doing, where I was going and felt like my head might explode. I knew I wanted to make changes in my life, I wanted to leave Bangladesh come back to the UK but had no clue what I wanted to do, I knew what I didn’t want so that was a good start. I started searching on the internet for inspiration and came across coaching. I thought what is this, sounds fancy. The more I investigated it the more I knew it was what I needed, I had a couple of calls with a few coaches and chose the one I felt the best connection with and who I felt would be able to support me the best.  Over the course of 6 months, I discovered what I was looking to do (it was very different to what I had initially thought) and how I could implement the changes in my life. It was really a very challenging but exciting time, and I discovered a lot of things about myself that I had been unaware of. This is how coaching helped me.

My best theory to describe coaching is it’s the gym for your soul, you don’t set out to run a marathon on day 1, you put the work in and train for it and that’s coaching.  

One of the most significant transformations came when I started focusing on heart-centred self-connection. This practice helped me identify areas where I was living out of balance and guided me toward a more fulfilling life. The spirituality of heart-centred self-connection aligns perfectly with my coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's true purpose and values.

What Can You Expect from Life Coaching?

Life coaching can offer numerous benefits, including:

- Clarity and Direction: Coaching helps you gain a clear understanding of what you want to achieve and how to get there.

- Goal Setting: Coaches assist you in setting realistic, achievable goals that align with your values and aspirations.

- Overcoming Obstacles: Coaching provides strategies to overcome challenges and roadblocks.

- Personal Growth: Coaches help you explore your potential, build confidence, and develop new skills.

- Accountability: Regular check-ins ensure you stay committed to your goals and make consistent progress.

- Improved Well-being: Coaching fosters a sense of fulfilment and well-being by helping you align your life with your true values.

Real-Life Examples

Over the last year, I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible women. (names changed)

One client, Sarah, came to me feeling overwhelmed and stuck in her career. Through our coaching sessions, we identified her core values and developed a plan to align her career with her passions. In the end Sarah was able to find a new job that was much more in align with her values and direction.

Another client, Amy, was struggling with work-life balance. She felt constantly stressed and unable to enjoy her personal life. By focusing on time management and setting boundaries, Amy was able to create a more balanced and satisfying life.

These examples illustrate the transformative power of life coaching and how it can help individuals achieve their goals and live more fulfilling lives.

My Coaching Approach

My coaching approach is client-centred, focusing on each individual's unique needs and goals. Here’s what you can expect from me as your coach:

- Confidentiality and Ethics: I hold confidentiality at all times, adhering strictly to the ICF Code of Ethics.

- Full Attention: You will have my full and undivided attention during our sessions.

- Challenge and Growth: I will challenge you to see the possibilities and push beyond your comfort zone.

- Honesty and Integrity: I will be completely honest in our interactions and request the same from you.

- Championing Your Strengths: I will champion your inner strengths and help you recognize your potential.

- Serving Your Agenda: Your agenda is the only agenda I will serve. I am here to support your unique goals and aspirations.

- Creating the Life You Want: I will support you in creating the life you desire, providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way.

I’ve found Life coaching to be a powerful tool that can help you unlock your potential and create a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re feeling stuck, lost, or simply want to achieve more, coaching provides the support and structure you need to make meaningful changes.

My own journey of self-discovery and transformation has shown me the incredible impact that coaching can have. I am passionate about supporting others on their journeys and helping them achieve their goals.

If you’re ready to take the next step and explore how coaching can help you, I’m taking on clients and I’d love to hear from you get in touch today.

KAREN THOM EXECUTIVE COACH @ karen@thefoundationstudio.co.uk