4 popular misconceptions about coaching

1.        Coaches advise - WRONG! . The fundamental principle of coaching is that the client has the answers. When coached professionally clients find new levels of imaginative, reflective and creative thinking. It's an environment of true self-discovery. If a person calls themselves a coach and tells you what you should do then they are not actually a coach they are and advisor, consultant or breaking the rules.

2.        You go to a coach when your life your life is messed up.  WRONG! Whilst I've certainly worked with clients to get their lives back on track, mostly it is about taking your life to a new level of success and performance; reaching your full potential. Coaching moved from being remedial to being more performance based some time ago. That is why large companies sometimes offer professional coaching as a part of the management employment package in order to attract the top talent. Both the company and the prospective employee know that coaching will be of enormous benefit both professionally and personally; assisting them with decision making and to achieve more with goal planning.

4.        Coaching is a fad. WRONG! When coaches first appeared back in the early 80's people thought it was some wanky, new-age, trendy fad. Like the days when it seemed like the trendy thing to do in LA was have a therapist. I sadly have to admit that there are some flakey coaches out there. Profession coaches have achieved levels of training, accreditation, accountability so that it was you look for. 1. Training. 2 Accreditation.  3. Experience. You can hire a coach for $100 per session up to several hundreds of $$$$$. Usually you get what you pay for.

Principles of successful coaching

Imagine this luxury

Having someone who

·         is non-judgmental

·         is completely objective

·         will never criticize or condemn

·         but will be completely honest with you

·         believes in your potential to succeed

·         helps you see every mistake and failure as a learning experience

·         holds you accountable to  do the things you say you really want to do

·         has let go of their own agendas  except to help you get what you want

·         shares with you all the knowledge and experience they have gained; holding nothing back

·         supports you when I need to be supported and challenges you when I need to be challenged

·         helps you come up with additional options when faced with a challenge, obstacle or opportunity

Welcome to the space your well trained, accredited and experienced coach creates for you.....and watch what happens.

More in next newsletter.

1. Be grateful.

This is vital to happiness - be happy with what you've got - not what you want. Being grateful creates a positive energy.  Being envious, resentful or jealous will produce all the wrong feelings. Research shows that people who pause each day to reflect on the positive aspects of their lives (for example, their health, friends, family, education, freedom) are more likely to experience heightened well-being. Some people do this through a regular gratefulness journal where they write down their blessings.

2. Be with positive happy people.

Negativity, complaining, and self-pity are draining. No one likes a whinger. Surround yourself with the positive energy that comes from positive people.

3. Limit negative input.

In addition to the people you surround yourself with, the media can also affect your happiness level. Stay well informed, but "God this world is an awful place" will fill your mind if you watch the news all day long.

4. Exercise.

Studies show that aerobic exercise is an antidote for mild depression and anxiety. Exercise raises serotonin levels in the brain, and it DOES make you feel better. Just do something....walk, take stairs, leave the car, etc. JUST DO IT

5. Do something for someone else.

Giving of yourself, expecting nothing in return will surely lift your spirits.  Try some random acts of kindness during the day,

6.  Realise you are in control of your life.

Take responsibility for your own happiness. Don't wait for someone else to make you happy. "The route to sustained happiness is not to change the static circumstances of your life, but rather to change the activities that you're involved in," says Sheldon. "This could mean committing to a new vocational plan, pursuing a new set of goals, or joining a new organization."

7. Spend time outside.

Spending a little time with Mother Nature will always rejuvenate and uplift you. Take time to smell the roses....switch off the auto-pilot.

8. Take time to do things you love.

Do things you WANT to do...don't be burdened down with the things you HAVE to do. Make some new choices.

9. Smile.

Try it.

10. Believe in something bigger than you.

Faith not only provides valuable support, but it's a way to focus on something other than yourself. Having some spiritual faith is enriching and it helps get you through challenging times. Whether you call it God, the Universe, Spirit, Higher Power, find something to look to for support and peace. Study after study shows that actively spiritual people are happier, and that they cope better with crises.

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