Ever do life coaching in front of a mirror?

Any coaches out there will know what I mean. You start going through some stuff in life and then you get a new client. The two of you get chatting and then all of a sudden, you discover that they are going through exactly what you are going through.

I was recently coaching someone when I realised this, or should I say remembered it. I actually laughed to myself and literally said to that person “I’m going to have a little chat with myself right now. Feel free to listen in!”

You see, when we need to understand something in life, the universe doesn’t just give you the skills, as otherwise there would be no challenge and no reason to grow and develop. Rather, it gives us situations where we are able to practice those skills.

For example, if you know you need to be more patient in your life, it will keep putting you in traffic jams. Should you need to learn to relax more, it will give you more people that try and make you angry.

There is a great bit in the book Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman where Socrates is rude to some spiritual people and polite to an angry person. When asked why, Socrates tells Dan that he gave them what they needed at that time in their lives.

What lessons are you being taught right now? Maybe you aren’t a coach, and so may not have people reflecting back to you what you need to understand. However, I can pretty much guarantee that you have ’stuff’ (technical term!)` going on around you, and it is that ’stuff’ which is there to teach you the things you need to learn in order to get to the next level in your life and personal evolution.

Sometimes, and you may be there right now, the lessons seem to be coming from all angles at all times. You may feel overwhelmed. Believe it or not, this too is yet another lesson. Where else in your life do you need to be able to balance things more effectively? Where else may you need to learn to say no?

Stop for a moment right now and think, unemotionally, about everything that is going on around you right now. Make a list of each of them, and then besides that, write out what you think it is there to teach you. The universe is always giving you the exact learnings you need and at the right time, so work out what it is you need to take away from this time in your life. Now you know what you are there to learn, don’t fight against it, but instead be curious as to how you can learn  quickly and effectively (and hopefully painlessly!) from this situation which has given you the chance to become even more of yourself.

Now, look at your past and recent actions. Notice how they have served you, and how some of them may not. Decide what you need to do differently from now. You will need to change your behaviours in order to get through this. Like a fly trying to escape through a window, you can try and bash yourself through, but the chances are that you will just end up tiring yourself out and giving yourself a headache. Instead, look for an open window, and if there isn’t one, maybe there is someone around you who can open one for you… if only you would ask them?!?!

When you get good at dealing with your current level of ’stuff’, the universe will upgrade you to a different level of ’stuff’. However, now you have the skills to deal with it, so the challenge will be different. The good thing about this is where there is adversity, there is also reward.

Wherever you are right now is exactly where you are meant to be. Learn from it. Grow with it. Ask for help if necessary. You will come through the other side a stronger, more complete person. You only have obstacles if you are going somewhere, and you know the place you are going. Enjoy the journey, live in the moment and when you notice this happening again, its ok to laugh!

When life gives you limes, make a mojito!

For some reason I prefer limes to lemons… but that has nothing to do with this post.

This post is all about new directions and opportunities… in disguise! You see, life is throwing things at you all the time, and to make things interesting, it likes to mix things up a little bit. It would be boring if we only were faced with positive and easy-to-deal-with situations, in the same way as eating nothing but Krispy Kreme donuts all the time (I can read your thoughts… you wouldn’t mind giving it a go, right?)

For our lives to be a masterpiece, we need to experience the ups and the downs, the high notes and the deep bass that penetrates through to your soul, appreciate the darker tones as they highlight the beautiful colours that adorn the canvas of your life.

When you want to be better at something, life doesn’t just give you those skills. Instead, it gives you an opportunity to practice!

Opportunities come in all sorts of guises: situations, emails, people, newspaper articles. There are no doubt several within reach of you RIGHT NOW! We need to just tune ourselves into them, recognise our inner voice telling you when things feel right rather than our conscious thoughts that like to rationalise and tell you all the reasons why something wouldn’t work.

