PSG: How do you keep up the level of courage and energy necessary to meet your stretch goals?

Deirdre: Self-care became a top priority for me last year. Maintaining good health and energy includes, but not limited to, quality sleep, managing stress levels, meditation, exercise, healthy nutrition & hydration. Fitting it all in, is an ongoing & daily challenge. To stretch my courage, I step out of my comfort zone to the ‘magic zone’. I joined Phoenix-Tara Toastmasters to challenge myself, learn new skills in public speaking & leadership. I am currently preparing my first speech – the Ice Breaker. I have taken many different roles during meetings. The most challenging so far was that of Toastmaster; ensure the smooth running of the meeting and introduce all speakers and evaluators. As usual, it was nerve wracking at first but a hugely rewarding experience, another one for the Success Bank!

PSG: What have been your best ‘support systems’ in terms of keeping you motivated to continually learn and grow?

Deirdre: My Peer Coaches especially those from the PSG Coaching course. I still keep in touch with my study group, we meet regularly to bounce ideas, swap relevant books, share ideas or interesting articles we’ve come across. I love, the live event with QCC every month, I find this an invaluable source of best practice and a wonderful stretch to learn & grow.

PSG: What can we do as coaches to honour our true selves in our coaching practice?

Deirdre: ‘To Thine Own Self Be True’ William Shakespeare (Hamlet)

As a Coach, honouring my true self, is an essential part of my self-care. Knowing my values, checking in with my beliefs, living life fully in tune with both. Turning up to each session as the best Coach I can be. Coaching, like life, is continuously evolving. As a Coach, I walk my talk with continuous professional development with QCC and life-long learning.