PSG Best Bits from 2016

December is such a brilliant time for reflection and looking ahead. For this purpose we’ve put together PSG Best Bits from 2016. Take a look at what wisdom and thoughts we want to share with you:

Maureen Hewitt – Managing Director

One of my core values is ‘time’ and I consider one of the most valuable uses of time is to reflect purposefully (to learn and grow). The amount of valuable time we have available to us hasn’t changed but we have definitely changed the way we value and use time. I’ve noticed in December, more than any other time of the year, people say ‘This year went incredibly fast’. Ok, so maybe it’s a perception informed by our new normal which is extreme busyness, or maybe it’s a lack of pause points to reflect purposefully and re-contract with ourselves how best to use our time and energy but ultimately, we still have the same time available to us year in year out.

When I am reflecting on 2016, for me the best bits come from the ‘time’ spent with people that have shared values and passion to me. Both in my personal and professional roles I love being ‘in time’ with people who have a deep desire to Know, Do and Be better. People that are on a path of growing and evolving and willing to share their stories, truth and pain in order to assist and improve the story of another warm human being.  These ‘moments in time’ help shape who I am today, and who I want to be evolving forward. 

2016 best reflections include: noticing how our grown up children are showing up as value driven adults with such individuality; accepting that being an adult whatever age and stage you are at is work in progress; loving that hard work channelled in to meaningful goals really does offer the best rewards; working with people I admire and trust brings the best type of growth both inside and outside; permission to forgive myself and others brings peace of mind (thank you Brene Brown); not everyone will like me – that’s super Ok; being brave, bold and creative elevates and stimulates learning and growing; keeping it real, really is the only truth worthy of my time; I am on my most purposeful path and invite next year into my life with all its awesome fails and successes; I love how my boundaries protect and serve what I love; I am ready to love some more time –  Bring on 2017!

Aishling Buckley

What a remarkable year 2016 has been and it has flown by so fast. Taking this time to reflect not only on the events and achievements from this year, but also on the people, both clients and students who have been part of 2016 amplifies several of the many successes for me. Some of the highlights have been working on the Diploma in Life and Executive Coaching in Dublin and Cork and leading the launch of the Diploma in Galway, it is an achievement I am very proud to have been a part of and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow. The Quality Coaching Circle (QCC) membership programme continuing to thrive and flourish, to include new offerings such as the online broadcast and being part of the launch of the QCC live event in Cork with Galway to follow in 2017.

Being part of the PSG team is an amazing experience, the support, knowledge and encouragement we offer not only to our clients and students but also to each other in all our endeavors, has enriched the experiences and achievements of 2016 in so many ways. I am looking forward to 2017, working to ensure continued delivery of quality coaching, sharing of wisdom and the latest thinking so that each and every opportunity for the coming New Year has the potential be part of the ‘best bits’ reflection this time next year for clients. Thank you 2016 and welcome 2017!

Janice Benson

QCC: The growth of QCC has been amazing this year, the expansion into Cork and Galway and the number of members is constantly increasing. From someone who is passionate about bringing quality coaching to the world, QCC is very close to my heart and my purpose. The commitment of the QCC community of coaches to continually develop is inspiring. QCC coaches are setting a high standard for the global coaching community.

Events: The increase in on line events in 2016 has been fantastic. No matter where members of the coaching community are based, they can participate and contribute to events. Who knows, we could be having virtual reality events some day soon…

PSG Team: Our team is growing and the fun, support, learning, shared wisdom and encouragement to stretch our potential as facilitators has been amazing. To find what you love to do is incredible, to be part of a team that stretches you is invaluable.

Maureen Ryan

The American author and motivational speaker Jack Canfield says, ‘Gratitude is the single most important ingredient to living a successful and fulfilled life’.  As we count the days till Christmas, we are encouraged to buy more, to celebrate more, to reach out more and in many cases to stress more. Gratitude can help us reduce that stress. When we adopt an attitude of gratitude in our lives we become aware of what is working, what is important, who supports us, and what sustains us. The ‘glass’ is fuller and that awareness allows us to move forward with more confidence and belief in the possible.  I have so much to be grateful for this Christmas.  Awareness of the blessings in life, including my family, friends, colleagues, students, and clients, as well as my health and so much more, has grown, as I live each day with gratitude. Gratitude has helped me to step back and see the bigger picture of a life full (fulfilled) of blessings and possibilities. Could gratitude make a difference in your life?  Brene Brown says,

‘We hold the key to lasting happiness in our own hands. For it is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.’

My wish for you and yours this Christmas and New Year is the blessing of gratitude and the joy that comes with it.

Joanna Michalowska

When I thought about the highlights of 2016 at PSG, so many different moments stood out. What came to mind were many energising events, life-changing courses, new projects, brilliant ideas (and even some of those ‘not so brilliant’), actions that brought results and those that will bring more success in the future. I remember laughing until we cried or even crying until we laughed. There is room for that too. Because the best moments we shared in 2016 at PSG, as it has been for the past 13 years, are when humans get together. This is when magic happens. For me therefore, the highlight of 2016 at PSG are people. Every person we meet along the way is different. Every person brings something new and brings more of the best in us. And no, it’s not always easy. But we cannot continue on this journey unless we grow. The progress we made and the growth we see and enjoy, is thanks to our students, clients, colleagues, associates and friends. Those we meet regularly (Bring on 2017!) and those we hope to meet again in the future.

PSG is inclusive. The way we work, develop, learn and have fun together, makes this journey of growth and the PSG experience so distinctive and special for all of us. Success has no limits. It’s available in abundance; if we’re willing to strive for more and achieve new levels of personal potential. It’s much easier if we share this path with others. I can only wish for more of the same in 2017. And hey! If you’re not a part of it yet, what are you waiting for?

Agne Vabamae

2016 has been filled with change and growth: launching QCC online broadcast and Cork monthly live events, the Diploma course expansion to the West of Ireland, even more students, the constantly growing demand for coaching and the continuous professional development. It’s been such an adventure to be involved in all of this. Witnessing the difference the growth has made to people benefiting from these services has been rewarding. Being engaged in something meaningful is what matters a lot to me.

Also, being surrounded by dedicated, caring and like-minded people, has made the overall experience even more rewarding. To me this year’s some of the PSG best bits where those when in the middle of the busyness we stopped to ask each other how we are keeping, listened to each other’s story and often what made a major difference was simply sharing a kind smile.

What would I bring from 2016 into 2017? A ‘purposeful variety’. In other words, it’s the combination of dedication to day-to-day work, fun, curiosity, kindness, compassion that is all blended with shaking things up and finally sprinkled over with lots of passion for the work we do. Each year the mix of these components varies slightly, but what matters is that a balanced, flexible and holistic approach is valued and represented in PSG from year to year and remains so in 2017.