Think now about one of those opportunities that has presented itself to you lately, and really get conscious of the FEELING, the EMOTION, the SENSATIONS that run through your body as you contemplate the possible. Take note of what the voices are saying, but allow them to fall quietly to the back of your mind for now as you get back in touch with the part of you that really should be allowed to make the decisions. How does it feel? (maybe put some of your favourite music on as you do this… it REALLY helps!)

Now, this has nothing to do with challenge and misfortune, but the truth is EVERY circumstance in your life is an opportunity.

Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again more intelligently – Henry Ford

Where has that challenge opened up doors for you? How has the death of one part of you been the birth of an even more powerful and creative being? There is no doubt that there will be pain and upset associated with the ending, especially in the culture we live in. However, as we hang on to what was and what used to be, we take away the opportunity for us to move on and grow.

What the caterpillar calls the end, the rest of the world calls a butterfly – T.S. Eliot

Maybe you are in a cocoon right now? Maybe you have been for some time? Perhaps we have been so focussed on what was good that we are afraid to turn to face the future, our new directions! You may be staring at a new direction right now, but are afraid to take that first step, because you are anchored by your past. Let go. Embrace your new direction! Your new direction may be challenging, but do not fight against it, don’t push back! Instead, get excited and allow it’s energy to drive you for a change.

How long have you been swimming against the current when the answer has always been inside of you waiting to come out, if only you get in touch with it and truly allow yourself to surrender to what is deep within. The heart hides your passion, your burning desire. We allow our minds to take control and rationalise matters, often leading to either not stopping something because of how it was in the past, or not starting something because of what might happen in the future.

You need to create an opportunity whereby you have to face your new direction: face-to-face, head-to-head, no backing down. Sometimes you will create this, sometimes the world has a magical way of creating people and situations that bring this about for you. RECOGNISE THEM AND EMBRACE THEM, rather than shying away and missing yet another opportunity in disguise!

So once again, focus on an oportunity that is presenting itself to you right now. Get in touch with the feelings and emotions that accompany it. Allow the voices to go quiet. As you do that, notice the scenarios, people and resources that come to your imagination that can facilitate your new direction. They are there, you just need to invite them and ask for what you really want. Now, think forward and notice all of the events that have to happen, both good and challenging, that are associated with the change. Take note of them, and also how they are going to happen. Then, simply enjoy the view as you get clear on where you are now heading.

Remember, you are powerful beyond comprehension. You are strong enough to face anything. Sometimes, to become stronger, you have to go through the things that knock you down. However, remember the caterpillar. As soon as you do, you will begin to develop the wings that will fly you in your new direction!

Life Coaching

Coming from a sporting background, I have always appreciated the role of a coach in my life. When you are in the game, your natural tendencies are to do what you know you can do and to do it with all of your heart and energy. Your only focus is the end of that particular part of the game and what you need to do to be successful at it. 
In all areas of life, you need a coach. A coach is someone who can help you to get perspective. They can see what is going on around you when you are in “the zone”. This level of external feedback is the precise reason that top sports people in the world have a coach. The distinctions that a great coach can make can mean the difference between success and failure in a given situation.
A coach brings out the best in you by channelling your focus. They guide your efforts, not replace them. They raise your expectations, yet can never realise them. They will ask more from you than you ever believed possible, and will never be able to achieve this for you. A coach is a catalyst for change.

What you can expect from coaching?

Accelerated Results
Better Relationships
Increased levels of Happiness and Satisfaction
Greater levels of Energy
Improved financial situation
More positive outlook
Career progression
A deep sense of relaxation

 

What packages are available?
All our packages are for 12 months, conducted over the telephone, and are based on standard price of £100 for a 45 minute session. Discounts are given for more than one session per month.

Professional = 1 session per month = £1200 per year

World Class = 2 sessions per month (10% discount)= £2180 per year

Legend = 3 sessions per month (20% discount) = £2880 per year

How do I book?
Click here to follow the link to the Coaching Enquiry page. Fill in your details and someone will be in contact shortly to discuss the best program for you.