My Journey as a Coachee: Discovering My True Self

Introduction:

In this blog post, I want to share the details of my personal journey towards coaching. I initially gave a small insight into my coaching path on my website, but today I will delve deeper into how I became a coachee. From living abroad in the US to finding the courage to say yes to opportunities that scared me, I discovered a whole new side of myself. However, it wasn't until I read the book "Midnight Library" by Matt Haig that I realized I wasn't truly happy, despite how my life appeared from the outside. This realization led me to embark on a journey of self-discovery, seeking help from coaches to understand who I am and what my needs are.

Finding My First Coach:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time exploring who I am. I took courses, but they didn't provide the answers I was seeking. Hence, I decided to seek help and found my first coach, Stephano, through a Google search. Despite the virtual nature of our sessions, I was surprised by the trustful environment that was created, enabling me to open up. With Stephano's guidance, I discovered my true self and learned to listen to the dreams within me. I still remember the picture of the "mask in the airplane" and the "wave helping people".

Continuing My Coaching Journey:

As life went on, I found myself building a team in Europe and undergoing leadership coaching and mentoring. However, there was a lingering question that continued to elude me. Determined to find answers, I turned to Google once again and stumbled upon Ruth, a coach with a refreshingly different approach and personality.

Ruth's directness and tough questions challenged me in ways I hadn't experienced before. One memorable exercise she assigned me once was to park my car in the front line of a supermarket, taking up two parking spots and opening all my doors to "take my space." Although initially hesitant, I followed her advice and realized that I needed to start prioritizing myself over constantly putting others first. Ruth's keen observations and ability to uncover hidden aspects of myself that I couldn't see were eye-opening. In one instance, she delved into my relationship, listening attentively to my answers and providing me with a list of topics to discuss with my husband at that time. It was then that Ruth saw what I couldn't - that the relationship was unsustainable and wouldn't last much longer.

With now another significant topic weighing on my mind, I sought the guidance of Frauke. She helped me navigate the complexities of my identity after my marriage ended and guided me through the emotional cycle of emotions and acceptance. Frauke's support and insights empowered me to close the chapter of that life and embrace the possibilities of a new chapter. Her expertise and guidance were invaluable in helping me understand who I am and who I want to become in this new phase of my life.

The Power of Coaching:

In addition to these three coaches, I have worked with several others who have helped me find answers, shed light on the darkness, and discover hidden truths.

I firmly believe that the answers we seek are within us, but sometimes, we need someone to guide us in looking beyond the surface. Based on my experiences,

I have identified five key takeaways from finding coaches:

1. Stories: Look for coaches whose stories resonate with you, making you feel less alone in your journey and create a click between you and your coach.

2. Uniqueness: Each coach brings a different perspective and personality, allowing for a multi-faceted exploration of your topic. Like me, you may ultimately benefit from multiple different coaches over time.

3. Fit: Schedule a phone call with potential coaches to gauge the chemistry and ensure you feel comfortable and able to be vulnerable during coaching sessions. If you don't feel comfortable, just say thank-you. Professional coaches shouldn't push you with sales job.

4. Trust: Professional coaching sessions provide a safe space, and confidentiality is paramount and expected. Prepare to open up and share your topic fully in order to discover deeper insights and not to stay on the surface.

5. Hourly Prices: Different topics require varying amounts of time. Consider whether a package deal or a flexible approach suits your needs best. For me personally it is the flexible approach.

Conclusion:

In my next blog post, I will share my own journey as a coach and why, after my experiences as a coachee, I decided to give back. If you would like to discuss your own topic, feel free to schedule a free introduction call with me. I look forward to the possibility of helping you on your own journey.

Find your wave!

Your Sarah 🌊